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

Workers at a charter school have been charged with physically abusing dozens of students. More than a third of school districts statewide saw teacher vacancies in the 2024-25 school year. If you get a check in the mail, it’s actually not a scam. Plus, these two are among the top five best MLB stadiums around.

Bucks County residents are suing Sunoco. A data breach on a county network is under investigation. Trout season is nigh. And a team of archaeologists unearthed an ancient tomb.

Carnegie Mellon is among multiple universities that must address its ties to China. A bill would require state and county prosecutors to let ICE know if a suspect is an illegal immigrant. The weather for many is going to be so nice this weekend. Lastly, a wild turkey is having a bit of a solo “adventure.”

A city is facing an “invisible threat.” Meanwhile, all-cash payments on houses are down, meaning that pandemic high of investors buying houses might be waning. This is what a “smart” loading zone looks like. And the Pennsylvania Agricultural Discovery Center officially has a home.

A borough lost $65,000 in a phishing scam. A bill is looking to tackle the EMS financial crisis. Here’s where Pennsylvania’s cities land on a list of the “Most Obese Cities.” There’s nearly a dozen Portals across the world, but only one in Pennsylvania is having issues with vandalism (guess where).

n honor of the United State’s upcoming milestone birthday, one city has done something a little special.

An area’s largest health system is now out-of-network for many people who have Cigna. If you bought this detergent, take note. Four bridges in Pennsylvania have been recommended to be evaluated over a “risk of collapse.” Plus, someone — somehow — managed to illegally dump about 4,000 tires in a park.

A museum will return the skull of an Indigenous child to tribe leaders in Maine. Some officials are pushing for the 10 Commandments to be displayed in public schools. A “Bird Town Pennsylvania” is in the midst of a great, feathered battle. And an organ will play at an iconic Macy’s for one last time.

An industrial chemical is starting to pop in Philadelphia’s fentanyl supply. A pet food sold in Pennsylvania has been linked to bird flu infections. A major bank is closing dozens of branches. Lastly, a beloved amusement park might be getting the Dollywood treatment.

A state lawmaker believes his bill on voter ID will make voting “better for the voter.” A transit system, lacking funding, has begun the “devastating” process of preparing for service cuts and fare hikes. Multiple tornados were confirmed to have touched down over the weekend. Plus, this ride’s makeover just got a major award.

The state A.G. has opened up a criminal investigation into a pipeline leak. Last year, Pennsylvania outpaced all other states when it came to Medicaid fraud. Cannabis companies spent nearly $2 million to have a say in weed’s future in Pennsylvania. Lastly, a pretty sweet bill is back on the table.

A bill that seeks to repeal the death penalty is getting bipartisan support. In more bill news, an official has reintroduced one related to marijuana. New research points to a lack of inventory as being the reason behind Pennsylvania’s housing prices. Finally, this city is one of the country’s best for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Pennsylvania might join in the fray to fight for term limits in Congress. A proposal would relieve debt related to childbirth expenses. If you have a gift card to this ailing retail chain, sorry to tell you this. Lastly, it was one shell of a situation.

A pilot program wants to improve dental care access statewide. Meanwhile, a bill concerning school zone speed cameras has stalled in Philadelphia. One of the state’s most popular convenience stores is making a change. And by the way, the Box Demon means no harm.

Crozer Health hospitals will stay open, but not for that long. About $30,000 in counterfeit cosmetics and Sharpie pens from China were seized. The Pennsylvania Lottery wants to offer more games with bigger payouts. And on the “bad side” of this cemetery, a banshee screams.

The officials of one city are set to vote on whether to lessen the punishment for weed possession. Penn State is dipping its toes into nuclear technology. A bridge connecting Jersey and Pennsylvania that’s been closed for almost a decade might get replaced. Finally, a woman encountered a rarely seen creature in a parking lot.

A program has stopped over 120 weapons from being used in schools. The estimated cost of building a thruway is getting closer to $1 billion. In more spending news, Pennsylvania officials plan on putting $10 million toward a new voter registration system. And this is the state’s favorite cereal.

A “strong burning smell” — along with other issues — was reported on a SEPTA train before it caught on fire, but it was allowed to continue operating anyway. Hundreds of people were the victims of a bank fraud scheme that stole more than $30 million. You could get a text telling you why you’re stuck in traffic on the turnpike soon. Lastly, Philadelphia’s really spoiling America on its 250th birthd...

Advocates are calling for a solution to a rise in food stamp theft. Pedestrian deaths are down nationally, but not in Pennsylvania. People in a mobile park haven’t had water for almost 50 days now. And not one, but two eclipses are coming this month.

Philadelphia saw a “remarkable” drop in violent crime last year. A proposal would allow for hunters in Pennsylvania to retrieve game using drones. Public input is needed for a transit agency’s proposed service changes. Plus, he swears he saw Bigfoot.

The number of EV charging stations in Pennsylvania has gone up. A campaign against aggressive drivers has launched. PennDOT has resumed work on some major projects. And check out this “megalodon.”

An official wants a study on how much climate change might cost Pennsylvania in the future. Philadelphians might be facing water and sewer rate hikes. With Fat Tuesday comes fastnachts. Plus, a lost puppy gets rescued.

One state lawmaker wants to modernize how people receive public notices. PennDOT is investing millions into traffic safety improvements. Be sure to look up to see some planets march across the sky tonight. Finally, they’re back by popular demand.

Butler County has confirmed its first bird flu case. Fatal overdoses are falling in Pennsylvania. Someone out there’s the owner of a $3 million scratch-off. And there’s some Tush Pushback going on in the NFL.

An airport has already stopped at least 10 guns this year. Penn State is facing some “difficult choices.” The debate over when rifle deer season starts continues. Lastly, dozens of schools nationwide have banned a controversial — but beloved — shoe.