(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Jim Harris/PBT, Caption for Photo: The new UPMC Children’s Heart Institute; a larger prep/recovery room at the new Heart Institute where patients will get prepped, go for their cath or scanand then return for recovery.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrenceville, PA) Cardiac care expanded this month with the opening of the new Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh yesterday. The $85 million facility, located on the hospital’s Lawrenceville campus, spans four floors and 50,000 square feet and is expected to significantly increase the number of services available to patients.

Bright colors, natural light and artwork greet patients and their families as they enter the Heart Institute through a dedicated entrance connected directly to a nearby parking garage. The welcoming design was intentional, according to UPMC Children’s President Diane Hupp.

The new UPMC Children’s Heart Institute, which treats children as well as adults with congenital heart conditions, includes three cardiac catheterization laboratories. One of the labs can connect directly to a dedicated MRI suite when needed, a capability that is not available at many hospitals across the country.

The project was funded by UPMC, the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation and individual donors.

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported yesterday that charges filed against a driver following a two-vehicle crash in Robinson Township on Monday have been withdrawn.

According to police, the driver was traveling north on Interstate 79 at approximately 7:07 a.m. when their vehicle rear-ended another vehicle.

No injuries were reported.

(File Photo of the Welcome to Monaca Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) A major streetscape project is underway in Monaca, a long-planned effort borough leaders hope will help revitalize the downtown business district. 

Borough Manager David Kramer said officials have been working toward the project since around 2013. 

“The last streetscape project was 1988, so we’re 40 years in,” Kramer told Channel 11’s Andrew Havranek. “We want to bring our downtown back, and this is one way of doing it.” 

The project carries a $7 million price tag, with half funded through a state grant and the other half paid for by the borough. 

Underground utility work began last year. This spring, crews started work on the road and sidewalks. 

The goal is to create a more vibrant downtown, attract businesses and visitors, and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. 

“We’re tearing out sidewalks and replacing them with brick. We have half a million bricks going into this project. New lighting, new benches, bike racks,” Kramer said. 

While the construction may create temporary inconveniences for drivers, business owners told WPXI they are looking forward to the finished product. 

“We’re excited that the changes are taking place,” said Mark Kopsack, owner of Valley Vintage Motorworks. “They’ve been doing a lot of planning, and that’s what it takes to do a project as big as this one. We give them a lot of credit. They seem to be working pretty quickly, and we’re looking forward to seeing the end result.” 

Because Pennsylvania Avenue is a state-owned road, crews can only perform road work between March and October. Kramer said he hopes favorable weather this fall and winter will allow crews to continue work on sidewalks and lighting. 

He expects the project to be completed by the middle of next summer. 

Kramer also said private investors are working to revitalize vacant properties in the borough, with nearly $35 million in private investment planned. 

“We have a lot of work going into town,” he said. “The next five years, it’s going to change dramatically. It’s exciting to be a part of it.” 

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie Speaking)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania House unanimously approved a resolution in Harrisburg yesterday directing the state to study the costs and benefits of remaining a member of PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that manages Pennsylvania’s electric grid.

House Resolution 361, sponsored by Representative Rob Matzie, calls for the Joint State Government Commission to examine the financial risks and benefits associated with PJM membership and its impact on residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers.

The resolution comes amid concerns about rising electricity prices in parts of Pennsylvania and growing calls from some lawmakers and state officials for reforms to the regional power system.

Matzie said the study will provide policymakers with information needed to evaluate whether continued participation in PJM serves the state’s long-term interests.

PJM Interconnection manages the electric transmission grid in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.

Representative Rob Matzie recently spoke about this resolution in the State House chamber: (Audio Credit: Courtesy of Representative Rob Matzie’s Office)

(File Photo: Source for Photo: An aerial view of the cleanup of a derailed Norfolk Southern freight train, in East Palestine, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Carnegie, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that his Railway Safety Act was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on May 21st, 2026 as part of the BUILD America 250 Act, a major transportation package. The legislation now advances to the full House for consideration.

Deluzio joined the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 2024 and has made rail safety legislation a key priority. He first introduced the Railway Safety Act in 2023 following the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

Representing a district neighboring East Palestine and communities affected by the derailment, Deluzio has advocated for stronger rail safety measures in Congress. Lawmakers have not enacted major rail safety legislation since the February 3rd, 2023 derailment. Supporters say the inclusion of the Railway Safety Act in the BUILD America 250 Act represents the most significant progress on rail safety legislation since the incident.

The measure was approved by the committee with bipartisan support and has received endorsements from several rail labor unions. Deluzio has also said President Donald Trump supports the legislation and would sign it if it reaches his desk.

“The people of Beaver County and East Palestine have waited long enough,” Deluzio said. “I am so proud that my bill, the Railway Safety Act, passed out of committee with bipartisan support. Let’s get this bill passed and on President Trump’s desk—who promised he would sign it.”

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that beam deliveries and placements on Interstate 79 in Marshall Township and Franklin Park Borough will take place next week, June 8th-12th, weather permitting.

The following restrictions are expected between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night to accommodate beam delivery and placement work. Local and state police will direct traffic at signalized intersections during the closures and detours. According to a release from PennDOT District 11, here is the schedule and detour for this work:

Monday, June 8th

• Northbound I-79 will be reduced to a single-lane of traffic between the Route 910/Wexford (Exit 73) off and on-ramps to accommodate beam deliveries.

Wednesday, June 10th

• Southbound I-79 will be closed and detoured at the Route 910/Wexford (Exit 73) interchange for beam placement work.
• Northbound I-79 will be reduced to a single-lane of traffic between the off and on-ramps at the Route 910/Wexford (Exit 73) interchange to accommodate the beam placement work.

Thursday, June 11th

• Northbound I-79 will be reduced to a single-lane of traffic between the Route 910/Wexford (Exit 73) off and on-ramps to accommodate beam deliveries.

Friday, June 12th

• Southbound I-79 will be closed and detoured at the Route 910/Wexford (Exit 73) interchange for beam placement work.
• Northbound I-79 will be reduced to a single-lane of traffic between the off and on-ramps at the Route 910/Wexford (Exit 73) interchange to accommodate the beam placement work.

Posted Detour

Southbound I-79

• From southbound I-79, take the Route 910/Wexford (Exit 73) exit
• Cross over Route 910/Wexford Bayne Road onto the on-ramp to southbound I-79
• End detour