Category: News

Pirates sign outfielder and former player Joshua Palacios to a minor-league contract

(Credit for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Josh Palacios celebrates as he crosses home plate on a solo home run off Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Yonny Chirinos during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates signed outfielder Joshua Palacios to a minor-league contract and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis yesterday, according to the MLB transactions log.  

Palacios is closer to returning to the Pirates after he played for them in 2023 and 2024.  

He slashed .236/.291/.398 for an OPS of .689, along with earning 74 hits, 11 doubles, 2 triples, twelve home runs and 49 RBIs in 114 games with the Pirates. 

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Announces 2026-2027 Clearview Federal Credit Union Subscription Series Season: FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER!

(File Photo of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Midland, PA) Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center has announced its 2026-2027 Clearview Federal Credit Union Subscription Series Season called For The First Time In Forever! to celebrate its 20th anniversary season.

They will bring back some of their most memorable and popular productions of the last two decades.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, July 13th at 9 a.m. and you can either go to lincolnparkarts.org or call 724-576-4644 to purchase them.

According to a release courtesy of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, here is more information about these shows and their descriptions, as well as show dates, times and locations:

DISNEY’S FROZEN | October 2-4 & 9-11 | MainStage Theater

Filled with breathtaking magic, unforgettable music, heartwarming humor, and beloved characters,
like Kristoff, Sven, and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, Frozen is a powerful celebration of sisterhood, acceptance, and discovering the true meaning of love.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER JR. | November 13-15 & 19-22 | MainStage Theater

This joyful Broadway Junior adaptation brings the classic television special to life in a festive 60-minute musical adventure.

A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE PLAY | December 4-6, 11-13 & 18-20 | BlackBox Theater

Overflowing with humor, nostalgia, and heart, this play adaptation of A Christmas Story beautifully captures the wonder of childhood and the importance of family during the most magical time of the year!

THE NUTCRACKER | December 11-13 & 18-20 | MainStage Theater

Lincoln Park’s longest-running tradition returns for its 19th production for two unforgettable weekends. Experience the beauty, elegance, and enchantment of this treasured holiday classic with the entire family.

 

OUR TOWN | February 12-14 &19-21, 2027 | BlackBox Theater

Widely regarded as one of the greatest American plays ever written, Thornton Wilder’s deeply moving story reminds us to treasure life’s fleeting moments and the extraordinary beauty found in everyday experiences.

 

MY WAY: A TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA | March 18-21, 2027 | MainStage Theater

Fully reimagined with a larger singing and dancing ensemble and an expanded live jazz orchestra on stage, this celebration of the music and mystique of Ol’ Blue Eyes and his remarkable five-decade career will transport audiences to the glamorous era of supper clubs, vintage Las Vegas, and timeless sophistication.

THE WIZARD OF OZ | April 30 – May 2 & May 7-9, 2027 | MainStage Theater

Follow the yellow brick road once more in The Wizard of Oz, the beloved stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s timeless classic, featuring the iconic score from the legendary MGM film. The Wizard of Oz will delight audiences of all ages!

GREASE THE MUSICAL| June 18-20 & 25-27, 2027 | MainStage Theater

Bursting with rock ’n’ roll energy and iconic songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “We Go Together,” Grease remains one of the world’s most beloved musicals — an electrifying celebration of youth, rebellion, and the spirit of the 1950s.

Structure fire occurs at the Giant Eagle in Rochester

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rochester, PA) The Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to the Giant Eagle in Rochester just after 1 p.m. yesterday afternoon because of a commercial structure fire.

A caller reported that a display was on fire in the deli section. 

An electrician was called to the scene and firefighters worked to resolve the incident before returning to service.

Two teenagers taken into custody and charged after shots fired in Aliquippa

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The Aliquippa Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 1900 block of McLean Street in the Hollywood section of Aliquippa yesterday at approximately 9:17 a.m. 

Witnesses reported observing two black men wearing all black clothing and ski masks immediately after the gunfire. More information was received that the same individuals had tried to force entry into a residence on Irwin Street before escaping on foot. 

A coordinated search of the area was conducted and a perimeter was established by Aliquippa Police officers and officers from the Hopewell Township Police Department.

During the search of the area, a tan 9mm handgun equipped with a 30-round extended magazine that had no serial number was recovered by those officers and an Aliquippa Police K9.

Both suspects were located and were taken into custody after they attempted to flee from officers on foot.  

One of them was identified as eighteen-year-old Jaymir Williams of Aliquippa, formerly of Woodland Hills.

Williams was charged with criminal Attempt (criminal trespass) and evading arrest or detention on foot.

The other suspect was identified was a 17-year-old male juvenile. Charges have been filed against him through Juvenile Services.  

Search warrants were also executed and the evidence was collected for submission to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory as the investigation into this incident continues. 

More charges that involve the recovered firearm are pending Crime Lab results.  

If anyone has more information about this incident, please call the Aliquippa Police Department at 724-378-8000 and tips can be anonymous.

Some residents upset by differing amounts of money from East Palestine settlement checks

(File Photo: Source for Photo: A view of the scene Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(East Palestine, OH) A $600 million class action settlement is finally paying out more than three years after the Norfolk Southern train derailment occurred in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3rd, 2023.

However, some residents say that the payout feels like a slap in the face. A Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine during that incident, dumping toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride into the community.

Those that were impacted could submit claims to get a piece of the awarded settlement, but not everyone is happy with the check amounts that were delivered this week. 

Direct payment checks were paid on a “per-household” basis and they were mailed on June 30th. The “per household” basis means that they all got reviewed and combined for just one check if multiple claims were submitted from the same house.  

According to the settlement website, people who disagree with their payment amount should review how their payment award got determined to better understand the process.

People can appeal this and you can call Epiq’s hotline by clicking here.

No charges filed after two-vehicle crash in Robinson Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported yesterday that no charges were filed after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Robinson Township on June 28th. According to police, a driver was traveling in his vehicle on I-79 North in the on-ramp area from Coraopolis at 2:14 p.m. and merged onto the interstate improperly, hitting another vehicle. There were no reported injuries. 

Route 68 Midland-Beaver Road Bridge Inspection Activities Thursday, Friday in Beaver

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that inspection work on Route 68 (Midland-Beaver Road) in Industry Borough and Vanport Township will occur tomorrow and this Friday, July 9th-10th, weather permitting. 

From 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. each day, there will be single-lane alternating traffic restrictions controlled by flaggers on Midland-Beaver Road between Barclay Hill Road and Sebring Road. Bridge inspection activities will be conducted by crews from Mackin Engineering and the Sofis Rigging Company on the structure over Norfolk Southern rail lines. 

Funeral arrangement details announced for a Pennsylvania State Police trooper who was hit and killed by a vehicle in Schuylkill County

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Police)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Schuylkill County, PA) The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP)announced today more details about the funeral arrangements for Trooper Michael E. Pahira, Jr., who lost his life in the line of duty on July 1st, when he was hit by a tractor trailer while inspecting another vehicle in Schuylkill County. 

His services will be held at the North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School, which is located at 15 Academy Lane in Ashland.  

His visitation is scheduled for today from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Both the visitation and funeral service are open to the public.  

Pahira was forty-four years old and was assigned to the Pennsylvania State Police’s Troop L’s Frackville station for nearly twenty years. 

Aliquippa man dies after getting hit by a vehicle in Aliquippa; driver from Aliquippa responsible arrested

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

(Beaver County, PA) A man died after being hit by a vehicle in Beaver County yesterday. 

Beaver County dispatchers told WPXI that the crash happened on the 2600 block of Brodhead Road in Aliquippa at around 10:03 p.m. 

Twenty-three-year-old Marcus Barkovich of Aliquippa did not yield to a male pedestrian on the road and hit him with his vehicle. The pedestrian was identified as sixty-eight-year-old Jeffrey Owens of Aliquippa and Owens was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Officials note that Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation into the incident. 

According to police, Barkovich was deemed to be under the influence and was arrested on scene before he was transported to the hospital for a legal blood draw.  

Charges against Barkovich are pending further investigation of this crash. 

A portion of Brodhead Road was closed in both directions near the crash scene but it has reopened.  

Pirates’ Ryan O’Hearn sets club record with 10 RBIs during 3-homer night in team’s 12-4 win vs. Braves

(File Photo: Source for Photo: The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ryan O’Hearn (29)celebrates a three-run home run off Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep during the third inning of an MLB game, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Philip G. Pavely)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ryan O’Hearn has been playing baseball nearly all his life. Never has the left-handed slugger had a game quite like Tuesday’s 12-4 win over Atlanta.

Not in Little League. Not in high school. Not at Sam Houston State. Not in the minors. Not in Baltimore. Not in San Diego. Not ever.

Three home runs. Ten RBIs. One magical night that included a rare curtain call and ended with his batting helmet headed to Cooperstown.

The Pirates have been playing baseball since 1882. No player across 145 seasons had ever driven in 10 runs in a game. A grand slam in the first and a three-run homer in the third off Braves starter Hurston Waldrep, and another three-run shot off Atlanta reliever Connor Thomas in the sixth changed all that, breaking the club single-game record of nine RBIs set by Johnny Rizzo against St. Louis on May 30, 1939 — a scant 54 years before the 32-year-old O’Hearn was born.

The 10 RBIs also marked the most in the majors by a player this season, and he became the 11th big leaguer since RBI became an official statistic in 1920 to have at least three home runs and 10 RBIs in a game and the first since Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani did it against Miami in September 2024.

“Got some good pitches to hit and after the third one I was like, ‘Oh man, no kidding? I guess today’s supposed to be my day,’” O’Hearn said.

In more ways than one. When O’Hearn took Thomas deep to push his RBI total to 10, it also marked the 100th home run of his nine-year career. Not bad for a semi-late bloomer who didn’t reach the majors until 25 and didn’t become an All-Star until last season, just after turning 31.

The Pirates saw enough to sign him to a two-year deal in the offseason, their first multiyear investment in a free agent in nearly a decade. O’Hearn has embraced the role of clubhouse leader on a team trying to reach the postseason after 10-plus years in the wilderness. His 16 homers are one short of his career high of 17 set last season, and his record-setting night came just hours after Pittsburgh lost rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin for two months with a left hand injury.

“We’re going to keep rocking,” O’Hearn said. “We have good players.”

O’Hearn is one of them. Pirates manager Don Kelly wanted to give O’Hearn a break late with Pittsburgh comfortably ahead, but didn’t want to do it at the cost of robbing O’Hearn of a shot at history.

So O’Hearn headed to the plate in the ninth, looking to become the 22nd player to hit four homers in a game. When he looked at the mound, he couldn’t help but smile when he saw Braves infielder Jorge Mateo, whom O’Hearn called a “good buddy.”

Atlanta turned to Mateo to give the bullpen a breather in a blowout, and Mateo did what Waldrep and Harris couldn’t by keeping O’Hearn in the yard, though not off the bases. O’Hearn laced a single to right field to complete a four-hit night and give the Pirates their third straight victory as ace Paul Skenes earned his first win in nearly two months.

The reigning NL Cy Young winner gave up two runs on eight hits over six solid innings, walking one and striking out four. Skenes, who opted out of next week’s All-Star Game and was replaced by teammate Braxton Ashcraft, also saw his velocity consistently stick in the 97-98 mph range after frequently dipping into the mid-90s during a loss to Philadelphia last week.

Not that Skenes wanted to talk about it much. For once, his performance wasn’t the story, even if he couldn’t help but have a little fun at his teammate’s expense.

“I think it was kind of selfish, to be honest,” Skenes deadpanned. “Everybody else was getting on, and then, home runs are rally killers. You hit a three-run home run or a grand slam, and it’s just like, what now? There’s nobody on. Nobody can drive him in. Good for him, I guess.”