Policy solutions to improve foster youth education in Pennsylvania

Source for Photo: A report from the Education Law Center and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children found Black children in Pennsylvania face disproportionate foster care placement and increased scrutiny, reflecting broader racial disparities seen in schools and discipline. Credit for Photo, Courtesy of: (Lumeez/Adobe Stock) – Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service, Caption for Photo: Writing, education or teacher helping a girl in a classroom with learning development or studying notes. Kid, notebook or happy black woman smile teaching or talking to a focused high school student. Credit for Photo, Courtesy of: (Lumeez/Adobe Stock)- Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) Education is a major challenge for kids in foster care in Pennsylvania, according to a new report. Nearly 20-thousand children and teens are served by Pennsylvania’s foster care system each year. Maura McInerney with the Education Law Center says the report identifies policy recommendations to improve educational outcomes for them. One recommendation is that child welfare agencies place kids in foster care closer to their home communities, to help keep them in the same schools. It was released jointly by the Education Law Center and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children.

Five men from Pennsylvania are attempting to launch a class action lawsuit against DraftKings for causing their obessive gambling and for the company targeting them

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – The DraftKings logo is displayed at the sports betting company headquarters, May 2, 2019, in Boston. DraftKings apologized Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, after using the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks to entice people to bet on baseball and football games on the anniversary of the tragedy that killed nearly 3,000 people. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Chicago, IL) Five men from Pennsylvania are attempting to launch a class action lawsuit against DraftKings. The men confirm that their addictions of gambling came from the company which used methods that were predatory and marketing that was deceptive with the company being a gambling target. As of Tuesday, DraftKings did not file a response in court. The spokespeople for DraftKings did not answer a request for a comment immediately. Loevy + Loevy is a civil rights law firm based in Chicago that filed the laswuit for the five men.

Two men shot in Pittsburgh and no arrests made yet

(File Photo of two Pittsubrhg Police Vehicles in Pittsburgh with two companies and a person walking in the background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Two men got shot in Pittsburgh early this morning. According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, emergency responders were alerted to gunfire around 12:15 a.m. One man was shot in the leg before being found on the 7100 block of Frankstown Avenue. He was taken to the hospital and was stable. Pittsburgh Public Safety confirms another man was shot in the arm after appearing at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. That man was reportedly stable. No arrests were made as of this morning.

Aliquippa man arrested after driving under the influence in Monaca

(File Photo of Police Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) A man from Aliquippa was arrested after driving under the influence in Monaca Borough on Sunday. Thirty-seven-year-old Andrew Hrynewich was stopped by police on 600 Pennsylvania Avenue in a parking lot. Hrynewich had the license plate hidden on his car because the trunk of his car was open and he did not use a right turn signal when turning to 6th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue. Hrynewich was released because of a rule after his DUI arrest. 

Enon Valley woman charged after driving impaired in Darlington Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Darlington Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that a woman from Enon Valley was charged for driving under the influence after causing a single-vehicle crash in Darlington Township. On May 10th, 2025, seventy-five-year-old Diane Sobona was driving her truck on 267 Taggert Road and hit a concrete barrier. Sobona was discovered as an impaired driver, and she was taken to Heritage Valley Beaver even though she was not injured. Her truck had damage that was minor. 

Man from Beaver apprehended after assualting his wife in Bridgewater Borough

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Bridgewater Borough, PA) A man from Beaver was apprehended by troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver after he assaulted his wife in Bridgewater Borough on Friday. Thirty-four-year-old Derek Hays committed an act of domestic violence against his wife, twenty-six-year-old Lilia Hays at a residence on 1311 Market Street. Lilia went towards a window and jumped out of it after the incident occurred. Public drunkenness was the reason that Derek is now in the Beaver County Jail. According to police, a felony warrant that was temporary was entered for Derek and charges were filed against him.

Beaver Falls woman charged for causing a single-vehicle crash on I-376 East

(File Photo of Police Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that a woman from Beaver Falls was charged after causing a single-vehicle crash on I-376 East on Saturday. Thirty-one-year-old Sarah Fabiani was at the Brighton Exit, and she looked at her phone, which caused her to not have control of her car. Fabiani hit a guide rail, but she was not injured. According to police, Fabiani broke a vehicle code and was cited for the violation.

McKeesport man charged for allegedly giving alcohol to the man that fell onto PNC Park from the stands on April 30th, 2025

(File Photo: Source for Photo: A fan is carted off the field at PNC Park after falling out of the stands during the seventh inning of a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A twenty-one-year-old man from McKeesport got charges after allegedly giving alcohol to the twenty-year-old man who fell onto PNC Park from the stands on April 30th, 2025. According to the Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement, Ethan Kirkwood got two counts for furnishing alcohol to a minor. Court documents confirm that Kirkwood was arrested on Tuesday with these charges and on June 23rd, he will undergo a preliminary hearing. 

Oscar Mayer’s Fleet of Wienermobiles Go Head-to-Head in Inaugural “Wienie 500”

(Photo Provided by AP with Release. Oscar Mayer unveils the “Wienie 500,” a first-ever Wienermobile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, streaming live May 23 ahead of the Indy 500.)

 

CHICAGO & PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 20, 2025–

 

Oscar Mayer announces the “Wienie 500” – a first-of-its-kind spectacle where the fleet of Wienermobiles will haul buns to the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a race unlike any other. Ahead of this year’s Indianapolis 500, which draws more than 330,000 fans who consume nearly 30,000 hot dogs, Oscar Mayer’s beloved Hotdoggers will make their racing debut on the very same track as the pros. The race will be streamed live on Friday, May 23 at 2pm ET on the FOX Sports app and across @INDYCARonFOX social accounts, and fans can catch highlights from the race during Sunday’s Indy 500 pre-race show on FOX.

The Wienie 500 will also mark the first ‘meat-up’ of all six Wienermobiles in over a decade and the first competitive race for the fleet, each sporting an all-new look. Each Wienermobile will represent a different regional dog, including the Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Slaw Dog (Southeast), Sonoran Dog (Southwest) Chili Dog (South) and Seattle Dog (Northwest). From custom Hotdogger racing suits, to a trophy presentation in the ‘Wiener’s Circle’, complete with a condiment spray and hot dog for the wiener’s enjoyment, every moment of the race is designed to spark smiles, serving up a delightful racing event only Oscar Mayer can.

“The Indy 500 marks the unofficial kickoff of summer and the start of hot dog season,” said Kelsey Rice, Brand Communications Director at Oscar Mayer. “As a brand known for sparking smiles in disarmingly delightful ways, it’s only fitting that we bring a race of epic proportions to the Speedway and celebrate a timeless tradition: delicious meats and a little friendly competition to kick off a summer of wieners.”

As part of the fun, Oscar Mayer is inviting fans across the nation to get in on the action. In collaboration with DraftKings, fans can predict the outcome of the unforgettable race by answering a series of race-related questions. Beginning today, fans can head to Draftkings.com/wienie500 to enter the free-to-play pool, and those who rack up the most points will win a share of the total cash prize of $10,000.

The inaugural Wienie 500 marks the beginning of a summer of celebrating the American staple, proving that even the most unexpected places – like a professional racetrack – is the perfect setting for an Oscar Mayer wiener. The Wienie 500 is part of a partnership between Oscar Mayer and IMS that names Oscar Mayer the ‘Official Hot Dog’ of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. The first-of-its-kind race is also supported by an advertising campaign rolling out across the country, along with more surprises to come this summer.

To learn more about the Oscar Mayer Wienie 500 and see the ultimate wiener crowned, visit OscarMayer.com and follow @OscarMayer on Instagram and TikTok.

Results for the 2025 primary elections in Beaver County and the contested primary races in Pennsylvania

(File Photo of Pins that say “Vote”)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The unofficial results for the 2025 Beaver County primary elections have been released. According to the Beaver County Elections office, just over 18% of Beaver County voters went to the polls. Tom Hamilton defeated Lincoln Kretchmar in the Beaver Borough Mayor primary election. Bob Knox defeated Walter Pat Duffy in the East Rochester mayor primary election. According to the Beaver County elections office, here are the other results:

Pennsylvania’s contested primary races

  • Judge of the Superior Court (10 Years) – Republican
    • Maria Battista (Clarion County) – 6,034
    • Ann Marie Wheatcraft (Chester County) – 2,235
  • Judge of the Commonwealth Court (10 Years) – Republican
    • Matt Wolford (Erie County) – 6,071
    • Josh Prince (Berks County) – 2,185

Beaver County’s contested primary races

  • Magisterial District Judge 36-2-01 (Conway, Economy, Freedom, New Sewickley, Rochester, East Rochester) – Cross-filed (Pick one)
    • John Farmer – 576
    • Ronald Leindecker – 828
    • Adam Johnston – 407

Local offices’ contested primary races

  • Ambridge Borough Council (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick four)
    • Scott Prentice – 316
    • Russell G Basalyga – 260
    • Mary Jane Jones Gilliam – 289
    • Nadine Marie Palichat – 217
    • Tony Cafarelli – 272
  • Beaver Borough Mayor (Four Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Thomas Todd Hamilton – 393
    • Lincoln Kretchmar – 247
  • Beaver Borough Council (First Ward – Four Years) – Republican (Pick two)
    • Justin Ankrom – 91
    • Margaret Mckean – 51
    • Jarrod Thomas – 96
    • Ron Stidmon – 45
  • Beaver Borough Council (Second Ward – Four Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Ellen Kretchmar – 88
    • Phil Oshaughnessy – 132
  • Beaver Borough Council (Third Ward – Four Years) – Republican (Pick two)
    • Bill Egley – 103
    • Roberta Good – 152
    • Rebecca Beem – 95
    • Whitney A Learn Conjeski – 128
  • Bridgewater Borough Council (Four Years) – Republican (Pick two)
    • Anthony Ellis – 48
    • Gage Gimbus – 26
    • Charles Bates – 39
  • Darlington Borough Council (Two Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Zander Mckeel – 8
    • Glenda L Tetemanza – 9
  • East Rochester Mayor (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Bob Knox – 37
    • Walter Pat Duffy – 24
  • Economy Borough Tax Collector (Four Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Amy L Miller – 511
    • Nicole Thompson – 170
  • Franklin Township Supervisor (Six Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Steve Bailey – 146
    • Rod Richard – 293
  • Midland Borough Council (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick four)
    • Patsy Esposito – 166
    • Joseph Donald Checca – 110
    • Connie Ditri Drozdjibob – 157
    • Gregory Gutierrez – 144
    • Ivee Jo Roach – 124
  • Monaca Borough Tax Collector (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Angel Zampogna – 169
    • Barbara J Brummitt – 259
  • New Sewickley Township Supervisor (Six Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Artie Evans III – 179
    • Jonathan Stragand – 177
    • Daniel R Plunkett – 322
    • Barbara Blake – 92
  • Shippingport Borough Tax Collector (Four Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Kayla Carpenter – 11
    • John G. Depaolis – 4
  • South Beaver Township Supervisor (Six Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Jake Rosenberger – 101
    • Caine A Laderer – 90

Local school boards’ contested primary races

Note: Many candidates for school boards are cross-filed in primary races.

  • Aliquippa School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Sandra Gill – 467
    • Tina Price Genes – 434
    • Brian M Sims Sr. – 427
    • Nakita L Strickland – 258
    • Yvonne Jackson – 322
    • Ezra G Lowe Jr. – 277
    • Torri Durham Flannigan – 297
  • Ambridge Area School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Kelly Romasco – 1,097
    • Joshua Gill – 866
    • Kaylin Majeran – 533
    • Amy Fitsko – 1,065
    • Michael Jackson – 494
    • Thomas Samarco – 348
    • Mark D Reichard – 335
    • Kathleen A Curtis – 724
    • Jesse Hernandez – 726
    • Thomas G Short III – 379
  • Ambridge Area School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Mark D Reichard – 346
    • Joshua Gill – 489
    • Amy Fitsko – 479
    • Jesse Hernandez – 382
    • Kathleen A Curtis – 393
    • Thomas G Short III – 341
    • Thomas Samarco – 336
    • Kelly Romasco – 493
    • Michael Jackson – 175
    • Kaylin Majeran – 213
  • Beaver Area School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Michael Litchfield – 451
    • Donald E Phillips – 368
    • Peter Grundberg – 285
    • Aaron Bovalino – 757
    • Celina Petronzi Hendershot – 596
    • Andrea Walker – 731
    • Steven Neeley Jr – 684
    • Karin M Pilarski – 914
  • Beaver Area School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Donald E Phillips – 422
    • Andrea Walker – 504
    • Aaron Bovalino – 797
    • Michael Litchfield – 769
    • Peter Grundberg – 650
    • Steven Neeley Jr – 990
    • Karin M Pilarski – 611
    • Celina Petronzi Hendershot – 473
  • Blackhawk School District (Region Two – Four Years) – Democratic (Pick Two)
    • Frank Makoczy – 116
    • Thomas A Wire – 188
    • Chad McMillen – 271
  • Blackhawk School District (Region Two – Four Years) – Republican (Pick Two)
    • Frank Makoczy – 106
    • Thomas A Wire – 181
    • Chad McMillen – 250
  • Ellwood City Area School District (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Kathy C Tillia – 22
    • Robyn Nicklas – 16
    • Nick J Mancini – 28
    • Norm Boots – 14
    • Victoria Kincaid – 13
    • Brady Guy – 8
    • Claire Fauzey – 26
  • Ellwood City Area School District (Four Years) – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Kathy C Tillia – 10
    • Robyn Nicklas – 5
    • Nick J Mancini – 23
    • Norm Boots – 12
    • Victoria Kincaid – 12
    • Brady Guy – 12
    • Claire Fauzey – 10
  • Ellwood City Area School District (Two Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Robyn Nicklas – 5
    • Brady Guy – 2
    • Victoria Kincaid – 6
    • Kathy Galbreath – 7
    • Norm Boots – 13
    • Kathy C Tillia – 10
  • Ellwood City Area School District (Two Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Robyn Nicklas – 4
    • Brady Guy – 4
    • Victoria Kincaid – 5
    • Kathy Galbreath – 4
    • Norm Boots – 8
    • Kathy C Tillia – 3
  • Freedom Area School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Christian A Brenckle – 572
    • Michelle Micija -548
    • Wes Sterrett – 455
    • Laura B Stofan – 469
    • Monica Grunnagle – 564
  • Freedom Area School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Christian A Brenckle – 707
    • Michelle Micija – 486
    • Wes Sterrett – 599
    • Laura B Stofan – 481
    • Monica Grunnagle – 587
  • Hopewell Area School District (Region Three – Four Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Tory Aquino Sims – 142
    • David Piroli – 263
  • New Brighton Area School District (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Bernadette Saiko Mattica – 346
    • Christeen Deane Ceratti – 390
    • TJ Lofaso – 171
    • Steven Powell – 311
    • Matthew Ledonne – 374
    • Katherine Crisci – 337
  • New Brighton Area School District (Four Years) – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Bernadette Saiko Mattica – 200
    • Christeen Deane Ceratti – 235
    • TJ Lofaso – 140
    • Steven Powell – 229
    • Matthew Ledonne – 227
    • Katherine Crisci – 221
  • New Brighton Area School District (Two Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Matthew Ledonne – 137
    • Katherine Crisci – 64
    • Steven Powell – 90
    • Bernadette Saiko Mattica – 111
    • Christeen Deane Ceratti – 119
  • New Brighton Area School District (Two Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Matthew Ledonne – 93
    • Katherine Crisci – 35
    • Steven Powell – 82
    • Bernadette Saiko Mattica – 61
    • Christeen Deane Ceratti – 53
  • South Side Area School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Craig Stewart – 316
    • Jonathan Glenn – 261
    • Michael W Rounds – 233
    • Cynthia Cusato – 337
    • Jesse Streeter – 264
  • Western Beaver County School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Shawn Roman – 107
    • Daniel Trent – 149
    • Samantha Trimble – 203
    • Ronald J Bender – 117
    • Michael Smith – 81
    • Erin Majors – 160
    • Peter Kadilak – 163
  • Western Beaver County School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Shawn Roman – 133
    • Daniel Trent – 238
    • Samantha Trimble – 247
    • Ronald J Bender – 205
    • Michael Smith – 91
    • Erin Majors – 192
    • Peter Kadilak – 165