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

A number of air quality apps sparked concern amongst Pittsburgh region residents the other day. The state Senate has unanimously passed a bill that would teach a 9/11 curriculum in schools. Streeteries in Philadelphia now have to follow new regulations. And a lot of Pennsylvanians have trouble spelling this word the most.

Five dog breeders in Pennsylvania have been named on the Humane Society’s annual “Horrible Hundred” list. UPMC will start offering a loan forgiveness program to nursing students next year. Yuengling is expanding. Lastly, three colleges in Pennsylvania are among the best in the country.

Philadelphia is among the cities who saw the highest increases in homicide rates in the country. Meanwhile, the state Senate has approved a bill that would require high school students to take personal finance classes. Pittsburgh International Airport is now offering a “driverless” shuttle service. Plus, one city is rattier than it was before.

For the third time in four days, a gun has been found at Pittsburgh International Airport. The state has lifted the drought watch in 16 counties. An observatory offers views beyond our atmosphere. And a WWII vet turns 100.

Corrections employees across Pennsylvania will soon start wearing body cameras. There are political signs popping up on residents’ lawns in one area that are not only unwanted, but that've been booby-trapped with razors. Nearly $7 million has been pledged to the economic growth of the state’s coal communities. Finally, Pennsylvania has a favorite Halloween decoration.

A $20.4 million development will bring affordable housing to seniors in Pittsburgh. In Bethlehem, it was the case of the mysterious “maple syrup smell.” Fall leaves are looking their best. Plus, only one of Pennsylvania’s cities would be able to survive a dragon attack.

A Philadelphia Councilman has said that Wawa may be reconsidering future locations in Philadelphia due to the city’s “ongoing violence.” Pennsylvania had the highest amount of power outages its ever seen on record last year. A portion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed this weekend. Lastly, did you know Pennsylvanians have a favorite M&M’s flavor?

One lawmaker has proposed legislation meant to regulate book bans in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia’s summer curfew for teenagers may soon be made permanent. Pennsylvania’s still number one in the country when it comes to vehicle-animal collisions. Plus, this city is the absolute worst to drive in.

Investigators say about 100 cars lie at the bottom of Pittsburgh’s rivers. Hundreds of domesticated rats have been released throughout Dauphin County. Reading has made permanent a program that requires vehicles on select city streets to park within painted lines (also known as “stalls”). And officials would like to let everyone know that, no, they weren’t the ones behind those Bigfoot signs popping up all over parks and trails.

If you’re java-obsessive and a Pennsylvanian, you’ll be ecstatic to know one city in the Keystone has been deemed as one of the best for coffee lovers.

When it comes to having craft breweries, Pennsylvania is ahead of the game.

If you’re looking for haunted attractions filled with chills and thrills this Halloween, look no longer than these three right here in Pennsylvania.

The University of Pittsburgh has made SATs and ACTs optional for first-year undergrad applications now through 2025. Your TV signal may be out of whack this week, and there’s a scientific reason for that. A cemetery in Washington Township is getting a marker dedicated to the Revolutionary War soldiers interred there. Lastly, unfortunately, Pennsylvania isn’t one of the best states for a night out.

A judge has ruled that Pittsburgh is free to remove a statue of Christopher Columbus that has been standing in Schenley Park wrapped in plastic for the past two years. State universities continue to see a decline in enrollment. A Beaver County animal sanctuary is hosting “Goatoberfest” this weekend. And Pennsylvania has a favorite breakfast chain, believe it or not.

A special education school in Pittsburgh has temporarily switched to remote instruction after a 15-year-old student assaulted a teacher. Governor Tom Wolf has vetoed “Markie’s Law,” a bill that would have kept violent prisoners behind bars for longer. A Pennsylvania-based SPCA is lending a hand in airlifting shelter animals in Florida. Finally, these are the fried foods Pennsylvanians go gaga for the most.

Parents and students protested the suspension of a Beaver County biology teacher who stated referring to transgender students by their preferred pronouns went against his beliefs. About 70 percent of Route 28’s construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. This year’s theme of the Pennsylvania Farm show is “Rooted in Progress.” Plus, a man figured Hurricane Ian was as good a time as any to show his Eagles pride.

According to a recent report, the Lehigh Valley watershed is amongst the most polluted in the country. The Pittsburgh Public Schools board unanimously voted yesterday to adopt a revised sexual education policy. More state roads will be open for recreational use this fall. And a NASA astronaut gets a lovely surprise.

Kennywood plans on enacting a chaperone policy as well as other security measures following the shooting that occurred over the weekend. New records have shown that Penn State spent almost $318,000 covering things like lodging and food for in-person trustee meetings despite the university’s current effort at tightening its belt. Speaking of which, a new bill could make the finances of state-related universities more accessible to the public. Finally, in honor of National Coffee Day, here are Pennsylvanians’ top five favorite places to get coffee.

Kennywood claims that its weapons detection system was operating the day three people got shot. Those double-parked in bus lanes are the targets of Philadelphia’s current “ticketing blitz.” Pennsylvania’s getting three new state parks. Plus, this chef’s award-winning hot wings are a “nightmare.”

The group of teens that trashed a Wawa in Philadelphia over the weekend is said to have caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Schools in Pennsylvania are seeing “chronic absenteeism” among students. Officials would like to let you know that, no, that wasn’t a UFO that flew overhead on Saturday night. And apparently Pennsylvania’s a state for meat-lovers.

The state Department of Human Services announced it will be raising the income eligibility thresholds for SNAP benefits starting next month. Craft breweries have reported growth after suffering a slump during the pandemic. A new program is offering York County high school seniors the opportunity to work in building trades apprenticeships. Finally, the size of this record-breaking pumpkin will make you go, “Oh, my gourd!”

Beech trees throughout the state continue to suffer from an incurable leaf disease. Renewing passports may soon get a whole lot easier. Life on a Pennsylvania Dutch farm will be highlighted at a Berks County university this weekend. And this pizzeria is among the best in the U.S.

Students at a Delaware County school district are now “free to express their Satanism” thanks to a change to the district’s dress code. Airline workers at Philadelphia International Airport have landed themselves in big trouble for their roles in a $283,000 skimming scheme. You can learn all about Pennsylvania’s history for free this Saturday. And this hoagie is said to be the “Best on Earth.”

Police in Bethel Park are warning women to stay on high alert as there’s been a spike in purse thefts throughout the area. A new PennDOT study has found that crashes, fatalities, and minor injuries decreased at over 30 roundabouts throughout the state. Hunters in Pennsylvania can rejoice in the fact that ammo prices may be below what they were during the pandemic. Lastly, a music collective made a Sonic boom.

York City schools are considering using a weapon-sniffing dog in response to a spike in violence that has resulted in nine deaths. Residents of one township in Dauphin County will see their annual trash pick-up bills rise to nearly $600 next month. Someone in Carbon County is a million dollars richer. Plus, someone tried using Facebook Marketplace to sell a kangaroo.

UGI customers can expect their bills to go up even more thanks to a recent rate hike approval. Meanwhile, principals of schools in Indiana County are looking to shut down rumors concerning kitty litters. One Bed Bath & Beyond in Pennsylvania will be one of many nationwide that will shut its doors. Finally, one museum says 2022 is a year that you can really sink your teeth into.

A sheriff in Westmoreland County is warning folks of scammers who are posing as employees from his department. Starbucks employees in Pittsburgh have claimed that the company used intimidation tactics to dissuade them from unionizing. The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia is celebrating Constitution Day weekend with some special events. Plus, if you’re looking to get into the fall mood, maybe drop by this town.

Credit cards have a new way of categorizing gun sales, and it has a number of Pennsylvania gun shop owners worried. Despite the recent rain, 36 counties are still under a drought watch. Residents come together to “put trees to sleep” before the colder weather comes. Lastly, a place in Pennsylvania has been ranked as one of the top five best for chocolate lovers, and you can probably guess which one it is.

Five doctors—one of whom is from Pennsylvania—have pleaded guilty for their roles in a pain pill prescription scheme. One state lawmaker has requested a performance audit of one city’s travel agency in order to assess how it makes use of public tax dollars. Veteran-owned businesses may get new opportunities thanks to a new bill. Finally, Pennsylvania-based theme parks got “Golden Tickets.”

Reports of child abuse throughout the state are on the rise to pre-pandemic levels. A Bucks County man has been charged with stealing over $117,000’s worth of metal from decommissioned power plants. The redesign of Pennsylvania’s driver’s license has a focus on security. And this NFL team’s tailgating party has been crowned one of the best around.

The office of Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner, claims his impeachment—should it come to pass—would “violate the constitutional rights” of the city residents who voted for him. Still in Philadelphia, the city is preparing for the potential arrival of migrant buses. Still in Philadelphia, the number of a mainstay of city streets—newsstands—is dwindling. Lastly, this guy works three hours a day, five days a week, which isn’t anything extraordinary until you realize he’s 100.

A former Armstrong County councilman and ambulance service treasurer has been charged with the theft of almost $!00,000. The state will give you up to $3,000 in rebates on electric car purchases. Two detectives’ love of animals made them pivot from their usual homicide cases to search for a missing dog. And keep your eyes to the skies this weekend, for the Harvest Moon is set to rise.

Teacher advocacy is currently one of the main topics of debate within the Pennridge School District. According to a recent congressional hearing, the U.S.P.S.’s service in Pennsylvania is full of “horror stories.” Bucks County is getting funding to put towards improving recreation in the area as well as the conservation of natural resources. Finally, two emus named Stevie and Nicks come home after going their own way.

A burglar’s three-year crime spree may have come to an end. The southwestern part of the state will use $62.7 million in funds to expand the region’s “distinctive strength in robotics.” Splendid news, teachers—you can get free coffee for the whole of September courtesy of Wawa. And a chipmunk named George goes viral.

That would be a “no” to ban street sports equipment from one town’s council. Pennsylvania’s fall leaves may not last as long this year thanks to such a dry summer. You can get $1,000 for donating your car to a family in need. Plus, this is Pennsylvanians’ preferred cup of Joe flavor.

Good news: Pennsylvania isn’t, actually, going to treat forgiven student debt as taxable income. AAA is offering some advice to people ahead of Labor Day Weekend. Wawa Rewards members can get discounted gas for a limited amount of time. Lastly, a 9-11 Memorial Ride enters its 21st year.

Palmer Township police are warning all parents to be cautious when posting back-to-school photos on social media. Megabus is expanding its Pittsburgh service. Today marks the first day of the hunting seasons for species that rank among the smallest and largest game birds. Finally, this stranded bride and groom had the right to remain married on time.

A new proposal is looking to give Pennsylvanians more control over their private data. Officials have just announced that a naloxone mailing program has distributed 10,000-plus doses. The southern part of the state is “being scanned from the sky.” And Pennsylvanians are obsessed with live music.

Forgiven student loan debts could make for a surprise tax hit for Pennsylvanians. One senior care facility has come up with a solution to staffing shortages: robots. A Welsh festival is making its way to Philadelphia for the first time in almost five decades. Plus, Pennsylvania’s favorite dog breeds, revealed!

According to one study, Pennsylvania’s a pretty swell state to live in.

Efforts in Western Pennsylvania to help monarch butterflies were ruined after someone released a bunch of the endangered species prematurely. After getting cancelled throughout the pandemic, weddings are booming, and florists are struggling to keep up with the flower demands. Pennsylvania has the second-most student debt in the country. Finally, there’s magic in the air in Pittsburgh.

Cops called it an “honest mistake” after a box of guns got delivered to a school in Delaware County. Meanwhile, Highlands High School is contending with only 70 percent of its students coming to classes. Pittsburgh International Airport is bringing back some of its nonstop routes. And a professor helps out with a discovery of Jurassic (okay, Cretaceous) proportions.

The Lycoming County DA has stated that Williamsport’s recent spike in crime is linked to gang violence. A recently introduced bill offers temporary fixes to Pittsburgh’s homelessness issues in the hopes the city will be able to concentrate on finding long-term solutions. The remains of a teenager who died serving in the Korean War will finally come home. Plus, a hoagie-inspired potato chip is the one that represents Philadelphia the best.

Bars in Pittsburgh’s South Side may start checking people’s driver’s licenses as a way to weed out “problem customers.” York has “sort of” placed the kibosh on washing your car. A new initiative in Philadelphia will sell the city’s fallen trees as lumber. And a friendly neighborhood alligator’s up for “America’s Favorite Pet.”

Workplace fatalities went up by about 30 percent across 14 counties within in the past year. As the universal meal deal is set to expire at the start of this school year, one senator has introduced legislation that seeks to keep meals free for students. Work on revitalizing a wetland in a Philadelphia park has begun. Plus, a 20-foot sunflower grows in Dauphin County.

The state government has launched a new unit that will specifically investigate financial exploitation cases with senior victims. Pittsburgh plans to launch a pilot program that will offer 50 low-income residents free transportation to their jobs. The Mütter Museum will allow the public to come into its medical library for the first time ever. And a woman celebrates turning 102 by hitting the slots.

Pennsylvania has joined a multi-state lawsuit against a finance company whose practices were deemed “predatory.” A school in Harrisburg is shortening its school day due to a lack of teachers. A former coal plant which “stood as a testament to our post-industrial past” is being dismantled. Plus, a man got a little something extra with his clam order.

A Potter County company who fired an employee suffering from cancer due to COVID concerns must pay $184,000 as the result of a lawsuit. The margin between the wages of Pennsylvanians and inflation is growing. You could be seeing more hummingbirds at your feeder. And will Pennsylvania’s cities be able to survive a zombie apocalypse?

A $20 million facility where research on self-driving vehicles will be conducted is coming to Westmoreland County. The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is looking to keep the ivory-billed woodpecker off the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s extinction list. Farmer’s markets have proven to be quite the boon to local economies. Lastly, here’s Pennsylvania’s favorite food truck order.