Police in Shaler Township are investigating an accident early Saturday along the northbound lane of Route 28 that left two people injured.
Police said the accident happened shortly before 5 a.m. when a car that was apparently speeding struck the center median strip, causing it to fly into the air and strike a light pole.
Police did not release the names of the driver and passenger but said alcohol was likely a factor. Police said they were both transported to Allegheny General Hospital on the North Side.
Indiana County
Pennsylvania Republican National Committeewoman Christine Jack Toretti will be the commencement speaker at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, school officials announced last week.
Toretti, an Indiana native, is chairman and chief executive officer of S.W. Jack Drilling Co., the nation's largest independent land drilling contractor. She recently served on the energy advisory committee for the Bush/Cheney transition team and now serves on the National Petroleum Council and the U.S. Secretary of Energy's advisory board.
IUP's graduation will be held May 11 at 11 a.m. at Miller Stadium. Toretti will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the ceremony.
Erie County
If the weather cooperates, the Lake Erie Speedway could open June 7.
The unpredictable spring weather already has pushed back a planned May 17 opening of the $5.1 million facility, said Todd Melfi, general manager.
The track in Northeast, Erie County, will feature late model pro stock car racing Friday and Saturday nights.
The speedway also wants to sell beer, but during a hearing Friday before a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board assistant law judge, some residents criticized the idea.
They are worried about people driving home after watching racing while drinking.
Melfi said off-duty police officers would be hired for security. Beer sales would stop at the beginning of the last race of the day and no beer would be sold in the grandstand. The track would also offer an alcohol-free family section, he said.
Bedford County
A plant specializing in making leather for the automobile industry will lay off 130 workers, company officials said.
The move by Seton Co. will leave about 360 workers at the plant. Two years ago, the company began laying off 400 workers.
Seton has had a plant in Saxton since 1975. At its high point, the plant became Bedford County's largest employer with 1,200 employees.
Allegheny County
The Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport Hotel will host the National Right to Life Convention 2002 June 27-29.
The event will feature workshops, speakers and sessions for teens and college students.
Among the featured speakers is Cal Thomas, a newspaper columnist and journalist who has worked for NBC, CNBC, PBS and the Fox News Network, where he offers political commentary.
Beaver County
"Binny" the binturong has found temporary shelter with a breeder until game officials decide on a permanent home.
The Southeast Asian, wolverine-like animal was taken from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and sent to a breeder in Dillsburg, York County, where he's being isolated from other binturongs.
The exotic pet with razor-sharp teeth was found snoozing on the front porch of a woman's home in Beaver County after it got loose April 21. Binny's owner, Brad Wilfong, of New Sewickley, may face a summary offense and fines for raising the animal, said Game Commission spokesman Mel Schake.
