HARRISBURG — Proposed licensing standards for assisted living residences are being criticized by consumer advocates and industry groups.

A panel of state lawmakers heard testimony Thursday on the Department of Public Welfare's proposal.

Assisted living facilities are intended for elderly and disabled people who need more services than personal-care homes provide but don't require the full-time attention of a nursing home.

Lobbyists for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities say complying with the rules will be too costly.

Advocates for the elderly argue the rules require too little staff training and don't allow consumers enough say in choosing how they will receive medical care.

PHILADELPHIA — The long-anticipated trial of state Sen. Vincent Fumo is being delayed a month due to the trial judge's illness.Jury selection will resume Oct. 20.U.S. District Judge William H. Yohn Jr. battled flu-like symptoms during last week's jury questioning.The 65-year-old Fumo is charged with 139 counts of fraud and corruption.Federal prosecutors say he misused more than $3.5 million in funds and resources from the Senate, a charity and a museum.

PITTSBURGH — Attorneys for former Allegheny County Coroner Cyril Wecht plan to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to consider dismissing fraud and theft charges on double-jeopardy grounds.His lawyers filed motions with the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday asking the court to postpone for 90 days its recent decision saying the case can be tried again, but with a different judge.