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

The state House has passed a bill that would allow for numerous retail stores to stay open for business during a declared state of emergency. A state trooper was charged with tampering with a traffic ticket. A local newspaper has sued Google and Facebook in a federal antitrust lawsuit. And Batman himself—Michael Keaton—is looking to bring jobs to Pittsburgh.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Philadelphia man has plead guilty to smuggling over $200,000 worth of firearms to Turkey and the Republic of Georgia. 16 state legislators have formed a bipartisan group to break free of ineffectiveness brought on by party lines. Lehigh University has joined the ranks of colleges requiring COVID-19 vaccinations. Plus, Philadelphia is undergoing the invasion of the fig buttercup.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

PennDOT found that traffic deaths had increased in 2020 despite a drop in drivers brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. A Freeze Watch has been issued in the southwestern part of the state. Micah Parsons—who is Harrisburg born and bred—finds himself on the cusp of becoming a first-round draft pick for the NFL. And a very rare cloud formation descended upon the Lehigh Valley.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pittsburgh is experiencing a spike in homicides and violent crimes. A man who burns flags as part of his activism has posted two more civil rights settlements that amount to $20,000. The Pennsylvania Farm Show will be hosting a Spring Food Fest in May. Plus, a woman thanks a WellSpan volunteer who helped her overcome her fear with a gift.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking to push a bill that would ban the use of cellphones by drivers, potentially making violations a “primary offense.” The Department of Labor and Industry might bring back work search requirements in order for people to claim unemployment benefits. Students across the state will have to take PSSAs this year. And a new study has found out which athletes born and bred in Pennsylvania are the most iconic..

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State universities in Pennsylvania have frozen their tuition for the third year in a row. Over 20 million users of a parking app were victims of a massive data breach, including Pittsburgh Parking Authority customers. A motorcycle run will be held in order to support a local York County police sergeant in his fight with cancer. Plus, birdwatchers are having their feathers ruffled (in a good way) by the appearance of a rare bird in Lancaster County.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Roughly 150 children found at the U.S.-Mexico border are being housed in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania. The Wolf administration has granted $10.8 million towards STEM education programs in schools. The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts has advised the public to be wary of a phone scam. And bidding on an extremely rare baseball card has hit $110,000.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A 2014 lawsuit which alleged that the Pennsylvania State Police discriminated against women through the use of physical tests during its hiring process has reached a $2.2 million agreement. A man living in Allentown who purchased ricin after being inspired by “Breaking Bad” pleaded guilty in federal court. Rattlesnakes have begun to emerge from their dens. Plus, an 18-year-old man from Lewisburg makes bowling history.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state has received a C-minus grade from the White House with regards to its infrastructure. All Pennsylvania residents who are 16 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as of today. A state lawmaker believes allowing for bars and restaurants to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. would help them regain the revenue they’ve lost during the pandemic. And a Phillies fan went viral on social media after he gave a home run ball to a Braves fan.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Wolf administration is being pressured to release more information regarding wasted COVID-19 vaccine doses. The state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that voters must provide the address of where they are registered to vote when signing a candidate’s nominating petition. Italian-American groups are suing Philly over the cancellation of Columbus Day, citing discrimination. And that gigantic snake in Pittsburgh? Well, it’s more common than you’d think.

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.