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St. Clairsville Halloween Bash to Bring Adult Trick-or-Treating, Vendors and Entertainment Downtown

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St. Clairsville Halloween Bash to Bring Adult Trick-or-Treating, Vendors and Entertainment Downtown

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO — Downtown St. Clairsville is getting ready for a night of Halloween fun as the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce prepares to host its Halloween Bash on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

The event will feature adult trick-or-treating, local businesses, street vendors, food and live entertainment, giving residents an opportunity to celebrate Halloween while supporting businesses throughout the downtown area.

According to the Chamber, more than 30 participating stops are planned, with additional businesses continuing to join the festivities.

Main Street businesses taking part include AD Baker, Audrey’s Avenue, C&J Moments, Fur Pets Sake, Giacinta’s, It’s All About You Salon, Jarvis Law Office, Newellstown Diner, Pizza Milano, ROHA, Scarlet & Gray C. Dance, the St. Clairsville Public Library, St. Clairsville Sweet Shop, Taylor Martial Arts, WesBanco and Whispering Willows, along with the Chamber of Commerce.

A variety of street vendors will also be participating, offering visitors opportunities to explore local products and services. Vendors include DragonBeard, Evole Counseling, Fear Field, First Settlement, Harvey Goodman Realtor, Howell’s Customs Lawn Care, Kimberly’s Whimsical Wreaths, LED Transportation, McDonald’s, Wheeling Mineline, Miss Helen Psychic Reader, Ohio Valley Cotton Candy, Peace Love & Pretty Nails, Remax, Sip Sip Hooray Dirty Sodas, SWP Bakery, Valley Behavioral Health and Wheeling Linen Service.

Food options will include Kirke’s Ice Cream, Load It Up, Paleonardo’s and Ideal Provisions.

Entertainment is also planned throughout the event, including cardio drumming, Wheeling Mineline, a stilt walker performer and Twisted Circus at WesBanco.

The Halloween Bash is designed to bring the community together for an evening of seasonal activities while showcasing the businesses and organizations that contribute to downtown St. Clairsville.

With more than 30 stops and a growing list of participants, the event offers adults a chance to enjoy their own version of trick-or-treating while exploring Main Street.

Residents are encouraged to follow the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce for additional event details and updates as October 22 approaches.

Belmont County Sheriff’s Deputy Honored for 30 Years of Dedicated Service

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Belmont County Sheriff’s Deputy Honored for 30 Years of Dedicated Service

BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO — A longtime member of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized for reaching an impressive milestone in her law enforcement career.

Deputy Jennifer Yuhase was recently presented with a certificate of recognition by Belmont County Sheriff James G. Zusack in honor of her 30 years of service to the Sheriff’s Office and the residents of Belmont County.

The certificate recognizes Yuhase’s dedication, commitment and contributions throughout her three decades of service to the community.

The recognition highlights her longstanding commitment to protecting and serving Belmont County residents, as well as the important role she has played within the Sheriff’s Office over the years.

Reaching 30 years in law enforcement represents a significant career milestone and reflects decades of dedication to public service.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office expressed its appreciation for Yuhase’s years of service and congratulated her on the achievement.

River News congratulates Deputy Jennifer Yuhase!

Ohio Valley Weather: Frosty Start to the Week Before Temperatures Climb Near 70

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Ohio Valley Weather: Frosty Start to the Week Before Temperatures Climb Near 70

OHIO VALLEY — The Ohio Valley is in for a chilly start to the week, but residents can look forward to sunshine and gradually warming temperatures over the next several days.

Sunday morning, October 18, will bring widespread frost to portions of the region as temperatures dip into the lower 30s. Sunshine is expected throughout the afternoon, helping temperatures climb to around 60 degrees.

The chilly mornings will continue into Monday, with areas of frost possible before temperatures rise into the mid-60s under sunny skies. Overnight lows are expected to remain in the upper 30s.

By Tuesday, the region will begin to warm up, with mostly sunny skies and afternoon highs reaching the upper 60s. Wednesday is expected to be one of the warmest days of the week, with sunshine and temperatures approaching 70 degrees.

The pleasant fall weather is forecast to continue Thursday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s.

Overall, the Ohio Valley can expect a relatively dry and sunny stretch of weather following the weekend’s rain and cooler temperatures. While early morning frost may be a concern for residents with outdoor plants and gardens, afternoon conditions should become increasingly comfortable as the week progresses.

Residents should keep jackets handy for the chilly mornings, but warmer afternoons will offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall weather.

River News will continue to provide updates as the forecast develops.

Rising Inflation and AI Debt Raise New Concerns About the U.S. Economy

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Rising Inflation and AI Debt Raise New Concerns About the U.S. Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — New inflation figures, rising energy costs and growing concerns about borrowing in the artificial intelligence industry are raising questions about the strength of the U.S. economy.

Three major developments this week highlight the financial pressures facing American households, businesses and investors as the country approaches the November midterm elections.

1. Inflation Continues to Climb

Americans are facing renewed pressure from rising prices after two major inflation reports came in higher than economists anticipated.

The Consumer Price Index showed annual inflation reaching 3.7% in September, up from 3.4% in August. Meanwhile, the Producer Price Index, which measures prices received by domestic producers, increased 6.3% from a year earlier, compared with 5.6% in August.

Both figures remain well above the Federal Reserve’s long-term inflation target of 2%.

A major contributor has been the rising cost of energy, particularly diesel fuel. Beyond its use in commercial trucking, diesel plays an important role in agriculture, manufacturing and transportation.

When fuel costs increase, businesses often face higher expenses to produce and deliver goods. Those costs can eventually reach consumers through higher prices at grocery stores and other retailers.

The latest reports suggest inflation could remain a challenge for the Federal Reserve, potentially influencing future interest rate decisions.

2. Energy Prices and Trade Policies Add Pressure

Inflation has also become a major political issue, with debate intensifying over the policies contributing to higher costs.

When President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025, annual consumer inflation stood at approximately 3%. By September 2026, that figure had climbed to 3.7%.

Trade tariffs introduced during the administration have contributed to higher costs for some imported goods, while rising energy prices have added further pressure.

According to the U.S. News & World Report analysis, a Federal Reserve staff paper published in August estimated that 15% to 20% of tariff costs were being passed through to consumers.

The report also highlighted the disproportionate impact of higher prices on lower-income households, which generally spend a larger share of their earnings on necessities.

Energy prices were reportedly more than 20% higher in September than a year earlier, adding to the financial strain.

The administration’s trade decisions and the economic effects of the conflict involving Iran have become central points of debate over the causes of inflation.

For households across the Ohio Valley and the rest of the country, the concern is straightforward: continued increases in transportation, food and energy costs can make everyday expenses harder to manage.

3. AI Investment Boom Faces Growing Financial Questions

Artificial intelligence has fueled enormous investment in technology infrastructure, particularly data centers and computing systems.

However, the amount of money companies are borrowing to finance that expansion is beginning to attract increased scrutiny.

Some businesses involved in the AI industry have taken on substantial debt to build facilities and expand operations, betting that future demand will justify the investment.

One company drawing attention is CoreWeave, a cloud computing provider serving the AI industry.

During the week, financial markets showed growing concern about the company’s borrowing risks as the cost of protecting against a potential debt default increased.

The development contributed to broader questions about whether some AI-related companies are expanding too quickly and relying too heavily on borrowed money.

The rapid growth of data centers is also generating concerns about electricity demand, water consumption and the potential effect on utility costs.

Although artificial intelligence remains a major source of economic investment, analysts are increasingly examining whether the industry’s long-term financial returns will support its current spending levels.

What This Means for Americans

Taken together, the week’s developments suggest the economy faces several challenges despite continued investment in emerging technologies.

Higher inflation reduces purchasing power, increased energy costs affect businesses and consumers, and financial uncertainty surrounding AI investments could contribute to stock market volatility.

None of these developments alone establishes that a recession is approaching. However, they highlight economic risks that policymakers, investors and households will be watching closely in the months ahead.

As the Federal Reserve considers its next interest rate decisions, the direction of inflation and the financial stability of major industries will remain important indicators of the economy’s outlook.

Source: U.S. News & World Report — Tim Smart, “3 Things We Learned About the Economy This Week,” published October 16, 2026.

Lawmakers Push for Stricter Oversight of Flock License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

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Lawmakers Push for Stricter Oversight of Flock License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growing concerns over surveillance and personal privacy are prompting lawmakers from both political parties to seek tighter restrictions on Flock license plate recognition cameras used by law enforcement agencies across the country.

The technology, which captures vehicle license plate information, has become a subject of debate as officials weigh its potential benefits for public safety against concerns about how collected information is stored, accessed and used.

Several members of Congress are now pushing legislation aimed at limiting federal access to the technology and establishing stronger privacy protections.

Bipartisan Concerns Over Surveillance

Republican Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana has introduced legislation that would prevent the federal government from accessing Flock’s database of vehicle information.

Stutzman has also urged state and local officials to discontinue the program, arguing that Americans should be protected from potential government misuse of surveillance data.

Democratic Rep. Johnny Olszewski of Maryland acknowledged that license plate readers can assist law enforcement but expressed particular concern about Flock’s technology.

Other proposals introduced in Congress would prohibit federal agencies from operating the cameras or using federal funding to purchase them.

Balancing Public Safety and Privacy

Supporters of license plate recognition systems point to their potential value in criminal investigations and public safety efforts.

However, critics question whether sufficient safeguards exist to prevent unauthorized access, excessive monitoring or improper use of collected information.

Democratic Rep. Eric Sorensen of Illinois emphasized the importance of ensuring that surveillance technology is secure while allowing law enforcement to perform its duties.

The debate has also entered the 2026 election cycle, including a recent Michigan Senate debate between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers.

Flock Responds to Proposed Restrictions

Flock says it supports bipartisan legislation establishing stronger standards for privacy, transparency and accountability.

The company maintains that appropriate safeguards can protect individual rights while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use the technology responsibly.

Congress could consider the proposed restrictions when lawmakers return to Washington following the November midterm elections.

For communities where license plate recognition cameras are already in use, the debate raises broader questions about who can access vehicle information, how long records should be retained and what oversight should be required.

As lawmakers consider new restrictions, the central issue remains how to balance effective policing with the public’s right to privacy.

Source: NewsNation — Kristen Eskow, “Lawmakers call for guardrails on Flock cameras,” published October 15, 2026; updated October 15, 2026.

Halloween 2026: Your Guide to Trick-or-Treat Times Across the Ohio Valley

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Halloween 2026: Your Guide to Trick-or-Treat Times Across the Ohio Valley

OHIO VALLEY — Halloween is just around the corner, and communities throughout the Ohio Valley are preparing for a night of costumes, candy and family fun.

Most communities have scheduled trick-or-treating for Saturday, October 31, while a few will celebrate earlier.

River News has compiled the following list of reported trick-or-treat dates and times to help families plan their Halloween festivities.

2026 Ohio Valley Trick-or-Treat Schedule

Adena — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Amsterdam — October 31 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Barnesville — October 27 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Beech Bottom — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Bellaire — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Benwood — October 31 | 5–6 p.m.

Bergholz — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Bethany — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Bethlehem — October 31 | 6:30–8 p.m.

Bethesda — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Bloomingdale — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Bridgeport — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Brookside — October 31 | 6–7 p.m.

Byesville — October 31 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Cadiz — October 31 | 4–6 p.m.

Calcutta — October 31 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Caldwell — October 31 | 6–7 p.m.

Cameron — October 31 | 4:30–7 p.m.

Chester — October 31 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Clarington — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Columbiana — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Dillonvale — October 31 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

East Liverpool — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Empire — October 31 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Flushing — October 31 | 5–6:30 p.m.

Follansbee — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Franklin — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Glen Dale — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Hammondsville — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Hancock County (Unincorporated Areas) — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Irondale — October 31 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Lafferty — October 31 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Leetonia — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Lisbon — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Liverpool Township — October 31 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Martins Ferry — October 31 | 6–8 p.m.

McMechen — October 31 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Middlebourne — October 31 | 6–7 p.m.

Mingo Junction — October 31 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Morristown — October 31 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Mount Pleasant — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Moundsville — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

New Alexandria — October 31 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

New Cumberland — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

New Martinsville — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

New Waterford — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Perry Township (Columbiana County) — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Powhatan Point — October 31 | 5:30–7 p.m.

Rayland — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Salem — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Shadyside — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Smithfield — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

St. Clair Township — October 31 | 5:30–7 p.m.

St. Clairsville — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Steubenville — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Summitville — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Tiltonsville — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Toronto — October 31 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Unincorporated Brooke County — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Weirton — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Wells Township — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Wellsburg — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Wheeling — October 31 | 6:30–8 p.m.

Wintersville — October 31 | 5–7 p.m.

Woodsfield — October 29 | 5–6:30 p.m.

Yorkville — October 31 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Halloween Safety Reminders

Families are encouraged to carry flashlights, wear reflective clothing, use sidewalks whenever possible and supervise young children while trick-or-treating.

Motorists should also exercise additional caution in residential neighborhoods during designated trick-or-treat hours.

Please note: Dates and times are based on the schedule provided to River News and may be subject to change. Residents are encouraged to confirm details with their local communities before heading out.

River News wishes everyone across the Ohio Valley a safe and happy Halloween!

1.4 Million People Affected by Major Central Ohio Healthcare Data Breach

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1.4 Million People Affected by Major Central Ohio Healthcare Data Breach

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Approximately 1.4 million people have been affected by a cybersecurity breach involving Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians (COPC), one of the nation’s largest physician-owned primary care organizations.

The breach, discovered on August 25, exposed sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, financial records and certain patient health information.

COPC, which operates more than 80 locations throughout central Ohio, confirmed the extent of the incident as it prepares to notify affected individuals.

According to COPC, the incident involved a voice phishing attack, commonly known as vishing, in which attackers attempted to obtain money through deceptive communications.

The attack allowed a ransomware group to gain unauthorized access to protected information. Sources identified the group as “Chaos,” although the investigation remains ongoing.

The compromised information may include names, home addresses, Social Security numbers, financial details and limited medical information.

Cybersecurity experts warn that this combination of personal data can create significant risks for identity theft and financial fraud.

COPC says the security incident has been contained and that patients can safely continue using the organization’s MyChart portal.

The healthcare provider also reports that it has not identified evidence of personal information being misused for identity theft or fraud as a result of the breach.

Affected individuals will receive notification letters by mail explaining the incident and available assistance.

COPC is offering credit monitoring and dark web monitoring services at no cost to those impacted.

The organization has also announced additional security measures intended to strengthen its systems and prevent future incidents.

Individuals who believe their information may have been compromised are encouraged to monitor their financial accounts, review credit reports and consider placing a freeze on their credit files.

Additional precautions include obtaining an IRS Identity Protection PIN and remaining alert for suspicious emails, phone calls or unexpected financial activity.

Patients should also be cautious of anyone contacting them and requesting personal information while claiming to represent COPC.

For additional information about the breach and available assistance, visit the official incident response website: https://response.idx.us/copc

The investigation remains ongoing as COPC works to notify affected individuals and address the security incident.

Source: NBC4 WCMH-TV — Isabel Cleary, “1.4 million impacted by Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians data breach,” published October 15, 2026; updated October 16, 2026.

River News Headlines — October 16, 2026

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River News Headlines — October 16, 2026

OHIO VALLEY — From major court decisions and local budget concerns to community celebrations, here are today’s top stories from across the Ohio Valley and surrounding region.

Ohio Appeals Court Rules Private School Voucher Program Unconstitutional

An Ohio appeals court has ruled the state’s EdChoice private school voucher program unconstitutional, raising questions about the future of taxpayer-funded private school tuition assistance.

The court cited constitutional concerns surrounding the program, which has reportedly cost Ohio taxpayers approximately $1.4 billion.

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson says the state plans to appeal the ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court.

Jefferson County Faces Potential $6 Million Budget Shortfall

Jefferson County commissioners are preparing for a challenging 2027 budget, with current projections indicating a possible $6 million gap.

County Auditor E.J. Conn cautioned that the estimate does not include available carryover funds.

One of the largest financial pressures is employee health care. The county’s health insurance plan recommends a 23% increase in funding or adjustments to existing coverage.

Commissioners will need to evaluate spending priorities as they work toward balancing next year’s budget.

Belmont County Man Dies Following September Crash

A Belmont County man has died from injuries sustained in a September 18 crash in Flushing.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the victim as 55-year-old Shaun Adams, who died Thursday.

Investigators say Adams was traveling along State Route 149 when his vehicle left the roadway, striking three mailboxes and two trees.

Troopers confirmed that Adams was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Former Eastern Gateway President and Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty

Former Eastern Gateway Community College President Mike Geoghegan and two co-defendants have entered not-guilty pleas to aggravated theft and related charges.

Geoghegan, Michael J. Perik and Nicole Rowe Colclasure are accused of participating in a scheme involving millions of dollars intended to support financially disadvantaged students.

Prosecutors allege the activity resulted in at least $20 million in taxpayer losses.

The charges remain allegations, and all three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

East Palestine to Receive $20 Million Hazardous Materials Training Center

Plans are moving forward for a regional hazardous materials training facility in East Palestine, Ohio.

Norfolk Southern is contributing $20 million and four freight railcars toward the project, while Youngstown State University will oversee the facility’s design and construction.

The center is intended to strengthen emergency response training for firefighters and other personnel handling hazardous materials incidents.

According to the village manager, construction could begin within the next 12 to 18 months.

WVU President Michael Benson Outlines University’s Future

West Virginia University’s new president, Michael Benson, delivered a message of determination during his inauguration Thursday.

Benson acknowledged the challenges facing higher education and emphasized that maintaining WVU’s competitiveness will require significant effort.

His remarks focused on the university’s commitment to meeting those challenges while preparing for the future.

Wheeling Park High School Celebrates 50 Years

Wheeling Park High School continues its 50th anniversary celebration with homecoming festivities and special alumni events.

An alumni tailgate begins Friday at 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. Admission is $30 and includes a ticket to the homecoming football game, which kicks off at 7 p.m.

The school’s alumni band and choir are scheduled to perform during halftime.

On Saturday, October 17, alumni can return to campus for guided tours from 9 to 11 a.m., offering an opportunity to see improvements made to the school over the years.

Video Gaming Industry Marks 55-Year Milestone

The video game industry is marking 55 years since the first commercially sold video game debuted.

The anniversary highlights the industry’s evolution from early electronic games to today’s global entertainment market.

Stay connected with River News for local headlines, breaking developments and community stories from across the Ohio Valley.

Free Haunted House Opens Near Moundsville for Halloween Season

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Free Haunted House Opens Near Moundsville for Halloween Season

MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — A free community haunted house is welcoming visitors near Moundsville this Halloween season, offering families a chance to enjoy spooky entertainment without spending a dime.

Located at 40 Henry Lane, approximately five minutes outside Moundsville off Chase Lane, the haunted house opened October 15 and will welcome visitors on select evenings through October 31.

The attraction features an entire house filled with Halloween decorations, animatronics, fog machines, bubble machines and live scare actors.

Organizers describe the experience as family-friendly, although the level of fright may vary depending on each visitor’s comfort with spooky surprises.

The community attraction reportedly welcomed approximately 300 to 400 visitors last year and is returning for another Halloween season.

Haunted House Hours:

  • Thursdays: 7–10 p.m.
  • Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 6–10 p.m.
  • Dates: October 15–31, 2026
  • Admission: Free
  • Location: 40 Henry Lane, near Moundsville, WV

The haunted house is located approximately 2.5 miles along Route 250, with the turnoff on the left at Chase Lane.

For questions or directions, visitors can call or text 304-312-9953 or 304-312-9966.

With Halloween approaching, the attraction offers Ohio Valley families another opportunity to celebrate the season while supporting a community-organized event.

Epstein Files Become Campaign Issue in Ohio’s High-Stakes U.S. Senate Race

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Epstein Files Become Campaign Issue in Ohio’s High-Stakes U.S. Senate Race

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The political fallout surrounding Jeffrey Epstein is becoming a major issue in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race, as Republican Sen. Jon Husted and Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown exchange accusations over campaign contributions from wealthy donors with connections to the late convicted sex offender.

At the center of the controversy is Ohio billionaire Les Wexner, the former retail executive who employed Epstein as a financial adviser.

According to campaign finance records examined by the Associated Press, Wexner contributed approximately $116,000 to Husted’s political campaigns between 2001 and 2025, including a $3,500 contribution in July 2025.

Brown’s campaign has highlighted those donations in television advertisements, questioning Husted’s record on efforts to release federal investigative documents related to Epstein.

Husted’s campaign disputes that characterization, noting that the senator supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November. His campaign maintains that an earlier vote criticized by Brown was procedural rather than a direct vote against releasing the files.

A spokesperson for Husted also said the campaign donated its remaining $34,300 in Wexner contributions to an organization combating human trafficking. Contributions from earlier election cycles had already been spent.

Both Campaigns Face Questions Over Donations

Husted’s campaign has responded with advertisements criticizing Brown for accepting contributions from individuals whose names appear in Epstein-related documents, including Abigail Wexner, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and former Google executive Eric Schmidt.

However, being named in the Epstein files does not establish involvement in criminal activity. The individuals identified in Husted’s advertisements were not accused of crimes in connection with those contributions.

Brown’s campaign has argued that the donations he received are different from Husted’s financial support from Les Wexner, given Wexner’s longstanding relationship with Epstein.

Wexner has denied knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and has not been charged in connection with the case. During congressional testimony in February, he said he had been deceived by Epstein and denied ever asking Husted or other elected officials to prevent the release of investigative records.

Ohio Connections Bring Renewed Attention

The controversy has particular significance in Ohio because Epstein maintained connections to the Columbus area, including a residence in New Albany.

Maria Farmer, one of Epstein’s earliest public accusers, has alleged that she was sexually assaulted in New Albany in 1996. Her sister, Annie Farmer, has also publicly described abuse by Epstein.

Their accounts have contributed to continued demands for greater transparency and accountability surrounding Epstein’s activities and the people who associated with him.

The Epstein Reading Room, a traveling exhibit featuring documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, had scheduled an Ohio stop for October 7. Organizers say the exhibit is intended to keep public attention on survivors and unanswered questions surrounding the case.

A Closely Watched Senate Contest

The dispute comes as Husted and Brown compete in one of the nation’s most expensive Senate races, with campaign advertising spending approaching $400 million.

Both candidates have attempted to use the Epstein controversy to challenge their opponent’s judgment and political relationships.

While the campaign accusations continue, neither receiving a political contribution from someone connected to Epstein nor appearing in investigative documents is, by itself, evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

With the November election approaching, the issue highlights broader questions about political influence, transparency and accountability among powerful donors and elected officials.

River News will continue following developments in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race.

Source: The Associated Press, September 23, 2026, “Billionaire’s political contributions make the Epstein files a focus of Ohio’s US Senate race,” published by Courthouse News Service.

This article is independently written for River News using information reported by the Associated Press.

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