PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh will recognize long-term commitments of unmarried partners, allowing both gay and straight couples to share employee benefits.

The bill passed Tuesday in a 7-1 vote, bringing cheers from the audience.

Councilman Bruce Kraus wrote the legislation along with the council's president, Doug Shields. Kraus said the bill shows that Pittsburgh is progressive and will attract good-quality employers to the city.

Under the new law, two city residents who are not too closely related to be considered married under state law are eligible to show evidence of their relationship. A $25 fee makes the registration official.

GREENSBURG — Seton Hill University will soon be home to a new medical school.University President Dr. Joanne Boyle announced Tuesday the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine will invest $4 million to open a branch of its school at Seton Hill. The new program will open in fall 2009.LECOM already has campuses in Erie and Bradenton, Fla. Students attending the program at Seton Hill will be able to complete Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees.The program will be directed by longtime Pittsburgh medical educator Irving Freeman.