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

Pa. Republican majorities voted in favor of putting a stop to Gov. Tom Wolf’s pandemic disaster emergency declaration. The House of Representatives may vote on the Voting Rights Protection Act as early as next week. Pa. plans to address its health disparities in marginalized and rural communities with a $36 million award from the CDC. While the Department of Labor & Industry’s rollout of the new unemployment system was rocky, officials say the state’s jobless claims have tripled, calling the launch a success. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pa. experts weigh in on COVID-19 herd immunity. Over 13 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been given in the state. Pa. Jobless advocates are frustrated with new unemployment system errors. McDonald’s plans to hire thousands of new employees across Pa. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The statewide positive test has fallen below 3%. Though, one Pa. county still has a high transmission rate of COVID-19. Pennsylvania farmers markets have teamed up with Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration to bring awareness to the state’s food assistance programs. Governor Tom Wolf and Democratic lawmakers also joined forces to make a pitch for $1 billion-plus investment in Pa. schools. And a Pennsylvanian man defrauded hundreds while impersonating members of the Trump family online. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Christian college located near Philadelphia closed its social work program partly due to the fact that it found the guidelines of the accrediting agency to conflict with its theological beliefs. Meanwhile, veterinarians and volunteers find themselves tasked with caring for over 400 animals that were all rescued from the same property. The restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed just got some serious funding. Plus, a 99-year-old woman in Fountain Hill may have lost her eyesight, but that hasn’t stopped her from partaking in her favorite hobby: crocheting. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man in Philadelphia was fatally attacked as he was helping one of his fellow employees who had gotten into a car crash. Police in Northwest Philadelphia have been ordered to end stopping individuals for “quality-of-life” violations starting August. The USFL has announced its plans to return with new teams in spring 2022, sparking rumors of a second pro-football franchise for Philadelphia. And if you’re allergic to seafood, please refrain from eating those Brood X cicadas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A woman was shot in her car yesterday on Pittsburgh’s North Side. A newly introduced Senate bill would allow for the state Game Commission to decide for itself which Sundays would be open to hunting. One Pennsylvania forest gained some new acreage. Plus, if you got nothing going on in mid-June, you could always go to the Bigfoot Festival. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A serial killer has confessed to unsolved murders that took place in Beaver County during the 1970s. Meanwhile, state tax collections continue to bounce back as the pandemic eases away. Only one county in the entire state is showing a substantial spread of COVID-19. And a local high school gets an early dismissal after what looks like a bobcat invades the premises. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The U.S. Justice Department ruled that the Hazelton Police Department must take the steps to cater to those who do not speak English. State lawmakers are looking to begin to chip away at Governor Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 disaster declaration. The first few days of June continues on its rainy track. Finally, three dogs from Pennsylvania are semifinalists in the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A hiker that went missing in the Pennsylvania portion of the Appalachian Trail was found safe and sound. The state Department of Agriculture announced that it is using insecticide to beat back invasive spotted lanternflies. The Pennsylvania unemployment benefits system is currently in transition until next week. And this one farm will let you play with goats at no charge. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Restaurants throughout the state and across the country are being forced to drop certain menu items and to raise prices as food rises in cost. The Peach Bottom Power Station will hold an emergency siren test this week. The WWE will return to the PPG Paints Arena this summer. And the lucky individual who catches Bigfoot could get a $3 million bounty, courtesy of Oklahoma. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Plains Township man is claiming self-defense after assaulting a woman and stabbing a man with a box cutter. Unfortunately for drivers, traffic for Memorial Day Weekend is expected be twice as high as last year. The National Guard will soon take over COVID-19 contact tracing responsibilities after the previous vendor was fired over a massive data breach. Plus, a historic park is officially saved from becoming a housing development. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has dropped legal action against the 40 restaurants which defied COVID-19 mitigation orders during the pandemic. The state Senate Finance Committee has passed two tax credit bills which seek to help businesses recover from the coronavirus outbreak. Cocktails-to-go may become a permanent option at restaurants and bars throughout the state. And seriously—why are these turtles crossing roads? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two bills restricting abortion rights have advanced through the Pennsylvania House Health Committee. The Tarentum Bridge will be closed next month for renovations. Police are urging residents in a Pittsburgh suburb to not take selfies with any of the bears roaming the neighborhood. And according to one study, Pennsylvania is one of the grossest states in the nation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania House committee voted to permanently pass medical marijuana law changes that were brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the Wolf administration announced that the work search requirement will be reinstated for those receiving unemployment compensation. UPMC renames its hospitals located within the Harrisburg region. And May’s blood supermoon is on the rise. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state Department of Labor and Industry has found that Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate and payroll saw very little change in April. A Bethlehem man who punched his girlfriend told the police to shoot him so he wouldn’t have to go back to jail. The Water Sports Foundation predicts this upcoming Memorial Day weekend could be busy and accident-prone with concerns to boats. Plus, nature lovers are in a tizzy over green drake mayflies. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Philadelphia man has plead guilty for a 2019 shooting in which a stray bullet hit a 2-year-old-girl. A guard has been charged for his part in a drug sale operation going on in Allegheny County Jail. Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor is calling for a close watch on how COVID-19 relief dollars are spent in the state. And EMS workers in Pittsburgh get the comic book superhero treatment. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A former official in Philadelphia has been sentenced for embezzling $150,000 meant for nonprofit and community endeavors. A teacher in Juniata County can’t receive any sick day donations from his co-workers as he and his family recover from a house fire. Voters in Pennsylvania have backed an amendment to the state constitution that would ban discrimination based on race and ethnicity. Finally, a couple of rare corpse flowers—which smell just like their name—bloom at Temple University. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man in East Stroudsburg shot at would-be robbers invading his home, injuring one and killing another. A man who not only faked being an Army combat veteran but also stole $17,000 from an American Legion post has landed a six- to 12-year prison sentence. Penn State’s Faculty Senate voted to drop all gendered and binary terms from course and program descriptions. And one Pennsylvanian city finds itself the setting of a goat escape. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The head of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association is looking for an apology from Governor Tom Wolf over comments he made in a letter to state employees. The Port Authority intends to increase its vehicle capacity in May before returning to full capacity in June. A new website provides helpful tips for the prevention of ticks. Plus, a Bucks County historic park will officially be conserved and improved See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

According to prosecutors, a Butler Township man who is suspected of two homicides and is a person of interest in a third meets the definition of a “serial killer.” The list of Pennsylvania lawmakers who spent the most on food, lodging, and other expenditures is now available for the public to see. Over 1,000 pounds of frankenfish were pulled out of the Susquehanna River. And a WWII veteran connects with the son of a Holocaust survivor he helped to liberate from a concentration camp over Zoom. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office has begun investigating a data breach at a company overseeing COVID-19 contact tracing that may have left the private information of approximately 72,000 people compromised. Amazon Air has landed at Pittsburgh International Airport. The Pittsburgh Penguins are readying themselves for the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. And a pastor from Allentown hosted a lavish funeral for his dearly beloved pooch. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pittsburgh man who attacked mounted police and a cop car with a stop sign during a riot over the death of George Floyd has pleaded guilty to charges such as aggravated assault on officers. Worries over gas prices in Pennsylvania and the rest of the East Coast continue after the Colonial Pipeline suffered from a ransomeware attack. One driver has filed a lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Turnpike, claiming it has charged millions in unjustified fees for E-ZPass users. And a teenager in Perry County has formed an unlikely friendship with an emu. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Humane Society recently released its annual list of puppy mill entries from around the country, ranking Pennsylvania near the top of the list. The state Attorney General’s office took over nearly $18 million in student debt fees, taking it out of the hands of private debt collectors. Indoor and outdoor event capacities will increase starting May 17. Plus, a man who grew his hair out for two years shaves it in the name of charity. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A 15-year-old boy was charged as an adult in connection with the homicide of another teenager that took place in Pittsburgh last month. A man linked to a series of explosions in Carbon County had previously brought a large, homemade explosive device into a dollar store. The Pennsylvania Senate is currently considering a bill that would give parents the option of holding their children back a year due to learning loss brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. And one man was able to raise money for a liver transplant after a Facebook page that mocks boomers picked up his story. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pa. state department recently announced switching to a better map to find COVID-19 vaccines. Regal Cinemas is reopening its chain of movie theater locations in central Pa. Green Day and more of your favorite artists are coming to put on in-person concerts this summer and fall. Do you want to camp in Pennsylvania without having your own RV or tent? There are some options for you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Capital Region Water allowed for 584 million gallons of untreated sewage to enter the Susquehanna River in 2020. Rutter’s has increased its starting wage. A hunter from Washington County landed national recognition for bagging turkeys in 49 states. Plus, a man’s friends come out to show their support after his house burned down in a fire that broke out on his birthday. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man who kidnapped and murdered his girlfriend’s infant son in 2013 has been deemed incompetent to stand trial for an indefinite amount of time. The debate over whether college students should be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in order to return to campus rages on, especially after yet another Pennsylvania school announced the implementation of such a rule. The state Game Commission has lowered its hunting limit on Canada geese. And you can now help contribute to spotted lanternfly research by buying (and drinking) wine. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Bucks County man who shot his dog then barbecued it is facing various charges and remains held on a $1 million bail. In Philadelphia, a man stole 14 different properties by forging signatures and documents. You can look up where you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of a Brood X cicada in the state. Plus, a police officer and an assistant fire chief are honored for saving two boys from a blaze in Kingston. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man in Williamsport who caused 51 overdoses within a 48-hour period due to the drugs he supplied has been served a 25-year sentence. Meanwhile, a 19-year-old hit a 9-year-old boy in the head before stealing his dirt bike, leading police on a chase in Allentown. The Bureau of Forestry has begun spraying against gypsy moths in woodlands across the state. And the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has released 2020’s biggest catches. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A former tax collector has admitted to stealing over $1 million. A data breach in a COVID-19 contact tracing company has potentially left the personal information of at least 72,000 Pennsylvanians compromised. Penn National Gaming is hiring employees for its upcoming casino. Plus, a first-round pick for the Steelers held a draft day pizza party at the homeless shelter he once lived in as a kid. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to the state and the Pennsylvania Department of Health for approval to separate vaccinated and non-vaccinated fans at the PPG Paints Arena. A common way of getting rid of spotted lanternflies may be harming other species in the process. Possible power outages may occur today due to high winds. And a locally brewed IPA will help to raise money for the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An attorney in Luzerne County left his role as the president of the state’s Bar Association after being charged with soliciting prostitution. The State System of Higher Education’s governing board voted in favor of merging Pennsylvania’s six state universities into two. A barn that was used as a field hospital during the Civil War was burned down in a recent Gettysburg fire. And the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board revealed which liquor residents purchased the most during the pandemic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A former bookkeeper for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has been accused of embezzling over $2.6 million to fund her gambling habits and vacations. SEPTA has announced that it intends to move forward with modernizing its trolley system. PETA is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who helps Carlisle police catch whoever was responsible for leaving a pit bull tied to a bridge in LeTort Park. Plus, one Quakertown woman helped to raise money for servers struggling during the coronavirus pandemic by starting her own “tip challenge.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The U.S. Census Bureau has confirmed that Pennsylvania will lose a seat in the House of Representatives. Police in Harrisburg managed to prevent a suicide attempt. A six-month pilot program to test out delivery robots may launch in a Pittsburgh neighborhood as soon as June. And the prototype of the first U.S. dollar coins that was minted in Philadelphia got auctioned off for the price of $840,000. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police departments in Philadelphia are experiencing a spike in cop retirements as well as a drop in new recruits. The University of Pittsburgh is looking to dismiss student refund claims brought about by the campus’ closure during the coronavirus pandemic last spring. Jubilee Day in Mechanicsburg is canceled again this year due to concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, an album recorded by a Philadelphia jazz musician that was believed to be lost for 50 years is now available for some smooth listening. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state House has passed a bill that would allow for numerous retail stores to stay open for business during a declared state of emergency. A state trooper was charged with tampering with a traffic ticket. A local newspaper has sued Google and Facebook in a federal antitrust lawsuit. And Batman himself—Michael Keaton—is looking to bring jobs to Pittsburgh. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Philadelphia man has plead guilty to smuggling over $200,000 worth of firearms to Turkey and the Republic of Georgia. 16 state legislators have formed a bipartisan group to break free of ineffectiveness brought on by party lines. Lehigh University has joined the ranks of colleges requiring COVID-19 vaccinations. Plus, Philadelphia is undergoing the invasion of the fig buttercup. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

PennDOT found that traffic deaths had increased in 2020 despite a drop in drivers brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. A Freeze Watch has been issued in the southwestern part of the state. Micah Parsons—who is Harrisburg born and bred—finds himself on the cusp of becoming a first-round draft pick for the NFL. And a very rare cloud formation descended upon the Lehigh Valley. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pittsburgh is experiencing a spike in homicides and violent crimes. A man who burns flags as part of his activism has posted two more civil rights settlements that amount to $20,000. The Pennsylvania Farm Show will be hosting a Spring Food Fest in May. Plus, a woman thanks a WellSpan volunteer who helped her overcome her fear with a gift. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking to push a bill that would ban the use of cellphones by drivers, potentially making violations a “primary offense.” The Department of Labor and Industry might bring back work search requirements in order for people to claim unemployment benefits. Students across the state will have to take PSSAs this year. And a new study has found out which athletes born and bred in Pennsylvania are the most iconic.. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State universities in Pennsylvania have frozen their tuition for the third year in a row. Over 20 million users of a parking app were victims of a massive data breach, including Pittsburgh Parking Authority customers. A motorcycle run will be held in order to support a local York County police sergeant in his fight with cancer. Plus, birdwatchers are having their feathers ruffled (in a good way) by the appearance of a rare bird in Lancaster County. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Roughly 150 children found at the U.S.-Mexico border are being housed in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania. The Wolf administration has granted $10.8 million towards STEM education programs in schools. The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts has advised the public to be wary of a phone scam. And bidding on an extremely rare baseball card has hit $110,000. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A 2014 lawsuit which alleged that the Pennsylvania State Police discriminated against women through the use of physical tests during its hiring process has reached a $2.2 million agreement. A man living in Allentown who purchased ricin after being inspired by “Breaking Bad” pleaded guilty in federal court. Rattlesnakes have begun to emerge from their dens. Plus, an 18-year-old man from Lewisburg makes bowling history. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state has received a C-minus grade from the White House with regards to its infrastructure. All Pennsylvania residents who are 16 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as of today. A state lawmaker believes allowing for bars and restaurants to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. would help them regain the revenue they’ve lost during the pandemic. And a Phillies fan went viral on social media after he gave a home run ball to a Braves fan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Wolf administration is being pressured to release more information regarding wasted COVID-19 vaccine doses. The state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that voters must provide the address of where they are registered to vote when signing a candidate’s nominating petition. Italian-American groups are suing Philly over the cancellation of Columbus Day, citing discrimination. And that gigantic snake in Pittsburgh? Well, it’s more common than you’d think. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A cheerleader in Schuylkill County who was suspended for a Snapchat message she posted outside of school is bringing her case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry seeks to launch a quicker and easier unemployment system this June. There are now 8 more counties in the state’s spotted lanternfly quarantine zone, bringing the total to 34. Finally, Penn State Children’s Hospital has a new four-legged employee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The lawyer of a Pennsylvania man charged in the January 6 Capitol riot states that he was “viciously and savagely beaten” by a corrections officer while in prison. A woman who spat and coughed on food in a supermarket at the start of the coronavirus pandemic has been charged with trespassing at a Luzerne County church. The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition will hold a commemoration today for Holocaust Remembrance Day. And a bear was spotted in Pittsburgh. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives pushed through a law that would end changing clocks and keep Daylight Saving Time permanent. In further law news, the state’s Move Over Law is scheduled to change in three weeks’ time. A man was caught altering lottery tickets with nothing but a stick of glue and scissors. Plus, those traveling on the Susquehanna River—beware the frankenfish! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A group of all-female state lawmakers are looking to keep transgender athletes from partaking in all-girls school sports teams. A man was taken into custody in Pittsburgh after a domestic call turned into a SWAT standoff. Two kayakers and a dog were rescued from the Susquehanna River. And a new study theorizes that a hidden, alien planet may be lying inside Earth. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania lawmakers have started to take measures in order to prevent the potential requirement of a “COVID-19 vaccine passport” in the state. Additionally, Pennsylvania has lifted its telework mandate. The Pierogi, Kielbasa, and Tomato festivals are all a go for this year. Plus, in their quest to find genetic clues which lay in the coloring of wild trout, Penn State researchers are asking for anglers to send in photos of their latest catches. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.