PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has rejected a challenge of a Pittsburgh casino design because its parking garage towers over the gambling house.

The Riverlife Task Force had been concerned the 120-foot garage will spoil views of the city. It claimed the plans violated the city zoning code.

But the court says the lawsuit filed in February 2008 was brought too long after city planners approved the design.

Riverlife officials now say a new developer has since recommitted to other amenities of the casino development, including an amphitheater, and they're confident they can work with him.

Chicago developer Neil Bluhm took over the project after Don Barden's financing fell through while the appeal was pending. The casino is set to open in August on the city's North Shore.

HARRISBURG — An average 26-fold increase in Pennsylvania's permitting fee to drill for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale rock formation is likely to take effect next month.A state regulatory panel Thursday approved the proposal by the Rendell administration to increase the fees, and key lawmakers are supporting it.The administration's goal is to hire about three dozen more inspection and permitting staff to catch up with surging interest in tapping the gas field.The fee is currently $100 and has not gone up since 1984.