(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner joins immigrant rights supporters as they demonstrate during a May Day rally outside the federal courthouse in Philadelphia, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.

U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.

Diamond also took the unusual step of recommending that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.

In a memorandum referring the matter for “investigation and other appropriate action” the judge said “troubling” activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings into how the DA’s office handled the Johnson case.

That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening “consequences” for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.

“I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law,” Diamond said.

Krasner said in a statement that he “respectfully and vigorously” disagrees with the decision.

“I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows,” Krasner said, adding that he could not comment further because the case is pending.

Stiegler did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania also did not immediately reply to inquiries seeking details about the potential investigation.

Johnson was convicted in 2009 of killing Kenyatta Smith. In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.

Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler. Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to “protect the office,” according to the documents.

Johnson’s petition remains on hold. Diamond said the DA’s office could continue to handle the case moving forward, but it is not immediately clear which prosecutor might take it on.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) A ribbon cutting occurred on Tuesday to celebrate New Alliance Federal Credit Union’s recent expansion and renovation of its Ambridge branch at the company’s Ambridge location on Merchant Street. 

New Alliance Federal Credit Union has served the community in Ambridge for over 80 years.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet the team of New Alliance Federal Credit Union, enjoy refreshments and community activities, and see a premiere of its new “Strength Starts Here” campaign video which featured Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, who also joined the celebration.

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll recognized 30 PennDOT employees at a ceremony yesterday for their outstanding performance with PennDOT’s highest recognition, the Star of Excellence Award. 

Local winners Nicole Haney, Ashley Parello, and Michael Zimmerman were honored that afternoon at an awards luncheon at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.

Those employees were from PennDOT District 11, which represents Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties and they were among the rest of the honorees.

Haney was nominated by Harrisburg’s Communications Office and Parello and Zimmerman were recognized by PennDOT District 11.

According to a release from PennDOT District 11, here is more information about the PennDOT District 11 employees that earned the Star of Excellence Award:

Nicole Haney, Press Officer
 

Nicole has a unique position where she develops and coordinates special community involvement programs, specifically where significant community impacts are likely to occur, and she works with District staff to evaluate the effects of proposed projects on the local community. She has served as the primary contact for legislators in the District and has coordinated District Right-to-Know requests. Along with this, Nicole assists the District Press Office by building solid relationships with media outlets and for internal communications. She has also assisted neighboring districts in an acting capacity, performing those duties with the highest level of professionalism and capability. She is recognized for her calm and professional demeaner in any situation, always ready to assist the department’s various business areas.
 

Ashley Parello, P.E., Bridge Inspection Supervisor
 

Ashley’s role as the Bridge Inspection Supervisor has proven to be exemplary and vital to the district. Although newer to her position, her quick acclimation to the duties, mixed with her attention to detail and leadership skills have contributed to her earned respect among her peers. Through the process of learning various procedures for her role, Ashley has taken current standards and enhanced the tracking systems to increase efficiency and work production. Had it not been for Ashley’s thorough work behavior, emergency repairs needed on a major bridge structure would not have been recognized. Due to her immediate thinking, a larger issue was revealed early enough to allow the district to assemble a solution that would impact the public minimally, while keeping the region safe. In addition to this, her ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships with the department’s industry partners is extremely impressive. Ashley has done a fantastic job managing field inspections and has taken the position to a new level. 

 

 

Michael Zimmerman, P.E., Beaver County Maintenance Manager
 

Mikes performance as the Beaver County Maintenance Manager has been instrumental in the success of what was once a failing county maintenance organization. Under Mikes leadership, the county management team began working toward a common goal of completing cycle maintenance activities, county crews have expressed a complete change in atmosphere, staff are showing more pride and ambition to complete new tasks, suppliers who previously were reluctant to bid work with PennDOT are now working with the county, and previous vacancies are now filled. His hands-on approach to customer service and excellent communication skills have allowed him to develop successful and positive relationships county-wide. Mike brought his geotechnical skills to the county and started an in-house geotechnical crew to perform slide repairs with department forces. This not only brought monetary savings to the county but also led to higher morale with the crews. Mike is widely recognized for turning around Beaver County. 

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Mercer County, PA) A fugitive is now in custody months after he shot at a car at a Speedway gas station in New Brighton and held someone at gunpoint. 

According to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force says that Jalen Sims of New Brighton was arrested on Saturday in Sharon over in Mercer County. 

Sims was charged with attempted homicide and other charges back in June, after he shot at a vehicle with two people inside at the Speedway gas station on Fifth Street on June 21st in what Beaver County district attorney Nate Bible described as called a “complete act of violence.” 

The bullet hit just above the windshield of the vehicle, but it did not go through it.

There were no reported injuries.  

Sims was also wanted on a federal arrest warrant because he violated conditions of supervised release related to a 2021 charge of conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act robbery.

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse) 

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session today at the County Courthouse.  

The biggest development came when County Solicitor Garen Fedeles provided an update on the possible reopening of Wildwood Road in the solicitors’ report of the session. 

Fedeles confirmed that the Commissioners “have been hearing rumblings that that (Wildwood Road) is going to be opening up here very soon.” 

Wildwood Road has been closed since April 5th, 2025 and the road in Brighton Township has been a shortcut for a long time between Route 51 and Dutch Ridge Road to get to the hospital there.

The Commissioners previously talked to PennDOT and wanted the company to consider putting in a one-way stop sign in each direction on Wildwood Road which would allow traffic to go over the area where it is slid and consider to expediate the road.

Another local road closure that was discussed was Achortown Road, which has been closed in Beaver Falls since 2018.

The state of Pennsylvania has money to fix Achortown Road, but if the Commissioners apply for a program called “The Takeback Program,” the state can fix it and then turn it back to the county.

However, the Commissioners will be working with Representative Kail in terms of

Another interesting part of the session was that a Beaver County time capsule for the year 2076 was displayed on a table in the county courthouse’s meeting room where the Commissioners have their work sessions.  

Fedeles explained that this time capsule, which is made of the finest pine wood in the county, will be displayed in the year 2076 for America300, when the United States of America will be celebrating its 300th anniversary of its founding. 

The United States celebrated America250 this year for the 250th anniversary of its founding on July 4th.  

Fedeles also read a “mysterious” letter that was inside the time capsule to the audience that is addressed to the people residing in Beaver County in 2026. 

The people who sent the letter are Beaver County’s “citizens of 2076,” and they wanted the 2026 county residents to make a time capsule and to put items inside to show the 2076 citizens what keepsakes and memories the county had in 2026.  

This is so the future generation can have conversations throughout the future about these items in the county and beyond. 

The 2076 county time capsule will also be at the America250 parade this Saturday on Third Street in Beaver so county residents can celebrate their memories and put items in it. 

County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury also thanked his team on the work they have done to put on the America250 parade which will begin at 10 a.m. on Third Street this Saturday in Beaver, which will feature 13 out of the 14 county high school bands.

(File Photo of Representative Aaron Bernstine)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Representative Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) announced today that nearly $1.2 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants have been approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support water infrastructure, road maintenance, public safety and municipal services in Butler and Lawrence counties. 

Local Share Account grants are funded through the gaming revenues under Act 71 of 2004 and support community improvements, economic development and projects that enhance the quality of life for residents of Pennsylvania.

According to a release from Representative Bernstine’s office, the approved projects include: 

• Adams Township Municipal Water Authority – $400,000 to extend a water line along Harbison and Forsythe roads in Middlesex Township, Butler County. The project will create a looped connection between existing distribution lines, improving water service reliability and fire protection for nearly 1,000 residents, businesses, farms and essential facilities. 

• Clay Township – $155,000 to purchase a new smooth drum vibratory soil compactor to replace an aging and undersized roller. The new equipment will support maintenance of the township’s 43.73 miles of roads while reducing equipment downtime and repair costs. 

• Ellport Borough – $50,000 to purchase a new truck equipped with a snowplow to replace a 15-year-old vehicle with increasing maintenance costs. The vehicle will help the borough maintain approximately 20 miles of roadway. 

• New Beaver Borough – $50,000 to purchase and upfit a police vehicle to replace a vehicle that has been out of service since September 2024. The new vehicle will help the borough police department meet emergency response needs while restoring a second operational police vehicle. 

• Plain Grove Township – $150,000 to purchase a new tractor with mower, broom and ditcher attachments to replace a 2003 tractor and worn equipment. The new equipment will be used for roadside mowing, winter operations and ditch maintenance to improve roadway safety and drainage. 

• Slippery Rock Township – $200,000 to purchase a new JCB Hydradig wheeled excavator and attachments. The equipment will support maintenance of the township’s 48.5 miles of roads, including mowing, tree removal, grading and berm maintenance. 
• Washington Township – $150,000 to purchase a tractor with boom mower and ditcher attachments. The equipment will allow the township to mow and trim vegetation along roadways and maintain roadside ditches to improve visibility, drainage and roadway safety. 

(File Photo of Senator Camera Bartolotta)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Senator Camera Bartolotta announced today that nearly $8 million in state grants have been awarded to communities across the 46th Senatorial District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program.

This funding will support 26 projects across Beaver, Greene and Washington counties, and this includes improvements to public safety, infrastructure, recreation, municipal services, stormwater management, transportation, broadband access and community facilities.

The LSA Program uses the gaming revenue to support projects that advance community improvement, economic development and public interest.

According to a release from Senator Bartolotta’s office, here is more information about where the funding went to and more information about the projects that they will help:

Beaver County 

• Hanover Township will receive $698,631 for South Side Athletic Field Improvements, including new LED lighting at three baseball/softball fields and an adjacent playground to expand opportunities for youth sports, tournaments and community events. 

Greene County

• Carmichaels Borough will receive $254,307 for Phase I of its Sidewalk Connectivity Project, addressing deteriorated sidewalks and ADA accessibility issues along East George Street and around Center Town Square.

 

• Freeport Township will receive $151,870 to purchase a new dump truck equipped with a plow and spreader for maintaining township roads, rights-of-way and public property.

 

• Jefferson Township will receive $529,888 for Phase II of its Multipurpose Community Facility, which will create a digital access center with free high-speed internet, a computer lab, telehealth and remote-work space, public Wi-Fi and other resources for residents.

 

• Perry Township will receive $488,015 to replace the deteriorating Lemley Hill Road bridge with a permanent arch-plate culvert, improving safety and access for residents, emergency responders and public service vehicles.

 

Washington County

 

• Canonsburg Borough will receive $104,025 to install three ADA-compliant concrete restroom facilities at Canonsburg Town Park, replacing temporary portable restrooms.

 

• Carroll Township will receive $140,735 to stabilize the slope along Columbia Road following significant landslide damage and restore the affected roadway.

 

• East Finley Township will receive $270,872 to purchase a new mower for maintaining rural road shoulders, drainage ditches and steep embankments.

 

• Fallowfield Township will receive $122,000 to expand and improve its Veterans and Fire Fighters Honor Roll, including new memorials, walkways, lighting, landscaping, benches and flagpoles.

 

• Greene County Industrial Developments, Inc. will receive $90,993 for the Blueprints Foster Transportation Initiative to purchase two vehicles providing reliable transportation for children and youth in foster care and independent living programs.

 

• Houston Borough will receive $983,665 to construct a new municipal building, replacing its flood-prone facility and allowing borough operations to continue during future flooding.

 

• Houston Borough will receive $120,691 to replace an aging work truck used for borough maintenance and public services.

 

• Independence Township will receive $147,000 to replace the failing #408 Bridge with a permanent prefabricated aluminum box culvert, improving safety and access for vehicular traffic.

 

• Morris Township will receive $116,450 to construct a new sports court with pickleball and basketball amenities, expanding recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.

 

• Mount Pleasant Township, on behalf of the Northern Washington County Regional Police Department, will receive $399,569 to purchase and equip six new police vehicles to support 24/7 regional patrol services.

 

• North Franklin Township will receive $200,000 for stormwater improvements along Hazelwood Drive, including a detention pond to help address recurring flooding.

 

• North Franklin Township will receive $38,000 to purchase a utility vehicle for its 90-acre Waterside Park, assisting with trail maintenance, debris removal and snow and ice clearing.

 

• North Strabane Township will receive $300,000 for the first phase of Alexander Park improvements, including ADA-accessible parking and walking surfaces, a renovated basketball court, three pickleball courts, new fencing and updated playground equipment.

 

• Peters Creek Sanitary Authority will receive $450,000 to extend public sewer service to 43 properties along Church Hill Road and eliminate the Old Trail Lift Station.

 

• Peters Township will receive $1 million to replace the existing soccer field at Peterswood Park with a high-performance turf system supporting soccer, football and lacrosse.

 

• Redevelopment Authority of the County of Fayette, on behalf of Food Helpers, will receive $92,000 to pave the receiving area and parking lot at the Greater Washington County Food Bank in Centerville Borough, improving access for food deliveries.

 

• Smith Township will receive $200,000 for Phase I of a new community park, including parking, a pavilion, recreational amenities, utilities and landscaping.

 

• Somerset Township will receive $600,000 to extend public water service along Hixon Road and surrounding roads, providing reliable water to residents, agricultural operations and a business currently relying on wells, cisterns and hauled water.

 

• Union Township will receive $200,000 to purchase equipment for its Public Works Department, improving efficiency and reducing the need to rent equipment for township projects.

 

• Washington City will receive $254,875 for the Tyler Avenue Drainage Project, including new stormwater infrastructure to address recurring flooding and erosion affecting residential properties.

 

• • Washington County Redevelopment Authority will receive $37,100 to reseal the Century Plaza parking lot and replace deteriorated sidewalks, improving safety and accessibility for its residents age 62 and older.

(File Photo of Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. announced today that projects in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties were awarded over $6.8 million in Statewide Local Share Account funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. 

The Pennsylvania Gaming Act allocates the proceeds from online gaming revenue to support projects in the public interest across the state of Pennsylvania. 

According to a release from Senator Vogel’s office, a breakdown by county of the approved state funding can be found below: 

Beaver County: 29 municipal projects were awarded more than $5 million.

Butler County: 10 municipal projects were awarded $1.7 million.

Lawrence County: Two municipal projects were awarded a total of $100,000.