(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. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department, Posted on Facebook on June 3rd, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(North Sewickley, PA) A banquet and recognition were held yesterday at the North Sewickley Fire Hall to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department. Guests included County Commissioners Tony Amadio and Jack Manning.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department, Posted on Facebook on June 9th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Several Beaver County fire departments have been taking part in a Pump Operations I & II series in the city of Beaver Falls over the last few weeks. This is in preparation for firefighters that are taking the Driver/Operator Pumper certification exam at BC3 Public Safety Center in Butler at the end of the month.

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at today’s Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the County Courthouse. County Commissioner Jack Manning highlighted what the Commissioners did during their trip to Harrisburg last week during the Commissioners’ report of the session. Manning got to talk with department heads that represent Governor Josh Shapiro and PennDOT, as well as other representatives. Manning brought up that the Commissioners spoke with them about how the success of jobs in Beaver County are increasing, and he praised that just in the past year or so, the county has gained or secured almost 900 new jobs. Manning specifically mentioned five different companies that have either expanded, retained or help make new jobs in the county. Manning also expressed that he and Commissioner Tony Amadio also went to a banquet and recognition yesterday that celebrated 150 years of service from the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department at the North Sewickley Fire Hall and congratulated that department. They are Kenson Plastics, McCarl’s, Mitsubishi, Stoelzle Glass and VERSATEX. Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles went over a few of the twenty-one resolutions that are on an agenda for tomorrow during the solicitors’ report of the session. These included $128,000 going towards various libraries across the county and an agrgeement with an appraiser so the Commissioners can sell some properties that the county owns throughout this county, consult work for borough communities and main streets throughout the county, and various placement services. Fedeles also let the audience of the session know that the parking garage at the County Courthouse is still closed. The date that it will reopen is unknown at this time, but Fedeles noted that once the official date to open is given by the contractor, the Commissioners will let people know when it will be available to be used again. Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury also stated during the Department Head Report of the session that the Jenny Lee Tri Cup triathlon will take place at Brady’s Run Park this weekend and this is the fifth year that the park has hosted this event. The preview will be held on Friday and the races will be held on Saturday and Sunday. Caltury noted that about 3,000 racers from across the country will be participating and the road at Brady’s Run Park will be closed from about 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Commissioner Amadio also asked near the end of the session where the America250 bell that was made for Beaver County is currently, and Catury said it is in the Merrick Art Gallery until it will be returned on Friday.

(File Photo of the UPMC Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The largest health system in the Pittsburgh region is making job cuts. A UPMC spokesperson confirmed yesterday that the company is cutting about 200 jobs. UPMC did not say in what departments the layoffs are happening in; only that cuts are “primarily among those who are not in clinical or member-facing roles.” UPMC also confirmed that it is giving severance pay and benefits to affected employees. A statement from Michelle Hart, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner on behalf of Magee Nurses and Advanced Practitioners United, SEIU Healthcare PA, notes that UPMC is also eliminating 300 open positions.