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

One county’s emergency dispatch system was down for days after it was hit by hackers. In a follow-up to a story previously reported on “Today in Pa.,” corporations are still buying up local homes to turn into rentals. 2024’s first full moon is something to howl at. Plus, PETA’s suggested, once again, a replacement for Punxsutawney Phil.

Students could take “mental health days” if this proposal comes to pass. One school district is considering spending up to $14,000 on a consultant for Racial Equity Affiliate training. Pennsylvania’s actually one of the worst states to start a business in. And luck was one heck of a lady to this guy.

Don’t worry, state officials are still looking to target those “predatory” junk fees that beef up prices on items so unnecessarily. In SEPTA news, over a dozen Regional Rail stations will shutter their ticket sales windows. Stamp prices went up as of yesterday. Finally, this guy’s a cop by day and the “Philly Flash” by night.

A scientist at Temple University has been accused of improperly using pictures of mouse brains in order to make claims in his research stronger. Nearly a dozen state officials violated the State Ethics Act last year, doing things like using authority credit cards for personal expenses. A number of local leaders are vocally criticizing state DEP regulations. And Pennsylvania has just one number one cheese, but they’re all pretty gouda.

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are already trying to get ahead of how AI is used in elections. Two colleges have been added to a list of those being investigated by the federal Education Department for alleged “discrimination involving shared ancestry.” Costco’s cracking down on nonmembers. Finally, funny road signs are going the way of the dodo.

A man was charged after recovering a hunter’s deer with a drone, and officials are now thinking the whole thing over. In York County, officials are finally considering a WiFi proposal. Here’s an update on gas prices. And people are getting pantsless — for charity.

Pennsylvania was found to be underfunding school districts by more than $5 billion. $40 million will go toward the replacement of diesel vehicles with EVs. Snow geese will soon drop by during their annual migration. Plus, a man got stuck in a tree surrounded by a flooded creek.

The execs of a mental health care and drug treatment nonprofit reportedly spent millions on things like golf and Sixers tickets. The state has officially launched its first-ever Human Trafficking Section. If you see a turkey, let the Game Commission know. Also, here’s a Peep(s) at some new marshmallow treats.

The state will start using AI in some of its operations in a “first in the nation” partnership. Officials are calling for a “purple alert system” after a teenager with Down syndrome went missing in Pittsburgh. About 300 contract workers will be laid off across several Amazon warehouses. Finally, Steelers Nation has shunned Buffalo sauce.

After causing quite the kerfuffle, turns out that William Penn statue will stay standing in Independence National Historical Park. A proposal would force lawmakers to forgo pay when there’s a budget impasse. The state’s bear harvest is the lowest it’s been in almost 20 years. And this spot isn’t a bad one to cuddle up with someone special.