(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Rochester, PA) Dr. George Zambelli said he is taking steps to improve patient access to his office in Rochester amid the closure of Adams Street.
Speaking Tuesday on Beaver County Radio’s “Driving in the Fast Lane” with Frank Sparks, the man behind the Zambelli Fireworks Company said the road closure has made it difficult for patients to reach the parking lot at his Rochester location.
Zambelli said he recently worked with borough officials, including demolition expert Matt Cook, to clear a neighboring property and create new access points.
The plan includes adding an entrance and exit connecting the lot to an alley behind the office between New York Avenue and Ohio Street.
Patients will still need to walk a short distance to the office, but parking will be available along Jefferson Avenue, New York Avenue and Ohio Street, Zambelli said.
(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Rochester Police Department, Posted on Facebook on May 4th, 2026)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Rochester, PA) The Rochester Police Department is advising parents that Jefferson Street has become a primary detour route due to the closure of Adams Street.
Police said traffic has increased significantly in the area, along with a rise in violations, and officers are increasing patrols.
Officials are urging parents to keep children from playing near or in the roadway and to avoid riding bikes, scooters or skateboards on Jefferson Street.
Parents are also encouraged to monitor their children’s activities and reinforce safe behavior around roadways.
(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Tom E. Puskar/AP)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly and pitcher Chris Devenski were both suspended following an incident during a game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that Devenski was suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing at Sal Stewart in the seventh inning Saturday. The pitch led to his ejection.
The suspension is set to begin Tuesday, coinciding with the Pirates’ road series in Arizona, unless Devenski appeals. If appealed, the discipline will be delayed until the process is complete.
The MLB then said Devenski’s suspension was reduced to two games later in the day after negotiations with the players’ association. His fine was undisclosed.
Kelly was suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount for his role in the incident and is expected to serve the suspension Tuesday.
(Patterson Township, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that slide remediation work on 8th Street (Route 4008) in Patterson Township will begin Wednesday, May 6, weather permitting.
Work will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Route 51 and Darlington Road through late May. Single-lane alternating traffic will be maintained using flaggers.
Crews from A. Liberoni, Inc. will perform slide repairs, shoulder improvements and roadway reconstruction.
(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks to the crowd at a Centre County Democratic Party event at the Penn Stater hotel, April 11, 2026, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy, File)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania has sued an artificial intelligence chatbot maker, saying its chatbots illegally hold themselves out as doctors and are deceiving the system’s users into thinking they are getting medical advice from a licensed professional.
The lawsuit, filed Friday, asks the statewide Commonwealth Court to order Character Technologies Inc., the company behind Character.AI, to stop its chatbots “from engaging in the unlawful practice of medicine and surgery.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration called it a “first of its kind enforcement action” by a governor and it comes amid growing pressure by states on tech companies to rein in its chatbots’ potentially dangerous messages, especially to children.
That includes a consumer protection lawsuit filed by Kentucky against Character Technologies, and warnings by state attorneys general that chatbots are potentially violating a raft of state laws.
Pennsylvania’s lawsuit said an investigator from the state agency that licenses professionals created an account on Character.AI, searched on the word “psychiatry” and found a large number of characters, including one described as a “doctor of psychiatry.”
That character held itself out as able to assess the investigator “as a doctor” who is licensed in Pennsylvania, the lawsuit said.
“Pennsylvanians deserve to know who — or what — they are interacting with online, especially when it comes to their health,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “We will not allow companies to deploy AI tools that mislead people into believing they are receiving advice from a licensed medical professional.”
Character.AI declined to comment on the lawsuit Tuesday but sent a statement saying it prioritizes responsible product development and the well-being of its users. It posts disclaimers to inform users that characters on its website are not real people and that everything they say “should be treated as fiction,” the statement said.
Those disclaimers also say users should not rely on characters for professional advice, it said.
In December, attorneys general from 39 states and Washington, D.C., wrote to Character Technologies and 12 other AI and tech firms — including Anthropic, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, OpenAI, Google and xAI — to warn them about a rise in misleading and manipulative chatbot messages that violate state laws.
In the letter, they said “it is illegal to provide mental health advice without a license, and doing so can both decrease trust in the mental health profession and deter customers from seeking help from actual professionals.”
There are a growing number of wrongful death legal actions against AI chatbot makers across the country and Character Technologies has faced several lawsuits over child safety, including the lawsuit filed by Kentucky.
In January, Google and Character Technologies agreed to settle a lawsuit from a Florida mother who alleged a chatbot pushed her teenage son to kill himself. Last fall, Character.AI banned minors from using its chatbots amid growing concerns about the effects of artificial intelligence conversations on children.
PITTSBURGH — You’re cordially invited to attend an over-the-top wedding event at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.
A bridal luncheon and designer showcase featuring Randy Fenoli, star of TLC’s long-running series “Say Yes to the Dress,” will be held at Rivers Casino on June 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $50.
As part of the event, three lucky brides will win free wedding gowns of their choosing from the Randy Fenoli Bridal collection, plus one $20,000 wedding reception package at Rivers or a “suite” getaway weekend at The Landing Hotel including dinner at Martorano’s Prime.
Brides-to-be, grooms, friends and family of the betrothed, bridesmaids, groomsmen, wedding planners and more are encouraged to attend. The on-site Wedding Services Team at Rivers Casino has created a wedding extravaganza: a strolling cocktail reception, a sit-down plated lunch and a keynote address by Fenoli, followed by dessert, coffee and, of course … a cookie table featuring Bethel Bakery.
Florals and decor will be on display from some of Pittsburgh’s most notable wedding suppliers, including Alpha-Lit Pittsburgh, Dormont Florist, Elegant Chair Cover Designs, greenSinner, Masterpieces Studio, The Toasted Hostess and others.
Guests will enjoy music and entertainment from notable local wedding performers such as 2nd II None Productions, Loyalty Weddings & Events, Pittsburgh Entertainment Co., Steven Vance Entertainment and more.
Several new gowns from Randy Fenoli Bridal’s latest collection will be on display throughout the event. Specialty cocktails include the “I Do Mimosa” and the “Say Yes Spritz.”
The Guest List: Say Yes to Sunday, June 14
General admission tickets for the June 14 Bridal Luncheon and Designer Showcase at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh include: two drink coupons, appetizers, a champagne toast and a sit-down plated lunch, followed by dessert and coffee. Check-in begins at 10 a.m.; doors open at 11 a.m. General admission tickets are on sale now, starting at $50.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available at $75. VIP tickets include all the above and preferred luncheon seating, plus a guaranteed meet-and-greet with Randy Fenoli.
Like many grand affairs, Rivers will have assigned tables and reserved seating for the sit-down luncheon. This unique wedding experience is expected to sell out, so secure your tickets early.
Tickets to the June 14 Bridal Luncheon and Designer Showcase can be purchased online at RiversCasino.com.
More Than 1,000 Weddings …
More than 1,000 couples already got married at Rivers Casino.
TV star Randy Fenoli will be at Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh.
“The demand for wedding dates at Rivers continues to intensify, given our accessible location and many amenities,” said Bud Green, general manager of Rivers Casino Pittsburgh. “Accommodating more dream weddings was a key factor in renovating and doubling our riverfront ballroom spaces in 2024.”
As an added incentive for attending Rivers’ June 14 Bridal Luncheon and Designer Showcase, Pittsburgh brides will have a same-day opportunity to further ease their budgets. Anyone who books and confirms a future wedding at Rivers Casino with a $500 deposit will receive either a free on-site ceremony or $2,500 off their reception.
For more information about Rivers Casino Pittsburgh’s event spaces, including availability, visit RiversCasino.com/Pittsburgh or call 412-566-4464.
David L. Allen, 90, passed away on May 2nd, 2026, at his residence in North Sewickley Township.
He was born in New Castle and was raised in New Sewickley Township, a son of the late Lloyd and Virginia Allen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walter. He is survived by his beloved wife, Miriam Kay Allen, with whom he shared 69 years of marriage. Their story began years before their wedding. When they dated, Kay was attending nursing school at Jamison Hospital School of Nursing in New Castle. At that time, the school did not permit nursing students to marry, so the two waited until the time was right to begin their life together as husband and wife. Their long marriage was a reflection of patience, loyalty, and deep affection that carried them through all of life’s seasons. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his son, Jeff Allen, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three nieces.
David spent much of his working life as a truck driver, and he took pride in doing his work carefully and dependably. He drove a 55-foot trailer carrying portable MRI equipment to area hospitals and doctors’ offices throughout the tri-state area. In a unique and special partnership, his wife, Kay, who was a nurse, often rode along with him and assisted with the MRI procedures. Together, they formed a remarkable team, combining his driving and her nursing skills to serve patients and medical providers across the region. Outside of work, he enjoyed tinkering and building things on his property. He liked using his hands and found satisfaction in creating, repairing, and improving whatever needed attention.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 6th from 12 noon until the time of funeral services at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Burry’s Church 1835 Rt 68, Rochester. Private entombment will take place at Zelienople Mausoleum.
Arrangements have been entrsuted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.
Dorothy M. Schreiner Hartzell, 97, formerly of Rochester, passed away on May 4th, 2026, at Celebration Villa in Chippewa Township. She was born in Louisville, Kentucky on July 17th, 1928, the daughter of the late Edward C. and Emma Louise Wilde Schreiner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James S. Hartzell, as well as a brother, H. Edward Schreiner. She is survived by one son, David E. Hartzell of Brighton Township, one daughter, Janet R. Good of New Brighton, three grandchildren, Carrie Kuykendall and her husband, Jim of Ohio, Meredith and Andrea Hall of Beaver Falls, nine great-grandchildren: Jim, Vincent, Jenna, Trey, Alexis, Drey, Damion, Aniya and Brixx; as well as three great-great-grandchildren, Jrue, Aela, and Prist, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dorothy retired after working for twenty-eight years with the Rochester Area School District as a secretary and librarian. She was a member of the former Calvary Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, where she was a former elder, Sunday school teacher, Superintendent, and choir member. She was a member of the Naomi Chapter of the Eastern Star, a former board member with the Rainbow Girls, as well as a former member for thirty years with the Beaver Valley Choral Society. She was on the board of directors with the Beaver County Mental Health, a committee chair person with the Rochester Sesquecentennial Program, a member of the New Brighton Woman’s Club, former member of the New Brighton Lioness Club, former member of the Rochester Historical Society, former member of the Rochester football mothers, and was on the board of elections for Rochester.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, May 7th, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with a service following at 1:30 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements. Officiating will be Reverend Allen Brook, of the Chippewa United Methodist Church. Private interment will be held in Sylvania Hills Cemetery and Memorial Park.
The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver Valley Choral Society, PO Box 750, Rochester, PA 15074.
The family would like to thank Celebration Villa Gentiva Care and Hospice, for the comfort and care they provided Dorothy.
Loretta Marie “Ree” Yoho, 80, of South Beaver Township, passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2026, at Heritage Valley Health System, Beaver Campus, following a valiant battle with cancer.
She was born in Beaver Falls on September 14th, 1945, a daughter of the late Phillip and Alice (Henderson) Corsetti. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Yoho, a son-in-law, Jim Farley, a brother, Phillip Corsetti, a brother-in-law, Andy Popik and a grandson, Mitchell Werthman.
She is survived by her children, Lisa Farley and Christopher (Jessica) Albright, her grandchildren: Alec (Tabitha) Ake, Bradley Ake, Kaedance Boso, Elaina Boso, and Evalynn Albright; as well as her great-grandchildren, Dominic, Alec Jr., and Mark, her siblings, Patricia (Joe) Pritchard, John (Debbie) Corsetti, and Donita Popik, a sister-in-law, Carol Corsetti, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Loretta worked for several years for the Wal Mart photo lab until her retirement. She was beloved by many for her feisty but loving personality. She found joy in feeding everyone, and her door and arms were always open to anyone who needed it. She loved her family fiercely, particularly her grandkids, who had her whole heart. She was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan and loved watching the games with family and spending time with her dogs, Little Girl and Lacey. She will be missed immensely by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on through the generosity she instilled in her children—her two proudest achievements in life.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 6th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.
GREENE TOWNSHIP — Savor the Viking spirit this month at the Hookstown Fairgrounds.
The second-ever Beaver County Heathen Festival will take place May 15–17, at the fairgrounds off Route 168 in Greene Township.
The festival celebrates Viking culture, history, and community fun—similar to a Renaissance Fair, but focused on Vikings, Norse mythology, and the cultures they interacted with.
This year’s event features axe-throwing, archery, crafts, food vendors, music, workshops, an educational museum, tattoo artists and family-friendly activities (including kid-friendly versions of axe throwing and archery).
Hours are 2-9 p.m. May 15; noon to 10 p.m., May 16 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 17.
“We will have a main outdoor stage and a mini indoor stage for vendors to showcase talents and teach classes,” organizer Payne Kamicker said.
Ticket prices are $20 for adults (18+), $15 for seniors (65+), $7 for teens (11–17), at eventbrite.com or at the door. Children 10 and under are free.
Daily highlights:
– May 15: An open talent show from 4:30–7 p.m. where guests can showcase their skills.
– May 16: An Ancestors Bonfire ceremony led by Jessi Thomas of the Sacred Phoenix Sisterhood Circle to honor loved ones, followed by a fire performance by the Lawrence County Flow Collective and a horse show all day.
– May 17: A relaxed day of ongoing entertainment and activities.
Ginger Ackley will serve as the emcee and perform throughout all three days. A photographer, Amber Heasley of Shades of Amber Studios, will also be on-site to capture the experience.
“Step back in time and experience the adventure, excitement, and culture of the Viking era—unforgettable family fun awaits at the Viking Festival,” Kamicker said
