FORT STEUBEN MALL CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO DETERIORATE
STEUBENVILLE — Conditions at the Fort Steuben Mall continue to worsen, according to city building inspectors. A follow-up inspection Wednesday found active roof leaks, rust-colored water collecting in trash cans, and makeshift wooden barricades wired together in parts of the mall. Officials say no repairs have begun despite previous concerns. While portions of the main mall corridor remain under strict safety restrictions, freestanding businesses such as Walmart and Dunham Sports continue normal operations.
PROPOSED BELMONT COUNTY DATA CENTER SURPRISES COMMISSIONERS
BELMONT COUNTY — A proposed multi-billion-dollar data center could be coming to Belmont County, but local commissioners say they were caught off guard by the announcement. Ohio State House candidate Paul Cameron said a company known as EnergiAcres is interested in building a two-to-three gigawatt facility somewhere in the county. Commissioners said they first learned of the proposal during Wednesday’s meeting. The announcement comes just weeks after another major data center proposal sparked public debate in Wheeling’s Warwood neighborhood.
OHIO OFFICIALLY ADDS GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL AS VARSITY SPORT
COLUMBUS — Girls flag football has officially become the 29th sanctioned varsity sport in Ohio. The Ohio High School Athletic Association approved the move, crediting support from the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL for helping grow the sport statewide. Ohio girls now have the opportunity to compete in 15 sanctioned varsity sports.
WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOL ENROLLMENT DECLINES CONTINUE
CHARLESTON — West Virginia education leaders warn declining enrollment and an outdated school funding formula are forcing difficult decisions across the state. Officials report roughly 5,000 fewer students enrolled this year, prompting concerns about additional school closures. Board President Paul Hardesty says legislative action is needed to avoid another court-ordered overhaul of the state’s education funding system.
STATE DEFENDS SNAP SODA BAN AFTER FEDERAL RULING
CHARLESTON — Governor Patrick Morrisey’s administration says it is disappointed after a federal judge struck down West Virginia’s SNAP soda ban. State officials argue taxpayer-funded food assistance should encourage healthier food choices, while the court ruled the U.S. Department of Agriculture exceeded its authority in approving the waiver that prohibited soda purchases under SNAP beginning January 1.
HOPE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS REACH RECORD LEVELS
CHARLESTON — Applications for West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship have surged following expanded eligibility approved by lawmakers. State officials say more than 26,000 students have applied for funding this fall, allowing families to use state education dollars toward private schools, charter schools or homeschooling.
OHIO LOTTERY WINNER FACES LEGAL CHALLENGE FROM HIS MOTHER
TRUMBULL COUNTY, OHIO — A Trumbull County woman has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent her son from collecting lottery winnings. Court filings allege he stole more than $6,000 from her bank account to purchase drugs and lottery tickets. She is asking the court to freeze the winnings while the case moves forward.
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