HARRISBURG — Cash grants expected to help 600,000 low-income families pay their winter heating bills in Pennsylvania are being increased.

Gov. Ed Rendell said Tuesday the grants provided through the federally funded LIHEAP program are being increased by $100 to an average of $326 for the current season. He said this year's program also is being extended by nearly three weeks to April 2.

At a Capitol news conference, Rendell credited the changes to efficient management of the program.

Rendell said if Congress releases additional contingency funds for the program, the state could increase grants for the most vulnerable households.

PITTSBURGH — A judge said a teen convicted of attacking his ex-girlfriend with a hammer before jumping in front of a light-rail train must remain in juvenile detention for at least three more months.A hearing regarding 18-year-old Robertino DeAngelis' lockup was held Tuesday.The judge said the teenager is making progress in his treatment, but the severity of the crime requires a longer lockup. DeAngelis has been in detention for three months. He can be held in the juvenile facility until he turns 21.DeAngelis was found delinquent of attempted homicide and other charges in August. Authorities said he attacked his ex-girlfriend with a hammer then jumped in front of a light rail, suffering severe brain injuries.

HARRISBURG — State employees and visitors can again buy food and coffee in the Capitol cafeteria in Harrisburg.The privately run eatery at the state Capitol opened its doors Monday morning after being shut down for more than two weeks for a cleanup. State inspectors had found mouse droppings and other health hazards.Philadelphia-based Aramark holds the contract to operate the cafeteria on the ground floor of the statehouse.Officials acknowledged the cafeteria had not been inspected for four years, even though state law requires annual inspections.

IRWIN — A driver jumped out of a salt truck seconds before it plunged over a 100-foot cliff.The driver was treating a rural road when his truck skid on the snowy road. The truck came to a halt at the edge of the cliff. Seconds after the driver jumped out to inspect the situation, the truck plunged to the bottom of the hill.North Huntingdon Public Works Director Rich Albert said he is grateful the driver is safe following the accident, which happened at about 3 a.m. Tuesday.