An Ohio-based advertising agency received $226,000 tied to a controversial DHS immigration campaign led by former Secretary Kristi Noem, raising questions about political ties.
Ohio Based Ad Firm Linked to Kristi Noem’s Controversial DHS Campaign
Ohio Based Ad Firm Linked to Kristi Noem’s Controversial DHS Campaign
A national advertising agency based in central Ohio has been linked to a controversial federal campaign that promoted former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s immigration enforcement policies.
According to reports, The Strategy Group, headquartered in Lewis Center, Ohio, received $226,000 connected to the Department of Homeland Security’s advertising campaign promoting stricter immigration enforcement.
The broader advertising effort reportedly cost about $220 million in taxpayer funding and featured ads showing Noem on horseback in front of Mount Rushmore warning migrants that those who break the law would face punishment.
Questions Over Campaign Spending
The campaign drew bipartisan criticism in Congress over the size of the spending and questions about whether the funds had been properly approved. At one point, Noem said the campaign had been authorized by Donald Trump, though the president later denied approving the plan.
The controversy contributed to increasing political pressure on Noem, who was ultimately removed from her role as secretary on March 5.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Cincinnati to highlight lower prescription drug prices and promote his administration’s economic policies.
Trump to Visit Cincinnati to Promote Economic Policies
Trump to Visit Cincinnati to Promote Economic Policies
President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Cincinnati on Wednesday to promote his administration’s economic policies and efforts to lower prescription drug costs, according to White House spokesperson.
The visit will focus on the administration’s “Most Favored Nation” pricing agreements, which officials say allow American patients to purchase certain medications at lower prices through the TrumpRx.gov program.
The White House said the president plans to highlight what it calls significant savings for working families and promote additional healthcare reforms that could be included in upcoming legislation.
Pop star Britney Spears was arrested in California on suspicion of driving under the influence after authorities reported erratic driving on a highway. She is due in court in May.
Britney Spears Arrested in California
Britney Spears Arrested in California
Pop icon Britney Spears was arrested in California on Wednesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, according to authorities.
The arrest took place around 9:30 p.m. local time after officers from the California Highway Patrol received reports of a vehicle being driven erratically at high speed along a highway.
Police said Spears was driving a black BMW 430i southbound on U.S. Highway 101 when officers pulled her over. Authorities reported that she appeared to show signs of impairment during the stop.
The singer agreed to perform a series of field sobriety tests at the scene. After the evaluation, officers arrested her under suspicion of driving under the influence.
Spears was later taken into custody and processed at a local facility before being released in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Court Appearance Scheduled
The pop star is expected to appear at Ventura County Superior Court on May 4, where the case will be addressed. Officials say the incident remains under investigation, and results from chemical tests are still pending.
Following the arrest, her vehicle was impounded, according to jail records.
A spokesperson for Spears acknowledged the incident and said the singer intends to cooperate with authorities.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” the representative said, adding that Spears plans to comply with the legal process.
The statement also noted that family members and loved ones are working to provide support and help her focus on her well-being.
President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem as the agency faces growing scrutiny over immigration enforcement.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary
Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary
President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin to head the United States Department of Homeland Security, placing a close political ally in charge of the agency responsible for immigration enforcement and national security.
The appointment, announced on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, states that Mullin will take over the role beginning March 31. He will serve as acting secretary until he receives confirmation from the United States Senate.
Mullin would replace current Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who recently faced sharp criticism from lawmakers during a congressional oversight hearing.
Following the announcement, Mullin said he was honored by the nomination but acknowledged that the confirmation process still lies ahead.
“It is an honor to be nominated,” Mullin told reporters. “We have still got the nomination process.”
The move adds another loyal Trump supporter to the administration’s Cabinet. Mullin has consistently backed the president’s policies, particularly efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and border security.
DHS Under National Scrutiny
The Department of Homeland Security has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months. Secretary Noem came under criticism after a controversial incident in Minneapolis in January, when immigration officers fatally shot two U.S. citizens during an operation.
She was also questioned by lawmakers over spending decisions that included expensive advertising campaigns and the use of luxury aircraft for agency travel.
When asked whether he plans to reform DHS policies, Mullin said his goal is to ensure the agency works effectively for Americans.
“I want to get the Department of Homeland Security working for the American people,” he said.
Longtime Political Career
Mullin, 48, first entered Congress in 2012 when he was elected to represent eastern Oklahoma in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2022, he won a special election to the Senate seat previously held by Jim Inhofe.
Political analyst Pat McFerron, a pollster with CHS & Associates, said the appointment was not unexpected given Mullin’s relationship with Trump.
“He has a close relationship with President Trump and will be able to enact the Trump agenda successfully,” McFerron said.
If Mullin is confirmed, his departure from the Senate will create an open seat in Oklahoma ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The vacancy is expected to attract both Republican and Democratic candidates.
According to investment research platform Quiver Quantitative, Mullin is also among the wealthiest members of Congress, with an estimated net worth of $66.3 million, ranking him among the top wealth holders in the legislature.
Feared cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes was buried in a gold casket after dying from wounds sustained in a shootout with Mexican forces. His death sparked violence across Mexico.
Mexican Drug Lord “El Mencho” Buried in Gold Casket
Mexican Drug Lord “El Mencho” Buried in Gold Casket
The family of notorious Mexican drug trafficker Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, held a funeral on Monday where he was laid to rest in a gold casket.
The 59-year-old leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel died after suffering injuries during a firefight in late February. The gun battle broke out when Mexican special forces attempted to capture him.
Authorities said the clash involved El Mencho’s heavily armed bodyguards and security personnel sent to arrest the long-time cartel boss.
For years, El Mencho was considered one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals. The United States Department of State had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.
As the founder and leader of the CJNG cartel, he oversaw one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking groups in Mexico.
Violence Follows His Death
Following news of his death, violence erupted across parts of Mexico. Authorities reported that cartel members burned vehicles and blocked roads in at least 20 Mexican states, actions believed to be retaliation for the attempted capture.
Security forces were deployed in several areas to restore order.
Heavy Security at Funeral
El Mencho’s funeral took place near Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, a region considered a stronghold for the cartel. Members of Mexico’s National Guard were stationed throughout the area to prevent further unrest during the ceremony.
Large floral arrangements were carried into the funeral home ahead of the service. One tribute, shaped like a rooster, appeared to reference El Mencho’s well-known interest in cockfighting.
The 38th Arnold Sports Festival returns to Columbus with four days of competitions, including the Arnold Classic, Strongman events, and the debut of pickleball.
Arnold Sports Festival 2026 Returns to Columbus
Arnold Sports Festival 2026 Returns to Columbus
A longtime Columbus tradition and the largest event of its kind in the country is back this week.
The 38th annual Arnold Sports Festival begins Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Ohio Expo Center, and several other central Ohio locations.
The four-day festival features elite bodybuilding, strongman competitions, fitness expos, and a new addition in 2026 competitive pickleball.
Tickets and Key Events
Most competitions inside the convention center are included with a Daily Expo Ticket. Three-day passes and Fast Pass options are also available online.
Separate tickets are required for select headline events, including:
Arnold Strongman Classic and Arnold Strongwoman Classic
Friday and Saturday Night Finals
NPC Worldwide Arnold Amateur Championships
IFBB Pro League Meet & Greet
Arnold Sunday Showcase featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger
Parking is available at the Ohio Expo Center for $12, with free shuttle service running between venues throughout the weekend.
What to See at the Arnold Expo
The Arnold Expo will host more than 800 booths representing roughly 300 companies. Attendees can explore the latest in sports gear, apparel, supplements, and nutrition trends, while meeting athletes and industry experts.
Fan-favorite attractions such as the Animal Cage and the Stack3d Pavilion will return, showcasing strength demonstrations and emerging brands in fitness and nutrition.
Headlining Competitions
The Arnold Classic will headline Saturday night’s finals. Defending champion Hadi Choopan leads the field, alongside former winners Brandon Curry and Nick Walker.
In the strongman division, Mitchell Hooper aims for a fourth consecutive title at the Arnold Strongman Classic. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, widely known for his role in Game of Thrones, is also set to compete.
The Arnold Strongwoman Classic will feature 11 top athletes, including reigning champion Angelica Jardine and former titleholder Olga Liaschuck.
What’s New in 2026
Pickleball will debut at the festival this year with the Arnold Pickleball Invitational, held at Match Point in Columbus. The event will feature round-robin competition followed by playoff rounds across age divisions.
A Look Back
The Arnold Classic was co-founded in 1989 by Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer as a one-day bodybuilding competition. It has since grown into the nation’s largest multi-sport fitness festival, drawing athletes and fans from around the world.
Lorimer, who played a key role in expanding the event, died in 2022 at age 96. Today, the festival continues to generate significant economic impact for Columbus while showcasing elite strength and physique sports.
Six U.S. soldiers were killed in an Iranian drone strike at a civilian port in Kuwait. The Pentagon says more casualties may follow as operations continue.
U.S. military personnel killed in a drone strike at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait amid escalating regional conflict.
Iranian Drone Strike Kills Six U.S. Soldiers in Kuwait
Six U.S. soldiers were killed Sunday in an Iranian drone strike at a civilian port facility in Kuwait, according to reports from The Associated Press and U.S. officials.
The troops had recently relocated from Camp Arifjan to Port Shuaiba, roughly 10 miles away, amid concerns the Army base could be targeted in incoming attacks from Tehran. Family members said the soldiers believed dispersing into smaller groups would offer greater safety.
The U.S. Army has publicly identified four of the six service members killed: Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor; Capt. Cody Khork of Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens of Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady of Iowa. The names of the remaining two soldiers have not yet been released.
Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, had been recommended for promotion and was posthumously elevated to sergeant. According to family members, he studied cybersecurity at Drake University while serving overseas and was training as an information technology specialist in the Army Reserve.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that additional American casualties could occur as military operations continue.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the soldiers were located at a secured facility reinforced with protective barriers. He added that the Department of Defense has strengthened defensive measures across the region.
The strike comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran as military operations expand across multiple fronts.
The U.S. and Israel launched new airstrikes on Tehran as American embassies across the Middle East ordered evacuations amid missile and drone threats.
U.S., Israel Launch New Strikes on Tehran as Embassies Issue Evacuation Orders
The War Between Iran, Israel and the U.S. Escalates
The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States escalated Tuesday as U.S. and Israeli forces carried out a new round of airstrikes targeting sites in Tehran.
Israel issued evacuation warnings in Persian for civilians near the Hakimiya Industrial Zone in Tehran and around Payam Airport in Karaj, stating the areas were being targeted for military operations. The warning followed overnight strikes that Israeli officials said damaged key government and security facilities in the Iranian capital.
President Donald Trump warned that further action could be imminent, saying “the big wave hasn’t even happened.”
Actor Bruce Campbell revealed he is battling a treatable but incurable form of cancer. The “Evil Dead” star plans treatment this summer and hopes to tour this fall.
Bruce Campbell Announces He Is Battling Cancer
Bruce Campbell Announces He Is Battling Cancer
Actor Bruce Campbell, best known for starring in the The Evil Dead franchise, announced Monday that he is battling a form of cancer he described as “treatable” but “not curable.”
Campbell did not disclose the specific type of cancer but said the diagnosis came as a shock.
In a message shared on social media, the actor said his focus is on undergoing treatment over the summer with hopes of returning to public appearances later this year. He plans to tour in support of his upcoming film, Ernie & Emma, this fall if his health allows.
Campbell confirmed he has canceled several convention appearances, explaining that medical treatment and professional commitments do not always align.
Despite the diagnosis, he expressed optimism about his future.
“I have great support, so I expect to be around a while,” Campbell wrote, thanking fans for their encouragement.
The actor has built a decades-long career in film and television and remains a fan favorite in the horror genre.
The mayor of Butler, Ohio, resigns amid allegations of voyeurism and pending vehicular assault charges. Interim mayor Rich Thran will lead the village until 2027.
Ohio Mayor Resigns Amid Voyeurism and Vehicular Assault Charges
Ohio Mayor Resigns Amid Voyeurism and Vehicular Assault Charges
Wesley Dingus, mayor of the Village of Butler in Richland County, Ohio, has resigned amid allegations of voyeurism and pending charges in a separate vehicular assault case.
The allegations of voyeurism involve a teenager who reportedly captured video of Dingus handling and smelling her personal items in January. Following the complaint, Dingus was charged with two counts of voyeurism, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $10,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 9.
In a separate incident last July, Dingus allegedly struck a pedestrian with his vehicle. He faces charges including aggravated assault, vehicular assault, falsification, and dereliction of duty. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $25,000 bond, awaiting further court proceedings.
Dingus submitted a handwritten resignation letter stating he was resigning “under duress” and effective immediately. He began serving as mayor in 2022 and was reelected in 2023.
Rich Thran, the Village of Butler council president, will serve as interim mayor through the end of the term in December 2027. The village has declined further comment due to the ongoing investigations.
