(File Photo of the University of Pittsburgh Seal)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) A new study at the University of Pittsburgh could lead to a new way to lose weight. According to researchers, they may have found a way to help people lose unwanted pounds while retaining muscle. Researchers found that by using a specific drug called HDAC6 inhibitor, mice that were overweight were able to lose up to 50% of their body fat.
(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie Speaking)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Ambridge, PA) According to a release in Ambridge from State Representative Rob Matzie’s office, Matzie announced in Pennsylvania yesterday that the Community College of Beaver County has received over $1.6 million in new state funding for capital improvements. Matzie stated that this funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will include $1.4 million for a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and $225,000 for parking lot upgrades. Matzie also noted that in addition to CCBC, the Community College of Allegheny County received grants worth $5.9 million for improvements to the Boyce Campus, which includes $2.9 million for Biology Lab renovations and $3 million for roof renovations.
(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release on Wednesday that they are investigating a hit-and-run crash which involved a wrong-way driver that occurred on Tuesday. Troopers received multiple reports of a wrong-way driver traveling on Interstate 79 near the I-376 interchange at approximately 5:30 P.M. That driver was in a gray SUV and was travelling southbound in northbound lanes. Another vehicle hit the driver who went the wrong way and hit a traffic barrier. Anyone with more information about this incident should call PSP Pittsburgh at 412-299-1607.
(File Photo of State Representative Josh Kail)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his state budget address to outline his $53.26 billion proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 in Harrisburg on Tuesday, which is a 5.4% increase in spending over the current fiscal year. According to a release in Harrisburg yesterday from State Representative Joshua D. Kail’s (R-Beaver/Washington) office, Kail issued the following statement:
“Similar to past budgets, this spends way too much. Pennsylvanians would lose more money to taxes, and the Rainy Day Fund, which is designed to cover emergencies, would see a 60% reduction in its balance to go toward the governor’s priorities. This plan is wide of the mark of addressing the affordability and energy crises the Commonwealth is experiencing. As families continue facing an onslaught of expensive grocery and energy bills, the goal should be to reign in spending. We must implement sound energy policy that unleashes the resources beneath our feet. By maximizing our potential, we can lower prices and attract key investment opportunities to Pennsylvania. We have a distinct advantage with our abundance of resources and getting them to market. Unfortunately, Harrisburg is standing in the way of prosperity – causing families to flee to our neighboring states while the Commonwealth remains stagnant. Pennsylvania should not be interested in being just competitive. We should strive to dominate and be the envy of the nation. Affordability is not a left versus right issue. It’s a bipartisan matter. For us to achieve affordability, we need to have tough discussions centered on facts. We have the tools to leverage economic growth and business opportunities, but we must simplify the process and get out of the way so everyone can benefit. If the finalized product reflects this vision, I will vote in favor of it.”
(Credit for Photo: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a reception against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(San Francisco, CA) Former Pitt football and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was one of the five inductees of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. The class was announced at the 2026 NFL Honors last night at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Fitzgerald is second in NFL history in both receiving yards with 17,492 and receptions with 1,432, and is sixth in NFL history in touchdowns with 121 Fitzgerald spent his entire NFL career with the Cardinals through seventeen seasons. The other inductees of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class are quarterback Drew Brees, linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri, and running back Rodger Craig, who was the only finalist to be inducted in the Seniors category. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 enshrinement is set for August 8th in Canton, Ohio at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Avery Hayes (85) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Avery Hayes scored twice in his NHL debut, Arturs Silovs made 26 saves and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-2 on Thursday night in the final game for both teams before the Olympic break.
Called up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League with the Penguins hit by a series of injuries, Hayes tied at 1 at 9:18 of the period on his first shot on goal. He raced to beat defenseman Jacob Bryson to the puck and put a wrister past goalie Alex Lyon.
Hayes made it 2-1 with 1:13 left in the period, taking Anthony Mantha’s short, backward pass and knocking it in. He’s the third Penguins player to score twice in his NHL debut, joining Rob Brown (two goals on Oct. 21, 1987) and Jake Guentzel (two goals on Nov. 21, 2016).
Hayes has 13 goals and 10 assists in 31 games this season in the AHL. He made his NHL debut with Blake Lizotte out for the birth of his first child, Rickard Rakell nursing a lower-body injury and Noel Acciari sidelined by an illness.
Fellow rookie Ben Kindel gave Pittsburgh a 3-1 lead at 7:44 of the second, Tommy Novak made it 4-2 with 4:29 to go in the third, and Kindel had a short-handed empty-netter with 14 seconds to go for his 14th of the season. The Penguins rebounded from a 5-4 overtime loss at the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.
Tage Thompson scored his 30th goal of the season for Buffalo. Jason Zucker also scored, and Lyon stopped 27 shots. The Sabres have lost two in a row.
Zucker opened the scoring for Buffalo at 1:46 of the first period. Thompson scored on a power play to cut it to 3-2 at 1:55 of the third.
Penguins: Host New Jersey on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Sabres: At New Jersey on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver COunty Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that due to the upcoming winter storm, restrictions on the I-279 and I-579 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in the City of Pittsburgh and Ross Township began. Beginning at approximately 11:00 PM last night, the HOV lanes closed to traffic due to anticipated weather conditions. Crews will monitor the roads and determine when these HOV lanes are safe to reopen and more information will be provided in advance of reopening those lanes. According to a release from PennDOT District 11, PennDOT offers this advice if drivers must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow, even though the safest choice is avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter weather conditions.
Joanne M. Borkovic, 91, of Freedom, passed away on February 3rd, 2026. She was born in Aliquippa on July 5th, 1934, a daughter of the late Joseph and Hilda Berny. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Victor Borkovic and two sisters, Margaret Edwards and Mary Ann Snowden. She is survived by her loving and devoted son, Ken Borkovic, who gave such loving and wonderful care to her at the end of her life, her daughter, Kathleen Borkovic Vertullo and her daughter’s husband, Dr. David Vertullo.
Joanne was very active in her beloved Catholic parish of St. Felix Catholic Church in Freedom by serving as a Eucharistic minister, lector, and holding and facilitating prayer groups with her beloved husband, Victor, with whom she was inseparable in life.
Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, February 10th, from 4-6 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 11th from 9:30 a.m. until the time of prayers at 10 a.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom on Wednesday, February 11th at 10:30 A.M. An internment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, 9th Street Extension at Pine Run Road and Lovi Road, Freedom (New Sewickley Township.)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joanne M. Borkovic, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.
Ramon E. Solero, who was born on August 28th, 1936, in Conway, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2026, at the Greenery Center Nursing Home in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He was the loving son of the late Helen and Elliot Solero and was also preceded in death by his sisters, Sylvia, Anelia, Rita and Linda. He is survived by his beloved nephews, Darren and Jason Basich, who will remember him for his dedication, loyalty, and quiet strength.
Ramon was a proud graduate of Freedom Area High School and went on to serve his country honorably with four years of service in the United States Army. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He dedicated his professional life to teaching, serving as a history teacher in the Ambridge Area School District. He had a deep appreciation for history and education and took great pride in teaching and mentoring his students.In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, faithfully cheering on his team. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 6th from 10 A.M. until the time of blessing service at 12 noon in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ramon E. Solero, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.
(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Carlisle, PA) PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll highlighted the process of the Shapiro Administration to upgrade PennDOT facilities while visiting the newly renovated PennDOT Driver License Center in Carlisle. That center is one of 23 driver license centers across Pennsylvania which recently underwent renovations to modernize facilities and improve customer service for Pennsylvanians. The Shapiro Administration has a commitment to making government more accessible and more effective for Pennsylvanians across the state. Millions of Pennsylvanians visit one of the many Driver License Centers from PennDOT every year and these facility improvements will help serve more Pennsylvanians, speed up processes, and cut wait times. PennDOT has been able to add more workstations and counters, expand seating for customers and overall space for buildings, upgrade both electrical and HVAC systems and install new flooring, lighting and carpet, among other projects as part of the renovations for driver license centers. Select driver license center locations offer free public Wi-Fi in addition to physical renovations improving the customer experience. The Motor Vehicle Network, which displays relevant information to customers on flat-screen TVs while they wait, are also equipped in all 76 PennDOT driver license centers in Pennsylvania. Customer queuing information on these screens that display the Motor Vehicle Network are also displayed at 59 of those driver license centers.