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

A number of air quality apps sparked concern amongst Pittsburgh region residents the other day. The state Senate has unanimously passed a bill that would teach a 9/11 curriculum in schools. Streeteries in Philadelphia now have to follow new regulations. And a lot of Pennsylvanians have trouble spelling this word the most.

Five dog breeders in Pennsylvania have been named on the Humane Society’s annual “Horrible Hundred” list. UPMC will start offering a loan forgiveness program to nursing students next year. Yuengling is expanding. Lastly, three colleges in Pennsylvania are among the best in the country.  

Philadelphia is among the cities who saw the highest increases in homicide rates in the country. Meanwhile, the state Senate has approved a bill that would require high school students to take personal finance classes. Pittsburgh International Airport is now offering a “driverless” shuttle service. Plus, one city is rattier than it was before.

For the third time in four days, a gun has been found at Pittsburgh International Airport. The state has lifted the drought watch in 16 counties. An observatory offers views beyond our atmosphere. And a WWII vet turns 100.

Corrections employees across Pennsylvania will soon start wearing body cameras. There are political signs popping up on residents’ lawns in one area that are not only unwanted, but that've been booby-trapped with razors. Nearly $7 million has been pledged to the economic growth of the state’s coal communities. Finally, Pennsylvania has a favorite Halloween decoration.

A $20.4 million development will bring affordable housing to seniors in Pittsburgh. In Bethlehem, it was the case of the mysterious “maple syrup smell.” Fall leaves are looking their best. Plus, only one of Pennsylvania’s cities would be able to survive a dragon attack.

A Philadelphia Councilman has said that Wawa may be reconsidering future locations in Philadelphia due to the city’s “ongoing violence.” Pennsylvania had the highest amount of power outages its ever seen on record last year. A portion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed this weekend. Lastly, did you know Pennsylvanians have a favorite M&M’s flavor?

One lawmaker has proposed legislation meant to regulate book bans in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia’s summer curfew for teenagers may soon be made permanent. Pennsylvania’s still number one in the country when it comes to vehicle-animal collisions. Plus, this city is the absolute worst to drive in.

Investigators say about 100 cars lie at the bottom of Pittsburgh’s rivers. Hundreds of domesticated rats have been released throughout Dauphin County. Reading has made permanent a program that requires vehicles on select city streets to park within painted lines (also known as “stalls”). And officials would like to let everyone know that, no, they weren’t the ones behind those Bigfoot signs poppin...

If you’re java-obsessive and a Pennsylvanian, you’ll be ecstatic to know one city in the Keystone has been deemed as one of the best for coffee lovers.

When it comes to having craft breweries, Pennsylvania is ahead of the game.

If you’re looking for haunted attractions filled with chills and thrills this Halloween, look no longer than these three right here in Pennsylvania.

The University of Pittsburgh has made SATs and ACTs optional for first-year undergrad applications now through 2025. Your TV signal may be out of whack this week, and there’s a scientific reason for that. A cemetery in Washington Township is getting a marker dedicated to the Revolutionary War soldiers interred there. Lastly, unfortunately, Pennsylvania isn’t one of the best states for a night out.

A judge has ruled that Pittsburgh is free to remove a statue of Christopher Columbus that has been standing in Schenley Park wrapped in plastic for the past two years. State universities continue to see a decline in enrollment. A Beaver County animal sanctuary is hosting “Goatoberfest” this weekend. And Pennsylvania has a favorite breakfast chain, believe it or not.

A special education school in Pittsburgh has temporarily switched to remote instruction after a 15-year-old student assaulted a teacher. Governor Tom Wolf has vetoed “Markie’s Law,” a bill that would have kept violent prisoners behind bars for longer. A Pennsylvania-based SPCA is lending a hand in airlifting shelter animals in Florida. Finally, these are the fried foods Pennsylvanians go gaga for...

Parents and students protested the suspension of a Beaver County biology teacher who stated referring to transgender students by their preferred pronouns went against his beliefs. About 70 percent of Route 28’s construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. This year’s theme of the Pennsylvania Farm show is “Rooted in Progress.” Plus, a man figured Hurricane Ian was as good a tim...

According to a recent report, the Lehigh Valley watershed is amongst the most polluted in the country. The Pittsburgh Public Schools board unanimously voted yesterday to adopt a revised sexual education policy. More state roads will be open for recreational use this fall. And a NASA astronaut gets a lovely surprise.

Kennywood plans on enacting a chaperone policy as well as other security measures following the shooting that occurred over the weekend. New records have shown that Penn State spent almost $318,000 covering things like lodging and food for in-person trustee meetings despite the university’s current effort at tightening its belt. Speaking of which, a new bill could make the finances of state-relate...

Kennywood claims that its weapons detection system was operating the day three people got shot. Those double-parked in bus lanes are the targets of Philadelphia’s current “ticketing blitz.” Pennsylvania’s getting three new state parks. Plus, this chef’s award-winning hot wings are a “nightmare.”

The group of teens that trashed a Wawa in Philadelphia over the weekend is said to have caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Schools in Pennsylvania are seeing “chronic absenteeism” among students. Officials would like to let you know that, no, that wasn’t a UFO that flew overhead on Saturday night. And apparently Pennsylvania’s a state for meat-lovers.

The state Department of Human Services announced it will be raising the income eligibility thresholds for SNAP benefits starting next month. Craft breweries have reported growth after suffering a slump during the pandemic. A new program is offering York County high school seniors the opportunity to work in building trades apprenticeships. Finally, the size of this record-breaking pumpkin will make...

Beech trees throughout the state continue to suffer from an incurable leaf disease. Renewing passports may soon get a whole lot easier. Life on a Pennsylvania Dutch farm will be highlighted at a Berks County university this weekend. And this pizzeria is among the best in the U.S.

Students at a Delaware County school district are now “free to express their Satanism” thanks to a change to the district’s dress code. Airline workers at Philadelphia International Airport have landed themselves in big trouble for their roles in a $283,000 skimming scheme. You can learn all about Pennsylvania’s history for free this Saturday. And this hoagie is said to be the “Best on Earth.”

Police in Bethel Park are warning women to stay on high alert as there’s been a spike in purse thefts throughout the area. A new PennDOT study has found that crashes, fatalities, and minor injuries decreased at over 30 roundabouts throughout the state. Hunters in Pennsylvania can rejoice in the fact that ammo prices may be below what they were during the pandemic. Lastly, a music collective made a...

York City schools are considering using a weapon-sniffing dog in response to a spike in violence that has resulted in nine deaths. Residents of one township in Dauphin County will see their annual trash pick-up bills rise to nearly $600 next month. Someone in Carbon County is a million dollars richer. Plus, someone tried using Facebook Marketplace to sell a kangaroo.