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

Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine says that Pennsylvania is at a “critical point” in the pandemic. Police are currently investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Allentown. Those at a Greensburg middle school intend to honor veterans in a COVID-safe way. And a small bear was seen roaming around Middletown. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Code Orange air quality action day has been declared in Susquehanna Valley for today. Allegheny County homicide detectives are currently investigating the fatal shooting of a man in North Braddock. Down in downtown Pittsburgh, the annual Light Up Night is officially cancelled. And a Cumberland County baker will compete in the Food Network’s “Holiday Wars.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The majority of voters in Pennsylvania believe the United States is headed in the wrong direction. In an update from yesterday's podcast, police in Pequea Township have identified the woman who attempted to set a polling place on fire. In York City, three veterans have had their names added to a memorial. And a yarn vending machine is operating in Philadelphia. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Trump stated he intends to sue the state of Pennsylvania over ballots and polling practices. Meanwhile, a woman is wanted for the attempted arson of a polling place in Pequea Township. SEPTA has started its new initiative to partner social services with police. And stargazers everywhere can now look forward to meteor showers in the November sky. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Official election results won't be ready for a while in Pennsylvania. The state reports its highest number yet of new COVID-19 cases. Students at Haverford College are on strike. Don’t throw away those campaign signs just yet -- you can recycle them in Pittsburgh. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

District judge charged with sexually assaulting child. Family of autistic man shot by cops is suing police over his death. Election results won't be ready right away in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania hosting rare whiskey lottery while one store opts to sell its own venison-flavored booze. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Record-breaking amount of background checks for guns reported in Pennsylvania. More than 100 faculty at Pennsylvania state universities warned they may lose their jobs. Pennsylvania works with two other states to test a new automated trucking method. Robert Morris University makes a special wheelchair and crane for a beloved dog. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mail-in ballots will be counted if they come in late, but they’ll be kept separate just in case there’s a court battle. Philadelphia’s City Council approves ban on the use of tear gas against protesters. Duquesne University suspends Greek life after multiple COVID-19 violations. The University of Pittsburgh just became the place to study the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Thousands of voters in one Pennsylvania county still haven’t received their mail-in ballots. Police say they will release 911 tapes and body camera footage related to the shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr. Pittsburgh’s public schools will remain largely virtual through the rest of the year. University of Pennsylvania awarded $5.4 million to research testicular cancer. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Protests continue over death of a Philadelphia man at the hands of police. Pennsylvania man arrested over 51-year-old California cold case. Pennsylvania reports its highest number of new COVID-19 cases. Reality star Kate Gosselin puts the “Kate Plus 8” house on the market. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A 27-year-old man is killed by police in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, police are looking for a mysterious hunter who was spotted near the scene of a shooting in Bucks County. A growing number of those diagnosed with COVID-19 aren’t cooperating with contact tracers. One of the hardest corn mazes in the country is in Pennsylvania. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A 3-year-old is the lasting shooting victim in Philadelphia after a bloody weekend left at least 6 injured and 4 dead. Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules that your mail-in ballot can’t be thrown out simply because of your signature. Army-Navy to leave Philadelphia for West Point. You weren’t the only one who disagreed with the refs on the Penn State-Indiana game. DraftKings is refunding money line bets after that controversial call. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. Also, check out our new Penn State podcast: Blue/White Breakdown, hosted by PennLive's elite sports reporters. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

You could be fined $15 for not wearing a mask in one Pennsylvania town. Governor Wolf seeks to waive liquor license fees for restaurants and bars in 2021. High school sophomore sues her school district after being suspended for wearing a pro-Trump shirt and mask. Reese’s comes up with a fun new way to trick-or-treat. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Penn State’s men’s basketball coach resigns after an internal investigation. Families of dead residents sue the nursing home where their loved ones contracted COVID-19. Pennsylvania General Assembly unanimously passes bill to prevent sexual assault victims from encountering their abusers at school. Two studies from Pennsylvania universities bring hope to the fight against COVID-19. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police are seeking new tips to help solve a 15-year-old cold case. Pennsylvania’s charter schools receive a $30 million grant to expand. A cat has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Bird researchers spot an ultra-rare bird with both male and female characteristics in a western Pennsylvania nature reserve. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania breaks voter registration records, with more than 9 million registered to vote. A new federal lawsuit aims to force Pennsylvania to lower the age restrictions for legally carrying a firearm to 18. The state House of Representatives passes a bill to allow delivery robots. Pennsylvania bakery claims its cookie sales can predict the winner of the presidential election. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania reported 1,857 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, the second-highest daily coronavirus cases total since the pandemic’s start. Police are looking for a York City man accused of assaulting his fourteen-year-old daughter and the eight-year-old son of his girlfriend. An Allegheny County bridge will be closed through December 2021 as it is being replaced with a new one. Adam Sandler is set to film a new basketball comedy at Coatesville High School. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pittsburgh professor resigns after using a racial slur in class. Meanwhile,Comcast agrees to pay $295,000 to 45 of its workers after a pay discrimination lawsuit. $1.7 million-worth of unauthorized e-cigarette products seized by federal officials. That giant mosquito you're seeing all around? It’s a crane fly and it just wants to make love. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than 28,000 incorrect ballots were sent to voters in Allegheny County. Meanwhile the police officer who shot and killed a Lancaster man is cleared of any criminal wrongdoing. State universities continue with their plan to merge schools, while faculty warn that it could mean losing 300 jobs. Eastern State Penitentiary is named one of the creepiest places in the nation. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Coronavirus cases are on the rise, leading to the temporary closure of three schools. Meanwhile the state changes up its rent and mortgage relief program, extending its deadline to November. The Philadelphia Eagles will be welcoming fans to Lincoln Financial Field after coronavirus restrictions change in the City of Brotherly Love. Comcast announces plans to help minority-owned small businesses with free commercials, ad campaigns, and $10,000 grants. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The moratorium on shutting off utilities is ending this November. Thomas Jefferson University plans to cut 500 jobs. South Philadelphia neighborhood to get rid of controversial Native American logo. A Pittsburgh restaurant celebrates its 150th birthday. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Skeletal remains are found in a park near Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania reports its highest number of new COVID-19 cases in months. County jails see an increase in prisoners as the pandemic keeps state prisons from taking on new inmates. Mussels found in the Kiski River for the first time in more than 100 years. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A mass shooting in Philadelphia leads one person dead and six injured. A school district can’t provide daily bus rides for students after staff go into quarantine. Pennsylvania lawmaker told to resign after Snapchat videos emerge showing him encouraging his 5-year-old son to smoke a cigar. A Pittsburgh street famous for its bus swallowing sinkhole reopens after nearly a year of repairs. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pittsburgh man was shot and killed outside a mall. Philadelphia sues the state for the right to make its own gun control ordinances. More than 1,000 birds die in one day after flying into skyscrapers in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania college plans to use cow manure, leftover food and brewery scraps to power two farms. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania’s gathering restrictions change once again, and one NFL team is already planning to make the most of it. Auditor General finds problems with the state’s COVID-19 business shutdown waiver program. The state Senate passes legislation to increase penalties for those involved in child pornography. Bethlehem appoints its first-ever female police chief. 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 refuses to hear a case challenging Governor Tom Wolf's coronavirus restrictions on gatherings. Students at the University of Pittsburgh are put under quarantine. The pandemic leads to an increase in demand for diapers for low income families. Dogs are being trained to help stop the spread of spotted lanternflies. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It looks like Pennsylvania’s longtime Republican Senator Pat Toomey is ending his political career. Four firefighters hurt in a four-alarm blaze in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania’s voter services website goes down over the weekend due to equipment failure. A home featured in “Silence of the Lambs” goes on sale just in time for Halloween. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania reinstates crowd restrictions for the time being. Pennsylvania House of Representatives ends its voting session after a member tests positive for COVID-19. President Trump’s campaign sues Philadelphia over poll watchers and satellite election offices. A pregnant woman goes to prison for shooting her boyfriend’s eye out, but he’s already forgiven her. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three teenagers are facing felony charges over the homicide of a 17-year-old in Bethlehem. Scranton School officials charged with felony child endangerment after a grand jury investigation says they covered up dangerous levels of lead and asbestos in schools. Voting equipment has been stolen in Philadelphia. Milton Hershey School announces a $350 million plan to create early childcare centers that will provide free education to disadvantaged children. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump says bad things happen in Philadelphia during the first debate against former Vice President Joe Biden. Philadelphians have already made the phrase a t-shirt. Meanwhile, two people are dead and ten are displaced after a fire in Williamstown. The U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement plans an arrest blitz in Philadelphia. Yuengling’s Hershey’s Chocolate Porter is back. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania lawsuit could have repercussions for gun manufacturers and sellers. Federal judge blocks changes to postal service in Pennsylvania ahead of the election. State Republicans ask U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the mail-in voting deadline extension. Pennsylvania has the second most drive-in movie theaters in the country. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia’s gun violence crisis worsens with two quadruple shootings over the weekend leaving at least six teenagers wounded. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators share their thoughts on President Donald Trump’s replacement for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Hunters are allowed to use night-vision and infrared technology to hunt down coyotes in Pennsylvania. A rocket is headed to the International Space Station, and you may be able to see it’s launch from Pennsylvania. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A couple is charged with criminal homicide after their baby dies of a drug overdose. Pittston police officer is charged with felony criminal mischief after allegedly going on a tire slashing rampage. A western Pennsylvania trucking firm pays $2 million in fines over Clean Air Act violations. Pennsylvania is set to have one of the best fall foliage seasons in years. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A bill loosening restrictions on restaurants heads to Governor Wolf’s desk. Two Pennsylvania counties will continue enforcing restrictions on gathering sizes, even after a federal judge said the statewide restrictions were unconstitutional. County DA says Reading police used reasonable amount of force when they shot an armed woman multiple times. Westmoreland County community comes out to show support for terminally ill man. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A federal judge rejects the governor’s request for a stay on a pandemic restrictions ruling. Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey announces his plans to vote on President Trump’s replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Pennsylvania launches its own website to replace Healthcare.gov. Pennsylvania city announces plans for a “reverse” holiday parade. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf follows through on a promise to veto a bi-partisan backed bill concerning school sports. Top election official warns that more than 100,000 ballots could be tossed out due to current restrictions. Pennsylvania launches its official COVID-19 app. Bethlehem’s Christmas market plans to open 6 weeks early. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

No arrests made after shots fired inside the Lehigh Valley Mall. Pennsylvania hospital asks judge to seal all records and issue a gag order over wrongful death lawsuit. Bad news for canners, as Pennsylvania stores face a shortage of lids and jars. Allentown teen is the star of a new Netflix series. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania State Supreme Court rules that ballot drop boxes are legal and extends the deadline for counting mail-in ballots. Philadelphia will no longer live stream criminal trials on YouTube. The new last call time for alcohol sales is 11 p.m. starting on Sept. 21. Pittsburgh researchers may have created the world’s fastest COVID-19 antibody test. Subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Penn State football returns this October. A Pennsylvania county is notifying thousands of people who received potentially inaccurate COVID-19 tests results. PennDot resumes issuing Real IDs. The latest store at the King of Prussia Mall sells face masks… and is called COVID-19. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bail is set at $1 million for those arrested for protesting over a police shooting in Lancaster. New guidance clarifies that ballots can’t be discarded only because of a perceived signature error. Shop-Vac closes a plant in Williamsport suddenly, putting 400 out of work with no notice. Yuengling announces plans to bring its beer to the West Coast. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania's closure of nonessential businesses during the pandemic was unconstitutional, says federal judge. Meanwhile, the US Attorney for eastern Pennsylvania charges two Philadelphia men with federal crimes because of alleged lenient treatment from the city’s DA. Roughly $2 billion is coming to Pennsylvania to help those facing eviction. Pitt scientists may have made a crucial discovery that could help treat and prevent COVID-19. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One man is dead and another is critically wounded after being shot by police in two Pennsylvania counties. California and Texas are taken off of Pennsylvania’s travel quarantine list. There won’t be any Halloween or Christmas peeps this year, as the marshmallow treat company focuses on having enough creations for Easter 2021. Bird lovers, tonight is going to be one of the largest bird migration moments in the year for Pennsylvania, with tens of thousands of birds per square mile flying across the sky. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

TSA reports an increase in the rate of guns coming through the Pittsburgh International Airport. Nine people are charged in a scam involving car dealerships in multiple states, including Pennsylvania. The Flight 93 National Memorial remembrance ceremony will be live streamed. Giant creates drive-through clinics for flu vaccines. Lehigh Valley distillery has a chance to woo Walmart and stock its spirits in thousands of stores nationwide. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

26 college students are sent home after violating COVID-19 regulations. Philadelphia issues a ban on evictions. Governor Wolf plans to veto two bills, one involving school sports and the other about greenhouse gas emissions. Parents are asked to register their learning pods with the state and to follow new safety guidelines. Pennsylvania village is one of the best spots for fall foliage. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A college football player dies because of COVID-19. Meanwhile, restaurant restrictions are loosening up in Pennsylvania. A woman is charged over allegedly faking cancer to get money from GoFundMe. Drive-in theater turns into a tailgate party for Eagles fans. Wawa is giving free coffee to teachers. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police investigate clashes between anti-racism protesters and restaurant patrons in downtown Pittsburgh. Harrisburg man sentenced over involvement in a human trafficking operation. Pennsylvania football team dedicates its season to a fallen teammate. Researchers develop virtual reality training on how to help overdose victims. Wawa will give you a free hoagie if you give it some change. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

FBI agents execute search warrants on a western Pennsylvania nursing home. Meanwhile, Temple University suspends in-person classes for the remainder of the fall semester as coronavirus cases increase. Pennsylvania nursing homes allowed to accept compassionate care visitors, as restrictions relax slightly. Philadelphia hotel awarded coveted 5 star rating from Forbes. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Quarantined in a dorm room --- that’s the fate for students at Gettysburg College for the rest of the week. Meanwhile, spectators are allowed to watch school sports games, but with restrictions. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has a busy day, passing multiple bills that impact schools and voting. UPMC and Pittsburgh researchers lead the way in finding an effective treatment for those with COVID-19. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The coronavirus pandemic disaster declaration in Pennsylvania has been renewed. Meanwhile, a Montgomery County Commissioner is no longer allowed to ban people from his social media accounts. The York City School Board furloughs nearly 100 employees. A checkout-free store launches near Pittsburgh. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Several school districts face a shortage of teachers over concerns about in-person learning during the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures ends -- for now. Governor Wolf calls for paid parental leave in Pennsylvania, and starts with giving his own workers 6 weeks. One woman’s liver donation sparks a chain of life-giving transplants. You can subscribe to PennLive.com by going to pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.