HARRISBURG — Assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians to pay for home heating will begin Nov. 2.

Last winter, about 547,000 families got cash grants from the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and more than 202,000 families received crisis assistance.

Applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel they use as well as proof of income and the number of people in the household.

Once the program opens, applications will be available at county assistance offices, utility companies and community service agencies.

PITTSBURGH — A panel that has been studying stun guns in Allegheny County said they are safe when properly used.District Attorney Stephen Zappala convened the panel a year ago after outcry over several stun gun incidents, including the death of a suburban Pittsburgh man. However, the county medical examiner ruled the man died of a heart attack triggered by cocaine and blood pressure medicine, not from a Taser.The panel found when properly used, stun guns carry less risk of death and injury than batons, firearms and other weapons.The panel recommended policies be developed for stun gun use and police keep records of how often they are used.Critics say the panel should have done more to hear from the public, including people affected by stun gun use.

CLAIRTON — Police shot and killed a pit bull that bit a woman and then threatened a mail carrier and officers called to capture it in Clairton.Animal control officer Ken Ferree said the 70-pound dog got out of a yard, which was fenced on only three sides, Thursday afternoon.Ferree said police tried several times to subdue the animal, but nothing worked, so a police officer shot it.The bitten woman was treated at the scene by medics, and the dog's carcass will be tested for rabies and other problems.It was not immediately clear whether the dog's owner will face charges.

CALIFORNIA — California (Pa.) University is warning students about marijuana laced with Jimson weed.Officials said some students have become ill after smoking marijuana laced with the weed.Student Pete Kotula said students are going to be concerned if they become ill from the drug.Jimson weed can cause a rapid heartbeat, incoherent speech and hallucinations.The school has not said how many students might have been affected already.