HARRISBURG — The first comprehensive update to Pennsylvania's mine safety law in nearly half a century is heading to the governor for his signature.

The state House on Tuesday voted unanimously for the bill that would let the state fine mine owners for safety infractions and set up a seven-member board to keep regulations updated.

It addresses emergency shelters and accidental breaches of flooded mines, as occurred in the accident six years ago at Quecreek Mine in Somerset County. The final product included input from unions, mine operators and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Gov. Ed Rendell's office says he'll sign the bill.

PITTSBURGH — The Democratic majority on Allegheny County Council has brushed aside a Republican bill to hold a November referendum on the county's 10-percent alcoholic drink tax.The Republicans want voters to decide whether to drastically cut that tax and a $2-a-day rental car tax and cap property taxes. The referendum would cut the drink tax to 0.5 percent and the car rental tax to 50 cents a day.Both taxes took effect in January and are meant to fund the county's transit agency.

PITTSBURGH — The developer of Pittsburgh's casino wants to cut parts of the $780 million project he is planning.Developer Don Barden asked Pittsburgh's planning commission on Tuesday to allow him to build a riverfront amphitheater, dock and walking path after the casino has operated for three years.Barden's spokesman Bob Oltmanns says the changes are being made to keep the project within its budget.On Monday, contractors halted construction at the site until Barden pays $10 million owed since March.Barden is still trying to secure most of the funds for the project. But Oltmanns says this is not the reason for the delay in the riverfront portions of the project.Riverfront activists slammed Barden's cuts, saying the casino was only approved because of the river revitalization plans. The casino is scheduled to open in May 2009.

ERIE — A woman who left a phone message warning of a "massacre" at Erie's Gannon University nine days after the Virginia Tech killings has been sentenced to probation for one year.Twenty-year-old Valerie Cantu, of Erie, pleaded guilty to harassment on Tuesday. She was also sentenced to 50 hours of community service.Cantu admitted calling a friend who was a Gannon student and leaving an anonymous message warning her not to go to class last April because there'd be a "massacre." Her attorney says the call was intended as a prank.