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

Contact tracing has identified more than 4,000 who were exposed to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the men behind one of the latest antique book art thefts in the world have been sentenced. The Pennsylvania Department of Health withdraws its case against a car show over coronavirus restrictions. Hershey’s own soccer phenom, Christian Pulisic, solidifies his star status in the British Premier League after scoring a goal within five minutes of coming onto the field. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Probationers can’t be denied medical marijuana access in Pennsylvania according to a new state Supreme Court decision. Meanwhile, the court case between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and a car show over coronavirus restrictions continues. Two Philadelphia women are banned for two years from Yellowstone Park after damaging a thermal area. Governor Tom Wolf makes Juneteenth a holiday for the more than 70,000 employees under his jurisdiction. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A car show is being sued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health over violating coronavirus restrictions. Meanwhile, more than 30 lawsuits have been filed against a Pittsburgh-area grocery chain over its mask policy. Pennsylvania is one of only three states to have a decline in new COVID-19 cases for 42 days and a single tweet raises more than $500,000 for minority tech startups in Philadelphia.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Articles of impeachment have been introduced against Governor Tom Wolf. Meanwhile, hospitals across the state are slated to lose more than $10 billion because of the coronavirus. The controversial statue of Christopher Columbus in Philadelphia is covered. A Pittsburgh singer moves on to the next round of “America’s Got Talent.” Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A federal court case prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Meanwhile, felony charges are being levied against an energy company for contaminating the water in one Pennsylvania town. A woman survives a horrific beating after her assailant thinks she’s dead. In happier news, a Pennsylvania 7th grader is being featured on “America’s Got Talent.” Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The death of a black transgender woman is ruled a homicide after her dismembered body is pulled from the Schuylkill River. Meanwhile, armed vigilantes “protect” a statue of Christopher Columbus in Philadelphia. Penn State announces its plans for in-person classes for the fall semester and a former Penn State quarterback is switching sports.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joe Biden was in Philadelphia to unveil his plan for reopening the nation should he win the presidential election in November. Meanwhile, a western Pennsylvania grocery chain has stopped carrying a Pittsburgh newspaper due to how the publication has covered the Black Lives Matter protests. The state’s department of Agriculture has made nearly a 12 million dollar investment to preserve 48 Pennsylvania farms. And a Berks County teen has made the Guinness book of World Records with his big mouth. I’m Sean Adams, in for Julia Hatmaker, and you’re listening to Today in PA. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Republican controlled general assembly challenges governor Wolf on COVID-19 restrictions. Mike Turzai stepping down. Vice President Pence on tour. Some businesses reopening despite uncertanties. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has ordered hospitals in the state to take new precautions to help protect nurses and other staff from the coronavirus. A Philadelphia police officer has turned himself in to face charges of aggravated assault after a video surfaced of him striking a protester with a baton. One woman found dead in a state park, another woman taken for treatment. Some supermarkets are relaxing safety precautions. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three hundred and fifty one new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Pennsylvania, bringing the total number of cases in the state to nearly 76 thousand. A dozen new cases of the disease have been traced back to gatherings at Jersey Shore beach houses, including one man who attended multiple gatherings and infected at least 11 others. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Protests continued throughout the weekend across the nation in the wake of the death of George Floyd, including a massive gathering of people in Philadelphia on Saturday. Meanwhile, two major Pennsylvania newspapers have drawn criticism from readers and their own staff for how they’ve covered those protests, leading to at least one resignation. In Harrisburg, city officials brace for yet another demonstration on Monday, this time in support of gun rights, which may or may not actually happen. And Saturday evening saw streets in Harrisburg shut down, but this time it wasn’t for protests: instead, it was for restaurants to re-open, safely. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After five days of protests, Governor Tom Wolf announced a series of law enforcement reforms. Meanwhile, two restaurants have been fined $3,000 each for violating coronavirus restrictions and we still don’t have official results from the primary election. In good news, most counties in the state are now officially in the green phase of reopening, meaning coronavirus restrictions are easing on up. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf joins protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Meanwhile, public schools can reopen as early as July 1 and at least 50 ATMs have been the targets of explosions in Philadelphia. The state continues to ease up coronavirus restrictions, with dentists now being allowed to conduct routine cleanings once again. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Protests sparked by the death of George Floyd continue for a fourth day in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission lays off 500 workers and we’ll have to wait to receive the results of the June 2 primary (but one race is already called). And for those ready to get their driver’s license at long last, PennDOT is once again offering skills tests. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Protests sparked by the death of George Floyd continue for a third day across Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the deadline for mail-in ballots has been extended in six counties and the Lancaster DA’s office reports $150,000 seized from drug investigations has gone missing. The coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing, but on the decline, with the state reporting the lowest amount of new cases in the past two months. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Anger and frustration over the killing of an unarmed black man by police in a state in a different time zone manifested itself in a weekend of protests across Pennsylvania. The protests began peacefully, with thousands gathered to cry out against injustice and police brutality. But as the day went on, they descended into violence, with looting and vandalism taking place in some cities. Police used pepper spray, tear gas and other methods to quell the crowds. Curfews went into place. The National Guard was deployed. It was a weekend to remember. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania is slowly loosening coronavirus restrictions as Governor Tom Wolf announces 16 counties will be moving to the next phase of reopening on June 5. We’ll recap what that means and also talk about how reopening will look different in Philadelphia -- which will have its own rules. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than 50,000 Pennsylvanians are impacted by an elaborate unemployment scam. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania announces plans to reopen the beaches in its state parks. Philadelphia isn’t so sure about going into the yellow phase on June 5 and the largest fish in Pennsylvania history was caught this past weekend. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A woman’s corpse was kept in a freezer for 15 years so that her family could receive her social security checks, according to police. Meanwhile, we will soon be able to eat out at restaurants again and Governor Wolf announces plans to resume professional sports in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is planning a special night for the class of 2020. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania gym is cited for violating coronavirus restrictions. Meanwhile, thousands of voters may not receive their mail-in ballot in time to vote in the June 2 primary and the Pennsylvania House has passed a short-term budget with no new taxes. Also, keep your eyes open for turtles -- chances are you’ll see a few as the reptiles are in prime nesting season. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two diners refuse to stop dine-in service during the pandemic even after having their state licenses suspended. Meanwhile, a World War I memorial was vandalized over Memorial Day and the family of an alleged killer pleaded with him to turn himself in. One bright spot during the pandemic: a drive-in movie theater flourishes over Memorial Day weekend. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania is relaxing coronavirus restrictions as more and more of the state begins to reopen. Here's the latest list of counties slated to move to the yellow and green phases. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A county coroner cries foul over the state’s COVID-19 death data as nursing homes across the state say the new coronavirus report is filled with incorrect information. Meanwhile, restaurants can now sell takeaway cocktails and Sheetz is teaming up with a Pennsylvania brewer to release a beer made with hotdogs. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When casinos reopen they won’t have poker rooms according to new state protocols. Meanwhile, a Pennsylvania borough is forced to pay tens of thousands to hackers in order to retrieve access to its records. Gettysburg makes plans to slowly reopen this week and two zoos are offering drive through visits. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania releases numbers of coronavirus deaths and cases for specific nursing homes. Meanwhile, the state begins to send rent rebate checks more than a month early. Governor Tom Wolf loosens pandemic restrictions on real estate activity. One of the best bodyboarders around is from Pennsylvania. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The parents of a killer are being sued for not restricting his access to weapons. Meanwhile, faulty instructions accompanied thousands of mail-in ballots in Montgomery County. The total number of coronavirus cases surpasses 63,000. And, for those looking to get out and enjoy the good weather, ATV trails are now open in Pennsylvania state forests. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The jobless in Pennsylvania can now get unemployment benefits for up to 39 weeks. Meanwhile, a software issue causes 61 voters to receive eight mail-in ballots. A Penn State fraternity has its charter revoked. Patti LaBelle, Questlove and other Philadelphia stars are hosting a televised fundraiser to help raise money for COVID-19 relief. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania continues its plans to gradually reopen in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ll talk about the next counties that are moving forward and what the yellow phase means. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The coronavirus death toll surpasses 4,000 in Pennsylvania, meanwhile nearly 1.8 million Pennsylvanians are out of work. An emu raced around a highway near Philadelphia and Zoom is slated to bring hundreds of jobs to Pittsburgh. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Several counties are backing away from plans to reopen early, but others are doubling down on defying Governor Wolf’s stay-at-home orders. It looks like Pennsylvania officials revoked business waivers the night before publishing the list of waiver recipients. Meanwhile, Methane gas emissions were 16 times worse than previously thought and cocktails could soon be available for takeout. And we’ve got one good outcome from the coronavirus pandemic. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania calls for weekly testing for nursing home staff and residents. Meanwhile, 51 hospitals receive doses of an experimental drug that could help COVID-19 patients as the number of coronavirus fatalities reaches 3,806. PennDot announces that it won’t be taking new photos of those looking to renew their license and a Pittsburgh college’s robot is going to the moon. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf threatens harsh penalties for counties and businesses that reopen without formal approval. Meanwhile, an execution notice is made for Eric Frein and a teen who went viral for torturing a deer escapes prison by pleading guilty to animal cruelty. President Donald Trump is coming to Pennsylvania this week. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Several Pennsylvania counties are planning to put Governor Wolf’s pandemic authority to the test by reopening before they get formal approval. Meanwhile the state national guard will be working at a Beaver County nursing home where more than 15 percent of residents have died from the coronavirus. Statewide, more than 3,700 people have died from the disease. And, in happier news, the next American Idol could be from Pennsylvania. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pittsburgh area is amongst the list of 13 counties in Pennsylvania that are officially going to be in the yellow phase of reopening starting on May 15. We'll talk about what that means for both the residents of those counties and the rest of us as the state's coronavirus case count continues to grow. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stay-at-home orders have been extended through June 4 for much of Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, there won’t be any evictions or foreclosures until July 10 and kids in need are eligible for a new program to help them get food. More than 3,400 have died from COVID-19 in the state. In non- coronavirus news, Russell Crowe owes the state money and the NFL schedule has dropped. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ This episode has been re-recorded to fix an error in a story concerning the amount of money the revenue department is seeking from Russell Crowe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new civilian coronavirus corps could help the state’s reopening efforts. Meanwhile, healthcare workers are granted civil immunity for their work treating those for COVID-19. The murder of a coronavirus researcher in Pittsburgh had nothing to do with his work, according to police. Pennsylvania has its 4th straight day of less than 1,000 new cases and Gritty is bringing some much needed joy to Delaware County.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The number of untested rape kits in Pennsylvania goes from more than 3,000 to less than 100. Meanwhile, the state won’t be providing PPE to hospitals that conduct elective surgeries as the statewide coronavirus death toll surpasses 3,000. The Pittsburgh Pirates have the lowest payroll in Major League Baseball. In happy news for bird watchers, millions of birds are slated to fly over Pennsylvania over the next few days. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor has spent more than $5 billion paying out unemployment claims. Meanwhile, Philadelphia expands its criteria for testing for COVID-19 as the number of cases in the state surpasses 50,000. Governor Wolf provides more details about his reopening plan and more than a million are slated to use mail-in ballots to vote in June. 2 million pounds of cheese is in need of a home. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A woman was jailed for not self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, the CDC says Pennsylvania has the most cases of COVID-19 among meat production workers. Pennsylvania joins forces with 6 other states to buy personal protective equipment. Plan to reopen state parks announced.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

24 counties in Pennsylvania are officially moving into the yellow phase of reopening, with several social distancing restrictions from the stay-at-home order being lifted. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is investigating Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 waiver program, meanwhile the pandemic leads to the cancellation of the Little League World Series. UPMC will be testing all patients for COVID-19 antibodies. One Philly dad recreates the Phillies world series win at home to help his son have the best 10th birthday ever. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania’s coronavirus death toll increases by 479. Meanwhile, Governor Wolf vetoes a bill promoting telemedicine and pregnant moms will be tested for COVID-19 at one Pennsylvania hospital system. Over in Pittsburgh, a researcher helps unearth details about a creature that’s been extinct for millennia. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than half of the residents at a Pennsylvania nursing home are infected with the novel coronavirus. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia tourism industry has reportedly lost $1 billion because of the pandemic and two Catholic schools are slated to close because of financial difficulties. In happier news, two central Pa. high schools are still having their prom -- it’ll just be a little later than usual.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are now more than one million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States. Meanwhile, countries in Europe are beginning to reopen and the US Federal Reserve is gearing up to loan $500 billion in emergency pandemic aid to large companies. Nascar gets approval to have a race in North Carolina and mass production of a promising new vaccine begins in India. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A mysterious truck found at the bottom of a Pennsylvania lake could help police solve a decade-old crime. Meanwhile, state senators are threatening to subpoena Governor Wolf if his administration doesn’t release details about its waiver program for business closures and hospitals in the Keystone State can once again perform elective surgeries. The US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds will be flying over Pennsylvania. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The CDC increases the number of symptoms for COVID-19. Meanwhile, the federal government’s program to help small businesses begins taking in applications again -- but the money is expected to run out within days. States across the US begin to slowly reopen and meat prices are expected to increase. We conclude with some key dates for those awaiting their stimulus check. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf releases more details about his plans to reopen Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in the state suprasses 41,000. Opossums may be the only big fans of the pandemic and we conclude with a story about a COVID-19 survivor who came back from near death to beat the virus. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Trump signs a $484 billion coronavirus relief package. Meanwhile the death toll for COVID-19 reaches 50,000 in the United States as one southern state reopens. The NFL and Hershey are getting in on the face mask making game and we have yet another warning to not ingest or inject disinfectants. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Penn State will be reducing some employee salaries by 50 percent. Meanwhile the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh announces plans to once again hold confessions and weddings. We’ll go into a bit more detail about Governor Tom Wolf’s plans to reopen the state and we’ll end with a story about one coronavirus survivor. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The coronavirus death toll in Pennsylvania shrinks by more than 200 while the number of those infected in New York is believed to be larger than previously reported. 26.5 million Americans apply for unemployment benefits and China makes a donation to the World Health Organization. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.