NEW YORK — KB Toys filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in four years, joining fellow retailers Linens N Things and Steve & Barry's in seeking Chapter 11 protection amid weak sales linked to the economic recession.

The Pittsfield, Mass.-based retailer filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, reporting total debt between $100 million and $500 million and total assets in the same range.

Like most other retailers this holiday season, the toy seller had aggressively cut prices to entice cash-strapped shoppers, offering hundreds of toys for $10 or less.

KB Toys filed for bankruptcy in 2004 and emerged nearly two years later as a subsidiary of investment firm Prentice Capital Management. The more than 80-year-old company operates 460 stores.

HARRISBURG — A state court ruling leaves two Pennsylvania drinking water systems free to use a chemical disinfectant known as chloramine.Commonwealth Court on Wednesday turned down a legal challenge to Pennsylvania American Water's use of the combination of chlorine and ammonia at water treatment facilities outside Harrisburg.The ruling upheld a prior decision by the state's Environmental Hearing Board that had been challenged by Camp Hill attorney Susan Pickford.She argued the chemical isn't safe and contended she didn't get adequate notice of the issuance of construction and operation permits.Pickford said she wasn't surprised by the decision and doubts she'll appeal it.