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

Reliable data on gang crimes may be lacking in Pennsylvania (and beyond). The mother of Marc Fogel is suing the Secretary of State. Birdwatchers, it’s time to grab your binoculars. Also, it’s hot, but not Pennsylvania’s-hottest-day-on-record hot.

Cops found a “bestiality bus” broken down in Adams County. A Pittsburgh-based company which offers at-home rape kits is currently embroiled in a battle with the state Attorney General’s office. SEPTA will crack down on quality-of-life issues. Plus, airport security confiscated several grenades the other day. 

Two lawmakers will introduce the state’s “first comprehensive, bipartisan adult-use cannabis legalization bill.” Crematories within the state can now operate at a lower temperature. Antlerless deer licenses go on sale soon with some improvements made to the process when compared to last year. And a ship is getting kicked out from where it’s docked over — you guessed it — rent. 

A jail accidentally released a man being held on bail for gun charges. A proposal recently OK’d by the state Senate would crack down on “squatter’s rights.” Commuters that go over these four Delaware River bridges might have to starting paying a $6 toll. Lastly, this waste management company proves one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. 

A state agency hasn’t been audited since maybe the USSR was a thing. A borough in Allegheny County is thinking about placing a limit on the number of pets a household can have. OA new bill would incentivize those receiving food stamps to eat healthy. And that meat and cheese left to dangle off a pole for nearly a month has been removed. 

Feds have busted a group of 12 men accused of trafficking drugs and guns into parts of Philadelphia including Kensington. DA Larry Krasner has lifted a ban on a journalist he barred from press briefings last month. Over 9 percent of the state’s workforce doesn’t have a high school diploma. Lastly, this new BJ’s is looking to sell booze. 

Eight individuals accused of having ties to ISIS have been arrested in several major U.S. cities, Philadelphia among them. Bar owners in Harrisburg have had enough of “out of control” teens. Toll booths on the turnpike are going the way of the dodo. Plus, a festival has left meat and cheese swinging off a greased pole for nearly a month. 

Nearly 30 popular drinks have been recalled due to “undeclared materials.” Protestors made their way into the state Capitol this week to criticize politicians who received contributions from Pennsylvania’s “richest man.” A bill which would outlaw the distribution of deepfakes has advanced. Lastly, the anniversary of a lighting-in-a-bottle experiment has passed. 

People in Philadelphia are having mixed reactions to clean-up efforts in Kensington. There’s an “unorthodox learning programing” that’s making its way around the state. Pennsylvania may be ready for ready-to-go cocktails. And the state has a new record-breaking fish to be proud of. 

A dog was shot twice in Philadelphia while protecting its owner. The state Senate has green lit a bill that would give tax exemption to anyone living near the East Palestine train derailment site. More Red Lobster locations are closing. Plus, a Chinese man’s global bike ride has a few stops in Pennsylvania. 

The family of a Philadelphia man accused of killing a journalist is criticizing the way the case is being handled. Mayor Cherelle Parker is looking to build a massive “wellness village” for addicts. Dozens have fallen ill from contaminated cucumbers, so check your fridges. Lastly, a zoo has welcomed baby wallaby. 

A group of retail thieves used kids for their crimes. A state official has proposed the biggest minimum wage in the country. The state Senate has passed a bill requiring a moment of silence in schools during 9/11 anniversaries. Finally, this dog was getting groomed when he got high. 

Dozens of public water suppliers throughout Pennsylvania were found to have toxic “forever chemicals” levels above EPA regulations. The state is also among those that are doing little to improve opioid abuse treatments. Bikers are looking for “equal treatment with automobiles on a couple of things.” Lastly, the “Stanley Cup” is nearing its end, but the “Stanley Pup” is just about to start.  

An airport may be the site of a measles exposure. Free commuter parking will be no more for SEPTA customers. It’s National Dog Bite Awareness Week. Finally, you can buy some Farm Show milkshakes at select locations during June Dairy Month. 

Pedestrian deaths have hit a 40-year high nationwide. Officials would like for people to take the proper precautions against rabies as they head outside during the summer. Some folks may be entitled to a settlement from a chemical spill. And you may have heard of “Cocaine Bear,” but how’s about “Cocaine Werewolf?”

A teen bit officers who were arresting her for stealing from a Dick’s Sporting Goods. An iconic hot dog joint is relocating due to ongoing crime. “Human services” accounts for over 40 percent of Pennsylvania’s state budget. Lastly, mosey outside to see a “planetary parade” marching across the sky on Monday.

Charges have been dropped against three CYS workers accused of contributing to the death of an infant. Gambling in Pennsylvania keeps growing and growing. A long-awaited tiny homes village for homeless veterans will open soon. And you can check out the site of a Revolutionary POW camp soon.

Pennsylvania has a new angle to get tourists to the state.

If you’re unsure what to drink for summer, well, Pennsylvania has an official “refreshing” cocktail you can try out.

A man was doing some yard work when he dug up a rather illicit surprise. Officials would like to remind everyone about Pennsylvania’s laws regarding fireworks ahead of Memorial Day. Speaking of which, things will get busy, traffic-wise, during the holiday weekend. Lastly, Pennsylvania’s great when it comes to surviving the zombie apocalypse.

A neighborhood is being besieged by rats, so much so they’re costing residents thousands in damage. Parents are frustrated over the lack of air-conditioning in their kids’ schools. More people are smoking pot than drinking daily. Plus, the next city to host the 2026 NFL Draft has been announced.

The EPA is warning about an increase in cyberattacks on water systems. A CVS and a hospital are the potential sites of measles exposure. There’s less than a year left for people to get their Real IDs. Lastly, a Flower Moon will bloom in the sky this week.

A sedative that’s more powerful than xylazine was discovered in fentanyl samples. A dad is claiming how his five-year-old was assaulted by an older, unsupervised student with special needs at school. Pittsburgh Public Schools with teach ethnic studies next year. And this city is one of the best for celebrating Memorial Day.

Anti-theft glass is keeping away thieves and, apparently, customers alike. Experts are debating whether or not to give people a tax credit for their kidneys. Not one, not two, but seven cities in Pennsylvania made it onto a “worst for bedbugs” list. Lastly, here’s how best to climb a grease pole.

The residents of one neighborhood in Philadelphia are rallying against the possibility of a drug treatment center operating out of a shelter in the area. Another municipality is mulling over a single-use plastic ban. Pennsylvania’s gaming industry won big last month. Also, a soccer match got a fuzzy interruption.