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

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.

Parents are bringing lawsuits against metaverse platforms like Roblox and Minecraft for exposing minors to predators. A case in Philadelphia has led the state Supreme Court to reexamine the city's open carry rule. Also, more and more Pennsylvanians are living to be 100 or older.

PennDOT is testing a wrong-way detection system this week. Starbucks closed a bunch of locations in Pennsylvania, and some employees have taken to the streets in response. One airport had a record-breaking summer. Plus, some dairy good news.

Pennsylvania is one of the nearly 30 states involved in a baby food recall. The state Supreme Court has put a stopper to Pittsburgh's “jock tax.” A proposal argues that smaller municipalities should fork over some funds for troopers. Also — a smelly smell smells smelly.

Two were killed — and several injured — in three separate SEPTA-related incidents that occurred over a 12-hour period. Pennsylvania's budget impasse is nearing the three-month mark. Giant Eagle is in a “new era.” Lastly, this city jumps for joy over java.

The state AG's office has released more details regarding that cyberattack. School districts in Pennsylvania and in other states are mulling over potentially closing due to falling enrollment. Hershey came out of a lawsuit regarding its packaging victorious. Also, 45 new historical markers will be placed around the state.

There's an apple orchard in the central part of the state that's been recognized as one of the best in the U.S.

If you're looking to get into the autumnal mood, why not check out a pumpkin patch? Like this one in Pennsylvania, which is purportedly one of the best around. 

Here's how Pennsylvania's unemployment rate shapes up against the rest of the country's. A proposal in Philadelphia wants to rejigger how the city handles waste disposal. An airport — once again — ranks the lowest in the U.S. for customer satisfaction. Plus, he's playing college football — at 58.

York County might have suffered a data breach. This stream's glowing bright blue, but it's a common occurrence in the southwestern region. These cities are some of the worst for people with asthma. Also, this area has some of the best fall foliage in the country.

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.