Plum man facing numerous charges after blowing up his own Pittsburgh-area house in 2022

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) A Plum man is facing numerous charges after police said he intentionally blew up his home nearly four years ago. Jacob Rabb is facing a lengthy list of charges, including criminal attempted homicide, in connection with an explosion on Hialeah Drive in Plum that injured five people, destroyed his house and damaged several other homes. According to the criminal complaint, Rabb intentionally tampered with the dryer’s gas valve and turned the gas on, allowing gas to flow into the home, which exploded around 11:30 p.m. on April 22nd 2022. Rabb, his then-girlfriend and their three young children were home during the explosion. Police stated in the criminal complaint that one of the children suffered first-degree burns. 

Pittsburgh ice cream shop Page’s Dairy Mart opens in the South Side

(Credit for Photo: Courtesy of KDKA Photojournalist Bryan Orr, Page’s Dairy Mart opened Monday for its 75th season along East Carson Street.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Page’s Dairy Mart opened for the season yesterday, kicking off the 75th season at the historic Pittsburgh ice cream shop along East Carson Street in the South Side. The line wrapped around the building from the front end on East Carson Street all the way around to near Becks Run Road, which is a custom at Page’s. 

Feasibility study to weigh merging Duquesne City School District with other school districts

(File Photo of the Top of a School Bus)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Duquesne, PA) The state of Pennsylvania will review whether the Duquesne City School District is sustainable long-term and whether it should merge with another district. The study will examine everything from enrollment to finances and could help determine what education in Duquesne looks like in the years ahead. This feasibility study will examine potential partnerships with nearby districts, including East Allegheny School District, Pittsburgh Public Schools and West Mifflin Area School District.

Shapiro Administration Advances Accessibility Improvements at Pennsylvania State Capitol with Comprehensive Study

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – The Pennsylvania Capitol is seen, Feb. 6, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania lawmakers will return to session Monday, June 3, as they begin a four-week countdown to the state government’s new fiscal year, as Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican lawmakers offer competing visions for how to use a massive surplus. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Shapiro Administration released the results yesterday of a comprehensive accessibility study of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, which outlines clear next steps to ensure the capitol complex is more welcoming, usable, and inclusive for all Pennsylvanians. It was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), and the study evaluated access across the 45-acre Capitol Complex, including exterior routes, entrances, restrooms, elevators, signage, and interior circulation. Work that is upcoming builds on significant progress made during the first three years of the Shapiro Administration to modernize state facilities while respecting the historic character of the Capitol. 

Secretary of Education Honors Butler Area School District Bus Driver for Three Decades of Service and Commitment to Pennsylvania Students

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Education)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe visited a Butler Area School District elementary school yesterday to honor a 31-year bus driver and paraprofessional that was recently recognized as a 2026 Pennsylvania Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award honoree. Kimberly Lokhaiser, or Ms. Kim, as she is known by the students, staff, and community of her district, has built a legacy of over thirty years of making sure that her students feel safe, seen and loved during their travels to and from school each day. 

No charges filed against driver who caused a single-vehicle crash in Robinson Township

(File Photo of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Cars)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that no charges were filed against an unidentifed driver after that driver caused a single-vehicle crash in Robinson Township on the afternoon of January 26th, 2026. At 3:14 p.m., the driver was traveling on I-79 North and lost control of their vehicle thanks to snow on the road. The vehicle of the driver hit a guide rail. There were no reported injuries and the driver was given a written warning. 

McKees Rocks woman arrested for trespassing in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that fifty-seven-year-old Angela Steedley of McKees Rocks was arrested for trespassing in Pittsburgh on the afternoon of February 5th, 2026. At 3:14 p.m., Steedley previously trespassed on I-279 South and was arrested for doing that and specfically panhandling on the interstate. According to police, Steedley was taken forthwith on outstanding criminal warrant and was lodged in the Allegheny County Jail to await arraignment. 

PPG’s Harshberger, Solcz earn STEP Ahead Awards from the Manufacturing Institute

(File Photo of the PPG Industries Inc. Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PPG (NYSE:PPG) announced in Pittsburgh yesterday that employees Laura Harshberger and Jennifer Solcz have been recognized with 2026 STEP Ahead Awards from the Manufacturing Institute for both their exemplary leadership and industry achievements. The STEP Ahead Awards shine a spotlight on the people that are powering manufacturing success, and whose leadership, expertise and commitment to others are building stronger workplaces and communities. 

Man’s body pulled from Monongahela River in West Elizabeth; investigation underway into his death

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) An investigation is underway after a body was found in the Monongahela River on Sunday afternoon. The body was discovered behind a tug boat close to the baseball field in West Elizabeth. John’s Towing Service in Beaver County owns the boat, which is called the “Kimberly Johnson.” Allegheny County police, who were called in to assist Elizabeth Township police, believe that the man was working on a boat in the area. The victim was later identified as 56-year-old Donald Wilson, according to a release from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. KDKA-TV reached out to the company that owns the boat. A representative said they didn’t know how Wilson fell into the river, but believed that this was a tragic accident. Elizabeth Borough’s fire chief told KDKA-TV that the borough’s Swift Water Rescue Team recovered Wilson’s body around 3:30 on Sunday afternoon. Allegheny County police state that a full investigation is pending the results of the medical examiner’s report. 

Man from Ellwood City apprehended for disorderly conduct at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh reported via release on Friday that fifty-one-year-old William Dejoseph of Ellwood City was arrested for disorderly conduct at the casino in the Steel City on the night of February 14th2026. At 10:17 p.m., Dejoseph was found under the influence and was causing a disturbance in the poker room. After Dejoseph disobeyed numerous commands to vacate the property and resisted arrest, he was ultimately transported to the Allegheny County Jail to be placed into custody. Charges were filed against Dejoseph.