HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Corbett is meeting with his transition team to begin building a new administration. Corbett will be sworn in Jan. 18.

The Republican plans to huddle with team members today at their charter meeting in Harrisburg.

Corbett promised during his campaign to balance the state budget mainly through spending cuts, without increasing state taxes or fees, despite a projected multibillion-dollar deficit. He has said selecting a budget secretary is a top priority.

HARRISBURG — State police say the death toll on Pennsylvania highways during the Thanksgiving holiday period was the highest in seven years.In a statement Monday, state police say at least 17 people were killed in crashes during the five-day period that started Wednesday. Spokesman Jack Lewis said 19 lives were lost in 2003.Last year, three deaths were reported.Eleven of this year's victims were not wearing seat belts, and alcohol consumption was a factor in six of the fatal crashes.Overall, state police reported 1,101 crashes during the holiday period.