(File Photo of the Seal of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Four Republican House members, including three representatives from Pennsylvania, joined Democrats yesterday in signing a discharge petition to force a vote to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Rob Bresnahan Jr. and Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania joined New York Representative Mike Lawler against GOP Speaker Mike Johnson to force a vote in early 2026 on a three-year extension of these subsidies, which will expire at the end of this year. 

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release in Pittsburgh yesterday from Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Women’s Institute launched “Tell Us” in August, which is a multiplatform marketing campaign that is designed to encourage women to schedule annual OB-GYN exams and normalize open discussion about their overall health and shifts the perception of OB-GYN visits from a source of anxiety to one of comfort. The health system announced yesterday the introduction of the “panty pouch,” a first of its kind garment bag that serves as a designated place for patients to put their bra and underwear prior to a physical OB-GYN exam, easing an unspoken source of anxiety for many to coincide with the new campaign. 

(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

(Allegheny County, PA) An investigation is now underway from Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) after a bomb threat was made at Carrick High School yesterday morning. A PPS spokesperson told WTAE that a bomb threat was reported there, alleging that an explosive device was inside the building. No bomb was discovered after a thorough search. The school day continued normally. 

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) There was a large police presence in a neighborhood of Pittsburgh yesterday after a physical confrontation escalated between ICE federal agents and a man that they were taking into custody. Officials confirmed to WTAE that Pittsburgh police responded to the 400 block of Norton Street in Mount Washington following multiple 911 calls for an individual fighting with “unknown law enforcement officers” in the street. One video shows two ICE agents taking a man by the neck before throwing him into a railing on a porch and punching him before taking him into a vehicle. Medics responded to evaluate all of the parties who were involved in this incident and the scene was cleared by local police. No additional information about the incident has been released. 

(Photo Courtesy of WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on December 17th, 2025)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) A fire broke out inside of Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant in Allegheny County last night. It happened along the 2300 block of Rochester Road. Photos from the scene showed fire officials extending a ladder to the top of the building. Allegheny County dispatchers told WTAE that no injuries were reported. The cause of this fire and the extent of the damage are unknown at this time.

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today that nineteen-year-old Raymond Palmer of New Castle was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Lawrence County on the evening of December 4th, 2025. At around 6:36 p.m., someone from the PSP New Castle barracks conducted a traffic stop in the I-376 West toll road area in North Beaver Township and the location of this crime was along 186 I-376 East. According to police, Palmer displayed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Charges were filed against him. 

(File Photo of a Dollar Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The board for Pittsburgh Public Schools approved a budget for 2026 which includes a 2% tax increase. A 6 to 3 vote was cast by the nine-person board yesterday to adopt the district budget of $731.3 million. This included raising the millage rate to 10.457 mills, an increase of 2%, and a $5.7 million deficit. According to district leaders, no cuts to services are expected.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A person uses an iPhone on Oct. 8, 2019 in New York. Apple is letting some iPhone users fix their own phones, a sharp turnaround for a company that has long guarded its software in a walled garden that only Apple-approved technicians can unlock. The company said Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2021, it will enable users of two of the newest iPhone models and later some Mac computers to get access to genuine Apple parts and tools to be able to repair them. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Board of Public Education for Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) voted yesterday to formally prohibit the use of cell phones by students during the school day. The district’s Electronic Devices Policy will be updated thanks to a vote from that board and a release states the policy will “establish a consistent district wide standard aimed at maintaining safe, secure, and focused learning environments for students and staff.” This is subject to specific exceptions and guidelines that are Board-approved. According to PPS, it will provide additional guidance to schools and families regarding implementation, including school-level procedures for the collection, storage, and return of devices at the end of the school day. 

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Institute is now encouraging people in Pennsylvania to prioritize their mental well-being while getting through the emotional challenges that can accompany the holiday season. These transient feelings of sadness, stress, or anxiety, often referred to as “holiday blues,” are a common experience for many during that time of year. According to a release in Pittsburgh today from Allegheny Health Network, here are some strategies that the AHN Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Institute offers to help people combat the holiday blues effectively as well as phone numbers to call if you need help:

• Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on things you are thankful for, no matter how small. A gratitude practice can shift your perspective towards more positive emotions.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Move away from the idea of a “perfect” holiday. Embrace imperfections and focus on genuine connections rather than idealized portrayals often seen in media.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure you get adequate sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity. These foundational habits are crucial for emotional resilience.
• Establish Boundaries: Learn to say no to requests or social obligations that feel overwhelming or don’t align with your capacity. Protecting your time and energy is vital.
• Connect Authentically: Reach out to friends, family, or community groups that provide positive support. If feeling isolated, consider volunteering your time to help others, which can provide a sense of purpose and connection.
• Manage Finances Thoughtfully: Create a holiday budget and stick to it. Financial strain is a significant stressor, and planning ahead can alleviate much of this pressure.
• Moderate Alcohol and Watch What You Eat: While festive, excessive consumption of alcohol and overindulging in foods can negatively impact mood and energy levels, potentially worsening feelings of sadness or anxiety.
• Maintain Routines: Where possible, try to stick to your regular daily routines. Disruptions to sleep and eating schedules can exacerbate stress.
• Seek Support When Needed: If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness become persistent, severe, or interfere with your daily functioning, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider or a mental health professional.

Additionally, throughout the holiday season and beyond, the AHN Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Institute is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of the community. You can call 412-330-4429 to speak with specialists within the AHN Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Institute and you can contact The Hope Line at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) if you or someone else is at immediate risk.

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release yesterday that forty-eight-year-old Melissa Rhines of Aliquippa was arrested for trespassing in Moon Township at noon on September 23rd, 2025. Rhines committed this crime along 449 McCormick Road and charges were filed against her.