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

Almost a million people in Pennsylvania will qualify for a new tax credit this year. A major company will lay off nearly 1,000 employees. Pennsylvania’s getting $711 million in funding for broadband initiatives. Plus, a bald eagle cam livestream begins.

Given how unstable and dangerous it is, state officials want people to, please, keep off icy rivers and other waterways. The state Game Commission is releasing pheasants for some late-season hunting. Investments are looking to boost Pennsylvania’s billion-dollar poultry industry. Finally, is the Susquehanna hiding a prehistoric monster? 

Tens of thousands of people statewide have dropped their health plans due to skyrocketing costs. State lawmakers are looking to strengthen efficiency standards for appliances. Philly bars could very well stay open past 2 a.m. this summer. And the state tourism agency gives you the winter activity lowdown — in Pennsylvania’s regional accents. 

A global company with roots in Pennsylvania is actually moving its headquarters back to the state. Sen. Dave McCormick says he’s secured more than $270 million in federal funding for projects statewide. A big kahuna lottery ticket was sold at a supermarket. Also, this kid using a Ben Franklin ID was the straw that broke the camel’s back. 

Smaller transit systems are feeling the same pain SEPTA was not too long ago. A federally mandated change is taking effect at libraries next week. Pennsylvania’s population actually grew while, overall, the country’s fell. Plus, the winning Pennsylvania Super Bowl snack. 

A new report has found how much Pennsylvanians need to make in order to “comfortably afford” child care. Another Starbucks has unionized. There’s an “arctic blast” heading our way. Finally, the tallest living female dog — who’s nearly half the size of Michael Jordan — has Pittsburgh roots. 

The state Health Department has confirmed five measles cases in central Pennsylvania. Safety officers in Philadelphia District schools will get bulletproof vests and handcuffs starting next year. Gambling saw another record year in 2025. And are “savesies” on parking spots kosher?

Health concerns remain prevalent in the East Palestine community three years after the train derailment. Tens of thousands of Kias and Hyundais have a defect that could leave people driving blind. Officials have started to clean up the mess a failed recycling project left behind. Also, this river’s quite the comeback kid.

The Allegheny River’s ice situation has gotten so bad, it’s disrupted shipping. Gov. Shapiro has endorsed a statewide ban on cellphones during school days. SEPTA will start using leased railcars to boost service. Plus, a feature film on Gettysburg has wrapped.

A utilities has proposed an increase to its base rates, spelling an additional $10 more a month for customers. 2026’s trout stocking schedules have been released. Pennsylvania’s reportedly a great state to raise a family. And a historic site reopens, just in time for America’s 250th.