(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. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hopewell Township, PA) Firefighters responded to a kitchen fire at a home on Crestmont Drive in Hopewell Township shortly after 5:30 p.m. yesterday. 

The Hopewell Fire Department was dispatched to the residence after reports of a fire inside the home. While crews were en route, law enforcement officers arrived and reported smoke coming from the structure, prompting officials to upgrade the response to a second alarm. 

Firefighters arrived and quickly worked to bring the fire under control. Crews encountered hoarding conditions inside the home, which complicated firefighting operations. 

Firefighters also conducted extensive overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and had not spread to hidden areas of the structure. 

No information on injuries or the cause of the fire was immediately available. 

(File Photo of a Center Township Police Department Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Center Township, PA) The Center Township Police Department recently addressed multiple complaints about children operating e-bikes recklessly in the township park, saying the behavior has created safety concerns for pedestrians and resulted in several instances of property damage. 

In a statement, the department said it has observed a noticeable decline in both unsafe e-bike activity and park damage over the past week. 

Police thanked residents for their cooperation and encouraged parents and guardians to continue supervising children who use e-bikes and electric scooters. 

The department said maintaining a safe environment in the park requires cooperation from the community and expressed appreciation for residents’ continued support. 

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(North Sewickley Township, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that drilling work on Route 65 (Mercer Road) in North Sewickley Township is scheduled to begin tomorrow, weather permitting.

The work will take place weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 19th on Route 65 between Brighton Road and Grandview Road.

The roadway is currently restricted to a single lane of alternating traffic controlled by stop signs. Beginning Thursday, flaggers are expected to be on site to assist motorists while crews conduct roadway borings.

Crews from Armstrong Drilling will perform the work.

(File Photo of the Weclone to Aliquippa Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church will celebrate 50 years of Greek culture, food and music during the Aliquippa Greek Food Festival from June 11-13 at the church at 2111 Davidson Street.

The three-day festival will feature traditional Greek cuisine, including gyros, moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita, Greek pastries and other specialties. Greek coffee and spirits also will be available.

Tours of the church will be offered at 1 p.m. each day, with additional tours available by appointment. You can schedule one by emailing theodosiospalis@gmail.com by clicking here.

Live music and Greek dancing are planned throughout the festival, with The Meraklides performing traditional Greek music from 5 to 8 p.m. each evening.

Indoor and outdoor seating will be available. Organizers also are introducing online ordering and advance payment for takeout orders this year. According to the church, phone orders will not be accepted.