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

A 29-year-old man was charged with the murder of a Lancaster County mother of six whom he fatally shot during a road-rage incident. The remains of a “Beth Doe” found near the Lehigh River in 1976 were at last identified, as was her murderer. The governor’s offices in the state Capitol got the green light to undergo a $1.5 million renovation. And three craft breweries in the state have been ranked amongst the nation’s best. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One Pennsylvania lawmaker is seeking to give schools an incentive to have in-person instruction by tying it back to state funding. In Bradford County, a woman admitted that she and her husband scammed nearly $1.9 million out of older women in a social media scheme. A company in Allegheny County agreed to clean up the toxic waste it dumped into some of Pittsburgh’s drinking water. Finally, Hawk Mountain will launch its Spring Hawk Watch starting today. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A former Air Force general attributed his possession of child pornography to post-traumatic stress. Three people in Pittsburgh were charged in an unemployment scam, filing claims that amounted to nearly $900,000 in benefits. Rising costs of lumber have caused the prices of new houses to rise as well. Plus, a lock of George Washington’s hair that was trimmed by a barber in Philadelphia is now up for auction. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced Monday the tolls on bridges connecting New Jersey to Pennsylvania will go up in April. A restaurant owner in Allegheny County is asking a state appellate court to allow for her to disregard COVID-19 mandates such as face masks requirements in order for her establishment to survive. A fisherman saved a man he found floating in the Susquehanna River. And three dogs from Pittsburgh were nominated for this year’s American Humane Hero Dog Awards. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The United Steelworkers Union will strike this week at Allegheny Technologies. Pennie insurance marketplace will stay open until Aug. 15. State parks’, forests’ in-person outdoor programs to resume in April. Pitt professor’s tech helps NASA’s Perseverance rover. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state Supreme Court ruled that secretly recorded audio of a nanny accused of abuse may be submitted as evidence. Federal court has ruled that Chesapeake Energy Corp. must pay Pennsylvania $1.9 million after damaging waterways and wetlands. An ATM exploded in Philadelphia. And one stray dog kept stealing the same stuffed unicorn, so an animal-control officer decided to buy it for him. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The former director of emergency management at the University of Pittsburgh stole more than 13,600 face masks and then sold them on eBay at “significant price mark ups.” A Commonwealth Court decided not to overturn a law which keeps the General Assistance Program’s cash benefits from getting to the state’s poorest individuals. The Pennsylvania Lottery has updated its longest-running jackpot. Finally, the new Cadbury Bunny is, actually, a frog. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Teresa Miller, the Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, has announced her resignation. The Pennsylvania House passed a bill that would help to provide more flexibility for schools in finding substitute teachers. Officials have warned residents to be wary of ticks as the weather warms up. Plus, a landing craft designed by a company in Pittsburgh is being tested by NASA in preparation for its 2023 trip to the moon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that there’s no need for those who have been fully vaccinated to wear masks indoors in certain situations. Governor Tom Wolf unveiled the largest commitment to solar energy ever seen in the country. A scammer called a McDonald’s in Centre County pretending to be the fast-food chain’s CEO. And a mysterious fireball zoomed over Pittsburgh early Sunday morning. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Four children managed to escape from a fire that broke out in their apartment that their mother is accused of starting. Governor Tom Wolf has once again extended the expiration date for license to carry firearms permits. Hersheypark is readying itself to open up for “Springtime in the Park” in April. Plus, a 50-ton marble tablet engraved with the First Amendment will now call Philly its home. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The deadline for Pennsylvania residents to file their personal income taxes has been pushed back to May 17. As her confirmation nears, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, continues to be pressured to answer questions regarding missing COVID-19 data from Pennsylvania nursing homes. A YouTuber from Lower Paxton Township gets into hot water for damaging streams while making videos. And the ever-present problem of those invasive spotted lanternflies gets a possible solution: chickens and praying mantises. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new report recently revealed that state lawmakers cashed in on thousands of dollars in additional taxpayer money known as “per diems” despite the coronavirus pandemic raging on. Meanwhile, over 30 years of searching for an escapee from the former Allenwood Federal Prison Camp has ended. A special election will take place in May to fill a vacant state House seat. And Penn State purchases a historic painting. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has announced his support of a bill that seeks to help DACA recipients gain legal citizenship. Meanwhile, “ghost guns” have been banned by one of the state’s largest gun show promoters. One lawmaker has suggested bringing back license plate registration stickers to help fund PennDOT projects. Plus, one woman in Bucks County has established a forever retirement home for senior pooches. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Tom Wolf announced that COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and other establishments will be lessened on Easter. In Bucks County, a woman created a series of “deepfake” photos and videos to get members of her daughter’s cheerleading squad booted from the team. The National Park Service will expand its protection over Brandywine and Gettysburg battlefields. And that strange pink blob that appeared over the Jersey Shore was not the work of aliens. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A woman tries to outrun three state troopers in her father’s Camaro during a high-speed car chase. Meanwhile, a Beaver County mystery involving a severed head will be featured in two Netflix shows. The $3.3 million Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball prize will be divided among 22 winning tickets. Plus, the town that inspired the classic song, “Winter Wonderland,” gets a historical marker. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted to resume service terminations on utilities for people who don’t pay by the end of the month. Meanwhile, people may submit SNAP applications over the phone. Seniors in the south-central part of the state have the opportunity to get free rides to get their COVID-19 vaccines. And explosives from World War II are discovered in the backyard of a Jersey Shore home. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One state lawmaker is looking to stop PennDOT’s plan to toll nine bridges. A teen who was tackled and punched by an off-duty officer won’t see any damages from the City of Pittsburgh. Luckily, Governor Tom Wolf seemed to indicate that St. Patrick’s Day for bars and restaurants is a go. Plus, one miniature donkey from York County is in the final running to be in next Cadbury bunny commercial. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Although the search for a missing York County woman has ended, police continue to investigate any leads they may receive. State lawmakers are looking to get rid of the practice of daylight saving time in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State is listed as being among the top states who have the highest tax rates. Also, be sure to look up Thursday and Friday mornings for a glimpse of the International Space Station. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Approximately $13 billion is headed Pennsylvania’s way from the COVID-19 relief bill. A man in Greensburg reportedly got kicked out of a bar, stole a car, and crashed into a pile of rocks as police pursued him. Conservation groups filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for its failure to protect the “snot otter.” And you can now officially stay at Buffalo Bill’s house from “Silence of the Lambs.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One Enola man is looking to up the reward to help find the culprit who drowned 12 puppies found in the Susquehanna River. Firefighters help prevent a bride’s wedding from going up in smoke in every sense of the phrase. A nun donates to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to help permanently protect 100 acres of woodland. Plus, elks help boost tourism. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Wolf administration revealed it will extend the Regional Congregate Care Assistance Teams (RCATs) program through May 31. In the world of professional hockey, the Penguins admit to unprofessionally doctoring a photo of fans to correct how they wore their masks. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is listed as the most expensive toll roads on the planet. Finally, the Harrisburg Ice & Fire Festival starts tonight. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Teachers and school staff throughout the state will be able to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine starting mid-March. Meanwhile, Governor Tom Wolf has officially signed a bill that allows for the National Guard to assist with the vaccine’s distribution process. A woman living in senior housing was arrested and charged for delivering crack cocaine. And one man’s $35 yard sale bowl is another’s six-figure Chinese artifact. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Tom Wolf announced Tuesday that teachers in Pennsylvania will be eligible for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as soon as it’s available. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is stocking trout ahead of opening day on April 3. One couple in Hershey is looking to support an organization that aids retired military and police dogs. Plus, there are a few early signs of spring popping up that you can keep a lookout for. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A 16-year-old boy in Harrisburg was charged with shooting at a man with the man’s own firearm. Gas prices are hitting a high this month with some parts of the state shelling out as much as $3 per gallon. The recent ease in COVID-19 restrictions has allowed for the return of sports fans to a few Pennsylvanian stadiums. And Swatara Township Police get a young—and furry—recruit. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A proposed Pennsylvania House bill would allow for employees to refuse getting the COVID-19 vaccine—as well as any invasive medical tests—required by an employer. The Department of Health’s last round of COVID-19 testing clinics will be open this week. An inept bank robber also bungles his appeal. And a kangaroo remains in witness protection. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Delaware River Basin Commission has permanently banned natural gas drilling and fracking near a crucial waterway in the Delaware River. Schools in Pennsylvania may delay their state exams until the fall. A former administrator at a Mt. Lebanon nursing home has been indicted on charges of health care fraud. Plus, one local creamery in all its cheesy glory is featured on an episode of “Modern Marvels.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania salmonella outbreak traced to small pet turtles. 4 more restaurants ordered to close for defying state COVID mitigation orders. The state has some of the top truck bottleneck spots in the nation. The Mars rover had a secret message. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Several hospitals in western Pennsylvania are being fined for high rates of potentially avoidable medical complications in patients such as infections and injuries. An attorney in Chester County admitted to stealing his ex-wife’s and former mother-in-law’s identities to financially support his mistress, buy pornography, and fund strip club visits. After all this snow, Pennsylvania will at last be treated to some spring-like weather. Plus, passengers at Philadelphia International Airport now have the chance to have their food brought to them by robots. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

U.S. Supreme Court rejects court cases regarding the presidential election in Pennsylvania. Two men face firearms charges after last week’s shooting near a SEPTA station in Pennsylvania. Betting on interest rates has left two public school systems and a hospital paying millions of dollars to Wall Street. Plus, one Carnegie Mellon Student undergoes—and participates in—her own brain surgery. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Federal officials announced Friday how shipments to Pennsylvania of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been delayed due to the weather. Students at Lehigh University are facing expulsion after throwing a “COVID party.” In Allegheny County, a man drives his SUV across a frozen lake because “he thought it would be fun.” And the two injured seals that were rescued at the Jersey Shore are making full recoveries. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eight people were confirmed to have been shot in Philadelphia near a SEPTA station, one of whom is in critical condition. A man in Allentown thought he was hiring a hit man to kill his ex-girlfriend on Valentine’s Day when he was, in fact, actually speaking to an undercover state trooper. A prisoner who claims he accidentally drank blood in his jail’s cafeteria is having his original lawsuit concerning the incident revisited. Plus, people in Pennsylvania drank 753 alcoholic beverages total by the end of 2020—each. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State officials announced that thousands of people have been administered what were meant to be second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as first doses. Police reported that seven people were shot by a SEPTA station in Philadelphia. The Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Industry & Labor revealed that the state paid at least $2.5 million in fraudulent jobless benefits claims. And, just to end things on a positive note, two Pittsburgh women who were united by one act of kindness get the chance to speak to each other at last. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A couple from Hanover faces charges after shaking their baby so hard, the infant suffered multiple skull fractures. Another couple, this time in Allegheny County, is arrested after the woman passed out in a parked car, causing police to realize she was in possession of more than $13,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Two former college football players are suing the University of Pittsburgh and the NCAA for ignoring the dangers of head injuries. And one poor groundhog was saved after being stuck in a tree at the York College campus for three days. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Doctors are criticizing the DOH’s plans to remove PCPs from the COVID-19 vaccine distributor list. State Republicans will discuss potentially censuring Sen. Toomey. Gas prices increase. Pirate skeletons found in Cape Cod shipwreck. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Man in Pittsburgh intentionally crashes his truck into a gas station to steal an ATM. Maurkice Pouncey retires from the Steelers. Historic Harrisburg church to be sold to veterans’ ministry. Texas mom tackles Peeping Tom. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Public education advocacy groups ask for Governor Tom Wolf to prioritize getting the COVID-19 vaccine to school staff. Over in Harrisburg, a nonprofit group wants to build a tiny home community for homeless veterans in the area. A flower shop in Butler County sent Valentine’s Day bouquets to seniors at a nursing home. And if you’re single, then Pennsylvania’s the state to be! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

American Airlines to furlough over 1,000 Pennsylvanian employees. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman defends 2013 gun incident. DOL to launch text system to help with unemployment claims. People throughout the state drink more the colder it gets. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A hunter from Lancaster who named his quarry after Democratic party leaders is charged with assaulting police officers during the events at the Capitol. Governor Tom Wolf reveals a new bipartisan task force that will seek to make the state’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout more effective. A flight student and their instructor were forced to make an emergency landing on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. And seeds that were brought to the moon have grown into trees on Earth See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Teachers in Philadelphia protest the planned reopening of schools due to worries over COVID-19 exposure. Even more snow is expected to fall as temperatures continue to drop. In political news, the state’s lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, officially announces his 2022 Senate run. Plus, a couple of bald eagles in Codorus State Park are soon-to-be parents. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pa. National Guard may be involved in COVID-19 vaccinations. McKinsey to give almost $26 million in opioid settlement. 17 dogs and puppies were rescued from a Lancaster County kennel. $1 million lotto ticket sold in Adams County. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man from Burgettstown is charged with beating his girlfriend’s three-year-old son to death. The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations continues to drop across the state. Plus, one Pittsburgh veteran will serve as an honorary team captain during Super Bowl LV. And, speaking of football, guess which Pennsylvanian city was named the number one spot for football fans in the nation? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Critics of Governor Tom Wolf’s budget proposal are calling it “irresponsible.” Acting Health Secretary, Alison Beam, says the limited supply of coronavirus vaccines goes to “efficient providers” first. Local restaurants in Pennsylvania openly voice their concerns about their future, claiming they are on the “brink of extinction.” Plus, Bethlehem names its official city bird. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The man suspected of killing a couple in Luzerne County over snow removal has been found dead in his home. An MLB great, Grant Jackson, passes away Tuesday morning due to complications from the coronavirus. Over in Penn Hills, a high school football coach cancels his team’s lifting session and instead encourages them to shovel snow for their neighbors. And finally—do you know what Pennsylvania’s favorite Valentine’s Day treat is? Find out, right here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state’s positive test rate for the coronavirus has dropped for the seventh week straight, although state officials have announced there is still substantial transmission of the disease in 63 counties. Kathy Boockvar resigns as the Secretary of State after failing to advertise a proposed state constitutional amendment which seeks to aid victims of child sexual abuse. Gov. Wolf is scheduled to deliver his state budget proposal today. Plus, will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow for Groundhog Day 2021? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A high-speed car chase in Kentucky ends in the arrest of a Pennsylvania homicide suspect. A new casino with a hotel and over a dozen restaurants will open this month in Philadelphia. One auction attendee got the surprise of his life when his winnings ended up containing about $300,000 in pot. And move over, Hollywood—Pittsburgh is now one of the top movie industry hot spots. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The legalization of recreational marijuana; increasing the minimum wage; and implementing a severance tax on natural gas drilling are all items listed on Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2021 agenda. State lawmakers pass legislation that would minimize governors’ powers in emergency situations. In Philadelphia, SEPTA rolls out “Mask Force Philly,” an initiative which seeks to increase passengers’ compliance of coronavirus safety guidelines. Plus, a falcon and a couple of owls were caught hanging out at Pittsburgh International Airport. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jim Rutherford steps down as the general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Allegations pile up against a group of self-proclaimed “college kids” after they greatly mismanage distributing the COVID-19 vaccine at a site in Philadelphia. One man reconstructs Easton out of Legos. And another man hits two deer with his new car, then hits $2 million in the lottery. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Tom Wolf stressed Tuesday the state’s need for more of the coronavirus vaccine. The Harrisburg woman who has been accused of helping to steal Nancy Pelosi’s laptop is ordered to stay off of the Internet. In the world of football, linebacker T.J. Watt supposedly refused to do an exit interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Plus, the Hershey-owned Whatchamacallit brand releases its first new candy bar in a decade—the Whozeewhatzit. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Investigators suspect the deaths of four family members found in their Chester County home to be a murder-suicide. The death of a Philadelphia man found alongside an Indiana County road has been ruled as a homicide. In Pittsburgh, police are searching for a 25-year-old Beechview man that has gone missing. And luckily, just in time for Valentine’s Day, you can now buy a personalized video message from Gritty. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro warns some Pennsylvania residents that their second stimulus checks may be delayed due to an IRS glitch. A man was arrested in Bucks County after posting threats against Democratic party leaders on Facebook. After remaining unnamed for 44 years, the bodies of a man and a woman were at last identified in a Lancaster County cold case. Plus, one pooch in Cumberland County helped to save his neighbors from an electrical fire. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.