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

A new stop-and-frisk policy that would require for cops to document why they’re stopping and searching someone has advanced in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania’s—as well as the rest of the country’s—public school enrollment has dropped. The sun’ll come out tomorrow. Finally, did you know you can get free sunscreen at most state parks this summer?

The youngest member of the “Greensburg Six” has been resentenced for a third time. A newly approved amendment will allow camping in Pittsburgh’s parks (under certain conditions, of course). The state Game Commission would like to let you know that—if you see a baby animal you think is orphaned—it probably isn’t. And it was an odd day in the neigh-borhood after people spotted a horse wandering around Philly.

As summer gets unofficially underway, so, too, does Pennsylvanian wildlife’s more summer-esque activities.

This Memorial Day weekend, be sure to take a sip of the “Adapt and Overcome: Danger Zone Pale Ale,” a Pennsylvania-brewed craft beer that’s made by veterans, for veterans.

After getting inspired by Penn Hills School District’s recent announcement of such a rule, one lawmaker wants to see a statewide ban on students’ cellphone use in schools. Philadelphians will soon learn whether or not their city will be one of three hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Allentown has lowered its age requirement for part-time and seasonal work. Plus, Pennsylvania’s longest-married couple celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary this week.

More fentanyl was seized throughout the state during the first three months of this year than the entirety of 2021. A former museum curator is suing several Pennsylvania-based news outlets over claims of defamation. One city has a rather creative way of handling all those illegal ATVs and dirt bikes plaguing roads. Finally, this city’s been ranked amongst the best when it comes to Father’s Day activities.

There’s going to be a new Streets unit in Philadelphia whose goal is to more effectively tackle potholes, among other things. Drivers in Aspinwall, be sure to be more mindful: the borough recently upped parking fines. One county is conducting a study which focuses on boosting broadband internet service access across the region. And Pennsylvania officially gets its own cocktail for summer 2022.

Nearly a third of Pennsylvania’s municipalities are shrinking. A Pittsburgh-based energy company is warning residents that rising temperatures may cause power outages. Comcast is expanding its services in two of the state’s counties. Lastly, hats off to Bryce Harper for this now-viral moment.

A study has found Pennsylvania’s favorite emoji and, thank God, it’s actually a pretty upbeat one.

The good news is, one city in Pennsylvania has been ranked amongst the very best for college basketball fans in the United States. The bad news is, well…another’s amongst the worst.

Someone, somehow, stole 300 goose decoys from a field in Lebanon County.

A disabled veteran and his wife are locked in battle with a school district in Allegheny County over a tax exemption. Some Greyhound passengers were stuck for hours—others, days—in Pittsburgh. The time to legalize backyard chickens in Philadelphia may be nigh. And even more UFO sightings were reported in Pennsylvania since last year.

TikTok has been sued in Philadelphia U.S. District Court by a mother whose daughter died during what’s known as the “blackout challenge.” Pittsburgh is also being sued, but over claims that its recently inked inclusionary zoning ordinance for affordable housing is unconstitutional. A former school has been converted into housing for homeless veterans. Finally, if you’re a big Bigfoot fan, then these are the festivals for you.

Senator Bob Casey is looking to make sure the “worst” nursing homes in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. get inspected on time. One town in Westmoreland County is thinking about establishing a “do not knock” list for solicitors. Pittsburgh’s bringing back its electronic waste collection program. And be sure to look up this weekend, Pennsylvania, to catch a glimpse of the Blood Moon.

Pennsylvania’s municipalities are being trained on how to develop climate change strategy plans. Pittsburgh International Airport recently seized its sixth gun of the year. A second-of-a-kind Wawa may be in the works in Lehigh Valley. Plus, a black bear wanders around a town.

Acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman is pushing for federal lawmakers’ support of President Joe Biden’s $15 billion election funding proposal. American Airlines is offering a new way for Lancaster Airport customers to make flights in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania State Police Academy is getting brand new facilities, plus a makeover to boot. Finally, a Catholic school wanted to give moms a surprise for Mother’s Day and, boy, did they do just that.

A school districted is being criticized after elementary students were directed to take the puberty class that coincided with their sex and not their gender identity. Meanwhile, you may want to check your fridge for these pierogis. A long-term ramp closure begins on Route 28 tomorrow. Plus, a Korean War vet’s long-lost ring comes home…70 years later.

Elementary school teachers stepped in and prevented a man from abducting a student. A top state voting official has taken issue with Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin’s plans to monitor ballot drop boxes during the upcoming primary. A school district recently voted to ban student cell phone use at a high school. And two goats were caught kidding around in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania invested nearly $10 million this month towards protecting farmland from any sort of future development. The School District of Philadelphia has launched a website that keeps track of its infrastructure. Those in the film industry want a little more incentive from the state. Plus, some of the best factory tours around are right here in the Keystone State.

PPL Electric Utilities is once again planning on hiking its rates. In response to being asked on how it plans to improve passenger safety—like maybe hiring more cops—SEPTA officials say they plan on adding “outreach specialists” to certain lines. One airport hosted a live fire training which focused on saving lives within 90 seconds. Lastly, one Pennsylvanian city is supposedly the second-best for new college grads.

An amendment that’s looking to eliminate race-based hair discrimination was introduced in York the other day. Pennsylvania is one of a number of states that’ll get millions in federal funds to restore the Chesapeake Bay. The renovated site of the Tree of Life Synagogue will include a nonprofit institute which has one goal: ridding the world of antisemitism. And, appropriately on May the Fourth, stars will look like they’re warring above Pennsylvania over the next couple of days.

A school district is investigating reports of an after-school drag show that occurred at a high school. PennDOT has removed once public bridge inspector notes from its website. There’s officially one year left to get a Real ID. Plus, a real-life RoboCop makes its debut.

Lancaster County’s Human Trafficking Task Force has made its first arrest. Some Lehigh Valley lawmakers are looking to make having someone else—such as a family member or spouse—dropping off a person’s ballot easier. You could be waiting longer for that first-class USPS package to arrive. Finally, a dog managed to jump out the window of a house after a fire broke out. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As crime continues to plague SEPTA riders, one Philadelphia City Councilmember has an idea: withholding a portion of the transit system’s funds until something’s done about safety. Pittsburgh has canned its plans for a guaranteed basic income program. The archive of a museum may be getting a new home. And there’s a black moon on the rise. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A California man has been arrested for grooming over 80 victims—five of whom have been confirmed as being from Pennsylvania—into making child pornography. A couple is suing Allegheny County over taxes. If you’re thinking of dropping off someone else’s ballot during the upcoming election, you may want to think again. Plus, a new study found out some very pressing information: Pennsylvania’s favorite cocktail. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man was sentenced to four years in federal prison for being involved in the largest-ever fentanyl bust to take place on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. A survey has found that over 90 percent of hospital workers in Pittsburgh are considering leaving the profession altogether. A longstanding pizza vendor at Knoebels is retiring. And a York County man celebrates his one-year anniversary of receiving a double lung transplant. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Ohio-based company that owns Dorney Park is being sued. The People’s Convoy held a rally in Harrisburg over the weekend. A regional airport just received a $3 million grant from the state. Plus, keep your eyes to the skies as the ISS passes over Pennsylvania this week. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The business travel revenue of hotels in Philadelphia will be almost 40 percent lower than it was before the pandemic (by some estimates). The proposed plan to restore passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia takes a step forward. State officials are stressing the need for organ donors. And one city has been ranked among one of best for small businesses. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania officials—as well as those across the U.S.—are looking to decrease the amount of distracted driving on roads in response to a years-long spike in highway deaths. The state’s casinos hit big revenue-wise last month. Spring finally appears to have sprung. Lastly, this college supposedly has some of the worst spellers around. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia police are seeing more and more young suburbanites getting involved in violent city incidents. The power of the Northern York School Board compelled an “After School Satan Club.” The state Game Commission is predicting more turkeys in Pennsylvania’s forests this year. Finally, kids are having fun playing a water gun game but some of their neighbors aren’t so amused. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been sued by employees who claim their exposure to chemicals used in Zambonis resulted in incurable medical conditions. A school board recently approved guidelines to help teachers instruct students on controversial topics such as race relations. The state Department of Environmental Protection revealed its battle strategy against black flies for this year. And a man didn’t realize he had fallen asleep on his boat until it hit the beach. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A 17-year-old from York will stand trial for criminal homicide. State troopers investigated reports of an abduction in Snyder County only to find it was all a part of a bachelor party joke. State agencies’ energy usage went down last year. Plus, this family has “The Andy Griffith Show” to thank for reuniting them with their long-lost cockatiel. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Google is set to invest over $15 million in Pennsylvania this year. The federal government is returning money it seized from a cannabis company. The state unemployment rate fell below five percent. And a couple’s engagement photoshoot got a magical surprise. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There’s yet another new phone scam out there that Pennsylvanians should be wary of. A local college got a grant to teach folks how to operate industrial machinery. The state Game Commission will dole out more doe licenses. Plus, a Great Dane gives good vibes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pittsburgh City Council has put a pin in a bill regarding warrantless police pedestrian stops. Police in Philadelphia are looking to up patrols on Amtrak and SEPTA services as a response to the recent mass shooting in a New York City subway. State game lands are growing. Lastly, remote workers have a chance to live on the wild side. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was recently revealed that 90 percent of fentanyl that causes fatal overdoses throughout the U.S. is made in Mexico and contains chemicals produced in China. State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make changing one’s name easier. Things are (finally) heating up in Pennsylvania. And luck’s a real lady to the Keystone State. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Philadelphia man is facing charges for using a 3D printer to make “ghost guns.” A lawsuit has been filed to remove the mayor of York City from office. Drivers, please know that some tunnels will be closed on the Pennsylvania Turnpike today and tomorrow. Lastly, the Tiger King asked Big Ben for a signed jersey. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three attacks on Asian SEPTA riders all occurred within last week, although officials say there’s no indication any were racially motivated. Geisinger has issued a patient-visitor pledge in the hopes it’ll help to lessen the spike in aggression and violence against its staff. A facility that converts used plastic into feedstock for new products is coming to Northumberland County. Finally, one extremely lucky individual is $5 million richer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Although pedestrian deaths in Pennsylvania increased last year, they still remained below the national average. The ban on plastic grocery bags that recently took in effect in Philadelphia may be coming to Pittsburgh. Mohegan Sun Pocono will offer up some fun new entertainment options this season. And this is Pennsylvania’s favorite cheap beer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Harrisburg man is facing 115 charges after raping two girls under the age of five and uploading dozens of photos and videos of the assaults online. Residents of a town in York County were alarmed by a loud explosion coming from a nearby J&K Salvage operation. Rock-climbing at two State Game Lands has been shut down. Lastly, this baseball stadium knocked it out the park on a national ranking. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The FBI has warned parents to be wary of sextortion scams that are targeting teenage boys. A proposal could help pave the way for more parking-protected bike lanes in Pennsylvania’s cities. Let’s hope all these April showers are really going to bring May flowers. Finally, police have their feathers ruffled by an escapee peacock. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lawmakers want to modify the infrastructure law so states can use acid mine drainage cleanup funding in perpetuity. Philadelphia wants to not only increase its own funding for police but expand officers’ presence throughout the city. Pittsburgh TSA officials would like to gently remind flyers to “know what’s in your bag.” And students raise money for their teacher…so he can get rid of his “hideous” shoes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Utility services can now be interrupted again as of today since the state’s moratorium on shutoffs has officially been lifted. Restrictions placed on deer farms in order to mitigate the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) has those in the industry worried. A tornado touched down in Bucks County last week. Finally, the state’s oldest-living wild turkey—ever—has been found. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

PennLive’s outdoor expert, Marcus Schneck, dives deep into this “Today in Pa.” special episode with regards to trout season ahead of the 2022 opener, during which he’ll explain to host Claudia Dimuro—who’s totally clueless—Pennsylvania’s relationship with trout fishing; the technique behind it; and what makes it so al-luring. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State police are keeping a sharp eye out for aggressive drivers. Chaos ensued after a woman drove over a fire hose. This cold snap may keep Philadelphia’s cherry blossoms from going into a full bloom. Plus, a historic train makes it rounds once again this summer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

YouTube has removed a video of Republican candidates running for Pennsylvania governor speaking during a forum, citing misinformation. A string of grave robberies has left a number of plots without vases. Trader Joe’s has at last opened in Cumberland County. And a casino deals a local youth football association a helping hand. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A bill that would provide more transparency as to how E-ZPass doles out charges has advanced in the Pennsylvania House. Another bill wants to put whole milk back on the menu in school cafeterias. There’s a winter advisory in place today through 2 p.m. thanks to the sleet and freezing rain we’re supposed to get. Plus, Pennsylvania’s home to one of the best food trucks in America. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Some Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking to establish a state fund to help low-income households pay for home repairs. One metro area saw the steepest natural population decline out of any in the country. Nearly a dozen more counties have been added to Pennsylvania’s spotted lanternfly quarantine zone. Lastly, a local farm’s cheese is recognized as being one of the world’s best. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania is the only state where municipal cops can’t use radar for speed enforcement, something which two new bills want to change. The threat of ticks and mosquitos is expected to be high this spring. March Madness could very well help Philly’s hospitality industry. Finally, a city in Pennsylvania was crowned as one of the top five best spots for pizza. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nurses throughout the state are fighting their way through thick red tape to get licensed. A couple in Pittsburgh has been accused of harassing and threatening their Russian neighbor. The number of harvested deer was down in 2021. And Harrisburg is now home to a first-of-its-kind 5G pole. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.