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ICE Arrests Reach Record Levels After New Funding, Homan Says

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ICE Arrests Reach Record Levels After New Funding, Homan Says

WASHINGTON, D.C. — White House border czar Tom Homan says Immigration and Customs Enforcement is recording its highest arrest numbers after receiving additional federal funding earlier this year.

Speaking Wednesday on NewsNation, Homan said ICE operations slowed in the first half of the year during a prolonged Department of Homeland Security funding dispute. He argued that negotiations following the deaths of two U.S. citizens during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis led to changes affecting the agency’s operations.

Homan said ICE’s activity increased significantly after Congress approved additional funding through a budget package signed by President Donald Trump in June. According to Homan, the agency recorded the highest number of arrests in its history during June, with July on pace to surpass that total.

“We’re deportation-maxing,” Homan said, adding that the agency is now fully funded and operating at full capacity.

The Trump administration’s immigration policies continue to face scrutiny. In recent weeks, attention has again turned to ICE following two fatal agency-related shootings in Maine and Texas.

Autism Awareness Car Show Planned at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows

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Autism Awareness Car Show Planned at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Car enthusiasts and community members are invited to attend the Autism Awareness Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m., with vehicle registration scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon. Organizers say proceeds will benefit KZL Agency, supporting autism awareness initiatives.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, including a 50/50 drawing, basket raffles, trophies, and dash plaques for the first 100 registered vehicles. Music will be provided by DJ Dennis Grimm.

The car show will be held at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, located at 210 Racetrack Road in Washington, Pennsylvania. Organizers encourage both participants and spectators to come out in support of a good cause while enjoying an afternoon of classic and custom vehicles.

Ohio Supreme Court Allows Licking County HOA to Challenge Proposed Drainage Project

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Ohio Supreme Court Allows Licking County HOA to Challenge Proposed Drainage Project

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that a Licking County homeowners association can move forward with its legal challenge to a proposed $3.2 million drainage improvement project before engineering plans and property assessments are finalized.

In a unanimous decision, the Court determined that the Colt’s Neck Homeowners Association has the right to appeal a joint decision by the Franklin and Licking county commissioners to proceed with the proposed Cole Ditch improvement project.

The project, introduced in 2023, is intended to reduce stormwater flooding along Cole Ditch, which runs through both counties. Current estimates place the cost at approximately $3.23 million, with expenses expected to be shared among local governments and property owners within the watershed.

The homeowners association argued that some affected property owners were not properly notified before the commissioners approved moving the project forward. While lower courts issued conflicting rulings on whether the appeal could proceed, the Supreme Court concluded that Ohio law allows affected landowners to challenge orders issued during the project’s early stages.

The Court also ruled that the homeowners association qualifies as an affected landowner because it owns common property within the watershed that could be impacted by the proposed improvements.

The case will now return to a panel of judges from Franklin and Licking counties for further proceedings.

Italian Fest Weekend Forecast: Warm Weather Expected, Sunday Storms Possible

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Italian Fest Weekend Forecast: Warm Weather Expected, Sunday Storms Possible

WHEELING, W.Va. — Visitors heading to Wheeling’s Italian Fest this weekend can expect mostly favorable weather, with warm temperatures and plenty of dry time before a chance of storms arrives late in the weekend.

Friday is expected to feature a mix of sunshine and clouds with dry conditions and highs in the low 80s. Pleasant weather is expected to continue into Saturday, although increasing humidity may make it feel warmer and more uncomfortable during the afternoon.

A more unsettled pattern is expected to develop Sunday, bringing the chance for scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms. While not everyone will see rain, festivalgoers should stay aware of changing weather conditions, as isolated storms could move through the area.

Outside of any storms, Sunday will remain warm and muggy with highs in the low 80s. Some areas could also experience patchy morning fog.

Rainfall amounts are generally expected to remain below a half-inch, though isolated heavier downpours are possible where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same locations.

Looking ahead, chances for showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Monday and Tuesday before quieter weather returns by the middle of next week. High temperatures are forecast to remain in the mid-80s with warm, humid nights in the upper 60s.

Five Below to Celebrate Medina Grand Opening July 31

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Five Below to Celebrate Medina Grand Opening July 31

MEDINA, Ohio — Five Below will celebrate the grand opening of its newest Medina location on Friday, July 31.

The popular discount retailer offers a wide variety of toys, games, electronics, home décor, beauty products, snacks and more, with most items priced at $5 or less, along with an expanded selection of higher-priced finds.

Shoppers can expect grand opening festivities, including special promotions and giveaways while supplies last. Customers are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the celebration.

Zanesville Police Recover More Than $7,300 for Online Scam Victim

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Zanesville Police Recover More Than $7,300 for Online Scam Victim

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A Zanesville woman has recovered more than $7,300 after falling victim to an online scam, thanks to an investigation by the Zanesville Police Department.

According to police, the woman reported the scam on Jan. 15 after receiving an email claiming her computer’s antivirus protection had expired. After calling the phone number listed in the message, she was instructed by the scammer to purchase $7,000 in gift cards to remove alleged malicious files from her computer.

The following day, the scammer persuaded the victim to deposit an additional $12,000 into a Bitcoin account, falsely claiming the transaction would prevent unauthorized withdrawals from her bank account.

Detectives Bryan Ruff and Phil Michel launched an investigation that traced the cryptocurrency to a suspect believed to be in Pakistan. Working with a U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange and using a court-authorized seizure warrant, investigators were able to recover digital assets valued at $7,392.92, which have since been returned to the victim.

Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch commended the detectives for their work, noting that financial crimes involving cryptocurrency require law enforcement to stay current with evolving technology.

Police also reminded residents to be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls or messages that create a sense of urgency or request payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency, as these are common tactics used by scammers.

Top Headlines: Tornado Recovery, Cadiz Water Concerns, Data Center Lawsuit & Local Events

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Top Headlines: Tornado Recovery, Cadiz Water Concerns, Data Center Lawsuit & Local Events

The Ohio Valley is continuing cleanup and recovery efforts after a round of severe weather brought tornadoes, flash flooding and widespread damage across the region. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties after the National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in Pleasants and Doddridge counties. In Ohio, flooding affected portions of Noble County, while another tornado was confirmed in Trumbull County.

In Belmont County, commissioners are considering two levies for the November ballot, including a renewal for 911 services and a reduced renewal levy for Senior Services. County officials say the reduced levy would still provide enough funding to maintain current programs.

Residents in Warwood are taking legal action to challenge the proposed Silicon Foundation data center at the former Centre Foundry site. A lawsuit filed in Ohio County Circuit Court argues the project conflicts with Wheeling’s zoning regulations and questions the validity of a recently passed state law governing data centers.

In Cadiz, frustration remains high over the village’s ongoing water crisis. More than 50 residents attended a public meeting where officials presented three possible long-term solutions, but many attendees said they left without clear answers. Local leaders are now looking toward state funding to help address the issue.

Wheeling’s Grecian Fest is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week at Saint John the Divine. The festival continues through Friday with authentic Greek cuisine, cooking demonstrations, church tours and traditional Greek dancing.

In Weirton, the annual Serbian Festival Picnic returns Saturday at Kings Creek Picnic Grounds. The event will feature traditional Serbian food, cultural displays and family-friendly activities from noon until 8 p.m.

Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Launches Special Flood Relief Collection

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Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Launches Special Flood Relief Collection

WHEELING, W.Va. — The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has announced a special disaster relief collection to support communities across West Virginia that were heavily impacted by the flash flooding on July 21.

Diocesan officials said the flooding caused widespread damage, leaving many roads, hospitals, churches and emergency communication centers closed or inaccessible as recovery efforts continue.

Bishop Evelio Menjívar thanked first responders, volunteers, parish communities, Catholic schools and Catholic Charities West Virginia for assisting those affected by the disaster.

In a statement, the bishop encouraged West Virginians to continue praying for flood victims while also supporting recovery efforts through financial donations.

Special collections will be held at parishes and missions throughout the Diocese on the weekends of Aug. 1-2 or Aug. 8-9. Parishioners are asked to make checks payable to their local parish with “Disaster Relief” written in the memo line.

Residents who wish to contribute immediately can also make online donations through the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s disaster relief fund.

According to the Diocese, all funds collected will remain in West Virginia and will be administered by Catholic Charities West Virginia to support both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.

Funds will be distributed in the following order of priority:

  • Local parishes providing direct assistance to families affected by the flooding.
  • Catholic Charities West Virginia regional staff providing short-term disaster relief.
  • Partner agencies working with Catholic Charities to assist flood victims.
  • Long-term recovery efforts, including helping families rebuild homes and restore safe living conditions after other emergency response organizations have completed their work.

Diocesan leaders are asking the faithful to continue keeping flood victims in their prayers while supporting relief efforts for families who have lost homes, vehicles, employment and access to food and clean water.

Gas Line Rupture Closes Bridge Street in Belmont

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Gas Line Rupture Closes Bridge Street in Belmont

BELMONT, Ohio — Emergency crews responded Wednesday after a construction crew accidentally struck a natural gas main, causing a gas leak and the temporary closure of Bridge Street.

According to emergency radio traffic, the incident was reported shortly after 12:09 p.m. when an excavator struck a main gas line, resulting in a significant leak.

Fire departments responded to the scene, and Bridge Street (Bethesda-Belmont Road) was closed to traffic while crews secured the area.

Fire officials requested wind speed and direction information as they monitored the gas leak and established a safety perimeter while awaiting Columbia Gas personnel.

Columbia Gas crews arrived on scene and worked for approximately two hours to stop the leak. Around 2:17 p.m., firefighters reported the gas company was preparing to clamp the damaged line and indicated emergency crews would soon be able to clear the scene.

The fire department cleared the incident shortly afterward, although road closure signs remained in place as utility crews continued repairs.

No injuries or evacuations were reported. The cause of the incident was attributed to excavation work that accidentally struck the underground gas main.

Coal Truck Overturns, Closes State Route 7 in Jefferson County

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Coal Truck Overturns, Closes State Route 7 in Jefferson County

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — A section of State Route 7 in Steubenville was closed Thursday morning after a coal truck overturned, spilling its load across the roadway.

The crash occurred on State Route 7 southbound, just past the traffic light before the Ohio Valley Honda dealership.

Authorities are rerouting traffic in both directions through the Ohio Valley Honda access road and parking lot while crews work to clear the scene.

The overturned truck spilled coal onto the highway, forcing the closure of both southbound lanes. Officials have not released information on what caused the crash or whether anyone was injured.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible and expect delays while cleanup and recovery operations continue.

River News will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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