Alternative energy buses in the worksPITTSBURGH — The Port Authority of Allegheny County plans to introduce new buses powered by alternative sources of energy over the next three years.A Port Authority committee recommended last week that the agency buy 25 articulated buses from Minnesota-based New Flyer of America for $22.9 million.The buses would start arriving in December 2017 if the full board approves the purchase on Friday.The contract between the Port Authority and New Flyer includes an option to buy additional buses powered by electricity, natural gas or a hybrid system.The authority plans to replace more than 20 percent of its fleet by the end of next year.

4 kids found alone without beds, foodPITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh woman has been charged with endangering her four children after police found them alone in an apartment with no beds or food and just one working light.Online court records show 34-year-old Takoya Parker was charged after the incident Saturday, though her custody status is unclear and no defense attorney is listed.Police found the children, ages 10, 6, 5 and 3 after being asked to check on their welfare. They found the apartment in disarray and the children say they hadn’t eaten and didn’t have a telephone number to contact their mother.Police and Allegheny County caseworkers have placed the children in a neighbor’s care.

Suspect charged with stabbing 5PITTSBURGH — Authorities say an armed man shot after stabbing five people at a mental health facility will be charged with attempted homicide.Allegheny County police said 38-year-old Dustin Johnson also will face charges of aggravated assault, attempted arson and risking a catastrophe following Friday afternoon’s attack at Turtle Creek Valley Mental Health/Mental Retardation in Homestead, just southeast of Pittsburgh.Authorities said one resident was listed in critical condition and another in stable condition. Three employees were in stable condition.

Man dies after fall from parking garagePITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police are trying to figure out how and why a man fell to his death from a downtown parking garage.The Allegheny County medical examiner says 49-year-old Joseph Bartlebaugh of Blairsville died at UPMC Mercy hospital about 30 minutes after he fell from the garage in the 600 block of Stanwix Street about 5:20 p.m. Sunday.Police spokesman Emily Schaffer isn’t saying what level of the garage Bartlebaugh was on when he fell.An autopsy was expected today.