Today's Tribune-Review

Judge weighing requests on restriction on Sandusky

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:38:25 -0500

Dueling requests to modify the bail conditions Friday for former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky are pitting neighbors' fears he's a danger to children against the defense claim the one-time assistant to Joe Paterno deserves to see his grandchildren.

Another former Pa. lawmaker sent to prison; Brett Feese gets 4 to 12 years

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:35:17 -0500

A Dauphin County judge sentenced a former Republican legislative leader today to four to 12 years in prison for partcicipating in a conspiracy to divert at least $10 million in tax money for sophsticated computer programs and equipment to help the GOP win elections.

Second inmate claims Woods Run guards raped, abused him

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:45:32 -0500

An Erie County man claims in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday that a suspended SCI-Pittsburgh guard facing 117 criminal charges of rape, assault and official oppression had such free access to inmates that other guards and top supervisors had to know what he was doing.

Report: Obama revamping birth control policy

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:30:39 -0500

Retreating in the face of a political uproar, President Barack Obama on Friday will announce that religious employers will not have to cover birth control for their employees after all, The Associated Press has learned.

Aliquippa woman may be charged with drug smuggling

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:01:07 -0500

Marlene Kwiatanowski, 38, tried to pass what prison staff thought was K2 Spice, a synthetic marijuana, to her boyfriend at SCI Pittsburgh yesterday, police said. Trooper Robin Mungo said Kwiatanowski had "no more than" six grams of the substance.

Beaver County snow shovel riding competition postponed again

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:18:28 -0500

Once again, there's no snow, so the Beaver County Snow Shovel Riding Championship tentatively scheduled for tomorrow has been moved ahead a week.

Small fire quickly tamed at Waterfront Giant Eagle

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:17:03 -0500

Homestead Fire Chief Bill Purifoy said the department received a call about 5 a.m. for smoke in the building. Crews arrived to find a fire in the roof-mounted air conditioning/heating unit and knocked it down in about 20 minutes.

World Bank's Zoellick: Battling poverty critical

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The World Bank's influence on developing economies around the globe extends beyond financial help to providing expertise and guidance in gender equality and other areas vital to battling poverty, its leader said during an appearance on Thursday at Carnegie Mellon University.

Richard King Mellon Foundation grant to take Pitt's energy studies to 'next level'

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Homeowners someday might use a smartphone to turn up the heat so that it's toasty when they get home. That's the kind of research the Richard King Mellon Foundation could support with a $22 million grant to the Center for Energy at the University of Pittsburgh.

Pentagon fails to back its case

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Air Force officials who met with the area's congressional delegation on Thursday could not offer a written analysis or other documentation to support their decision to close the Air Force Reserve's 911th Airlift Wing in Moon, two members of the delegation said after the meeting.

Dignity at heart of Baldwin Township funeral director's business

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:40:10 -0500

William Eckels' admonition to the young men and women who were following him in his profession -- be yourself and people will like you -- was one of the cornerstones of his 40-year career as a funeral director.

Trooper from the Pittsburgh barracks charged in fatal Erie crash

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A state trooper from the Pittsburgh barracks told police he drank four Miller Lite beers while off duty before getting behind the wheel and striking another vehicle head-on in Erie County, killing its driver.

Strip terminal's razing approved

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Plans to revitalize the Strip District by adding residential and commercial buildings along the Allegheny River took a major step on Thursday with the city's approval of the linchpin of that effort: creating access to the development site by tearing down a part of the iconic Produce Terminal.

Sheriff: We were ready to clear park

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Allegheny County Sheriff William Mullen said on Thursday that he was prepared to evict Occupy Pittsburgh protesters had they remained in Bank of New York Mellon Corp.'s Downtown park.

Bethel Park man who ran over ex's husband pleads guilty

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A Bethel Park man sobbed in court on Thursday as an Allegheny County prosecutor described how the man ran over and killed the husband of a woman he once dated.

Hospital leader from Regent Square made rounds to check in with staff

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Hal Sanders was a man of Christian faith dedicated to improving the quality of life for others.

Value down in 2011 for Pittsburgh's pension funds

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Pittsburgh's pension funds lost about 2.5 percent of their invested portfolio last year, mainly because of losses in the international equity market caused by economic problems in Europe, the city's pension board learned Thursday.

Pa., Ohio fugitive found amid clothing in Hill District

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A Pittsburgh man wanted on a variety of charges in Allegheny County and Ohio was arrested Thursday morning when Allegheny County Sheriff's deputies found him hiding under a pile of clothing in a Hill District apartment, Sheriff William P. Mullen said.

Police find North Side man who fled courthouse

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A North Side man accused of leaving the Allegheny County Courthouse on Wednesday before the start of his trial on charges of molesting a 13-year-old was found several hours later in a house in Braddock, said Allegheny County Sheriff's Lt. Jack Kearney.

Brookline software engineer vies for House seat

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Shawn Lunny, a Brookline Democrat who works as a software engineer in Green Tree, announced his candidacy on Thursday for state representative for the House's 22nd District.

Police pursuit nets prison term for Bridgeville man

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

An Allegheny County judge sentenced a Bridgeville man on Thursday to 30 to 60 months in prison plus 90 days for his role in a police chase, prosecutors said.

Mt. Lebanon man waives hearing for restroom photos

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:41:20 -0500

A Mt. Lebanon man accused of taking photos of two boys in the men's room of a pizza shop waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Thursday.

Fire destroys North Versailles home

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:38:15 -0500

A black Labrador retriever puppy perished in a house fire in North Versailles Township. Firefighters brought out the cage containing the deceased dog's remains to give to the homeowner after a blaze that was reported Thursday at 6:22 a.m. destroyed the home at 428 London Ave.

Newsmaker: Toi Derricotte

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Saudis to honor 100 for returning artifacts

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

More than four decades ago, while on a picnic with fellow oil company employees near a fishing village in Saudi Arabia, Bob Ackerman reached down to scratch the sand, and his fingers grazed the bottom of a clay pot.

With school under threat, Monessen students sent home early

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Students at Monessen Middle/High School were sent home early after the school received a threatening phone late Thursday morning.

Hempfield mom finds support for son with tic disorder

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

When Susan Jennings heard news reports of more than a dozen teenagers in a New York town plagued by tics and verbal outbursts, she believed she knew what their problem was from her son's experiences.

Jeannette lacks funds to raze buildings

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Jeannette officials want to raze vacant and dilapidated buildings in the city but don't have the money to do it.

WCCC tuition could go up 12.5 percent

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:38:11 -0500

Tuition costs for Westmoreland County Community College students could increase by up to 12.5 percent next year because of the loss of nearly $1 million in state and county funding.

Westmoreland GOP OK revised budget

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Westmoreland County's Republican commissioners approved on Thursday a revised budget of $315 million that does not increase property taxes.

'Austere times' hits old Voting House

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The three-year project to reopen the century-old Simpson Voting House has hit a snag.

Irwin eyes repairs on 13 roadways

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:36:03 -0500

About a dozen Irwin streets could undergo improvements this summer as part of the borough's street resurfacing program.

Without more riders, stadium shuttle to end

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Latrobe's free shuttle from Memorial Stadium to the downtown business district to ease the parking crunch will stop at the end of February if ridership does not increase, the city's manager said this week.

Old Southwest Greensburg fire truck to provide lessons for students

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A 1981 Mack fire truck parked along Route 119 last month with a "for sale" sign on it has a new home.

Red Devil Park in Southwest Greensburg declared 'tobacco-free zone'

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Don't bring smokes or other tobacco products to Red Devil Park in Southwest Greensburg.

Suspect charged with rape in violent robbery

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:27:07 -0500

A man who wore tell-tale blue contact lenses was charged on Thursday with rape and a violent robbery Jan. 25 and police released the photo of another suspect being sought in the case.

Vacant Vandergrift house damaged in arson

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:23:58 -0500

An intentionally set fire damaged an unoccupied house at the end Wallace Street near Holmes Street in Vandergrift early Thursday, a deputy state fire marshal said.

New Kensington-Arnold aims to overcome cuts in funds

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:25:58 -0500

New Kensington-Arnold officials hope to find ways to tweak some of the financially motivated cuts and changes made to staffing and curriculum in recent years, even as they prepare for more budget cuts from the state.

Southmoreland studies refunding bond

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:55:28 -0500

Southmoreland School District administrators and board members hope to save about a half million dollars through a bond refunding that's similar to a homeowner's refinancing a mortgage.

Irwin heats up the night with chili and wings

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:34:40 -0500

In search of some good chili and tasty wings, record crowds converged upon the town of Irwin last week to take part in the 6th annual Chili Cook-off and Wild Wing Thing.

Hillcrest Intermediate assistance team receives state honor

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:36:39 -0500

The Student Assistance Program Team of the Hillcrest Intermediate School in the Norwin School District is the first elementary school to be honored with the Distinguished Team Award, presented at the 2012 Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals conference at Penn State University.

Norwin sophomore's 'Yes I Can' attitude gains recognition

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:34:54 -0500

Hunter McGowan, a Norwin High School sophomore, is being recognized by the Arlington, Va.-based Council for Exceptional Children for excelling despite his disability, as a recipient of the Yes I Can! Award.

Radio-control raceway in Level Green marks 1st 'lap'

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:35:26 -0500

The three co-owners of the PT Raceway in Level Green, an indoor track, pride themselves on offering a low-cost, family-friendly atmosphere three days a week, where everyone can enjoy the radio-control racing world.

Penn-Trafford Friends group starts grants program

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:37:35 -0500

The Friends of Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission, a nonprofit organization that was instrumental in the renovation of the PTARC/Shelley Proskin Recreation Center, is offering to provide grants for other recreation projects in the Penn-Trafford area.

Commuters fret over loss of park-and-ride lot at Norwin Towne Square

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:35:40 -0500

Due to development of the Norwin Towne Square planned by new owners of the property, a lease with the Westmoreland Transit Authority for a park-and-ride lot used daily by about 250 commuters, will not be renewed, leaving those who use the lot wondering they will be able to park in the future.

Hempfield Area School District schedules registration

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Hempfield Area School District has scheduled registration of 2012-13 kindergarteners and new first-graders at several elementary schools during the month of February.

Trafford: Girls softball registration open

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:38:44 -0500

Registration for Trafford Girls Softball Association begins Saturday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Trafford Emergency Medical Service office at 109 Brinton Ave.

Bus driver from North Union assaulted mentally disabled girl, police say

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A Fayette County bus driver is accused of sexually assaulting a mentally disabled teenager.

Hopwood man acquitted of assault, guilty of weapons charge

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A Hopwood man who had his jaw broken while in jail awaiting trial on accusations he stabbed a man during a street fight was acquitted of assault charges on Thursday.

Uniontown man who dressed as woman found guilty

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A Fayette County man who police said donned makeup and high heels before chaining himself inside a vehicle outside a Uniontown drugstore on New Year's Day was found guilty of disorderly conduct following a summary trial before a district judge.

Albert Gallatin school officials find blasting cap in bag

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A blasting cap was found in a student's duffel bag as classes were being dismissed at about 2:45 p.m. Thursday from Albert Gallatin South Middle School.

Police seek 22-year-old for sexting girl, 12 in Uniontown

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

State police at Uniontown are looking for Wayne Nicholas Hillyard, 22, for allegedly sending a 12-year-old girl sexually explicit text messages in January.

Horse hit by car in Georges Twp.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A vehicle and a horse collided at about 9:40 p.m. Thursday on Route 43 in Georges.

Fundraiser to keep dinner guests in the dark

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:54:37 -0500

Finley's Fighters, a group of family and friends of Jennifer and Mathew Pletcher, both natives of Connellsville, plans what they say will be a unique experience to draw attention to Lebers Congenital Amaurosis.

Connellsville Township turns funds over to joint sewage authority

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:56:08 -0500

Connellsville Township supervisors resolved two ongoing issues on Thursday: one involving sewer service money and the other, public safety.

Woman sues Indiana Borough, auto shop, police department

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

An Indiana Borough woman claims in a federal lawsuit that police falsely charged her with crimes to help out a repair shop owner who does business with the borough.

Police find possible meth lab in East Carroll Township home

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Authorities in Cambria County are investigating whether a man jailed on Wednesday for rape was operating a methamphetamine laboratory in his home.

Boyfriend caught, charged with giving fatal dose in Indiana County hospital

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Megan E. Prugh was awaiting her discharge from Indiana Regional Medical Center on Aug. 26 when hospital employees found her dead in her bed of a methadone overdose.

Suspect sought in robbery of Somerset juveniles

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Somerset police are looking for a suspect who robbed two juveniles outside a discount store Saturday.

Leechburg ponders full-day kindergarten

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:17:28 -0500

Leechburg Area school directors continue to debate offering full-day kindergarten and will have to decide quickly if they want to offer it for next school year.

East Franklin cemetery glows at night

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:37:13 -0500

All she wanted to do was bring a little light to her father's grave site, but Andrea Atkinson started something that has brightened up an entire cemetery.

Armstrong School District to keep $80 million bond

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:39:15 -0500

The board of directors will vote at Monday's regular meeting on rescinding a previous resolution allowing its solicitor and bond counsel to accept offers for the money from interested districts within the ARIN Intermediate Unit and beyond.

Optional Pa. drill fee could pull in $40 million

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Western Pennsylvania governments could rake in about $40 million in new revenue this year if they decide to impose the optional drilling fee that state lawmakers approved this week, according to a Tribune-Review analysis of state data.

GOP lacks name recognition in Casey bid

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

It's any man's race for the Republican nomination to unseat Sen. Bob Casey. But it appears few voters know any of the six men seeking the GOP nod, according to a Tribune-Review/WPXI-TV poll conducted Feb. 2 through Monday.

FDA admits it monitored emails

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday acknowledged that it monitored the personal emails of employees who had concerns about unsafe medical devices but said it did so to investigate allegations that the employees had leaked confidential information to the public.

Mexican army seizes 15 tons of pure meth

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The historic seizure of 15 tons of pure methamphetamine in western Mexico, equal to half of all meth seizures worldwide in 2009, feeds growing speculation that the country could become a world platform for meth production, not just a supplier to the United States.

Pentagon to open more combat roles to women

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A decade after the United States spearheaded two wars that put women at the front lines of unconventional fighting, the Pentagon crept closer on Thursday to formally allowing them to serve in combat by announcing an additional 14,000 combat-related jobs for female service members.

Sanctions push Iran into bartering

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Iran is turning to barter -- offering gold bullion in overseas vaults or tankerloads of oil -- in return for food as financial sanctions have hurt its ability to import basic staples for its 74 million people, commodities traders said on Thursday.

Syrians trapped as toll mounts

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Diplomats on Thursday were seeking new approaches to remedy the worsening conflict in Syria as opposition activists reported that government shelling and attacks had killed more than 100 more people -- most of them in the beleaguered city of Homs.

Corbett approves $2 million for Specter library

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

When Tom Corbett was running for governor in September 2010, he scored points with supporters for a campaign ad that ended with the ominous line, "The next time you hear we have to raise taxes because there's nothing else to cut, think about the $10 million for the Arlen Specter library."

Santorum defends 'good' earmarks after Romney's criticism

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Under attack for his spending habits in Congress, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum defended his use of earmarks, saying on Thursday that some were necessary for defense or health programs.

Guitars from Swissvale going to cozier confines

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

In 1978, Gary Scott had a band and a plan. The band was the Magpies, a popular Pittsburgh rock 'n' roll outfit for whom he played guitar.

Budget woes expected

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Mon Valley school officials are bracing for the effect Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2012-13 budget will have on local finances.

Corbett's budget tests school districts

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:10:02 -0500

Alle-Kiski Valley superintendents contacted Wednesday found little to cheer about in the governor's budget proposal for the 2012-13 school year.

3 locals compete in state competitions

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:05:23 -0500

Renee Legas, Ashley Legas and Sally Povlik recently brought home titles from the 2011-12 East Coat USA Miss Pennsylvania.

Week 4: A little dark chocolate can help the heart

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:04:55 -0500

Hearts, flowers and chocolate, all Valentine's Day staples, but they take on deeper meanings within the Highlands Health Challenge. The challenge focuses on living healthier and achieving heart health as a labor of love for myself and for others.

News to use

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:40:56 -0500

The ACMH Hospital and ACMH Foundation, in partnership with VNA Hospice Services will offer an overdose and suicide support group called "OASIS" at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Conference Room 2, second floor at ACMH Hospital, East Franklin.

New Steelers offensive coordinator Haley is eager for new start

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Todd Haley's return to Pittsburgh, as the team's latest offensive coordinator, will be watched closely for a number of reasons.

Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley's take

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

New Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley's take on a number of issues regarding his team's offense.

Steelers linebackers Woodley, Timmons restructure contracts

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The Steelers trimmed more than $10 million in salary-cap money this week when they restructured the contracts of linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons.

Pro Football Hall of Fame still sinking in for NFL great Doleman

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

When Chris Doleman got the news that he was headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he said he went numb and didn't hear the names of the players who were called after him.

Giants general manager Reese expects some changes next season

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The New York Giants have already started preparing to defend their Super Bowl title, just days after winning their second NFL title in five seasons.

Dejan Kovacevic chat transcript

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

View a transcript of Tribune-Review sports columnist Dejan Kovacevic's weekly chat with readers.

Kovacevic: Take the Pirates' money, please

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:33:24 -0500

This winter has brought a different harsh reality: The Pirates have tried to spend money above their still-too-low projected payroll of $48 million.

Scoring is down, and obstruction seems to be up again in NHL

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Refs, many Pens said, are allowing the clutching and grabbing that became ingrained in the game a decade ago to resurface.

High-ankle sprain sends Penguins' Kennedy back to the bench

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Tyler Kennedy likely will miss at least the next month with a high-ankle sprain, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said.

Red Wings and Maple Leafs to play at Michigan's Big House

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs will began 2013 by renewing their rivalry at one of North America's most iconic stadiums.

NHL commissioner Bettman believes Blue Jackets will make the turnaround

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says he is aware of how frustrated Columbus Blue Jackets fans are about another losing season.

Sedin playing for Canucks against Wild

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Vancouver Canucks captain Henrik Sedin is playing in his 553rd consecutive game against the Minnesota Wild.

Regional fishing report

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A guide to where the fish are biting around Western Pennsylvania.

NCAA proposes moving kickoffs from 30 to 35

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The NCAA football rules committee has proposed moving kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35 and to limit the running start by players on the kicking team.

Pitt men's basketball team struggling to finish around the rim

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Missed point-blank shots are haunting the Panthers with another handful of momentum-sapping clanks in the loss at South Florida.

Lucas leads No. 18 Penn State women over Wisconsin

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Alex Bentley and Ariel Edwards each added 14 to lead the Lady Lions to their eighth win in the last nine games.

EF girls claim bragging rights

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Considering that Elizabeth Forward and Belle Vernon Area had both already clinched playoff spots in Section 4 AAA, their section finale Thursday night didn't mean anything, right?

Loss costs Lady Rams playoff spot

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Ringgold came up one point short in an effort to qualify for the WPIAL Class AAA girls' basketball playoffs.

Deer Lakes downs Burrell in key Section 1-AA game

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Candace Scanga scored 11 of her game-high 19 points in the final two quarters to lift Deer Lakes over Burrell in overtime in a key Section 1-AA game.

Seton-La Salle snags section championship with win over Bishop Canevin

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

In a matchup of the WPIAL's top Class AA squads, No. 1 Seton-La Salle bested archrival and No. 2 Bishop Canevin on the road.

Final boys basketball WPIAL playoff teams settled

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

There are several playoff berths still up for grabs as WPIAL boys basketball teams wrap up their section schedules.

North Catholic using 'Big 3' to dominate Section 2-A

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Size and rugged physicality are joining smarts and agility as traits normally associated with North Catholic's basketball team.

Set for playoffs, Southmoreland knows improvement necessary

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Southmoreland coach Frank Muccino is hoping the Scotties can improve upon their most recent postseason showing, when they were ousted by South Park in the first round.

Jeannette girls edge past Greensburg Central Catholic

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Dominique Hall added 18 points, and Monique Redman had 15 for Jeannette, which won its fourth game in a row and fifth in the past six.

Senior sparks Freeport to victory over Elderton

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Senior Jessica McFadden sank four 3-pointers during a first half in which Freeport led by 11, and she finished with a game-high 16 points.

Mt. Pleasant loses chance at share of section

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The Section 3-AAA finale at Greensburg Salem represented a chance for the Mt. Pleasant girls basketball team to claim a share of the section title with Uniontown.

North Allegheny wrestling team falls in PIAA opener

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Erie McDowell, the District 10 champion, proved too strong for North Allegheny, defeating the Tigers at the Giant Center in Hershey.

Burrell falls in opener of PIAA Class AA team tournament

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Burrell wrestling coach Bud Sines didn't sugarcoat his team's loss in the first round of PIAA Class AA team tournament at Giant Center in Hershey.

Ford City hockey squad clips Greensburg Salem

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Jesse Valasek's hat trick and four-point effort led Ford City to a victory over Greensburg Salem in Open Class at Belmont Ice Complex.

Springdale secures playoff berth with win over Shady Side Academy

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Not only did the Springdale girls basketball team avenge a 20-point loss, but they did so with their season on the line.

Leechburg loses to Orlowski, Apollo-Ridge

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Lexie Orlowski set three 3-pointer school records during Apollo-Ridge's victory over Leechburg.

Feds OK 1st new nuclear reactors in 30 years

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The nation's first nuclear power plant to be built in 30 years will use reactors designed by Cranberry-based Westinghouse Electric Co. featuring the AP1000 design.

World stocks slip as Greek bailout hangs in limbo

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:48:01 -0500

World stock markets dropped today after Europe's finance ministers demanded more spending cuts from Greece before clearing a euro130 billion ($170 billion) bailout to stave off the country's bankruptcy.

$25 billion mortgage abuse deal too little, some say

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Home mortgage experts welcomed a $25 billion mortgage abuse settlement announced on Thursday, but several said it does not go far enough for many troubled homeowners.

West Penn Allegheny reports $34 million loss last year

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The losses continue to mount at West Penn Allegheny Health System, which on Thursday reported a net loss of $34.1 million in the last three months of 2011.

Forest City eyes offers for Pittsburgh malls, hotels

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Forest City Enterprises Inc. will consider offers for high-profile properties it owns in Pittsburgh, such as Station Square, The Westin Convention Center hotel and The Mall at Robinson, as part of a strategic plan to improve its financial results, the company said.

VisitPittsburgh touts world rank

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The Toronto Star, The Washington Post and other publications soon will feature print and online ads urging readers to come to Pittsburgh, to find out why National Geographic Traveler recently named the city one of its most compelling places to visit this year.

Chu: Shale gas can free nation

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The Secretary of Energy believes that tapping the natural gas resources of the Marcellus shale can help steer the country toward energy independence, and ongoing government research could help tap it safely, he said on Thursday during a visit to the Pittsburgh region.

Center to boost local entrepreneurs

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

When a light bulb goes off in the minds of local technology developers and entrepreneurs, city officials want them to know where they can go for help.

Stocks continue to grab modest gains

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Stocks rose modestly for a third straight day on Thursday after Greece reached a deal to secure a financial bailout, but investors were cautious after weeks of gains.

Jobs gap between young, old widest ever, data show

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Squeezed by a tight job market, young Americans are especially struggling. They have suffered bigger income losses than other age groups and are less likely to be employed than at any time since World War II.

Jobless aid applications near 4-year low

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The number of people seeking unemployment aid neared a four-year low last week, an encouraging sign that strong hiring could continue in the coming months.

Mylan CEO urges Congress to OK new fee

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Mylan Inc. CEO Heather Bresch urged Washington lawmakers Thursday to approve a new $300 million a year fee on the generic drug industry and to update a law that will give federal regulators greater power to inspect foreign pharmaceutical facilities.

Duquesne Light marks 2 millionth bulb sold

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Duquesne Light provided illumination Thursday on its sales of discounted compact flourescent bulbs to customers.

Fidelity: 401(k) balances little changed over 2011

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Workers stashed money away in their 401(k) retirement plans at a faster clip last year but didn't get an immediate reward for their savings strategy. Fidelity Investments, the nation's biggest 401(k) administrator, says the average account balance was essentially unchanged in 2011, compared with 2010.

Report: Apple to unveil new iPad in March

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A news report says Apple plans to unveil a new iPad early next month.

Komando: Internet can be source of income for teachers

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

It's true that money-making scams are very common online. The good news is there are perfectly legitimate ways to make money over the Internet. Many don't even involve eBay.

Users disappointed with Facebook's mandatory Timeline

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

As Facebook continues to roll out Timeline, its boldest layout change, most users -- at least those in the United States -- made it clear they are not pleased, a new poll by SodaHead shows.

Digital camera inventor Kodak to exit business by July

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Eastman Kodak Co., which invented the digital camera in 1975, is getting out of the digital camera business.

Key leaders in Ford's renaissance to retire

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Two key leaders in Ford's remarkable turnaround are retiring. Lewis Booth, chief financial officer, and Derrick Kuzak, product development chief, will leave the company on April 1.

Pepsico to cut 8,700 jobs; 4Q net rises

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

PepsiCo is trying to put some fizz back into its business.

Groupon stock plunges on growth worries

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Groupon had a lot to prove with its first earnings report as a public company. The nearly 14 percent slide in its stock on Thursday suggests investors were not impressed.

Tassimo coffee makers recalled over burn risk

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Home-brewed coffee lovers, take note: More than a million popular coffee makers are being recalled after dozens of reports of the brewers spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves.

Columbia gas pipeline work set for Peters

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Natural gas pipelines in sections of Peters will be upgraded, starting in March.

Mortgage rates stay low

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage stayed at a record low this week, providing some added incentive for those looking to buy a home or refinance.

Rising stocks push up status of corporate pensions

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Rising stock values in January helped push up the average funded status of the typical U.S. corporate pension by 1.7 percentage points last month, said BNY Mellon Asset Management on Thursday.

Pittsburgh Symphony cancels March piano, violin recital

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:27:42 -0500

The Pittsburgh Symphony has canceled a recital by violinist Pinchas Zukerman and pianist Angela Cheng scheduled for March 3 because of slow ticket sales.

America's police state: The drones are coming

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

A new federal law accelerating domestic use of government aerial surveillance drones brings America frighteningly close to an Orwellian police state.

Laurels & Lances

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Lance: To Occupy Pittsburgh. The ignorant pigs and pimps for "progressivism" have left Mellon Green after four months. They were evicted. But they left behind plenty of rats and damage. And, as per usual with such movements, the costs of extermination and reclamation will be left to the private sector they so deride and the public sector for whom they claim to speak.

Greensburg Laurels & Lances

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Lance: To law-enforcement lapses: The case of the East Huntingdon tanning-spa "peeping Tom" who allegedly recorded 54 women as they disrobed took a disturbing turn during his sentencing. And a former clerk wanted for taking more than $2,000 from a local convenience store five years ago finally was arrested in New Cumberland.

A U.N. -- but for good guys

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

Russia and China very much want to uphold the principle that every now and then the state must crush people who want freedom. That is why they worked together to veto a fairly toothless United Nations resolution condemning the regime in Syria and calling for President Bashar Assad, the lipless murderer who runs the place, to step down.

Scott Walker, progressive

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

The 2012 elections could be the most exciting and consequential in years. In Wisconsin, we might be looking at political Armageddon.

Not church's choice I

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

In the past few weeks I have heard the issue of President Obama's expanded coverage for birth control demonized during the sermons at Sunday Mass. We were asked to write letters, so here is mine.

Not church's choice II

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

President Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius are to be praised for prevailing in their recent federal birth control decisions.

Pork barrel avoided

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

William Dietrich's gift to area universities is record-breaking not only on a Pittsburgh scale, but on a world scale.

Valley Laurels & Lances

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

On the "Watch List": New Kensington city government. So far, Mayor Tom Guzzo and members of city council are saying the right things regarding the possible sale of the water authority to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County. The city says it will have the authority appraised, study the MAWC bid and try to figure out how the proceeds of a sale -- upward of $40 million -- would be used. Tread carefully, New Ken, very carefully.

Catholic hegemony

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:13:15 -0500

President Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius are to be praised for prevailing in their recent federal birth control decisions.