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

Pennsylvania drivers are set to get a piece of a $100 million Walmart settlement. Philadelphia says it’ll finally tackle the bane of many a citizen’s existence — “courtesy towing.” 2026’s “Bird of the Year” can be found in Pennsylvania. And who knew Delco was such a haven for some of the best Scrabble players around?

A proposal would ban the sale of animals from large-scale breeders, a.k.a. “puppy mills.” If you feel like Pennsylvania’s always in the middle of a special election, you’re not wrong. PECO’s profits have soared after last year’s rate hike. Finally, an Airbnb with some cool history.

A case in is one of many sparking the debate over whether or not it’s unconstitutional for cops to use Google searches in investigations. More and more drug dealers are using teenagers to move weapons. License plates cameras are having a bit of an issue recognizing some characters on plates. Also, here’s where got the most snow.

The disaster emergency issued last year following the closure of Crozer Health in Delaware County has ended. Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know process is being thrown out of whack by “malicious” AI use. There’s a new way to file your taxes you might qualify for. Plus, Penn State’s THON breaks a record.

Restarting that Three Mile Island power station is getting mixed reactions from locals. In order to contend with overcrowding in shelters, Philadelphia has passed a bill temporarily banning unlicensed puppy breeding. More single women in their 40s are having babies. Also, Craigslist is alive and well in some circles of society.

Over 1,000 geese have been reported sick or dead in New Jersey, increasing worries over the bird flu. QVC Group has been with a hefty lawsuit, not too long after it was revealed the shopping institution was considering filing for bankruptcy. Philadelphia has upped its air quality monitoring game. Plus, these mini horses need a home.

A new report has found that employees in Pennsylvania are spending more money on their work-sponsored health plans. The FDA has updated a peanut butter recall. A billion-dollar Big Pharma plant has been planned for Montgomery County. Lastly, an annual bald eagle count set a record.

Pennsylvania is among the leading states when it comes to number of layoff notices. The state’s electric grid operator has decided to cap some costs for another two years. A Pittsburgh-based company plans on releasing 200 of its driverless trucks onto the road. Also — it’s fastnacht time.

Be wary of eating these oysters. $500,000 was given to hackers after a city was hit by a cyberattack over the summer. This school received the second-most foreign funding out of all other U.S. universities. Plus, since it is President’s Day, here’s a little George Washington in Pennsylvania.

Millions of dollars in new funding is still not enough to assuage worries over the state of rural health care in Pennsylvania. Regulations on short-term rentals like AirBNBs has advanced in Pittsburgh. QVC, once a shopping institution, now faces potential bankruptcy. And if you’re single and looking to mingle this Valentine’s Day, look no further than this city.

Almost a million people in Pennsylvania will qualify for a new tax credit this year. A major company will lay off nearly 1,000 employees. Pennsylvania’s getting $711 million in funding for broadband initiatives. Plus, a bald eagle cam livestream begins.

Given how unstable and dangerous it is, state officials want people to, please, keep off icy rivers and other waterways. The state Game Commission is releasing pheasants for some late-season hunting. Investments are looking to boost Pennsylvania’s billion-dollar poultry industry. Finally, is the Susquehanna hiding a prehistoric monster? 

Tens of thousands of people statewide have dropped their health plans due to skyrocketing costs. State lawmakers are looking to strengthen efficiency standards for appliances. Philly bars could very well stay open past 2 a.m. this summer. And the state tourism agency gives you the winter activity lowdown — in Pennsylvania’s regional accents. 

A global company with roots in Pennsylvania is actually moving its headquarters back to the state. Sen. Dave McCormick says he’s secured more than $270 million in federal funding for projects statewide. A big kahuna lottery ticket was sold at a supermarket. Also, this kid using a Ben Franklin ID was the straw that broke the camel’s back. 

Smaller transit systems are feeling the same pain SEPTA was not too long ago. A federally mandated change is taking effect at libraries next week. Pennsylvania’s population actually grew while, overall, the country’s fell. Plus, the winning Pennsylvania Super Bowl snack. 

A new report has found how much Pennsylvanians need to make in order to “comfortably afford” child care. Another Starbucks has unionized. There’s an “arctic blast” heading our way. Finally, the tallest living female dog — who’s nearly half the size of Michael Jordan — has Pittsburgh roots. 

The state Health Department has confirmed five measles cases in central Pennsylvania. Safety officers in Philadelphia District schools will get bulletproof vests and handcuffs starting next year. Gambling saw another record year in 2025. And are “savesies” on parking spots kosher?

Health concerns remain prevalent in the East Palestine community three years after the train derailment. Tens of thousands of Kias and Hyundais have a defect that could leave people driving blind. Officials have started to clean up the mess a failed recycling project left behind. Also, this river’s quite the comeback kid.

The Allegheny River’s ice situation has gotten so bad, it’s disrupted shipping. Gov. Shapiro has endorsed a statewide ban on cellphones during school days. SEPTA will start using leased railcars to boost service. Plus, a feature film on Gettysburg has wrapped.

A utilities has proposed an increase to its base rates, spelling an additional $10 more a month for customers. 2026’s trout stocking schedules have been released. Pennsylvania’s reportedly a great state to raise a family. And a historic site reopens, just in time for America’s 250th.

A prison has said that inflation is the reason for rising costs and thus, consequently, for a nearly 10 percent tax hike for area residents. People living in a York County mobile home community are stuck in the snow due to a years-long dispute. If you haven’t received mail or packages, you’re not alone. Lastly, Pennsylvania’s still a top state for retirees.

Pennsylvania has joined other states in a push to get Grok to quit creating — and spreading— nonconsensual, sexual deepfakes. People’s eating habits have changed, and restaurants statewide are trying to adapt. All Amazon Fresh stores are closing. And a dog was reunited with her family after four years.

A change to a state law — one regarding estates — took effect last week. A proposal would ensure that locals would be hired to do taxpayer-funded construction jobs. The deer hunting opener will remain where it is “for now.” Also, here’re the areas that got the most snow over the weekend.

A controversial bill that involves the country’s largest incinerator has been put on hold. Pharmacies are closing at a rapid pace, nationwide, but this community just got a new one. Pennsylvania’s apparently a terrible state for drivers. And a man hiked the entire Appalachian trail — all 2,198 miles of it.

Over a dozen hospitals could close statewide if the current financial instability persists. Here’s how eligible folks could get up to $1,000 in tax rebates. Touch-less ID is touching down at this airport. Finally, PETA is — once again — gunning to replace Punxsutawney Phil.