(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus heard testimony in Harrisburg yesterday on a proposed strategic plan to modernize and expand the state’s nuclear energy capacity. 

State Representative Rob Matzie said the “Nuclear Energy Roadmap,” presented by the nonprofit Team Pennsylvania, could serve as a starting point as lawmakers consider future nuclear expansion efforts in the commonwealth. 

Matzie said the roadmap outlines goals that include strengthening state leadership and regional collaboration, modernizing the existing nuclear fleet, supporting the deployment of new nuclear technologies, expanding the state’s nuclear supply chain, and developing a workforce pipeline. 

The bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus was relaunched in 2024 to examine opportunities for expanding nuclear power in the state’s energy portfolio. 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A sign outside the Internal Revenue Service building in Washington, on May 4, 2021.
Effective immediately, the Internal Revenue Service will end its decades-old policy of making unannounced home and business visits — in a nod to worker safety and combatting scammers who pose as IRS agents. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) The U.S. Department of the Treasury convened education leaders, scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), and other stakeholders Tuesday to discuss the new federal scholarship tax credit program. 

Officials said the program, which is set to take effect in 2027, is intended to expand educational access for students and families nationwide. 

During the meeting, Treasury officials provided an overview of forthcoming Treasury Department and IRS guidance on implementation of the program. The guidance is expected to address outstanding questions and help SGOs and states prepare for the program’s launch. 

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) A Pennsylvania House bill that would change how executive directors of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are selected advanced one step in Harrisburg yesterday. 

The House Game and Fisheries Committee voted 14-12 to approve amended House Bill 2554 and send it to the full House for consideration. 

The bill, introduced by Rep. Jim Haddock, (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne,) would require both agencies to conduct a national search when hiring a new executive director. 

Currently, volunteer commissioners on the boards of both agencies select and hire their executive directors at their own discretion. 

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) Ahold Delhaize USA Inc., headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, agreed to pay $40 million yesterday to resolve allegations that it overcharged federal healthcare programs by reporting inflated prescription drug prices, according to federal officials. 

The settlement resolves claims that pharmacies operated by Ahold Delhaize supermarket chains, including Giant, Hannaford, Stop & Shop and Food Lion, failed to report discounted prescription prices offered through customer savings programs as their “usual and customary” prices. Federal officials alleged that the practice caused Medicare Part D, Medicaid and TRICARE to pay more than they should have for certain prescription drug claims. 

According to the United States, reported “usual and customary” prices serve as a ceiling on payments to pharmacies under federal healthcare programs. Officials contended that Ahold Delhaize pharmacies reported higher prices instead of the discounted rates available to many customers through savings programs. 

Under the settlement, the federal government will receive approximately $32.9 million, while the remaining funds will be distributed among participating states. The agreement resolves the allegations without a determination of liability. 

Caption for Photo: Northeastern bulrush, Credit for Photo: Mary Ann Furedi/Western Pennsylvania Conservancy/Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing northeastern bulrush from the federal endangered species list, citing a significant recovery of the rare wetland plant found in a handful of states, including Pennsylvania and West Virginia. 

According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, only 13 populations of northeastern bulrush were known across six states when the species was listed as endangered in 1991. Today, there are 148 known populations in eight states, representing more than an elevenfold increase. 

Before the delisting, northeastern bulrush was one of only three federally endangered plant species found in Pennsylvania, according to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The state is home to more than 80 populations, making it an important genetic stronghold for the species. 

The Fish and Wildlife Service said state agencies have conducted surveys for northeastern bulrush throughout its known range since 1991. Because the plant does not always emerge in the same location each year, populations can appear absent for several years before re-emerging when conditions improve. 

According to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, habitat degradation and destruction remain the primary threats to northeastern bulrush. Development can damage isolated wetlands and introduce invasive species, while ATV use through vernal pools can also harm habitat.

(Caption for Photo: FOSTORIA, OH – JUNE 06: The Union Pacific 4014 Big Boy locomotive passes by the crowd during the Union Pacific Railroad Coast to Coast Tour on June 5, 2026, at Fostoria Iron Triangle Railpark in Fostoria, Ohio. The Coast to Coast Tour is part of the celebration for America’s 250th anniversary., Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Joseph Weiser / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Erie County, PA) Thousands of people gathered Tuesday to watch the world’s largest operating steam locomotive roll through Pennsylvania for the first time as part of a coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. 

The Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East, Erie County, said more than 4,250 people attended the event at its property, while another 1,000 spectators gathered near the tracks to catch a glimpse of Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014. 

Often described by rail enthusiasts as the “Elvis Presley” of steam locomotives, Big Boy is making its first trip across the Mississippi River and into the Ohio Valley since it was built in Schenectady, New York, and delivered to Union Pacific Railroad in 1941. 

As part of the America 250 celebration, the locomotive is traveling across the Norfolk Southern rail network. It will return to Pennsylvania for Fourth of July festivities in Philadelphia before making additional western Pennsylvania stops in Leetsdale and Conway in mid-July. 

Stretching 133 feet long and weighing 1.2 million pounds, the locomotive is the only operating Big Boy in existence. Twenty-five Big Boys were commissioned to haul heavy freight during World War II, according to Union Pacific. No. 4014 was retired in 1961 after accumulating more than 1 million miles before returning to service in 2019 to mark the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. The seven remaining Big Boys are on display across the country, including one at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Scranton.

The coast-to-coast tour is scheduled to conclude at the end of July after Big Boy travels through 14 states. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Beaver Valley Emergency Services, Posted on Facebook on June 9th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Beaver County and its municipal emergency services partners took part Tuesday in a biennial FEMA-evaluated exercise at the Beaver Valley Power Station. 

Officials said the mandatory drill is designed to test preparedness and coordination among agencies that would respond to a radiological emergency at the nuclear facility. 

The exercise is part of a regular federal review process to ensure emergency response teams remain prepared for potential incidents. 

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver are investigating after shots were fired into an occupied residence in Aliquippa last night. 

The incident occurred at about 11:26 p.m. near the 110 block of Wykes Street, according to state police. 

Investigators said an unknown suspect fired shots into the home. No injuries were reported. 

The Troop D, Beaver Criminal Investigation Unit is leading the investigation. The scene was processed by the state police Forensic Services Unit. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact 724-773-7400.