This photo provided by Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in October 2024, shows Nimi, a one-year-old beaver, at the Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, Mass. (Jane Newhouse/Newhouse Wildlife Rescue via AP)

Whether a 2-year-old beaver named Nibi gets to stay with the rescuers she has known since she was a baby or must be released into the wild as winter approaches in Massachusetts has ended up in court — and caused such an uproar that even the governor has weighed in.

“To literally see people from around the world come together to protect this beaver is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life,” said Adam Teper, an attorney representing Nibi’s rescuers.

A judge on Tuesday said that for now, Nibi will allowed to stay in her home at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, located northwest of Boston. A hearing has been set for Friday in the case the rescuers filed against MassWildlife, the state’s division of fisheries and wildlife, to stop the release.

Nibi has been a hit on the rescue group’s social media since she was a baby, and posts about her impending release garnered thousands of comments. An online petition to save Nibi from being released has received over 25,000 signatures, lawmakers have weighed in as well, and this week Gov. Maura Healey pledged to make sure Nibi is protected.

Jane Newhouse, the rescue group’s founder and president, said that after Nibi was found on the side of the road, they tried to reunite her with nearby beavers who could have been her parents but were unsuccessful. After that, attempts to get her to bond with other beavers also didn’t work.

“It’s very difficult to consider releasing her when she only seems to like people and seems to have no interest in being wild or bonding with any of her own species,” Newhouse said.

Nibi has a large enclosure with a pool at the rescue operation, and will also wander in its yard and rehabilitation space, Newhouse said. “She pretty much has full run of the place. Everybody on my team is in love with her,” she said.

Newhouse said she had asked MassWildlife if she could get a permit for Nibi to become an educational beaver, allowing her to take the beaver to schools, libraries and town halls. But, she said, with the recent denial of that permission came the ordered release of Nibi.

MassWildlife did not reply immediately Wednesday to a request for comment.

Newhouse said that her fear is that a release would mean certain death for her beloved “diva” beaver, who doesn’t know how to live in the wild right now.

“It doesn’t give her much time how to figure out how to build a lodge for the first time, how to build dams for the first time, how to store all of her food before winter sets in,” she said.

Newhouse said that beavers usually leave their parents between the ages of 2 and 3, so it’s possible that over the next year Nibi will show more interest in wanting to be in the wild. But unless that happens, she wants to keep her safe.

“She loves her life here,” Newhouse said. “She’s spoiled rotten, and she’s got lots of room to run around and her own little pond, all the food, fruit, veggies, nuts, berries she wants.”

This combination of photos taken in Pennsylvania shows Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., left, at a campaign event, Sept. 13, 2024, in Wilkes-Barre, and David McCormick, the Republican nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania, at a campaign event, April 25, 2024, in Harrisburg. (AP Photo)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Republican challenger David McCormick will meet Thursday night for their first debate in an expensive race for a swing-state seat that could help determine control of the Senate in November’s election.

Casey, perhaps Pennsylvania’s best-known politician, is seeking a fourth term and is facing what he calls his toughest reelection challenge yet.

Casey, 64, is a staunch ally of labor unions, a former state auditor general and treasurer and Pennsylvania’s longest-serving Democrat in the Senate. He has campaigned on preserving the middle class, abortion rights, labor rights and voting rights, and calls McCormick and former President Donald Trump a threat to all those.

McCormick, 59, is making his second run for the Senate after losing narrowly to Dr. Mehmet Oz in 2022’s Republican primary. He is a former hedge fund CEO who served at the highest levels of former President George W. Bush’s administration and sat on Trump’s Defense Advisory Board.

He has accused Casey of rubber-stamping Biden administration policies on immigration, the economy, energy and national security that he blames for inflation, domestic turmoil and war. He also has attacked Casey as out of touch after being in elected office for almost three decades.

Casey, in turn, has attacked McCormick as a carpetbagger from Connecticut’s ritzy “ Gold Coast ” who got rich at the expense of others while an executive at a hedge fund there.

Casey has been a key player for Democrats trying to reframe the election-year narrative about the economy by attacking “greedflation” — a blunt term for corporations jacking up prices and ripping off shoppers to maximize profits — as fast-rising prices opened a big soft spot in 2024 for Democrats.

McCormick, meanwhile, has made a bid for Jewish voters by traveling to the Israel-Gaza border, speaking to Jewish audiences across the state and arguing that Casey and the Biden administration have not fought antisemitism or backed Israel strongly enough in the Israel-Hamas war.

Democrats currently hold a Senate majority by the narrowest of margins but face a difficult 2024 Senate map. A Casey loss could guarantee Republican control of the Senate.

More than $150 million has been spent on the race so far, according to Federal Election Commission records, and the total is on track to exceed $300 million, based on campaign ad tracking by AdImpact, which includes spots reserved between now and Election Day.

The 60-minute debate will air on TV starting at 8 p.m. across Pennsylvania and stream live online. The debate is being hosted by WHTM-TV in Harrisburg.

The candidates have agreed to another debate, to be held at a Philadelphia TV station Oct. 15.

Both Casey and McCormick were uncontested for their party’s nominations in the primary election.

Also on the Nov. 5 Senate ballot are John Thomas of the Libertarian Party, Leila Hazou of the Green Party and Marty Selker of the Constitution Party. They were not invited to the debate.

If there’s ever a time of year to hit the open road or jet off to a bucket list destination, it’s now! In many parts of the U.S., temperatures are dipping, and leaves are changing, creating the perfect conditions for a picturesque fall getaway. Autumn is also an ideal time to travel internationally, especially to Europe, when it’s less busy than summer.

“With milder weather and fewer crowds, this is the perfect time of year to plan a special getaway,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “More people are flying both domestically and internationally this season, and many travelers are taking this opportunity to enjoy the fall foliage in places like Alaska and New England.”

AAA’s Top Fall Destinations

According to AAA booking data, flights and cruises are the two travel categories that are seeing increased demand compared to last year. Domestic flights are up 1%, and international flights are up 3%. Travelers are paying about the same as they did last fall. The average domestic roundtrip ticket is $660, and the average international roundtrip ticket is $1,315. Domestic cruise bookings are up 19% over last fall, and international cruise bookings are up 6%. The average cost of a cruise from a domestic city is similar to last fall – $2,355 – while the average cost of an international cruise is up 1% to $3,560.

Travelers headed on fall road trips are finding lower pump prices than last year. Gas prices have decreased since late July, partly thanks to a relatively quiet Atlantic hurricane season. This is also the time of year when stations switch to winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to produce. Drivers renting cars for their autumn adventures are also finding better rates. The cost to rent a vehicle domestically is down 5% this fall and down 15% for international car rentals. Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, says cities with the most increased demand this summer would make ideal fall trips include Boston, Denver, Portland (Maine and Oregon!), Montreal, and Vancouver – all top leaf-color-viewing destinations!

For travelers looking for last-minute getaways, Trip Canvas—AAA’s free travel planning site—offers inspiration and ideas for memorable fall escapes.

CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Navy and Iraq War veteran Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced a $750,000 grant for the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. to conduct veteran suicide prevention work across Western Pennsylvania. This grant comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). 

The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. award of $750,000 will go towards its veterans suicide prevention work in: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. 

“This country has a solemn duty to stand up for the people who served in uniform—and that includes doing all we can to fight back against America’s veteran suicide crisis,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I am glad that more funds are coming to support my fellow veterans here in Western Pennsylvania. It is through investments like this one, community support, and policy changes in Congress and the VA that we can help save the lives of our nation’s veterans.” 

The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) is a VA grant program to give resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts to support veterans and their families through outreach, suicide prevention services, and connection to VA and community resources. Working in alignment with the VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide (2018), this grant program assists in further implementing a public health approach that blends community-based prevention with evidence-based clinical strategies through community efforts. 

Congress has allocated $174 million for the SSG Fox SPGP, a three-year community-based grant program serving veterans and their families across the country. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and grants will be awarded to organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for eligible individuals at risk of suicide and their families that qualify, including: 

• Outreach to identify those at risk of suicide 

• Baseline mental health screening for risk (required of all grantees for participants ages 18+) 

• Education on suicide risk and prevention to families and communities 

• Provision of clinical services for emergency treatment 

• Case management services 

• Peer support services 

• VA benefits assistance for eligible individuals and their families 

• Assistance with obtaining and coordinating other benefits provided by the federal government, a state or local government, or an eligible entity 

• Assistance with emergent needs relating to health care services, transportation, daily living services, personal financial planning and counseling, temporary income support services, fiduciary and representative payee services, legal services to assist the eligible individual with issues that may contribute to the risk of suicide, and childcare 

• Nontraditional and innovative approaches and treatment practices, as approved by the VA 

• Other services needed to help improve the mental health, support the well-being, and reduce the suicide risk of eligible veterans and their families 

This grant announcement follows Congressman Deluzio’s introduction of a new bipartisan bill, the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act. This proposal—supported by organizations across the political spectrum—would build off a successful pilot program and would give free gun lockboxes to veterans through the VA.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published October 3, 2024 12:06 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Friday, October 4, 2024 will be a busy day in Aliquippa. At 3:30pm, the unveiling of the new Champions of Aliquippa sign will take place. The sign is a part of  a project by the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation. Participants are to meet in the Mount Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Church parking lot. At 4pm the lineup for the annual homecoming parade is at Auto Zone on Main Street. The parade begins at 5 pm and will proceed to Heinz Field. Drivers should find an alternate route  during the parade.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published October 3, 2024 12:02 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Part time Aliquippa firefighter Hunter Hagy was promoted to full time based on the recommendation from Fire Chief Tim Firich.

The city approved the advertising for bids for cleaning services to be provided for the city building and they approved the advertising for sealed proposals for gasoline/diesel fuel for city vehicles.

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on October 3, 2024 at 8:40 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh was selected as one of four cities to be recognized as a World Festival and Event City by the International Festivals and Events Association. According to a media release from VisitPITTSBURGH, an international panel of experts judged each city’s commitment and fostering to festivals and events, the economic impact of these activities, and the role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. Pittsburgh joins three other cities in the United States of America to earn this honor in 2024.

(Photos Courtesy of East Rochester and Tusca Shop N’ Save)

(East Rochester, Pa.) Officials from East Rochester and Tusca Shop n Saves have announced that both stores are currently selling ready to go drink cocktails after receiving the new PLCB permit that is required to sell them.

The new ready to go cocktails add to the already impressive beer and wine selections at both stores. You can now purchase theses canned products from popular brands such as High Noon, Surfside and Stateside among others at both locations!!

The Tusca Plaza Shop N Save is located at 4935 Tuscarawas Rd. in Brighton Township. The store is open 7 Days a week from 7AM to 10 PM (See store for specific hours of Alcohol sales)

Story by Curtis Walsh  – Beaver County Radio. Published October 2, 2024 3:34 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) New Brighton is set to become the home of the first Free Little Art Gallery in Beaver County. A Free Little Art Gallery, also referred to as a FLAG, is a place where anybody can visit and view original artworks and take or leave one. Organizers of the New Brighton FLAG say that their motto is “Take Art. Leave Art. Love Art.”

The FLAG movement started in Washington state in 2020 with the idea that everyone can do art or own art. As of this past summer, 574 FLAGs have been mapped. Artwork found in FLAGs can range from children and amateurs to professionals.  Artists are also able to gain recognition for their work by including their name and social handles with their works.

The New Brighton Free Little Art Gallery will be located in the New Brighton Public Library. FLAG curators Allison Railing and Noel George say that they have been happily coordinating with New Brighton Library Director Lauren Cesnales on bringing this movement to the community. The gallery will have an art drop off area where the curators will photograph and post pictures of the donated works to social media. They will also have free art supplies available for those who want to create art but do not have the proper supplies.

A grand opening of the New Brighton Free Little Art Gallery is scheduled for November 2nd from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Food and refreshments will be served following the opening ceremony.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published October 2, 2024 1:59 P.M.

(Dublin, Ohio) Are you ready, kids? It appears that the secret Krabby Patty formula has been leaked to a popular fast food chain. Wendy’s have announced that they will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of “Spongebob Squarepants” along with Paramount by offering the “Krabby Patty Kollab” meal.

The meal will feature a Krabby Patty Kollab Burger and Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty.

The “Krabby Patty Kollab Burger” is described as a quarter pound of beef, two slices of melty American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and a top-secret Krabby Kollab sauce on a toasted premium bun. 

The Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty is a Vanilla Frosty with a Pineapple Mango flavored puree swirl. 

Dario Spina, CMO of Paramount Brand Studio said in a release, “The Krabby Patty Kollab’ marks another innovative way to continue the landmark 25th anniversary celebration of ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ bringing Bikini Bottom to the surface like never before”.

The meal hits stores nationwide in the U.S., Canada and Guam beginning Tuesday, October 8.