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

Tens of thousands of people statewide have dropped their health plans due to skyrocketing costs. State lawmakers are looking to strengthen efficiency standards for appliances. Philly bars could very well stay open past 2 a.m. this summer. And the state tourism agency gives you the winter activity lowdown — in Pennsylvania's regional accents. 

A global company with roots in Pennsylvania is actually moving its headquarters back to the state. Sen. Dave McCormick says he's secured more than $270 million in federal funding for projects statewide. A big kahuna lottery ticket was sold at a supermarket. Also, this kid using a Ben Franklin ID was the straw that broke the camel's back. 

Smaller transit systems are feeling the same pain SEPTA was not too long ago. A federally mandated change is taking effect at libraries next week. Pennsylvania's population actually grew while, overall, the country's fell. Plus, the winning Pennsylvania Super Bowl snack. 

A new report has found how much Pennsylvanians need to make in order to “comfortably afford” child care. Another Starbucks has unionized. There's an “arctic blast” heading our way. Finally, the tallest living female dog — who's nearly half the size of Michael Jordan — has Pittsburgh roots. 

The state Health Department has confirmed five measles cases in central Pennsylvania. Safety officers in Philadelphia District schools will get bulletproof vests and handcuffs starting next year. Gambling saw another record year in 2025. And are “savesies” on parking spots kosher?

Health concerns remain prevalent in the East Palestine community three years after the train derailment. Tens of thousands of Kias and Hyundais have a defect that could leave people driving blind. Officials have started to clean up the mess a failed recycling project left behind. Also, this river's quite the comeback kid.

The Allegheny River's ice situation has gotten so bad, it's disrupted shipping. Gov. Shapiro has endorsed a statewide ban on cellphones during school days. SEPTA will start using leased railcars to boost service. Plus, a feature film on Gettysburg has wrapped.

A utilities has proposed an increase to its base rates, spelling an additional $10 more a month for customers. 2026's trout stocking schedules have been released. Pennsylvania's reportedly a great state to raise a family. And a historic site reopens, just in time for America's 250th.

A prison has said that inflation is the reason for rising costs and thus, consequently, for a nearly 10 percent tax hike for area residents. People living in a York County mobile home community are stuck in the snow due to a years-long dispute. If you haven't received mail or packages, you're not alone. Lastly, Pennsylvania's still a top state for retirees.

Pennsylvania has joined other states in a push to get Grok to quit creating — and spreading— nonconsensual, sexual deepfakes. People's eating habits have changed, and restaurants statewide are trying to adapt. All Amazon Fresh stores are closing. And a dog was reunited with her family after four years.

A change to a state law — one regarding estates — took effect last week. A proposal would ensure that locals would be hired to do taxpayer-funded construction jobs. The deer hunting opener will remain where it is “for now.” Also, here're the areas that got the most snow over the weekend.

A controversial bill that involves the country's largest incinerator has been put on hold. Pharmacies are closing at a rapid pace, nationwide, but this community just got a new one. Pennsylvania's apparently a terrible state for drivers. And a man hiked the entire Appalachian trail — all 2,198 miles of it.

Over a dozen hospitals could close statewide if the current financial instability persists. Here's how eligible folks could get up to $1,000 in tax rebates. Touch-less ID is touching down at this airport. Finally, PETA is — once again — gunning to replace Punxsutawney Phil.

Come Monday, Jefferson Health's Lehigh Valley Health Network is expected to go out-of-network for thousands of people. Officials installed a naloxone vending machine in Pittsburgh. You'll be paying a price if you don't have a Real ID starting next month (literally). Plus, Pennsylvania was a hotbed of paranormal activity in 2025.

Feds missed a deadline they set themselves, so broadband expansion in Pennsylvania remains on hold. A worm with an aggressive appetite is threatening forests. Sheetz invading Wawa's territory could have an interesting repercussion. And a beloved drive-in has announced its season opener.

SEPTA saw crime fall to historic lows last year. After a rash of grave robberies, a cemetery in Delaware County is looking to the public for a little help raising funds. Restaurant scalping is proving to be a real pain in Philadelphia. Also, if you still happen to have your Christmas tree — why not give it to these goats?

A “potentially deadly” cheese was sold throughout Pennsylvania as well as 19 other states. Change might be on the wind for hunters. A winning Powerball ticket was sold in York County. And okay, how much does Gritty make?

Pennsylvania is seeing a surge in utility scams. The state's maternity care desert has just grown a bit more. Loud booms and flashes of light have been puzzling the residents of this township for years. Plus, the winner of “Paint the Plow.”

There's been possible measles exposure at an airport terminal, a station and on a train. A tech titan has inked a deal on a nuclear power plant for — you guessed it — AI. Get ready for some snowfall. Lastly, this famous museum is a USA Today 10Best nominee.

A bill that would grant consumer protections against data centers has been introduced. State lawmakers only passed about four percent of the bills they introduced last year, lending to the fact that — according to a new study — Pennsylvania's legislature is one of the least efficient in the country. The annual rare whiskey lottery is opening soon. And woman seeks witch.

A woman that moved from Pennsylvania to Florida claims an AI-generated, deepfake text created by her ex landed her in jail. With what's going on in Minnesota, a couple of state lawmakers want an audit for child care proposals in Pennsylvania. A mall will shutter its Macy's this year. Plus, if you were a fan of this show — good news.

More than half of the state's counties don't meet the herd immunity threshold for measles. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has released their report on utilities' response to that deadly storm in April. The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show has begun. Lastly, the state's now accepting nominations for historical markers.

A Spotlight PA investigation found that State College cops underreported hundreds of rapes for almost a decade. Jefferson Health is suing drug companies and pharmacy benefit managers over insulin prices. The state Game Commission needs you to help them count turkeys. Also, Bert and Ernie made a break for it.

Blood banks are seeing a drop in donations. A huge data center project has taken a significant step forward. Giant's making a bit of a change to online order deliveries. Plus, a community has successfully preserved a historic Revolutionary War site.

Pennsylvania's major cities recorded their lowest homicide rates in decades. Meanwhile, state lawmakers want to reform what's seen as a predatory home loan practice. Gas prices continue to drop. And a ride has been recognized as one of the top best new theme park attractions of the year.

Reports of the flu are increasing statewide. Ground beef has been recalled over contamination concerns, and one of the states it was distributed to was Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Turnpike has once again upped its tolls. And a city has become one of the now several places that has partnered with a no-kill animal control service.

Each year, residents of and visitors to this borough in Pennsylvania gather ‘round to watch a bird burn.

These cities in Pennsylvania are apparently some of the best to ring in the new year.

But isn't a dog by any other name just as cute?

The Mütter Museum expects some of you to feel weird when looking at its exhibits. But what it wants you to do is ask, “Why?”

Hundreds of thousands of seniors statewide will see prices drop on certain medications next year. Here's what moving trends were in Pennsylvania this year. Cash is on the way for a number of residents. Plus, an outdoor stroll isn't a bad way to spend the first day of the year.

A healthcare system in Pittsburgh plans on slashing its jobs by nearly 10 percent. Since PJM — for the first time across the entire grid — couldn't secure enough energy to reach its goal, people could be seeing a lot more power outages in the future. Here's an update on whether or not some parts of the state will have a white Christmas. Also, a now-retired anchor received quite the honor on his way out.

A pilot program is leveraging social media to find potential donors for kidney transplants. New data has found that road salt seems to stay in waterways for months after it's used for winter storms. PennDOT wants the public's opinion on an infrastructure project. Finally, this city's one of the best for Christmas celebrations.

Hundreds of snow geese were found dead in Northampton County. Turns out, this town will miss out on a substantial chunk of U.S. Steel's property taxes for the next couple of years. A bill that grants genetic privacy protections has advanced. Also, a dog that was found abandoned in a box finds a new home.

A man has been sentenced under the state's new AI child sexual abuse materials law. Pennsylvania has joined other states in suing Uber. Things are going to warm up before the official start to winter. Plus, these students have maintained a 100 percent first attempt pass rate for the fourth year running.

Tens of thousands of pounds of chicken have been recalled nationwide. Public schools in Philadelphia continue to see enrollment drop. Here's where traffic's expected to be the worst this Christmas. And the Philly Portal went dark for no apparent reason.

Pittsburgh has suspended dozens of businesses from hiring off-duty cops because they failed to make good on their payments. A bill that would enact a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban in schools statewide has advanced. An airshow has been put on hiatus. Also, this is purportedly one of the “most festive neighborhoods” in the U.S.

A city in Pennsylvania was the number one market for online gambling companies as calls and texts to helplines rise. According to a recent poll, the majority of Pennsylvanians think AI will hurt the state's economy. Some officials want to fast-track military medics into civilian healthcare to 

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.