Today in PA | A PennLive daily news briefing with Claudia Dimuro

July 13, 2023

An agency has voted to make reporting details on infant deaths and injuries optional for hospitals. One county must now provide autopsy reports to journalists and the general public thanks to a recent ruling. A township’s residents are being warned to be on the lookout for a coyote that’s either sick or injured. Lastly, birdwatchers got quite the treat when a bird typically seen in subtropical climates made an appearance in one area of the state.

July 12, 2023

The state AG’s office has filed a lawsuit against a headstone company that reportedly “took advantage of grieving Pennsylvanians.” Pennsylvania is seeing its principals leave schools at a record rate. Those ordering specialty wines and spirits off of the new version of the PLCB’s ordering system may run into some difficulty. And if Philadelphia was a chip, it’d taste like…a roast pork sandwich?

July 11, 2023

State police seized about $14 million worth of drugs in the second quarter of this year. Meanwhile, PHL reportedly saw the most flight cancellations and delays out of any other airport in the country on Sunday. Dauphin County can now boast it has 20,000 acres of preserved farmland (and 208 farms, too). Lastly, it’s off to the races for these…camels and ostriches?

July 10, 2023

Philadelphia has spent up to $70,000 to remove graffiti so far for this year. Meanwhile, there are actual snakes in the grass in this one township. Customs officials seized two rather unusual shipments. Finally, a horse with a name joins the Lancaster City Police.

July 7, 2023

A former Penn State Abington assistant teaching professor is suing the school, claiming he was discriminated against for being white. Underage drinkers are consuming beverages like alcopops and “borgs,” among others. More schools have joined a nationwide civil lawsuit against social media companies. And come on Barbies, let’s go party.

July 6, 2023

Younger generations are thinking about moving out of Pennsylvania due to factors such as high taxes and the cost of living. Pittsburgh is now selling its own officially licensed apparel. The state Game Commission wants you to report on any wild turkey you see. Finally, a colonial “dive bar” will reopen its doors.

July 5, 2023

Local real estate experts are worried about a spike in foreclosures. City workers in Philadelphia are set to get longer paid parental leave. Christmas Tree Shops plans on closing all of its stores. Lastly, Pennsylvania might “change its tune.”

July 3, 2023

Yet another Fourth of July is around the corner and the question remains: do Pennsylvanians buy more hot dog or hamburger buns for the holiday?

June 30, 2023

Pennsylvania has once again been ranked among the least patriotic states in the country.

June 29, 2023

One of the largest catalytic converter theft rings ever seen in southeastern Pennsylvania has been broken up. Philadelphia teachers are expressing their doubts over some incoming new material. July’s first supermoon will rise this weekend. Plus, Pennsylvania’s a top state for competitive eating.

June 28, 2023

A bill that’s on its way to the Senate would allow for non-U.S. citizens to teach in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh Public Schools’ proposed code of conduct policy has gotten some pushback. Bees are getting a little help from the Pennsylvania Turnpike and PennDOT. And Knoebels’ Haunted Mansion turns 50.

June 27, 2023

About 90,000 Pennsylvanians who have lost their Medicaid coverage since the end of a COVID-era rule. In Philadelphia, it’s the battle of the orchestras. The state Game Commission’s first foray into selling doe hunting licenses online didn’t go so well. Lastly, a bear in Gettysburg “gets the best view in town.”

June 26, 2023

22 out of 24 men who are suspected of selling cocaine and fentanyl in the western part of the state have been arrested in a month-long raid. Pennsylvanians reportedly lost over $65 million to investment fraud last year. This is the grocery chain that dominates sales in central Pennsylvania. And these cows caused udder bemusement after committing a moo-ving violation.

June 23, 2023

Four lawmakers are the first in the state to affiliate themselves with a centrist party. The SEPTA police force has grown as 21 new officers have just been sworn in. The I-95 rebuild is getting a little help from NASCAR. Finally, one MLB team in Pennsylvania is playing the fastest after the new pitch clock was put into place this season.

June 22, 2023

State officials have approved regulations that would expand the definitions of sex and race as well as religion. The Bethlehem City Council has voted against joining a countywide anti-human trafficking task force that would partner cops with Homeland Security. Lottery jackpots have been so high this year because of interest rates. Lastly, this meat manufacturer certainly brought home the bacon.

June 21, 2023

Over a dozen university students learned they won’t be getting their diplomas two months after walking for their graduation. Philadelphia officials are considering the creation of a reparations task force. This week will be mostly filled with rain after a relatively dry season. Plus, a bear has a snack.

June 20, 2023

A statewide drought watch has been issued as of last week. On I-95, a detour was detoured. A house was left partially damage after ice chunks mysteriously fell from the sky. Finally, this is the spice Pennsylvania finds rather nice.

June 16, 2023

State Attorney General Michelle Henry wants residents to be wary of scams targeting renters. Despite the recent showers, farmers are saying the relatively dry season has resulted in a loss of crops. The work-from-home model has reportedly hurt Philadelphia’s lunch industry. Lastly, in honor of Father’s Day, here’s Pennsylvania’s top “dad-ism.”

June 15, 2023

The former manager of a Starbucks who accused the company of firing her because she was white has just been awarded over $25 million. Six people accused of conspiring to sell body parts — one member arrested last year being from Cumberland County — have been arrested. Those five meerkats at the Philadelphia Zoo were killed by accidentally poisoning linked to dye. And a Rose by any other name wouldn’t be able to get into Hershey Gardens for free.

June 14, 2023

A woman is accused of pushing her ex-boyfriend to suicide with her “heinous and graphic” threats. A third-party contractor for UPMC fell prey to a data breach that may have affected customers and patients. South Fayette voters had their day. Lastly, a 300-pound replica cannon — a 300-pound replica cannon — was somehow successfully stolen.

June 13, 2023

A SEPTA pilot program is using AI technology to catch cars illegally parked in bus lanes. Amish and Mennonite communities throughout the state are grappling with the impending end of Telefile. Gas prices are almost 30 percent lower than they were last year around this time. Plus, a zoo gets deemed as one of the U.S.’s best.

June 12, 2023

A teacher has been accused of posing as a 17-year-old girl to solicit photos and videos from minors. The Fern Hollow Bridge is scheduled to undergo more construction. An error led many people to believe they had gotten free Hersheypark tickets. Lastly, what this medical student learned in class was put to the test.

June 9, 2023

A man with a “jihad” journal who drove a stolen school bus from Jersey toward Pennsylvania has been deemed not competent to stand trial. Porch pirates may get tougher penalties in the future. In an effort to become the country’s first sustainable superhighway, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is “slowly but surely” removing paper towel dispensers from its service stations. Also, these local farmers' markets have been nominated as some of the top in the U.S.

June 8, 2023

Students were charged a $18,000-plus security fee for an event discussing transgender rights at the University of Pittsburgh in April, something which a group representing them now claims violates their freedom of speech. Still in Pittsburgh, school officials have revealed a new plan for special education. Getting a Real ID in Pennsylvania just got a bit easier. Lastly, this “river monster” broke a record.

June 7, 2023

A bill that would expand what type of criminal record can be sealed from the public eye has moved forward in Pennsylvania. In more litigation news, the state may become the second in the U.S. to require the minimum number of nurses at hospitals. The ongoing spotted lanternfly problem may have a solution. Also, as the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs go on, a city in Pennsylvania has been ranked as the second-best for hockey fans.

June 6, 2023

June 5, 2023

Apparently, according to a new study, a city in Pennsylvania one of the best in the U.S. for paranormal activity.

June 2, 2023

With summer (unofficially) underway now that Memorial Day is over, here’s Pennsylvania’s favorite cookout meal to chomp down on during the warmer months.

June 1, 2023

Eggflation is cracking slightly. A 150-ton “superload” is expected to cause traffic to slow today. Gettysburg plans on doing something special for the battle’s 160th anniversary in July. Plus, two Pennsylvania-grown accents are among the world’s top favorites.

May 31, 2023

A number of truck drivers are concerned over the lack of parking for them on Pennsylvania’s highways. Some state residents may be seeing a haze from a Canadian wildfire right now. Spring 2023’s last full moon will hang in the sky soon. Also, if you’re looking to sip on something this summer, maybe try the state’s official drink of the season.

May 30, 2023

A man arrested in one of the largest fentanyl seizures the state has ever seen has been sentenced. High school seniors took their prank just a little bit too far. The Jersey man who dumped over 500 pounds of pasta near a creek won’t face charges. And this museum is “something special.”

May 26, 2023

Cancer deaths have gone down in Pennsylvania. Teachers and education experts across the state are calling for financial literacy classes for students. Rail biking tours have become more and more popular. Finally, this beach is a well-kept secret.

May 25, 2023

As far as being superstitions goes, Pennsylvania is a state drawn to four-leaf clovers and knocking on wood to keep the bad juju away.

May 24, 2023

Pennsylvania has been ranked among the top 10 best states for a summer vacation.

May 23, 2023

Police will up their patrols at both campuses of a high school. One county will become the first in the state to regularly inspect its gun stores. Pittsburgh may have to take a closer look at its pools. And a bird thought to be extinct actually isn’t.

May 22, 2023

One county has found West Nile-positive mosquitoes, the first of 2023. Some Philly residents have taken combatting crime into their own hands — so to speak — and hired a private security firm. Pennsylvania’s elementary and middle schools may have to take chocolate milk off the menu, and dairy farmers aren’t happy about it. Plus, a teenager keeps up a family tradition — pole climbing.

May 19, 2023

Police are warning of a scam that uses a number matching that of their bureau. It’s going to cost more to fish next year. A state board lowered tax ratios used in property tax appeals. Lastly, the site where a historical battle began has been officially confirmed.

Special Report: The Ellen Greenberg case

Claudia speaks with PennLive reporter John Luciew, who talks about the death of Ellen Greenberg, and the debate over whether her death was homicide or suicide.

May 18, 2023

There are eight breeders in Pennsylvania that made it onto this year’s “Horrible Hundred” list. More and more people are moving into rural parts of the state, resulting in these areas’ population growth. There’s only one Disney store left in the whole entire state. And a beer garden is offering a $700, gold-covered burger.

May 17, 2023

A man shot a bald eagle to death in Washington County. The state has reached a settlement coming in at millions of dollars with a “predatory” lending company. Over 20 breweries have teamed up to create a beer that benefits veterans. Plus, this man has given thousands of soldiers their “final goodbye.”

May 16, 2023

The Philadelphia Inquirer fell victim to a cyberattack over the weekend. A class action lawsuit against U.S. Steel has been certified. Look up — there’s going to be millions of birds flying over Pennsylvania in the coming weeks. Also, one city in the state is among the best for basketball fans while another is the worst.

May 15, 2023

A few state lawmakers believe a four-day workweek is the answer to the current labor shortage. The number of motorcyclists in Pennsylvania has been — and continues to — drop. You may eventually be able to pick up canned cocktails while grocery shopping. Lastly, a highway was left greener in an unexpected way.

May 12, 2023

Philadelphia residents have some trust issues with their tap water. Three baby ducks are saved from a storm drain. And “Today in Pa.” has its first-ever “Listening to Listeners” segment!

May 11, 2023

Doctors are still looking for more information on the effects of medical marijuana seven years after its legalization in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia’s homicide clearance rates are low, a trend seen nationally. What’s inside teddy bears could change. Finally, a new pastor in Philadelphia learns the true meaning of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

May 10, 2023

A bag with Bob Marley on it — and over $400,000 in it — was seized at Philadelphia International Airport. Some experts say that the best way to keep juvenile crime down is by creating in-school youth courts run by students. The state’s RV industry is still going strong, even after the pandemic. Also, this college student is sneaking his way into success.

May 09, 2023

A man stole his ex-girlfriend’s cat and sent her various messages threatening to kill it. Two state lawmakers want to make parental consent a requirement for minors to use social media. One lucky Sheetz customer will get free gas for the rest of their lives. Finally, a woman visited all 50 states while battling cancer.

May 08, 2023

Pennsylvania residents who were misled in paying for what should have been free TurboTax tax fillings will start getting reimbursements this month. Some parties in Philadelphia are so loud, people in Jersey are complaining about them. Some new parking changes are a W for Allentown residents. And when Pennsylvanians get the “drunchies” — that grumbling hunger you get after you drink — this is what they like to eat.

May 05, 2023

A man who made fun of police online for not being able to catch him got arrested. Pennsylvania was among the states who saw the most identity theft reports in 2022. SEPTA is closing some stations this weekend for cleaning. Plus, today’s your last chance to get your hands on some rare whiskey.

May 04, 2023

Students saw a drop in their history and civic scores throughout the U.S. You may not be able to buy fireworks anymore if this bill comes to pass. Pennsylvania is currently rife with wild mushrooms and leeks galore. Also, in honor of May the Fourth, here’s Pennsylvania’s favorite “Star Wars” movie.

May 03, 2023

The president of a university sent out an apology after his Twitter “like” history was publicly criticized. State lawmakers are thinking about replacing the gas tax with electric vehicle fees. Giant Eagle will start reducing prices on about 800 items starting tomorrow through August. And if you’re felling unmotivated — just look at the 95-year-old who sprinted a 100-meter dash.