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

The state Supreme Court heard arguments this week concerning with a federal law which grants gun manufacturers immunity from civil liability can keep a family who lost their son to a fatal gunshot from suing. Lawmakers are taking another look at water privatization. Over 40 aftershocks were felt after that earthquake. Plus, a Pennsylvanian won big at the CMT Music Awards. 

Some universities are claiming that the plan to lower prescription drug costs could hinder medical innovation. Part of a proposed consent decree would have Philips Respironics paying the U.S Treasury for the next five years. E-ZPass holders, there’s a new scam to keep an eye out for. Lastly, eagles Irvin and Claire welcome their new child. 

A Pennsylvania hospital system is among those offering concierge services which can cost up to $4,000 a year. Philadelphia officials have banned license plate flippers. Pittsburgh rivers reached their highest level they’ve been in almost two decades. Finally, something “devilish” may be in the sky along with the eclipse today, too. 

A DA plans on pursing the death penalty against a man who killed three of his relatives before fleeing to New Jersey. As areas like Bucks County are hit with heavier ran, officials tackle higher flood insurance premiums. There’s a whole lot of bugs coming soon, but Pennsylvania’s not a pitstop for them. And the state’s favorite cocktail “can make you feel like a true class act.” 

Pennsylvania’s method of tracking inmate deaths is “spotty at best.” Philadelphia apparently bungled a $22 million anti-violence initiative. DoorDash is testing out a new initiative in Pennsylvania. And a new ride gets its own beer. 

Voters should expect to see “weaponized” AI content ahead of the election this year, according to experts. College will cost as much as $95,000 this fall. Some areas are still under a flood watch. Lastly, it’s a love for the ages that’s inspired TikTok to sing. 

Another county has been placed under spotted lanternfly quarantine. Some people may be wondering whether or not there’ll be more ticks around this spring, given the mild winter. Giant is getting rid of some delivery driver positions. And alas, no, floating Wawa tiki bars aren’t real. 

The federal government gave Pennsylvania a whole lot of money for its largest solar project yet. SEPTA wants riders to quit smoking pot while using the transit system. UGI will be doing some pipe replacement starting today. Plus, watch out this April Fool’s, because this city’s the number one for pranksters. 

A new report has found that most Pennsylvania hospitals don’t follow price transparency rules. Ports in Pennsylvania are readying themselves for more activity following the Baltimore bridge collapse. A third party wants to make things official. Also, Punxsutawney Phil, immortal groundhog, has finally become a father. 

A bill would give victims of voter intimidation the right to sue. Dollar Tree is closing 1,000 Family Dollar stores nationwide, several of which are in Pennsylvania. PennDOT wants to know how they did this winter. And a mind-bobbling case gets resolved. 

One county is part of several that’s suing Big Oil. This legislation seeks to install panic buttons in schools across the state. Pennsylvania’s last private mountain is now public. Lastly, one of the most iconic things to come out of Pennsylvania may get an official designation. 

The doctor who misdiagnosed a bunch of parents with “medical child abuse” — leaving some parents to temporarily lose custody of their children — will retire at the end of the month. Some people’s jobs give them commuting benefits, but these two city officials got Mustangs. A group of state lawmakers are trying to get a bill regarding voter ID out of limbo. And this one area is expected to get thou...

Some police departments are loosening some requirements and policies to fill gaping cop vacancies. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has stayed the same for the fifth month straight. A bird not seen in Pennsylvania in a decade is making a comeback (or so the Game Commission hopes). Lastly, it was Madness, so a college professor canceled class. 

A school shut down twice this week due to separate bomb threats. Sheetz has been hit by a lawsuit. The state’s cracking down on aggressive drivers. Plus, Pennsylvania’s favorite Easter candy. 

The Pennsylvania National Guard won’t be sent to the Mexican border. It seems that state residents would much rather have energy they can afford over a type that benefits the environment. A “major” Amtrak project will be shaking up some schedules. Also, it stank on I-78 on Tuesday. 

The U.S. along with over 50 other countries has banned the most common form of asbestos. A Chinese-owned company which has a campus in Philadelphia is being targeted by the federal government. SEPTA hasn’t extended a pilot program which involved using an AI gun-detection system. And several cities have made it onto a list of “the best”” for college basketball fans. 

Pennsylvania is known for the snacks it produces (heck, it’s even home to the “Snack Food Capital of the World”), but this is the snack that’s the most beloved by the state on the whole.

A federal judge has tossed out a historic jury verdict in a gender bias case involving a former orthopedic surgeon. A report has found that billions of dollars in subsidies have gone to a pollutant plant in Pennsylvania as well as others nationwide. An update to the Pennsylvania Lottery’s computer system may throw things out of whack. Plus, this city’s a “renter’s paradise.” 

Pittsburgh has closed down a homeless encampment due to “a lot of criminal activity.” Philadelphia is one of five cities in which ICE agents will start wearing body cams. Thieves stole seafood and bourbon during what one may call a Mardi-grab. Finally, when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, Pennsylvanians go hard. 

A federal appeals court has ruled that the administration of Philadelphia DA, Larry Krasner, “slant[ed] the facts” when trying to overturn the death sentence of a convicted murderer. Pittsburgh is planning to reroute 911 calls during a specific time of day amid cop staffing woes. Some places may be forced to keep trash pickups to once a week due to explosive prices. Lastly, this stadium has some o...

A university has been sued for complying with an investigation into accusations of antisemitism. In more law news, a mistrial has been called in a case concerning a former Penn State doctor. A soon-to-be introduced bill would impose fees on the money transfers of illegal immigrants. And meet this year’s Cadbury Bunny Tryouts semifinalists. 

Pennsylvanian losses to scams were up last year by over 20 percent. Thousands were left without power thanks to those winds yesterday. A Bass Pro Shops location is coming to this area for the first time ever. Finally this is the state’s favorite liquor —again.

Following the recent rash of crime, transit safety has returned as a top concern for both residents of Philadelphia and officials. Work-zone speeding is down by almost 40 percent, and it’s all thanks to the state’s safety camera program, according to PennDOT. It was a strange case of fowl play in Forest County. Lastly, he’ll probably need a “plea dill.” 

Pittsburgh could be headed toward a serious financial crisis, according to its controller. Philadelphia believes the youths could help mitigate crime with social media. Some Pennsylvanians suspect — and others are excited — that a popular southern convenience chain could be coming to the state. And a zoo hosted a gender reveal party. 

Those in Pennsylvania’s government — and outside of it — are “extremely worried” following a cyberattack on a prominent medical billing system. Also, be wary of ATM skimming. The state AG is urging Facebook to crack down on account takeovers. Finally, it’s the caper of the antique trailer.