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

The state AG’s office has reached a $1 million settlement with Rutter’s over a data breach that occurred between 2018 and 2019. A court is currently considering the constitutionality of one city’s tax on pro-athletes and entertainers. New research has found that about 800,000 tons of oil and gas waste can’t be accounted for. Finally, this is one of the “world’s most haunted hotspots,” and it’s rig...

EMS is suffering in the western part of the state over a lack of funding and of workers. Critics of the recently expanded Amtrak service between NYC and Pittsburgh are claiming it’s picking “the pockets of Pennsylvania’s taxpayers.” A man stole $4,000 with a fake lotto ticket. Speaking of which, Pennsylvania’s one of the “luckiest” states for Powerball.  

The shooting that occurred in Indiana County over the weekend that left at least eight wounded and one person dead was the U.S.’s 540th mass shooting of the year. Sewer rates may go up in Bethlehem. A pagan shop claims to have gotten a visit from cops over some obscure “fortune-telling” laws Pennsylvania still has. Lastly, Stoneman Willie finally gets a grave and a name.

There’s one area that’s seeing a greater number of “potentially preventable hospitalizations” than the state average. Meanwhile, SEPTA may potentially strike. You can see the “ring of fire” this week (just make sure you don’t hurt your eyes while doing it). And meet the “Heritage Hotties.”

Federal investigators have put the blame on the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate plant for an explosion that killed seven employees. Carnegie Museum has decided to permanently remove a diorama which, in part, was created using a real human skull and jaw. Some places have already put on their fall best, foliage-wise. Also, not a lot of places can boast about having an official monster, but Clinton County...

The driver of a tractor-trailer was certainly very crabby after events that took place yesterday. One health network is using simulators to test teens for potential risky driving behavior. One university’s offering free tuition to anyone whose family makes less than $75,000. Lastly, Chance the German Shepherd finds a home.  

A nurse has been accused of killing three people in nursing homes with insulin. A school in Westmoreland County has upped its security after students were caught passing guns to each other on a bus. A proposed change to a state law would “level the playing field” between people and the telemarketers looking to scam them. Also, in honor of National Taco Day, here’s Pennsylvania’s favorite kind of t...

Pennsylvania authorities are revisiting ways to stop guns at TSA checkpoints. A board member tried getting two English’s courses dropped from school for being what he believed to be “politically charged.” Over 100 lakes and streams are set to be stocked with trout. Plus, wear your “snot otter” with pride.

Bethlehem has moved forward with plans to build Lehigh Valley’s first and only year-round homeless shelter. FIFA officials dropped by Philly ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Utz is closing one of its manufacturing plants in York County. And Philadelphia will host a conference of “vexillophiles” this weekend.

Giant Eagle has announced a partnership with Instacart for same-day delivery. SEPTA riders can now officially go contactless with payments. The last supermoon of 2023 has come and gone. And this stadium said, “Later, gator.”

The Philadelphia area has seen over 20 Rite Aids close over the past year with potentially more closures to come. Airbnbs and other rental properties will have to undergo inspection and get permits in Pittsburgh. One newspaper’s CEO is pushing for local news’ fair compensation. Lastly, these are the best spots to be a ghost in.

York County has had the highest amount of murder-suicides it’s ever seen. Pennsylvania has joined a multi-state lawsuit against Amazon. “Leaf advisers” are here for all your fall foliage needs. Speaking of which, these towns are “stunning spots” as for as leaf peeping goes.

Despite recent events, a new analysis has found that Pennsylvania doesn’t see jailbreaks all too frequently. Luzerne County officials are posed to discuss the area’s over $191 million in outstanding debt. Someone stole a bunch of hornets. And an icon turns five.

Advocates plan to denounce Norristown at next month’s U.N. meeting for allegedly “criminalizing” homelessness. About 60 percent of state residents are paying above the average rent price from just two years ago. Fall season means spider season. Finally, these are Pennsylvania’s “supernatural hotspots.”

Penn Medicine hired a now former senior director who — a cursory Google search shows — had a “long and complex criminal history.” State government officials are exploring the potential use of AI. An Australian company plans to invest about $500 million into the state. And there’s a new baby alpaca in town.

State data shows how thousands of children in Pennsylvania are impacted by drugs throughout the state. Officials are pointing fingers after a suspect in a $1.6 million drug case was released. Eagles fans are looking at their new kelly green merch sideways, mostly because they have to. Lastly, a beloved pretzel comes home.

Drivers are being warned of a “pump switching” scam. The Mütter Museum is making changes based on what some believe is an ethical review while others believe is a watering down of medical history. Officials claim that state traffic camera programs have shown a decrease in both speeding an death. And they were gone in the mink of an eye.

Multiple shootings have left six dead in one weekend in Philadelphia. Reckless stunt driving continues to be a (rather troubling) trend in in the city, too. Some Clorox products will be in short supply following a cyberattack. Lastly, if you want to peep at some leaves, here’s where to go.

Artwork believed to be stolen during the Holocaust has been seized from a museum. One area struggling with a low inventory of homes for sale is grappling with what’s known as the “golden handcuff” problem. Casinos had their best-ever July nationwide. Plus, Pennsylvanians got an A+ for their pajamas.

You would have to make this much annually if you were to be called “middle class” in Pennsylvania. Some officials are calling to renew a statute for 911 call center fees. New research has found that spotted lanternflies actually don’t pose any long-term damage to trees. And there was no try, only do for this pooch in capturing Danelo Cavalcante.

A nonprofit health system paid its CEO more than it spent on charity care for financially needy patients over the past three years. State lawmakers are looking to rid the ticket-buying world of “grinch bots.” Non-native lizards that were released into the wild in the 1970s have made this community their home. Finally, this comet won’t be around for another 400 years.

A Philadelphia-based health insurer spent the most on lobbying in Pennsylvania last year. A multi-state settlement has forced a “predatory” leasing company to close for good. There’s been a spike in applications for state police positions ever since the requirement for college credits was dropped. Also, what was once the “nation’s most haunted house” is still standing in Chestnut Hill.

This weekend saw a spike in overdoses in Dauphin County. Pennsylvania nursing homes would have to up their required staffing under a new federal proposal. If you smell something foul in Allentown, worry not. And we’ve all heard of lumberjacks, but how’s about lumberjills?

A woman is suing Uber over her daughter’s death in 2022, claiming the company puts its drivers “at high risk of violent attacks by passengers.” A report has found that Pennsylvania is one of the top states people are moving out of. “The Tidy Tombstone Man” is working his magic in Bensalem. Plus, bird watchers have reported sightings of…flamingos?

When it came to removing lead from drinking water, Pennsylvania’s schools got an “F.” The database of public employees’ emails is no more. Pittsburgh’s ban on plastic bags goes into effect next month. Also, meet “The Romper Stomper.”