News

Briefs

Community July 16, 2026

Verizon stores to host free backpack giveaway STEUBENVILLE — Verizon Wireless stores in the Wheeling and Steubenville area will host a free backpack giveaway at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26, as part of Round Room LLC’s 14th annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.” Hundreds of families are expected to receive free backpacks during the event, which will take place at more than 1,200 participating stores nationwide. Round Room, an authorized Verizon retailer, will distribute more than $3 million worth of backpacks to students across the country. Any remaining backpacks will be donated ...

US reimposes blockade and steps up strikes as Iran threatens to halt Mideast energy exports

National News July 16, 2026

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and intensified its airstrike campaign Wednesday in retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The American strikes hit an Iranian army barracks, killed at least seven ...

Honored for his service

Local News July 16, 2026

Craig Howell Weirton Mayor Dean Harris issued a proclamation during Monday's meeting of Weirton Council recognizing the military service of Weirton resident Richard D. Blanc. A 1966 graduate of Weir High School, Blanc began his career at Weirton Steel before being drafted into the U.S. Army ...

Local leaders working together to secure more affordable road salt contract

Local News July 16, 2026

STEUBENVILLE — Some Jefferson County communities are opting out of the state's road salt procurement system, citing price quotes more than twice what cities and counties in other parts of Ohio have been asked to pay. County Engineer Eric Hilty said the decision came after extensive discussions within Jefferson County and with Columbiana County officials, the governor's office and the Ohio attorney general's office. “A lot of entities were dropping out of the state procurement contract because of the price being so very high,” Hilty said. “At today’s Jefferson County ...

Sycamore Great Historical Battles Camp brings history to life

Community July 16, 2026

STEUBENVILLE — History is coming alive this week at the Sycamore Youth Center as 40 students take part in the free Great Historical Battles Camp, a weeklong educational program that combines history, creativity and hands-on learning. Meeting through Friday, the camp is led by Dr. Sarah ...

Briefs

Community July 15, 2026

Weirton Steel 25-Year Club picnic set WEIRTON — The Weirton Steel 25-Year Club will hold its 80th-annual annual picnic Saturday at the Serbian Picnic Grounds. Scheduled to run between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the event is open to all former Weirton Steel Corp. Employees. Brooke Democrats to meet WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Democratic Executive Committee and the Brooke County Democratic Women will meet monthly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the River Room at the Brooke County Public Library. The next meeting will be held Aug. 12. All Democrats are welcome to attend. Bethany ...