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Wheeling Flood Recovery and Statewide Efforts West Virginia faced devastating flash floods in the Wheeling area over the past week, with authorities recovering an eighth victim and continuing the search for a ninth. The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has called for additional help, announcing special collections for flood recovery efforts on the weekends of June 28–29 and July 5–6. Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, a Wheeling native, publicly responded to the devastation, highlighting the impact on her hometown and her family who reside in the affected Elm Grove area[1]. Charleston saw significant developments this week, including the announcement of the next phase of the Yeager Airport improvement project, which is set to begin in early October. The Mountaineer Food Bank, headquartered in Charleston, celebrated the expansion of its facilities and encouraged community involvement to combat hunger statewide[1].   Dunbar police continue to investigate a homicide after the bod...

The world watched with bated breath as a dramatic escalation between Israel, Iran, and the United States unfolded over the past week, culminating in a fragile ceasefire announced for the evening of June 23. The crisis reverberated far beyond the Middle East, influencing political, economic, and diplomatic activity in Britain, Canada, and across the globe. Middle East: Relief and Uncertainty After Escalation The conflict reached a critical point when Iran launched ballistic missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for devastating US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities[1][2][3]. The Iranian attack, described as largely symbolic, was intercepted without casualties or significant damage, but marked a dangerous new phase in the regional standoff. Earlier, Israel had targeted Tehran’s Evin Prison and the Fordow enrichment facility, while the US used “bunker buster” bombs to strike deeply buried nuclear sites[1][2][3]. Iranian leaders, under pres...

The United States conducted airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities this weekend, including sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation, described by former President Donald Trump as a "military and diplomatic triumph," has drawn sharply divided international responses. While Israel celebrated the action as necessary to counter an "existential danger," most global powers expressed alarm at the escalation in a region already destabilized by conflict[1].  The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was a landmark agreement between Iran and six world powers (U.S., UK, France, Germany, Russia, China) plus the European Union[2][3][4]. Its core provisions included: Enrichment restrictions:     - Uranium enrichment capped at 3.67% purity (far below weapons-grade 90%)     - Stockpile of low-enriched uranium reduced from 10,000 kg to 300 kg ...

  Global Headlines - Escalating Conflict Between Israel and Iran: The crisis between Israel and Iran has intensified, with Israel launching dozens of strikes on Iranian targets, including sites in Tehran. At least three Iranian Red Crescent workers were killed in an Israeli strike, and Iranian civilians are reportedly fleeing the capital for safety. The conflict has resulted in at least five deaths and dozens wounded in Iran, with both sides exchanging missile attacks for a fourth consecutive day[5][6][2]. - G7 Summit Opens Amid Tensions: Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations convened in Alberta, Canada, with the summit overshadowed by the Israel-Iran conflict and ongoing trade disputes. The summit’s agenda includes trade, the wars in the Middle East, and managing relations with the U.S. under Trump’s leadership[5][6]. - Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Visits Austria: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first visit to Austria since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2...

Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting: Manhunt Intensifies A massive manhunt is underway in Minnesota after the shocking assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman and the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman early Saturday morning. Authorities have identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, a former security firm employee with a history of public service appointments and controversial evangelical activism. Boelter allegedly posed as a police officer to carry out the attacks, which officials believe were politically motivated[1][2]. The shootings occurred at the homes of both lawmakers, with Hortman and her spouse fatally shot and Hoffman and his wife seriously wounded but now in stable condition after surgery. Law enforcement responded swiftly, but Boelter managed to escape on foot after an exchange of gunfire. The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest, and border patrol agents across the U.S.-Canada border have been alerted as the search e...

As the "No Kings" protests sweep across the nation tomorrow, many are seeking ways to make their voices heard—whether they're marching in the streets or supporting the cause from home. Here’s a guide to lawful, effective, and safe protest, both public and stealth, for those unable to attend in person and those joining the demonstrations. Stealth and Remote Protest: Lawful and Effective Methods Not everyone can attend a protest in person, whether due to health, work, family obligations, or personal safety concerns. Fortunately, there are many ways to lawfully and effectively protest from home or in less visible ways: - Contact Elected Officials: Write, call, or email your representatives to express your views. Persistent, respectful communication can influence policy decisions[1]. - Donate and Support: Contribute funds or supplies to protest organizers or mutual aid groups. Providing food, water, or legal support is a powerful way to participate[1]. - Amplify Online: Share...

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, across nearly 2,000 cities and towns in the United States, the "No Kings" protests will take place as a nationwide demonstration against authoritarian tendencies in the Trump administration. This day of defiance coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, Flag Day, and a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. The protests are orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a grassroots coalition representing all 50 states and territories, united in opposing the militarization of democracy and billionaire-first politics[1][2]. The "No Kings" theme emerged as a response to President Trump's decision to amplify the Army's birthday celebration into a lavish military parade featuring heavy tanks and artillery, which critics argue serves more to feed the president's ego than to honor the military. Protesters liken Trump's governance style to that of a monarch rather than ...

Austria School Shooting: Graz Tragedy Leaves Nation in Mourning Austria is reeling after a devastating school shooting in Graz on Tuesday morning, marking the deadliest mass shooting in the country’s recent history. A 21-year-old Austrian man, a former student who had not completed his education, entered the Dreierschützengasse secondary school and opened fire, killing nine people before taking his own life. Twelve others were injured, with one later dying in hospital, bringing the death toll to ten[1][2]. The victims included eight students and one teacher, with ages ranging from 14 to 59. Most of the deceased were Austrian nationals, with some of Bosnian, Polish, and Kosovo Albanian descent. The shooter, who acted alone and legally owned the firearms used, left a “farewell letter” at his residence, but authorities have not yet confirmed his motive. As of Wednesday, the remaining injured are reported to be in stable condition[1][2]. Police responded swiftly, securing the school within...

Protests have surged across the United States today, with demonstrators voicing concerns over a range of issues including police accountability, economic inequality, and recent government actions. The gatherings, largely peaceful, have drawn thousands of participants and prompted significant responses from law enforcement, political leaders, and citizens. Protesters are rallying against what they describe as systemic injustices, including police violence, lack of government transparency, and threats to civil liberties. Many are also expressing frustration over recent legislative proposals and executive actions viewed as undermining democratic norms and human rights. Chants, signs, and speeches at rallies have emphasized the need for justice, accountability, and protection of constitutional freedoms. Participants are calling for: - Greater police accountability and transparency - Protection of voting rights and democratic processes - Economic reforms to address inequality - An end to go...

Protests in downtown Los Angeles escalated for a fourth consecutive day as demonstrators gathered outside a federal detention center, voicing opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. The situation intensified late Monday when police declared all of downtown an unlawful assembly area, ordering protesters to disperse after repeated clashes and incidents of violence[1]. Threats to Arrest Gavin Newsom, Ben Meiselas, and Others Tensions between federal and state officials reached a new high after President Trump publicly suggested the arrest of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump’s remarks came after Newsom objected to the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles without his consent. Trump told reporters he would arrest Newsom if he were “border czar” Tom Homan, though Homan clarified there had been “no discussion” about actually arresting the governor[2][3]. Ben Meiselas, a prominent attorney and commentator, also became a target after he publicly critici...

Protests against federal immigration enforcement actions intensified for a third consecutive night in Los Angeles, as thousands took to the streets following the unprecedented deployment of National Guard troops by former President Donald Trump, despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom[4][5][7]. Demonstrators clashed with police and federal agents, leading to the closure of major highways and widespread use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades by law enforcement[1][4][5]. Crowds spilled onto freeways, and several driverless vehicles were set ablaze as tensions reached new heights[1][4]. The unrest was primarily centered around federal detention facilities and areas targeted by immigration raids, with activists decrying the sweeps and arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)[2][5]. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell described officers as "overwhelmed" by the scale and intensity of the protests, which included both peaceful d...

Standoff and Protests Erupt at Paramount Home Depot Over ICE Raids A tense and chaotic standoff unfolded Saturday at the Home Depot on Alondra Boulevard in Paramount, California, as hundreds of protesters confronted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following a wave of federal immigration raids across Los Angeles County. The confrontation began after reports circulated that ICE officers were targeting day laborers at the Home Depot—a common gathering spot for workers in the predominantly Latino city[1][2]. The protests were set off by a series of synchronized, military-style immigration enforcement operations that took place Friday, resulting in at least 44 arrests for suspected immigration violations and one for obstructing justice[1][6]. News of these raids, which reportedly involved agents from ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the DEA, sparked outrage and fear among local residents and advocates, who decried what they described as "terr...