An Aliquippa man is facing charges for allegedly sexually abusing a 6-year-old girl. The incident was reported on Aug. 2 when the child was treated at Children’s Hospital. During two separate interviews with authorities, the girl claimed 27-year-old Keshmar Sims sexually assaulted her while giving her a bath. The girl also said Sims showed her a pornographic video on his phone On Aug. 5, police searched his home and found the alleged phone. They also found several pairs of young girls underwear. Sims is currently being held in the Beaver County Jail. He is facing a list of charges including rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Pennsylvania motorists will have to make sure car seats face backward for all children until they’re 2 years old under a new state law that goes into effect this week. The measure that becomes law Friday directs police to issue warnings for the first year, after which violations will cost $125 in fines, costs and fees. Pennsylvania is the fourth state to enact the rear-facing child seat regulations for the youngest of children, after California, New Jersey and Oklahoma. Backers of the new child seat rules say facing children toward the back of the car dramatically lowers their risk of death or serious injury during crashes. PENNdot says children should remain in rear-facing seats until they reach the manufacturer’s height or weight limits.

Beaver council is planning to vote tonight on whether a local waffle restaurant can sell beer. Council will vote on a resolution whether they support Beaver Brewing Company Beer being sold at Waffles Incaffeinated on Third Street. The council vote would only pertain to beer sales with that one particular restaurant. But several people have expressed concerns about the sales. Beaver borough has tried to keep alcohol sales banned since 1934. Tonight’s council meeting will be held at 7:00 at the municipal building.

New Brighton Mayor Rick Smith has died. Smith died Friday after an extended illness. He had been the mayor of New Brighton since 2006. Smith is being remembered for his dedication to the community and his efforts to improve his hometown. Smith is survived by his wife, four children, four stepchildren and several grandchildren. He was 71.