Pennsylvania: Coal mine accident under criminal review

State prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into the accident that trapped nine men underground for more than three days, the attorney general said.

In an article published Sunday in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Atty. Gen. Mike Fisher confirmed that his office has been investigating the July 24 accident at the Quecreek Mine in Somerset.

That investigation comes on top of a federal probe, a routine state investigation and a study by an independent panel.

Fisher, the Republican candidate for governor, had initially dismissed calls for a criminal investigation, but he reconsidered after Somerset County prosecutor Jerry Spangler asked for help.

The miners with the Black Wolf Coal Co. inadvertently drilled into the abandoned Saxman Mine, which maps showed to be some 300 feet away from them. The abandoned mine was flooded with more than 50 million gallons of water.

Boston: Navy, park service reach deal on warship

The Navy and the National Park Service ended a squabble Sunday about security costs, reaching an agreement to keep the USS Constitution from closing its gangway to the public.

“We feel overjoyed. It’s a win for the USS Constitution and the people of Boston, and all of the visiting public,” said park service spokesman Sean Hennessey.

The historic warship, the oldest afloat in the world, closed for two months after last year’s terror attacks and reopened with more security. The cost rose from $757,000 annually to about $2 million, plus an additional $670,000 for better lighting, surveillance and barriers.

But the two sides had not agreed on how to split the new, higher bill.

The Navy announced last week that the ship would be closed beginning today because of the dispute.

Miami: Rosie O’Donnell hires attorney to defend boy

Former talk show host Rosie O’Donnell has hired a high-profile criminal attorney to help the two young brothers accused in the fatal beating death of their father.

O’Donnell, a foster parent known for supporting children’s causes, called Miami attorney Jayne Weintraub two weeks ago and asked her to help win a new trial for Alex and Derek King, ages 13 and 14, Weintraub told The Associated Press on Sunday.

Weintraub, a frequent cable television news commentator with more than 20 years experience trying murder cases, is representing Alex, she said. She said she is only representing one of the boys to avoid potential conflict issues; another attorney is representing Derek.

She declined to say how much O’Donnell was paying her.

A judge tossed out the brothers’ second-degree murder convictions on Thursday.

Florida: City’s streetcars back after 56 years

Streetcars are running again in Tampa more than 50 years after the original ones were scrapped.

Seven canary-yellow cars powered by 600 volts of electricity clanged along from the Ybor City entertainment district to downtown after being unveiled Saturday morning.

The $53 million TECO Line Streetcar System is modeled after the one dismantled in 1946, which went into service in the late 19th century.

Organizers expect 950 passengers daily. Another mile of track will extend further downtown later.

The project is funded by grants and other sources from the city.

Beginning today, fares are $1.25 for a one-way, 22-minute ride.