HARRISBURG -- The Rendell administration says it's tired of seeing Republican lawmakers standing on the sidelines and throwing grenades at the governor's proposal for a 2009-10 state budget. (Today)

HARRISBURG -- Hundreds of state treasury employees got a little something extra with their paychecks yesterday: permission to start their holiday weekend early. (Today)

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg hinted in a letter to the federal government that in-state students could face higher tuition if Pitt and three other state-related universities lose $42 million in federal stimulus aid. (Today)

McKees Rocks buried Billy Mays today -- a native son who reigned as the black-bearded king of infomercials, proclaiming the wonders of lotions, potions, gadgets and gizmos to insomniacs who picked up the phone and made him rich. (Today)

More than 2,000 people last year filed complaints with the state attorney general's office regarding shoddy home improvement work and bad contractors. (Today)