Today's Tribune-Review

Steelers release WR Trannon

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:41:46 -0400

The Steelers released wide receiver Matt Trannon today, putting them at the maximum number of players they are allowed to take to training camp.

Woman in baby snatching case competent, judge says

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:41:21 -0400

Andrea-Curry Demus can assist in her defense against homicide and other charges in the death of 18-year-old Kia Johnson, Judge Jeffrey Manning ruled at a competency hearing.

Mom accused of poisoning son sent to hospital

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:47:08 -0400

A mother accused of deliberately injecting her 4-month-old son with saltwater will be sent to a state mental hospital after a psychiatrist determined she suffered from Munchausen by Proxy syndrome.

Bluhm tells lawmakers casino deal in peril

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:45:43 -0400

The Chicago billionaire trying to get control of Pittsburgh's troubled casino project said the state Gaming Control Board has about a week to approve his takeover or the project could hit the skids.

State halts referrals to psychiatric clinic

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:52:28 -0400

The state Department of Public Welfare has stopped referring patients to Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic because of recent serious incidents involving people with mental illness seen at the facility.

Dog abuse suspect getting counseling

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:41:48 -0400

An Arlington man who police say admitted to beating his roommate's dog with a nail-filled board, waived a preliminary this morning in exchange for admittance into a counseling program at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.

Pittsburgh's 'Grafitti king' goes to prison

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:46:38 -0400

Pittsburgh's so-called graffiti king was sentenced today to 2.5 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution and perform community service after pleading guilty to causing nearly $300,000 in property damage.

National marbles tourney coming to North Park

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:57:25 -0400

The marbles are coming to town. Next month, the 16th annual U.S. Marbles Championship will be held at the North Park Ice Skating Facility, Allegheny County officials announced today.

Split verdict in West Mifflin police trial

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:00:49 -0400

An Allegheny County jury convicted a former West Mifflin detective today of assaulting a juvenile suspect while in custody and lying about the seizure of video poker machines, but acquitted him of charges he planted drugs during an arrest.

Proposed playground disputed in Schenely Farms

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:55:49 -0400

A town-and-gown dispute has entangled a would-be playground in Schenley Farms.

Route 8 fatal accident victim identified

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:13:21 -0400

The Butler County Coroner's Office identified the victim of a fatal accident on Route 8 on Wednesday as James McCandless, 24, of Penn Township.

Penn State shut out of Big Ten preseason picks

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:11:33 -0400

Penn State was shut out in the media's preseason picks for the top three football teams in the Big Ten for 2008, as well as the offensive and defensive players of the year.

B. E. Taylor receives Duquesne's Lifetime Achievement Award

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:47:26 -0400

Everybody but B. E. Taylor was aware of what was about to transpire Wednesday night at Duquesne University.

Casino group rated at junk bond status

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:39:45 -0400

The agency, however, praised the company, led by Chicago developer Neil Bluhm, for increasing its investment in the North Shore casino project by $50 million, to $170 million.

Army not liable in Downtown shooting, appeals court rules

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:08:18 -0400

The U.S. Army is not responsible for more than $1 million in medical bills for a Mt. Lebanon man shot in 2003 by a recruit in a Downtown parking garage, a federal appeals court has ruled.

West Virginians told to practice dialing their phones

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:54:17 -0400

West Virginia's second area code is seven months away, and the state Public Service Commission wants people to start practicing 10-digit dialing now.

Weak tornado confirmed in Butler County

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:55:31 -0400

The National Weather Service says a weak tornado most likely touched down briefly in Butler County.

State school board chair leaving post

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The chairman of the State Board of Education said Wednesday he is leaving the board after being asked by Gov. Ed Rendell to give up his leadership post.

House OKs two-step housing response

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The House approved a wide-ranging plan Wednesday that responds to the most serious housing crisis since the Great Depression by providing a federal backstop for struggling mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and aid to homeowners facing foreclosure.

Dolly spares South Texas levees

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:42:03 -0400

Hurricane Dolly barreled Wednesday into South Texas, lashing the Gulf Coast with winds up to 100 mph and dumping heavy rain that threatens to flood low-lying areas.

Collision, oil spill close Mississippi River

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:32:22 -0400

A stretch of the Mississippi River at New Orleans could be closed for days as crews clean a 12-mile oil slick caused Wednesday when a tanker and barge collided.

GAO says auditors bowed to contractors

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Auditors at a Pentagon oversight agency forced changes to unfavorable reports on contracts with some of the nation's largest defense firms, hid contractor over-billing and attempted to hinder an investigation into the alleged problems, according to a new report.

Competency hearing today for poisoned infant's mother

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:25:53 -0400

Amber Brewington, 21, is charged with attempting to kill her 4-month-old son by putting saltwater into his feeding tube at Children's Hospital.

Chow Wagon running low on food for families with pets

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Chow Wagon, a program that supplies food for families who can't afford food and treats for their dogs and cats, will now only be able to partially fill orders.

Conflict over heating with natural gas develops in Eastern Pa.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:07:41 -0400

People in northeastern Pennsylvania -- the heart of America's anthracite region -- are shocked that Schuylkill County could switch from coal to natural gas to heat the courthouse and prison.

Trooper seeks dismissal of lawsuit in Blairsville dentist's death

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

A suspended state trooper is seeking to avoid a $1 million wrongful death lawsuit while he awaits his trial, expected to begin this fall in Indiana, for the murder of Blairsville dentist, John Yelenic.

Religious leaders, residents mourn, celebrate

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:53:33 -0400

Religious leaders and Wilkinsburg residents, including many children, gathered under the eaves of the apartment where Kia Johnson died. Meanwhile, the baby cut from her womb was released in good health from the hospital and the woman charged in the killing has a court hearing today.

Upbringing will be key for Johnson baby

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

There is disagreement among psychologists over whether or not Kia Johnson's infant son should be told of how he was brought into the world. The boy could face some psychological if he finds out.

Police station's move to hilltop worries South Siders

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Shuttering the Zone 3 police station on and setting up a new one in Allentown will only reinforce the reckless attitudes of the thousands of people who come to party and drink in the hot spot's 90 watering holes and restaurants.

Activist in Bridgeville appeals harassment charge

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Pappert, 56, filed an appeal Wednesday in state Superior Court when Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Robert Gallo upheld his conviction on a charge of harassing Bridgeville Manager Lori Collins in a phone message.

Former KDKA reporter ordered to stand trial on gun charges

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

A former KDKA radio reporter will stand trial on charges that he tried to bring a loaded gun into the Allegheny County Courthouse.

Officials aim to keep aging bridges safe

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Councilman Patrick Dowd says he wants to ask questions about conditions, what work is required to improve bridges, how much it would cost and when work could be completed.

DejAVu nightclub owner to plead guilty in drug case

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Jason Perla, who owns the DejAVu nightclub on Penn Avenue, was arrested Feb. 20 at his Braddock Hills home after state police and federal agents intercepted seven kilograms of cocaine hidden in a truck.

Mt. Lebanon child sends Webkinz to Children's Hospital

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Morgan Meer, 7, collected more than $600 to purchase and donate 126 Webkinz to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Young Achiever: Alexandra Zegar

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Alexandra Zegar won-first place awards locally and in the state competition in the dance choreography category for the PTA Reflections Program, which is an arts recognition and achievement program for students.

Angelfood Ministries offers food orders to everyone

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The National Christian program Angelfood Ministries offers food for lower prices with no paperwork or qualifiers needed. Kerr Presbyterian, in Penn Hills, and Evangelical Congregational Church, in McKeesport, distribute the food all over the city.

Homewood teen to stand trial in drive-through shooting

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

A Homewood man was ordered to stand trial Wednesday on charges that he fatally shot a boy in the drive-through lane of a fast-food restaurant.

Mileage reimbursement tabled by Pittsburgh council

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

High gasoline prices are starting to get to some Pittsburgh City Council members.

Pittsburgh Public Schools board votes to merge district's CAPA schools

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The Pittsburgh Public Schools board Wednesday approved the creation of the city's newest thematic learning community for grades 6-12.

Police blotter from Allegheny, Butler counties

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Judges in Allegheny and Butler counties handled the following preliminary hearings in criminal cases.

Commuting from the suburbs frustrating, confusing

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Stephanie Hacke, a reporter for The South Hills Record, spent a few days riding Port Authority buses through several suburban communities. Here is her report.

Newsmaker: John Metzler

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

John Metzler recently opened Urban Tree Forge.

Pipe bomb exploded at Valley Green Golf Club

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:59:29 -0400

State police in Greensburg are investigating the explosion of a pipe bomb on the 5th green at a Hempfield golf club sometime late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

Manor continues quest for new public safety building

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Borough residents suggested a turnkey approach, which typically requires the construction company to complete a project according to prespecified criteria for a price that is fixed at the time the contract is signed.

Police seek cause of SUV plunge in Hempfield

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

State police are looking for witnesses to determine why a sport utility vehicle plunged 60 feet from an overpass on Toll Route 66, killing a Murrysville woman and critically injuring her husband and children.

Developer says Hempfield retaining wall crack 'cosmetic'

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Hempfield officials say they've been assured by a developer that a crack in a large retaining wall along South Greengate Road is "a cosmetic issue" and that the wall is structurally sound.

Sale of office building won't affect state services

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The Hudson Holding Co. of Hermitage in Mercer County recently sold the building to Frontier Equities of New York and Don Hanson and his affiliates of New Jersey for $15.15 million.

Trooper's event caters to exceptional children

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:15:15 -0400

State police Trooper Dale Gabriel of the Kiski Valley barracks organized a program for special needs students to learn about the lives of police officers.

Delmont man accused of threatening nephew

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

John Guhl of 103 Valley Stream Drive was arraigned before Ligonier District Judge Denise Thiel on charges of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and terroristic threats.

Storage trailer in Greensburg destroyed by fire

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The owner of the trailer said the structure was worth $20,000. Greensburg fire officials were dispatched to the location a block east of South Maple Avenue but have not determined the origin of the fire.

Parking dispute leads to beatings in Jeannette

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Jack Cecconello Sr., 53, of 437 S. Fifth St., is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Fayette man gets jail time for resisting arrest

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Dennis A. Wormack, 36, of Connellsville netted a split verdict in his trial earlier this month. Jurors exonerated him on a charge of disorderly conduct.

Police: Accused killer of family 'just snapped'

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:52:10 -0400

Prosecutors still must decide whether to seek the death penalty against Orlando Guarino, 38, of Marianna, for the deaths of his estranged wife and their two young children. On July 9, the date of the family's killing, Guarino argued with his wife about a text message on her cell phone.

Regional police force in Armstrong County won't fly, ex-official says

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

A regional police force for Ford City and the surrounding communities of Ford Cliff, Manorville and Manor Township might not work out, even if it is a good idea, a former Ford Cliff councilman said.

Fatal Indiana County mine accident blamed on communication

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Federal authorities blame poor communication for a fatal accident in an Indiana County coal mine.

Wife and mother of Penn Hills was devoted volunteer

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Helen Kucera of Penn Hills, a lifelong member of Universal United Presbyterian, died Monday. She was 90.

Ticket with J

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:44:27 -0400

The Trib's JoAnne Harrop tells you what's going on in and around the city this weekend.

Top state court backs Christian group in hate-crimes case

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The state Supreme Court has upheld a lower court's ruling that tossed out language expanding Pennsylvania's hate-crimes law.

Erie County hospice aide accused of stealing dying man's $12,000

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

An Erie County hospice-care aide faces a preliminary hearing July 31 on charges she stole more than $12,000 from a dying cancer patient.

Rendell signs 79th death warrant

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Gov. Ed Rendell has signed a death warrant for Robert Gene Rega, a Jefferson County man who was convicted of gunning down a hotel night watchman during a botched robbery.

Lunchtime rain overwhelms storm sewers

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Sporatic but intense rainstorms pounded parts of the Alle-Kiski Valley on Wednesday, but most of the threatening weather appears to have been blown out of the area.

Decisions of the Westmoreland County judges

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The following is a partial list of criminal cases handled by judges in the most recent term of Westmoreland County criminal court.

Volunteers deliver flowers to cheer the elderly

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

LeSallian Youth of the De La Salle Christian Brothers recently visited Vincentian Regency in McCandless and surprised the residents by handing them each a bouquet of yellow and white daisies.

North Park Mini-Golf Course to host twilight tournament

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

North Park Miniature Golf will host its first mini-golf tournament Saturday night, starting at 10 p.m. Two-thirds of the $15 entry fee will be split among winners.

Shaler North Hills Library holds a spa day for teens

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The Shaler North Hills Library held a Spa Day earlier this month which included making bath cookies, almond facial scrub and body glitter, all while listening to soothing music in the community room.

Grant brings Cranberry chamber up to date on members

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Thanks to ChamberWare software, the Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce will be able to keep much better track of its members.

Church seminar educates parents on teens' online forays

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

A seminar called MySpace 101 will be held at Dutilh United Methodist Church in Cranberry, where the church's two youth pastors will explain some risks of the two most popular teen Web sites.

Summer Fest features eating competition, games, music

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Bruster's Ice Cream along Perry Highway in McCandless is holding it's Summer Fest, which features an ice cream eating competition, free food, games and live music.

Marshall Community day to feature new displays

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Marshall Parks and Recreation will hold a Community Day event from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Warrendale Park.

Woodland Hills district state test scores plummet again

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Woodland Hills School District's most recent state test scores plummeted again, the new superintendent said this week, pushing the district a step closer to a possible state takeover.

Wilkins community center will have more space, programs

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The public works crew in Wilkins are working on the township's new multipurpose center, which will provide needed meeting and activity space and put the former Wilkins-Churchill Rescue One building back into service.

Firefighters approach MDA fundraising with spirit

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Labor Day weekend telethon is a summer-long crusade for Swissvale firefighters.

Former Oakmont Giant Eagle site remains barren

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

ECHO Retail, a division of ECHO Development, based in O'Hara and affiliated with Giant Eagle, took over ownership of the former Giant Eagle on Allegheny River Boulevard on July 1.

Monroeville Farmers Market celebrating 25 years

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The Monroeville Lions Farmers Market is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, the market features 13 vendors from farms and bakeries throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Monroeville and Pitcairn parishes consider merging operations

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

North American Martyrs in Monroeville and St. Michael in Pitcairn are looking at combining some of their community programs, administrative functions and services.

Pitcairn Council votes to hold out for better cable offers

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Pitcairn council voted this month to toss out bids to buy the borough's cable service.

Penn Hills committee to decide future of school facilities

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

A new citizens' advisory committee is developing recommendations about what Penn Hills should do with its aging and empty school buildings.

Woodland Hills superintendent promises to succeed

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Woodland Hills School District's new superintendent said he knows people might think he is crazy to make grand promises about turning around the academically troubled district, but he's doing it anyway.

Plum school purchases new cafeteria money system

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Plum's food services department has purchased the Nutrikids computer system from Lunchbyte Systems so children won't have to bring cash of lunch tickets to school anymore.

Oakmont concrete plant in suit objects to 16 conditions

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

After a 15-month battle to win Oakmont's approval to build a ready-mix concrete plant in an industrial zone, HHI Trucking & Supply is asking the Allegheny County Court to remove some of the 33 conditions the borough placed on the plant's operation.

Robinson residents find vacation close to home on the river

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Robinson residents can find a vacation every weekend at the Groveton Boat Club, located on the Ohio River.

South Siders speak out about losing their police station to Allentown

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:10:01 -0400

What infuriates Jim Anderson about losing the South Side's police station to Allentown is the mayor's suggestion that crime in the southern hilltop neighborhoods is somehow more serious.

Tomlin braces for off-field distractions

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:50:44 -0400

At his pre-training camp press conference Wednesday, head coach Mike Tomlin admitted the Steelers' ownership issue may be a distraction this season.

Waiting tables is all about entertainment value

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:02:21 -0400

When people tell me I'm the best waitress they've ever had, I'm sure they mean it as a compliment.

Birth Announcements

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:08:44 -0400

<B>Abagail Lilyann</B> is the daughter of <B>Rob Lemmon and Holly Gibson,</B> both of Natrona Heights, Harrison. She was born May 25, 2008, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, weighing 5 pounds, 4 ounces.

O'Hara traffic signal ready to go

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:03:39 -0400

A Freeport Road traffic signal that was part and parcel to the construction of nearby GetGo last year will be up and running by the end of the month.

Weed and Seed urges neighborhood watch program

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Weed and Seed coordinator encouraged neighbors to begin forming watch groups to discourage crime, report code violations and allow residents an opportunity to reconnect and start community-based activities.

Alle-Kiski Valley court decisions

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:07:41 -0400

The following is a partial list of recent criminal cases in Westmoreland County Court involving Alle-Kiski Valley defendants.

Concordia home open after fire

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Anna Pfeifer lived in the sprawling Concordia Lutheran Ministries complex for elderly residents. Pfeifer is one of 136 residents who were displaced after the wind-swept fire destroyed Haven 1.

Butler County still stalemated over prison work

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Two contractors asked the county for additional money to cover the cost of delays they incurred while the prison project was stalled. They asked for about $1 million each.

Apollo, Babcock & Wilcox in negotiations over property

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

BWXT (formerly Babcock & Wilcox) and the borough are negotiating a settlement after the borough tried to claim the 4.6-acre site along Warren Avenue by eminent domain in March.

Steelers need finisher

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall can author happy endings for the Steelers.

Tomlin ready to test Clark

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Mike Tomlin made it clear that Ryan Clark's feel-good story hasn't won him anything more than admiration.

Browns open camp with high hopes

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:09:08 -0400

On coach Romeo Crennel's whistle, the Cleveland Browns sprinted across the field en masse as hundreds of fans dressed in various shades of brown and orange hooted and hollered.

Goodell keeps tabs on Favre-Packers rift

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is monitoring the ongoing rift between the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre.

Pirates outslug Astros

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

After completing a three-game sweep against Houston with an 8-7 win Wednesday, the Pirates moved ahead of the Astros into fifth place in the National League Central.

How they scored: Bucs 8, Astros 7

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Doug Mientkiewicz matched a career-high Wednesday with four hits, including a run-scoring single in the seventh inning, as the Pirates outlasted the Houston Astros, 8-7.

Comebacks commonplace for Bucs

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The Pirates this season have 24 comeback victories, including five when they were trailing after the eighth inning.

Coonelly upset with Alvarez negotiations

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Pirates president Frank Coonelly, who hoped to have first-round draft pick Pedro Alvarez in the Pirates farm system within a week or two of the June 5 draft, is unhappy with the negotiating process thus far.

Capps making rehab progress

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Closer Matt Capps (shoulder) is progressing with his rehab program in Bradenton, Fla.

Scouting the Padres

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

San Diego Padres (38-64) vs. Pirates (47-54)

Pirates farm report

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Here's how the Pirates minor league teams fared in their games played Wednesday, July 23.

Galarraga perfect into 7th in Tigers' win

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Armando Galarraga carried a perfect game into the seventh inning, Miguel Cabrera drove in three runs and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals, 7-1, Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep.

Red Sox's Ramirez out with sore knee

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:42:36 -0400

Manny Ramirez was out of Boston's lineup Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners with what his manager said was a sore knee.

Pens' AHL coach Richards leaves

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Todd Richards, who won more games at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton than Penguins coach Michel Therrien, is leaving the American Hockey League team.

James likely will miss U.S. exhibition game

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

U.S. forward LeBron James likely will miss Friday's exhibition against Canada as he recovers from a mild right ankle sprain.

LeBron guarantees Olympic title

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

No more bronze medals for LeBron James. This time he's coming home with gold -- and that's a guarantee.

U.S. diving coach Wingfield has local roots

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

When U.S. Olympic diving coach John Wingfield arrives in Beijing next week, he will pause to reflect on his younger days in Youngwood.

Pitt earns prime spot for 'Brawl'

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

When Steve Pederson saw that the Texas-Texas A&M game was moved to Thanksgiving night, the Pitt athletic director immediately wondered if the 101st Backyard Brawl could move into its open slot on ABC's national television schedule the next day.

Norman enduring strange career

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:42:54 -0400

Greg Norman has been portrayed by historians as golf's greatest tragic figure.

Race of the Week

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

World of Outlaws Late Models Firecracker 100

Sastre takes 17th stage of Tour de France

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The mountains have proved that Cadel Evans isn't the fastest man uphill, but the Australian may have done just enough to win the Tour de France.

Freeport Invitational teams keep coming back

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Some baseball organizations just can't get enough of the annual Freeport International Baseball Invitational.

Australian player enjoys Pittsburgh's steamy summer

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Each day during the 14th annual Freeport International Baseball Invitational, the Valley News Dispatch will speak with a player participating in this week's event. Today's guest is Chris Crawford, 17, of Nargara, Australia.

Diamond Journal

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Israeli player Alex Yosef Bentley, 15, is keeping a diary during the 14th annual Freeport International Baseball Invitational this week

Ford City Little League set for state tourney

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Cy Prazenica has coached many of the girls on the Ford City Little League Junior softball team (13- and 14-year-olds) for the past six years.

Final coke battery permit issued to USX

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:31:03 -0400

The Allegheny County Health Department today granted U.S. Steel Corp. a permit to make pollution-reducing upgrades at its Clairton Coke Works.

Profits edge higher at Wesco International

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:07:51 -0400

Wesco International Inc. of Pittsburgh today reported second quarter net income of $60.1 million, a slight increase over net income of $59.6 million in the comparable quarter a year ago.

National City posts $1.8 billion loss for 2nd quarter

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:01:54 -0400

National City Corp. today reported a $1.76 billion loss for the second quarter, as mortgage loans soured and it took a big charge related to previous acquisitions.

Kennametal profits fall but sales set records

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:53:10 -0400

Kennametal Inc. said today its fiscal fourth quarter earnings fell to $59.6 million, or 77 cents a share, compared to $62.1 million, or 79 cents a share, for the fourth quarter 2007.

Tollgrade loss because of decline in demand, CEO says

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:33:35 -0400

Tollgrade Communications Inc. reported a slight increase in second-quarter revenue, but a $250,000 loss as the Harmar-based telecommunications company continues its restructuring efforts.

Universal Stainless sales hit record

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:14:39 -0400

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. said this morning that its second quarter profit totaled $5.3 million, or 77 cents per diluted share, compared to $5.9 million, or 87 cents, for the same period a year ago.

New York investor tastes yinzer life, brawls and all

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:54:55 -0400

New York investor Aaron Stauber says a confrontation with union pickets outside one of his Pittsburgh office buildings won't spoil his extended stay here. His Rugby Realty owns more than 20 properties in the city, including the landmark Gulf Tower.

ATI earnings dive 18 percent in second quarter

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The Pittsburgh-based specialty metals manufacturer posted earnings of $168.9 million, or $1.66 per share, compared with second-quarter 2007 earnings of $206.5 million, or $2 per share.

House sales down by 15.4 percent in June

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The average price of a house sold was up less than 1 percent in June. There were 2,882 sales during June, 488 fewer than the 3,170 for the same month last year.

Landmarks expand reach with $5 million loan from PNC

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Landmarks Community Capital is considering Homewood for one of its next investments. PNC is the only banking company with a branch there. The loan will help Landmarks spark more development in the Pittsburgh area.

FERC approves Allegheny Energy power line request

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Wednesday approved the rate of return requested by Allegheny Energy Inc. on its proposed Trans-Allegheny Interstate power line.

AE power chief moves on

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

David Flitman, president of Allegheny Energy Inc.'s power delivery business, Allegheny Power, has resigned his position, effective July 31, to become president of Nalco Co.'s Industrial and Institutional Services Division.

Nordstrom names manager

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Nordstrom Inc. on Wednesday named Carl Jenkins as manager of its Pittsburgh-area Nordstrom store, which will open Oct. 24 at Ross Park Mall.

Project financing advances

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Financing for the $30 million Shannon Station Transit Village development at the Port Authority's Castle Shannon station took another step Wednesday.

Dick's funding request OK'd

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0400

Two funding requests to the state for $7.25 million in grants for the Dick's Sporting Goods Inc.'s new headquarters building near Pittsburgh International Airport were approved Wednesday by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County.