🌱 How a $2.9M federal grant could reshape New Castle manufacturing
New Castle, Pennsylvania Patch AM: a 5 min readCoffee in hand, New Castle? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How a $2.9M federal grant could reshape New Castle manufacturing
- Trial begins in Ohio crash that killed a New Castle resident
- Did you know Trent Reznor’s New Castle roots shaped rock history?
Also on today's calendar: The Lights, Pittsburgh area and 2 more events.
Today's riddle: Why does a cow wear a bell ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 59 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: A shower and t-storm; cooler, temps: high: 67, low: 43.
- Thursday: Partial sunshine, with a high of 68 and low of 48 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• DOE Awards $94 Million for Light Water SMRs (neutronbytes.com) — A New Castle manufacturing plant is in line for a $2.9 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to buy a new furnace, boosting its role in supplying large forged components for next‑generation small modular nuclear reactors. The award is part of a $94 million federal package backing advanced reactor projects nationwide, potentially strengthening local jobs and positioning New Castle in a growing clean‑energy supply chain. 
• NC man on trial in fatal 422 crash (vindy.com) — A trial is beginning in Youngstown for a North Carolina man charged in the April 2025 crash that killed 62-year-old New Castle resident John Kulnis at Route 422 and South Hubbard Road. Jurors will hear evidence on aggravated vehicular homicide and related charges as prosecutors outline how investigators say the collision happened just across the Ohio line.
• This Day in Rock History: May 17 (rock929rocks.com) — New Castle gets a notable shout-out as the birthplace of Nine Inch Nails founder Trent Reznor in this May 17 rock-history roundup. The piece also revisits milestones from artists like Madonna, Bob Dylan, and Paul McCartney, connecting birthdays, album releases, and landmark performances that shaped rock and roll over several decades.
📸 Around New Castle
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
New Castle
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
The Historic Warner Cascade Theatre Museum →
Historic Warner Cascade Theatre Museum at The Riverplex, 11 S Mill St, New Castle
12:30 pm
Saturday May 23
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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The Lights, Pittsburgh area →
Lawrence County Fair, 464 Midway Rd, New Castle
6:45 pm -
Pride Event at Cascade Park →
Cascade Park, 1928 E Washington St, New Castle
6:00 pm -
Vino Veritas →
New Castle Playhouse, 202 E Long Ave, New Castle
2:00 pm -
Free Admission Days: Flag Day →
Arts & Education at the Hoyt, 124 E Leasure Ave, New Castle
11:00 am
Saturday May 30
Saturday June 6
Sunday June 7
Sunday June 14
📣 New Castle Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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5th Grade Choir Concert- 6:30
New Castle Area SD New Castle, PA 16101
6:30 am -
Teens Try: Fantasy Art →
New Castle Public Library, 207 E North St, New Castle
1:00 pm -
Team Izzy! 🦄 🩶 →
VentiSei Wine Bar & Pizzeria, 1409 Wilson Ave, New Castle
1:00 pm -
Senior Dinner →
Gallo's Italian Villa, 2420 Wilmington Rd, New Castle
5:00 pm -
Lawrence WIC Kids in the Kitchen →
1745 Frew Mill Rd, New Castle
5:00 pm -
Make & Take Tour Combo: Record Bowls →
Arts & Education at the Hoyt, 124 E Leasure Ave, New Castle
4:00 pm -
Free Community Yoga - South Side (5 of 6) →
Gaston Park, New Castle
9:30 am
Tuesday May 19
Saturday May 23
Sunday May 24
Wednesday May 27
Thursday May 28
Friday May 29
Saturday June 20
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Come on out to Fresh Marketplace in New Wilmington every Saturday from 9-1.
There’s live music, breakfast and lunch on the grille and local vendors. This Saturday features the New Wilmington Garden Club with their plants as… (Nextdoor North Hill Central) - Can anyone suggest a good interior auto detailer that they can recommend??
I appreciate any help you're able to provide. Thank you! (Nextdoor West New Castle)
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in New Castle. Apply here.
- Nesco Resource posted a job opening for Shipper and Receiver in Ellwood City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near New Castle here.
🗞 Nearby News
Ellwood City
- This week on Trib HSSN for the week of May 18, 2026 (triblive.com)
West Middlesex
- Full results for PIAA District 10 track and field finals, plus team scores (goerie.com)
Slippery Rock
- Evans City's EDCO Fest expands rapidly in third year (butlereagle.com)
- Central Electric Cooperative Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners (myprogressnews.com)
- Karns City student has traveled to more than half of nation's national parks (butlereagle.com)
Ok New Castle! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because its horns doesn't work! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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