Congress to hold hearing on cable operators’ plans for targeted advertising

PHILADELPHIA — Cable operators will sit in the hot seat Thursday as Congress reviews their plans to roll out targeted advertising amid fears that consumer privacy could be infringed if the companies were to track and record viewing habits.

Religion News in Brief

PITTSBURGH — State House officials say they have been inundated with protests about a policy that barred a clergyman from using the word “Jesus” in a prayer that was to open one of the lawmakers’ daily sessions.

Boeing reports 50 percent drop in 1st-quarter profit as airlines delay delivery of new planes

PITTSBURGH — Boeing Co., the world’s second-largest plane maker, said Wednesday its first-quarter profit dropped by half, hurt by production cuts as airlines postpone deliveries of new planes. It also forecast lower earnings for the year and reduced aircraft prices.

Erie, Pa., officer: Videotaped remarks about murder victim, posted online, were embellished

ERIE, Pa. — An Erie police officer says he embellished comments that ridiculed a murder victim in a barroom conversation that was videotaped and posted online.

Air Products posts 36 percent drop in 2nd-quarter profit on lower sales

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Air Products & Chemicals Inc., which supplies oxygen and other gases to the industrial and medical sectors, on Wednesday said its fiscal second-quarter profit dropped 36 percent as the continued decline in the global manufacturing industry cut into its sales.

Jamie Moyer earns 248th career win in Phillies’ 11-4 win over Brewers

PHILADELPHIA — In a lineup filled with big hitters, Pedro Feliz is giving the Philadelphia Phillies a strong presence at the bottom of the order.

Crosby lifts Penguins to 3-1 win over Flyers, puts Pittsburgh on brink of series win

PHILADELPHIA — Sidney Crosby and the Penguins can finish off the Flyers back on home ice.

Karstens turns in Pirates’ latest strong pitching effort in 3-2 win over Marlins

PITTSBURGH — Jeff Karstens pitched six sharp innings, Freddy Sanchez homered and the surging Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Florida Marlins 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Pair punch out 217,000 text messages in a month in attempt to break record

PHILADELPHIA — Their thumbs sure must be sore.

Pa. police officer suspended for off-duty bar video comments about homicide

ERIE, Pa. — A Pennsylvania police officer has been suspended without pay for mocking a homicide victim in a barroom recording posted on YouTube.

AK Steel reports 1Q loss vs. year-ago profit as reeling auto industry dents steel demand

PITTSBURGH — AK Steel Holding Corp., a supplier of steel for cars and trucks, on Tuesday reported a first-quarter loss compared with a year-earlier profit, as the recession continued to dampen demand for the metal.

Caterpillar reports $112M loss in 1Q on layoff charge, weaker sales amid faltering economy

PITTSBURGH — Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. reported its first quarterly loss in 17 years on Tuesday, hurt by plunging sales and the cost of laying off thousands of workers. It also said the Obama administration should have allocated more money for roads, bridges and other public works under its stimulus plans.

Test of blood sample from Lincoln is sought to prove cancer theory, raising dilemma for museum

Test of Lincoln DNA sought to prove cancer theory

PHILADELPHIA — John Sotos has a theory about why Abraham Lincoln was so tall, why he appeared to have lumps on his lips and even why he had gastrointestinal problems.