Author: Beaver County Radio

Paul Skenes and Brandon Lowe lead Pirates to 16-5 rout against Nationals

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Pittsburgh, Monday, April 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Paul Skenes allowed one hit in six strong innings and Brandon Lowe homered for the third time in two games, driving in five runs as the Pittsburgh Pirates steamrolled the Washington Nationals 16-5 to begin a four-game series Monday night.

Skenes (3-1) struck out six and walked one, throwing a career-high 32 changeups among his 88 pitches while improving to 7-1 in his last 11 home starts. The only run he gave up came on a first-inning homer by CJ Abrams.

Lowe went 3 for 5 with a two-run single in the second and his sixth homer — a three-run shot in the Pirates’ 10-run sixth. He had a grand slam and a solo shot Sunday at Wrigley Field in a 7-6 loss to the Cubs.

Lowe became the first Pirates player to knock in at least five runs in consecutive games since RBIs became an official statistic in 1920.

Oneil Cruz reached base four straight times for Pittsburgh and went 2 for 3 to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games. He had three RBIs and scored three runs.

Bryan Reynolds had a bases-loaded triple in the sixth and an RBI single in the second. He finished with three of the team’s 16 hits.

Pittsburgh has scored 38 runs in Skenes’ four starts this season after totaling 37 runs in his first 11 outings last year.

Skenes struck out three in the first, but Abrams hit a 99.5 mph fastball on a full count for his fifth home run and a 1-0 lead.

Cruz’s bases-loaded walk tied it in the second against Cade Cavalli (0-1) before Lowe’s two-run single and Reynolds’ run-scoring single chased the right-hander after he allowed four runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Spencer Horwitz hit his first homer of the season leading off the third against Paxton Schultz for a 5-1 advantage.

Konnor Griffin added an RBI single in Pittsburgh’s 10-run sixth.

José Urquidy allowed six hits and four runs, two on Jacob Young’s second homer, as the Nationals batted around in the seventh. Evan Sisk worked two innings and struck out the side on 10 pitches in the ninth to end it.

Position player Joey Wiemer pitched the eighth for the Nats and allowed Joey Bart’s sacrifice fly.

Up next

Nationals RHP Miles Mikolas (0-3, 12.41 ERA) starts Tuesday opposite Pirates RHP Mitch Keller (1-0, 1.00).

Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden among Rock Hall inductees

 

NEW YORK, NY  – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced its 2026 Inductees, spotlighting a standout group of artists whose impact has left a lasting mark on music and culture. Revealed live on ABC and Disney+ by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of “American Idol,” the announcement kicks off the countdown to celebrate music’s highest honor.

 

Performer Category:

●       Phil Collins

●       Billy Idol

●       Iron Maiden

●       Joy Division/New Order

●       Oasis

●       Sade

●       Luther Vandross

●       Wu-Tang Clan

 

Early Influence Award:

●       Celia Cruz

●       Fela Kuti

●       Queen Latifah

●       MC Lyte

●       Gram Parsons

 

Musical Excellence Award:

●       Linda Creed

●       Arif Mardin

●       Jimmy Miller

●       Rick Rubin

 

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

●       Ed Sullivan

 

“Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony – it’s going to be an unforgettable night”, said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

 

To be eligible for induction, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Phil Collins, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan are first-time nominees. Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, and Sade have all been nominated in the past.

 

The Induction categories include:

●       Performers: artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll.

●       Early Influence Award: artists whose music and performance style have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock & roll and music impacting culture.

●       Musical Excellence Award: given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence have had a dramatic impact on music.

●       Ahmet Ertegun Award: non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the creative development and growth of rock & roll and music that has impacted culture.

Phil Collins.

 

The Inductees were announced live on ABC and Disney+ this evening by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode of “American Idol,” where the Top 11 American Idol finalists took on songs from legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees as America voted live for the Top 9. The episode will be available to stream tomorrow on Hulu and Disney+.

 

The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will tape on Saturday, November 14th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The 2026 ceremony will then debut in December on ABC and Disney+. In 2027, the Induction Ceremony will return to Cleveland.

 

Ticket on-sale information for the 2026 Induction Ceremony will be announced at a later date. Select Rock & Roll Hall of Fame donors and members receive exclusive Induction ticket opportunities. Donate or join by June 30, 2026 to be eligible. Visit rockhall.com/membership to learn more.

Rochester Philly Pretzel Factory location announces closure

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published April 13, 2026 11:12 P.M.

(Rochester, Pa) A relatively recent addition to Rochester has announced they will not continue to operate.

The Pretzel maker broke the news in a Facebook post Monday.

Philly Pretzel Factory on Adams Street say their last day will be April 18th, adding “we will continue to make our hot fresh pretzels until the minute that we close our doors.”

As for the reason of the closure, the business stated “The sales simply are not there and the closing of Adams St is the dagger that killed us.”

They also stated operations have been expensive, noting “We typically saw 10-15 donation requests per week looking for something to be donated from our store. We helped a lot of these people support their cause through gift card, soft pretzel donations and even cash donations. We are now seeking your support with the pile of bills we now have in front of us.”

The shop first opened around 2 years ago.

Ownership says “We really, truly enjoyed the people and the welcoming support from our core customers. We will miss you.”

The road project taking place on Adams Street is expected to keep the street closed until at least November.

Angeline V. “Ange” Alexander (1926-2026)

Angeline V. “Ange” Alexander, 100, a lifelong resident of Monaca and Center Township, passed away peacefully on April 10th, 2026. She was born in Monaca on March 27th, 1926, the beloved and only daughter of the late Julia D’Alessandro and Domenico Lucci. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Alexander, her sons, Paul and David, her brothers, John, William (Leo),and Donald Lucci and her sisters, Julia Ciccone and Rose Climo. She is survived by her devoted son, James (Judith) Alexander, her daughter-in-law, Rosemary Melko Alexander, her grandchildren: Melanie (Aaron) Starr, Dante Alexander, Doug Alexander, Jamie Alexander, and Paul Alexander; as well as her treasured great-grandson, Gianni D’Alessandro Alexander and many loving nieces and nephews.

On June 18th, 1949, Angeline married the love of her life, James Alexander. Together they built a warm and devoted home in Center Township, where they raised their three sons: Paul, James, and David. She was a woman of remarkable independence and strength who took great pride in caring for her family: sewing her own clothing, tending her garden, and growing much of the food that graced her table. She had a gift for friendship and community. She cultivated lifelong bonds through joyful gatherings filled with laughter, line dancing, card club, and the sharing of treasured recipes and her famously delicious meals. Her home and heart were always open. She was strong-willed and fiercely independent and embraced each chapter of her life with purpose. After her youngest son began school, she began a career teaching sewing classes through Sears, sharing her talent and passion with others. She will be lovingly remembered by family and friends for the beautiful garments she created, including wedding gowns made with extraordinary care and love. In her retirement years, she continued to live life fully and actively. She found joy in line dancing with local senior groups, nurturing her roses, cooking for those she loved, and staying connected to the world by mastering new technology and keeping up with current events on her computer. She continued to make memorable Sunday, birthday, and holiday dinners until the end. Her curiosity and spirit never waned. She will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, her creativity, and the deep love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the traditions she lovingly passed down.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 15th from 2- 4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Thursday, April 16th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Entombment will follow in Sylvania Hills Mausoleum, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

AAA: Gas Prices Slightly Higher in Pennsylvania, National Average Still Just Over $4/Gallon

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are a penny higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $4.19 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has been falling over the past few days and is now a penny more than last week at $4.12. The last time the national average was over $4 per gallon was in early August of 2022. Crude oil prices remain high, even as they have fluctuated in recent days after the announcement of a 2-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. The price for a barrel of crude oil dropped below $100 but then rose again, which highlights the volatility of oil markets and fluidity of geopolitical events. The report states that the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Western Pennsylvania at this time a year ago was around $3.60 and the average price that you can expect for a gallon of regular unleaded gas here in Beaver County is about $4.20. According to a release from AAA East Central and AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various Pennsylvania areas:

$4.178      Altoona
$4.199      Beaver
$4.125      Bradford
$3.918      Brookville
$4.141      Butler
$4.188      Clarion
$4.165      DuBois
$4.333      Erie
$4.160      Greensburg
$4.191      Indiana
$4.215      Jeannette
$4.179      Kittanning
$4.178      Latrobe
$4.388      Meadville
$4.217      Mercer
$4.107      New Castle
$4.171      New Kensington
$4.197      Oil City
$4.179      Pittsburgh
$4.099      Sharon
$4.187      Uniontown
$4.399      Warren
$4.148      Washington

Ohio man not charged after hitting a pig with his vehicle in Cranberry Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that fifty-three-year-old James Frigge of Avon, Ohio was not charged after crashing his vehicle in Cranberry Township on Wednesday. Frigge was traveling on I-76 East when he hit a pig that was in the left lane of the road. He was not injured and he refused transportation. 

Driver causes two-vehicle crash in North Sewickley Township; charges pending investigation

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(North Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that charges are pending investigation against an unidentified driver after a two-vehicle crash occurred in North Sewickley Township on Friday. The driver was traveling on I-76 East and hit the vehicle of fifty-year-old Dawn McElhinney of Pittsburgh when changing from the right lane to the left lane. McElhinny was not injured and it is unknown if the driver who caused the crash was injured. 

New Castle woman not charged after hitting a deer with her vehicle in New Sewickley Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that thirty-two-year-old Taylor Shaftic of New Castle was not charged after she crashed her vehicle in New Sewickley Township on Saturday. Shaftic was traveling on I-76 West when three deer ran in front of her vehicle. She hit one of them with her vehicle at 7:39 p.m. There were no injuries. 

Beaver to get bookstore

BEAVER COUNTY RADIO

BEAVER — A bookstore is planned for downtown Beaver.

“After many months of planning behind the scenes, we are so excited to announce that Fable & Craft will be opening up this summer in the heart of Beaver,” a Facebook post from owner Courtney Riggio said.
“Our space will be dedicated to bringing you your next favorite read and cozy hobby as well as creating a space that brings together book lovers of all ages. While we’re busy stocking our shelves, we welcome you to check out our website and follow us for behind the scenes and updates.”
Riggio said the bookstore, at 501 Third St., will include a used book section and accept used books closer to opening.
The future site of a downtown Beaver bookstore.
Fable & Craft will be located between Reclaimed Threads and Sieger’s Jewelers.
“We hope you follow along for our next chapter,” Riggio’s post said.

Shirley J. Gallagher (1934-2026)

Shirley J Gallagher, 91, of Aliquippa, passed away on April 8th, 2026 at Harmony Haus in Ambridge. She was born on November 13th, 1934 in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Charles Dallas Eales and Louise Cristina Jellison.

Shirley graduated from Rochester High School in 1952  and spent her life in the field of Music. She married Charles L Pike on June 21, 1952 and built a career as a Piano, Organ and Vocal teacher as well as Choir director and Organist for various Churches in the Beaver Valley area. She was known for establishing the Center Civics Woman’s Club. In September of 1962, Shirley traveled to Philadelphia to the Federation of Woman’s Clubs to establish the Center Civic Woman’s Club. By the very next month, the October member’s program, showed the membership was over 80 people. She retired as Business Manager from Pediatrics Associates, Beaver. After retiring, she and her husband Bob enjoyed traveling visiting Israel, Alaska, Nova Scotia and many cities across the United States.

She is survived by her children, Dennis Pike, Richard Pike (Eleanor) and Kathy Lee Tolfa, her stepchildren, Kevin Gallagher and Debbie (Dan) Motter, her grandchildren: Daniel Pike (Rachael), Christopher Pike (Melissa), Betsy Pedicone (Steve), Angelo Lee Tolfa, Adam Tolfa (Alissa), Zach Perl, Alex Perl (Katya), Talia Gallagher and Zachary Motter; along with her great grandchildren; Emma & Cooper Pike, Seth & Andrew Pedicone, Anastasia & Kassius Tolfa, Marcello Perl; as well as her sibling ,Bonita Landers, many nieces, nephews, and numerous beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her spouses, Charles Pike and Robert Gallagher and her siblings: Charlotte Somerville, Patrica Mara, Jeanne Wolfe, and Thomas Eales.

A Visitation and a memorial/celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 13th from 4pm until the time of a funeral service at 7 p.m. officiated by Reverend Don Hurray.7 pm at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street,
Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.