How investigators found slain baby’s mom; why club owners got $5M; more: Good Morning, Pennsylvania

© Marcus Schneck Backyard birders have been asked to take down their bird feeder and baths until biologists determine the cause of a mysterious new bird disease spreading through eastern states, including Pennyslvania.

What you need to know for Thursday, July 8, 2021.

Today’s weather

High: 90; Low: 72. Mostly cloudy, thunderstorms.

Photo of the day Crime & courts

Cold case: Investigators in the death of a baby left in a trash bin 14 years ago were able to find the girl’s cousin using newer DNA technology, then worked to identify her mother. The woman has been arrested. Read more.

HMAC lawsuit: The ex-owners of a Harrisburg venue was awarded nearly $5 million in a defamation case. The judge found individuals and a blog maliciously posted false claims that led to the business group’s bankruptcy. Read more.

Things have changed

Tips: As many restaurants had to limit or keep people out during the pandemic, diners stepped up with bigger tips. Will that continue? Read more.

Travels: Restrictions on airline travel are easing, and airports are seeing more people – and more people trying to board with things they shouldn’t. Read more.

© JOE HERMITT The tip jar at the Quick Chick Shawarma and Grill in Hampden Twp. on June 24, 2021. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Partisan politics

No election changes: The chairman of the House State Government Committee said he’s done considering any election reform, including allowing mailed ballots to be processed early, until after a new governor is elected. Read more.

© SEAN SIMMERS Bryanna Dixon makes a smoothie at Fresh Pressed Juice Bar’s new location on Second Street in Harrisburg.

New election audit: Pa. Sen. Doug Mastriano, a Trump supporter, is launching a “forensic investigation” of the state’s 2020 presidential election, threatening subpeonas for counties that don’t cooperate. Read more.

Football

Bold predictions: Bob Flounders thinks Penn State’s Brandon Smith will fulfill his 5-star promise and grow into an All-Big Ten linebacker. Read more.

Speed demons: Colleges are always looking for football players who can run. Pa.’s Class of 2022 has a few guys who can absolutely roll. Read more.

In brief

Latest on mystery disease killing songbirds | Boys, 3 and 6, die after being found in neighbor’s pool | Feds seize Lego set, militia plans from man charged in Capitol riot | Robert Downey Sr. dies at 85 | Devin Bush’s dead cat video angers Steelers Nation | Funding boost stalls for office that exposes Pa. puppy mills |

© DAN GLEITER The marker for Baby Mary Anne at Saint Anthony’s Cemetery in Lancaster Township. Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams announces the arrest of Tara Brazzle, 44, who was charged with one count of criminal homicide in the 2007 death of newborn Baby Mary Anne. July 7, 2021. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com