Author: Beaver County Radio

Report: Edmonton Oilers interested in Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry

(File Photo: Source for Photo: A shot by Seattle Kraken’s Chandler Stephenson gets past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) ESPN hockey anaylst Kevin Weeks reported on Wednesday afternoon that Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry was “drawing significant interest” from the Edmonton Oilers. The thirty-year-old Jarry signed a five-year extension with the Penguins in July of 2023, but in January of 2025, he was put on waivers when he was struggling until the Penguins got him back. At that time, Penguins goaltenders had approached a record for the National Hockey League for the most goals allowed on the first shot of the game. The Oilers, who are the NHL’s Western Conference Champions of the last two seasons, has a need for goaltenders, as they try to make it back to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in a row.

Steelers host the Bills in a game that could have long-ranging playoff implications

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, forcing a fumble that the Steelers Nick Herbig recovered in the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

(AP) The Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers face off with both trying to bolster their playoff positioning in the wide-open AFC. Buffalo is coming off a loss at Houston while the Steelers have dropped four of six to fall into a tie with Baltimore for first in the AFC North. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen is 4-1 all time against the Steelers. Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers could play after sitting out last week with a broken left wrist.

Buffalo (7-4) at Pittsburgh (6-5)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST, CBS.

BetMGM NFL Odds: Bills by 3 1/2.

Against the spread: Bills 5-6, Steelers 5-6

Series record: Steelers lead 17-13

Last meeting: Bills beat Steelers 31-17 on Jan. 15, 2024.

Last week: Bills lost to Texans 23-19, Steelers lost to Bears 31-28 in Chicago

Bills offense: overall (3), rush (1), pass (9), scoring (5).

Bills defense: overall (13), rush (30), pass (1), scoring (16).

Steelers offense: overall (27), rush (26), pass (22), scoring (11).

Steelers defense: overall (28), rush (15), pass (31), scoring (20).

Turnover differential: Bills minus-2, Steelers plus-8

Bills player to watch

RB James Cook. The fourth-year running back has been the offense’s most reliable option and is coming off his sixth 100-yard outing of the season. Cook had 116 yards rushing, including a 45-yard TD, against a stingy Texans defense. Buffalo is 5-1 when Cook tops 100 yards rushing and 6-1 when he scores.

Steelers player to watch

Pittsburgh OLB TJ Watt. A week after passing older brother J.J. on the NFL’s career sack list by getting the 114th of his career, T.J. Watt will try to do his best to keep Bills QB Josh Allen in check. Though Watt is on pace for his lowest sack total during a season not shortened by injury since he was a rookie in 2017, he remains a disruptive force for a feast-or-famine defense that either produces turnovers or gets scored on. His 36 forced fumbles lead all active NFL players and Pittsburgh’s lone victory over Allen came on a day he dropped Allen twice.

Key matchup

Bills QB Josh Allen against the Steelers secondary. Allen has toyed with Pittsburgh in recent meetings. The Steelers’ veteran-laden group of defensive backs have underperformed most of the season. Seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey moved to safety last month after Pittsburgh lost DeShon Elliott for the season. Ramsey will play an important role in keeping an eye on Allen, particularly if Allen decides to tuck the ball and run.

Key injuries

Bills: Starting offensive tackles Dion Dawkins (concussion) and Spencer Brown (right shoulder) have been ruled out. Also ruled out were starting LB Terrel Brown (elbow) and WR Curtis Samuel (elbow/knee). … TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) has a chance to return after missing two games. … Allen’s status shouldn’t be an issue even though he landed on the injury report with McDermott saying the quarterback had “overall soreness” after being sacked a career-high eight times last week.

Steelers: QB Aaron Rodgers could return after sitting out last week with a wrist injury. OLB Alex Highsmith may also be back after missing two games with a pec injury. … LT Broderick Jones (neck) is out and will be replaced by Calvin Anderson. … Rookie DT Derrick Harmon (knee) is also out. … WR DK Metcalf (ankle) was limited early in the week but could play.

Series notes

The Bills have won four of the past five meetings, all of them coming since Josh Allen became the starting quarterback. Buffalo’s run began with a 17-10 victory in Pittsburgh on Dec. 15, 2019. … Pittsburgh is 10-3 all time at home against Buffalo, though the Steelers’ most recent win over the Bills at Acrisure Stadium came 12 years ago.

Stats and stuff

The game could have long-ranging playoff implications in the AFC, where seven teams entered the week at either 7-4 or 6-5. … Including playoffs, Buffalo is 11-12 on the road since 2023, and 2-3 this season. … The Bills are 18-6 following a loss since 2020. … Allen has combined for seven touchdowns (four passing, three rushing) and six giveaways (five interceptions, lost fumble) over his past three starts. … Allen is 46-31 when committing a turnover over his career, and 2-4 this season. And his career record is 20-20 when committing two giveaways, including 1-4 this season. … Allen has been sacked 28 times this season, doubling last season’s overall total. … With 1,084 yards rushing, Cook is 38 yards from matching his career best set in 2023. And he is Buffalo’s third player to top 1,000 yards rushing in three or more consecutive seasons, joining Hall of Famers Thurman Thomas (eight straight years) and O.J. Simpson (five). … The Bills had won seven straight when allowing 15 or fewer first downs before losing to Houston. … In seven wins, the Bills have outscored their opponents in the first half by a combined margin of 122-85. In four losses, they’ve been outscored 63-26. … The Steelers have lost four of six to fall into a tie with Baltimore atop the AFC North. … Pittsburgh’s defense, the most expensive in the NFL, has allowed 31 points five times, tied with the most ever in a season during Mike Tomlin’s 19 years as head coach. … The defense has tried to compensate for a lack of stops by leading the AFC with 20 takeaways. … The Steelers are struggling to get downfield in the passing game. Pittsburgh pass catchers are averaging just 9.9 yards per reception, tied for 21st in the league. … Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren have been carrying the offense of late. The two have averaged more than 170 yards of total offense over the past two weeks. They figure to get a heavy workload, particularly if Metcalf is limited. … Pittsburgh has not scored more than seven points in the first quarter in 61 straight games. … The Steelers and Bills have both had 10 different players catch a touchdown pass this season, tops in the NFL. … Tomlin and Bills coach Sean McDermott were teammates at William & Mary University in the 1990s.

Fantasy tip

Considering Pittsburgh’s defensive issues, Allen could put up big numbers both throwing and running. The Steelers managed just one sack last week against Chicago’s Caleb Williams, and now they face one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the league.

Stephen P. Mattie, Jr. (1960-2025)

Stephen P. Mattie, Jr., 65, of McKees Rocks, passed away on November 25th, 2025 due to complications from surgery. He was born in Sewickley on May 11th, 1960, a son of Carol Mattie and the late Stephen Mattie, Sr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anita Bosh Mattie. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his mother, Carol Mattie, two sons, Stephen P. Mattie III and Jesse Lee Mattie and a brother, Thomas Michael Mattie.

Stephen was a house painter and handyman by trade. He enjoyed cooking and telling jokes and he possessed a great sense of humor. He truly had a heart of gold and he would do anything to help anyone. Stephen loved animals and people, especially his family. He will be missed by many.

No services will be held for Stephen. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambirdge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Mattie Jr., please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Allegheny County Conservation District continues efforts to improve water quality of streams and rivers in Western Pennsylvania

(File Photo of Water)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) The Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) is currently doing its work to both reduce pollution and improve water quality in Western Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania state data confirms that there are over 80,000 miles of rivers and streams there. Many of those streams in Allegheny County are damaged by pollutants from mine drainage that is abandoned, runoff of stormwaters, erosion and sedimentation. The ACCD has ways like a rain garden close to the activity center in Findlay Township that helps to clean and capture runoff of stormwater before it becomes the water that we drink to reduce pollution. The Montour Run Watershed also has had mine drainage that is abandoned and runoff of stormwaters that the ACCD has identified as top priorities to tackle in it. The Milk Run AMD system was also created a few years ago, which was deisgned to remove acid and aluminum that weighs ten and thousnads of pounds. Trout is now stocked up in Montour Run, which has had fish come back to it. The ACCD has also noticed an improvement overall in the water quality in their region and will be looking forward to keeping up working with environmental partners.

Identity released of person killed in a 2025 Thanksgiving Day crash in Washington County

(Photo Courtesy of WPXI)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington County, PA) The Washington County Coroner has now released the identity of the person that was killed in a crash that occurred yesterday afternoon on I-79 and I-70. Thirteen vehicles were involved in this crash which happened on the flyover connecting I-79 northbound to I-70 westbound yesterday after 5:30 p.m. According to the Washington County Coroner Timothy Warco, sixty-four-year-old Jamie Doreen Wiles of Wheeling, West Virginia was a front-seat passenger in a car that lost control due to icy road conditions. Wiles died at the scene. Two other people, which were the driver and a rear passenger, were also transported to the hospital because of their injuries and were last said to be in critical condition. A dog was also killed. Another crash in Washington County also happened on the same night that Wiles was killed, which occurred on I-70 just west of the junction going north. According to a post by Canton Township VFC, a tractor-trailer jackknifed between the Chestnut Street and Jessop Place exits.

Harold R. Leech (1951-2025)

Harold R. Leech, 74, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford on November 26th, 2025. He was born on July 13th, 1951, in Alliance, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary, sisters, Carol (Jimmy Kinsey), Katherine and Debbie, his brother and sister in laws, Sally Barnhouse (Ed), Terry Denes and Douglas Wright. He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Linda Leech, his daughter, Tracy (Ray) Kelosky, his sons: Harold R. (Mary) Leech Jr., Rodney A. Leech, Mark A. (Merideth) Leech and Billy (Alicia) Hamilton; along with his siblings, Norma Wright, William “Billy” (Judy) Leech and Dorothy Rogers, his brother and sister in laws: Jimmy (Donna) Denes, Susan (Jim) Beck, Carol (Bobby) Bevivino and Nancy (Pete) Hoover; as well as his grandchildren: Brendon, Austin, Emee, Zac, Max, Alena, Kara (Lucas) Christopher, Kayla (Ed) Renninger and Devin (Karlee) Kelosky; along with his great-grandchildren: Gianna, Nolan, Ava, Bennett, Bryson, Ellie, Leo, Mya, Elijah and Penelope; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Harold spent most of his life working as a crane operator, along with several other jobs. No matter what, he approached his work with dedication and strong work ethic, but his true calling, one that flowed through every part of his life, was music.

Harold was a naturally talented and gifted singer-songwriter who could find a way to play almost any instrument placed in his hands. He shared his gifts as a proud member of the group 4-40 Express, staying true to the classic country sound he loved deeply. Harold’s musical journey led him to remarkable experiences including opening for well-known artists. His music reached countless people and built a loyal following. He was also a man of Christian faith and proud owner and operator of Willy’s Town and Country in Ohio with his wife, Linda. No matter where he was, his kindness, and his unwavering love for the simple, meaningful moments in life is what mattered most.

There are no services to be held for Harold. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold R. Leech, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Suspect in shooting of National Guard members now facing a first-degree murder charge

(File Photo: Source for Photo: The D.C. Armory, where National Guard units are based, is seen a day after two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Charges against the man accused of shooting two National Guard members have been upgraded to first-degree murder after one of the soldiers died, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia announced Friday.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were hospitalized in critical condition after the Wednesday afternoon shooting. Both were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard to the nation’s capital as part of President Donald Trump’s crime-fighting mission. Trump announced Thursday evening that Beckstrom had died.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office said the charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, now include one count of first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

In an interview on Fox News, Pirro said there are “many charges to come” beyond the upgraded murder charge. She said her heart goes out to the family of Beckstrom, who volunteered to serve and “ended up being shot ambush-style on the cold streets of Washington, D.C., by an individual who will now be charged with murder in the first degree.”

Pirro declined to discuss the suspect’s motive, saying officials have been working around the clock on that question. Investigators are continuing to execute warrants in the state of Washington, where the suspect lived, and other parts of the country, she said.

Wolfe remains in “very critical condition,” West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Friday. He ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Beckstrom’s death

“These two West Virginia heroes were serving our country and protecting our nation’s capital when they were maliciously attacked,” Morrisey said. “Their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state.”

Lakanwal entered the US in 2021

People who knew Lakanwal say he served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit before immigrating to the United States. Lakanwal worked in one of the special Zero Units in the southern province of Kandahar, according to a resident of the eastern Afghan province of Khost who identified himself as Lakanwal’s cousin. He said Lakanwal was originally from the province and that his brother had worked in the unit as well.

The cousin spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. He said Lakanwal had started out working as a security guard for the unit in 2012 and was later promoted to become a team leader and a GPS specialist. A former official from the unit, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said Lakanwal’s brother was a platoon leader.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. Lakanwal applied for asylum during the Biden administration, but his asylum was approved under the Trump administration, #AfghanEvac said in a statement.

Lakanwal has been living in Bellingham, Washington, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman.

In his address to the troops Thursday, Trump said that Lakanwal “went cuckoo. I mean, he went nuts.”

The president called Beckstrom an “incredible person, outstanding in every single way.” The White House said he spoke to her parents after his remarks.

Beckstrom ‘exemplified leadership, dedication, and professionalism’

Beckstrom had enlisted in 2023, the same year she graduated high school, and served with distinction as a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company, the West Virginia National Guard said in a statement.

“She exemplified leadership, dedication, and professionalism,” the statement said, adding that Beckstrom “volunteered to serve as part of Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful, helping to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s capital.”

Trump used the announcement to say the shooting was a “terrorist attack” and criticized the Biden administration for enabling Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the U.S.

The initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the country, many of whom had worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and others over allegations of gaps in the vetting process, even as advocates say there was extensive vetting and the program offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals.

On Wednesday night, Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who had entered under the Biden administration. The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Joseph Edlow said in a statement that the agency would take additional steps to screen people from 19 “high-risk” countries “to the maximum degree possible.”

Edlow didn’t name the countries. But in June, the administration banned travel to the U.S. by citizens of 12 countries and restricted access from seven others, citing national security concerns.

Man hospitalized in critical condition after shooting occurs in East Liberty

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(East Liberty, PA) An early morning shooting occurred this morning in East Liberty which caused a man to be hospitalized in critical condition. According to information that was provided by Pittsburgh Public Safety, around 1 a.m. this morning, police, fire, and EMS units were called to the 400 block of Omega Court for a reported shooting. When these units arrived, a man in his thirties was found outside of a home on the scene. A gunshot wound to the chest was also found on the man and medics transported him to the hospital in critical condition. Police held an early investigation into this incident and it has led them to believe the shooting occurred in the house after a fight happened. The investigation into this incident is being led by the Pittsburgh Police’s Violent Crime Unit.

Crash in Washington County that killed one person and critically injured two one of two crashes on I-79

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington County, PA) A fatal crash shut down part of Interstate 79 in Washington County last night. According to South Strabane first responders, 13 vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, were involved in the crash, which happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. yesterday on the flyover connecting I-79 northbound to I-70 westbound. Emergency officials confirmed a passenger in one car died at the scene. A dog was also killed and two people involved were also last said to be in critical condition. Pennsylvania State Police also went to I-79 South at the Washington County-Allegheny County line to respond to a two-vehicle crash there last night. There was no word immediately on any injuries.

Pittsburgh Public Schools still face questions after board votes against plan involving closures

(File Photo of the Top of a School Bus)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Questions are still looming after the board of the Pittsburgh Public Schools voted against a plan which called for wide-ranging changes across its district, which included closing nine buildings. The board voted 6-3 against the Future-Ready Facilities Plan on Tuesday. This plan would have placed reorganization on the district of Pittsburgh which called for the closing of twelve schools. According to Superintendent Wayne Walters, if there is no change, the district’s budget will run a bigger deficit. Walters noted in a statement that this plan had over $100 million in cost avoidance and a plan to stabilize the deficit for Pittsburgh Public Schools. A proposed tax increase of 4% has already occurred and Walters believes that the equity of education across the district would be a challenge that would continue. A focal point for parents has been concerns of transparency and Walker confirmed that answers like sizes of classes and transportation, can not have an answer yet until a plan is put in its place.