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

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill on Monday that seeks to train teachers in the “science of reading.” One university “disenrolled” students for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine, and is also currently keeping unvaccinated employees off its campus until they do so as well. The bus driver shortage may get a little help from the feds. And a one-winged penguin is living his best life at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia set a new, troubling record for homicides in 2021. Yesterday, state lawmakers heard testimony on the benefits of allowing drug users to test their personal stash for fentanyl. Another cold week is ahead of us. Lastly, this local airport topped a national list for weirdest items found by TSA officers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania Senate committee to move forward with 2020, 2021 election audit hearings. Pennsylvania schools remaining in-person plagued by teacher, sub availability. Pennsylvania winemakers dabbling with chocolate flavors. York County police stop car with live deer in the back. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania bill seeks to allow testing of self-driving cars with no one behind wheel. State Weights and Measures Division investigating reports of bad gasoline at local Sunoco. U-Haul finds more people moving out of Pennsylvania than in. 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show reveals butter sculpture. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia’s garbage industry continues to be plagued with problems, the latest coming in the form of trash collection delays due to staffing shortages. Meanwhile, treasure hunters looking for Civil War gold in Pennsylvania sue the Justice Department. Multiple Delaware River projects just got some juicy funding. And a former state auditor general has a cameo in a viral video. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Valley Forge energy company announced it will pay close to $200 million to further expand its natural gas pipeline network in Pennsylvania. Philadelphians, beware, for scams in the form of fake COVID-19 testing sites have popped up in the city. January is definitely here, as this week’s weather has some more snow—and even some freezing rain—on the menu. Finally, NASA confirms that New Year’s Day went off with a big bang in Pittsburgh. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state Department of Education will release the results of 2021 standardized tests…this year. Delaware County will use nearly $5 million in grant funding from the state to upgrade its 911 system. Applications are now open for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and Public Utility Commission’s new Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. Plus, Steve McQueen’s got nothing on these two emus who busted out of a farm in Somerset County. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike’s price hike on tolls has officially gone into effect. Even though it’s ways away, experts are predicting that drivers could be shelling out as much as $4 a gallon at gas pumps by Memorial Day. The Penguins’ sale to Fenway Sports Group got hit with a lawsuit. And if you’re up early enough, you could catch a glimpse of some fireballs today. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

TSA officers at the Philadelphia International Airport found knives in a Darth Vader teddy bear, which is totally something the Sith would do. Meanwhile, a “cigarette bandit” is wanted by state police. Looks like rain will be falling right up till 2022. Lastly, this farm wants your Christmas tree to feed their goats. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pittsburgh’s City Council recently passed a bill that would prohibit cops from pulling drivers over for secondary violations. Philadelphia is gearing up to enforce its plastic bag ban in 2022. An invasive species of tree that’s very popular with landscapers won’t be used as much for beautification purposes starting next year. Finally, one Pennsylvania museum scored a starring role on an episode of an ESPN+ original series. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Mariner East pipeline is at long last on track to be completed in 2022. The Pittsburgh City Council voted to increase its budget for a program that provides free training on salary negotiation to women. If you plan on celebrating New Year’s Eve in Harrisburg, please note that the location of the strawberry drop will be somewhere different this year. And one bakery managed to make one Frankenstein of a “doughman” that was seven feet tall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Mummers Parade is still a go in Philadelphia for 2022. Speaking of which, “Cone Rangers” have banded together in Philly in order to rid the streets of illegally saved parking spots. If you’re lucky, you may spot foxes or other types of wild canines throughout the state. Finally, a young Wawa worker heroically saved a woman’s life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Giant Eagle has recalled packaged salads over a possible listeria contamination. Pennsylvania’s roads may take longer to clear this winter due to a shortage of snowplow drivers. Yuengling has become embroiled in a trademark dispute with Bud Light. And a 200-pound black bear wandering around Pittsburgh is at last apprehended. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The “No Surprises Act”—a federal law banning surprise medical bills—will take effect in Pennsylvania starting in January. Pittsburgh announced this week that it won’t be enforcing its vaccine mandate for cops and firefighters just quite yet. Things will be mostly sunny and chilly leading up to Christmas. Finally, these eagles in West Mifflin are ready for their close-up. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority claims to have overpaid the school district $11.3 million nearly two years ago and is now looking to get that cash back. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ game against the New Jersey Devils tonight has been postponed. The Pennsylvania Lottery has announced two more winning numbers for its New Year’s Millionaire Raffle. Lastly, this one teenager’s heart is far from being two sizes too small. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Schools throughout Pennsylvania and the U.S. hiked up security measures as a response to threats posted to TikTok. Police in Philadelphia have arrested three men who may be connected to the string of armed robberies that’ve been happening since September. More farms have been added to the state’s preservation program. Finally, one city in Pennsylvania has been named one of the best spots for Christmas in the whole country. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia has extended its program that prevents evictions through 2022. The Port Authority’s new fare policy will take effect starting Jan. 1. The spread of ticks could be exacerbated by black bears. Finally, a 95-year-old man spends all year making wooden toys for children. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

According to the FBI, Pennsylvania led the whole U.S. in terms of losing money from cyberattacks in 2020. A bill that would require schools to publish textbooks and course information online has advanced through the state senate. Reports of lanternflies were noticeably down this year. And residents of one town called the police on what they thought was a gigantic snapping turtle. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has been reviewing historical markers and plaques around the state for potential editing or removal, most notably those pertaining to the Civil War. One school district intends to use a Google platform to more closely monitor students’ emails. Amtrak may be cutting its service. Plus, the nation’s cheapest cup of coffee is right here in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia police have confirmed that a series of robberies have all been committed by the same group. The state House Health Committee heard testimonies from physicians concerning a bill that would allow for medical professionals to prescribe medicines in an “off-label” fashion to treat COVID-19. The deadline for Pennsylvania to accept opioid damages is drawing closer. Finally, you could be seeing snowy owls throughout the state before you know it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sure, gold would be nice, but members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps are currently searching a state park for something way more important: cultural treasure. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The fate of handcrafted dioramas showcasing pivotal scenes of the nation’s history that took place in Pennsylvania may be at stake. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania recently got its 34th “Bird Town,” but what exactly is a bird town to begin with? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Staff at a library in Philadelphia noticed something was running afoul, although it was only later that they discovered the culprit wasn’t a squirrel or a raccoon, but a skunk. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After two excruciatingly long years, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is coming back in-person for 2022, with pierogis and butter sculptures (and cowboy churches?) and all. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A recent poll has shown that Pennsylvania residents’ disapproval of how President Joe Biden and Governor Tom Wolf are handling COVID-19 has gone up. One state senator wants to bring back workers to the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s toll booths. Harrisburg will have to pay a former cop disability for the “psychological injury” she received while on the job. Lastly, a number of towns in the Keystone State were deemed some of the best Christmas towns in the nation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Yet another gun was confiscated at Lehigh Valley International Airport, the seventh of the year. Speaking of airports, Philadelphia International Airport has—very helpfully—begun to display wait times at security checkpoints for flyers. State liquor and wine sales set a record for this year. Finally, just to bring it back to LIVA again, anyone else see those weird, glowing orbs flying nearby the other day? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A woman was beaten on a SEPTA train by a 12- and 13-year-old only hours after an anti-violence rally took place. A rioter was sentenced to federal prison for throwing concrete at an occupied police vehicle during the George Floyd protests last year. Some officials are saying that roundabouts are the key to making Pennsylvania’s roads safer. And a beloved Pennsylvania doughnut chain has been deemed a national favorite. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Multiple schools in Pittsburgh were forced to switch to remote learning after officials caught wind of a threat made on Snapchat. The recent cyberattack against Butler college is, according to experts, a reflection of a larger national trend. A local cosmetics company sued by L’Oréal just can’t seem to make up as it continues it legal battle. Finally, there’s an odd duck in Philly. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Tom Wolf revealed Pennsylvania’s first-ever litter action plan the other day. The Pittsburgh Penguins have reached an agreement with Fenway Sports Group that would allow for the Red Sox owners to hold a controlling interest in the franchise. More snow is forecasted for this week. Plus, guess what the biggest company in Pennsylvania is? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia has officially confirmed its 500th homicide of the year, tying with its all-time record. Residents in Pennsylvania could see their electricity bills rise by much as 50 percent starting Dec.1. More clean-diesel Port Authority buses will soon hit the road. And pucker up to Pennsylvania’s new potential state candy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Medical marijuana growers throughout the state have until the end of the month to report any additives in their vape products. Firearms deer season opens this Saturday, with hundreds of thousands of hunters predicted to partake in the sport. Mother Nature could let it snow today. Lastly, a man got hit with a one-day prison sentence after stealing a rifle used in the Revolutionary War. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A worldwide shortage in aluminum has left hospitals—including those in Pennsylvania—short on items such as crutches, walkers, and canes. A benefactor of the University of Pennsylvania has pulled his donations over the men’s basketball team’s decision to sit during the national anthem. Pennsylvania residents, along with the rest of the country, are gearing up to travel and celebrate Thanksgiving pre-pandemic style. And this city has been listed as an up-and-coming travel spot, although it’s probably one you’ve never expected. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man intentionally drove towards an officer before leading police on a low-speed chase on Pittsburgh’s South Side. Exelon is transferring nuclear reactors, including some in Pennsylvania, to a newly created spin-off company. Mayor Bill Peduto and his team are pushing for legislation that would require all city departments to use “sustainable and socially responsible” methods of procurement such as electronic signatures. Plus, this is the Keystone State’s favorite Christmas candy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An assault which took place on Philly’s Broad Street Line against a group of Asian students is believed to have been racially motivated. The well-known statue of an Amish family that stands outside of the former Roadside America site was severely damaged after being intentionally set on fire. Concession stands at state parks are making the switch to paper products. And a gigantic ornament in Pittsburgh gets itself out of a pickle. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

SEPTA and officials from the School District of Philadelphia are currently investigating an assault against a group of students by students that occurred on the Broad Street Line. Two vending machines that dispense Narcan—a nasal spray that treats opioid overdoses—are being installed in Philly. Pennsylvania’s road conditions got low marks in an annual study for the second year in a row. Finally, a woman with cancer intends to make it to the Philadelphia Marathon one last time. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

District attorneys in Pennsylvania are now officially required to have a valid license in order to practice law. A teacher who used a racial slur while reading John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” aloud to her classroom was hit with a federal complaint. Rain is on its way as temperatures drop. And a man at last returned a Bible he had found to its original owner…nearly 40 years later. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A state House committee has voted to endorse a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee an individual’s right to refuse vaccines. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection suggested a rule that would put stricter limits on the use of “forever chemicals” in drinking water. Baseball fans may be treated to a comeback of the original Phillie Phanatic next season. Finally, the heat was turned up during Penn State’s game against Michigan over the weekend in more ways than one. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new bill that politicians are voting on today could possibly make Pennsylvania the national leader in psychedelic ‘shroom research. Gas prices in central Pennsylvania are over a dollar more than they were a year ago. Lehigh Valley International Airport has shared some “critical” advice for all you Thanksgiving travelers out there. And a missing cat from Pennsylvania was found three months later…in New York. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The owner of a food cart in Philadelphia tried breaking up a fight that broke out between high school students and ended up getting beat up instead. Several towns filed a suit in Commonwealth Court which seeks to block PennDOT tolling a bridge on I-79. A group of bald eagles were observed to have been “acting strangely” near the Maryland-Pennsylvania border the other day. Plus, this century’s longest lunar eclipse is on its way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A gunman in Philadelphia opened fire on a police cruiser with two officers inside. A student at Wilkes-Barre Area High School may face criminal charges after a fight which forced the school into administrative lockdown. One lawyer went the extra mile in order “to make a point” in a Pittsburgh courthouse. And not one, but two cities in Pennsylvania are among the best in the country for sports fans. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new form of fentanyl has been identified as the cause behind 75 fatal overdoses in Allegheny County this year. Pennsylvania has been listed among the states who’ve seen the highest increases in foreclosure starts from September to October. Heavy winds have been forecasted for today. Finally, one charity is dedicated to making matches made in Heaven: veterans and dogs. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A state court has ruled that the Pennsylvania Department of Health doesn’t have to give the raw data of deaths caused by the flu or pneumonia in 2019 and 2020 over to the media. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia School District is looking to keep its staff from speaking to news outlets unless otherwise permitted. Thanksgiving shoppers throughout the state have placed their turkey orders earlier than usual. Speaking of which, if you’re looking to have a great Thanksgiving, make sure to celebrate outside of Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania House State Government Committee advanced two bills yesterday: one that would end the use of private money to fund county elections and one that would end Daylight Saving Time. In even more bill news, a new measure was signed into being last week that allows for restaurants, bars, and other locations to expand the outdoor area where they serve booze. A portion of I-81 will be under lane restriction tomorrow night. Lastly, preservationists are restoring the gravestones at one of Philly’s oldest Jewish cemeteries. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

UPMC workers plan to strike next week to demand better benefits and wages. Flyers may have to resort to taking Uber or Lyft to Philadelphia International Airport more often, as the airport recently revealed it won’t be reopening its economy parking lot. The state Game Commission urges drivers to be more wary of increased deer activity on the road. And guess which side dish Pennsylvanians love the most for Thanksgiving (hint: it’s not mashed potatoes)? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A federal judge has ordered that jurors be instructed on implicit racial bias prior to the start of a trial concerning a triple, “execution-style” murder. As a result of increasing gun violence, the Philadelphia Police Department will heighten its presence at a number of the city’s middle and high schools. One state lawmaker wants to ban schools from using Native American mascots and logos. Plus, the only thing better than drinking beer is drinking beer for a good cause. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Central Pennsylvania caregiver got up to nine years in prison for sexually molesting the severely disabled woman he had been tasked to look after. More Afghan evacuees will permanently make Pennsylvania their home than previously expected. If you’re a loyal Giant Eagle customer, make sure you buy your turkey before Thanksgiving as the supermarket chain will close its stores that day. Lastly, this guy stumbled upon a bag of money and returned it to its rightful owner. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ambulances in a number of locations in Pennsylvania are taking longer to get to the scene of an emergency. A new proposal could drive up the price of parking in some areas of Philadelphia. If you’re looking to drift about on a body of water now through the end of April, state law requires you to wear a life jacket (depending on the type of watercraft you’re on). Plus, we’d like to order a Big Mac with a side of some free tuition, please. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A poll found ahead of elections that Pennsylvania voters believe government and politicians are the state’s biggest problem. The state treasurer has estimated that taxpayers could be out $100 million in order to cover the cost of state workers’ extra five days off (should they get vaccinated, that is). Those flying out of Philadelphia International Airport may still feel the impact of those American Airlines cancellations. Finally, a woman ordered wings and found a whole chicken head included in her meal. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A lot of you may be wondering why purple paint spots are popping up on trees all over the state. Luckily, PennLive’s Marcus Schneck has the answer for you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.