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

This proposal — if passed — would ease the concealed carry permit application process. Every Rite Aid in the state has officially closed. The Pennsylvania Turnpike has expanded its payment options. Plus, this is reportedly Pennsylvania’s favorite ice cream.

As far as the rental market goes, this city in Pennsylvania is heating up.

Mothman is undoubtedly the cryptid of West Virginia. But the Mothman, the myth, the legend has also been sighted in Pennsylvania over the decades.

A number of high schools in Pennsylvania have just been ranked amongst some of the best around.

Health insurance costs might go up — on average — by almost 20 percent next year. Meanwhile, this is how Hurricane Erin will impact Pennsylvania. Building a new home costs a lot in the state. Lastly, Hawk Mountain has opened its fall migration season.

Allegheny County officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus of 2025. People can now fill out an online application if they’re looking to clear any criminal convictions. Pennsylvania wants state employees to utilize AI more. And the Keystone State is purportedly one of the best to live in.

Dollar General has recalled instant coffee products in Pennsylvania as well as 47 other states. SEPTA will move forward with massive service cuts and fare hikes, which’ll start at the end of the month. You can now order at-home flu vaccines. Plus, it’s the end of an era.

A children’s nonprofit announced it will shut down. Philadelphia estimates it’ll bring in billions of dollars thanks to America’s 250th birthday. Drinking rates have fallen nationwide. Also, happy almost-National Roller Coaster Day.

Kia and Hyundai thefts are spiking, again. One borough wants to use a “crime-fighting drone” to aid police. The state is mulling over how to moderate cellphone use in schools. Plus, some of you might have seen that weird spiral in the sky the other night.

An armored truck has been robbed for about the fourth or fifth time in Montgomery County. A “cyber incident” shut down the state Attorney General’s website and phones. The sun’ll be out soon enough after a rather stormy week. Finally, meet the “Flathead Queen.”

Pennsylvania continues to see a dip in violent crime. The state House has at last passed an effort to save SEPTA. For Philadelphia, Columbus Day’s back on the calendar. Lastly, the weather’s “absolutely fantastic” for a little meteor-watching.

Claudia Dimuro is taking a brief hiatus from Today in Pa. and will return soon. Every episode of Today in Pa. can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's news coverage at https://www.pennlive.com/

Two men were arrested in Philadelphia for having a foreign shipment of gun switches. The number of Pittsburgh’s police has hit a “frightening” low. Since September’s ‘round the bend, here’s the 2025 fall forecast. And a number of hospitals in Pennsylvania have been recognized as being some of the best.

New monitoring stations installed around Pennsylvania will better alert people to floods, along with other extreme weather events. Philadelphia officials can now impound the cars of anyone caught illegally dumping trash under a new law. SEPTA service cuts are drawing nearer. Also, an “incredibly rare” creature was captured in a photo, chilling in a lake.

A new drug is spreading throughout the Pittsburgh area. Schools and counties are starting to feel the effects of the state budget stalemate. 119 JCPenneys will be sold, a few of which are in Pennsylvania. Lastly, you can find out for yourself if “Love Is Blind.”

Data is showing that people who lived near military bases have higher-than-average levels of “forever chemicals” in their blood. A bill wants to lend protection to anyone in a flood-prone neighborhood. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners have added more Sundays for hunters. And this marketplace calls itself a “playground for the strange and unusual.”

Officials are keeping an eye on a new mosquito-borne illness. Pittsburgh will release an annual report on its vehicle fleet, which one city councilman calls “a hot mess.” Here’s why state parks see high levels of bacteria every now and then. Plus, meet the first-ever inductees named to the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame.

More than 600 bridges were brought down by vehicle hits statewide, leading PennDOT to take action. Industry experts are saying that wine and spirit prices will go up next year thanks to a new fee. Pennsylvania’s getting two new Trader Joe’s. Lastly, a teen is heading to Japan for an international jump rope championship.

Hundreds of pharmacies have closed across Pennsylvania in recent years, and pharmacists are pointing the finger at pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The spotted lanternfly’s next potential target: wine country. Hershey is raising its prices. Also, a community came together to find a lost dog.

An “imposter nurse” used multiple aliases and Social Security numbers to find work treating patients. Electricity bills are expected to go up. Here’s what caused that 911 outage. Lastly, let your soul be soothed by an alpaca.

Residents of an area in Bucks County are still feeling the fallout of a gas leak that occurred almost two years ago at this point. Deodorants made in Pennsylvania have been recalled nationwide. The Keystone State will be involved in the biggest clean energy deal in the world. Lastly, an arcade is opening a new, retro location.

The state Health Department has temporarily reclassified copycat drugs of fentanyl. The pending “doomsday” SEPTA service cuts might disrupt students’ commutes this school year. Seems like many areas are getting a slight reprieve from the heat. Also, these ladies can toss skillets like ain’t nobody’s business.

The West Nile virus has been detected in Philadelphia. Casinos saw a record year, revenue-wise. The Keystone State is among America’s “top tick-infested.” Lastly, a UFO festival explores a strange tale.

Residents of Delaware County are calling for safety measures for e-scooters following the death of a 12-year-old girl. No, you’re not imagining it — there are more mosquitoes around this summer. A new museum is coming to Lancaster. Finally, a clean-up crew was left scrambling to clear this mess, surely not an over-easy ordeal.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have begun to study the potential health effects resulting from the 2023 East Palestine train derailment. A petition argues that independents should be allowed to vote in Pennsylvania’s primary elections. Thousands of people have money coming their way. Also, there’s a peacock on the loose in Bucks County.