State News

	Pa. Senate GOP elects leaders for 2009-10 session The new Appropriations Committee chairman for the state Senate Republicans is Jake Corman of Centre County.
	Pa. senators oppose Blues insurance merger Although state law gives lawmakers the authority to weigh in on the merger, the committee's recommendation isn't binding.
	Environmentalists sue over Pa. forest drilling Environmental groups and U.S. Forest Service employees are suing the Forest Service over its approval of several oil and gas drilling projects in the Allegheny National Forest that they claim will harm wildlife and the environment.
	Pa. soldier to stand trial in businessman's death A western Pennsylvania soldier accused of using grandfather clock chimes to beat a retired businessman to death will stand trial.
	Pa. Senate Democrats elect leaders for new session The Democrats re-elected Robert Mellow of Lackawanna County as leader and Michael O'Pake of Berks County as whip.
	Pa. Capitol expected to overflow with mourners There are expected to be more dignitaries than available seats at the Capitol memorial service for the late Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll.
	Turnpike layoffs start as buyout period ends Exact figures on employee reductions are expected to be released later in the day.
	Governor promises bankruptcy exit help for Boscov's Rendell said Thursday the loans would be financed through a program that allows governments to guarantee loans for economic development with federal community development block grants.
	Police: Philadelphia boy tried to rape teacher A 12-year-old Philadelphia boy has been accused of trying to rape a teacher in her classroom.
	State police shoot 75-year-old Pa. man Pennsylvania state police say two troopers shot and wounded a 75-year-old man with dementia after he pointed a shotgun at them during a confrontation at his home.