Canadian man released after being arrested for theft incident in Robinson Township

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA0 Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported today that a 31-year-old Canadian man was arrested in connection with an alleged theft scheme involving packages containing precious metals at a FedEx facility in Robinson Township.

Matthew Francois was charged with theft, theft of mail, receiving stolen property, forgery and corrupt organizations. He was released Saturday on a nonmonetary bond, according to police.

State police said the Organized Crime Unit was contacted by FedEx security on or about May 17th regarding multiple packages containing gold and silver that had allegedly been stolen.

Investigators said they arranged for a “bait package” containing purported precious metals valued at about $75,000 to be shipped to a location near the FedEx shipping office in Robinson Township.

According to police, Francois attempted to pick up the package Friday and used a false identification card and tracking information to obtain it. He was taken into custody and transported to the Allegheny County Jail to await arraignment.

Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A Pittsburgh man has been sentenced to five months in federal prison for violating federal firearms laws, U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Michael Allen Barnes, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV, who also ordered him to serve two years of supervised release following his incarceration. The first 150 days of supervised release will be served on home detention with location monitoring.

According to federal prosecutors, Barnes was arrested in downtown Pittsburgh on April 11, 2024, on an outstanding arrest warrant from Georgia. Authorities said they recovered a loaded handgun from his waistband during the arrest.

Prosecutors said Barnes had previously been convicted of burglary in Gwinnett County, Georgia, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

Shapiro Administration Launches Specialized 511PA Website to Help Travelers Headed to the World Cup, MLB All Star Week, and America250 Events this Summer

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT is encouraging travelers attending major events in Philadelphia this year to use a new online resource that provides real-time traffic and travel information.

The page, available through PennDOT’s 511PA traveler information system, includes traffic maps, travel times, incident reports, construction updates, traffic camera feeds and message board information for routes serving FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches, FIFA Fan Festival™ events, MLB All-Star Week and America250PA celebrations.

According to PennDOT, the maps also include real-time SEPTA information, including service status and next departure times.

Travelers using the “My Routes” feature can access event-related points of interest when selecting their starting point or destination.

PennDOT said its Southeast Regional Traffic Management Center will support the events by providing real-time travel information on electronic message signs. The agency plans to activate 40 additional traffic cameras and 32 additional message boards to help monitor conditions and direct travelers.

Officials are advising motorists in the Philadelphia area to expect changing traffic patterns, delays and increased pedestrian activity during the events.

PennDOT said it is coordinating with transportation agencies and government partners in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, as well as the City of Philadelphia and SEPTA, to manage traffic throughout the event season.

You can access the website by clicking here.

Route 1037 Reno Street Culvert Replacement Underway in Beaver County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that a culvert replacement project is underway on Reno Street (Route 1037) in Rochester Township. Culvert replacement work requiring the closure of Reno Street over Dutchman Run between Unionville Road and Noonen Street will occur through late August, and through traffic will be detoured. Drivers will be detoured during the replacement work via Pine Run Road, Big Knob Road, and Deer Lane Extension. Crews from A. Merante Contracting, Inc. will conduct the replacement work on this $787,000 project.

Cheryl M. Simpson (1950-2026)

Cheryl M. Simpson, 76, of Freedom, passed away on June 4th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Rochester on May 27th, 1950, the daughter of the late William F. and Lenora Watson Baker. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Thomas A. Simpson, as well as one daughter, Lisa M. and Aaron Sipps, and one granddaughter, Ava Marie Sipps of Barrington, New Jersey.

Cheryl was a retired computer scientist with Computer Science Corporation in Falls Church, Virginia. She was a member of the Pinehurst Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Sewickley. She was a graduate of Freedom High School and received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Spanish from Thiel College in Greenville. She loved her family and was a devoted wife and mother.

Friends will be received on Thursday June 11th, from 4-6 p.m., with a service following at 6:15pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements. Officiating will be Pastor Dale Roberts. Private interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Nancy J. Mignanelli (1939-2026)

Nancy J. Mignanelli, 86, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2026, in her home. She was born in Aliquippa on July 30th, 1939, the daughter of the late Pompilo and Angeline Temassi Vespaziani. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grand daughter, Kylee Hiltz and two brothers, Jerry and Richard Vespaziani. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Anthony “Tony” J. Mignanelli, one son, Anthony J. Mignanelli II and husband, Matthew Healy of Durham, North Carolina, one daughter and son in law, Melissa “Missy” Ann and Doug Hiltz of Monaca, two grandchildren, Kole and Noah, two sisters in law and one brother in law, Peggy Morris, Charles and Suzy Mignanelli and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy was a retired clerk with various banks, including, Huntington Bank in Rochester, formerly Beaver Trust, Sky Bank and First Western Bank. She also worked for Federal Colonial Bank in Monaca. She was also a former employee with J. C. Penney of Conway. She was a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester and Our Lady of the Valley Parish. She loved cooking, traveling and spending time with family.

Friends are invited Tuesday, June 9th, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. to gather with the family at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Celebrating will be Father Alan Morris. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Family requests donations to Alzheimer’s Foundation of Pittsburgh, 2835 E Carson St Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

The family wishes to thank the Three Oaks Hospice nurses, Theresa, Rose, Maria and Nicole for their care and comfort given to our Mom.

John G. Gagliardi (1964-2026)

John G. Gagliardi, 62, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who passed away peacefully on June 6th, 2026.

He was born on March 5th, 1964. Above all else, John cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Diane Gagliardi, and a loving father to Melissa (Alex) Thomson and Rocco (Christa) Gagliardi. Known as “Papa G” to his grandchildren, Lucas and Isabella, he shared countless stories, laughs, and treasured memories with them. In addition to those relatives, he is survived by many loving relatives, including Doug and Debbie Ferguson and John and Mary Cappabianco, as well as numerous friends, nieces, and nephews. he especially loved spending time with his vacation companions, Doug and Debbie, and with his hunting friends, with whom he shared a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

John proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force 171st Reserve Unit, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He dedicated most of his life to law enforcement, serving as a Baden Police Officer and later as a Detective with the Pittsburgh Police Department for 30 years. Throughout his career, he was known for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to protecting others. After retiring from law enforcement, he continued to be a source of wisdom, strength, and guidance to all who knew him. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a police officer with AHN Police. He will be remembered for his strong sense of duty, his generous heart, his quick wit, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His legacy of service, honor, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the lives of all those he touched.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11th from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In honor of his service to his country, community, and the field of law enforcement, military and police honors will be rendered.

Pirates star second baseman Brandon Lowe tests negative for fracture in his right knee

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Erik S. Lesser/Associated Press) Caption for Photo: Pirates designated hitter Brandon Lowe, center, is helped off the field by Pirates manager Don Kelly, right, and a trainer after hitting the ball off of his right knee during the ninth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Atlanta.

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Atlanta, GA) Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said yesterday that tests on second baseman Brandon Lowe’s right knee were “negative for any sort of fracture.”

Lowe was removed from Saturday’s game in the Pirates’ 6-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta after injuring his knee in the ninth inning. He was helped off the field with two outs remaining.

Cherington described Lowe as “day to day.”

Lowe also appeared as a pinch hitter in yesterday’s 3-2 loss to the Braves in Atlanta, where he delivered a double before being replaced by pinch runner Oneil Cruz.

Lowe has been one of the key players for the Pirates, and his stats this season include a hitting average of .252, 15 home runs, and 41 RBIs.

June Audrey Marilungo (1931-2026)

June Audrey Marilungo, 94, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2026, at her home.

She was born in Jeanette on August 8th, 1931, the daughter of the late Patrick and Zelda (Edwards) Finnegan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Marilungo, Jr., her son-in-law, Martin “Marty” Stein and her grandson, Bradley McClean. She is survived by her daughters, Sherry (Bruce) McClean and Sylvia Stein, her grandchildren: Jeremy McClean, Brian (Kelly) McClean, Brent (Katie) Stein, Nicholas (Lee) Stein, and Stephen (Vanessa) McClean; as well as a granddaughter-in-law, Janet McClean, eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

June worked as a housekeeper for the former Beaver Medical Center and was a member of the Beaver Falls Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was devout in her faith and never missed weekly meetings at the Kingdom Hall. She loved to shop and watch gameshows, but she was best known for her devoted preaching ministry throughout the downtown Beaver Falls community. One of her greatest joys was gathering with her family for their monthly dinners.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 15th from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 3 P.M. until the time of funeral services at 5:30 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Zoom option will be available for those unable to attend in person. Meeting ID: 7243121047; Passcode: 1047.

Private interment will be held Tuesday at Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits Helps Pennsylvanians Raise a Glass to the Summer’s Biggest Global Soccer Celebration, the FIFA World Cup 2026™

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Fine WIne and Good Spirits)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Fine Wine & Good Spirits (FW&GS) announced a promotional campaign tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ that will bring matches to Philadelphia this year.

The retailer said it plans to highlight products and offers aimed at consumers hosting watch parties, cookouts and other gatherings during the tournament, which is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region.

The campaign comes during a busy year for Pennsylvania, which will host a variety of major events in 2026, including celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, sporting events, festivals and concerts.

According to a release from Fine Wine & Good Spirits, here is more information about this campaign:

Match-Day Favorites from Around the World

 

FW&GS stores throughout Pennsylvania will feature special displays highlighting limited-edition products and globally inspired selections perfect for watch parties and celebrations.

 

Featured products, which are at select stores and only while supplies last, include:

 

Whether customers are cheering for a longtime favorite, celebrating their heritage, or simply looking for something new to try, FW&GS offers bottles and flavors that reflect the global spirit of the season.

 

Bringing the Celebration into Stores

 

FW&GS will also host a series of special tasting events featuring premium brands associated with the tournament.

 

Participating stores will offer opportunities to sample products and receive commemorative giveaways.

 

Featured events include:

  • Casamigos Sampling Events: Customers can sample Casamigos Blanco, Reposado, and ready-to-drink margaritas while receiving custom keepsakes inspired by the summer’s global soccer celebration.
  • Buchanan’s Scotch Events: Guests can sample Buchanan’s Deluxe and Buchanan’s Pineapple and personalize commemorative bottle labels to mark the occasion.

 

Event dates, participating locations, and details are available at FWGS.com/events by clicking here.