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

Parents are still looking for answers (and reassurances) following an attack involving a Stanley cup that took place at a middle school last month. The state is thinking about banning non-competes for doctors and nurses. Overdose deaths have declined. Finally, Pennsylvania’s favorite book is a read the state can’t refuse.

A whistleblower has come out with some questions surrounding a specialized plane that was used to provide information about the chemicals released into the air last year following the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine. Pittsburgh’s controller is looking into some payments that were made to a former city employee. A new dashboard is tracking ticks and Lyme disease around the state. Plus, there’s a new Rutter’s coming to town.

An investment firm is under an FBI probe. The state’s Rural Revitalization Commission could cost taxpayers $130,000. Wally Gator is still missing. And someone was busted for trying to illegally import dead butterflies.

Juveniles went on a “poaching spree” in Cambria County. Peco customers are being “aggressively” targeted by scammers. A commencement presenter butchered students’ names. Lastly, if you ever wanted to own something from a prison (well, to each his own), now’s your chance.

The state is looking to criminalize the misuse of xylazine, a.k.a. “tranq.” The Boy Scouts have dropped the “Boys” and now they’re just “Scouting America.” Pennsylvania is posed to become the next state to ban handheld cellphones while driving. Finally, this Phillies fan cheered so hard, she lost her wedding band.

People in locations surrounding Philadelphia are worried about where the homeless pushed out of Kensington will go. One of the plans to address Pittsburgh’s deer problem involves sharpshooters. Broad Street Market has confirmed an opening date for its temporary tent. Lastly, this “selfie” is actually a “monumental event.”

The crackdown on the open-air drug market in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood is underway. Hikers found dog treats filled with fish hooks. A financial aid agency has been fined nearly $2 million for mishandling requests. And Rocky steps out of the ring for a bit of maintenance.

Officials have confirmed that there’s no evidence of the avian flu being in Pennsylvania. The state has some of the highest number of ATV and UTV accidents in the country. The battle with spotted lanternflies continues. And a droll state budget hearing took an out-of-this-world turn.

A middle school didn’t inform a mother of her child’s use of different pronouns, and now, that mother is suing. The at-large school board election of one district has drawn the attention of the DOJ. A beloved penguin has passed away. Also, is physical media making a comeback?

A COVID contact tracing firm used by Pennsylvania will have to pay millions in a cybersecurity settlement. A meat seller based in the state has recalled ground beef due to possible contamination. Year-round school could become a reality for Philadelphia students. Finally, Pennsylvania’s favorite Pop-Tart flavor.

The residents of one city are openly concerned about reportedly “raucous” gatherings involving ATVs and motorbikes which take place on weekends. In Philadelphia, it’s the Clash of the Officials. One utilities has decided to decrease its supply prices. And a rare groundhog was spotted in York County.

AT&T, Verizon, and other big wireless carriers have been fined for sharing customers’ personal data without their consent. Employers may be banned from scanning job applicants’ credit scores. PennDOT spent over $182K on graffiti removal last year. Lastly, a man got a whopper of a state tax bill.

A number of hospitals are grappling with shortages of some medications. Philadelphia homeowners are realizing that most of their insurance policies don’t cover exterior plumbing going from their house to water and sewer mains on the street. A beloved emotional support alligator went missing over the weekend. Finally, these teens are world robotics champions!

A movie theater screened its last films ever this weekend, “[a] sign of the times.” Speaking of which, Rite Aid is closing even more stores. Here are some things you can do for free this summer. And this 5K keeps runners hydrated with beer.

A judge that released a fentanyl dealer last year on non-monetary bond has been barred from overseeing arraignments. Voter turnout during the primary elections this week was rather abysmal. An airport has rolled out facial recognition technology to screen passengers (although this isn’t making the process faster, mind). Finally, this Pennsylvania’s go-to bagel order.

UnitedHealth paid a ransom after that cyberattack one of their companies suffered in February. A Pennsylvania health network announced plans to lay off about 1,000 of its workforce. One state lawmaker wants to make the area around medical marijuana use a little less gray. And this estate is mmm, mmm expensive.

The state government has vowed to get half of its electricity from solar power by next year. Kennywood’s been sued. The Game Commission is looking to get Pennsylvania’s spongy moth population under control. Lastly, get paid to eat ice cream.

The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office claims they’re underfunded, but still manages to spend $9,000 on a mascot and even more on things like catering and merchandise. The city’s Office of Homeless Services was also found to have “knowingly” overspent millions. More “pharmacy deserts” are popping around the state. Plus, be sure to look up tonight.

Federal officials in Pittsburgh confirmed that, after working together with international authorities, they’ve managed to seize the domains of spoof websites that stole the information of over 1 million people. An update has been given on that lockdown that occurred at Pennbrook Middle School last week. Squatter’s Rights are given some new attention. Lastly, the most popular festivals in Pennsylvania.

A middle school was placed on temporary lockdown after one of its students was hurt during a fight. Malls could house apartments in the future. Wawa is at long last coming to central Pennsylvania. Finally, walk like an Egyptologist in this new exhibit.

Coal miners have been given (hopefully) better protection from a poisonous dust under a finalized federal rule. A school in Bucks County will revise a view of its policies regarding social media posts by student-run clubs. An iconic roller coaster won’t be open this season. Lastly, it’s Jellyroll v. Jelly Roll.

A former hospital official has pled guilty to embezzling money from the institution’s charity fund. A Roku data breach has affected about 600,000 users. The 4-day school week is now legal in Pennsylvania. And here’s Pennsylvania’s favorite McDonald’s food.

A new Philadelphia prosecution unit will starting focusing in on repeat gun offenders as the battle against the city’s gun violence continues. Some Pennsylvanians can still get their hands on a piece of a $43.4 million pie. Coffee of any size is free at all Wawa’s today. Plus, he’s a “professional walker.”

Measles cases are on the rise. The state has issued a quarantine on dairy cows from outside the state. Major healthcare providers, including one based in Pennsylvania, are now covering an over-the-counter birth control pill. And if you look up, you could spot “one of the oldest known meteor showers.”

A bill would inform consumers of AI-generated content. Pennsylvania could become the next state to ban using handheld devices while driving. Stamp prices are going up again. Lastly, an ATM…for dogs?

The state Supreme Court heard arguments this week concerning with a federal law which grants gun manufacturers immunity from civil liability can keep a family who lost their son to a fatal gunshot from suing. Lawmakers are taking another look at water privatization. Over 40 aftershocks were felt after that earthquake. Plus, a Pennsylvanian won big at the CMT Music Awards.

Some universities are claiming that the plan to lower prescription drug costs could hinder medical innovation. Part of a proposed consent decree would have Philips Respironics paying the U.S Treasury for the next five years. E-ZPass holders, there’s a new scam to keep an eye out for. Lastly, eagles Irvin and Claire welcome their new child.

A Pennsylvania hospital system is among those offering concierge services which can cost up to $4,000 a year. Philadelphia officials have banned license plate flippers. Pittsburgh rivers reached their highest level they’ve been in almost two decades. Finally, something “devilish” may be in the sky along with the eclipse today, too.

A DA plans on pursing the death penalty against a man who killed three of his relatives before fleeing to New Jersey. As areas like Bucks County are hit with heavier ran, officials tackle higher flood insurance premiums. There’s a whole lot of bugs coming soon, but Pennsylvania’s not a pitstop for them. And the state’s favorite cocktail “can make you feel like a true class act.”

Pennsylvania’s method of tracking inmate deaths is “spotty at best.” Philadelphia apparently bungled a $22 million anti-violence initiative. DoorDash is testing out a new initiative in Pennsylvania. And a new ride gets its own beer.

Voters should expect to see “weaponized” AI content ahead of the election this year, according to experts. College will cost as much as $95,000 this fall. Some areas are still under a flood watch. Lastly, it’s a love for the ages that’s inspired TikTok to sing.

Another county has been placed under spotted lanternfly quarantine. Some people may be wondering whether or not there’ll be more ticks around this spring, given the mild winter. Giant is getting rid of some delivery driver positions. And alas, no, floating Wawa tiki bars aren’t real.

The federal government gave Pennsylvania a whole lot of money for its largest solar project yet. SEPTA wants riders to quit smoking pot while using the transit system. UGI will be doing some pipe replacement starting today. Plus, watch out this April Fool’s, because this city’s the number one for pranksters.

A new report has found that most Pennsylvania hospitals don’t follow price transparency rules. Ports in Pennsylvania are readying themselves for more activity following the Baltimore bridge collapse. A third party wants to make things official. Also, Punxsutawney Phil, immortal groundhog, has finally become a father.

A bill would give victims of voter intimidation the right to sue. Dollar Tree is closing 1,000 Family Dollar stores nationwide, several of which are in Pennsylvania. PennDOT wants to know how they did this winter. And a mind-bobbling case gets resolved.

One county is part of several that’s suing Big Oil. This legislation seeks to install panic buttons in schools across the state. Pennsylvania’s last private mountain is now public. Lastly, one of the most iconic things to come out of Pennsylvania may get an official designation.

The doctor who misdiagnosed a bunch of parents with “medical child abuse” — leaving some parents to temporarily lose custody of their children — will retire at the end of the month. Some people’s jobs give them commuting benefits, but these two city officials got Mustangs. A group of state lawmakers are trying to get a bill regarding voter ID out of limbo. And this one area is expected to get thousands of people next month.

Some police departments are loosening some requirements and policies to fill gaping cop vacancies. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has stayed the same for the fifth month straight. A bird not seen in Pennsylvania in a decade is making a comeback (or so the Game Commission hopes). Lastly, it was Madness, so a college professor canceled class.

A school shut down twice this week due to separate bomb threats. Sheetz has been hit by a lawsuit. The state’s cracking down on aggressive drivers. Plus, Pennsylvania’s favorite Easter candy.

The Pennsylvania National Guard won’t be sent to the Mexican border. It seems that state residents would much rather have energy they can afford over a type that benefits the environment. A “major” Amtrak project will be shaking up some schedules. Also, it stank on I-78 on Tuesday.

The U.S. along with over 50 other countries has banned the most common form of asbestos. A Chinese-owned company which has a campus in Philadelphia is being targeted by the federal government. SEPTA hasn’t extended a pilot program which involved using an AI gun-detection system. And several cities have made it onto a list of “the best”” for college basketball fans.

Pennsylvania is known for the snacks it produces (heck, it’s even home to the “Snack Food Capital of the World”), but this is the snack that’s the most beloved by the state on the whole.

A federal judge has tossed out a historic jury verdict in a gender bias case involving a former orthopedic surgeon. A report has found that billions of dollars in subsidies have gone to a pollutant plant in Pennsylvania as well as others nationwide. An update to the Pennsylvania Lottery’s computer system may throw things out of whack. Plus, this city’s a “renter’s paradise.”

Pittsburgh has closed down a homeless encampment due to “a lot of criminal activity.” Philadelphia is one of five cities in which ICE agents will start wearing body cams. Thieves stole seafood and bourbon during what one may call a Mardi-grab. Finally, when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, Pennsylvanians go hard.

A federal appeals court has ruled that the administration of Philadelphia DA, Larry Krasner, “slant[ed] the facts” when trying to overturn the death sentence of a convicted murderer. Pittsburgh is planning to reroute 911 calls during a specific time of day amid cop staffing woes. Some places may be forced to keep trash pickups to once a week due to explosive prices. Lastly, this stadium has some of the worst concessions around.

A university has been sued for complying with an investigation into accusations of antisemitism. In more law news, a mistrial has been called in a case concerning a former Penn State doctor. A soon-to-be introduced bill would impose fees on the money transfers of illegal immigrants. And meet this year’s Cadbury Bunny Tryouts semifinalists.

Pennsylvanian losses to scams were up last year by over 20 percent. Thousands were left without power thanks to those winds yesterday. A Bass Pro Shops location is coming to this area for the first time ever. Finally this is the state’s favorite liquor —again.

Following the recent rash of crime, transit safety has returned as a top concern for both residents of Philadelphia and officials. Work-zone speeding is down by almost 40 percent, and it’s all thanks to the state’s safety camera program, according to PennDOT. It was a strange case of fowl play in Forest County. Lastly, he’ll probably need a “plea dill.”

Pittsburgh could be headed toward a serious financial crisis, according to its controller. Philadelphia believes the youths could help mitigate crime with social media. Some Pennsylvanians suspect — and others are excited — that a popular southern convenience chain could be coming to the state. And a zoo hosted a gender reveal party.

Those in Pennsylvania’s government — and outside of it — are “extremely worried” following a cyberattack on a prominent medical billing system. Also, be wary of ATM skimming. The state AG is urging Facebook to crack down on account takeovers. Finally, it’s the caper of the antique trailer.