Today's Tribune-Review

Some don't report how stimulus funds spent

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Stung by criticism over data showing billions in federal stimulus money going to nonexistent congressional districts in Pennsylvania and other states, the government corrected its Web site created to track the money.

U.S. gets tough on Karzai

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Obama administration has a simple-sounding strategy for the problem that is Hamid Karzai: Work with him and around him at the same time.

U.S. braces for billion-dollar lawsuits

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A landmark court ruling blaming the Army Corps of Engineers' "monumental negligence" for some of the worst flooding from Hurricane Katrina could lead to a new deluge: billions of dollars in legal action from thousands of storm victims.

Audits of firms spur search for illegal workers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Obama administration announced Thursday that it will audit the workplace records of more than 1,000 employers nationwide as part of an aggressive campaign to crack down on companies and individuals who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Obama ends trip to Asia in frustration

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

President Obama on Thursday ended his trip to Asia much as he had begun it a week earlier -- surrounded by U.S. forces as he sought to project an image of military unity before a controversial announcement on troop levels for Afghanistan.

Geithner rebuffs GOP call to quit

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Like a boxer under siege, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Thursday rebuffed calls from Republicans to resign and slugged it out with lawmakers over Obama administration economic policies.

Pirates finalize 40-man roster

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:26:27 -0500

The Pirates pieced together their roster with an eye toward protecting their pitching. Among the five new faces on the list are right-handers Brad Lincoln, Bryan Morris, Ramon Aguero and Chris Jakubauskas.

Two men injured in Richland armed robbery

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:58:35 -0500

One man suffered a stab wound and another had a head injury, according to Allegheny County police dispatchers.

Polamalu, Kirschke will miss Kansas City game Sunday

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:04:00 -0500

Polamalu was injured early in last Sunday's game against Cincinnati. Kirschke has missed the last two games.

Turtle Creek woman charged with prostitution in parents' home

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:01:07 -0500

A 35-year-old Turtle Creek woman was charged with prostitution after an undercover sting revealed she was charging men for sex in her parents' Churchill home.

Public input to be taken on plan to close 16 schools

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:25 -0500

Two Pittsburgh school board members are holding a public meeting for residents to air their thoughts about a consultant's recommendation that Pittsburgh Public Schools close 16 buildings during the next decade.

Man stunned by Washington police suffers heart attack

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:49:16 -0500

Police in Washington County say a man is recovering after he went into cardiac arrest after officers used a stun device on him when he allegedly attacked officers who tried to help him during a seizure.

Downtown retail a little dimmer

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

People who attend tonight's Light Up Night Downtown can enjoy fireworks and free entertainment, but will find shopping options thinner than in past years.

Light Up Night festivities expected to draw 200,000

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:16:37 -0500

Various arts attractions and a party on the Roberto Clemente Bridge are part of the festivities. Oh, and there will be fireworks.

Downtown construction may make festivities tough to navigate

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Getting into and around Downtown for Light Up Night might be a little tougher because of road closures from construction on the North Shore Connector and a subway station, officials said.

3 men sought in Greensburg beating

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

State police are searching for three men who savagely beat a sleeping homeless man living in woods behind the Lynch Field athletic complex in Greensburg.

Schools 'toughest' Gates challenge

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:03:54 -0500

Philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates are turning to Pittsburgh Public Schools and three other school districts in the country for what may be the couple's toughest challenge yet: improving education.

Penn Hills targeted for major drug, gun sweep

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:09:20 -0500

Police officers from eight departments swept through Penn Hills today searching for 38 people wanted for drug-related charges. Twelve people were arrested so far, and officials expect to continue the search throughout the day.

Mellon Arena study may sketch out vision

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:02 -0500

Pittsburgh Penguins executives said Thursday they're open to ideas for developing 28 acres next to their new home in the Consol Energy Center, but saving Mellon Arena from demolition is unlikely.

Construction work to close area roads, bridges this weekend

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:59:45 -0500

Weekend construction is scheduled to cause bridge and road closures in several places this weekend.

Saltsburg man killed in single-vehicle crash in Bell Township

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:06:45 -0500

State police at Kiski Valley said Stanley Deren, 56, died in a single-vehicle wreck just before 6 this morning.

Man in critical condition after being stabbed on South Side

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:05:11 -0500

A police officer spotted Rayan Lambert on Wharton Street bleeding heavily from stab wounds to his neck and forearm.

Contest for Bellevue council finishes in dead heat

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A race for a Bellevue council seat ended in a tie after a judge of elections found an absentee ballot in the trunk of her car six days after the election.

Shoppers told safety can't take back seat

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Pittsburgh police are hopeful a little humor will help holiday shoppers remember to take basic safety precautions.

State to pay $250,000 to settle trooper lawsuit

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

State documents show Pennsylvania taxpayers will pay $250,000 and mediation costs to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit a Penn Hills man filed against a state trooper who was a key figure in a $12.5 million civil rights case.

Braddock residents look into suing UPMC

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Braddock Council President Jesse Brown said Thursday his attorney has asked the Department of Justice to investigate UPMC's decision to close its hospital there.

Wilkinsburg rejects adult inmate plan

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Wilkinsburg zoning officials on Thursday denied a corrections company's request to house up to 108 adult inmates at a facility for juvenile females.

Funding to keep libraries open may be in peril

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A proposed city allocation for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh could be "in jeopardy" as a result of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's latest plan to balance his $453.8 million budget.

Stem cell therapy tried on AGH heart attack patients

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Researchers at Allegheny General Hospital are studying a way to treat heart attack patients with an infusion of adult bone marrow stem cells, hospital officials said Thursday.

Bus stops closer to malls' entrances urged

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A local religious group is urging several local malls to allow bus stops closer to their front entrances, and Allegheny County Council is trying to help.

FAA system goes down; Pittsburgh barely affected

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

For the second time in a little more than a year, a technical problem at one of the two centers that handle flight plans for the nation's air travel system set off delays and cancellations for passengers around the country.

Search continues for Wilkinsburg child-rape suspect

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Allegheny County sheriff's deputies continued Thursday to search for a Wilkinsburg man who is accused of raping a child.

Homewood traffic stop leads to drug arrests, $75,000

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A routine traffic stop in Homewood led to the arrests of four men and the recovery of 24 pounds of marijuana, two stolen firearms, nearly $75,000 in currency and almost $3,000 in counterfeit money, city police said Thursday.

Police search for gunman in Squirrel Hill

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

City robbery detectives are trying to find the gunman responsible for a holdup at the 1 Stop Mini Mart on Beechwood Boulevard in Squirrel Hill.

Bond allowed for Bethel Park homicide suspect

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

An Allegheny County judge set bond Thursday for a Bethel Park man accused of killing the husband of a woman with whom he had an affair.

Brothers accused of damaging 150 vehicles in Ross area

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Two brothers were arrested early Thursday on suspicions of damaging at least 150 vehicles in a vandalism spree through Avalon, Bellevue, Ohio Township, Ross and West View, police said.

Homestead man gets prison in child porn case

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A federal judge sentenced a Homestead man Thursday to six years and six months in prison for child pornography offenses.

Cranberry psychologist eased job-related stress for police

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Gerard Massaro, a Pittsburgh police psychologist, had the reputation of being a straight shooter when counseling or briefing a police officer.

Newsmaker: Dale Pugh

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Bavarian prince visits St. Vincent as part of Wimmer celebration

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

It's not every day that St. Vincent College students get to meet royalty.

County budget $21 million in red

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:09:58 -0500

A preliminary budget approved Thursday by Westmoreland County commissioners includes no tax increases but lists a deficit of more than $21 million for 2010.

Woman accused of stealing $76,000

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A Hempfield woman is accused of taking $76,233.59 from her employer's bank account by making direct deposits to her personal account.

Murrysville holds line on taxes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Murrysville property owners will not pay higher taxes in 2010.

Irwin woman's spree to benefit shelter

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Sheryl Brown stood on her tiptoes Thursday morning, her white Keds bouncing up and down, hands gripping a grocery cart.

Use of fire department vehicles tightened in North Huntingdon

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

After a resident complained about Larimer firefighters campaigning for a political candidate, North Huntingdon commissioners said Wednesday that they'll send a letter to the volunteer department reinforcing a township policy that their vehicles should be used only for fire-related calls.

Taxes in Monessen going down 6 percent

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Monessen property owners will experience a drop of about 6 percent in their city real estate taxes next year.

Warrant issued for Greensburg bank teller in thefts

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

State police have issued an arrest warrant for the head teller at the S&T Bank, 701 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, accusing her of stealing almost $22,000 from bank and estate accounts.

Acquisition of former Jeannette glass factory advances

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Jeannette took the first steps this week to acquire and condemn the 22-acre site of the former Jeannette Glass factory.

Dismissal of charges sought in fatal crash

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The attorney for a Pittsburgh man charged in the death of a passenger on his motorcycle two years ago in Jeannette said Thursday criminal charges should be dismissed because evidence was improperly seized.

Man with handgun robs PNC North Huntingdon Square branch

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

North Huntingdon police are investigating an armed robbery Wednesday at the PNC Bank in the North Huntingdon Square shopping plaza.

Yough students charged over metal knuckles

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Two Yough Senior High School students were charged through the Westmoreland County Juvenile Detention Center after one student brought another metal knuckles, police said.

Man working on car in Jeannette killed when jack fails

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A Blairsville man died Wednesday night after a car jack failed and a vehicle fell on top of him.

Murrysville Turkey Bowl tournament marks 10 years of fund-raising

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Norwin Band Aides looking to spread warmth and music

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

"Coats and Notes," sponsored by the the Norwin Band Aides Organization, a booster support group for the Norwin Marching Band, will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Norwin High school, coinciding with the organization's craft show, which will be a drop-off point for warm outerwear and used musical instruments.

Storytellers each have webs to weave in Murrysville

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Tellebration, an international event, will be held starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday; storytellers from StoryWorks will gather at the Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church in Murrysville, 4600 Old William Penn Highway, marking the 10th year at the location.

Murrysville marks Streetscape makeover

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Bolstered by a $730,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the first step of downtown Murrysville's makeover has been completed, as work crews have installed sidewalks, street lighting and a recreational area with benches and trees during the six-month Streetscape project.

Young actors learn on set of holiday musical classic

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Stage Right performance group is getting into the holiday spirit this weekend with "A Christmas Carol, the Musical," the second year the group has produced the musical, which tells the well-known tale of miser Ebenezer Scrooge.

Norwin librarian dazzles judges, comes up a winner

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Norwin Public Library children's librarian Barbara Flynn put her library skills and curious mind to work and was one of two Pennsylvanian librarians to win a contest netting her publication and the library a set of research books.

Potential recreation sites in North Huntingdon explored

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Norwin Area Regional Recreation Committee is seeking residents comments on four potential sites for a recreation center at a public meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. at the North Huntingdon Townhouse, which will also include a briefing on all progress made to date.

Book drive brightens Child's Place in North Huntingdon

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Maura Dugan, 14, of North Huntingdon, organized a book drive and collected about 200 books for children to use in the waiting room at A Child's Place at Westmoreland for her Girl Scout Silver Award project.

Waynesburg students immersed in service mission

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Seven Waynesburg University students, including two local youths, will take part in a new Pittsburgh Immersion service mission trip today through Wednesday.

Father of Fayette ATV victim vows to press on

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The father of a 14-year-old boy killed March 31 in an ATV accident in Dunbar said Thursday he would continue to fight for justice for his son.

Pick for VA director in Fayette declines post

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Fayette County's efforts to find a director of veterans affairs fell through again on Thursday when a retired Air Force master sergeant who was pegged for the post declined to accept it.

Despite deficit, Fayette not planning tax hike

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Fayette County commissioners on Thursday passed a proposed 2010 budget that includes a $1.5 million deficit, but they noted they have another month to pare it down.

Drug charge dropped against Fayette rape suspect

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Police have withdrawn a drug charge against a Fayette County man arrested on kidnapping and rape charges.

Brownsville gas station manager accused in $8,000 theft

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A Fayette County woman who managed a Brownsville service station has been charged with the theft of nearly $9,000 from the store.

Indiana shares its Christmas gift with visitors

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Pedestrians at two crosswalks in Indiana Borough may feel they're rubbing elbows with George Bailey in mythical Bedford Falls as they shop for the holidays along Philadelphia Street.

Trial in fatal beating of Burrell Township child delayed

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

An Indiana County judge has pushed back until spring the trial of a Burrell Township man charged in the beating death of his girlfriend's 19-month-old son because of a number of pretrial issues still to be decided.

Girl, 15, accused of escaping custody, stealing 4 vehicles

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A 15-year-old girl who was committed to a Cambria County facility fled a dental appointment Thursday and stole four vehicles, crashing three of them in Somerset County before she was caught.

VA plans open house in Monaca outpatient clinic

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Valor Healthcare, a contractor for the VA, will hold an open house in the VA's outpatient clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 90 Wagner Road, Monaca, near Beaver Valley Mall.

Feds seek judgment against ex-Steelers player

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The federal government filed a motion Thursday seeking a default judgment against Steelers Hall of Famer Mel Blount because he owes more than $600,000 in unpaid taxes and penalties.

Rendell revises gaming claim

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:07:47 -0500

Gov. Ed Rendell on Thursday backed off his claim the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office investigated the state gambling board's award of slot licenses in 2006 and found nothing.

Watchdog says Obama team wanted the credit

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The government watchdog overseeing economic stimulus spending said Thursday that, in its rush to take credit for saving hundreds of thousands of jobs, the Obama administration was overly confident in its job-counting and did not acknowledge significant errors in the figures.

Bow reflects vagaries of U.S. protocol

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:08:41 -0500

President Obama's weekend greeting to Japanese Emperor Akihito -- a combination low dip and handshake that appears to have rocked the world -- sent critics reeling in disgust and supporters scrambling to explain his actions.

Probe to take deep look at Fort Hood killings

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced Thursday that he's appointed two former heads of the Army and the Navy to review the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, amid questions about whether political correctness and a shortage of mental health professionals drove the military to keep Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan in the Army longer than it should have.

Recession means fewer Downtown shopping options this season

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:11:25 -0500

Mainstays remain: Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Brooks Brothers, Larrimor's. But the city's central business area, like much of the region, has lost merchants since the recession took hold last year.

Architect devises preservation, reuse plan for Mellon Arena

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:52 -0500

"There is no need to rush the demolition of the arena," Rob Pfaffman said.

South Side stabbing leaves man in hospital

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:59:28 -0500

An Uptown man was listed in critical condition after being stabbed in the neck and forearm outside a South Side nightclub early this morning, Pittsburgh police said.

Starkey: Best Pitt team since Marino?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:57:09 -0500

Pitt's success on the football field has prompted the question: Is this the best Pitt team since Dan Marino left after the 1982 season?

You drink, they drive you and car

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Providing transport to the inebriated is far down on the list of career choices. But that's not to say a trio of 28 year-old South Hills residents doesn't enjoy making a buck.

Sarah, you're a hit, babe

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:14:15 -0500

You're now getting more offers than Britney Spears and the Kardashian sisters combined.

After 2 years of negotiating, SA teachers have 4-year pact

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

After nearly two years of negotiations, South Allegheny School District teachers have a new four-year contract.

Superintendent urges residents to attend MASD flu clinic

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

McKeesport Area School District Superintendent Dr. Michael B. Brinkos urged residents in priority groups to take advantage of H1N1 swine flu vaccination at the high school gymnasium.

Portable planetarium opens the eyes of Fairmount students

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:53:42 -0500

A virtual journey into space is made possible by a new, portable planetarium classroom the Digitalis Planetarium bought by the school with a state grant.

New Ken-Arnold directors accused of unauthorized spending

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:20:31 -0500

Residents called for the resignation of board members Wayne Perry and Pat Petit on Thursday after hearing allegations that they authorized the use of district money for an outside organization.

In Jimmy Stewart's hometown, it's a wonderful crosswalk

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:07:26 -0500

Pedestrians at two crosswalks in Indiana Borough may feel they're rubbing elbows with George Bailey in mythical Bedford Falls as they shop for the holidays along Philadelphia Street.

Proposed Jefferson Township racetrack faces big hurdles

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:13:48 -0500

The man who plans to build a micro-sprint racetrack on his family's Neupert Road farm said Thursday he would appeal a decision requiring him to construct public restrooms as one of the mandates for making the development happen.

Zoning board denies requests for new bar and restaurant

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:48:02 -0500

West Tarentum won't be getting a new bar and restaurant.

Death notices for Friday, November 20, 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Death notices for Friday, November 20, 2009

DE Keisel is an unheralded hero for Steelers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Defensive lineman Brett Keisel leads the Steelers in quarterback pressures (16) and is tied for second in sacks (three) this season.

History shows QB Big Ben rebounds quickly

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will try to rebound from his worst performance of the season against the Chiefs this weekend.

Raiders put trust in Gradkowski at QB spot

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Bruce Gradkowski, a Seton-La Salle graduate, will be making just the 13th start of his NFL career Sunday against Cincinnati.

Browns offense continues to lower the bar

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

According to STATS LLC, the Browns' 8.7 scoring average is the third lowest since 1950, behind only Tampa Bay in 1977 (7.4) and Atlanta in 1974 (7.9).

Former coach to lead player advisory forum

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The former coach will lead a new NFL player advisory forum that will meet with players about league policies, programs and issues on and off the field.

Bills owner Wilson could shake things up

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Firing coach Dick Jauron was merely the start of a major overhaul Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson is prepared to conduct this offseason.

MLB commissioner: Some clubs lost money

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The MLB commissioner said final figures are still being calculated and everyone is living in the most difficult economic times since the Great Depression.

Giants' Lincecum wins another Cy Young

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Tim Lincecum emerged from one of the tightest votes in the history of the honor to become the first repeat winner since Randy Johnson.

Cubs deal reliever Heilman to Diamondbacks

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The 31-year-old right-hander was 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 70 appearances last season, striking out 65 and walking 34.

Ottawa pulls away from Pens in third period

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Even the return of Max Talbot and Sergei Gonchar couldn't prevent another power outage on the road by the limping Penguins.

Back spasms don't deter Penguins' Eaton

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Even as they welcomed Sergei Gonchar back to the lineup, the Penguins could not complete a day without more concerns about their defense corps.

Big East Conference fine with noon kickoff

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

With the Big East title and a BCS berth on the line, Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt is willing to take extreme measures to ensure fans show up.

Penn State could start freshman at receiver

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

No one on the Penn State roster now, or maybe ever, has topped the breathtaking acceleration of true freshman wide receiver Devon Smith.

W&J's Sirianni is back in familiar territory

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

When Washington & Jefferson visits Mt. Union in the NCAA Div. III playoffs, Mike Sirianni will be watching his two favorite teams.

Bearcats QB Collaros could face jail time

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A judge warned Cincinnati sophomore quarterback Zach Collaros that he could spend the bowl season in jail if he doesn't get his act together.

Unbeaten Bearcats working on running game

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Fifth-ranked Cincinnati had some of its best balance of the season during a 24-21 victory over West Virginia last weekend.

Former players say Kansas coach is abusive

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

University of Kansas officials are willing to talk with former players about allegations of abusive behavior by football coach Mark Mangino.

Notre Dame AD plans quick decision on Weis

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick plans to decide on the future of coach Charlie Weis within days of the season's end.

Small proves big for Pitt in win over EKU

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Panthers switched to a three-guard offense in the first half and used the diminutive lineup to run past Eastern Kentucky.

Young Panthers responding to Dixon's pleas

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The latest challenge from Pitt coach Jamie Dixon was to improve rebounding after the Panthers struggled on the boards in the first two games.

North Carolina-Wilmington dumps PSU

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Penn State shot only 32.3 percent in the first round of the Charleston Classic in losing to North Carolina-Wilmington.

Chatham making strides behind play of Hilko

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

When Norwin grad Kayla Hilko decided to attend Chatham University and play basketball, the school's program wasn't very good. In fact, it was awful.

GCC receivers deliver in more ways than one

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Evan Marshall and Ross DeGlau are key parts of a Greensburg Central Catholic passing game that has often been overlooked.

Springdale set for PIAA championship game

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A talented, battle-tested and somewhat off-beat group of seniors will try to go out on top when Springdale faces Loyalsock for a title shot this weekend.

Breaking down the PIAA soccer title games

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

An in-depth look at the upcoming PIAA soccer championship games slated for this weekend.

Ochoa has first-round lead at Championship

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Michelle Wie withdrew from the season-ending LPGA Tour Championship because of a sprained left ankle.

Sweep might mean history for Hendrick

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon, all of whom race under the Hendrick flag, enter the season finale 1-2-3 in the standings.

Wolverines hungry to cement big resurgence

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

When Woodland Hills (10-1) faces Bethel Park (10-1) in a WPIAL Class AAAA semifinal playoff contest at West Mifflin Area's Titans Stadium tonight, the Wolverines will have they opportunity to advance to the title game at Heinz Field for the first time since 2005.

Local players suit up for NAFCA contest

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Nine local football players will suit up for the Northern team Saturday afternoon in the Northern Area Football Coaches Association senior all-star game.

A trip back through Alle-Kiski's sporting history

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Each Friday throughout the high school football season, the Valley News Dispatch has taken a look back at the players, coaches and events that are part of local scholastic history.

Pennsylvania Brewing Co. one step closer to reopening

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:16:02 -0500

The Urban Redevelopment Authority approved today a $300,000 loan to Tom Pastorius, the founder and former CEO of the Pennsylvania Brewing Co., putting the Troy Hill microbrewery/restaurant one step closer to reopening.

Home sales in Pittsburgh region up 7.4 percent in October

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:31:02 -0500

"October's jump was undoubtedly spurred by first-time homebuyers rushing to get the benefit of the $8,000 tax credit originally set to expire at the end of November," said Daniel Murrer, RealStats vice president.

New Downtown eateries pick up slack

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:56:02 -0500

A down economy might have forced owners to shutter some Downtown eateries, but diners need not fear hunger pangs -- a new wave of restaurants and food shops are creating more competition for those still standing.

Slow rise expected in home, vehicle sales in Pittsburgh

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Household spending in the Pittsburgh area won't rebound much next year but it should perk up a bit, said a trio of local business experts Thursday.

Sale of utility in West Virginia hands

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The state Public Utility Commission on Thursday approved the proposed sale of Dominion Peoples Gas to a San Francisco-based investors group, but the deal still depends on a similar vote in West Virginia.

Dick's Sporting Goods forecast below Street expectations

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:34:34 -0500

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc.'s shares fell the most in a year on Thursday after the company gave a fourth quarter profit forecast that didn't meet Wall Street expectations.

Goodwill picks new Lawrenceville facility

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania announced Thursday that it selected a site in Lawrenceville for its new headquarters.

Average Fidelity 401(k) continues to recover

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Fidelity Investments said the average balance on customers' 401(k) retirement accounts has returned to September 2008 levels on contributions and third-quarter investment gains.

People with good credit falling into foreclosures

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The foreclosure crisis likely will persist well into next year as high unemployment pushes more people out of homes, pulls down housing prices and raises concerns about the broader economic recovery.

Investors dump stocks as dollar rises

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Signs of a subdued economic recovery sent investors out of stocks Thursday and in search of safer assets like the dollar.

AOL offers buyouts to 2,500

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

AOL LLC, an Internet company struggling to adapt to an advertising-driven economy, is looking to shed as much as 36 percent of its work force as it prepares to spin off from Time Warner Inc. next month.

Judge rejects AT&T's bid to pull Verizon ads

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A federal judge denied a request by AT&T Inc. to force competitor Verizon Wireless to pull its "There's a Map for That" commercials.

Malone: Comcast-NBC, too much power

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Media mogul John Malone said Thursday that Comcast Corp.'s plan to buy a controlling stake in NBC Universal would give it too much market power and force competitors to consider similar acquisitions.

Rates on 30-year mortgages remain below 5 percent

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Rates on 30-year mortgages stayed below 5 percent this week but remained above the record set earlier this year, Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Microsoft Office 2010 beta ready to download

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

If you want to try out Microsoft Office 2010, the beta is available for anyone to download, the company announced.

Pittsburgh Hilton deal still cooking

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A deal to sell the troubled Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel remains days, if not weeks away.

State rate unchanged

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Pennsylvania's economy improved slightly in October, with the state gaining 10,600 jobs from September, boosting the total jobs count to 5.61 million, the state said Thursday.

Pinnacle buys Birds Eye

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Packaged foods company Pinnacle Foods Group is buying Birds Eye Foods, the nation's largest frozen food company, for $1.3 billion. As a result of the deal, a planned public offering of Birds Eye Foods stock will be withdrawn.

Chrome a year away

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Google expects lightweight computers powered by its new operating system to be on sale in time for next year's holiday season.

DirecTV spinoff OKd

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Shareholders have approved a spinoff of DirecTV and other entertainment businesses from Liberty Media.

Sears posts smaller loss

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Struggling retailer Sears Holdings Corp. posted a smaller third-quarter loss Thursday as it cut costs and was helped by the first positive sales performance at its Kmart division in more than four years.

Dell quarterly profit falls

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Dell Inc. says its latest quarterly profit dropped 54 percent as the company battles a slump that has caused it to lose its ranking as the world's No. 2 personal computer maker.

BusinessWeek lays off staff

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

BusinessWeek will lay off up to 130 workers, about a third of its staff as Bloomberg LP prepares to take over the magazine from McGraw-Hill Companies Inc, sources at the magazine said.

Taylor Warton/Sherwood Valve workers eligible for training/benefits

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Workers at the Taylor Warton/Sherwood Valve LLC plant in Washington, Pa., have been certified as eligible to apply for job training and job-seeking benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, the state said.

Construction to begin on Northpointe building

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Construction will begin for $3.7 million Technology II, a multi-tenant building in the Northpointe industrial park in South Buffalo, Armstrong County.

Komando: Portable players do more than offer tunes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Portable media players aren't just for music. With them, you can watch videos, play games and listen to books or podcasts. Media players are available at a variety of price points and storage capacities.

Mountaineering school readies new climbers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

By the time students graduate from Pittsburgh's annual mountaineering school, they'll be ready to tackle mountains around the world.

Regional fishing report

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

An in-depth look at where the fish are biting this week in Western Pennsylvania.

Upcoming events for outdoor activities

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A schedule for upcoming outdoor events from around the region.

Laurels & Lances

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Lance: To Luke Ravenstahl. He feigns surprise that the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) would reject his proposed 2010 budget.

The intelligence battle: Dangerous distraction

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair's battle over authority provides ample reason to wonder whether he's more concerned about bureaucratic turf or keeping Americans safe.<

Greensburg Laurels & Lances

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

On the "Watch List": Another state snow job. More than $6 million in public money has been tentatively set aside to reopen the ski area at Laurel Mountain State Park.

Courting diversity

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

It cannot be said often enough that the chief of staff of the United States Army, Gen. George Casey, responded to a massacre of 13 Americans in which the suspect is a Muslim by saying: "Our diversity ... is a strength."

Apologize for photo

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

I am an Air Force veteran from the Vietnam era. When I saw the first page of last Sunday's Opinion & Commentary section, I was shocked to see a nearly half-page picture of the alleged murderer (I won't mention his name -- it doesn't deserve to be remembered) from Fort Hood along with Jonah Goldberg's column "An 'extremist' who really is".

Wall Street opaque, too

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Trib's concern for transparency for unions should be extended to major financial institutions such as Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and the barons of Wall Street.

Put lives first

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a federally supported body, has released new mammography recommendations. This study was on cost/benefit analysis, not life-years saved by important screening tools.

Invest in NASA

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

I am a 10-year-old boy with a growing interest in space, astronomy and physics. I understand that during challenging economic times, it's difficult to come up with funding for projects that may not seem to have an immediate benefit.

Apologize to students

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

I am writing to protest the very nasty "Hungry students" item in "Greensburg Tuesday takes". The item's snide remarks toward a group of high school students who made the decision to speak up at a public hearing are indefensible.

Apologize to students II

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

I am appalled by the "Hungry students" item in "Greensburg Tuesday takes" about Laurel Valley High School students going hungry. I was at that meeting and there were four or five students who spoke about the school lunches and only one got free or reduced-price lunches -- so why focus on that point?

Apologize to students III

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Regarding the "Hungry students" item in "Greensburg Tuesday takes": The newspaper certainly does not deserve freedom of speech if it is going to use it to bash children who certainly do have the right to voice their opinion at a school board meeting.

Apologize to students IV

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

In regard to the "Hungry students" item in "Greensburg Tuesday takes": It is ridiculous that the newspaper would even publish something like this. I just graduated from Laurel Valley last year and the lunches there are not worth what students are paying for them, even if they are "reduced-price" lunches.

Valley Laurels & Lances

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Laurel: To state Rep. Jeff Pyle. At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, PennDOT told us it wasn't going to do anything about the rancid pile of dead deer decaying on the North Buffalo property of the man who removes them from roadsides.