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

The state House has passed a bill that would lower fitness standards for new cops. A township that was trying to prohibit the display of the “thin blue line American flag” — one associated with the Blue Lives Matter movement — was denied that prohibition. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of the nation’s “most loathed highways.” Lastly, soup’s on for the Souper Bowl.

Insurance coverage of fertility services could broaden in Pennsylvania now that there’s a new definition of “fertility” out there. While gas bills will rise for PGW customers soon, the utility actually wanted higher rates than what they got in order to cover low-income program funds. PNC Bank customers noticed something amiss on their statements. And Hersheypark’s oldest continuously operating rol...

A school in Clinton County is under investigation after a report arose of a middle school student engaging in inappropriate conduct with several female staff members. Penn has been hit with a lawsuit over its handling of antisemitism on campus. Wild hogs have now been seen in over 20 percent of the state’s counties. Lastly, this is one old fish.

A bill could transform Pennsylvania malls into housing and offices spaces should it come to fruition. About 20 percent of teachers in Philadelphia’s school district aren’t certified. A tiny home village for homeless vets takes shape. And a city’s bacon festival drew a crowd that was over two times its population.

Philadelphia is thinking about possibly getting rid of food trucks at a busy intersection. About two dozen Rite Aids are now up for sale in Pennsylvania. The state has received nearly $4 million for renewal energy projects in rural areas. Finally, a Pittsburgh-produced movie about the Titanic makes its debut.

The amount of Pennsylvanians moving to Florida has greatly accelerated over the past decade or so. The state’s business tax climate is staunchly “ok” when compared to other states. An airport is expected to be one of the busiest in the U.S. during the holidays. Lastly, after seven years, this dog gets a forever home.

A worker at a pizza shop fired a gun back at two would-be robbers, killing one of them. An orthopedic health care network sued an ex-CEO that originally sued them. Convictions for people who drove past school bus stop arms are up by almost 50 percent, according to new statistics. Also, it’s a beautiful day in the real estate market.

Tyson has recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of its popular fun-shaped chicken nuggets. The first stage of the I-95 rebuild after that massive fire is almost done. The American Ornithological Society has announced its plans to rename a number of bird species, some of which can be found in Pennsylvania. And a Jersey couple said “I do” during an Eagles tailgate.

The FBI office in Pittsburgh is warning people that violent groups are targeting kids online. Also in Pittsburgh, public schools will adopt “anti-racist math” instruction. The ACLU wants a borough to get rid of its social gathering ordinance. Lastly, a student scored way more than just a half-court shot.

Victims involved in the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse are clashing with officials over records that may shed more light on the incident. Business owners in Philadelphia express what they want out of the city’s next mayor. It’s the end of an era for SEPTA. Also, did you know the U.S.’s oldest photo was taken in Pennsylvania?

The state House is willing to fund state-related schools, but under one condition. Towing companies are finding themselves paying more when dealing with electric vehicles. Say, can you sing? And this school has you seeing double — literally.

Business owners in Pittsburgh are growing wearing of what they’re calling the “revolving door of justice” as Mayor Gainey clashes with Allegheny County DA Steve Zappala over crime. In the same vein, one official in Philly is calling for stronger law enforcement in Kensington. There’s a video of vegans expressing how much they’ve missed meat, although don’t buy it for a second. Lastly, this is Penn...

One of the men involved in that Ohio fishing tournament scandal is facing new charges. A “disorderly” man got in trouble at the Steelers game on Sunday for swinging a towel around. Unmarked graves in Gettysburg are set to get headstones. Also, this is one of the best cities for Halloween.

Business owners in Philadelphia are still feeling the impact of the looting which took place last month. A proposal would fine the parents of school bullies. Weis has ended its pay-for-a-cart pilot program. Finally, a bear was caught with some donuts.

Chester’s been taking Philly’s trash, and residents are not happy about it. Experts in Pittsburgh are saying that the growing trend of corporations buying up homes is “happening nationwide.” This program wants lawns to become meadows. And here’s a question: “How do you kill something that’s undead?”

A principal of a middle school stated how students are “promoting, recording, and celebrating physical violence” on campus. The state Senate has passed a bill that would allow for parents to control their kids’ access to books deemed sexually explicit. One state lawmaker’s preparing to propose a later start time for school. Finally: a Kevin Bacon update.

Cops found books containing “exorcism spells” in the house of a man accused of shooting his girlfriend. A school district got hit with a cyberattack. Pennsylvania is among the states that are suing Meta. And a woman will open up a cafe in the bank that once denied her a loan.

A school board is considering hiring someone to work with teachers on getting rid of what they believe is math instruction’s “racist” nature. The state’s tax credits are a “mixed bag” as far as job creation goes. Schools are trying to figure out what to do with a bunch of empty student housing. Plus, this is what Pennsylvanians plan on dressing up as for Halloween (and what they’re dressing their...

Pennsylvania has a deep and storied history with zombies, believe it or not, a history a trail tells to all who dare follow it.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is coming back next year, baby, butter sculpture and all.

While violent crime rates are dropping — a trend seen nationwide — homicides in Philadelphia aren’t nearly what they were before the pandemic. Residents in the Mechanics burg area are still being told to conserve water after a creek got contaminated. A gigantic Amazon fulfillment center is all set to open next week. And this cancer treatment is said to be “more personalized.”

An American Airlines executive was “dismissive” in his response to safety concerns after the death of a flight attendant in a Philadelphia hotel last month, according to a union statement. State and federal law may sour Reese’s new sweepstakes. There’s some new updates on Beaver Stadium’s renovations. Lastly, he’s loose, footloose.

Rite Aid has filed for bankruptcy. SEPTA has released the findings of its study on AI’s potential usefulness in combatting traffic violations. A very mountain lion-like animal was spotted in Lehigh Valley. And Pennsylvania’s one of America’s “spookiest states.”

Pennsylvania has a favorite Halloween candy, although it may not be the one you’re thinking of.

Businesses and consumers alike in Pittsburgh are preparing themselves for the ban on plastic bags that’ll go into effect tomorrow. Open enrollment for Medicare is also coming up. One school wants to let its business students invest in real estate projects. Plus, this is one of the U.S.’s best spots for Halloween.