Congressman Chris Deluzio joins the Congressional Croatian Caucus

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Carnegie, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio recently joined the Congressional Croatian Caucus. This group is made up of some lawmakers who are bipartisan that want a strong partnership between the United States and Croatia to be maintained. June 25th, 2025 was also Croatian Independence Day for those in Beaver County that have an ancestry from Croatia. Deluzio adds this caucus to the other ones he is part of in Washington, D.C. 

Trump gets ‘golden share’ power in US Steel buyout. US agencies will get it under future presidents

(File Photo: Source for Photo: President Donald Trump speaks at U.S. Steel Corporation’s Mon Valley Works-Irvin plant, Friday, May 30, 2025, in West Mifflin, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump will control the so-called “golden share” that’s part of the national security agreement under which he allowed Japan-based Nippon Steel to buy out iconic American steelmaker U.S. Steel, according to disclosures with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The provision gives the president the power to appoint a board member and have a say in company decisions that affect domestic steel production and competition with overseas producers.

Under the provision, Trump — or someone he designates — controls that decision-making power while he is president. However, control over those powers reverts to the Treasury Department and the Commerce Department when anyone else is president, according to the filings.

The White House responded in a statement that the share is “not granted to Trump specifically, but to whoever the president is” when asked why Trump will directly control the decision-making and why it goes to the Treasury and Commerce departments under future presidents.

Still, the wording of the provision is specific to Trump.

It lists what decisions cannot be made “without, … at any time when Donald J. Trump is serving as President of the United States of America, the written consent of Donald J. Trump or President Trump’s Designee” or “at any other time, the written consent of the CMAs,” a contractual term for the Treasury and Commerce departments.

Nippon Steel’s nearly $15 billion buyout of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel became final last week, making U.S. Steel a wholly owned subsidiary.

Trump has sought to characterize the acquisition as a “partnership” between the two companies after he at first vowed to block the deal — as former President Joe Biden did on his way out of the White House — before changing his mind after he became president.

The national security agreement became effective June 13 and is between Nippon Steel, as well as its American subsidiary, and the federal government, represented by the departments of Commerce and Treasury, according to the disclosures.

The complete national security agreement hasn’t been published publicly, although aspects of it have been outlined in statements and securities filings made by the companies, U.S. Steel said Wednesday.

The pursuit by Nippon Steel dragged on for a year and-a-half, weighed down by national security concerns, opposition by the United Steelworkers and presidential politics in the premier battleground state of Pennsylvania, where U.S. Steel is headquartered.

The combined company will become the world’s fourth-largest steelmaker in an industry dominated by Chinese companies, and bring what analysts say is Nippon Steel’s top-notch technology to U.S. Steel’s antiquated steelmaking processes, plus a commitment to invest $11 billion to upgrade U.S. Steel facilities.

The potential that the deal could be permanently blocked forced Nippon Steel to sweeten the deal.

That included upping its capital commitments in U.S. Steel facilities and adding the golden share provision, giving Trump the right to appoint an independent director and veto power on specific matters.

Those matters include reductions in Nippon Steel’s capital commitments in the national security agreement; changing U.S. Steel’s name and headquarters; closing or idling U.S. Steel’s plants; transferring production or jobs outside of the U.S.; buying competing businesses in the U.S.; and certain decisions on trade, labor and sourcing outside the U.S.

President Donald Trump says United States and Iranian officials will talk next week as ceasefire holds

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Workers clear rubble of a damaged building, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, after an Israeli strike on early Tuesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel and Iran seemed to honor the fragile ceasefire between them for a second day Wednesday and U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that American and Iranian officials will talk next week, giving rise to cautious hope for longer-term peace.

Trump, who helped negotiate the ceasefire that took hold Tuesday on the 12th day of the war, told reporters at a NATO summit that he was not particularly interested in restarting negotiations with Iran, insisting that U.S. strikes had destroyed its nuclear program. Earlier in the day, an Iranian official questioned whether the United States could be trusted after its weekend attack.

“We may sign an agreement, I don’t know,” Trump said. “The way I look at it, they fought, the war is done.”

Iran has not acknowledged any talks taking place next week, though U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff has said there has been direct and indirect communication between the countries. A sixth round of U.S.-Iran negotiations was scheduled for earlier this month in Oman but was canceled after Israel attacked Iran.

Earlier, Trump said the ceasefire was going “very well,” and added that Iran was “not going to have a bomb, and they’re not going to enrich.”

Iran has insisted that it will not give up its nuclear program. In a vote underscoring the tough path ahead, its parliament agreed to fast-track a proposal that would effectively stop the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. watchdog that has monitored the program for years.

Ahead of the vote, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticized the IAEA for refusing “to even pretend to condemn the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities” that the U.S. carried out Sunday.

“For this reason, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran will suspend cooperation with the IAEA until security of nuclear facilities is ensured, and Iran’s peaceful nuclear program will move forward at a faster pace,” Qalibaf told lawmakers.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he wrote to Iran to discuss resuming inspections of their nuclear facilities. Among other things, Iran claims to have moved its highly enriched uranium ahead of the U.S. strikes, and Grossi said his inspectors need to reassess the country’s stockpiles.

“We need to return,” he said. “We need to engage.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said he hoped Tehran would come back to the table. France was part of the 2015 deal with Iran that restricted its nuclear program, but the agreement began unraveling after Trump pulled the U.S. out in his first term. Macron spoke multiple times to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the war.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi said Wednesday that Iran must quickly resume cooperation with international inspectors, telling French broadcaster France 2 that the IAEA had lost visibility over sensitive nuclear materials since the onset of hostilities.

Grossi said Iran is legally obligated to cooperate with the IAEA under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

“During a war, inspections are not possible. But now that hostilities have ceased, and given the sensitivity of this material, I believe it is in everyone’s interest that we resume our activities as soon as possible,” he said.

Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful, and U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Tehran is not actively pursuing a bomb. However, Israeli leaders have argued that Iran could quickly assemble a nuclear weapon.

Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons, which it has never acknowledged.

Questions over effectiveness of the US strikes

The Israel Atomic Energy Commission said its assessment was that the U.S. and Israeli strikes have “set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.” It did not give evidence to back up its claim.

The U.S. strikes hit three Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump said “completely and fully obliterated” the country’s nuclear program. When asked about a U.S. intelligence report that found Iran’s nuclear program has been set back only a few months, Trump scoffed and said it would at least take years to rebuild.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed that the strikes by American B-2 bombers using bunker-buster bombs had caused significant damage.

“Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure,” he told Al Jazeera on Wednesday, refusing to go into detail.

He seemed to suggest Iran might not shut out IAEA inspectors for good, noting that the bill before parliament only talks of suspending work with the agency, not ending it. He also insisted Iran has the right to pursue a nuclear energy program.

“Iran is determined to preserve that right under any circumstances,” he said.

Witkoff said late Tuesday on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” that Israel and the U.S. had achieved their objective with “the total destruction of the enrichment capacity” in Iran, and Iran’s prerequisite for talks — that Israel end its campaign — had been fulfilled.

“The proof is in the pudding,” he said. “No one’s shooting at each other. It’s over.”

Hopes for a long-term peace agreement

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the ceasefire agreement with Iran amounted to “quiet for quiet,” with no further understandings about Iran’s nuclear program going ahead.

Witkoff told Fox News that Trump is now looking to land “a comprehensive peace agreement that goes beyond even the ceasefire.”

“We’re already talking to each other, not just directly, but also through interlocutors,” Witkoff said, adding that the conversations were promising.

However, Baghaei, the Iranian spokesman, said Washington had “torpedoed diplomacy” with its attacks on nuclear sites, and that while Iran in principle was always open to talks, national security was the priority.

“We have to make sure whether the other parties are really serious when they’re talking about diplomacy, or is it again part of their tactics to make more problems for the region and for my country,” he said.

Grossi said Iran and the international community should seize the opportunity of the ceasefire for a long-term diplomatic solution.

“Out of the … bad things that military conflict brings, there’s also now a possibility, an opening,” he said. “We shouldn’t miss that opportunity.”

A rare video by Mossad

Israel revealed details of the intelligence and covert operations that it said allowed the country to effectively target Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and key facilities.

In a rare video released by Israel’s Mossad spy agency, chief David Barnea thanked the CIA for being a key partner, and his own agents for work over years to achieve what was “unimaginable at first.”

“Thanks to accurate intelligence, advanced technologies and operational capabilities beyond imagination, we helped the air force strike the Iranian nuclear project, establish aerial superiority in Iranian skies and reduce the missile threat,” the agency said in a Facebook post alongside the video.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the military chief of staff, asserted that commandos had operated secretly “deep inside enemy territory” during the war.

Tehran on Tuesday put the death toll in Iran at 606, with 5,332 people wounded. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group released figures Wednesday suggesting Israeli strikes on Iran had killed at least 1,054 and wounded 4,476.

The group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, said 417 of those killed were civilians and 318 were security forces.

At least 28 people were killed in Israel and more than 1,000 wounded, according to officials.

In the past two weeks, Iran has executed six prisoners accused of spying for Israel, including three on Wednesday.

Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute hosting its monthly cancer screening clinic in July at Allegheny General Hospital

(Photo Provided with Release from Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from Allegheny Health Network, AHN Cancer Institute will host its monthly Saturday cancer screening clinic on Saturday, July 19th. This will occur at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Registration is now open for non-patients or patients at the hospital either with or without insurance. They can also receive up to seven at one place by calling 412-359-6665. The screenings may include eight types of cancer. According to that same release from Allegheny Health Network, the options for screenings may include: 

  • Breast cancer (ages 40-74)
  • Cervical cancer (ages 21-65)
  • Colorectal cancer (ages 45-75)
  • Head and neck cancers (ages 18+)
  • Lung cancer (ages 50-80 with a history of cigarette smoking)
  • Prostate cancer (ages 45-75)
  • Skin cancer (ages 18+)

Jefferson Hospital and Forbes Hospital are the places you can make a comprehensive cancer screening appointment if you can not be there for a Saturday clinic and the phone number to contact is 412-359-6665. There are also more screening events for later this year. The Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion will have a screening event on August 16th, Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie will have a screening event on September 13th and AHN Grove City will have a screening event on October 11th.

 

Central Pennsylvania man gets federal charges for allegedly posting social media threats to assassinate former Vice President Kamala Harris

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) A central Pennsylvania man recently got federal charges for allegedly posting social media threats to assassinate former Vice President Kamala Harris. Thirty-seven-year-old Steven A. Hartford acted during the 2024 presidential campaign and allegedly threatened her on some TikTok videos from the Daily Mail, which is a British news outlet. According to the indictment, Hartford, as “thealex13one13,” responded to a July 21st, 2024 video by commenting, “I will assassinate her if she runs for pres,” and he responded to another video as “thealex13one13” by posting “I will assassinate her.”  According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Hartford could face up to ten years in prison in connection with the charges.

Hopewell School Board adopts 2025-2026 budget and makes some decisions at a recent meeting

(File Photo of the Hopewell Area School District Logo)

(Rpeorted by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Hopewell, PA) The Hopewell School Board adopted their 2025-2026 general fund budget of $49,510,675 on Tuesday night. Appropriations will be $49,827,340. Real estate tax millage will be about 12.61. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz explained that the  appropriations represent funding needed for capital improvements in the district. A resolution was adopted authorizing the chief county assessor to direct inspection of all properties where improvements were made after September 1st, 2024 that aren’t included in the tax duplicate to the treasurer. Coaches and fall coaching staffs got approved for the upcoming fall season. A one year sponsor-to sponsor agreement with the Private Industry Council for meals for a Head Start Classroom at Hopewell Elementary School from July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2026. The next meeting for the Hopewell School Board is scheduled for July 22nd, 2025 at 7 p.m.

American Red Cross urges people to donate blood or platelets through the middle of summer

(File Photo of the American Red Cross logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is asking people to donate either platelets or blood through the middle of summer. Type O blood is needed the most. Everyone who givesfrom July 1st-14, will get an exclusive pair of sunglasses with the Red Cross and goodr brands on them. Those who give by June 30th will get an email of a $15 Amazon gift card and be entered to win one of two gift cards worth $7,000. You can visit redcross.org for more information.

According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, you can make an appointment by choosing one of these options and they also provide some things to remember when donating blood: You can visit RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Former Monaca resident gets a prison sentence for obstructing justice and sexually exploiting a minor

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A former Monaca resident got a prison sentence for obstructing justice and sexually exploiting a minor. According to the Department of Justice, twenty-eight-year-old Nicholas Sittig got twenty years in prison, followed by ten years of supervised release on Monday. Investigators confirm Sittig persuaded a minor from California from August of 2023 and April of 2024 to make Snapchamessages that were sexually explicit and todestroy the evidence. Homeland Security Investigations agents identified another minor from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that Sittig also sexually exploited. From December of 2023 to March of 2024, this Eastern District of Pennsylvania minor was sexually exploited by Sittig.

Central Valley School Board approves 2025-2026 budget and makes several motions at recent meeting

(File Photo of the Central Valley School District logo)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Monaca, PA) The Central Valley School Board approved their 2025-2026 budget on Monday night. The budget was worth $46,621,205. The millage is about 10.78, a 5% increase, of around .51 mills. Expenditures are expected to be $47,176,479. Several motions were also approved at the Central Valley School Board meeting on Monday night. It was announced at the meeting that eleven professional employees attained their tenure and received permanent contracts in the district. The boys soccer coach resigned effective on May 29th, 2025. Carina Pavlinch  was granted an extended year contract from July 7th to July 17th, 2025 and will earn $18 an hour. Frye Transportation goes into the second year of their five-year contract on July 1st, 2025. Four special education teachers were hired effective August 19th, 2025. They are Adrian Anzelone, Elisabeth Dodson, Lisa Lindner and Zachary Rosa. Bridget Sweterlich and Amy Dronel were hired as school nurses, and  their salaries will be $36,500 each  for 3 year contracts. Brenda Stoyer, a school nurse resigned effective July 1st, 2025. Catherine Senior was hired as an elementary teacher effective August 19th, 2025. Jamie Economos was hired as a middle school secretary effective July 21st, 2025.

Senate approves legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law in Harrisburg

(File Photo: Background of a October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month Picture)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Senate Republican Communications Office, the Senate approved legislation Tuesday to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law. This was in Harrisburg and will ensure fully covering diagnostic imaging, which will remove barriers of finance for patients. Senate Bill 88 ensures people who get abnormal results from screenings that are supplemental can get access now for diagnostic imaging that is necessary at no cost.