The Pittsburgh-area reporter hadn't even begun to ask his question at this morning's news conference when Steelers coach Mike Tomlin cut him off. "Hines is great," Tomlin said, prompting laughter from the audience. Yes, the status of Hines Ward's right knee remains the hottest topic leading to Sunday's Sunday Bowl, but Tomlin is increasingly adamant that there's no reason for concern regarding his gritty receiver. ...more

January 30, 2009

State budget cuts could take away a $2.5 million state grant for Habitat for Humanity of Highlands County's 100-townhouse Ridgeview project. ...more

January 30, 2009

Stan Van Gundy blamed only one person. Himself. After Orlando slipped from the top perch in the overall NBA standings with a 90-80 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, the Magic coach didn't want to hear any excuses. No talk of four-day layoffs, no griping about calls, nothing. ...more

January 23, 2009

Have you seen the light? A portable, LED sign has been flashing a message to local drivers, "Drought Conditions, Please Conserve Water." New Port Richey officials wanted to do their part toward conservation during a drought that has lasted more than three years, said Sherman Applegate, city public works director. ...more

January 10, 2009

Grass doesn't grow much during the winter. So, in an effort to cut back on a dwindling water supply, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is asking homeowners to skip a week of irrigation in January and February. ...more

January 5, 2009

A once-promising South Carolina season went south real fast. The Gamecocks' 7-3 start in 2008 will be marred by three consecutive lopsided losses to end the season, with the last coming Thursday in a 31-10 setback to Iowa in the Outback Bowl. ...more

January 2, 2009

Iowa is heading into the offseason on a good note. South Carolina, meanwhile, is heading into the offseason with some uncertainty under center. ...more

January 1, 2009

Thousands of Microsoft's Zune media players — the software company's answer to Apple's iPod — unexpectedly conked out Wednesday and showed users an error message, prompting references to "Y2K for Zunes." ...more

January 1, 2009

A year that started poorly got worse for many of the nation's home improvement retailers, as the housing market meltdown pushed the economy toward recession and financial institutions sparked a global economic disaster. ...more

January 1, 2009

Happy New Year from Microsoft Corp.: Your Zune is dead. Thousands of Microsoft's Zune media players - the software company's answer to Apple Inc.'s iPod - unexpectedly conked out Wednesday and showed users an error message, prompting references to "Y2K for Zunes." The problems appeared when people tried to start up their devices. ...more

January 1, 2009