Author: Beaver County Radio

Reports: Steelers playing Saints in Paris

(Credit for Photo: Source for Photo: Competitors run past the Eiffel Tower during the men’s marathon at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/ Rebecca Blackwell, Pool)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The New Orleans Saints are expected to host the NFL’s first regular-season game in France this season, with multiple reports indicating the opponent will be the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

According to reports Tuesday, the teams are set to face off in Paris on October 25. 

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer confirmed the matchup, while the NFL is expected to officially announce the remaining international games Wednesday morning. 

New Castle man arrested for DUI of alcohol in Lawrence County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported that Brian Miller, 44, of New Castle, was arrested May 7 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to police, Miller displayed signs of impairment during a traffic stop along South Jefferson Street at about 6:22 p.m.

Daniel Thomas “Dan” Varga (1947-2026)

Daniel Thomas “Dan” Varga, 79, of White Township, passed away on April 30th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born on March 15th, 1947, a son of the late Joseph and Martha Varga. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Pamela Varga, his siblings, Lawerence (Susan) Varga, Charles (Jill) Varga and Betsy (Bruce) Svensson, a nephew, Doug Varga, several nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

Daniel graduated from New Brighton High School and attended Parsons College. He joined the navy and served on the John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. He returned back to Patterson Heights and Beaver Falls and worked at Babcock & Wilcox and later at VEKA in Fombell. He enjoyed fishing, canoeing and walking through the woods with his wife and dog. Upon retiring, he and Pamela treated themselves to a cruise to Alaska. They enjoyed it so much that they returned twice. He loved to barbecue on his Big Green Egg unit. Rain or snow, you could find him on the back porch grilling burgers, corn on the cob and lots of other meats and veggies. He was especially proud of the prime rib he grilled for holidays. It was always perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. He loved listening to jazz and blues, and there was always music playing in the house. His white Nisson Z convertible sports car was his pride and joy, although he never drove it farther than the driveway. The car was in perfect condition because, “it was never touched by rain or snow.” He had a sparkle in his eyes and a grin on his face. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.

Memorial contributions can be donated to the Beaver County Humane Society in Daniel’s name. donations can be made online at https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/online-donation/ or by mail, Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road Center Township, PA 15001

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 16, from 2 P.M. until the time of a service at 6 P.M. at the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Nancy Guthrie disappearance case reaches 100-day mark; may hinge on DNA evidence

(File Photo: Source for Photo: In this image provided by NBCUniversal, Savannah Guthrie, right, her mom Nancy speak, Wednesday, April 17, 2019, in New York. (Nathan Congleton/NBCUniversal via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Qunatico, VA) The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie reached 100 days on Tuesday and may hinge on DNA evidence still being analyzed by scientists at the FBI laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. 

Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the “Today” show, was reported missing on Feb. 1. 

DNA recovered from Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona was initially sent by Pima County Sheriff’s Department detectives to a private laboratory in Florida for analysis. Weeks later, the evidence was transferred to the FBI crime laboratory in Quantico, where law enforcement sources told CBS News the analysis remains ongoing. 

Investigators have not publicly disclosed details about the sample or where it was recovered. 

Another lead that has drawn significant attention is footage from a Ring doorbell camera that showed an individual wearing a ski mask, gloves and a backpack at Guthrie’s front door the night she disappeared.

Reserve Township Police Officer suspended amid charges in Pennsylvania and Florida

(Credit and Caption for Photo: A Reserve police officer was placed on administrative leave and then suspended without pay after being accused of battery in Florida and retail theft in Ohio Township. (Courtesy of Reserve Township)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Reserve Township, PA) Manuel Pihakis, a police officer in Reserve Township, has been suspended without pay while facing criminal charges in two states, according to Police Chief Brandon Morgan. 

Pihakis, 36, was first charged in Sumter County, Florida, where court documents allege he bit a woman at a community pool and struck her in the back of the head at his family’s home. Following those charges, the Reserve Township Police Department placed him on administrative leave. 

More than two weeks later, Pihakis was charged again, this time in Ohio Township. 

Investigators allege Pihakis committed retail thefts at a Giant Eagle and a nearby Target over several months. 

According to court documents, surveillance footage showed Pihakis “skip scanning” at self-checkout stations — scanning some items while failing to scan others before placing all merchandise into bags and leaving the stores. 

Police said the alleged thefts occurred repeatedly between December 2025 and April 2026. The criminal complaint accuses Pihakis of stealing $283.08 worth of merchandise from Target and $167.45 in goods from Giant Eagle, including Dove soap, Red Bull and Twizzlers. 

Following the new charges, Morgan said Pihakis has now been suspended without pay pending further review. Morgan also told WTAE-TV that Pihakis’ employment status will be discussed during a June council meeting. 

Pihakis faces misdemeanor battery charges in Florida and misdemeanor retail theft charges in Pennsylvania. 

His Pennsylvania case is scheduled to go before a judge next month. 

Pittsburgh man charged with homicide pleads guilty to federal gun charges

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A Pittsburgh man charged in a deadly shooting last year has pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges. 

According to the United States Department of Justice, Keenan Tolliver, 32, pleaded guilty Tuesday to violating a federal firearms law. 

Authorities said a loaded handgun was found inside the center console of a vehicle Tolliver was driving in February 2025. Because of prior felony convictions, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Federal prosecutors said Tolliver has previously been convicted of 10 felony or first-degree misdemeanor offenses. 

Tolliver was also identified as a suspect in a 2017 Pittsburgh police chase in which he was accused of attempting to strike officers with a vehicle. 

In a separate case, Tolliver faces charges in connection with a fatal shooting in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood in 2025. 

He is scheduled to be sentenced in the federal firearms case on Sept. 16 and faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

Tolliver is also scheduled to appear in court May 13 in the homicide case. 

2026 Pennsylvania primary election approaching; more information to know

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Voters line up outside the Bucks County Administration Building during early voting in the general election, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Doylestown, Pa. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania primary election is less than a week away, and locals will go to the polls on May 19th to vote for their favorite candidates. Polls open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of State, here is some more information about this election:

To be eligible to register to vote in the May 19 primary, a person must be:

·   a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the primary,

·   a resident of the election district in which the person plans to register for at least 30 days before the primary, and

·   at least 18 years old on or before May 19.

The deadline for county elections offices to receive completed mail ballots is 8 p.m. on Primary Election Day, May 19. Mail ballots received after that time will not be counted.

Pennsylvanians who prefer to vote in person can find their polling place, which you can find by clicking here, at vote.pa.gov, by clicking here. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and any voter in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

The Department’s voter information website, vote.pa.gov, which you can access by clicking here, is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese and offers a polling place locator, which you can access by clicking here, and contact information for county elections offices, which you can learn about by clicking here. It also includes tips for first-time voters (click here for information), mail-in and absentee voters (click here for information), elderly and disabled voters, (click here for information), and members of the military (click here for information).

Paul Skenes takes a no-hitter into the 7th, strikes out 10 as Pirates topple Rockies 3-1

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Paul Skenes allowed two hits over eight masterful innings to help the Pittsburgh Pirates toppled the Colorado Rockies 3-1 on Tuesday night.

The reigning National League Cy Young winner carried a no-hitter into the seventh while retiring 18 of the first 19 batters he faced. Colorado’s Mickey Moniak broke up the no-hit bid when he dumped a single into left-center field with one out in the seventh. Skenes (6-2) retired Hunter Goodman and TJ Rumfield to end the threat.

Skenes returned for the eighth, giving up a one-out double to Troy Johnston before getting a flyout and a ground ball. The 23-year-old received a standing ovation on his way back to the dugout after throwing out Ezequiel Tovar to end the eighth. Skenes tipped his cap before making his way down the dugout steps after finishing with a season-high 10 strikeouts and lowering his ERA to 1.98.

Six days after allowing two hits over eight shutout innings in a victory over Arizona, Skenes was perhaps even better against Colorado. He struck out the first six Rockies who came to the plate, the second time in his three-year career he has fanned that many hitters to start the game.

Colorado’s Willi Castro ended that run when he laid down a bunt with the first pitch of the third inning. The ball went right back to Skenes, who scooped it up and easily tossed to first as the PNC Park booed.

Skenes kept on rolling, his only hiccup coming in the fifth when he hit Johnston in the left foot on a 2-1 pitch with two out. Johnston was promptly thrown out trying to steak second base to end the inning.

Though Skenes threw 68 of his 98 pitches for strikes, he didn’t come back on in the ninth in search of his first career shutout. There were brief chants of “We Want Paul! We Want Paul!” when reliever Gregory Soto came on. Soto allowed a a two-out RBI-double by Goodman but recovered for his fourth save.

Oneil Cruz had three hits for the Pirates. Nick Gonzales added two hits, including an RBI-single off Michael Lorenzen (2-5) in the first that gave Skenes all the offense he would need.

Up next

The series continues Wednesday, with Jose Quintana (1-2, 3.90 ERA) set to start for Colorado against Mitch Keller (4-1, 2.87).

REMINDER: I-376 Commercial Street Bridge Replacement Project Online Virtual Public Meeting May 13

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and S&B USA Construction will host a virtual public meeting Wednesday, May 13, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to discuss the Interstate 376 Commercial Street Bridge Replacement Project. 

According to PennDOT, the meeting will provide updates on an upcoming I-376 closure, future construction plans and other project details. 

Officials said the virtual briefing will also include a question-and-answer session with members of the project team.

You can go to this website to access the link to this meeting. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/projects-near-you/district-11-projects/commercial-street-bridge-replacement

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas says the club would “love” to have Evgeni Malkin return next season

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Philadelphia Flyers’ Garnet Hathaway, right, trips Pittsburgh Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin, left, during the second period of Game 4 in the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoff series Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Evgeni Malkin might get his wish to stay in Pittsburgh after all.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said Tuesday the club would “love” to have the three-time Stanley Cup-winning forward back for a 21st season next winter.

Malkin is scheduled to become a free agent for the first time in his career in July and turns 40 in August. The Russian star is coming off a solid bounce-back year, finishing with 19 goals and 42 assists in 56 games.

The future Hall of Famer said after Pittsburgh’s first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia that he plans to play in the NHL next season and would prefer to do it with the only franchise he’s ever known. Dubas had been vague most of the year about Malkin’s future, but sounded more optimistic a couple of weeks removed from the Penguins’ first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia.

“He’s a special player,” Dubas said of Malkin.

Dubas pointed to Malkin’s resiliency during an eventful year in which he missed 20 games because of injury and five more because of suspension as proof that Malkin remains an effective player on a team that returned to the postseason following a three-year absence.

Each time Malkin’s season threatened to derail, he returned with what Dubas described as “renewed energy.”

Dubas pointed out that no player in Pittsburgh’s improved prospect pool appears poised to take on Malkin’s role as a top offensive option.

“I don’t think he’s blocking anybody,” Dubas said. “We would love to have him back.”

Malkin and longtime running mates Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang have spent two decades playing alongside each other, the longest three teammates have played together in major North American sports history.

While Dubas knows that run will likely end during his tenure, he also allowed that what the trio has is special. Letang remains under contract for two more seasons. Crosby, the only player in NHL history to average a point a game for 21 straight years, is eligible for an extension in July.

Dubas added that while the team as a whole took a significant step forward under first-year head coach Dan Muse, there remains work to be done regardless of who is on the roster when the Penguins report for training camp in September.

“We’re still well short of where we aspire to be,” Dubas said.

Dubas praised the Flyers for “getting to their game” early in the first-round series, and while the Penguins eventually found their footing, it was too late. He added that it’s clear by watching some of the teams still in the playoffs that the gap between where Pittsburgh is and the top contenders is still significant.

“We have a long way to go,” he said. “I don’t kid myself with that.”