Good Morning, Pennsylvania: Toy inspectors; lawmakers' work week; applesauce recall update

Also, how the Eagles fared vs. the Cowboys.

View in browser  |  Get our newsletters Good Morning, Pennsylvania MONDAY, DEC. 11, 2023 • TODAY'S WEATHER If you're unhappy and you know it Maybe it's connected to the football team, but Pittsburgh ranked in a study as the third least happiest city for families in the U.S. Portland was first, Seattle second.   Philadelphia made the Top 10 in unhappy, and Pennsylvania overall landed 26th among states. That puts it just onto the not-so-happy half.   What's the definition here? "Every family is different, from size and location of residence to values and beliefs, but at the end of the day there are certain characteristics that are a sign of a happy family," according to the study. "... We found that supportive, loving and loyal were the most common descriptors of (happy) families."   Topping cities nationwide was Virgina Beach, Va. (Maybe it's easier to be loving and supportive at the beach?) The happiest state was Tennessee.    We wish you a happy Monday, wherever you are. Curated by Janet Pickel PHOTO OF THE DAY: The a cappella group Pentatonix performed a Christmas show at the Giant Center in Hershey last week. (Sean Simmers, PennLive.com) Today's talkers Will politicians get to work?: This week, the final voting session of 2023 for Pennsylvania's General Assembly, has the potential to be the most productive of the entire year given the number of big-ticket items awaiting action. We'll see if a divided Legislature can work together for once.   Suing Harrisburg police: An appeals court has ruled Harrisburg police officers can be sued by the family of a man who died in their care. They had claimed they should be immune from a 2020 lawsuit related to the 2019 death of a man who had ingested a substantial amount of cocaine.   War in Israel-Gaza touches Pa.: Several hundred people marched from the Capitol to the governor's residence in Harrisburg on Sunday, demanding that local politicians support a ceasefire in Gaza.  See also: Penn president resigns following antisemitism testimony Read more Holiday season Inspectors of toys: The state Department of Labor & Industry's Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety is kind of like the North Pole, with new toys showing up daily. But in Harrisburg, the toys are inspected for safety and compliance, not stuffed into sacks.   Decorating tip: A Christmas garland-hanging hack has taken social media by storm, and fans say it does the job without ruining your walls or requiring tape. We have the instructions here.    December to-do list: We have listed some of the must-see holiday events happening this year in central Pennsylvania, ranging from beloved annual traditions to relatively new offerings. You also might want to take time to see Christmas light displays. Amusement parks are open, including two in Pa. that made a national list of the best for the holidays.   Festival of lights: Hanukkah started last week; it's a time when Jews gather light candles and mark the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century B.C. A large menorah was lit at the state Capitol. Read more Cops & courts Police officers hurt: A pursuit of a suspected gunman ended in a shootout that left two officers and a suspect wounded, Philadelphia police said.   Prison time for killing: A Cumberland County woman pleaded guilty and was sent to prison for decades for shooting to death a woman after they'd had an argument over the phone.   Motorcyclist dies in crash: A 25-year-old motorcyclist was killed on Friday after colliding with a sport utility vehicle. The cause of the crash is under investigation, which will include an autopsy.   Coroner delay: A Lycoming County coroner says police waited two hours after a shooting to alert his office. The man who was shot was pronounced dead at the scene.  Read more Advertisement   Nation-world news Fatal storms: At least six people were killed in the Nashville area, three when one mobile home crashed onto another, during storms and tornados over the weekend in Tennessee.    Plant linked to recall: U.S. health officials have launched an inspection of a plant in Ecuador that made the cinnamon applesauce pouches linked to dozens of cases of acute lead poisoning in U.S. children.  Read more Sports NFL: The Philadelphia Eagles' problems multiply in Sunday's lopsided loss to the Dallas Cowboys as they relinquish top seed in NFC. See also: Philadelphia-born Pro Bowler, former Titans star dies at 52   Winning streak: Penn State wrestling won its 46th straight match on Sunday, this one against Hofstra.   Best of the best: Our All-PIAA state title team is made of the high school football players who shined the brightest in the big games. Read more OTHER DON'T-MISS STORIES 2023′s final meteor showers will bring sparkle to December nights Pa. defense contractors benefit from military aid going to Ukraine FDA approves 2 gene therapies for sickle cell disease You're caught up. Thanks for joining us in Good Morning, Pennsylvania. You can always find the latest Pennsylvania news by visiting PennLive.com. If you value the hard work of our journalists, consider becoming a subscriber.   See you next issue. GAMES & COMICS Today's Crossword More free puzzles & games Today's Comics Today's crossword Puzzles & games Today's comics CRIME, CRASHES, CALAMITIES: UPDATES FROM THE PENNLIVE COPS DESK NEWSLETTER Know what's going in your neighborhood and beyond with the latest police, fire, traffic, courts and related news. Click here to subscribe. EAT, SHOP, GO WITH PENNLIVE NEWSLETTER Your weekly report on food, restaurants, businesses, retail centers, things to do and places to go all around central Pa. Click here to subscribe. 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