Courts order ICE not to deport Pennsylvania man who spent 43 years in prison before murder case overturned

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam walks outside the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pa, on Feb. 6, 2025, during a hearing over new evidence uncovered in his 1983 murder case. (Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com via AP)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Two separate courts have ordered immigration officials not to deport a Pennsylvania man who spent four decades in prison before his murder conviction was overturned.

Subramanyam Vedam, 64, is currently detained at a short-term holding center in Alexandria, Louisiana, that’s equipped with an airstrip for deportations. Vedam, a legal permanent resident known as “Subu,” was transferred there from central Pennsylvania last week, relatives said.

An immigration judge stayed his deportation on Thursday until the Bureau of Immigration Appeals decides whether to review his case. That could take several months. Vedam’s lawyers also got a stay the same day in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania, but said that case may be on hold given the immigration court ruling.

Vedam came to the U.S. legally from India as an infant and grew up in State College, where his father taught at Penn State. He was serving a life sentence in a friend’s 1980 death before his conviction was overturned this year.

He was released from state prison on Oct. 3, only to be taken straight into immigration custody.

The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking to deport Vedam over his no contest plea to charges of LSD delivery, filed when he was about 20. His lawyers argue that the four decades he wrongly spent in prison, where he earned degrees and tutored fellow inmates, should outweigh the drug case.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Monday that the reversal in the murder case does not negate the drug conviction.

“Having a single conviction vacated will not stop ICE’s enforcement of the federal immigration law,” Tricia McLaughlin,” Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, said in an email.

Vedam’s sister said Monday that the family is relieved “that two different judges have agreed that Subu’s deportation is unwarranted while his effort to re-open his immigration case is still pending.”

“We’re also hopeful that Board of Immigration Appeals will ultimately agree that Subu’s deportation would represent another untenable injustice,” Saraswathi Vedam said, “inflicted on a man who not only endured 43 years in a maximum-security prison for a crime he didn’t commit, but has also lived in the U.S. since he was 9-months-old.”

Pittsburgh Steelers, Shell Polymers to Visit Central Valley Middle School

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers STEM program will visit Central Valley Middle School in Monaca tomorrow from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., emceed by Steelers legend Arthur Moats. A release from the Pittsburgh Steelers confirms sixth, seventh and eighth graders at the middle school will connect with employees from Shell Polymers that work in careers rooted in STEM through breakout sessions and a panel discussion. If you are RSVPing for this event, you need to email cagnic@steelers.nfl.com by 5 p.m. today to confirm your attendance and if you are a member of the media, you must show up by 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. 

Consignment boutique Reclaimed Threads has grand opening in Beaver

(Photo Posted on WBVP-WMBA Facebook Page on November 1st, 2025 of Scott Tady in front of Reclaimed Threads Consignment Boutique in Beaver)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Reclaimed Threads, a consignment boutique, had its official grand opening on Saturday at 505 Third Street in Beaver. Beaver County Radio held a live broadcast that afternoon to celebrate the event. Beaver County Radio’s Scott Tady had a chance to talk with owner Sharon Miller about what the future holds for her store. Miller stated: “consignment has always been something that I’ve loved, I shop consignment shops myself, and the best part about it is when you walk in and you see that unexpected piece that you just are super excited about and you want to take home.” Reclaimed Threads is looking for mid-level to luxury brands with condition that is excellent or very good as well as men’s and women’s accessories, clothing and shoes, including bags and jewelry and small home accents for consignment. The store is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bryan Adams and Pat Benatar rock Pittsburgh

Scott Tady

PITTSBURGH – Bryan Adams started small and surprisingly Sunday on his way to a high-energy, solidly rocking concert.

Once the clock struck 9 p.m., the house lights darkened as Adams caught fans off guard, emerging alone on the small “B” stage at the farthest end of the PPG Paints Arena floor from the main stage.

Strumming an acoustic guitar, the Canadian rocker sang “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started” then the first of many hits, “Straight From The Heart,” as the fans surrounding him snapped closeup proximity photos perfect for sharing on their socials.

Normally featured halfway or two-thirds through a show, the B-stage made for a cool launching pad for Adams, who then strode the length of the arena floor to the main stage, giving fist bumps to excited spectators. At that point, the special free wristbands distributed to all concertgoers flashed various colors for a nifty visual effect that would happen again multiple times during his two-hour performance.

Bryan Adams starting on the B-stage at PPG Paints Arena. (Scott Tady)

Adams’ voice sounded stellar throughout, that wisp of a rasp giving him a signature sound that brought warm familiarity to hits like “Run to You,” “This Time” and “Have You Ever Really Loved Somebody.” Before “It’s Only Love,” he playfully asked for forgiveness before tackling the song’s challenging Tina Turner vocal parts.

Adams’ band rocked out, even transfixing his fans on new songs like “Never Ever Let You Go” and “Roll With The Punches,” which was accompanied by a giant, inflatable silver boxing glove floating above the audience. “Please Forgive Me” spawned a spontaneous audience singalong.

A giant floating boxing glove added visual pizzazz to the Bryan Adams show. (Scott Tady)

Megahit ballad “Heaven” got a rhythmic tweak, sounding more kicky courtesy the drum accents from Pat Steward.

Adams bantered cheerfully with the 9,000 or so fans (the arena’s upper bowl was closed off), calling out a guy sporting a glittery jacket, and choosing to add “Kids Wanna Rock” to the setlist after seeing a younger fan holding a sign requesting that song.

“You Belong to Me” had a rockabilly gallop, infused with a bit of “Blue Suede Shoes.” Adams encouraged concertgoers to dance along, and told guys if nothing else, they could take off their shirts and whip those garments above their head. A bunch of guys did just that, as did one woman, shown on the video screen in her bra dancing along carefree.

From the buoyant and cleverly titled “The Only Thing That Looks Good on You Is Me,” to a tender “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” that got some couples holding hands and dancing, Adams blasted and breezed through an entertaining set.

His epic “Summer of ’69” began without fanfare or pomp — just Adams suddenly cranking out that famous and monstrous opening riff. Another big hit, “Cuts Like a Knife,” followed.

Bryan Adams at PPG Paints Arena.

Fans headed to the exits were instructed to put their flashing plastic wristbands into recycling bins, like 3-D glasses at the movies.

Bottom line: Adams delivered an enjoyable night of music, teamed with the outstanding opening act of Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.

With Benatar singing with full-throttle force and exceptional diction, and hubby Giraldo grinding out loud and flashy guitar riffage, the dynamic duo delighted fans with hits like “Promises in The Dark,” “Shadows of The Night,” a danceable “Love is a Battlefield and set-ender “Heartbreaker” enveloping much of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” In a quest for unity, Benatar sang a new song “Come Together” that fit in well with her fiery set. All that was missing was “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”

Free Healthcare Clinic This Weekend in Butler to Address Limited Access to Care

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler, PA) According to a release today from Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, (RAM®) they are offering a free, comprehensive dental, vision, and medical clinic at Butler Intermediate High School, located at 551 Fairground Hill Road, Butler, for two days only this weekend, on November 8th and 9th. This free clinic opens at 6 a.m. on Saturday and will be open to those who need it and will provide dental, vision, and medical care to those who might go without these essential services otherwise. Concordia Lutheran Ministries is collaborating to help sponsor this event. No ID or insurance is required and the services are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The parking lot will open no later than 11:59 p.m. (midnight) on Friday, November 7th and will stay open until the clinic ends. After parking, patients will receive more information about the next steps and clinic processes. The clinic will close when its capacity is reached. The operations of the clinic on Sunday will be for an abbreviated day, so patients should come in as early as possible. Patients should also be prepared to choose between dental and vision services, due to time constraints, but all patients are offered general medical care.

Representative Aaron Bernstine to Host Informational Game Commission Event in Scott Township

(File Photo of Representative Aaron Bernstine)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Castle, PA) According to a release from Representative Aaron Bernstine’s office, Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is inviting residents, hunters, landowners and conservation-minded citizens to attend an upcoming Game Commission Event on Thursday, Nov. 6th, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 3712 Harlansburg Road, New Castle. Bernstine stated: “this event gives residents the chance to speak directly with those making decisions at the state level, and to better understand how wildlife and habitat are being managed here in western Pennsylvania.” A representative from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will provide updates on key topics at this event such as conservation programs, hunting regulations, wildlife management strategies and issues such as chronic wasting disease affecting deer populations. The discussion will also include insights about both restoration of habitats and public land access in western Pennsylvania. Attendees will receive the opportunity to ask questions, voice their concerns and learn more about the role of the Pennsylvania Game Commission in shaping policies that both impact the natural resources of the region and outdoor recreational opportunities. This is a free event that is open to the public and there is no registration required for it. For more information, you contact Bernstine’s district office at 724-752-2120 or you can visit www.RepBernstine.com.

Vitalant Donors Urged to Give Thanks by Giving Blood to Help Patients Through the Holidays

(File Photo of the Vitalant Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Castle, PA) As November of 2025 gets underway, Vitalant is encouraging Pennsylvanians to give blood this month to both give back to people that need it and to possibly win one of two expensive prepaid gift cards. All blood types are needed, but O blood and platelets are needed the most. If you donate blood, platelets or plasma during the month of November, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards in Vitalant’s Shopping Spree Giveaway.  November is also National Prematurity Awareness Month and blood transfusions are needed for premature infants that commonly have anemia. According to a release from Vitalant, here are the dates, times and locations for some upcoming local blood drives, how you can make an appointment and a online link for more information about Vitalant’s Shopping Spree Giveaway:

9th Annual Maddalena Tray Blood Drive

Wednesday, November 26th

Peters Township Public Library, Meeting Room

616 East McMurray Road

McMurray, PA 15317

10 A.M. – 2 P.M.

Other Upcoming Blood Drives

Aliquippa 

Tuesday, November 4th

B.F. Jones Memorial Library

663 Franklin Avenue.

10:15 A.M. – 1 P.M.

Baden 

Sunday, November 23ed

James Wetzel III Replenishment – Community Room

2856 Conway Wallrose Road

4 P.M. – 7 P.M.

Beaver Falls 

Thursday, November 6th

Concord United Methodist Church – Bethany Hall

285 Concord Church Road

4:15 P.M. – 7 P.M.

Ellwood City 

Saturday, November 8th

Richard Hogue Replenishment – Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Lunchroom

300 Crescent Avenue

7:30 A.M. -1 P.M.

New Castle 

Wednesday, November 26th

Harley-Davidson – Customer Lounge

4655 Route. 422

2 P.M. – 6 P.M.

How to Make an Appointment

Learn more and make an appointment to give by visiting vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Website for more information on Vitalant’s Shopping Spree Giveaway:

Visit vitalant.org/shoppinggiveaway by clicking here.

Preparing for Election Day of 2025

(File Photo of Pins with the word “Vote” on them)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Election Day is tomorrow in Pennsylvania, and in Beaver, Allegheny and Lawrence Counties, the polls will be open to make your voice heard and vote for different candidates in all of the local races. The polls will open at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m. tomorrow, so get out there and vote at your local polling place. A website link to find your local polling place can be found below:

Click here to access the Polling Place Search Tool.

Twenty-seven people rescued from Monongahela Incline after it unexpectedly stops in Pittsburgh

(Photo Courtesy of KDKA)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to officials, first responders rescued 27 passengers stuck on board the Monongahela Incline in Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon. The incline unexpectedly stopped working at around 2:25 p.m. when the cars were around forty feet short of their stations. There were no reported injuries. During this incident, emergency crews remained in contact with the passengers. According to Adam Brandolph, a spokesperson for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, the incline will remain closed through at least this morning.

Michigan lawyer says a Halloween terror plot that FBI Director Kash Patel described never existed

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FBI agents gather outside a home in a Dearborn, Mich., neighborhood on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

(AP) A Michigan defense lawyer is disputing FBI Director Kash Patel’s allegations that his 20-year-old client and four other young suspects were planning to carry out a terror attack on Halloween weekend.

Announcing their arrests on Friday, Patel said more information would be coming soon, however the FBI and Michigan authorities have offered few details about the case. Spokespersons for the state and national FBI and the U.S. Attorney in Detroit did not immediately respond to messages Saturday.

The investigation involved discussion in an online chat room involving at least some of the suspects who were taken into custody, according to two people briefed on the investigation who could not publicly discuss details. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The group allegedly discussed carrying out an attack around Halloween, referring to “pumpkin day,” according to one of the people. The other person briefed on the investigation confirmed that there had been a “pumpkin” reference.

However, lawyer Amir Makled, who represents a man from the suburb of Dearborn who was still detained on Saturday, said federal authorities haven’t given him many details about the investigation but after reviewing the matter, he concluded that no terror event was planned. He said he doesn’t expect any charges will be filed.

“I don’t know where this hysteria and this fearmongering came from,” Makled said.

He described the all-male group of U.S. citizens as gamers, and said they range in age from 16 to 20.

“If these young men were on forums that they should not have been on or things of that nature, then we’ll have to wait and see,” Makled said. “But I don’t believe that there’s anything illegal about any of the activity they were doing.”

Authorities said Friday after the arrests were made that there was no further threat to public safety. Patel had announced in a post on X that “the FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects in Michigan who were allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend.”

Investigators allege the plan was inspired by Islamic State group extremism. It wasn’t immediately clear if they had the means to carry out an attack, but the reference to Halloween prompted the FBI to make arrests Friday, one of the people familiar with the investigation told the AP.

Patel credited the vigilance of the FBI, along with help from local authorities, with thwarting the plot.

Since the 9/11 terror attacks, the FBI has foiled several alleged attacks through sting operations in which agents posed as terror supporters, supplying advice and equipment.