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

The man who shot a Bucks County police officer is now facing an attempted murder charge as well as others. Mayor Jim Kenney has shot down the call by activists to bring in the National Guard in order to help handle the city’s spike in gun violence. Lockheed Martin announced that it will close its Sikorsky helicopter plant in Coatesville. And if you’re looking to live in a state that has some of the cheapest pepperoni pizza around, look no further than Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia publicly urged priests not to help parishioners to get religious exemption from getting the COVID-19 vaccine. For the second year in a row, Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade has been cancelled. That Christopher Columbus statue will remain standing in South Philly. And was that a…baby kangaroo spotted hopping around Lebanon County? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The fire that destroyed two portable classrooms at an Allentown elementary school in July has been ruled as arson. Three men and one juvenile were busted in Pittsburgh while they were at a hotel with “large quantities of narcotics.” A flash warning is currently in effect and will end early tomorrow. Plus, a Vietnam vet finally had the chance to pay back a debt to his fallen comrade over 50 years later. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A passenger at Lehigh Valley International Airport was caught with a loaded gun for the third time in less than a month. A former West Penn Hospital employee who secretly filmed nearly 60 of his coworkers and patients undressing has been sentenced. The Port Authority has (finally) rolled out its smartphone payment system for bus riders. Plus, this deer got more trick than treat when a Halloween candy bucket got stuck to its face. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Healthcare workers as well as college employees and students in Philadelphia must get the COVID-19 vaccine by mid-October or submit to regular testing and other requirements. About half a million state residents will see their extra federal unemployment money end by early next month. The identity of the victim whose head was kept in a Lancaster man’s freezer has been confirmed. And a lost puppy found at a Centre County state park isn’t all it appears to be. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Lancaster man charged with criminal homicide kept a human head in his freezer and a dismembered body—which he referred to as a “cadaver doll”—in a bedroom. A union has threatened to sue Governor Tom Wolf to bar him from mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for the Pennsylvania state prison guards it represents. A bank robber essentially got himself caught after posting about the heist on Facebook. Finally, a legal dispute centering around Phillie Phanatic has drawn to a close. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A ruling that deemed Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 restrictions as unconstitutional has been thrown out by a federal appeals court. Former SEPTA employees have been charged with embezzling almost $1 million out of the agency. What city officials are calling Philadelphia’s new “mask mandate” has gone into effect as of today. And yet another (seriously) alligator has been spotted in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Accused terrorist Mustafa Alowemer has received a deadline to plead guilty for planning to blow up a Pittsburgh church in the name of ISIS. Parents of children in Northampton Area schools are voicing concerns with regards to a nonprofit that recently donated books. Construction on the Rausch Creek Logistics Center will begin within the next month. And the biggest meteor shower of 2021 peaks tonight. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man has been charged in connection with a deadly shootout that occurred outside of a Target. The Philadelphia Water Department is currently fixing an error which left many of its customers way overbilled. Mike Lange is officially retiring from the Penguins’ play-by-play. Finally, a rare plant believed to be extinct is spotted in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

First responders, survivors, and the families of 9/11 victims have publicly stated that they want President Joe Biden to stay out of memorial services for the tragedy’s 20th anniversary unless he delivers on the promise he made to release information regarding Saudi Arabia’s alleged role. The state’s prison system will start housing unvaccinated inmates together. This week’s shaping up to be a hot one. And a new app wants to pay people to help alleviate Philly’s trash problem. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Students, athletes, and medical professionals gave their testimonies before the state House Education Committee this week with regards to a bill that would ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s school sports. Although praised by patients, doctors are warning against using cannabis as a means to combat opioid addiction due to the lack of research backing its efficacy. Not one, but two former Penn State athletes brought home medals during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. And a man robbed a credit union using a glue gun, then proceeded to get his car stuck while on the run from the cops. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Four teens have been charged in connection with the beating of a man outside of his house in Lancaster. Former Penn State president, Graham Spanier, has been released from prison after two months for the role he played during the Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. Spirit Airlines continues to delay and cancel flights at Arnold Palmer Regional and Pittsburgh International airports. Finally, a book gets turned to the library…50 years after it’s due. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two Montenegrin men were sentenced for their roles in trying to smuggle tons of cocaine through the Port of Philadelphia during “one of the largest drug busts in U.S. history.” A judge has preliminarily approved for Wawa to pay victims of a 2019 data breach mostly in gift cards (and, thankfully, some cash). Craig Wolfley will be in the Steelers radio booth this season while former offensive lineman, Max Starks, will analyze from the sidelines. Plus, this one farmhouse means some serious bees-ness. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Over 100 passengers were left stranded at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport as well as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia International Airports after Spirit Airlines delayed and canceled multiple flights on Monday. The Pennsylvania Lottery hit big money, reporting a total $1.3 billion in profits for programs that’ll benefit the state’s senior citizens. Local firefighters are headed to Montana in order to help battle wildfires that are besieging the state. And, finally, a 20-year-old man who died in WWII was recently honored by his family. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police in Philadelphia arrested dozens of dangerous individuals during predawn raids, confiscating items such as guns and drugs. A Tesla dealership is coming to central Pennsylvania. Governor Tom Wolf has issued a plan for the state’s parks. Finally, people from 14 different states rally together to help build a church in Franklin County. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Roughly 116,000 households across Pennsylvania have had their utilities disconnected ever since the state lifted its moratorium on shutoffs back in April. Residents of York County are getting knocks on the door from members of an “election integrity committee” asking about their votes during the 2020 presidential election. This one area has seen the largest amount of 18- to 34-year-olds move in when compared to others. And a woman in Harrisburg fell—quite literally—into a piece of history. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fatal drug overdoses spiked in Pennsylvania throughout 2020, increasing by roughly 14 percent when compared to 2019’s numbers. One university has changed its mind and announced that both vaccinated and unvaccinated students won’t be required to wear masks indoors when classes begin this fall. The coach of a Pennsylvania NHL franchise will lead the 2022 men’s Olympic hockey team. Plus, one tearjerker of a story will end today’s segment, as a soldier from York County will soon be reunited with the dog he found while he was deployed overseas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police in Philadelphia are investigating the fatal shooting of a man who opened fire on a crowd by two undercover cops. After over three decades, a man in Adams County has been arrested in the rape and murder of an 85-year-old woman. The state’s Transportation Revenue Options Commission is expected to release a report on ways to best replace Pennsylvania’s gas tax. Also, a quick reminder to look to the skies tonight, as the International Space Station will be visible over the Keystone State. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The trial for a district judge who’s accused of tampering with evidence during a traffic stop involving her son has begun in Harrisburg. State lawmakers are looking to revisit the idea of reforming compassionate release for inmates who are sick or elderly. An impressive two-sport athlete has decided to choose baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates over college football with the Nittany Lions. And speaking of athletes, one York County local recently made the Keystone State proud at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pa. court upheld closing a restaurant for violating the mask mandate. The Justice Department won't investigate how Pa. handled nursing homes during the pandemic. Find out how baby corn snakes hatch. Vintage video games sell in an auction for $30K. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Gingerbread Man founder is planning a restaurant comeback in Mechanicsburg. Pa. may be getting up to $1 billion from a national opioid settlement. Pa.’s COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. After 123 years, the Bishop Bridge has closed for good. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A deal that was recently inked between the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority and Amtrak will study a potential passenger rail service to Scranton and New York City. The suspension of a contractor that is accused of stealing millions in employees’ fringe benefits has been lifted early after it was deemed unconstitutional. A man who ran a tropical fish store in Pittsburgh has pled guilty to trafficking invasive and endangered species. Plus, this week’s Full Thunder Moon is expected to appear super, super orange. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police in West Hanover Township confirmed that they shot and killed a man who had opened fire on his neighbors’ houses. Furthermore, authorities have revealed that the man who had crashed through a fence at Lehigh Valley International Airport on Friday nearly hit a plane full of people. Governor Tom Wolf has flip-flopped on his previous statements regarding new voter ID laws, now claiming that he’s open to some stricter measures. And not even a week after the federal government releases a report on UFOs, a man spots—and records—orbs flying over Philly. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state won big with regards to gambling revenue as casinos and the like racked up billions of dollars during the last fiscal year. As employers continue to struggle to find employees, the workforce has found a new hope in teenagers. Recently released FBI records have revealed that notorious gangster, Whitey Bulger, fixed plenty of horse races—including those at the Pocono Downs—prior to becoming an informant. Plus, Harrisburg-native-turned-Dallas-Cowboy, Micah Parsons, gives his mom a big surprise. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania dropped slightly in June with payrolls inching their way upwards. Governor Tom Wolf’s office has denied having full knowledge of the state’s multimillion-dollar unemployment error prior to a recent announcement made by the state Department of Labor and Industry. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex will at last be hosting big events as more and more PPE equipment makes its way out. And those monster goldfish that are causing problems in Minnesota are also, unfortunately, in Lehigh Valley, too. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One city in Pennsylvania has been listed among the top five nationwide with the highest increase in murder rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get your Nintendo Switches (and your cash) ready as a newly introduced bill is looking to legalize esports betting. September in Pittsburgh is shaping up to be greener than usual as the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is scheduled to take place that month. And one stowaway kitten has quite the ride in Bloomsburg. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of three counties being audited during Sen. Doug Mastriano’s “forensic investigation” into the 2020 presidential election won’t allow any third-party access into its voting machines. As of yesterday, police departments across the state must now track complaints and misconduct allegations via a new database. K-12 schools will still have the option to give out free meals next year. Finally, Harrisburg gets ranked as one of the best Pennsylvanian cities to live in, beating out some shocking locations in the process. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Wolf administration is keeping mum on a state error that led to thousands of unemployed Pennsylvania residents getting overcharged in interest for more than a decade. In other parts of the government, some officials are considering taxing packages delivered in-state by companies such as Amazon in order to fund the repair and maintenance of roadways. One species of tree that’s popular in the landscaping community may soon get listed as a noxious weed. And a deaf dog in Indiana County at last finds a forever home with a woman who teaches deaf education. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health admitted to accidentally duplicating the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses that were administered. Health officials in the state and beyond are noticing a spike in the number of summer colds and viruses. The weather for this week looks like it’s going to be pretty gloomy, with thunderstorms and heat lasting for the majority of it. But hopefully that doesn’t stop you from spotting the ISS flying over the state, though. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Joe Biden is making a stop in Philadelphia on Tuesday in order to speak on voting rights. Meanwhile, the state has awarded roughly $15 million in funding to upgrade traffic signals. A man celebrating the Fourth of July in Mt. Pocono thought it would be a great idea to shoot a firework from his groin and was, shockingly, sadly mistaken. And an alligator got all dolled up to serve as a ringer bearer at a wedding. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new report has revealed that the serious injury rate of Amazon warehouses in Pennsylvania is nearly double those of others in the state. In Harrisburg, officials announced that a serial arsonist has been formally charged by authorities. The northbound lanes (as well as one southbound one) on the Neville Island Bridge on I-79 will be closed this weekend. Plus, this new Lehigh Valley book club not only provides books to low-income kids, but honors a beloved grandmother. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new law will soon require for rehabs to alert the emergency contacts of patients who leave the facility against medical advice. In York County, a food processor has been threatened with a lawsuit brought about by two environmental organizations. Those looking to get their hunter or furtaker license now have the option of completing a new online course to meet the prerequisite. And if you’re looking to take things slow, you could always watch the Philadelphia’s Zoo brand-new Sloth Cam. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The former head of a child welfare agency in the northern part of the state has been accused of directing employees to falsely close files concerning child abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania Turnpike has announced that it will hike toll prices for the 14th consecutive year in a row. The state Game Commission has expressed concern over songbird deaths stemming from an as-of-yet unknown cause. Plus, Heinz is looking to right an age-old hotdog wrong. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Whew...The heat index is heating up Pa. The Pennsylvania Agriculture Department is giving out $1.4 million in grants to fight COVID-19’s impact on the food system. Pa. SPCA saves 17 dogs from a breeder. A Pa. woman is reunited with her long-lost dog. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

1 million Pa. residents have missed their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. A mysterious bird disease is in several Pa. counties. Farm-related spaces have received new protections signed by Gov. Tom Wolf. Also, it’s splooting season for animals! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Masks will be optional for Pa. government employees when they return to work. Gov. Tom Wolf has vetoed banning “vaccine passports.” The 2017 fireworks law will not get repealed in Pa. “Big Brother” season 23 will include two houseguests from Pa. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state budget will allow college athletes to profit off of themselves. Gov. Wolf has vetoed the election overhaul bill. Medical marijuana patients will continue to get a three-month's supply. An online farmers market in central Pa. has launched. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pa. cities — like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh plan to ban plastic bags. There are no Pa. counties that have a high COVID-19 spread for the second consecutive week. The state is 7th-best in giving out first doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Gov. Wolf says the new budget will move Pennsylvania forward. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Get ready to keep riding the heat wave. This week is starting out hot, and today promises to be a real sizzler. In other news, former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a stroke. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s seniors are facing a higher risk of dying in falls due to the pandemic. And a Pa. pediatrician is debunking coronavirus misinformation on the social media platform TikTok. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania’s face mask requirement for people who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 ends today. Name, image, and likeness rights for Pennsylvania college athletes are on the horizon. The FBI sought a warrant after it feared Pennsylvania would seize hidden gold stolen during Civil War. And huge insects with large translucent wings and threatening “pinchers” are terrorizing unsuspecting residents across Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Philadelphia region and parts of South Jersey continue to be plagued by delays in trash pickups. In a news story that wasn’t published by The Onion, police in Lackawanna County broke up an exorcism at a Home Depot. The Steelers will remain home for training camp yet again. And officials were forced to shut the lights off on a bridge due to all the frisky mayflies. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Schuylkill County teenager who was suspended over a profanity-laced Snapchat. York County has begun an investigation into a primary election riddled with foul-ups. Authorities are warning the public to remain wary of a phone scam demanding jury duty fees. And one inn in Lower Nazareth Township may provide a glimpse into American history, right before it’s tragically demolished. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A drug ring operation responsible for pushing thousands of dollars’ worth of drugs throughout the region was busted by state and local authorities. A new report has revealed that Rep. Chris Sainato of Lawrence County billed Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $1.8 million in expenses for items such as transportation and meals. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service has listed 269 bird species in its “Birds of Conservation Concern 2021” report, many of which call the state their home. Plus, one poor pooch that went missing for two weeks was found swimming off the Jersey Shore. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A recent poll has found that the majority of Pennsylvania residents approve of the motion to require photo IDs when voting. The teenager whose body was found in the parking lot of the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg was set up by a “friend” to be robbed. Over 800,000 doses of the J&J vaccine could go to waste in Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey and Delaware. Oh, and, by the way, if you’re looking to survive the zombie apocalypse, make sure you get out of the state. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A federal judge refused to dismiss a discrimination lawsuit against Disney which involves the barring of an autistic boy from entering their Lehigh Valley Mall flagship for not wearing a mask. The York County Mosquito Surveillance Program has discovered mosquitos in the area that have tested positive for West Nile. College football fans are rejoicing at the return of Big Ten Football Media Days next month. And a self-professed “Ultrageezer” breaks yet another running record…at 73 years’ old. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Catholic foster care agency after the city of Philadelphia limited its relationship with the organization due to its refusal to certify same-sex couples as foster parents. Much like the rest of the country, Pennsylvania businesses are suffering from staffing shortages. Thunderstorms may be on the docket for this weekend’s weather in the central part of the state. Plus, one professor is helping technology such as Alexa and Siri to better understand those who don’t speak English. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the COVID-19 pandemic comes to a close, Pennsylvania turns again to face its continuing opioid crisis as new data reflects some of the highest overdose death rates in the country. Parents have filed a lawsuit against a Lehigh Valley school district over lessons focusing on Black Lives Matter. Two new Londonderry Township warehouses—which will cover roughly 1.8 million square feet—are expected to creates hundreds of jobs and bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue. And this flower may look pretty, but touching it could have poisonous consequences. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania state government had itself a busy Tuesday with committees pushing forward two bills: one that seeks to change state voting laws and another that would ban employers from requiring workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. One state park was forced to close its pool for the summer as it finds itself experiencing a lifeguard shortage. Plus, a furloughed steelworker from Indiana County was shocked to find that he had won $3 million the day after winning $1,000. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A York County judge recently denied the request to drop a few charges against a woman who kept her grandmother’s corpse in a freezer for 15 years. Police in Ocean City confirmed they are reviewing footage of the recent arrest of four Harrisburg men after videos of the incident went viral. State police have opened an investigation into the rise in statewide cooking oil thefts. And one study has deemed Pennsylvania as one of the “most fun” states in all of the U.S. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The COVID-19 disaster may be coming to end in Pa, but what does it really mean? Gov. Wolf will veto any bill from Republicans meant to suppress voters' access. Fireworks may be annoying, but here to stay. Though, murder hornets shouldn’t be a concern for Pa. residents. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.