River Rock moves to Packard Saturday

July 17, 2026

River Rock at the Amp will have a roof this weekend. Sunrise Entertainment, promoter of the outdoor concert series at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, will move Saturday’s show featuring the Michael Jackson tribute Who’s Bad and Bruno Mars tribute Uptown Funk to Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. The smoke from Canadian wildfires that caused a statewide air quality advisory is less of a concern than the thunderstorms in the forecast for much of Saturday. “As soon as the storm comes through, the smoke won’t be an issue,” Sunrise President Ken Haidaris ...

Mahoning library officials respond to attacks –– some of them personal

July 17, 2026

POLAND — The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is once more responding to allegations made by opponents of its decision to move the Poland branch. This time, the staff said, it’s become personal. “We have been very adamant and very careful to not use individuals’ names,” said Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer Zak Kozberg. “And not only have they taken shots at our board and our staff, but also at me.” On Thursday, library staff responded to claims made by members of the Save Our Library committee on the “Ron Verb Show” on WKBN Radio on ...

Pirates acquire former top prospect Robert Hassell III

July 17, 2026

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired one-time top prospect Robert Hassell III from the Washington Nationals on Thursday for cash or a player to be named later. The 24-year-old outfielder has hit .215 with two homers and 21 RBIs for Triple-A Rochester this year. Hassell made his big ...

Youngstown board OKs $1.19 million pact for sewer work for possible development

July 17, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN — The city’s board of control approved a $1,190,320 contract for sanitary sewer work that could lead to an economic development project. The board voted 3-0 Thursday to sign a contract with Marucci & Gaffney Excavating Co. of Youngstown, which submitted the lowest bid by the July 3 deadline. The board consists of Mayor Derrick McDowell, Finance Director Kyle Miasek and Law Director Adam Buente. Marucci & Gaffney’s bid was the lowest of four submitted for a sewer pump station project on Exal Court in the Salt Springs Road Business Park. The bid is less than the ...

LeBron James not ready to reveal free-agency decision despite rumors

July 17, 2026

NEW YORK — If LeBron James knows where he will play this coming season, he’s still not saying. The NBA’s career scoring king and current free agent spoke publicly for the first time in weeks Thursday afternoon, indicating that a decision is close — though stopping short of revealing ...

Jackson Suber leads British Open after day of surprises

July 17, 2026

SOUTHPORT, England — Jackson Suber got his first taste of links golf — on his first trip to Europe — when he arrived at Royal Birkdale. Three days later, he proved to be a quick study with a superb par save and a 6-foot eagle late in his round for a 5-under 65 to lead the British ...