GoFundMe launched for family affected by a recent Chippewa Township house fire

(File Photo of the GoFundMe logo, Caption for Photo: More Than 500K People Helped GoFundMe Set Single-Day Giving Record After George Floyd’s Death, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of GoFundMe)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Chippewa Township, PA) A GoFundMe page was recently launched to support the family that was affected by a fire in their house in Chippewa Township. Multiple fire units responded to this fire at a house on the 3700 block of 37th Street Extension, which took place at 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday. The side and the roof near the front door of this house that caught fire were damaged and Beaver County dispatchers told WTAE that one dog was rescued from inside. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The link to donate to help the family affected by this incident can be found below:

Click here to donate: Fundraiser by Shelly Mann : Support Shelly’s Friends After Devastating Fire

Joseph Alexander Catalano, Jr. (1929-2025)

Joseph Alexander Catalano Jr., 96, of Rochester Township, passed away on October 7th, 2025 in his home. He was born in Rochester on April 3rd, 1929, a son of the late Joseph A. and Rose Catalano Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth O. Catalano and his sister, Angela Marie (Owen) Whipple. He is survived by his four children: Michael J. & Deborah Catalano of New Sewickley Township, John D. & Bronwyn Catalano of Ambridge and Jodi A. & Bobby Moxley of Beaver and Joseph A. Catalano & Regina Hunter; as well as his grandchildren: Dawn Lamenza, Dana Ratliff, Beth Peterson, Candace A. Glass, Chad Catalano, Brittany Hunter, David Hunter, Jeffrey Sypolt; along with his great grandchildren: Andrew, Alyssa, Kyleigh, Kelly, Ambrose, Leah, Ava, Emma, Ruth, Tyler, Benjamin, Lillian, Joseph, Lincoln, Lennon, Veronica, and Sawyer.

Joseph was a retired supervisor for Bell Telephone and a U.S. Army Veteran. He was also a member of both Our Lady of the Valley Parish and St. Cecelia Church of Rochester.

Friends will be received on Friday, October 10th from 2-4 P.M. & 6 P.M. until the time of a Blessing Service at 7:30 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Private interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery of Freedom.

Justin Brazeau’s late goal propels Penguins to 4-3 win over Islanders

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates after his goal with Evgeni Malkin (71) and Rickard Rakell (67) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Justin Brazeau beat Ilya Sorokin on a breakaway with 5:39 left to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins past the New York Islanders 4-3 on Thursday night.

Brazeau collected a lead pass from Evgeni Malkin, then deked his way by a sprawled Sorokin as the Penguins won for the second time in as many games under first-year coach Dan Muse.

Malkin finished with a goal and two assists while Sidney Crosby added a goal and an assist.

Crosby’s second-period tally from one knee at the top of the crease gave him 626 goals in his career, broke a tie with Hall of Famers Jarome Iginla and Joe Sakic, and moved Crosby into 16th-place by himself on the NHL’s career list.

Pittsburgh rookie Harrison Brunicke became the first South African to score in the NHL when he beat Sorokin between the legs in the second period. Tristan Jarry finished with 34 saves, including a couple of key stops in the frantic final seconds.

Jonathan Drouin, Kyle Palmieri, and rookie Max Shabanov scored for the Islanders. Sorokin stopped 24 shots.

Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the top overall pick in this year’s draft, picked up the first point of his career when the 18-year-old set up a knuckler from the slot by Drouin just past the midway point of the opening period.

Schaefer, who had around 30 friends and family in the stands, played 17:15 while becoming the second youngest defenseman to make his NHL debut in the last 70 years. Schaefer hardly looked out of place and showcased his dazzling speed on a handful of occasions while racing through the neutral zone to jump into the play.

Up next

Islanders: Host Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in their home opener on Saturday.

Penguins: Welcome former coach Mike Sullivan and the New York Rangers on Saturday.

Ship parade kicks off events celebrating 250 years of the US Navy and Marine Corps

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Spectators look on as U.S. Navy ships pass the viewing stand during the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, along the Delaware River, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A ship parade streamed up and down the Delaware River beside Philadelphia on Thursday to kick off a celebration of the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Among the ships that took part were the USS Lassen, the USS Billings and the USS Cooperstown. A military flyover accompanied the flotilla.

Thousands of people were expected to attend the boat parade and other anniversary-linked events over the next few days, including a reunion of veterans, a downtown street parade and a concert featuring singer Patti LaBelle, the Navy band and the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps.

Other celebrations were expected to take place on military bases around the world, organizers said.

The events marking the 1775 creation of the Navy and Marine Corps proceeded despite the government shutdown that has closed many federal agencies and offices. The Navy press office did not immediately respond to a Thursday email asking if any festivities had been curtailed because of the shutdown.

Vice Admiral John Gumbleton, speaking at the Delaware River waterfront along with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, the governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and others, said the celebration also marks the start of the nation’s semiquincentennial next year.

He encouraged civilians to engage with active and retired military personnel visiting Philadelphia and to ask them about their service.

“For every missile that destroys a threat, for every jet aircraft launched, for every engine that steams, none of this happens without a sailor behind it,” Gumbleton said.

“The ships are cool, the jets are cool, everything looks cool, but it’s the people — it’s those sailors, it’s those Marines, that get it done,” he said.

The Cornerstone of Beaver County Hosts 9th Annual Party with a Purpose: “Bingo with Elvis” Fundraiser

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Cornerstone of Beaver County)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) According to a release from the Cornerstone of Beaver County, the Cornerstone of Beaver County will host its 9th Annual Party with a Purpose: BINGO With Elvis” fundraiser tomorrow at 6 p.m. with the doors for this event opening at 5 p.m. at Monaca Turners, which is located on 1700 Old Brodhead Road in Monaca. This event includes twelve games of bingo, a cash bar, a 50/50 drawing, raffle baskets, cash and merchandise prizes and performances between bingo games by Jamie Harris, an Elvis Presley tribute artist who is based in Pittsburgh. Tickets for this event start at $35 and you can purchase these tickets either by going online at CornerstoneBeaver.org or you can purchase tickets by either calling 724-846-6400 or by emailing amclaughlin@cornerstone.org. CornerstoneBeaver.org is also where you can visit for more information and how you can find out about sponsorships, which are also available for purchase for this event, in which organizations and businesses that wish to support a worthy local cause while showing off their brand. All proceeds and sponsorships from this event goes to the Cornerstone of Beaver County, which seeks to both end and prevent homelessness in Beaver County.

Police describe gunfight in which 2 Pennsylvania state troopers were wounded and a suspect killed

(File Photo: Source for Photo: A police vehicle is seen at the site where two state police officers and a suspect were shot while officers were responding to a call, in southern Franklin County, about 85 miles (135 kilometers) northwest of Baltimore, Pa, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (WPMT/FOX43 via AP)

(AP) A Pennsylvania state trooper remained hospitalized in serious condition Thursday and another was treated and released after both were shot multiple times by a man suspected of stealing clothing from a store before leading police on a high-speed chase, investigators said.

The suspect, Lamar Lorenzo Foy, 31, was shot and killed when troopers returned fire Wednesday evening, Pennsylvania State Police said.

State police officials described a fierce gunfight in which Foy, a resident of Baltimore, began firing at troopers from inside the van he was driving after officers broke the driver’s side window. He then emerged with a stolen .40-caliber handgun and attempted to chase down the troopers, they said.

Trooper Thomas Pack, 23, was recovering at home, state police Col. Christopher Paris said during at a late afternoon news conference. Trooper Lucas Amarose, 31, was in surgery for several hours Thursday, Paris said.

“I can’t say enough about how they performed during this incident,” Paris said, also praising the other officers, first responders and a passerby doctor who rendered aid. Both troopers were “in very good spirits” while at the hospital Wednesday night, he said.

Franklin County District Attorney Ian M. Brink said at the news conference that the police shooting of Foy was justified.

“The use of force in this case was not just justified, as the law requires, it was absolutely necessary,” Brink told reporters. “Foy’s intent was clear by his actions. He posed an extreme threat of deadly force to all members of the law enforcement that were on scene, and potentially innocent civilians in the neighborhood.”

State police Lt. Col. George Bivens said he was “incredibly proud” of the officers after having watched video of the shooting.

“They stayed in the fight in spite of having, both of them, having significant, serious wounds,” Bivens said.

Police were called to a sporting goods store near Chambersburg just after 6 p.m. when suspects fled in a van with Maryland plates, authorities said. Troopers caught up with the vehicle and pursued it for more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) southbound on Interstate 81 before tire-deflating spike strips stopped it. Two women came out of the van and were arrested.

The two women, Amir Loren Swift, 21, and Giani Jaida McGowan, 21, both of Baltimore, were charged with retail theft and drug offenses. They are accused of stealing more than $1,000 worth of clothing from the store. Investigators said a search of the van turned up THC, plastic bags filled with powder, money and scales.

“We do not believe that this crime was committed in an isolated manner but, instead, was likely part of a larger crime pattern,” Bivens said. “And that remains the subject of investigation going forward.”

The wounded troopers were flown to Wellspan York Hospital after the shooting.

A Franklin County Jail supervisor said Thursday that the two women were being held there. Bail was denied for them both. Neither had lawyers listed on court documents. A phone number for Swift would not accept messages.

The shooting took place just north of the Maryland state line near Chambersburg, about 85 miles (135 kilometers) northwest of Baltimore.

Numerous departments respond to New Brighton house fire

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published October 9, 2025 6:43 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) Crews responded to a house fire Thursday around 5:30pm. The fire took place at a home near the intersection of 11th Street and 10th Avenue in New Brighton.

Firefighters could be seen working primarily on the second floor of the residence while smoke continued to flow out of the structure.

Numerous fire departments responded including New Brighton, Beaver Falls, Rochester, Beaver, Bridgewater, and Conway.

The scene was still active after 6:30pm Thursday.

Beaver County Radio witnessed Medic Rescue providing care to at least one person.

We do not have any further details at this time.

 

Whitehall man charged for providing fraudulent insurance activities without a license

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) The Allegheny County Attorney General’s Office recently announced that a man from Whitehall is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly conducting fraudulent insurance activities without a valid license. Forty-four-year-old Charles Harris has charges of identity theft, insurance fraud, fraudulent business practices and unlicensed activity, and five counts of forgery. These charges stem from allegations that Harris that he continued to engage in dealings for insurance after his license was revoked in March of 2023 for misusing client and business funds. According to the criminal complaint, Harris is accused of continuing to conduct insurance meetings, write and sell policies and forge documents and signatures of employees, despite the revocation of his license. The lack of a license that was valid prohibited Harris from soliciting or selling insurance, discussing policies with prospective clients and accounting. An arrest warrant for the arrest of Harris has been issued.

2 Pennsylvania state troopers wounded and a suspect was killed in exchange of gunfire after chase

(File Photo: Source for Photo: A police vehicle is seen at the site where two state police officers and a suspect were shot while officers were responding to a call, in southern Franklin County, about 85 miles (135 kilometers) northwest of Baltimore, Pa, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (WPMT/FOX43 via AP)

(AP) A Pennsylvania state trooper remained hospitalized in serious condition Thursday and another was treated and released after they were shot by a man suspected of stealing clothing from a store and leading police on a high-speed chase, investigators said.

The suspect, identified in a court affidavit as Lamar Lorenzo Foy, 31, was shot and killed when troopers returned fire Wednesday evening, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Police were called to a sporting goods store near Chambersburg just after 6 p.m. when suspects fled in a van with Maryland plates, authorities said. Troopers caught up with the vehicle and pursued it for more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) southbound on Interstate 81 before spike strips stopped it. Two women came out of the van and were arrested.

Charging documents filed against the two women said Foy shot two troopers with a handgun. The troopers “returned fire and Foy died as a result,” according to the probable cause affidavit.

The two women, Amir Loren Swift, 21, and Giani Jaida McGowan, 21, both of Baltimore, were charged with retail theft and drug offenses. They are accused of stealing more than $1,000 worth of clothing from the store. Investigators said a search of the van turned up a THC, plastic bags filled with powder, money and scales.

A Franklin County Jail supervisor said Thursday that the two women were being held there. Bail was denied for them both. Neither had lawyers listed on court documents. A phone number for Swift would not accept messages.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said he and his wife, Lori, were praying for the officers and asked others to join them.

“Pennsylvania’s law enforcement officers are the very best of us — running towards danger every day to keep our communities safe,” Shapiro said in a post on the social platform X.

The shooting took place just north of the Maryland state line near Chambersburg, about 85 miles (135 kilometers) northwest of Baltimore.

Governor Shapiro Provides Update on Pennsylvania State Budget Negotiations

(Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro provided an update yesterday in Harrisburg on the negotiations of the Pennsylvania state budget. Yesterday was one-hundred days since the Pennsylvania state budget deadline on June 30th, 2025. Pennsylvania is the only state without some form of plan for spending in place for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. There was also a vote of 105-98 yesterday in which lawmakers in the Democratic-led House approved a spending proposal of $50.25 billion and sent it to the Senate for consideration. According to Shapiro in his comments yesterday, “this is a budget that cuts taxes, doesn’t raise them, that protects the rainy day fund and still manages to make critically important investments.” Shapiro also noted that these investments are in safety, funding schools and economic opportunity and this budget will allow money to go to both rape crisis centers and schools. Shapiro also confirmed that this budget will also allow counties to get their necessary funding and stated “it will allow Pennsylvanians to get what they deserve, which is a balanced budget that cuts taxes and makes improtant investments.”