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

Pennsylvania is apparently the worst in class when it comes to “litigation bloat.” Millions of Stanley cups have been recalled. Here’s whether this Christmas will — or won’t — be white. Finally, it’s Chicken vs. Cheeseball.

In 1980s Pennsylvania, the brutal murder of two elderly women rocked a community. To this day, the man sent to jail for the crimes maintains his innocence. Join “Today in Pa.” host, Claudia Dimuro, and true crime reporter, John Luciew, as John discusses his latest series on Ron Sperry.

Pittsburgh has seen over $3 million worth of cars stolen since September. The state AG is looking to make interacting with service providers easier. The Hershey Company has rejected a preliminary takeover offer. And, oof, that’s got to hurt.

One state lawmaker is highlighting how AI-generated child pornography “will not be tolerated” in Pennsylvania. Some of those weird drones were spotted in the Philadelphia area. The 2024 construction season is coming to a close for the Pa. Turnpike. Plus, extras are needed for a TV series.

A hospital system has been accused of granting Facebook access to private patient portals. An iconic company may be up for sale (again). There’s a nearly $3.4 million lottery ticket out there. Finally, the world’s oldest newlyweds are from Pennsylvania.

Two teenagers have been charged in connected to a case involve AI-generated pornographic images of students in Lancaster. These bridges will no longer accept cash soon. A snack food titan has opened up a new distribution center. And this guy bagged Pennsylvania’s biggest bear for the year (so far).

A proposed electricity substation would power AI in Virginia. Recently posted test scores indicate that students are still struggling post-pandemic. Some places may still possibly see snow squalls today. Lastly, Santa needs cops’ — and kids’ — help this weekend.

A 20-year-old utility law focused on consumer protection is set to lapse. A major food company is closing down two plants in Pennsylvania. Almost 30 percent of United States drugstores have closed in the last decade or so. Finally, these are some of the country’s “most fun” spots.

Parents are skeptical with regards to the Pittsburgh public school system’s plans to close buildings and shuffle around students. State officials think it’s “high time” to make recreational weed legal. Over $5 million has been put toward affordable housing. And this surely wasn’t a taste of “teenage wasteland.”

Norfolk Southern wants a “Tent City” vacated by January. SEPTA’s fare increase has officially gone into effect. Officials have confirmed that the drought won’t affect deer hunting this year. Plus, the Farm Show’s latest milkshake flavor.

This library in Pennsylvania has both beauty and brains, so to speak.

There’s a landmark in Pennsylvania that’s one of the best in the nation for giving you the most bang for your buck.

What authorities have called a “South American theft group” is targeting Montgomery County. PennDOT is currently working on a state rail plan for next year. State and local police have launched “Operation Safe Holiday.” Lastly, this Uber Eats order came with “extra greens.”

Philadelphia cops have arrested a group of teens accused of being behind a series of random attacks. There’s currently a recall of dog treats in 19 states, Pennsylvania included. Travelers, get ready for the “busiest Thanksgiving ever.” And a local will appear on this year’s National Dog Show.

A number of hospitals have seen an increase in uncompensated medical care. A city wants to make a change to its free pet neutering and spaying program. Three colleges will be offering direct applications. Plus, these restaurants are amongst this year’s best.

Philadelphia has lost its bid to impose stricter gun regulations as a means to stem rampant gun violence. A tornado touched down in Pittsburgh. A living woman was accidentally declared dead by Social Security. And a local baker won yet another big TV competition.

A proposal would allow the investment of 10 percent of Pennsylvania’s general fund into Bitcoin. A new program wants to fast-track the permitting process for bigger projects. You can help AI “to talk naturally.” Finally, Hersheypark’s getting a new ride.

Three formerly elected, previously convicted city officials landed new taxpayer-funded positions. A school district is mulling over how much sway superintendents should have over policymaking decisions. Amtrak has completed a rail project just in time for the holiday travel season. And this ham, in the words of CBS Local Philadelphia, is on the lam.

Patients who were affected by a 2023 Lehigh Valley Health Network data breach were just awarded $65 million. Philadelphia is now readying itself for a potential triple strike. The state has granted $5 million for some major upcoming sports events. Lastly, someone took Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar’s tequila.

If you’re a cold weather-type bird looking for a cozy getaway, look no further than these spots in Pennsylvania.

One could argue that Thanksgiving is all about the side dishes.

A county in Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the country. The FBI is now involved in the investigation of a bank robbery. Mayor Ed Gainey has proposed Pittsburgh’s 2025 budget proposal. Plus, Pennsylvania’s one of the most charitable states around.

People across the country started drinking more during the pandemic and haven’t stopped. SEPTA might go into a “death spiral.” The largest solar project developed by a Pennsylvanian utility is underway. Lastly, this is the state’s favorite Thanksgiving dish.

About 50 underage students were the victim of AI-generated nude photos. Pennsylvania’s largest cyber charter school is being scrutinized for the way it spends funds. A package manufacturer is coming to Lebanon County. Finally, Hershey gets sour.

The FDA is looking to pull a common ingredient used in popular cold medicines from the market. Pennsylvania’s population grew last year. A historic ship will set sail from Philadelphia this week. Also, do you like one of the “world’s worst beers?”

Norfolk Southern tells employees they shouldn’t spend more than a minute inspecting railcars, although the company claims this is simply the industry standard. Delaware ports are trying to expand, and those in Philadelphia aren’t happy about it. The Department of Military and Veteran Affairs is now accepting grant applications for services and programs that benefit veterans. Lastly, a Good Samaritan wrestled a dirt bike rider who had hit a cop into apprehension.

13 people were charged for their roles in trafficking oxycodone. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has banned campfires at state parks and forests as the drought persists. Two Pennsylvania cities are supposedly amongst the top 10 “most livable.” And keep it punny.

Over 100 inmates were released from jails as a result of staffing shortages. SEPTA workers might strike as soon as this Friday. A Pennsylvania-based cheesemaker has voluntarily recalled several of its products. Finally, a fast food company is (boldly) expanding into Philadelphia after poking fun of the beloved Philly cheesesteak.

A fire broke out on Blue Mountain in Northampton County. Unemployment claims went up last week. A closing facility will periodically lay off workers through next year. Lastly, they said it couldn’t be done, but the Philly Portal has made it through the week.

Pennsylvanians might get the chance to glimpse a meteor shower that’s “rich in fireballs” this month.

PPL Electric’s price to compare is going up. Tens of thousands of Wawa-branded products have been recalled. The end of daylight saving time is night. And this woman is believed to be North America’s oldest living person.

What authorities have deemed the “Bad Bunny” drug ring has been broken up. An ex-county commissioner gave a former classmate of his almost $2 million in contracts for a solar farm. Pennsylvania- and Jersey-based newspapers will cease their print operations. Plus, you can smell like Philly with these new perfumes.

Speed cameras will keep an “unblinking eye” on motorists in this area of Philadelphia soon. Pennsylvania is investing millions to support the expansion of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc. Here’s what the weather’s going to be like for Halloween tomorrow. Lastly, the state has a new old-growth forest.

A scientist at Penn State was banned from conducting research after “unreliable data” was found in several of her scientific papers. School members convened behind closed doors after protestors crashed their meeting, and now there’s a debate over whether or not their actions were legal. The state DEP has reduced its permit backlog by nearly 70 percent. And if you’re looking to stay at a hotel for its ghosts rather than its continental breakfast, here’s a few cities as suggestions.

In the 19th century, a young sheep herder was tending to her flock when she noticed a strange man watching her from afar. Around the same time, sheep were getting picked off one by one by some great, lumbering beast. Needless to say, it didn’t take too long for people to suspect the stranger of being a werewolf.

A man from Pennsylvania is officially the world’s top pumpkin grower.

A bill would implement a tracker which would follow rape kits through the testing process. A school district has launched an AI gun-detection system. Drivers in bike lanes could soon get fined in this city. Lastly, the most popular legend in Pennsylvania is actually based in truth.

A judge — who’s been in this position before — is under fire following a fatal stabbing. Cracks in an airport parking garage are a cause of concern for a number of people despite assurances that these worries are “utterly unfounded.” Farms are struggling amidst this drought. And you, Pennsylvania, sure are generous with Halloween candy.

A teen was fatally shot in Harrisburg for the third time in as many months. A man’s child sexual abuse material case has been dismissed due to a 1981 Supreme Court opinion. Lower-priced new cars are becoming more popular. Finally, here are some pumpkin-carving tips from a pro.

Schools in Pennsylvania may soon have a list of “evidence-based” reading curricula to choose from. SEPTA riders are objecting to the upcoming fare hikes. The state’s ban on fortune-telling may get nixed in the near future. And about hundreds of mink were released from a farm over the weekend.

Did you know that Pennsylvania’s home to one of the world’s most haunted locations? And no, it’s not Gettysburg.

Fall is arguably one of the best times to drive, and a city in Pennsylvania is one of the best places to take one.

An airport director has shot down rumors concerning thousands of immigrants supposedly being flown into an area overnight. A popular convenience chain is shuttering over 400 locations. Now’s the best time to get your heat ready. Lastly, anyone missing “Pork Chops?”

A proposal brought forward to address a city’s homelessness problem has drawn ire. Hundreds of groups have received xylazine wound kits. The next supermoon will be the closest to Earth for this year. And lawyers have to say “sorry” for a “scream test.”

About 200 schools may have served contaminated chicken to students. One municipality may have to issue a fee in order to keep up with state stormwater management regulations. You may be entitled to a piece of a $35 million settlement. Lastly, this man has ridden one roller coaster 1,000 times.

It was the 1980s when a family — forced to move to West Pittston, Pa., because of Tropical Storm Agnes — began to be tormented by supposed demonic entities in their home. Join “Today in Pa.” host, Claudia Dimuro, for a first-ever, special episode of “Paranormal Pa.” covering Pennsylvania’s very own “Amityville Horror” — the Smurl haunting.

A Pennsylvania man who accused a weed killer of causing his cancer was awarded $78 million. The systems American Water turned off following that cyberattack are back online. Don’t fret if you missed out on seeing the northern lights the other night. And this is a rather happy “tail.”

Schools are receiving more threats this year. The state Supreme Court will determine whether the social media posts of public officials concerning agency business are public record. Money is going toward getting electric school buses on the road. Plus, Pennsylvania has some sweet tooth.

A school in Pennsylvania is among those accused of price-fixing. Airports all along the East Coast are experiencing flight delays and cancellations due to the hurricane. Some places are under a frost advisory today. And surgeons successfully separated conjoined twins.

The largest water utility in the United States — which manages locations in Pennsylvania — was hit by a cyberattack. A proposal would relax the prescription rules for psychiatric drugs. It’s going to cost more to play Mega Millions. Lastly, this tree has roots that are out of this world.