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

A new bill is passed that’ll change voting in Pennsylvania starting in 2020. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh a judge strikes down local gun control laws. Fishing fans, we’ve got good news for you -- the state is doubling the amount of trophy trout it’ll stock in 2020. And, to wrap it all up, we’ve got a cool story about how you can see a NASA rocket launch without leaving the state. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Members of a "most violent" gang in Reading are charged with quadruple murder, kidnapping and more. Meanwhile, a new invasive species is found in Pennsylvania. In Pittsburgh, a bus goes viral after it gets swallowed up by a sinkhole. And, for those who missed the Popeyes chicken sandwich the first time -- you’re in luck. The viral fast food dish is coming back. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pittsburgh-area school district cancels school today over a rumored threat. In Schuylkill County, a high school football player was critically injured in a game this weekend. In other news, Pennsylvania doctors approve an invasive weight loss surgery for teens and a rare bird makes its first-ever appearance in state. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of Philadelphia’s top cops is accused of sexually assaulting three police officers. Meanwhile, in Lebanon County, 98 animals were seized from a self-proclaimed rescue organization. Pennsylvania refuses to give over drivers records to the Census Bureau and one York Township resident has transformed her home into Cookie Monster. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State lawmakers change their mind about a controversial bill about campaign finance. Meanwhile, a Lehigh County family is suing e-cigarette company Juul over their 13 year old’s addiction. Across the state, bed bugs are a serious problem -- with one Pennsylvania city being named the worst in the country for the pests. And, because we like to end on a happier story, we’ve got a tale about a celebrity who photobombed an engagement shoot in Philly See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Campaign finance oversight is about to be more difficult in Pennsylvania, thanks to state lawmakers. Meanwhile, a new bill is passed that won’t let anyone younger than 18 get married in the state. In State College, a Penn State fraternity is suspended after a 17 year old dies. In more cheerful news, one of Pennsylvania’s iconic sports stars is the subject of a new stamp. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s been a busy start of the week for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. A heartbeat bill, geared towards ending abortions, was introduced. Another bill was brought up that would change the voting system in the state and yet another piece of legislation seeks to solve a firefighter shortage. In non political news, Clark Bars are ready to make a comeback. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A fire in Allentown displaces 44, meanwhile two children have been shot in Philadelphia. A Pittsburgh Steelers player was arrested over the weekend. In less depressing news, Pennsylvania is selling an extreme beer that’s actually illegal in 15 states. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Catholic Church in Pennsylvania announces $9.6 million in new settlement payouts to victims of sex abuse. Meanwhile, Governor Wolf is changing overtime rules for thousands of workers and the liquor control board has awarded a nearly half billion contract to an Ohio firm -- without hearing bids from other companies. And, want a duck boat? The state government is auctioning one off! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania community college system is getting rid of on-campus mental health counseling. Meanwhile, the state’s auditor general calls for lawmakers to legalize fentanyl testing strips. Over in Philadelphia, a new bill is being introduced that’ll ban minors from vaping. In non-drug news, the White House has picked its Christmas tree -- and it’s coming from Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf tells President Trump that Pennsylvania will keep accepting refugees, despite having the power to ban them. Meanwhile, corporations could be getting taxed in Pa. -- even if they don’t have offices or employees here. In Lancaster, plans are announced for an innovative proton therapy center that could change how we fight cancer. And, before we go, we’ll talk snow. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new report to the U.N. says that Pittsburgh still has work to do when it comes to human rights. Meanwhile, residents around McKeesport are on their fourth day of a boil water advisory. Electricity giant PPL is considering a $67 billion merger with another utilities company. And after all those stories, you may need a drink. Keurig has just released a new machine in Pennsylvania that makes cocktails -- not coffee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Skyrocketing lunch debt has one Pennsylvania district considering using collection agencies to solve the problem. Meanwhile, thousands of Mack Truck employees are on strike after contract negotiations stall. Speaking of stalling -- a plane that crashed in the Susquehanna River a week ago is still there. And, finally, a spinoff of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is in the works. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The ACLU objects to a ballot question about victims’ rights amendment. Meanwhile, a new study says Pennsylvania has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the nation. Hunters and anglers are the targets for a new scam and a new US Navy ship is being named after our state capitol. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania school district president is banned from anything having to do with the Olympics after a sexual misconduct investigation. A Philadelphia man is freed after 27 years in jail over a wrongful conviction. A legendary flea market is closing. Wrapping it all up: Game of Thrones fans will want to head to Pittsburgh -- one of the series’ stars is filming a movie there. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Grim details are released on the death of two young children in Berks County. Meanwhile a Philadelphia jury says Johnson and Johnson has to pay $8 billion after not adequately warning users a drug could cause people to grow female breasts. Dick’s Sporting Goods destroyed $5 million of assault rifles to keep them off the street. In happy news, a Philadelphia 76ers star has finally landed his first professional three pointer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three babies die at a Pa. hospital from an infection and staff are trying to find answers. Meanwhile, Drexel University is stuck with a six figure bill from a former professor’s strip club visits. In traffic news, a new bridge is almost done… but still will take years to open. And, on an inspiring note, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania may have found a new way to treat those with muscular dystrophy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The first Pennsylvania death related to vaping is confirmed. Meanwhile, syphilis cases are on the rise in the state. In Harrisburg, politicians are calling for a moratorium that would stop the closing of state centers for those with disabilities. And, in tastier news, the McRib is back. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania woman sues e-cigarette company Juul, claiming it causes seizures. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia a new website lets you monitor the criminal justice system in real time and Sheetz is giving $16.8 million back to its employees. In decidedly adorable news, the Rock wishes a 100 year old Pennsylvania woman a happy birthday. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Philadelphia supervised injection site doesn’t violate U.S. law according to one judge. Meanwhile, Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to announce a new tax to help protect the environment. Fantasy sports fans will be excited to hear that DraftKings is coming to Pa. and in decidedly weird news, an alligator has been found in Pittsburgh -- and he’s not the only one. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania deputy sheriff is revealed to be a key part in a Chinese-run fentanyl trafficking network. Meanwhile, a judge in the Kids for Cash scandal has been officially disbarred and one Pennsylvania city bans cashless stores. In the sweetest of news, Yuengling and Hershey have teamed up for a new beer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Philadelphia school is shut down after damaged asbestos is discovered, meanwhile your beer is going to cost a little more in Pa. And, just when we thought we had the spotted lanternfly thing down, there’s a new invasive species in town. On a lighter note, the state capitol building is dyeing its fountain pink and we’ll share why. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania is facing a medical marijuana shortage as the list of patients grows. Meanwhile, in western Pa. big box stores are taking shoplifter justice into their own hands. Back on the eastern part of the state, the West Nile virus has been reported in six counties. In lighter news, the Pa's own Statue of Liberty has a new look. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Immigration authorities arrest 34 people in Pennsylvania after a 5 day sweep. If you’re planning on traveling on the Pa. Turnpike think again -- part of it will be closed over the weekend. In good news, 18 Pennsylvania schools were highlighted for being some of the best in the country. And we end on a moral dilemma: would you betray your favorite NFL team for $2,000? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf wants to legalize recreational marijuana, meanwhile the state senate is trying to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. Leaving politics behind: more than a hundred thousand eggs are destroyed on a Pennsylvania roadway and one Philadelphia server gets a $400 tip so she can buy NFL tickets. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania Legislature committee spends a day on gun legislation, then calls it quits. Meanwhile the state considers turning over the lieutenant governor’s resident for the use of veterans. Beware, the dreaded spotted lanternfly is on the move. In happier news, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan gets to meet Terry Bradshaw in a new commercial for Ford. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania senate passes a bill to help against spam phone calls and the national government is sponsoring medical testing in two Pennsylvania counties where citizens were exposed to contaminated water. Meanwhile, a state senator is removed from the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee over sexual misconduct allegations. In lighter news, a Philadelphia Eagles player extends an olive branch to a very upset fan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A rare disease that kills both humans and horses has been detected in three Pennsylvania counties. In Pittsburgh, drug overdoses at a party result in the death of 3 men and hospitalization of 4 more. Meanwhile, thousands of pigs are killed in a fire in Lehigh County. In lighter news: The Emmy Awards were last night, and one Pennsylvania native made history. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three Mile Island nuclear power plant is closing down, and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is growing its lower-income assistance programs. Meanwhile, a York County man is celebrating an 83rd year work anniversary and if you are looking for something to do this weekend we’ve got tips on how you can see some museums for free. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania state senator Mike Folmer resigns a day after being arrested for child pornography. Meanwhile, police may have solved the mystery of severed legs found in the Susquehanna River earlier this year. On more cheerful topics, Penn State will be featured in a new HBO show. And proof that late is better than never, a World War II veteran gets a Bronze Star 74 years after his heroic moment at the Battle of Cologne. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania senator and sports star have both been charged with child pornography possession. A fraternity revokes a charter at Penn State after numerous violations by the local chapter. Gritty makes his NHL video game debut and KFC releases a new experimental donut chicken sandwich -- but only in one Pa. city. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Controversial Pennsylvania comedian Shane Gillis won’t be joining the cast of Saturday Night Live after all. In sports, it’s a bad day for Steelers fans with Ben Roethlisberger out for the season. In good news: one of the most important literary discoveries of modern times has been made at the Free Library of Philadelphia and a piece of Pennsylvania film history returns to the Keystone State. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Questions linger after two are injured on a ferris wheel at the York fair -- including how the accident happened in the first place. Meanwhile, it was a heartbreaking weekend for Pa football fans -- unless you cheer for Penn State. There’s a new warning on menus in Philadelphia regarding salt and the latest viral Internet star in Pennsylvania? That’s an Amish girl. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

"SNL" casts a Pennsylvania comedian, but there’s already controversy about the decision. Meanwhile, the state is reviewing science standards for students. Pittsburgh will be receiving seedlings of the survivor tree of the World Trade Center and it’s Milton Hershey’s birthday (which means free candy). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The death penalty could be outlawed in Pennsylvania after lawyers petition the state Supreme Court. In other news, a Pennsylvania university is in the top ten list of best colleges in the country, while one of its alumni’s inventions is up for a spot in the National Toy Hall of Fame. And, because we all love animal stories, we’ve got a special tale about a miniature horse and a goose who are best friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A former Steelers player is accused of sexual assault. It’s the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and services are planned nationwide to honor the fallen. In lighter news, Green Day, Weezer and Fall Out Boy are joining forces for an epic tour (with stops in Pa, of course) and a six year old inspires a Scranton toy company to make army women for the first time. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

All the news you need to know in less than five minutes. "Today in Pa." brings you the biggest stories in the state, whether they're hard news, entertainment, sports or business. New episodes available every weekday morning everywhere podcasts can be found. "Today in Pa." is hosted by Julia Hatmaker and is a PennLive.com production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.