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

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.”