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

An annual report has found that more people are dying while being treated for common ailments at hospitals than they were five years ago. Pittsburgh police are searching for a graffiti vandal whose latest targets included a church. The state’s first-ever self-driving shuttling is pulling into Philadelphia for testing next year. And are any of Pennsylvania’s cities amongst the country’s “grinchiest?”

Some Pennsylvanian Fios customers could lose channels amidst current renegotiations between Verizon and Cox Media. A casino and a sportsbook operator have been hit with a fine for taking unapproved wagers back in 2021. About 4,600 veteran graves will receive wreaths this weekend. Plus, this building is among the state’s “most beautiful.”

Masks are coming back to Philadelphia’s schools for two weeks after the winter break. Residents of one township are clashing over the appointment of a public information officer. Over $10 million has been granted by the federal government to Chesapeake Bay watershed efforts. And Pennsylvanians love these sides above all others for their holiday dinner.

A 76-year-old woman has been charged in a cold case after DNA testing disproved her story about a goose bite. In Pittsburgh, city councilmembers are considering legislation that would use $1 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funds to help alleviate residents’ medical debts. Police in Philadelphia are still looking for a man who somehow managed to steal an antique brass railing from outside City Hall. Plus, Dark Side Santa was the guest at this store’s meet-and-greet.

Over 20 car dealers have been accused of “title washing.” As a deficit in the form of millions of dollars draws near, Montgomery County has proposed a real estate tax hike in its 2023 budget. After standing for 80 years, one township’s “Welcome” sign has been ordered to be taken down by PennDOT. And a man searched desperately for his missing dog only to find him up a tree.

A man stole an ambulance while intoxicated in Pittsburgh. A college has decided to cut tuition prices for out-of-state undergrads next school year. Bucks County EMS squads will soon be getting a $5.5 million boost. Finally, if you want a shot at spotting Santa’s sleigh this Christmas Eve, here’s where to go.

Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter was stopped by police three times in the past yet remains a supporter of stop and frisk. Forbes has found that the largest private company in Pennsylvania is none other than Wawa. The state has received a “yellow” grade when it comes to traffic safety laws. Plus, this is supposedly the most popular toy in Pennsylvania.

The camera a man had hidden in one of the bathrooms in the Frick Pittsburgh took over 200 images of adults, seniors, and even children. In Westmoreland County, Yukon residents aren’t too thrilled about plans for a new toxic waste dump. There’s a chance you could be able to see the NASA rocket launch on Friday. And unfortunately, none of Pennsylvania’s cities made it to the top of a list ranking the country’s “most fun.”

Two college students have been charged with abusing corpses at their school’s anatomy lab. Governor Tom Wolf still hasn’t disclosed why he’s spent tens of thousands of dollars on private law firms. A dog was safely returned to his family after being allegedly stolen from a Wawa in Philadelphia. And a man who was abandoned as a baby 90 years ago is slowly reuniting with his family.

The operator of 13 McDonald’s in the Pittsburgh area has been accused of child labor violations. Meanwhile, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission is scheduled to vote on a proposal to change the definition of “sex” in sex discrimination cases this week. With the upcoming Farm Show comes a new flavor of milkshake, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Lastly, these students are going to have to get used to their new housemates’ habits.