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

The state AG has accused Dollar General of overcharging customers. Nearly 3 million people never got mail that the state sent, and officials didn’t notice for about a month. This city is purportedly a “judicial hellhole.” And $600 glasses of champagne — in this economy?

A major chip factory (the snack, not the tech kind) factory is closing down next year. A study has found that kids who have a smartphone by the age of 12 have higher risks of depression and other ailments. Less snow, more money. Also, be sure to look up at the night sky throughout the month.

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid will stop covering drugs used for obesity only. A Pittsburgh councilwoman has proposed a 30 percent tax hike for next year. The state has landed this company’s first factory in the Northeast. Plus, an “absolutely incredible” bag.

Patient deaths at hospitals related to sepsis — as well as other conditions — have risen. Delaware County residents might see their property taxes go up significantly next year. Philly’s still struggling with an abandoned car problem. Also, if you’re single and looking to mingle, this is the place for you.

Pennsylvanians should be wary of mislabeled Ritz products. A former Amazon worker claims she was fired due to her pregnancy. Astronomers are offering a tour of the night sky. Finally, the listeners of “Today in PA” get their own Spotify Wrapped.

A shredded cheese sold at places like Walmart and Aldi has been recalled. SEPTA won’t actually make its latest deadline to update its aging railcars. Driverless cabs are coming. Also, December’s looking properly cold.

The state budget was over 130 days late, but don’t worry — officials got their pay raise on time. Homeowners in Philadelphia — and nationwide — are staying put. This is what happens if you don’t have a Real ID at the airport. Plus, two Good Samaritans made the effort to return a woman’s purse and wallet.

Another Staples is closing. Time to batten down the hatches for the incoming snow (in some areas, at least). Fish licenses for 2026 are now on sale. And why not try to make something sweet for the holidays?

These “flying” spiders are big and generally creepy (but harmless to humans). And they’re expected to return to places like Pennsylvania next year.

Black Friday has become a frenzied day on the American calendar filled with slashed prices and practically blood-thirsty shoppers. But did you know that it has origins in Pennsylvania?

SEPTA says it’ll fully restore rail service by late next month. Alcohol sales dipped statewide last year. This is Thanksgiving’s current forecast, which many of you might be wondering about. Also, Pennsylvania just gave a record film tax credit to a popular HBO series.

A utility is raising its rates very soon. Deer season, too, begins soon. Here’s what to expect for Thanksgiving travel this year. And here’s what one cent could go for.

A gas leak in Bucks County has prompted a federal official to propose pipeline safety reforms. Gas-powered leaf blowers are officially banned in this one place in Montgomery County. New AT&T cell sites are coming to Pennsylvania. Plus, for these teens it was either be charged, or run a half marathon.

More cases of infant botulism tied to a recalled baby formula have been reported. A bill that would prohibit hair-based discrimination is on its way to get Gov. Shapiro’s John Hancock. The officials of one county have given the OK to increase air-quality permit fees. Also, how the heck did this get here?

Scammers have created a fake website for water bills that people should be aware of. Three Mile Island is getting a little federal help. Two airport security checkpoints are reopening now that the shutdown’s over. And if you love sports, then these are the cities for you.

Penn says that data breach “has been mischaracterized.” A city might raise taxes for the first time in about 12 years. A mall has been condemned following a wall collapse. Plus, the reviews are in for Pittsburgh International Airport’s brand new terminal.

A proposal would help towns crack down on irresponsible e-bike riders. Pilots for an airline are set to picket this morning. Snow is expected in some areas. Also, this is the “Jetsons Act,” and it proposes exactly what you think it does.

A man claims he saw “something” strange while driving with his wife in Centre County.

An annual study has once again found that Pennsylvania’s number one Thanksgiving side is “America’s most-loved.”

An airport might have been the site of measles exposure. One of Upper Saucon Township’s biggest employers has announced layoffs. A bridge demolition will shut down a major interstate this weekend. Plus, the last penny ever has been minted in Pennsylvania.

That baby formula recall — the one linked to reports of infant botulism — has been expanded. Chester is actively trying to keep Philly from taking its trash there. Wendy’s announced its plans to close a number of stores. Also, this Costco wants to be the first in Pennsylvania to sell booze.

Over a dozen cases of infant botulism linked to baby formula are being investigated. Concertgoers are saying their phones were stolen and taken to China, where there’s reportedly a thriving black market for them. Over 100 egregious toll violation cases have been referred to the state AG. Finally, there’s still a wildcat on the loose.

One of the biggest nuclear waste dumping sites in the United States is finally getting remediation. Customers of a water company will get a piece of $18 million in credits thanks to a recent settlement. Is Pennsylvania one of the country’s most obese states? Also, here’s to hoping this fundraiser was a crit success.

Philadelphia International Airport is among those in the United States that’ll be impacted by service cuts as of today. Pennsylvanians are still paying a tax from 1936 that was supposed to be temporary. Snow’s on the way (at least, that’s what they say). And a boxing weight steps in the ring to fight for cannabis legalization.

The parents of a girl attacked with a Stanley cup have sued the school district in which the incident occurred. Two security checkpoints at a major airport have closed thanks to the shutdown. SEPTA’s issues reported come from mismanagement, not a lack of funding. Plus, this city’s one of the top best for retirees.

Penn has been hacked, and those who did it claim they’ve got their hands on information concerning “wealthy donors” including former President Joe Biden. U.S. Steel has announced a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar plan. This college will offer free tuition (based on certain parameters). And for just $2, a critical habitat gains protection.

A multi-county drug bust has seen over 100 people arrested and the confiscation of both drugs and firearms. The southwestern part of the state is seeing a decline in the number of foster parents. Another day, another lottery winner. Plus, a brilliant celestial event will take place soon.

Pennsylvania is home to the second oldest active military base in the country. And its impressive (and very dark in some aspects) history has led to quite a few ghost stories over the years.

Smoke shops are “a public health crisis unfolding in plain sight,” according to a report based upon a grand jury probe. Officials want to take the pains to keep track of AI content’s origins (or “provenance,” if you will). A grocery chain wants your pennies. Also, a historian explains why a stadium might be haunted.

Five confirmed cases of rabies have been reported in Northampton County. Air traffic controllers got a whopping $0 paycheck. Here’s what people are hoping might happen now that a new Costco’s opened up. Plus, could this be the return of the landline?

The state AG’s office has provided an update on fentanyl seizures. Pennsylvania and other states are seeing new confirmed cases of avian flu, causing concerns of a resurgence. Here’s what the weather forecast for Halloween is currently. Speaking of which, apparently none of Pennsylvania’s cities are among the top best to celebrate the holiday.

ERs in Philadelphia have seen a 110 percent increase in drug-related seizures over the past five years. A health system is dropping UnitedHealthcare next year. Pennsylvania’s construction industry is experiencing a slowdown. Finally, time to nominate “River of the Year.”

A township has tabled an ordinance concerning data centers. Philadelphia “ain’t playing” when it comes to illegal dumping. Daylight saving time’s end is nigh. Plus, a parenting guide came with a touch of real-life romance.

The PUC will investigate a proposed rate hike. Drivers, please keep your eyes peeled for deer. Where one bridge closes another bridge opens. And that’s not how you spell “Michael.”

Wawa has issued a voluntarily recall as a “precautionary measure.” A bill that would preserve the anonymity of lottery winners of $100,000 or more has advanced. It’s special firearms season, so please wear orange in certain areas. Plus, there’s a big chance you’ll see Bigfoot in Pennsylvania.

Officials and experts are expressing concerns over the overdoses being attributed to products sold at gas stations, vape shops and convenience stores. A zinc battery manufacturer is expanding in Pennsylvania. The state’s been recognized — again — as being a great place to raise a family. Also, it’s a fry-eating contest with a sting.

Millions of Pennsylvanians won’t receive SNAP benefits next month. A bill would require naloxone in schools. These October gas prices are the lowest they’ve been in years. Plus, how ‘bout them apples?

Americans are currently being besieged by billions of robocalls a month. Here’s how to find out where your former Rite Aid prescription records went. A popular rice has been recalled. Also, heavy is the crown.

Parents and teachers have voiced their concern over multiple incidents of student violence at a Montgomery Township elementary school. A hospital system will lay off hundreds of workers. Philadelphia homicide detectives are solving cases at the highest rate seen in decades. Plus, apparently Pennsylvania is very haunted.

The state has approved higher Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premiums for next year. An EMS worker in Westmoreland County has filed a complaint against Teamsters. A lot of indie venues across the state just can’t turn a profit. Finally, this museum invites you to dance like you can’t stop.

Two state lawmakers want to make sure AI chatbot users have privacy protections. A township in Montgomery County just got one step closer to banning gas-powered leaf blowers. It costs quite the pretty penny to get married in Pennsylvania (although certainly not as much as some other states). Lastly, this October sky has a double feature.

A bill that would mandate cellphone-free school days has been introduced. Medicare open enrollment starts tomorrow. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is giving people a glimpse of what interchanges without tollbooths look like. And a bunch of tires were dumped by an airport.

A judge has ruled that — if they aren’t sold — Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Springfield Hospital can be abandoned. There’s a new kind of auto theft that cops want you to know about. These citizens are among those paying the most out of their salaries for groceries. Also, what the duck?

Overdose deaths in Philadelphia continue to fall. The 2026 COLA has yet to be announced, but some experts are concerned over current projections. One area’s sewage is another man’s energy source. Lastly, students are looking into what could very well be Lancaster County’s oldest tavern.

A “Grandparent Scam” is on the rise. A bill that would grant striking workers unemployment benefits has advanced. Glamping is coming to several state parks next year. Plus, bovine intervention caused a bit of traffic the other day.

SEPTA commuters are experiencing a rash of delays and cancellations after feds issued that Emergency Order. The state is adding more parking spaces for long-haul truckers. The fate of the Monroeville Mall has been revealed. Also, if you want to see a UFO, Pennsylvania’s the place to be.

A rise in coffee prices is proving to be “too much” for a number of consumers in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is looking to the people to help develop a new public safety plan. The state got fed approval to continue building EV charging stations. Finally, the city has been recognized as one of the best for vegan and vegetarians.

A database could list your name if you’re suspected of child abuse, even without a conviction. Beef prices have hit a record high. A medicare program offers free, enhanced support for the families of dementia patients. Lastly, a small city in Pennsylvania has been listed among America’s best.

Pennsylvania’s budget impasse continues, and taxpayers might be the ones to pay for it. The NTSB has urged SEPTA to address its railcar fire risks. An airport lounge has been temporarily shut down by health officials. Plus, Pennsylvania amusement parks are some pretty great Halloween attractions.

Authorities have busted up a South American theft ring for a multi-county burglary spree that targeted Asian business owners. PPL has requested a rate hike for the first time in over a decade. State lawmakers mull over how much the Game Commission should be paying for hunting lands. Lastly, this city’s one of the top 20 best for foodies.