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

Pennsylvania officials have voiced their support for issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. A nursing home that abruptly closed last week is blaming both a cyber attack and the health department. The raw milk business is apparently booming. Also, ever think how sexy a state policeman’s uniform is?

A scientist at the University of Pennsylvania was found to have faked his research. A state law greatly curbs whatever civil damages the victims of catastrophe receive. Amtrak’s adding more trains. Lastly, people can’t keep their hands off these street signs.

Over 20 Pennsylvania children have been sickened by lead found in applesauce pouches. The University of Pennsylvania intends to raise the price of tuition, among other things. On a rare flip side, one utilities is lowering rates. And this city is the absolute best for takeout.

Another university is being sued over COVID remote learning. People are a bit hesitant to shop at a Giant Eagle after their price scanners failed inspection. One politician has introduced a bill to combat shrinkflation. Finally some, frankly, disappointing news.

Philadelphia officials have announced that — after 42 days of no new cases — the measles outbreak is over. An area whose residents have been drinking bottled water due to well contamination since the 1990s is getting some federal assistance. A few bridges are getting license plate cameras. Lastly, there’s a “brisket bandit” about.

Feds are looking into organ collection groups across the country over suspicions of fraud. Allegheny County officials have once again sued the United States’s largest coke manufacturer. We all got a taste of spring this week, although things are poised to get chilly again. Finally, a WWII vet turns 103.

The president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium discussed the location’s recent animal deaths at a press conference yesterday. Pennsylvania, like much of the rest of the country, is feeling the effects of the loneliness epidemic. If you were hit by that AT&T outage, the company wants to “[make] it right.” Plus, a woman claims a company’s “misleading” packaging duped her into buying “inferior” tomatoes.

A series of animal deaths at a zoo is raising some eyebrows. Meanwhile, two previous election board members in one county are trying to figure out why the number of ballots recorded as received don’t match up with footage they reviewed of drop boxes. Here’s the deal with student loan forgiveness in Pennsylvania. And a Mechanicsburg native went from “canceled” to hosting this past weekend’s “Saturday Night Live.”

And yet another cyber attack has occurred in Pennsylvania, this time compromising a lot of the private information of one county’s public citizens. The state DEP has officially given the green light for a fracking company to draw water from the Big Sewickley Creek. Amtrak passengers got stranded after a train took a wrong turn. Also, the next full moon is a “mini” one.

PECO customers haven’t been able to log into their accounts for over a week. A UPS in Westmoreland County announced layoffs. You could get some seriously great discounts on select brands of booze at the moment. Finally, sometimes things that glitter are gold.

A few signatures on the petition of an auditor general candidate are a bit questionable, to say the least. Some people could see their water bills rise by $265 a year if an EPA proposal comes to pass. A bill wants to give more power to the people when it comes to building warehouses. Lastly, this guy said neigh a word when reined in by authorities.

A Pennsylvania-based health network has been accused of misdiagnosing families with medical child abuse. A high court will review whether life without parole of someone convicted of felony murder is constitutional. Gas prices are up in a number of areas. Plus, something of incredible historical significance was discovered in a desk which had been locked for decades.

Three of six men in connection with a Philadelphia carjacking ring could face the death penalty. Another municipality is considering decriminalizing weed. Some of you could get a letter from the IRS. Finally, things get fishy in Fishtown.

More of the elderly are dying from accidental falls in Pennsylvania as well as throughout the rest of the country. A student assaulted a total of four teachers after being asked to get off his phone. More snow’s on its way. Also, Lego check out this upcoming exhibit!

Lyft and Uber drivers across the country went on what they’ve said is their largest-ever strike. Pennsylvania’s set to receive millions of federal dollars to combat homelessness. A man is facing up to $200,000 in penalties for the drone videos he makes. And if you’ve ever wanted to name an amusement park ride, now’s your chance.

A lawsuit has accused a York County school of telling a father “to keep hush-hush” about his 5-year-old’s sexual assault. Meanwhile, a Microsoft executive spoke with lawmakers about the risks concerning AI. Over 100,000 homes were left without power yesterday. Lastly, in honor of Valentine’s Day, here’s Pennsylvania favorite rom-com.

Some cases of porch piracy may now be considered felonies. Three teens have helped craft an anti-bullying bill. Another rare whiskey lottery has started. Plus, get ready to Philly Bop.

Some drug courts will be required to allow people to take medication for opioid addiction. 10 state universities will waive criminal background checks for some of their student employees. I-95’s emergency status has been extended. And Pennsylvania’s “sinful.”

One of Pennsylvania’s state agencies got billed over $41,000 by a lobbying group. Meanwhile, officials are still looking for more information about how state computers lost all that data the other day. The city can’t “shush” Philadelphia’s librarians. Lastly, ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, this city has once again been ranked the number one best for football fans.

Two state lawmakers plan on introducing a bill that would require the collection of DNA samples after an arrest is made. Ahead of the Super Bowl, health advocates and officials are expressing concerns over the rise in sports betting. Two fetuses were sent to the Mütter Museum, and there’s currently an investigation to confirm whether or not they’re human. And these zebras are “living their best lives.”

The campaign team for Philadelphia’s sheriff admitted AI was used to make positive “news” stories. PPL customers have until the end of this month to comment on the utilities’ proposed $17 million settlement. Dutch Wonderland is opening “earlier than ever.” Lastly, this program was nipped in the bud.

Locals near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border are still struggling one year after a Norfolk Southern train derailed. Pennsylvania’s syphilis rates are on the rise. Officials and experts are touting financial literacy classes in high school. Finally, this bear was evicted from his home under a man’s porch.

Authorities are saying they’ve seen an uptick in illegal street racing in recent years. One county has launched it is own gun task force. Pennsylvania’s trout stocking schedule is now available. Lastly, the state’s love language, revealed.

A lack of trust in institutions has left more and more people seeking unproven medical treatments. The Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association has reportedly identified the state’s top “major public safety concerns.” The state claims it saved millions for people who were wronged by insurance companies. And outside of Pennsylvania, people are putting their own spin on Groundhog Day.

An inmate was accidentally released instead of his half-brother. It took nine days, but Bucks County’s emergency dispatch system is finally up-and-running again after a cyber attack. Chester city officials could lose their administrative powers “whether they like it or not.” Plus, Pennsylvania has the fattest dogs in the nation.

UPMC has been hit by a class action lawsuit. The number of millennials living at home with their parents is up nationwide, including a city in Pennsylvania. Toyota is urging 50,000 drivers to get their car fixed. And Pennsylvanians are pretty quick to say “I love you.”

One of the largest employers in Westmoreland County announced its suspension in sales of its CPAP machines. Also, a “Pennsylvania utility” call may not be that at all. There could be a new hunting season coming to Pennsylvania. Plus, they took the polar plunge for charity.

A ShopRite in Pennsylvania may have been the site of hepatitis A exposure. Yet another cyber attack struck Pennsylvania, this time in Washington County. Locals are reporting weird “booms” they’ve been hearing. Finally, people keep finding these creepy notes in their groceries.

Hundreds of dead fish were found floating in the Susquehanna River this week. If you’re one of the 16,000 Pennsylvanians owed back wages, this is the tool for you. A favorite from The Hershey Company may be getting a makeover. And lastly, a professor has started a fire with America’s original enemies — the British.

A bacteria is threatening Pennsylvania’s potato population, meaning a shortage could be on its way. Part of I-95 will be closing for a bit next month. A study has found that people are pretty over self-checkout. Finally, he’s a rare bird, indeed.

One county’s emergency dispatch system was down for days after it was hit by hackers. In a follow-up to a story previously reported on “Today in Pa.,” corporations are still buying up local homes to turn into rentals. 2024’s first full moon is something to howl at. Plus, PETA’s suggested, once again, a replacement for Punxsutawney Phil.

Students could take “mental health days” if this proposal comes to pass. One school district is considering spending up to $14,000 on a consultant for Racial Equity Affiliate training. Pennsylvania’s actually one of the worst states to start a business in. And luck was one heck of a lady to this guy.

Don’t worry, state officials are still looking to target those “predatory” junk fees that beef up prices on items so unnecessarily. In SEPTA news, over a dozen Regional Rail stations will shutter their ticket sales windows. Stamp prices went up as of yesterday. Finally, this guy’s a cop by day and the “Philly Flash” by night.

A scientist at Temple University has been accused of improperly using pictures of mouse brains in order to make claims in his research stronger. Nearly a dozen state officials violated the State Ethics Act last year, doing things like using authority credit cards for personal expenses. A number of local leaders are vocally criticizing state DEP regulations. And Pennsylvania has just one number one cheese, but they’re all pretty gouda.

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are already trying to get ahead of how AI is used in elections. Two colleges have been added to a list of those being investigated by the federal Education Department for alleged “discrimination involving shared ancestry.” Costco’s cracking down on nonmembers. Finally, funny road signs are going the way of the dodo.

A man was charged after recovering a hunter’s deer with a drone, and officials are now thinking the whole thing over. In York County, officials are finally considering a WiFi proposal. Here’s an update on gas prices. And people are getting pantsless — for charity.

Pennsylvania was found to be underfunding school districts by more than $5 billion. $40 million will go toward the replacement of diesel vehicles with EVs. Snow geese will soon drop by during their annual migration. Plus, a man got stuck in a tree surrounded by a flooded creek.

The execs of a mental health care and drug treatment nonprofit reportedly spent millions on things like golf and Sixers tickets. The state has officially launched its first-ever Human Trafficking Section. If you see a turkey, let the Game Commission know. Also, here’s a Peep(s) at some new marshmallow treats.

The state will start using AI in some of its operations in a “first in the nation” partnership. Officials are calling for a “purple alert system” after a teenager with Down syndrome went missing in Pittsburgh. About 300 contract workers will be laid off across several Amazon warehouses. Finally, Steelers Nation has shunned Buffalo sauce.

After causing quite the kerfuffle, turns out that William Penn statue will stay standing in Independence National Historical Park. A proposal would force lawmakers to forgo pay when there’s a budget impasse. The state’s bear harvest is the lowest it’s been in almost 20 years. And this spot isn’t a bad one to cuddle up with someone special.

Those lead-tainted applesauce pouches that sickened over 280 kids across the United States may have contained another toxic substance. A bill, should it come to pass, would ban sanctuary cities and counties in Pennsylvania. The real estate market is looking up in 2024 (finally). Plus, this is a “next generation” donut shop.

A heart monitor supplier must pay nearly $15 million to settle accusations that it signed patients up for unnecessary care. Now that Audacy is planning to file for bankruptcy, the future of its stations in Philadelphia are in question. TGI Fridays is closing almost 40 of its locations. Lastly, the D.B. Cooper case may have a connection to Pennsylvania.

State officials are taking precautionary steps against potential future threats of deepfakes in politics. State police made over 320 DUI arrests over New Year’s weekend, down from last year. A Pittsburgh-based space robotics company is attempting to make the first U.S. moon landing since the Apollo missions. Finally, this year’s butter sculpture has been unveiled ahead of the Farm Show this weekend.

“Hitters” are being paid by drug addicts in Philadelphia to shoot them up when they can’t find their own veins anymore. A city has banned the sale of dogs — along with cats and rabbits — from “pet mills.” The avian flu is influencing this year’s stock of pheasants. And a teen caught a “ghost.”

Pennsylvania saw a rise in older adult deaths following abuse and neglect complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Turnpike tolls will rise…again. It may actually snow this weekend. Plus, meet 2024’s first arrivals.

With a new year comes a solar eclipse, and Pennsylvania’s primed to be a “totality” state for it.

If your New Year’s plans are up in the air, maybe you want to drop by either of these cities in Pennsylvania, which are apparently two of the best to ring in the new year.

Here’s a friendly reminder to buy that new dog license soon before the end of the year (if you haven’t already, of course).

This is a compliment one doesn’t expect to receive but is nice nonetheless: Pennsylvanians are apparently some of the “most efficient” travelers at the airport around.

A report has found how two cities in Pennsylvania are among the “hottest” rental markets in the United States, although there’s another two that have fallen among the most competitive.