(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Vehicles move past signs that indicate payment methods for driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the entrance ramp in Gibsonia, Pa. in this file photo from Aug. 30, 2021. Gov. Tom Wolf gave final approval on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, to legislation aimed at getting owners or operators of some 25,000 vehicles to pay their overdue bills for turnpike usage, The law that could trigger the suspension of thousands of vehicle registrations early next year. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Turnpike will soon start sending out text messages to drivers who have unpaid tolls. According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, this is part of a pilot program to crack down on drivers who are not paying their bills and to let them know before they are sent to a collections agency. The Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania also confirms that these messages will not go out until the summer, so if you get one now, it is likely a scammer trying to cash in. 

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced yesterday that a resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to making threats to assault and murder President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and U.S. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents. Thirty-three-year-old Shawn Monper pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening to assault and murder United States officials and federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, and retaliate against the officials and agents while they were engaged in, and on account of, the performance of official duties. Monper also accepted responsibility for the other counts for which he was charged as part of his plea agreement. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on April 8th, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Threat Operations Section (NTOS) received an emergency disclosure regarding threats posted to YouTube by the user called “Mr Satan.” The subsequent federal investigation affirmed that the internet activity associated with “Mr Satan” corresponded with Monper’s residence in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation further established that Monper sought and obtained a firearms permit
shortly following the inauguration of President Trump last year. In February of 2025, Monper commented using his “Mr Satan” account: “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.” Furthermore, in March of 2025, Monper posted: “Eventually I’m going to do a mass shooting.” One
week later, Monper commented: “I have been buying 1 gun a month since the election, body armor, and ammo.” Investigators determined that Monper posted several threatening statements regarding President Trump, other United States officials, and ICE agents during the period between January 15th, 2025, and April 5th, 2025, including the two to which Monper specifically pleaded guilty: in
February, “Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way…” and, in mid-March, “ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them.” Law enforcement arrested Monper on April 9th, 2025 on federal charges based on these threats, and he has been detained since that time. United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy scheduled his sentencing for August 12th, 2026. Monper could face a maximum total sentence on each count of up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, provided by the law.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Hadley Haas)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Philipsburg, PA) The family of a father from Sewickley named Bruno Guedes da Silva considers the latest expected release from ICE custody as an answered prayer. In February, ICE agents detained him during a traffic stop in Sewickley while he and his wife were driving to work. His family told WPXI that the traffic stop happened on Beaver Street. In a virtual bond hearing held yesterday morning, dozens of friends and family members of Guedes da Silva listened as an immigration judge granted him bond. The ruling stems from the office of Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s decision last Wednesday to withdraw the gun charges against Guedes da Silva. Online court documents show that the 38-year-old from Brazil was wanted for a felony warrant for charges related to making a false written statement to obtain a firearm in McCandless. Guedes da Silva is in the Moshannon Valley Ice Processing Center and his family is now working through the logistics of paying a $5,000 bond and a plan to have him back home today.  

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from the U.S. Department of Labor, its Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has now signed a strategic partnership with Mascaro Construction Co. to promote worker safety and health during a major expansion of the Heinz History Center. The partnership between the OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office and the construction company seeks to prevent injuries that are work-related, control and eliminate workplace hazards that are serious, and establish a foundation for an effective safety and health program. This initiative will also help contractors in developing and implementing safety and health management systems and train subcontractors on recognizing hazards when working around and in construction sites. Partners will emphasize accountability measures, leadership engagement, robust hazard identification protocols and worker participation strategies. The Heinz History Center campus expansion will also add a new wing that includes a cafe, a 150-seat theater, event spaces, exhibitions of Pittsburgh history, updated visitor amenities and smart classrooms. The construction on the 92,000-square-foot expansion is estimated to conclude by May of 2028. 

(File Photo of the Chipotle Mexican Grill Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Chippewa Township, PA) Chipotle Mexican Grill will open its location in Chippewa Township this Thursday. It is located on Constitution Boulevard close to the Sheetz store that opened there last year. The restaurant will feature the brand’s signature Chipotlane, which is a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows guests to conveniently pick up their digital orders without leaving their cars.  

 

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:

 

Early Influence Award:

 

Musical Excellence Award:

 

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

 

“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:

 

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.

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.

(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