Category: News

Endy Rodriguez drives in a pair of runs in his return to the majors, Pirates top Rockies 7-2

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Endy Rodriguez singles off Colorado Rockies pitcher Chase Dollander, driving in two runs, during the third inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Endy Rodriguez had two hits and drove in a pair of runs in his return to the majors and the Pittsburgh Pirates breezed past the Colorado Rockies 7-2 on Thursday.

Rodriguez, a catcher once considered among the top prospects in Pittsburgh’s farm system before missing all of 2024 and most of 2025 due to a pair of elbow injuries, doubled off Chase Dollander (3-3) in the second and added a two-run single in the third in his first big league appearance since June 6, 2025.

Ryan O’Hearn had three hits for Pittsburgh, including a two-run homer in the first as the Pirates raced to an early lead and cruised. Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin and Jared Triolo added two hits each as Pittsburgh began a six-game homestand by taking two of three from the Rockies.

Carmen Mlodzinski (3-3) allowed two runs in five innings after coming on after left-handed relievers Mason Montgomery and Evan Sisk. Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly opted to use Montgomery and Sisk early to offset the lefty-heavy portion of Colorado’s lineup. The right-handed Mlodzinski has struggled at times this year against lefties, but by the time he came on in the third, he’d been staked to a comfortable 6-0 lead.

Dollander, a first-round pick by the Rockies in 2023 who has been solid early in the season, struggled in the first and was removed just two batters into the second with what the club described as right arm tightness.

Troy Johnston hit a two-run double for Colorado, but the Rockies lost for the sixth time in their last seven games at PNC Park after the Pirates took quick command.

Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz started with a double to left that Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck appeared to lose in the lights. The ball fell for a hit, Cruz jogged to second, then scored on an RBI single by Bryan Reynolds. O’Hearn followed with his eighth homer of the season, and the rout was on.

Up next

Rockies: return home for a three-game set against Arizona beginning Friday.

Pirates: host cross-state rival Philadelphia for a three-game series starting Friday.

“3 Crafty Kids” Return to Ambridge for Second Art Show at Bella’s Wishes Creative Arts Center

(Headline Photo and Photo Below Provided with Release Courtesy of Caryn Acs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) After gaining attention from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Beaver County Radio during their debut exhibition last fall, the sibling artists known as the 3 Crafty Kids will return to Ambridge this summer with a new collection of artwork, handmade items, and a community donation drive benefiting local cats in need.

The 3 Crafty Kids Summer Art Show will run from June 17 through June 27 at Bella’s Wishes Creative Arts Center.

The siblings — Connor, Oliver, and Andrea Acs — were previously featured by Beaver County Radio ahead of their first public exhibition in 2025, which showcased a range of mixed media, watercolor, crafts, and maker projects.

This year’s exhibit will include new work along with updated versions of pieces from their debut show. Visitors will be able to view and purchase original paintings, pottery, fused glass, photography, stickers, fairy wands, 3D prints, magnets, clothing, and other handmade items.

In addition to the artwork, the siblings are organizing a donation drive for a local cat rescue, collecting supplies including cat food, kitten litter, and toys.

“We were so grateful for how Beaver County showed up for the kids last year,” the family said. “The second show felt like the perfect opportunity to create something new while also giving back.”

An artist meet-and-greet will take place Wednesday, June 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., with light refreshments for attendees.

The show highlights a growing number of community arts events in Ambridge and the creativity of young local artists working through spaces like Bella’s Wishes Creative Arts Center.

New Pennsylvania law mandates defibrillators at all PIAA sporting events and CPR training for school sports

(Caption for Photo: The Millcreek Township School District in Erie County received 10 automated external defibrillators in 2025 to place at each of the district’s buildings. The cost was covered by AEDGrant.com and LECOM Health. Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Millcreek Education Foundation)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania schools will be required to ensure defibrillators are available at all Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association sporting events and to develop emergency response plans for cardiac arrests under new statewide safety requirements.

Governor Josh Shapiro signed the measure Wednesday. The law is named for a Monroe County teenager who suffered cardiac arrest and died during a high school basketball game more than 25 years ago.

Following his death, his mother has advocated for expanded access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and public gathering spaces.

The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Rosemary Brown, requires AEDs at all PIAA-sanctioned competitions and practices. It also mandates that schools develop cardiac emergency response plans and conduct annual drills.

Superstar country singer Lainey Wilson marries former Steelers quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges

(Caption for Photo: (L-R) Duck Hodges and Lainey Wilson attend the Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool SXSW Premiere on March 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas.(Photo Credit: Robin Marchant)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Dickson, TN) Country music star Lainey Wilson and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges tied the knot in Tennessee over the weekend.

The couple announced the news in a joint Instagram post Thursday, sharing 20 photos from the ceremony with the caption: “we’re hitched!”

The wedding took place Sunday at Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee, according to Vogue.

Wilson and Hodges, who became engaged in February 2025, made their public debut as a couple at the 2023 ACM Awards. Earlier, romance rumors circulated after Wilson was seen wearing a Hodges jersey while in Pittsburgh during Luke Combs’ world tour. In a past interview, Wilson said the couple kept their relationship private for about two and a half years before going public.

Hodges became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh during the 2019 season after injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph opened the door for playing time.

Known for his quirky nickname and viral popularity, Hodges inspired memes and merchandise during his brief NFL run. The Pittsburgh Steelers released him in 2020, and he did not appear in another NFL game. He announced his retirement in 2022.

Wilson has earned her spot as a country music superstar, winning nine Country Music Association Awards. She also won its top honor of Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and 2025. Her accolades also include a 2025 Grammy Award and sixteen Academy of Country Music Awards.

2 Pittsburgh-area lawmakers among 20 lawmakers threatened through social media by Lebanon man

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lebanon County, PA) Court documents say two Pittsburgh-area lawmakers were among those named on an alleged online hit list.

According to police, Lindsey Williams and Emily Kinkead were identified in posts allegedly made by Adam George Berryhill of Lebanon.

Berryhill was scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning, but his preliminary hearing was waived. He is now expected to be arraigned next month.

Video from the Lebanon County Courthouse showed Berryhill wearing a red jumpsuit and handcuffs as he entered the courthouse.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, Berryhill directly named about 20 Democratic lawmakers in posts on his X account.

Investigators said the posts referenced shootings and mentioned a possible Memorial Day operation.

Spotlight PA reported that state police acknowledged failing to notify lawmakers about the alleged threats and said the agency plans to improve its notification process.

Berryhill was arrested on May 6th. 

Pennsylvania State Police are also creating a new political violence threat unit within the Bureau of Criminal Investigation to address issues like this one.

New Castle Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine Trafficking

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A New Castle man pleaded guilty in federal court to trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, according to U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti. 

Melvin Dorsey-Pace, 33, entered the plea before Chief U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon. 

Federal prosecutors said Dorsey-Pace possessed with intent to distribute mixtures containing fentanyl and heroin, as well as fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, on Feb. 12, 2025. 

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2026. 

Dorsey-Pace faces a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. 

Twelve-year-old boy chases suspect in Aliquippa Dollar Tree who stole his mother’s wallet

(File Photo of a City of Aliquippa Police Department Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) A mother says her 12-year-old son chased down a masked man who stole her wallet outside a store in Aliquippa. 

Dispatchers confirmed police responded to the Dollar Tree along Brodhead Road on Thursday afternoon for a reported robbery. 

The victim told WPXI-TV the suspect ran from the scene after taking her wallet, but her son chased after him. 

According to the boy, the suspect got into a vehicle and drove away. He said he was able to provide police with a license plate number. 

The victim also said a Dollar Tree clerk told her the suspect had pulled a knife on her moments earlier inside the store. 

Aliquippa Police Department confirmed the incident remains under investigation. 

Ellwood City man charged after hitting a deer with his vehicle in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Franklin Park Borough, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported Friday that a 23-year-old Ellwood City man was charged with a summary traffic violation following a single-vehicle crash last month. 

Police said Douglas Balin Jr. was driving north on Interstate 79 in Franklin Park Borough around 9:52 a.m. on April 25 when his vehicle struck a deer that entered the roadway. 

No injuries were reported. 

Clinton man hits a deer with his vehicle in Findlay Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Findlay Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported Friday that a 24-year-old man from Clinton crashed his vehicle in Findlay Township on May 7. 

Police said Dominic Marino was traveling east on Interstate 376 around 1:36 p.m. when his vehicle struck a deer in the roadway. 

No injuries were reported. 

Pittsburgh man charged for rear-ending vehicle in Ohio Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Cars)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ohio Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported Friday that a 63-year-old Pittsburgh man was charged following a crash Tuesday in Ohio Township.

Police said Joseph Yunker was driving north on Interstate 279 around 4:22 p.m. when he rear-ended a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Allison Vovk of Wexford.

Both drivers suffered injuries of unknown severity. Yunker was transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital for treatment.