Today in PA | A PennLive daily news briefing with Julia Hatmaker

A state lawmakers is pushing for more transparency in health care costs. Pittsburgh wants to restrict where vape shops can pop up. If you see a bunch of emergency service workers at HIA, don't panic. Lastly, dust off your lederhosen and wash your stein — Oktoberfest is almost here.

Residents in Bucks County are still looking for answers about nine months after that jet fuel leak. A plant in Homer City will get preliminary air quality approval from the DEP. The state's tourism industry generated billions last year. Finally, this accent is apparently one of America's “most trustworthy.”

A lot of gamblers in Pennsylvania are finding the state's self-ban program to be flawed. York County authorities have rolled out a new system for crime victims. It's the “Immaculate Collection.” And it ended up being nothing to get hiss-terical about.

In this AI world we now live in, teachers in Pennsylvania and across the country are asking themselves what constitutes cheating. A new curfew is shutting a lot of businesses in Philadelphia down at night. The turnpike has unveiled some new equipment. Lastly, Walmart said “Later, gator.”

A township has passed a helmet requirement for e-bike riders under 16 following the death of a child. This bill wants “belly rubs and squeaky toys” over animal testing. Sheetz is warning customers that this candy is about to get pricier. Also, more “livers of the rivers” are appearing in certain waterways.

The state Supreme Court will determine whether or not Uber users waive their right to a trial when they sign up for the app. Scammers are tricking people with bogus ads. Three of Pennsylvania's metro areas are amongst those suffering the worst from housing shortages. Lastly, a 9/11 memorial will host a remembrance ceremony on today's anniversary.

Truckers in Pennsylvania are grappling with a lack of parking spaces. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is fighting a lawsuit concerning the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse. A rollercoaster was stopped mid-ride. And “The Hippie Meathead” has one shell of a goal.

The number of crashes that occurred over Labor Day weekend went up this year in comparison to last. A few areas are seeing people delist their homes. There was a tornado the other day. Lastly, this historic covered bridge — one of the country's oldest – is getting some upgrades.

Philadelphia, according to Mayor Cherelle Parker, is the first local government in the U.S. to launch a system to mitigate deed theft. Hunting isn't usually permitted in national parks, but this'll be an exception. This year's expected to be a prime leaf-peeping one. Plus, probably took him over three just to make it to 20 miles.

An online grocer that owes farmers thousands of dollars has filed for bankruptcy. Pennsylvania is seeing more people homeschool their kids, and it's something that can't be “[attributed] to the pandemic anymore.” There's a cold front a-comin'. Also, a tech issue left some baseball fans watching a game in Spanish.

A South Korean industrial behemoth has unveiled its plans for the Philly Shipyard. The bus driver shortage isn't just a state issue, according to the president of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association. One county's library system faces “some tough decisions” due to a lack of state funding. Plus, it's Extended Trout Season.

Pennsylvania has been impacted by an egg recall linked to the illnesses over nearly 100 people. A couple of state lawmakers think it's high time that semiautomatic rifles can be used for hunting. Two people are significantly richer. Also, this college's youngest student — ever — is eight years old.

A group of residents in Pittsburgh have voiced their concern over one of the city's most highly-anticipated development projects. The coming of Big Data seems inevitable, so these townships have decided to take some steps in laying down some ground rules. What was once a beacon for young girls at the mall is closing over a dozen locations in Pennsylvania. Plus, paws for a moment and relax at this bar coming to York.

Following the death of her daughter, a woman is suing the maker of what's called “gas station heroin.” One city's water department is raising rates starting next week. The state has launched its first-ever digital trail database for almost 120 state parks. Lastly, she's made a habit of fighting crime.

Pennsylvania and Jersey are asking tech companies to crack down on deepfake porn. SEPTA's claims that it needs more funding are “bunk,” according to a new lawsuit. Companies sometimes tailor the prices of items based on consumer spending habits, and a bill is looking to ban that. Finally, the stamp of a Pittsburgh icon might get reissued.

Pennsylvania has joined the fight against “designer Xanax.” A pair of bills is looking to eliminate school property tax. The state saw the most electrical outages on record in decades last year. And the Keystone State is purportedly one of the best to live in.

This proposal — if passed — would ease the concealed carry permit application process. Every Rite Aid in the state has officially closed. The Pennsylvania Turnpike has expanded its payment options. Plus, this is reportedly Pennsylvania's favorite ice cream.

As far as the rental market goes, this city in Pennsylvania is heating up.

Mothman is undoubtedly the cryptid of West Virginia. But the Mothman, the myth, the legend has also been sighted in Pennsylvania over the decades.

A number of high schools in Pennsylvania have just been ranked amongst some of the best around.

Health insurance costs might go up — on average — by almost 20 percent next year. Meanwhile, this is how Hurricane Erin will impact Pennsylvania. Building a new home costs a lot in the state. Lastly, Hawk Mountain has opened its fall migration season.

Allegheny County officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus of 2025. People can now fill out an online application if they're looking to clear any criminal convictions. Pennsylvania wants state employees to utilize AI more. And the Keystone State is purportedly one of the best to live in.

Dollar General has recalled instant coffee products in Pennsylvania as well as 47 other states. SEPTA will move forward with massive service cuts and fare hikes, which'll start at the end of the month. You can now order at-home flu vaccines. Plus, it's the end of an era.

A children's nonprofit announced it will shut down. Philadelphia estimates it'll bring in billions of dollars thanks to America's 250th birthday. Drinking rates have fallen nationwide. Also, happy almost-National Roller Coaster Day.

Kia and Hyundai thefts are spiking, again. One borough wants to use a “crime-fighting drone” to aid police. The state is mulling over how to moderate cellphone use in schools. Plus, some of you might have seen that weird spiral in the sky the other night.

An armored truck has been robbed for about the fourth or fifth time in Montgomery County. A “cyber incident” shut down the state Attorney General's website and phones. The sun'll be out soon enough after a rather stormy week. Finally, meet the “Flathead Queen.”

Pennsylvania continues to see a dip in violent crime. The state House has at last passed an effort to save SEPTA. For Philadelphia, Columbus Day's back on the calendar. Lastly, the weather's “absolutely fantastic” for a little meteor-watching.

Claudia Dimuro is taking a brief hiatus from Today in Pa. and will return soon. Every episode of Today in Pa. can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's news coverage at https://www.pennlive.com/

Two men were arrested in Philadelphia for having a foreign shipment of gun switches. The number of Pittsburgh's police has hit a “frightening” low. Since September's ‘round the bend, here's the 2025 fall forecast. And a number of hospitals in Pennsylvania have been recognized as being some of the best.

New monitoring stations installed around Pennsylvania will better alert people to floods, along with other extreme weather events. Philadelphia officials can now impound the cars of anyone caught illegally dumping trash under a new law. SEPTA service cuts are drawing nearer. Also, an “incredibly rare” creature was captured in a photo, chilling in a lake.

A new drug is spreading throughout the Pittsburgh area. Schools and counties are starting to feel the effects of the state budget stalemate. 119 JCPenneys will be sold, a few of which are in Pennsylvania. Lastly, you can find out for yourself if “Love Is Blind.”

Data is showing that people who lived near military bases have higher-than-average levels of “forever chemicals” in their blood. A bill wants to lend protection to anyone in a flood-prone neighborhood. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners have added more Sundays for hunters. And this marketplace calls itself a “playground for the strange and unusual.”

Officials are keeping an eye on a new mosquito-borne illness. Pittsburgh will release an annual report on its vehicle fleet, which one city councilman calls “a hot mess.” Here's why state parks see high levels of bacteria every now and then. Plus, meet the first-ever inductees named to the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame.

More than 600 bridges were brought down by vehicle hits statewide, leading PennDOT to take action. Industry experts are saying that wine and spirit prices will go up next year thanks to a new fee. Pennsylvania's getting two new Trader Joe's. Lastly, a teen is heading to Japan for an international jump rope championship.

Hundreds of pharmacies have closed across Pennsylvania in recent years, and pharmacists are pointing the finger at pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The spotted lanternfly's next potential target: wine country. Hershey is raising its prices. Also, a community came together to find a lost dog.

An “imposter nurse” used multiple aliases and Social Security numbers to find work treating patients. Electricity bills are expected to go up. Here's what caused that 911 outage. Lastly, let your soul be soothed by an alpaca.

Residents of an area in Bucks County are still feeling the fallout of a gas leak that occurred almost two years ago at this point. Deodorants made in Pennsylvania have been recalled nationwide. The Keystone State will be involved in the biggest clean energy deal in the world. Lastly, an arcade is opening a new, retro location.

The state Health Department has temporarily reclassified copycat drugs of fentanyl. The pending “doomsday” SEPTA service cuts might disrupt students' commutes this school year. Seems like many areas are getting a slight reprieve from the heat. Also, these ladies can toss skillets like ain't nobody's business.

The West Nile virus has been detected in Philadelphia. Casinos saw a record year, revenue-wise. The Keystone State is among America's “top tick-infested.” Lastly, a UFO festival explores a strange tale.

Residents of Delaware County are calling for safety measures for e-scooters following the death of a 12-year-old girl. No, you're not imagining it — there are more mosquitoes around this summer. A new museum is coming to Lancaster. Finally, a clean-up crew was left scrambling to clear this mess, surely not an over-easy ordeal.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have begun to study the potential health effects resulting from the 2023 East Palestine train derailment. A petition argues that independents should be allowed to vote in Pennsylvania's primary elections. Thousands of people have money coming their way. Also, there's a peacock on the loose in Bucks County.

A 16-year-old “gave it everything [she] had” when she set out for a 24-hour-long bike ride, setting a world record.

An Acme employee who worked at the company for the past six decades rang up his last customer the other day.

There are two airports in the Keystone State that have managed to touch down amongst the country's best.

State officials want students to learn how to spot misinformation. Authorities across the state are cracking down on aggressive drivers. The last Rite Aids in Philadelphia will be closing their doors in a matter of weeks. And why did the geese cross the road?

A popular cracker sandwich has been recalled across the country. Union leaders in Philadelphia have expressed dissatisfaction with the deal they got following that strike. “Robotaxis” will be dropping by Philly during a road trip. Also, when it comes to beauty, this bridge has it covered.

A county has launched a review team with the goal of reducing suicides after seeing a record high in 2022. After just a few months, Delaware County is feeling the repercussions following the closure of Crozer Health hospitals. A BJ's is getting new digs. Finally, cops aren't “clowning around” about this theft.

A study has found that anxiety is the most common diagnosis to qualify for Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program. One area now has more renters than homeowners, reflecting a national trend. Pennsylvania's chances of getting a popular convenience chain have gone up. Lastly, what a pain in the fiberglass.

The oldest drive-in theater in the country — which just so happens to be in Pennsylvania — will get a feature on “Good Morning America” soon.

A boat that was built to defend Philadelphia during the American Revolution is getting put back together, piece by piece.

A new law is looking to close a loophole in the sex offender registry. Another proposal wants to tax omnipresent marketing, like the ads you see in social feeds and search results. Amazon continues its expansion in Pennsylvania. And this “dill-lightful” event has something new this year.