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BY FARARAH SIDDIQUI

Public News Service Staff Writer

CINCINNATI (PNS) —  Questions about how ICE hires and vets its agents are under renewed scrutiny in Ohio after the arrest of a Cincinnati-based ICE supervisor, a case advocates said exposes gaps in background checks and internal oversight as the agency rapidly expands its workforce.

The case involves Samuel Saxon, a supervisor at the Cincinnati ICE office, who was arrested earlier this month on charges including felonious assault, strangulation and domestic violence. Advocates said police were repeatedly called to his residence over the past year, yet he remained employed by ICE. Saxon was initially held in the Butler County Jail and later transferred into federal custody on charges of allegedly lying to the Department of Homeland Security.

Lynn Tramonte, executive director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, said the allegations raise serious concerns about whether ICE adequately reviews agents’ backgrounds before placing them in positions of authority.

"He has had a huge, long history of domestic violence," Tramonte pointed out. "The police have been called to his home 23 times in a little bit over a year. This is not something that he could have hidden from his employer."

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not commented on Saxon’s employment status or whether internal reporting requirements were followed. Supporters of expanded enforcement said ICE follows federal hiring standards, while critics argued rapid recruitment has weakened oversight.

Tramonte noted the Cincinnati case is not isolated. She pointed to broader national concerns about ICE accelerating hiring without thorough background checks, even as agents are given broad authority over arrests, detention and supervision of immigrants. She also referenced a previous case from the same office, where former ICE agent Andrew Golobic was sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually extorting women under his supervision in the agency’s Alternatives to Detention program.

"They’re rushing to hire more agents at ICE. They’re not doing proper background checks," Tramonte contended. "They don’t know the full criminal histories of the people they’re hiring, and they’re putting them out on the street and saying, 'Go arrest immigrants.' It’s dangerous, and it’s irresponsible."

Saxon was ordered detained by a federal judge and it remains unclear whether there will be further hearings. Advocates said the case underscores the need for stronger hiring standards and accountability as ICE expands enforcement nationwide.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

Top headlines of the day are presented above in a podcast of our latest newscast with highlights from around the nation and around the world.   Here is a summary of the most recent news briefs from around the nation and around the world: 

 UKRAINE is being offered security guaratees from the United States for 15 years as part of a proposed peace plan, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said Monday (Dec. 29, 2025) that he would prefer, however, an American commitment of up to 50 years to deter Russia from further attempts to seize its land by force. U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday and insisted that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace settlement.

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Monday (Dec. 29, 2025) with United States President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate to try to look for ways to speed up the peace process, especially as Israel’s leader has been accused of not pushing his side to move fast enough. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has mostly held, but progress has slowed recently. Both sides accuse one another of violations, and divisions have emerged among the USA, Israel and Arab countries about the path forward as many fear the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza could be in danger of stalling out before a complicated second phase.

CHINA's MILITARY sent its air, navy and missile units to perform joint live  fire drills around Taiwan and Beijing called it a “stern warning” against separatist and “external interference” forces. Taiwan said it was placing its forces on alert and called the Chinese government “the biggest destroyer of peace.” More than 100,000 air travelers will be impacted by subsequent flight cancellations, according to Taiwan officials. The drills came after Beijing officials expressed anger at what could be the largest-ever US arms sale to the self-ruled territory and Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said his country's military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan. Officials in China want Taiwan under its rule. and military officials did not mention the USA or Japan in its statement on Monday, but Beijing’s foreign ministry accused the Taiwanese ruling party of trying to seek independence through requesting USA support.

A JUSTICE DEPARTMENT memo released on Sunday (Dec. 28, 2025) said Brian J. Cole Jr., the man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington D.C. on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the USA Capitol, told investigators after being arrested that he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who felt the 2020 election was stolen and that he wanted to target the country’s political parties because they were “in charge” and that contend that was his motive for placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both the Democratic and Republican national headquarters. Cole was arrested earlier this month nearly five years after the incident.

BY TERRI DEE

Public News Service Staff Writer

(PNS) —  As 2025 is nearing an end, the new year will mean nearly 43 million Americans with a student loan in default status will have to start repaying.

Beginning next month, the U.S. Department of Education will send notices of administrative wage garnishment to owners of loans in default. It will affect people who have these federally-based loans and have not made a payment for 270 days.

The Education Data Initiative reports Indiana has around 900,000 student borrowers with a total debt exceeding $30 billion.

Jack Wallace, director of government and lender relations for the student loan refinancing firm Yrefy, said borrowers should be proactive.

"We need to not put our heads in the sand and pretend like this is gonna go away," Wallace urged. "If you're getting an email from your servicer, which you should be, or getting an envelope by the U.S. Post Office from your servicer, you need to open it up and find out what's going on."

The Treasury Offset Program is the automated system the federal government will use to collect delinquent debts. Garnishments can apply to 2026 federal tax refunds, Social Security retirement and disability benefits or other government payments.

Wallace pointed out options exist for borrowers who want to change the status of their loan. Contacting the Department of Education's Default Resolution Group is the first step. They provide guidance on managing student loans, refinancing and getting loans out of default. He explained borrowers need to make timely payments on a new repayment plan in order for this option to succeed.

"There’s ways to do it," Wallace outlined. "Begin to make on-time payments and get it entered into the rehabilitation program so you get out of default but you gotta make your payments on time, and you got to make nine of them on time to get yourself back in good graces and get out of default."

 Wallace added if you are still attending school and are unable to repay a loan, then you can request the loan be put in forbearance or deferment. According to the Education Data Initiative, almost 49% of Indiana’s student loan borrowers are under age 35, and 16% owe less than $5,000. 

BY FARARAH SIDDIQUI

Public News Service Staff Writer

(PNS) — Federal immigration authorities say a recent enforcement surge in Ohio has resulted in arrests of people with serious criminal records, while Columbus leaders emphasize that local police are not involved and urge residents to understand their rights.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it launched Operation Buckeye on Dec. 16, increasing enforcement activity in Columbus and other parts of the state.

The agency describes the operation as a focused effort aimed at people it says pose public safety risks and lack legal authorization to remain in the country. Madison Sheahan, ICE deputy director, said the operation moved quickly and prioritized individuals with violent or repeat criminal histories.

"With this operation, we've had a lot of success very quickly," said Sheahan. "Our officers have gone out and truly arrested the worst of the worst. We have arrested gang members, murderers, and rapists."

ICE says those arrested include people with felony convictions and long-standing removal orders. Immigration advocates have raised concerns nationally that enforcement actions can still create fear within immigrant communities beyond those targeted.

The heightened federal presence prompted a response from Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, who released a public message addressing residents directly.

Ginther said while the city cannot stop federal enforcement, it does not assist in immigration operations and wants residents to feel safe accessing local services. He also emphasized that Columbus police are not participating in the arrests.

"We can't prevent federal agents from being here, but as a city, we don't discriminate against any of our residents based on immigration status," said Ginther. "Our police will not be used to carry out these operations."

Federal officials say immigration enforcement will continue in Ohio regardless of local cooperation.

 City leaders are encouraging residents to remain calm, stay informed about their rights, and continue calling local emergency services when needed, underscoring ongoing tensions between federal enforcement and local governance. 

BY KATHRYN CARLEY

Public News Service Staff Writer

(PNS) — Hemp farmers in Maine and across the U.S. warn a federal ban on products containing hemp-based THC could wipe out their industry.

A provision within the federal spending bill passed to end the recent government shutdown recriminalizes the majority of hemp-based products, including popular gummies and drinks.

Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, said the industry needs proper regulation, not what he calls “misguided prohibition.”

"This would throw the baby out with the bath water," said Miller. "It would not only ban bad actor products, but 95% of the industry, and that’s why we have been pushing for almost a decade for robust regulation of hemp products."

Miller said his industry has a year to help Congress better understand how to regulate hemp before the ban goes into effect.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month which not only reclassifies marijuana as a less dangerous drug, but urges lawmakers to ensure the public’s continued access to hemp-derived products.

Hemp farmers call the executive order a lifeline which could help extend the ban’s moratorium even longer and crack down on those selling unsafe products.

But farmer Chas Gill – owner of Merrymeeting Bay Hemp Company in Bowdoinham, Maine – said farmers are still in a tough spot, having to make decisions about seed and fertilizer purchases for a product they may not be able to sell.

"I’m not planning on growing this year," said Gill. "I have inventory of extract but that would still not be legal for me to use if these regulations happen."

Gill said his retail business of hemp-based products has been growing, but he’d have to close up shop if the proposed ban remains in place.

Advocates for hemp farmers are backing federal legislation to replace a total ban with regulations requiring truth in labeling, bans on synthetic THC, and measures to keep the products away from kids.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

OREM, UTAH (CCN) — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died, according to an announcement on social media at 4:45 pm on Wednesday (Sept. 10, 2025) by President Donald Trump Truth Social. Kirk was the leader of Turning Point America and was on a tour, speaking on college campuses to promote  conservative values.

Metro Flint News/Talk Radio aired the report as a breaking news bulletin on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio within a few minutes after Trump's post.

Trump's post said: "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.

He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

 Law enforcement officials are still looking for the shooter, according to Utah Valley University spokeswoman Ellen Treanor.

She said, “There is no suspect in custody; it is an active investigation.” 

The campus was closed and classes were canceled for the rest of the day as well as at Brigham University located about 15 minutes away. 

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

OREM, UTAH (CCN) — Comments from national political leaders are being posted on social media after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday (Sept. 10, 2025) on the campus of Utah Valley University.

Kirk was considered a widely influential individual by political leaders on both sides of the aisle.

His organization known as Turning Point USA had a strong presence with young people through frequent internet posts by Kirk on social media platforms, including X, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

He was in the midst of a national tour of college campuses  to promote  conservative values.

Kirk, 31, is survived by his family that includes a wife and two young children.

A suspect was taken into custody by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies at about 6:30 pm. That was announced by FBI Director Kash Patel via  a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Kirk was CEO, chief fundraiser and the public face of Turning Point USA from its founding as an  18-year-old in 2012.

Multiple major media outlets cited during the 2024 campaign by Donald Trump that Kirk was a key factor in turning out young Republican voters to help Trump return to the White House.

The New York Times added that Kirk " turned the organization into a well-funded media operation, backed by conservative megadonors like Wyoming businessman Foster Friess."

Kirk was behind publishing the "Professor Watchlist" and the "School Board Watchlist" that identified hard core liberals he identified as bordering on being socialists.

A statement by President Trump on a social media post is in a story that appears above if you are reading from your phone or a mobile device, or at left if you are reading on a laptop or PC.

Kirk was a well-known supporter of President Trump and a close ally of many in his inner circle. He spoke at the 2024 presidential convention just days after an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania last summer.

 President Trump ordered all American flags throughout the country to be lowered to half-staff through Sunday night in honor of Kirk. 

 The US House of Representatives held a moment of silence for Kirk on Wednesday afternoon, moments after the 3 pm shooting. 

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson later tweeted: ""Utterly devastating. Charlie was a close friend and confidant. He will be sorely missed by so many. Every political leader must loudly and clearly decry this violence. Our prayers go out to his wife and young children. May he rest in peace."

 John Thune, a Republican congressman from South Dakota and the US Senate Majority leader stood on the Senate floor and said he was “horrified” to learn that Kirk had died. He also called for an end to political violence.

Former President Joe Biden tweeted how he and his wife Jill were “praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones." He added: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.”

Biden's fellow Democrat, former Vice President Kamala Harris, tweeted: "I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence." 

Former Democrat President Barack Obama said in a tweet: "We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children."

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, also a Democrat, tweeted the following: "Thinking of Charlie Kirk, his family, and the community at UVU after the horrific shooting. We should all come together to stand up against any and all forms of political violence. It’s unacceptable."

Democrat Dana Nessel, Michigan's Democrat Attorney General, was on CNN Wednesday night with an interview taped a day earlier with Jake Tapper about a judge dismissing a case she brought against fake electors signing to falsely cast their votes for Biden in the 2020 election against Trump. CNN carried a comment she issued condemning the violence.

 Utah Senator Mike Lee, a close Republican friend of Kirk, mourned his "dear friend" by saying he "deeply admired and respected" Kirk.

I had been texting him in just the last 24 hours," Senator Lee. "He was excited to visit Utah. He told me about this trip many weeks ago -- invited me to come. I told him we would almost certainly be in session; I wouldn't be able to be there, but wished I could join him. I've known him for a long time. I've known him, I believe, since he was a teenager when he first started this effort. He's a dear friend. There's nobody else like him."

Lee went on to say: "Whether you agree with him or not, you have to respect his boundless energy, his commitment to making the world a better place. The genuine decency and respect that he showed to other people, even while disagreeing with them, even while they were yelling at him. I don't think I can ever remember ever seeing him respond back to hatred with hate, or with anything other than respect. And he had the ability to explain complex concepts to people in very simple, understandable terms, even people who hadn't historically been involved in politics or historically thought of themselves as conservatives or one way or another. And I think that's his legacy. And it's a legacy that's been cut far too short." 

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

OREM, UTAH (CCN) — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University. (Full Details in Metro Flint News/Talk Radio Breaking News Bulletin Podcast Below) 

Kirk is the leader of Turning Point USA and was on a speaking tour across America at college campuses to promote conservative values.

An official statement from Utah Valley University confirmed social media comments and videos circulating about the shooting on social media.

Witnesses said on social media posts that a large crowd began running after a gun sot rang out. Kirk was sitting inside a tent with his organization's logo on top of it, speaking to students.

He slumped in his chair and blood began gushing out of his neck where he was shot.

Security quickly whisked Kirk away.

Social media posts went up almost instantly from Vice President JD Vance and FBI Director Kash Patel. Both became friends with Kirk while all three toured around the USA during President Trump's campaign in 2024.

Both asked for prayers from Americans.

Patel pledged via a tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter:  "Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation."

Click Here to Listen to a Podcast of the Breaking News Bulletin on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio