OHIO VALLEY — From a possible measles exposure at a Wheeling hospital and millions of dollars in proposed water system improvements to a school district lawsuit settlement, infrastructure projects and developments in Ohio’s political races, here are the latest headlines from across the Ohio Valley for Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Measles Exposure Reported at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital
The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is notifying the public about a potential measles exposure at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital.
Health officials confirmed that an individual who tested positive for measles was at the hospital on Saturday, October 17. The individual is not a West Virginia resident.
Officials are working to contact people who may have been exposed.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider for guidance.
Steubenville Water System Needs More Than $34 Million in Improvements
Steubenville officials are facing a significant investment in the city’s aging water infrastructure.
Utility Director Jim Jenkins told City Council Tuesday that a consultant identified 20 projects requiring more than $34 million in improvements.
The proposed work would be completed over approximately 15 years.
The findings highlight the long-term financial and infrastructure challenges facing the city’s water system as officials consider how to prioritize necessary upgrades.
Union Local Schools Agrees to $300,000 Lawsuit Settlement
Union Local School District has agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve a lawsuit stemming from an incident at a 2024 football game against Barnesville.
The lawsuit was filed by Brent Gay, who alleged that an assistant coach shoved him to the ground following a halftime exchange.
According to the lawsuit, Union Local was trailing Barnesville 41-0 when Gay questioned whether the coach had reviewed game film that week.
The settlement also prohibits the district from enforcing a spectator policy that a court determined was unconstitutional.
The school district has declined further comment on the matter.
McMechen Stormwater Improvement Project Expected to Begin in March
A long-awaited stormwater improvement project in McMechen is moving closer to construction.
City and Marshall County officials say work is expected to begin in March on a $2.2 million project addressing drainage infrastructure between 22nd Street and 21st Street.
The work will involve replacing the entire culvert that carries stormwater into Jim’s Run.
The Marshall County Commission previously announced $1.5 million in funding for the project in 2024.
The improvements are intended to address longstanding stormwater infrastructure concerns in the community.
West Virginia Public School Enrollment Drops by 3.5 Percent
West Virginia public schools are seeing another decline in student enrollment.
The West Virginia Department of Education reports that enrollment has fallen approximately 3.5% this fall, bringing the statewide student population to roughly 227,000.
That represents a decrease of approximately 8,800 students compared with the previous school year.
The decline raises questions about future school funding, staffing and facility needs as districts adjust to changing enrollment numbers.
West Virginia Governor Issues Emergency Order Addressing Diesel Fuel Costs
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a 60-day state of emergency across all 55 counties in response to rising diesel fuel prices.
The executive order temporarily allows red-dyed diesel fuel, normally restricted to off-road applications, to be used on public highways.
The action is intended to provide relief as transportation and fuel costs continue to climb.
The emergency declaration applies statewide for the designated 60-day period.
Ohio Governor’s Race Intensifies Over Controversial Campaign Advertisement
Ohio’s gubernatorial race has taken a contentious turn following the release of a campaign advertisement featuring the mother of Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton.
The advertisement was shared on social media by Donald Trump Jr. and initially appeared without a disclaimer identifying who funded or produced it.
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy told reporters Tuesday evening in Westerville that he was responsible for the advertisement. His campaign plans to spend approximately $4 million promoting it.
Acton’s brother, Philip Stearnes, criticized the advertisement for using allegations of childhood sexual abuse involving Acton as a political issue.
The controversy comes less than two weeks before the November 3 election.
Data Center Development Becomes Issue in Ohio U.S. Senate Race
Data center development is becoming another point of contention in Ohio’s closely watched U.S. Senate race.
Fox News has reported that Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown is distancing himself from data center projects he previously supported.
The report also claims that Google’s political action committee contributed at least $20,000 to Brown and that his wife holds more than $500,000 in mutual funds with investments in companies involved in data center development.
Those financial connections do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing.
The issue comes as communities across Ohio and the Ohio Valley continue debating the economic benefits and potential impacts of large-scale data center projects.
With Election Day approaching, development policy and campaign financing are likely to remain subjects of political debate.
For more local news, breaking developments and community updates, visit RiverNews.org.
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