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

Pennsylvania reported its first death from the coronavirus known as COVID-19. Meanwhile the state supreme court has ordered all courts in the state to close down because of the pandemic. A Philadelphia man has been arrested with the handcuffs of the police officer he allegedly killed. In happier news, florists teamed up to give away thousands of flowers to cheer people up. Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mass testing sites for the coronavirus are set to open in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, concerns about COVID-19 lead the Philadelphia police to stop be arresting people for nonviolent crimes like prostitution in an effort to keep the prison population low. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor is working hard to ensure that those without jobs because of the pandemic can get unemployment benefits quickly. And, in a historical move, Pennsylvania is getting its first ever girls wrestling team. Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The entire state of Pennsylvania is being shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. While some Pennsylvanians are taking this time to stock up on toilet paper, others are buying guns and ammunition with permit requests doubling in Allegheny County. Rite Aid has announced a major redesign and a new path forward -- that doesn’t include tobacco sales. We conclude by looking at the helpers, a reminder that we can all support our community during this time. Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Non-essential businesses are asked to close in five Pennsylvania counties as the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in the state nears 70. Meanwhile, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case of the mother charged with hanging and killing her two children. In Lebanon County, police are trying to solve the case of a boy who went missing 20 years ago -- and they want your help. We conclude the way we began, with news on COVID-19 -- although this is of a more positive variety. Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An entire county is effectively shut down over the coronavirus as the number of positive cases increases. A large fight broke out in the middle of a rape trial and a Penn State athlete has been charged with a DUI. In good news, at least, as good as it can get when it’s about coronavirus -- Comcast is offering free internet for two months for low income customers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A van carrying school children was allegedly shot at by a man in camouflage in Lawrence County. Meanwhile, state officials share information on testing being done for coronavirus. UPMC is being sued over allegedly sharing iffy results of non-consensual drug tests of new mothers with children and youth services. In happier news, a Baltimore artist brings a bit of “Always Sunny” to the telephone wires of Philadelphia. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are now 14 cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania, and local universities are switching to online classes to prevent its spread. Meanwhile, the flu has killed 83 people in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania has more state employees than ever who are earning six figures and a historic mansion is set to be turned into an Airbnb See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The number of cases in Pennsylvania of the coronavirus continues to grow, but the governor has worked with health insurers to guarantee that getting tested for COVID-19 won’t break the bank. Meanwhile, a tragic fire results in the death of a volunteer firefighter. In Philadelphia, Temple University faces the wrath of the Department of Veterans Affairs which is threatening to pull GI Benefits for veterans who want to enroll at the school. Pennsylvania’s Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores have some celebrities coming to visit this month. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Six Pennsylvanians now have the coronavirus, and that number is only expected to grow. Meanwhile, a devastating fire in Lebanon county leaves 15 horses dead. A new report shows that a judge in Erie County denied 30 percent of temporary protection-from-abuse order requests without ever holding in-court hearings. And a 98 year old Girl Scout makes headlines for continuing to sell cookies. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania furniture company is saved after its old owner buys it back in an effort to save hundreds of jobs. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh a new live music venue and entertainment complex is in the works. Be careful when you drive, especially in work zones -- enforcement begins next week on those caught by new speed cameras. And, a rare fish is spotted in a Delaware County pond. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A serial child rapist is going behind bars for life after being sentenced to up to 126 years in jail. Meanwhile, a couple is being charged with arson and insurance fraud after allegedly setting fire to their newspaper business. In Pittsburgh, a UPMC researcher’s new gene therapy could cure diabetes. Also, with Easter on the horizon, Cadbury is on the hunt for a different kind of bunny -- and one Pennsylvania llama is throwing its hat in the race. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A mystery unfolds near Pittsburgh when a body is discovered near the home of a man accused of murder… but it isn’t the body of the man he supposedly killed. Meanwhile, the state department of health has new updates on the coronavirus. A Pennsylvania county restricts the powers of immigration and customs enforcement agents and the dreaded spotted lanternfly is back. We wrap things up with a touching story about an emotional farewell between a college campus and its beloved Taco Bell. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ebola treatment center to be converted to treat those with coronavirus. Independence Health Group fined $165K over handling of insurance claims. Judge rules that Highspire can become independent of Steelton-Highspire school district. This bar is the best place to grab craft beer in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was a violent weekend, with one man being charged with a state trooper shot during a traffic stop in Chambersburg and four men in Pottsville sent to the hospital after a gunfight outside a bar. Meanwhile, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia announced a massive $3.4 billion expansion. Philadelphia finds itself on the small screen in Jason Segel’s latest TV series: “Dispatches from Elsewhere.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State lawmakers are claiming “legislative privilege” to justify blacking out details of how they have spent taxpayer money. The state is being sued over counting prison inmates as part of the population in legislative districts where they are incarcerated -- despite the fact that inmates can’t vote there. The FTC is working to block a merger between two major Philadelphia hospital networks. Penn State researchers have found a way to help combat climate change through cow burps. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania is prepared for the coronavirus, according to state health department officials. Meanwhile, the flu claims its first child victim in Pennsylvania. The US Department of Justice is investigating a pipeline explosion in Beaver County. In York, construction crews uncover a bit of history. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A federal court gave the green light to a Philadelphia supervised drug injection site. Meanwhile, a Pa. inmate has been in solitary for more than a year over refusing to cut his hair. A woman has been accused of starving her teenage son so much that he weighed under 30 pounds. In happier news, Ellen DeGeneres surprised a Pennsylvania couple who want to adopt. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case between the City of Philadelphia and a Catholic foster care agency over nondiscrimination policies and LGBTQ rights. The owner of several Shop ‘n Saves is guilty of stealing more than $250K in a coupon clipping scheme. Two large employers announce hundreds of layoffs in Pennsylvania. UPMC doctors diagnose a patient who was brewing alcohol -- in their bladder. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man is dead after an altercation with police. Meanwhile, vandals have graffitied an iconic section of a Pennsylvania state park. Penn State students raised more than $11.6 million to fight pediatric cancer and the Phillie Phanatic has a new look. We’ll end with a story about a poodle who managed to survive being taken by a hawk. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Leaders of a western Pa. drug ring plead guilty in federal court. A Pittsburgh firefighter has been charged with sex offenses involving a minor. In Centre County, a man leads police on a 20 mile per hour car chase. The members of Green Day showed up at karaoke night at a Pennsylvania bar… and killed it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Harrisburg Catholic Diocese declares bankruptcy because of the child sexual abuse scandal. Over in Philadelphia, four people are wounded after gunmen opens fire near a school. Meanwhile, a nursing home chain pays more than $15 million to settle claims of giving residents unnecessary rehab in an effort to make money. And for “Bachelor” fans -- the popular TV show is getting a stage version, and it’s coming to a Pennsylvania city near you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania township has become a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.” Meanwhile, a York County hospital is in trouble after not responding to alarming vital signs from a dying patient. In Philadelphia, an apartment high-rise was barricaded after a gunshot was fired out a window. Looking to the center of the state, Penn State announces plan to honor the first African American astronaut in space with a new building. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police are investigating the death of a Penn State student, the second in the span of a few days. Meanwhile, a hemp CBD processor closes in Pennsylvania over the plummeting of prices and a pharmaceutical company also closes a plant in the state, leading to the loss of hundreds of jobs. Over in the world of art, a masterpiece is rediscovered at a Pennsylvania art museum. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than 30 people have been displaced, and five firefighters injured, after a fire at a Pa. apartment complex. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor is being threatened with a lawsuit if he doesn’t apologize for blocking people on Twitter and the state is spending $4 million to make sure hard-to-reach groups are included in the upcoming census. In exciting TV news, a Montgomery County pizza delivery man may be the biggest star to hit “American Idol.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Human bones have been discovered in an abandoned parking lot in the Harrisburg area. Meanwhile, a key witness in a murder trial claims he lied after a Philadelphia cop promised him a $20,000 reward. A Pennsylvania law banning felons from having their names changed is being challenged by lawyers for a group of transgender women. Also, the Clark Bar is back! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The CDC is sending the coronavirus to the University of Pittsburgh in an effort to find a vaccine. Meanwhile, one of the top politicians in Pennsylvania retires and The Attorney General announces plans to create a conviction integrity unit. In fast food news, Wawa tests out adding burgers and chicken sandwiches to its menu. And "The Masked Singer" announces a nationwide tour -- including two stops in Pa. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two suspects are arrested in the cold case of a man whose body was dismembered. Meanwhile, in election news: you can now request a mail-in ballot for the 2020 election and the Trump Store opens in Bensalem. We wrap it all up with a story about a young dog who found a forever home with the police officer who rescued it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A sex offender has his guilty conviction overturned because it took too long for him to have a trial. Meanwhile, the state attorney general is suing e-cigarette Juul over targeting children. Science fans prepare to get giddy over research -- Penn State is releasing even more of its research to the public than ever before. And it’s been a day of concert announcements, with four massive acts revealing plans to tour Pennsylvania in 2020. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police looking for group who shouted about fake active shooter at Walmart. Man confesses to accidentally shooting three year old while he slept. Pa. grand jury investigates possible child sexual abuse crimes and coverup by Jehovah Witnesses. Hero dog makes recovery after being shot by men who threatened his family. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An organization devoted to tackling the lobbying problem is fined for breaking the rules it helped create. Meanwhile a federal court has said it’s legal for Philadelphia to ban employers from asking how much a job applicant earns. PennDot is moving money around, shifting $3.15 billion intended for local road improvements towards helping repair interstate highways. And want a makeover? Entire Pennsylvania towns are signing up for one from HGTV. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A notorious Pa. bank robber is sentenced to prison after robbing 19 banks. Meanwhile, Governor Wolf says he’ll veto a bill that provides natural gas manufacturing tax credits. The TV show “Cops” has announced it’ll feature Pittsburgh in an upcoming episode and I’ve got a story about a legendary prank that’s full of the force. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A man who killed his wife is now being charged with selling fake cancer drugs for pets. Meanwhile, it was budget day yesterday in Pennsylvania, with the governor announcing his state spending plan. We’ll give you a brief overview of what’s in the document and provide a bit more on one item that’s already stirring controversy. Also one Pennsylvania singer is going to be showcased on the season premiere of "American Idol" -- we'll tell you who. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Students stage a sit-in over a Pennsylvania college’s handling of sexual misconduct cases. Meanwhile, in Lancaster County, a groundbreaking craft brewery is closing its doors. Also saying goodbye is the US women’s field hockey team, which announced its departure from the Keystone State. Good news for those with student debt: the state’s higher education assistance agency announces a new refinancing plan. And “Jeopardy!” announces its list of contestants for its college championship -- including ones from Carnegie Mellon and Penn State. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Another Pennsylvania school has closed over asbestos and a four-month-old boy has been shot in Indiana, Pa. Meanwhile, two small earthquakes were felt in York County over the weekend. And in sports news, there’s more than one reason for Pennsylvanians to be happy with Super Bowl Sunday -- and one of those is all about the Puppy Bowl. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new poll says 41 percent of Pennsylvania voters think President Trump deserves another term, a study says Pennsylvania’s teacher roster is among the least diverse in the U.S., a Pa. agency that looks for wasteful spending wasted $160,000 on guns and ammo it can’t use, and in Pittsburgh, a feisty squirrel is outfoxing some bald eagles. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

UPS will be making a $1.4 billion expansion in Pennsylvania, which will bring over 1,700 jobs to the state. Senator Pat Toomey has stated he doubts he will be convinced about the need to call witnesses in the Senate’s impeachment trial of President Trump. The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a bill requiring insurance companies to cover breast cancer screenings for women in high-risk categories. And two satellites narrowly avoided a collision as their orbits crossed above Pittsburgh. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A nor’easter could be headed towards central Pennsylvania this weekend, possibly bringing fresh snow with it. Two members of the WGAL news team have announced their departures from the Lancaster station within two days of one another. The Hershey Company will be running an ad during the Super Bowl for one of their most obscure candy bars. And PETA has asked that the people at Punxsutawney replace their live groundhog with an animatronic option. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A student visiting a Philadelphia charter school has been tested for the corona virus. Harrisburg’s capitol grounds will soon become the home for the nation’s first monument honoring the 15th amendment. The federal government has sued the former owners of a motel in Lycoming County for over 1 million dollars in outstanding loan payments. And starting this Wednesday, PennLive.com will no longer allow open comments on stories posted to the website. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The nation is mourning the loss of basketball star and Philadelphia native Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Meanwhile, the people of Harrisburg remember the life and contributions of former mayor Stephen Reed, who died at age 70 over the weekend. A record number of black bears were killed by hunters in 2019, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. And NASA chose a submission by a York County student as one of the finalists in a poll to name the next Mars rover. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania Speaker of the House has announced that he will not be running for re-election. A manager at a fast food restaurant was arrested for shooting a gun at a teenager. Philadelphia’s mayor has warned residents he will cancel the city’s annual Mummers Parade if organizers can’t put an end to blackface among the participants. And a midstate church has teamed up with a charity to pay off 2.5 million dollars in medical debt for Pennsylvanians. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania woman was arrested after her 16 year old son was checked into the hospital weighing only 26 pounds. A development company is suing a Pennsylvania borough after residents pushed to cancel plans for a Chick-Fil-A restaurant. The Philadelphia Flyer’s mascot Gritty is being investigated for accusations that he punched a child at a fan event. And plans by one township to force the Amish to dress their horses in diapers and give them rubber horse shoes have stalled. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A bus stuck in a sinkhole in Pittsburgh is going to cost the city a hefty sum to have it removed. Lawmakers are working on a bill to bring Pennsylvania’s state owned universities under tighter supervision. A former Major League Baseball player hailing from Cumberland County has been sentenced for charges of animal cruelty. And a ban preventing police from seizing electronic skill games has been lifted. Sean Adams is filling in for Julia Hatmaker. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A DUI in Pennsylvania could cost you your right to own a gun. Meanwhile, Philadelphia International Airport is gearing up to roll out facial recognition scanners for passengers. Sticking to Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers sues the school district over failing to keep students and staff safe from asbestos. And, because we like to end on a positive note, we have a story about Jason Momoa’s visit to a Pennsylvania children’s hospital. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania prison is closing down under Governor Wolf’s orders. Meanwhile, a small town could be no more after it fails to get enough people to help run it. After 42 years of prison, a member of the MOVE black liberation group is released. And, whiskey fans, I’ve got news for you. We’ll talk about how you can score one of the rarest and best bourbons of them all. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police discover a dismembered body decaying in a Philadelphia basement. Meanwhile, a teen is charged with murdering his foster mother and another man and a Mariner East pipeline company is being fined $2 million for polluting a popular lake. In happier news, Girl Scout cookies are now on sale -- and they owe their origin to Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was a busy day for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. We’ll look at three bills that have been passed which aim to ban the use of handheld phones while driving, stop the closure of state centers for the intellectually disabled and strengthen penalties for not properly marking dams. Leaving politics behind, we’ve got a story about a community that came together to help a family in need. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Penn State and James Franklin are being sued by a former player over allegations of hazing. Meanwhile, a Pittsburgh-area man is sentenced for stealing 1.2 million from a church. Over in Lancaster, the coroner is taking jurisdiction over the bodies in a troubled funeral home. In happier news, do you smell what The Rock is cooking? It’s a new NBC sitcom that’ll feature a little bit of Pa. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Tom Wolf orders a natural gas well to be plugged over allegations of it leaking methane. Meanwhile, we’ve got the lowdown on a new law allowing early voting in Pennsylvania, as well as another one that’ll have the state look into possibly changing its policy on emission testing for newer vehicles. We’ll wrap up with a story about a small village that’s been thrust in to the limelight, thanks to Bud Light Seltzer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Criminal charges have been filed more than a month after a video showing a deer being tortured by two teens went viral. Meanwhile state police are investigating another viral video -- this one of a two year old vaping. Bad news for history buffs, it looks like the Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment has been canceled this year. And, in good news, a Pittsburgh rapper just broke (unofficially) a Guinness World Record. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A helicopter crashes in a Pennsylvania backyard and, in Philadelphia, a gunman holds police off for 2 hours before being killed. Meanwhile, Knoebels announces its newest ride and a Pennsylvania National Guard member breaks an army glass ceiling. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.