Today's Tribune-Review

Berlin cheers day wall crumbled

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Ulrich Sauff and his wife stared at the mammoth domino pieces marking the path where the Berlin Wall once stood and reminisced about life in the barrier's shadow.

Army suspect connected to radical imam

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Army psychiatrist accused of the Fort Hood massacre apparently acted alone and without outside direction in the attack, investigative officials said Monday evening.

Moderates in Senate begin talks to retool health reform bill

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Republicans on Monday had new hope that they could influence health care deliberations -- influence that so far has eluded them -- as the debate moves to the Senate, where the rules and the politics can work to their advantage.

Iran accuses American trio of spying

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Iran accused three detained Americans of spying Monday, signaling Tehran intends to put them on trial. It drew a sharp U.S. response that the charges are baseless because the hikers strayed across the border from Iraq.

White House tight-lipped on talks with Netanyahu

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

President Obama held talks Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, giving his visit an unusually low profile as U.S. efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks remain stalemated.

Abortion doctor's slaying admitted

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Defiant and unapologetic, a man accused of shooting a Kansas abortion provider confessed to the slaying Monday, telling The Associated Press that he killed the doctor to protect unborn children.

Poll: Drug firms more at fault for H1N1 vaccine shortage

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Americans who are frustrated with shortages of swine flu vaccine place slightly more blame on drug companies than the federal government, a USA Today/Gallup Poll showed Monday.

College presidents unite in opposition to proposed tuition tax

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:12:18 -0500

"This tax is illegal and unenforceable," said Carlow University president Mary Hines. "It is an extraordinary and ill-advised disincentive to attract potential students to our universities."

Parkway East restricted near Downtown before Pitt game Saturday

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:12:25 -0500

From 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., traffic on the westbound Parkway will be reduced to a single lane from where the highway passes under the Liberty Bridge to the approach ramps for the Fort Pitt Bridge.

Dish Network to close McKeesport center, cutting 600 jobs

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:16:48 -0500

The nation's second-largest satellite television operator said the center, opened in November 1998, was too inefficient because it is too large.

Judge gives Allegheny County four years to reassess properties

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:36:15 -0500

In a 33-page opinion and order, Senior Common Pleas Judge R. Stanton Wettick laid out a four-year plan for the county to reassess its 540,000 properties.

City council approves e-mail privacy policy for employees

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:47:49 -0500

Under the law, only the director of City Information Systems could view the information and employees will be notified seven days after their account is viewed.

PennDOT honored for cracking down on drunk drivers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:47:48 -0500

The state was one of three agencies to earn the 2009 National Roadway Safety Award for program planning, development and evaluation.

Pitt student charged with burning couch gets probation

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:52:33 -0500

Andrew Ablog, 22, pleaded guilty to two summary charges disorderly conduct and dangerous burning.

City police officer treated after patrol car is struck

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:59:09 -0500

The officer stopped at a traffic signal near the West End Bridge about 1:25 a.m. when a car driven by a 23-year-old Bridgeville man ran into him.

Alma mater honors Pine-Richland grad killed in Afghanistan

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:29:31 -0500

Michael Slebodnik, 39, died in September 2008 shot during a firefight near Jalalabad, the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 hijackings.

Tuition tax wouldn't be small change to students

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

College students are grumbling about Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's proposed 1 percent tuition tax, and university officials wonder why the city would clog up an engine that has been fueling its growth.

Mayor wants students to pay 'fair share'

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl on Monday detailed a 1 percent tax on college tuition to plug a $15 million hole in the city's budget.

City's magnet schools lauded in report

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:59:28 -0500

The city's magnet schools do better on state assessment tests and have higher attendance rates than their neighborhood counterparts.

Federal suit filed over lost Penn Hills job

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:59:57 -0500

An outspoken Penn Hills politician says the state Department of Revenue fired her because she testified about a lawmaker during a state grand jury investigation.

Allegheny County considers no jump in taxes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:46:42 -0500

Allegheny County leaders are pushing for a 2010 budget with no tax increase, but they're doing so as the county enters into what could be turbulent financial times.

Man beaten with pipe, robbed of $35 in Friendship

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:46:17 -0500

A police officer found the unidentified man, who was bleeding from the head, on the sidewalk at the intersection of Friendship and South Pacific avenues.

No one injured when burning car sets North Side house ablaze

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:31:09 -0500

The car caught fire about 4 a.m. on North Charles Street in Perry South. Two adults, a teenager and a young child managed to escape the home unharmed.

Fire damages home on Carnegie's Railroad Avenue

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:01:48 -0500

Two men who lived in the home, which was split into an upstairs and downstairs apartment, escaped unharmed.

Czech claims death awaits if sent home

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A Czech Republic citizen sitting in the Allegheny County jail says in a federal lawsuit he'll be tortured and killed by bill collectors if the government sends him home to face criminal charges.

Pittsburgh safe for pedestrians, study says

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Pittsburgh metropolitan area is among the least deadly in the nation for pedestrians, according to a study released Monday by the advocacy group Transportation for America.

Rivers Casino, SEA agree on Consol Energy Center payments

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:25:20 -0500

The Sports & Exhibition Authority locked in an agreement Monday with the owners of Rivers Casino to guarantee they will pay $7.5 million a year toward the Consol Energy Center.

Stanton Heights driver gets prison in fatal hit, run

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A judge has ordered a man whose vehicle struck and killed a longtime Arsenal Lanes worker to spend at least 27 months in prison.

FBI field office to bear Hicks' name

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The FBI will rename its Baltimore Field Office in honor of slain Pittsburgh Agent Sam Hicks four days after the first anniversary of his killing in Indiana Township.

Hearing set on use of $1 million trust fund in Allegheny County court

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:28:11 -0500

An Allegheny County judge has scheduled a hearing Friday in Orphan's Court concerning an investigation into whether a Cranberry chiropractor and his wife improperly drained a $1 million trust set up for two orphans in their care.

Gifts to be collected for youth programs on South Side

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Dolce Lounge and Restaurant will collect new, unwrapped gifts for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Youth Programs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Nov. 27.

Holiday meals to be delivered, served on the South Side

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The owners of Folino's Restaurant and Tom's Diner will again team with volunteers from the Rotary of the South Side, the Brashear Association and city police to prepare and deliver Thanksgiving meals to the elderly, needy and homeless in the area patrolled by the Zone 3 police station in Allentown.

Meeting scheduled on replacing bridge in Bridgeville

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will host a public meeting Thursday on the proposed McLaughlin Run Road bridge replacement in Bridgeville.

Etna ramp closure to detour drivers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The ramp from southbound Route 8 to northbound Route 28 in Etna will close intermittently, weather permitting, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily through Friday, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

E-waste collection event set for Saturday in Robinson

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Allegheny County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Resources Council will sponsor a drop-off collection for electronic waste and other hard-to-recycle items between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Mall at Robinson.

Casino workers vote against joining union

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Security officers, surveillance agents and technicians for Rivers Casino voted against union representation Monday, casino officials said.

Ruling that gave teacher job back at Woodland Hills appealed

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Woodland Hills School District appealed an arbitrator's ruling Monday that gave a fired teacher his job back in a dispute over YouTube videos showing him using foul language.

Downtown education group picks 2 board members

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A+ Schools, a Downtown independent public education advocacy group, elected two new members to its board of directors Monday.

Wrestler Kurt Angle, ex-girlfriend to avoid each other

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Professional wrestler Kurt Angle and his former girlfriend agreed before a Family Court judge Monday to stay away from each other, defense attorney Michele Santicola said.

Hard-working Pittsburgh mom shared 'pearls of wisdom'

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Lois Durkin worked as a welder, saleswoman, secretary and greeter, but will be best remembered as a teacher to her family and friends, leaving "pearls of wisdom" to those she loved.

Newsmaker: Stacy Coakley

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Ligonier Boy Scout catalogs vets' graves at Ligonier Valley Cemetery

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:37:37 -0500

Dakota Hutchinson, a member of Ligonier Boy Scout Troop 372, is in the process of earning his Eagle Scout rank by creating a registry of military veterans' graves at Ligonier Valley Cemetery.

Greensburg to lose $50,000 in taxes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:34:05 -0500

Greensburg City Council agreed Monday to accept a drop of more than $50,000 in tax revenue from Redstone Presbyterian Seniorcare, rather than face a court challenge that the city's solicitor said the municipality probably would lose.

$2 million estate suit can proceed, Westmoreland judge decides

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:32:10 -0500

A Westmoreland County judge on Monday ruled that a $2 million lawsuit brought by the son of a Verona businessman can proceed against a Greensburg law firm accused of botching an estate sale in which $1.7 million worth of industrial-grade diamonds and a deadly toxin allegedly went missing.

Westmoreland deputy sheriff fills in

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The longtime right-hand man to Westmoreland County Sheriff Chris Scherer is poised to become interim sheriff next year.

Latrobe manager bemoans loss of tax revenue

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

As the amount of taxable property in Latrobe shrinks, city Manager Rick Stadler's concern grows.

Parking tickets draw ire in Scottdale

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A Scottdale business owner told borough council Monday night that parking tickets are scaring away her customers.

Intoxicated driver caused fatal Laughlintown wreck, authorities allege

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:39:07 -0500

A former Laughlintown man was under the influence of alcohol on Route 30 March 28 when his pickup truck plowed into a carload of teenagers returning from a Britney Spears concert and killed a 15-year-old boy, police allege.

Jacobs Creek Watershed group gets director

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

For the first time in its 11-year history, the Jacobs Creek Watershed Association has an executive director.

Greensburg Salem elementary students to perform traditional veterans programs

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:41:33 -0500

The Greensburg Salem School District's three elementary schools will recognize the men and women of the Armed Forces with Veterans Day programs.

Route 22 road work set in Derry Township

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Motorists will find traffic pattern changes next week on Route 22 in Derry Township as PennDOT performs road work, officials said.

Connellsville schools may borrow $30 million

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Connellsville School Board members will consider borrowing up to $30 million for school renovation or construction.

Belle Vernon wants $50K in grant money despite project completion

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:44:19 -0500

Late Belle Vernon Mayor James V. Bitonti applied for a $50,815 grant through the Fayette County Redevelopment Authority in November 2008. When Bitoniti died Jan. 30, council had not heard an update about the redevelopment grant.

Fayette County 'music church' bans concerts, seeks to relocate

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:02:02 -0500

A Fayette County man will permanently stop holding jam band concerts he says were religious services to settle a federal lawsuit he filed three years ago.

Charges dropped in robbery of Fayette County man

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:45:17 -0500

Two men accused of robbing a Fayette County man of $1,100, his welfare card and other items had criminal charges dropped after they made restitution to the victim.

Loser in 2 Fayette races takes case to Pennsylvania Supreme Court

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:46:32 -0500

A failed candidate has filed an emergency petition with the state's Supreme Court seeking to stay election results from the May primary and November general election in Fayette County.

Flamboyant Las Vegas lawyer, Charleroi native, dies

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

One of Las Vegas' top attorneys, a native of Charleroi, died Friday of an apparent heart attack while backing his Ferrari into his driveway.

Ex-policeman charged in juvenile sex case

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The former top police officer in a rural Washington County community was arraigned Monday on charges of endangering the welfare of children after he was accused of having sex with a runaway juvenile.

East Liverpool man found dead in Ohio River in Beaver County

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:32:47 -0500

The body of an Ohio man who jumped into the Ohio River was found Monday floating near Hopewell, Beaver County Coroner Teri Tatalovich-Rossi said.

House committee approves state ban on texting while driving

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:09 -0500

House Bill 2070 would ban drivers from using cell phones, PDAs and laptop computers to send or receive text messages while driving, and would prohibit drivers with learner's permits or junior licenses from using cell phones or electronic devices behind the wheel.

Gender pay gap improves little in Western Pennsylvania

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The wage gap between women and men in Pennsylvania narrowed to about 20 percent during the past 12 years, with women still earning less than men.

Texting behind wheel on Pennsylvania roads targeted

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:47:29 -0500

Pennsylvania drivers tapping out text messages behind the wheel could be saying OMG and probably won't LOL at the $50 fine in the latest bill proposed by state representatives Monday.

Ex-envoy: Japan ties essential

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:31:36 -0500

The "fundamental friendship" between Japan and the United States should remain intact despite changes in leadership for both countries, former Ambassador Howard H. Baker Jr. said Monday.

York heals wounds of old racial violence

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

When retired Air Force Sgt. Kim Bracey was elected mayor of York last Tuesday, few people were happier than Charles McGee.

Fatal Clairton fire started in kitchen

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Investigators have determined the cause of a fatal fire in Clairton in October.

Alle-Kiski Medical Center gets exceptional performance rating

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:08:15 -0500

The Alle-Kiski Medical Center is performing in the top 1 percent of hospitals nationwide based on an independent review of mortality and complication rates.

Creekside Mushrooms to lay off almost 300 workers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:13:44 -0500

"Right now, we can't say that they layoffs will be permanent, but we can't say they will be temporary," company president Dan Lucovich said yesterday.

Wage gap narrows in state, but women still trail male counterparts

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:15:44 -0500

Career-life choices, lack of executive leadership slow improvements for Western Pennsylvania women, experts say.

Lower Burrell residents face increased taxes, sewerage rates

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:24:05 -0500

Council on Monday unanimously passed a tentative 2010 budget that sets property taxes at 20.25 mills, an increase of 2 mills or 11 percent over this year's rate.

Apollo-Ridge football banner missing, believed stolen

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:20:15 -0500

The banner was last seen at Apollo-Ridge's last home game on Oct. 23 a 14-13 upset victory over visiting Valley High School.

Armstrong County men charged with mugging in Pittsburgh

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:29:10 -0500

The pair allegedly stole a purse from an 81-year-old woman in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield section Saturday morning and, a short while later, led authorities on a car chase.

New Kensington man, a fugitive since last year, grabbed at airport

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:35:10 -0500

Othniel Lavelle Lineburg II, 33, was arrested last week at Pittsburgh International Airport. He has been wanted since January 2008 when he failed to attend a sentencing hearing.

'Capable hands' of chief deputy to serve as interim sheriff

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:37:54 -0500

Charles Moore of East Huntingdon, the long-time right-hand man to Westmoreland County Sheriff Chris Scherer, is poised to become interim sheriff next year.

Death notices for Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Death notices for Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Big second half lifts Steelers to MNF victory

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:12:22 -0500

Ben Roethlisberger threw for three touchdowns, and the Steelers' defense scored more touchdowns than it gave up in topping the Broncos.

Harris: In football vs. life decision, life wins

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:24:36 -0500

Despite receiving clearance from the Steelers medical staff, free safety Ryan Clark didn't play against the Denver Broncos on Monday night.

Roethlisberger to discuss lawsuit with ESPN

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:25:57 -0500

The Steelers quarterback will tell his side of the story or at least what he has been through since being accused of rape in a civil lawsuit.

Free safety Clark takes a seat for Steelers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:26:33 -0500

The Steelers' Ryan Clark did make the trip to Denver but watched the game from the visiting sidelines at Invesco Field.

Bengals adopting bruising AFC North style

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Instead of trying to win games with fancy passing, Cincinnati has adopted the ways of the Steelers and Ravens this season.

Chiefs part ways with running back Johnson

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Given good blocking and a fresh start, Larry Johnson might still be the power-running Pro Bowler he once was in Kansas City.

Bengals lose WR Henry for rest of season

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his broken left forearm.

Pirates to close spring training in Philly

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Pirates will play the Phillies on April 1 in Clearwater, Fla., then fly to Philadelphia for two exhibition games against the two-time defending NL champs.

GMs may talk expanded replay in meetings

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Increasing the use of video replay could be a topic when the GM meetings start today, especially after a series of missed calls in the postseason.

Pens' Crosby unfazed by pressure to perform

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Sidney Crosby has a career-worst streak of four games without a point, and hasn't scored since Evgeni Malkin was sidelined.

Letang out two weeks with shoulder injury

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Two or three weeks were all that Penguins defenseman Kris Letang said he hoped to miss, according to his agent, Kent Hughes.

Penguins president suffers heart attack

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

David Morehouse remained in a San Jose area hospital unit Monday after undergoing a minor surgery to repair a blocked artery with a stint.

Scouting the Boston Bruins

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Boston Bruins play host to the Penguins at 7 p.m. tonight at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.

Caps' Ovechkin: Extended absence 'a joke'

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Capitals star Alex Ovechkin says he was joking when he told a reporter over the weekend that he could be out more than a month.

Hall of Fame inductees reflect on lockout

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Steve Yzerman has one regret when looking back on his Hall of Fame career: He wishes he didn't return to ice four years ago after the NHL lockout.

Wannstedt, Weis reuniting at Heinz Field

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Pitt's Wannstedt and Notre Dame's Weis began their college coaching careers Sept. 3, 2005, on opposite sidelines at Heinz Field.

Pitt isn't taking top-10 status too seriously

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Pitt's players are not letting their newly minted top-10 ranking affect their preparation for Saturday's game against Notre Dame.

Pitt football coach Dave Wannstedt's take

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Pitt football coach Dave Wannstedt weighs in on a number of issues heading into his team's game this week.

WVU's Devine, Brown should be set for Cincy

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

West Virginia coach Bill Stewart says sore ankles shouldn't keep running back Noel Devine and quarterback Jarrett Brown from playing at unbeaten Cincinnati.

Cincinnati coach: QB Pike starts if healthy

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Brian Kelly thought about it and decided that the Bearcats have their best chance with Tony Pike running the offense.

New guard Adams was the one recruiting Pitt

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

When Centenary dropped from NCAA Division I to Division III, Chase Adams went looking for a program that fit his skills.

Oregon running back cleared for return

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount was suspended for the season after punching a Boise State player in the wake of the season opener.

GCC finds goalkeeper from a different field

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

When Greensburg Central Catholic boys soccer coach Tom Kennedy sought a goalkeeper after last season, the veteran coach looked to the baseball team.

North Allegheny swimmers select colleges

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Jonathan Buerger and Mark Waugh set individual records as they helped North Allegheny to WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA team swimming titles earlier this year.

Freeport looks for long stay in PIAA playoffs

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Freeport's girls volleyball team is hoping for one thing after tonight's PIAA playoff game practice on Wednesday.

Phil's big finish raises 2010 expectations

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Phil Mickelson has said he would continue to work on his swing with Butch Harmon and his putting with Dave Stockton.

Busch and Tryson continue to hit track hard

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Kurt Busch and Pat Tryson had every reason to coast through the season's final 10 races, but they won't be doing that.

Clairton quarterback is Player of the Week

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Playing without a team's best wide receiver can be a daunting challenge for a quarterback. For Clairton's Desimon Green, it was an education.

Breaking down the PIAA soccer playoffs

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

An in-depth look at the Alle-Kiski soccer teams and their matchups heading into the PIAA playoffs.

Short trip to Springdale's next opponent

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The No. 12-seeded Dynamos will take on Eastern Conference rival and No. 4 North Catholic on Friday at Deer Lakes High School.

Valley hosts state karate championships

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Students from all disciplines of martial arts including, karate, kung fu and taekwondo will showcase their skills.

Highlands grad Panchik sparks Mt. Union

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Senior running back Scott Panchik is playing a key role in the Mt. Union football team's pursuit of a 11th Division III national title.

Trib executive picked to lead newspaper group

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:41:47 -0500

Ralph J. Martin, chief executive of print and Internet multimedia company Trib Total Media, has been named chairman of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

Mall developer Zamias goes residential

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Zamias Co. of Johnstown, a major shopping center developer whose properties include Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer, has entered the apartment field for the first time with the purchase of Samuel Land Co., co-owner of five local apartment buildings.

Koppers Holdings says income fell

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Koppers Holdings Inc. said net income for the third quarter fell to $17.1 million, or 80 cents per share, compared to a net income of $26.1 million, or $1.25 per share, a year ago.

Sun Microsystems to cut two in McCandless office

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Sun Microsystems Inc. said it expects to cut two positions early next year in an office in McCandless, as part of a restructuring that will shrink its work force by about 3,000 jobs.

Airlines boost on-time arrivals

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The nation's airlines are offering fewer flights, but at least they're more likely to arrive on time now.

Candy factory flips switch on solar array

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

A Hackettstown, N.J., candy factory that produces M&M's flipped the switch Monday on a new solar array that provides clean energy.

Hotel rates down 8.8 percent this year

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Hotel room prices are expected to drop a total of 8.8 percent in 2009 compared to 2008 and will continue creeping down in 2010, though at a much slower rate, according to the 2010 lodging forecast from PricewaterhouseCoopers Hospitality & Leisure Practice.

IPhone's calling, China isn't answering

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Apple Inc.'s iPhone has been a ringing success wherever it has been launched. But in China few are picking up the buzz.

Windows 7 sales beat Vista launch

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

It wasn't a high bar, but Windows 7 made it.

Strollers recalled for fingertip amputation hazard

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

About a million Maclaren strollers sold by Target and Babies "R" Us were recalled Monday, after 12 reports of children having their fingertips amputated by a hinge mechanism.

Stocks soar to 13-month high as dollar falls

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Dow Jones industrial average stormed to its highest level in more than a year Monday as a falling dollar boosted prices for gold, oil and other commodities.

GMAC to receive more bailout funding

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Federal Reserve said Monday that GMAC is the only one of 19 stress-tested banks that needs more capital to withstand losses if the economy softens.

Volatility flashes warning

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Stock market volatility is back, a signal to some experts that the powerful rally that started in early March may be coming to an end.

Timid merchants cause shortages of holiday toys

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Robotic toy hamsters, the latest Barbie dolls and stylish boots are disappearing from store shelves as holiday shoppers start to get serious. But don't confuse this with the days of Tickle Me Elmo.

PNC conversion of National City continues

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The conversion over the weekend of 185 National City Bank branches to PNC Bank locations across 10 Western Pennsylvania counties continued on Monday, a bank spokesman said.

Michael Baker net falls

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Michael Baker Corp. reported that third-quarter profit fell more than 38 percent, while revenue dropped 7.6 percent.

Cadbury rejects Kraft bid

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

British candy maker Cadbury PLC rejected a renewed $16.4 billion hostile bid from Kraft Foods Inc. on Monday after the U.S. company refused to sweeten a previous offer.

Ansys in lunar contest

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Ansys Inc. said Monday it's a sponsor of Astrobotic Technology Inc.'s Tranquility Trek mission to develop a rocket-launched robot as part of the Google Lunar X Prize competition.

Tech adviser to buy firm

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Technology commercialization consultant Wellspring Worldwide LLC of the South Side said Monday it will acquire Flintbox Innovation Network, an online global intellectual property exchange in Vancouver, Canada.

Mushroom farm layoffs

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

An underground mushroom farm in Armstrong County plans to lay off 260 workers because of falling demand and increasing competition from other farms.

Consolidated Communications Holdings reports profit increase

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc., which owns the former North Pittsburgh Telephone, reported a 42 percent third-quarter profit increase, despite a slight revenue drop.

Neograft Technologies names McGrath

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Rhode Island-based cardiac device company Neograft Technologies Inc., which operates a research and technology center in Pittsburgh, named Jon McGrath its president.

Personnel Moves

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Albert J. Isacks, director of estate services for Malin Bergquist, was appointed to his third term on the trust, estate and gift tax technical resource panel of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Dorfman: Stock guru would like these firms

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

He was a skier, bon vivant, ladies' man, Columbia University professor, hedge-fund manager and mentor to Warren Buffett.

Whiskey festival seeks to attract younger audience

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:47:47 -0500

The Pittsburgh Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival will offer tastings of more than 100 brands of whiskeys from all over the world. It also will include vodkas, rums, tequilas and gins in an effort to reach a broader audience.

Aunt Ester performance series begins Tuesday at Wilson Center

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:32:47 -0500

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture opens its Aunt Ester Cycle performance series Tuesday with August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean."

Review: Quantum scores with a clever 'Candide'

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:16:37 -0500

You can't help but feel the sub-text for Quantum Theatre's choice of the former Don Allen Auto City as an apt setting for "Candide."

Roasted Parsnips accent many dishes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:14 -0500

Parsnips are every bit as versatile as their orange cousin, the carrot, and add a distinctive flavor note. Think of them as a flavor accent.

Guacamole and fajitas make a fun, easy meal

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:28:01 -0500

Southwestern fajitas filled with meat and colorful vegetables make a delicious, light meal. They're fun to eat and easy to serve.

Spicy meatballs are world travelers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:08:16 -0500

Spicy Mexican Meatballs combines 93-percent lean beef with ground turkey breast to cut-down on fat.

Craft beer gets ready to take on Western Pennsylvania

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:50:02 -0500

Local craft-beer geeks who have long craved a little Smuttynose, rejoice. Just in time for Thanksgiving, Smuttynose Brewing Co.'s highly coveted crafts beers have arrived in Western Pennsylvania.

Trib kids contest: Thanksgiving drawings

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:45:52 -0500

Hey, kids! We're looking for talented, young artists to create drawings to illustrate a Thanksgiving story. Show us your turkeys, pilgrims, tables overloaded with food, Mom cooking dinner or Dad carving the turkey. We'd like to see how you view Thanksgiving through your drawings.

Reporter want ad: Parenting as a team

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:10:51 -0500

Are you easygoing, and your spouse strict? Is one of you the fun parent, while the other is the disciplinarian? Or are both you and your spouse equally dominant parents? The Trib is looking for parents to talk to about how they balance and merge their parenting styles.

Reforming health care: The House mess

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The bad news is that the health care "reform" bill narrowly passed late Saturday by the House redefines the phrase "government mess." The good news is that it doesn't stand a ghost of a chance in the Senate.

'Civil rights' ruse

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Now so-called "climate change" is a civil rights issue. Various minority groups are being courted by cluckers of the Chicken Little Charade, who care more about drumming up support for their cause than about any verifiable benefits.

Tuesday takes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Ono's "Oh no": Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato says he vetoed a bill that would impose a fee on nonprofit groups because, in part, it amounted to a tax applied in a "nonuniform" manner.

Greensburg Tuesday takes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Here we go again: Lap dogs for a magnetic-levitation train proposed between Greensburg and Pittsburgh International Airport are baying to state lawmakers over the jobs that would be created within technology that's prohibitively expensive and, in local application, impractical.

Stopping veteran suicides

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

This Veterans Day, let's do more to prevent our troops from taking their own lives. Community colleges can play a pivotal role in the lifesaving process.

What Nov. 3 means

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Republican Party heads are hyping the election victories in New Jersey and Virginia as some sort of endorsement of their agenda. Not by a long shot. They had control of both houses of Congress for eight years and their performance did as much to elect Obama as anything else.

What Nov. 3 means II

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Rejoice and take heart, Americans! Republican governors winning election in New Jersey and Virginia are glimmers of light at the end of an ominously dark tunnel, a clear repudiation of the Marxist direction in which this presidential administration and its sycophantic Democrat congressional leaders are attempting to force our country.

Toxic government

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

The Associated Press story "CIT throws in towel" left out an important detail that was a major cause of this bankruptcy and others. Reports in various financial journals on the CIT filing indicate that the lender is weighed down by billions of dollars of bad student loans and subprime mortgages.

Cut seats by half

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Regarding "Gradual downsizing of Legislature proposed": I want to thank state Sen. David Argall, R-Schuylkill County -- not for his incredibly bold proposal to reduce General Assembly seats by a half-percent per year over decades (jeez, are you serious?), but for reminding us clearly that our elected officials only care about their "careers" in Harrisburg.

Valley Tuesday takes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0500

Leechburg budget: For the past several years, the borough council has pulled a number of tricks so as not to raise taxes -- borrowing from the sewer fund, overestimating revenues and underestimating expenses. Now the bad economy has exacerbated these mistakes.