(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) As more people spend time outdoors during the summer months, eye specialists are reminding residents to protect their vision from seasonal hazards such as sun exposure, allergens and preventable injuries.

Physicians with Allegheny Health Network Ophthalmology say simple precautions can help reduce the risk of common summertime eye problems.

AHN experts recommend incorporating the following tips into your summer routine, according to a release from Allegheny Health Network:

• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection: Protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, made up of UVA and UVB rays, which can contribute to long-term conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. A wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection.
• Use protective eyewear during yard work, home repairs and outdoor activities: Lawn mowing, weed whacking, and DIY projects can send debris into the air. The same is true for sports and hikes in wooded areas, where branches or other objects can cause injury.
• Take extra precautions after eye surgery: Patients who have had procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery should be especially diligent about wearing protective eyewear to help prevent irritation or lasting damage.
• Manage eye health during allergy season: Pollen and other allergens can lead to redness, itching and irritation. Avoid rubbing your eyes and seek treatment if symptoms persist.
• Avoid swimming with contact lenses: Pools, lakes and hot tubs can expose eyes to harmful microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, a rare but serious cause of eye infection.
• Give your eyes a break from screens and the sun: Heat, sun exposure and prolonged screen time can all contribute to dryness and irritation. Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Stay well hydrated and consider using artificial tears to keep eyes comfortable throughout the day.

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported today that an unidentified driver was charged for improperly securing a load following a three-vehicle crash Friday in Robinson Township.

According to police, the driver was traveling eastbound on Interstate 376 at about 4:53 p.m. while transporting a grill that was not properly secured.

The driver related to police that a strap holding the grill came loose, causing pieces of it to fall from the vehicle onto the roadway.

Two other drivers then struck a metal grate that had fallen into the road, resulting in flat tires on both vehicles.

No injuries were reported.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Allegheny County Police Department, Posted on Facebook on June 8th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A detective brought a wanted McKees Rocks man into custody after spotting him during a routine patrol. 

A spokesperson for the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office said Ean Irwin, 34, was arrested in Pittsburgh’s South Side yesterday. 

Officials said a deputy spotted Irwin vacuuming his vehicle while on patrol and called for backup. 

When Irwin saw law enforcement officers, he allegedly fled on foot but was taken into custody after a brief chase, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Irwin had been declared a fugitive in March for violating probation in a previous case. He was also wanted on a separate bench warrant for probation violations stemming from another incident. 

In addition, Irwin was wanted on domestic-related charges filed in McKees Rocks in March. 

Detectives cited a September 2020 crash on Frankstown Road in McKees Rocks as part of Irwin’s criminal history. According to investigators, a 2-year-old child and a 4-year-old child were riding unrestrained in the back seat of Irwin’s SUV when it crashed into another vehicle. 

Officials said Irwin removed one of the children from the SUV and fled the scene, leaving the other child behind. Both children suffered significant injuries. 

Irwin was arrested six months after the crash and pleaded guilty in December 2021 to multiple counts of endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person. 

He is being held at the Allegheny County Jail. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara, Posted on Facebook on June 6th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Erie, PA) The U.S. Brig Niagara is underway following the completion of a year-long, $6.9 million restoration project, according to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. 

The Commonwealth’s flagship departed Bristol Marine’s Sample’s Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, on June 6th after undergoing extensive repairs and upgrades designed to improve the vessel’s structural integrity and long-term seaworthiness. 

The Niagara is now making a roughly 2,000-nautical-mile journey through the North Atlantic Ocean and the St. Lawrence Seaway. 

The vessel is scheduled to return to its homeport at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie for a homecoming celebration July 2nd-5th, coinciding with the city’s Independence Day weekend festivities. 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – United States Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant is seen in Braddock, Pa., Feb 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Braddock, PA) U.S. Steel announced yesterday that it plans to invest up to $2.5 billion in its Mon Valley Works facilities. 

An economic impact analysis released by the company projects the investment will generate $1.7 billion in economic activity across Pennsylvania, support up to 6,381 jobs over a three-year period and produce $58 million in state and local tax revenue. 

The investment will fund construction of a new hot strip mill at the Edgar Thomson Plant within Mon Valley Works, according to U.S. Steel. 

The company said the facility is expected to improve production yields, reduce energy consumption and enhance product quality. The mill also is intended to expand the range of steel products produced at Mon Valley Works, including materials for the automotive industry and other markets. 

The new hot strip mill will replace an 87-year-old hot strip mill at the nearby Irvin Plant, which U.S. Steel plans to decommission as part of the modernization effort. 

The announcement represents a significant increase from the investment commitment outlined by Nippon Steel in August 2024. At that time, the company pledged to invest at least $1 billion in Mon Valley Works following completion of its acquisition of U.S. Steel. Updated projections now place the investment between approximately $2 billion and $2.5 billion, more than double the original commitment. 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Cars for sale line the road at a used auto dealership in Philadelphia, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. The Federal Reserve’s expected move Wednesday, July 26, 2023, to raise interest rates for the 11th time could once again send ripple effects across the economy. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, FILE)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislation that would eliminate annual vehicle emissions testing requirements across the state. 

The bill, sponsored by Republican state Senator Wayne Langerholc, would begin the process of ending emissions inspections for vehicles registered in Pennsylvania. 

Currently, motorists in several counties, including Beaver, Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland, are required to have their vehicles undergo annual emissions testing in addition to safety inspections. The inspections are intended to ensure vehicles comply with federal air quality standards. 

Supporters of the legislation argue that emissions testing can result in costly repairs for vehicle owners and is not required in every Pennsylvania county. 

The proposal has received bipartisan support as it advances through the legislative process. 

(File Photo of the Kennywood Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(West Mifflin, PA) Kennywood is tightening its chaperone policy for the summer, requiring all guests ages 15 and younger to be accompanied by a supervising adult age 21 or older. 

Kennywood General Manager Ricky Spicuzza announced the change yesterday after the park expanded its chaperone policy on two consecutive Saturdays in response to rumors of a possible unauthorized gathering. 

Under the previous policy, guests ages 17 and younger were required to be accompanied by an adult after 4 p.m. During the past two Saturdays, however, that requirement was in effect throughout the day. 

(File Photo of the Beaver Falls Municipal Building)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Residents in Beaver Falls, Chippewa and other communities served by the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority have reported unusual odors and tastes in their drinking water for more than a week. 

Multiple residents told WPXI that their water has had an unpleasant smell and taste. 

The Borough of Zelienople, which receives water from the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority, said in a Facebook post last Thursday that officials were aware of the issue. 

According to the authority’s website, crews began routine flushing of water lines yesterday. 

The authority said residents with questions about the flushing process can call 724-846-2400 during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.