Category: News

Esmerlyn Valdez’s homer caps five-run first inning, Pirates earn 12-1 victory and send skidding Cubs to 10th straight loss

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Esmerlyn Valdez hits a two-run home run off Chicago Cubs pitcher Jordan Wicks during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Esmerlyn Valdez hit a two-run home run to cap a five-run first inning on Tuesday night and the Pittsburgh Pirates routed the skidding Cubs 12-1 to extend Chicago’s losing streak to 10 games.

The rookie became the seventh player in Pirates’ history to hit two home runs within the first four games of his major league career and the first since Austin Meadows in 2018.

The Cubs are just the second team in major league history to have two 10-game winning streaks and one 10-game losing streak in the same season, joining the 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

It is also the Cubs’ longest losing streak since 2022.

Braxton Ashcraft (4-3) allowed one run on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings while striking out five and walking one. He is 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in five starts in May.

Valdez’s homer gave the Pirates a 5-0 lead after Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run double earlier in the first off Jordan Wicks (0-1), who was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday to bolster an injury-depleted rotation. Wicks was rocked for eight runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Spencer Horwitz also homered for the Pirates, who won their third consecutive game. Oneil Cruz had three hits and Brandon Lowe, Reynolds, Nick Gonzales and Horwitz added two each. Valdez drove in three runs.

Konnor Griffin, a 20-year-old rookie shortstop, became the youngest leadoff hitter for the Pirates since 1952. He was 1 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored.

The Cubs’ Alex Bregman and Carson Kelly had two hits each. Chicago went 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine runners.

Up next

Cubs RHP Jameson Taillon (2-4, 5.20 ERA) faces rookie RHP Bubba Chandler (1-6, 4.60) on Wednesday night in the third game of the four-game series.

Aliquippa Councilman Donald C. Walker III named Employee of the Year by the Private Industry Council Head Start/Early Head Start of Beaver County

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Aliquippa, Posted on Facebook on May 26th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The City of Aliquippa recognized Councilman Donald C. Walker III after he was recently named Employee of the Year by the Private Industry Council Head Start/Early Head Start of Beaver County. 

Walker serves as a family and community engagement manager, where city officials said he has helped strengthen partnerships and support families throughout Beaver County. 

City leaders praised Walker for his commitment to community service and public engagement. 

The city also recognized Rishell Miller on her retirement after years of service with the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. 

Officials thanked Miller for her dedication and contributions to the programs over the years. 

Southbound Interstate 79 Overnight Restrictions Thursday in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that overnight traffic restrictions on Interstate 79 in Marshall Township and Franklin Park Borough in Allegheny County will occur tomorrow night, weather permitting. 

PennDOT said southbound I-79 will be reduced to a single lane between the off- and on-ramps at the Route 910/Wexford interchange (Exit 73) from 7 p.m. tomorrow through 6 a.m. Friday. 

The restrictions are needed to accommodate crane pad installation work. 

Little Bear and Bean Boutique storefront having grand opening in Ambridge this weekend

(File Photo of the Borough of Ambridge Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) Little Bear and Bean Boutique will celebrate the grand opening of its first storefront on Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1221 Merchant Street, Ambridge.

Owned by Ambridge Area High School graduate Kari Kleemook Gregory, the boutique spent more than seven years building an online customer base before expanding into a permanent retail location in Ambridge. 

During that time, the business shipped products to customers in all 50 states and four additional countries, growing from a small online venture into an internationally supported business rooted in Beaver County. 

The boutique offers women’s and children’s clothing, including custom-made items, sensory-friendly fabrics and specialty styles. 

According to the business, products include children’s apparel, matching “mommy and me” outfits and Judy Blue denim. 

The grand opening event is free and open to the public. 

AAA: Gas Prices Continue to Fall in Pennsylvania

(Credit for Photo: Photo Providecd with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices in Western Pennsylvania fell seven cents this week to an average of about $4.69 per gallon, according to AAA East Central. 

The national average for regular gasoline is $4.49 per gallon, down four cents from last week. 

Despite the weekly decline, prices remain at their highest level in four years. AAA said rising gasoline demand and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz are expected to keep pump prices elevated as the summer travel season begins. 

The national average is 40 cents higher than a month ago and $1.32 higher than a year ago. The report also states that the average price that you can expect for a gallon of regular unleaded gas here in Beaver County is about $4.86. 

According to a report from AAA East Central and AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various areas:

$4.546      Altoona
$4.858      Beaver
$4.665      Bradford
$4.524      Brookville
$4.789      Butler
$4.627      Clarion
$4.553      DuBois
$4.634      Erie
$4.467      Greensburg
$4.775      Indiana
$4.518      Jeannette
$4.852      Kittanning
$4.592      Latrobe
$4.681      Meadville
$4.788      Mercer
$4.856      New Castle
$4.815      New Kensington
$4.899      Oil City
$4.845      Pittsburgh
$4.485      Sharon
$4.764      Uniontown
$4.691      Warren
$4.735      Washington

Help rescued dogs at Beaver County Humane Society fundraiser

 

MONACA — A community fundraiser June 14 will help the Beaver County Humane Society assist with the care and rescue of several pitbulls recently saved from Aliquippa.
The fundraiser, a flash tattoo event, lasts from noon to 5 p.m.,  at Flesh Mechanics Tattoo Studio at 1414 Penn Ave Monaca. Owner Kevin Kerr and the artists at Flesh Mechanics will offer original flash tattoo designs created specifically for the event.
“Flesh Mechanics has been a respected part of the community for 24 years and is well known for its talented artists, loyal clientele, and community involvement,” event spokeswoman Vanessa Casper, a Beaver County Humane Society (BCHS) board member, said.

 

Tattoos will be available in exchange for:
• A $50 donation from the Beaver County Humane Society wish list, or
• A $50 cash donation benefiting BCHS

In addition to the tattoo event:
• Caffe Nero of Ambridge will offer baked goods and coffee, and Comfortably Yummm of Monaca will feature a special menu. Both businesses will offer a portion of proceeds to BCHS.

An adoptable dog will be there along with Basket raffles and additional information about how the community can get involved with the  BCHS.

The event also also will bring awareness to the vital work the Beaver County Humane Society (BCHS) does every day for animals throughout our community, Casper said.

The BCHS works tirelessly to rescue, protect, rehabilitate, and advocate for animals that have been neglected, abandoned, abused or displaced. Their work extends far beyond sheltering animals — they provide medical care, rehabilitation, education, and second chances for countless animals in need. This work is only possible through the continued support of the community, Casper said.

This event also highlights the positive impact of the tattoo community and how local artists and businesses continue to support important causes within Beaver County.

“There are often misconceptions surrounding tattoo culture, but events like this demonstrate the compassion, generosity, and community spirit that exist within it. Artists, businesses, and community members are coming together for one purpose — helping animals in need and supporting a local organization that serves Beaver County every day,” the event press release said.

‘Tats & Tails’ fundraiser.

 

Event Details:
Flash Tattoo Fundraiser for Beaver County Humane Society
Hosted by Vanessa Casper, BCHS Board Member

Held at Flesh Mechanics Tattoo Studio 1414 Penn Ave., Monaca.

June 14, Noon to 5 p.m.

Penguins re-sign star forward Evgeni Malkin to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin (71) is defended by Philadelphia Flyers’ Travis Sanheim (6) during the third period of Game 5 in the first round of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series in Pittsburgh, Monday, April 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Evgeni Malkin is going to get a chance to finish what he started in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins re-signed the franchise icon to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million on Tuesday, answering perhaps the club’s biggest offseason question before the offseason truly starts.

Malkin, who turns 40 in August, was set to become a free agent on July 1. The Russian had maintained for the past year-plus that he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh rather than hit the open market for the first time in his career. General manager Kyle Dubas spent months declining to offer any specifics on the prospect of keeping Malkin around.

“It’s not easy for Kyle, maybe he wants new blood here,” Malkin said shortly after the Penguins’ bounce-back season ended with a Game 6 loss to rival Philadelphia in the opening round of the playoffs. “I understand business. I understand he wants maybe new team, see new faces here.”

Dubas didn’t tip his hand until recently, saying on May 12 that the Penguins would “love” to have Malkin back for a 21st and perhaps final season of a career that will almost certainly end with him entering the Hall of Fame.

While he missed 20 games because of an injury and another five to a late-season suspension for an illegal hit, Malkin finished with 19 goals and 42 assists in 56 games to help Pittsburgh return to the playoffs after a three-year absence.

And while Dubas has given the roster a significant overhaul and a needed influx of young talent since taking over in the summer of 2023, that talent is not ready to supplant Malkin on Pittsburgh’s second line.

“I don’t think he’s blocking anybody,” Dubas said earlier this month.

The signing means Malkin, and longtime running mates Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang are all under contract for next season. The trio has played 20 seasons together, the longest run by any three teammates in major North American professional sports history.

Malkin, the second overall pick in the 2004 draft, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and the 2012 Hart Trophy winner as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player, acknowledged he was open to playing elsewhere next season.

It never came to that.

While Malkin will take a bit of a pay cut from the $6.1 million he made on the deal that expires on June 30, when healthy and engaged, he remains a dangerous offensive player. His strong start last fall helped fuel Pittsburgh’s return to contention under first-year head coach Dan Muse, and his 1.09 points per game tied Crosby for tops on the team.

Malkin’s 1,407 career points are second all time among Russian-born players, trailing only NHL all-time leading goal scorer Alex Ovechkin. While Ovechkin’s future remains up in the air, Malkin’s now is not.

Former DeAngelis Donuts building demolished

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published May 26, 2026 2:12 P.M.

(Rochester Township, Pa) Demolition of the former location of DeAngelis Donuts in Rochester got underway Tuesday morning. Over half of the building was reduced to rubble by noon.

The family owned shop decided to close permanently in 2024 following the passing of owner Richard DeAngelis.

The property was listed for sale following the closure and sat vacant for nearly 2 years.

We have not yet received official word on the future of the site, however property records show the property was purchased by a Pittsburgh based group who operates multiple Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the area.

VIDEO:

Scammers at large during a summer of large events in Pennsylvania, what you can do to protect yourself

(File Photo of a Scam Alert Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) As Pennsylvania prepares for a busy summer of large-scale events, including America250 celebrations, state police are warning residents to watch out for scams.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, major public events often attract scammers looking to steal money or personal information.

“Criminals like to use high-profile events like this to prey on innocent victims,” Major Serell C. Ulrich said. “Our goal is to protect people from thieves by alerting them about red flags to watch out for and connecting them with information that helps prevent them from falling victim.”

According to a report from WPXI, here is a list from troopers of things to be mindful of in order to avoid being scammed:

  • Ticket Scams: Criminals are likely to sell counterfeit tickets or fake digital tickets using social media or unofficial platforms. Only purchase tickets from verified platforms.
  • Accommodations Fraud: Be cautious of rentals, hotels, or travel packages at “too good to be true” prices. These may be scams that result in stolen deposits and compromised personal information.
  • Malware/Phishing: Social media may be used to send links to photos and videos of important event moments. The links may appear valid, but when clicked, malware is downloaded. There are legitimate websites and applications specifically designed for events that can be utilized to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information.
  • QR Codes: Fraudulent QR codes may be placed in areas surrounding event venues to mislead unsuspecting attendees into believing the link is for legitimate sites to purchase merchandise, tickets, parking, meet and greet opportunities, or other goods. Check to determine whether the QR codes are stickers before you scan. This is a red flag that the code may be fraudulent. Always check the website’s URL after scanning a QR code and verify that the website looks official, including checking that there is an “s” at the end of the “http” portion of the site’s URL.
  • ATM Cash Traps/Skimming Devices: Use caution when using ATMs and points-of-sale terminals to withdraw funds or pay for items. These methods are easy ways for criminals to steal credit and debit card data, as well as cash. Avoid using standalone ATMS or ones that show signs of tampering. If the cash doesn’t dispense immediately, report it to local law enforcement.

Troopers urged residents to download apps only from authorized app stores, avoid buying tickets or merchandise from scalpers and refrain from clicking unfamiliar links or attachments.

Reps. Chris Deluzio and Summer Lee Introduce “Zombie Mine” Bills to Hold Coal Corporations Accountable for Cleanup

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) announced today the introduction of a three-bill package aimed at addressing unreclaimed “zombie mines” — abandoned or idle coal mines that can pollute waterways and pose public safety risks.

The legislative package includes Deluzio’s Bond Improvement and Reclamation Assurance Act, Lee’s Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act and the Stream Protection and Vegetation Restoration Act, introduced by Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08).

According to the lawmakers, the bills are designed to strengthen mining bond requirements, protect waterways and ensure land is properly reclaimed after mining operations end.

Deluzio and Lee introduced the legislation during a joint press conference at the First Mining of Pittsburgh Coal historical marker on Mount Washington alongside environmental advocates and community leaders from coalfield communities across Pennsylvania and Appalachia.