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

The Harrisburg woman accused of helping to steal Nancy Pelosi’s laptop will virtually appear in federal court on Monday. A Philadelphia man was arrested by FBI agents on charges of cyberstalking while in high school. Nearly $5 million dollars has been distributed throughout long-term care services initiatives across the state. Finally, the votes are coming in for all the DIY butter sculptures at the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More restaurants in Pennsylvania are ordered to close over COVID-19 restrictions. Childcare workers could be eligible for $600 federal grants. A Lancaster County food market sold a $1 million lotto ticket. Pa. Bigfoot experts are featured on an episode of ‘Paranormal Declassified.’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. Rachel Levine has been nominated by Joe Biden to become his assistant secretary of health. A number of National Guard members have been removed from today’s inauguration over security concerns. A woman from Harrisburg has been accused of stealing Nancy Pelosi’s laptop during the events at the Capitol. In completely non-political news, folks in Middlesex Township flocked to a cornfield in order to catch a glimpse of a rare snowy owl. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania National Guard is standing watch over the state Capitol leading up to the inauguration. Now, after a decade, state lawmakers are in the process of redistricting the state. For all you hunters out there, there’s a new app created by a Pennsylvania man that can help you track deer. And the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reminds us of all the little acts of kindness out there. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joe Biden’s stimulus proposal includes new benefit for children. Retired Pa. firefighter accused of assaulting Capitol police denies ties to white supremacists. Netflix is shooting ‘Archive 81’ in Pittsburgh. Snow geese are being spotted throughout eastern Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania lawmakers file a suit against the agency who enforced a ban on gas drilling and fracking in the Delaware River basin. A program that aided the fight against the coronavirus in long-term care facilities loses its federal funding. One man from Harrisburg reminds us that we legally reap what we sow when we get naked at work. And this one Pittsburgh bakery has a genius idea—alcohol in pastries. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia plans to reopen indoor dining, theaters, and in-person college classes starting this Saturday. Some school districts in Lehigh Valley are nixing this year’s final exams due to setbacks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in Philly, Fink’s Hoagies at last reopens after a frustrating bureaucratic battle. And customers can order their Girl Scout cookies for this year on Grubhub. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The state will start to give the COVID-19 vaccine to frontline essential workers and the elderly “soon.” Meanwhile, the Twitter account of former Pennsylvania congressman, Lou Barletta, is suspended. Doug Pederson, the coach who helped the Eagles achieve their first Super Bowl win, is fired. And one Steelers fan angrily broke his TV after Sunday night’s game. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Workers in Pennsylvania could receive an added $300 in unemployment benefits starting Tuesday. Meanwhile, eviction protections for tenants are extended for Lancaster County residents. The Pennsylvania Automated Licensing System is scheduled to go dark for maintenance and updates. And a monster of a catfish was caught in the Susquehanna River. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania reports its first case of the new COVID-19 strain. Three Pennsylvanians arrested for unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol during the riots on Jan. 6. Delaware County pays $25,000 ransom to hackers. The Puppy Bowl returns. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After extensive debate, the U.S. Congress officially counts and certifies Pennsylvania’s electoral votes for President-Elect Joe Biden. In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Capitol staff are told to work from home over security concerns. An arrest has been made in the Pittsburgh explosion. Pennsylvania is far behind in coronavirus testing. Farm Show milkshakes can be found around Harrisburg this weekend. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania State Senate has a chaotic swearing-in ceremony as party divisions deepen. Montgomery County allegedly double-billed thousands of defendants in criminal cases according to the ACLU. SWAT officers investigate leads in Sunday’s explosions in Pittsburgh. One trades school offers scholarships to those hurt by COVID-19 pandemic. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State Republicans are delaying the swearing in of a Democratic senator because of an election dispute. The FBI is investigating two explosions in Pittsburgh. 21 uncounted provisional ballots have been found in Westmoreland County. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board opens up its Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon lottery. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A coronavirus outbreak overtakes three nursing facilities in western Pennsylvania. State Representative Mike Reese dies at the age of 42. The Federal Reserve in Philadelphia launches a tool to help people see how they can use skills from lower paying jobs to apply for higher paying work. Two retired guys donate a dozen desks to students in need. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two people are fired after a new report shows serious issues in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic at a state-run veterans home. Former Pennsylvania Governor Richard Thornburgh is dead at age 88. Pennsylvania Turnpike raises tolls by 56% for non-EZ Pass users. Museums announce reopening plans for 2021. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The statewide indoor dining ban will be lifted on Jan. 4. Hunter charged in the death of an 18-year-old man who was watching the sunset at a park. Plans move forward to privatize the regional sewer system in Delaware County in what will be the largest privatization of a wastewater system in the state. And we’ve got a roundup on some New Year’s Eve celebrations. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

33 more restaurants ordered to shutdown after violating coronavirus restrictions. McKeesport fugitive wanted for shooting police officer arrested in West Virginia. Two Lehigh Valley health care networks say they’ll offer the COVID-19 vaccine for free to the public. Hundreds of workers will receive their jobs back now that ShopVac has a new owner. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than 15,000 Pennsylvanians have died from COVID-19. Woman killed after freak gas main accident flips her car. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania resigns. Fireball tops list of most popular alcoholic drinks in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police arrest four people for helping a fugitive in McKeesport. 2 are dead after a police shooting on Christmas morning. A woman damages more than 100 cars in three different towns in vandalism spree. 12-year-old Pennsylvanian competes on Food Network’s “Kids Baking Championship.” Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

40 restaurants ordered to shut down over COVID-19 restriction violations. More drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinics open. Philadelphia police officers under investigation over allegations they fabricated evidence. A man is killed after suddenly shooting his friend at a gun range. Family spreads Christmas cheer with giant display after death of 9-year-old daughter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules that police will need more than probable cause to search a vehicle without a warrant. Philadelphia extends its ban on indoor dining. University of Pittsburgh is awarded $2.5 million to study potential links between the shale gas industry and childhood cancers. The Pennsylvania State Police are looking for horses to join its force. A former Pittsburgh Steeler saves Christmas after thieves steal gifts from victims of child abuse. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A police officer was shot three times by a handcuffed man. Lancaster District Attorney charges man with criminal homicide over case of missing Amish woman. Pennsylvania man registered dead mother to vote for President Donald Trump. Overdose deaths increased by nearly 12 percent during the pandemic. Rite Aid expands its free coronavirus testing efforts. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sheriffs say they won’t enforce Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 restrictions. $108 million that was meant to go towards struggling renters and homeowners won’t after the state misses deadline to distribute the funds. President Trump’s campaign petitions the Supreme Court to overturn Pennsylvania’s election results. Air quality in much of Pennsylvania will be dangerous for those with respiratory issues today. Community college professor donates nearly $1 million to his old school. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than 1,000 health care workers have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania. Billionaire Mackenzie Scott donates millions to at least 12 Pennsylvania-based nonprofits, colleges and organizations. Highmark Health partners with Google to make a digital healthcare tool. Pennsylvania woman is a finalist to win $1 million on New Year’s Day. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A deadly crash involving at least 30 vehicles shuts down Interstate 80. At least 150 restaurants threatened with fines from the state. One restaurant ditches indoor dining in favor of room service. Villanova coach Jay Wright scores his 600th win. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf declares a disaster emergency over the impending snowstorm. Prosecutors charge Doylestown engineering firm with stealing $2 million from churches, school districts and municipal governments. Woman told she can’t keep $4.15 million lottery winnings by judge. Lincoln University receives $20 million gift. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are given out in the Keystone State. A list of the ten nursing homes with the most COVID-19 deaths in the country is mostly Pennsylvania institutions. Harrisburg is named one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Hershey’s is the key ingredient in a new dessert at Popeye’s. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Snow is coming to Pennsylvania this week, with some areas expecting up to 18 inches. As the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine goes out across the country, don’t expect much of it to end up in Pennsylvania. Patients at two Lehigh Valley hospital networks are seeing success from an experimental drug meant to fight the coronavirus. One company brings holiday cheer by making Knoebel’s drive-thru light show free for one night. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf issues new, stricter COVID-19 restrictions. Texas wants to take Pennsylvania to the Supreme Court over the election, which was the most expensive election many counties had ever seen. FCC awards $368.7 million to help bring high speed internet to rural areas. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf tests positive for COVID-19. Feds charge Pagans Motorcycle Club members with drug trafficking. 48 attorneys general (including Pennsylvania’s) file antitrust lawsuit against Facebook. Allegheny County bakery crafts a cannoli Christmas tree. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejects efforts to block Joe Biden’s election victory in Pennsylvania. Poor school districts received less coronavirus relief money than their richer counterparts. The butter sculpture has been canceled for the 2021 Farm Show. Pennsylvania bike company donates electric trikes to kids with spinal muscular atrophy. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Grand juries are suspended in western Pennsylvania because of COVID-19. Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington receives $10 million to help it recover from 10 years' worth of landslides. Pennsylvania accidentally double charges roughly 800 taxpayers. Comcast extends its free internet offer through June. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A coronavirus outbreak leads Philadelphia prisons to shelter in place. Pennsylvania Democratic State Senators introduce a $4 billion coronavirus relief plan. Temple University pays $700,000 to settle claims over falsifying business school rankings. Prepare for the double planet phenomenon as Jupiter and Saturn get the closest they’ve been in nearly 800 years. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The aunt of a 9-year-old boy has been charged in his death. Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh pays more than $19 million to sexual abuse survivors. Hospitals in two key Pennsylvania regions face imminent staffing shortages. Nurses in Pittsburgh are the stars of a new Marvel comic. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police in two states are looking for a would-be abductor. Pennsylvania reports its highest number of COVID-19 deaths yet. More than half the population at a prison for the elderly have tested positive for the coronavirus. Anonymous do-gooder drops real gold into a Salvation Army red kettle. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A charity that helps feed the hungry loses nearly $1 million in a cyberattack. Pennsylvania creates mobile coronavirus testing units to help rural areas without health departments. Former Penn State President Graham Spanier’s conviction over the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse case is reinstated. Pittsburgh Promise reaches a milestone after giving scholarships to more than 10,000 students. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

All but one county in Pennsylvania is now facing substantial community spread of COVID-19. PennDot will receive the money it needs for construction projects after all. Philadelphia’s largest parks enact winter curfew to kill deer. A county’s property sales auction goes virtual for the first time ever. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania lawmaker allegedly tests positive for COVID-19 in the middle of a meeting with President Trump. The state Supreme Court dismisses a case about the election and mail-in ballots. The Philadelphia Phillies reportedly lost $145 million this season. Cat reunites with owner after 8.5 years. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The coronavirus has killed more than 10,000 people in Pennsylvania. Certifying the rest of the election votes is on hold for now, pending a court decision. Governor Wolf is using the emergency alert system to warn people about COVID-19. The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade goes virtual. And in a repeat from last year, a reminder that the first official day of Thanksgiving was held right here in Pennsylvania. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pa. could be short on ICU beds by end of the year because of COVID-19. PennDot needs $600 million or will have to cut thousands of jobs. Comcast puts cap on how much internet you can use at home. Pennsylvania certifies election results, Joe Biden officially declared winner. Philadelphia has purchased freezers necessary for Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania issues new COVID-19 restrictions, including ending alcohol sales after 5 p.m. on Nov. 25. Pennsylvania legislature decides against an audit of the election. Steelers won’t have fans in the stands after Thursday. One woman is turning political yard signs into posters to help find missing pets. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania judge dismisses a lawsuit from President Donald Trump’s campaign that sought to prevent the certification of election results. Penn State Health changes visitor guidelines because of COVID-19. Roadside America, a Pennsylvania treasure, closes. More Pennsylvanians are hunting than ever. Two Pennsylvania students are named Rhodes Scholars. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania may see its first COVID-19 vaccine next month. The death penalty is upheld in court for a member of the Greensburg Six. This holiday season in Allentown, beloved Christmas mouse, Pip, returns to his debut stage. And a couch in the shape of a pig on Craigslist was actually made by a Philly artist. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania reports more than 6,000 new COVID-19 cases in a single day as contact tracers struggle to keep up. Groundhog Day will be totally virtual in 2021. The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office has lost more than 200 guns. A golden bird makes a rare appearance in Pennsylvania, to the delight of bird watchers. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania expands its mask orders and adds travel restrictions as COVID-19 cases increase. 10% of Pittsburgh’s police force is in quarantine over possible exposure to the coronavirus. 800 nurses in Bucks County are on strike. University Pennsylvania is donating $100 million to the Philadelphia School District to help eradicate lead and asbestos issues. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia imposes new coronavirus restrictions as cases surge. Pennsylvania reports more than 9,000 new cases over the past two days but says it isn’t planning on a statewide shutdown. A Pennsylvania bank is set to become the fifth largest in the country. Sheetz is giving away free coffee every week for the rest of 2020. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than 100,000 left without power across Pennsylvania thanks to high speed winds and thunderstorms. Philadelphia gears up for new restrictions as the number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania surges. President Trumps’ campaign withdraws a key part of its lawsuit over the election. Pittsburgh Brewing Company’s classic Iron City Beer billboard is back after 66 years. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than 5,000 coronavirus cases reported in Pennsylvania, breaking previous record. Court says mail-in ballots that were late to fulfill ID requirement shouldn't be counted. PennDot will begin tolling major bridges to help fund repairs. Republicans appoint first-ever female majority leader in Pennsylvania General Assembly. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania’s largest teachers union calls for schools to close in counties with rising coronavirus cases. Penn State’s Journey Brown ends his football career after being diagnosed with a heart disease. President Donald Trump’s campaign wants more than 2,000 mail-in ballots declared defective in Bucks County. The promising Pfizer coronavirus vaccine wouldn’t be possible without two University of Pennsylvania scientists. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Coronavirus cases hit all-time high in Pennsylvania. High profile Democrats lose elections in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania legislative committee launches investigation into general election. Four Seasons Total Landscaping, made famous by Trump, now has merch. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.