News

Youngstown board signs contract for ’27 project to improve 3 main streets

Local News July 3, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN — The city’s board of control approved an agreement with the state for about $1.43 million worth of improvements to three main streets in which the city will pay about $53,000 of the cost. The board voted 3-0 Thursday on the agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for repaving and drainage work for a project that will start in spring 2027. The board consists of Mayor Derrick McDowell, Finance Director Kyle Miasek and Law Director Adam Buente. The streets are: • Marshall Street from the bridge over the Mahoning River to Glenwood Avenue. • Salt Springs ...

Connections Academy Class of 2026 graduates

Community News July 3, 2026

COLUMBUS — More than 480 graduating seniors from across the state recently received their high school diplomas as members of Ohio Connections Academy’s Class of 2026. The tuition-free online public school celebrated this year’s graduates during its commencement ceremony that was hosted June 6 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. “At Ohio Connections Academy, we know that every student’s path to success is unique,” said Superintendent Marie Hanna. “Many of the families and students we serve come to us seeking the flexibility and personalized learning environment they need ...

Bids for major Youngstown sewer project come under estimate

Local News July 3, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN — The apparent low bid for a sanitary sewer improvement project that initially drew concerns from some city council members is significantly lower than the estimate. Four bids were opened Thursday for a sewer pump station project on Exal Court in the Salt Springs Road Business Park. The apparent low bid from Marucci & Gaffney Excavating Co. of Youngstown of $1.19 million is much less than the $1.7 million engineer’s estimate as well as the $1.95 million city council agreed to spend up to during a June 3 meeting. The other bids came from J.S. Bova Excavating Co. of ...

Aggravated robbery suspect waives hearing

Local News July 3, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN — Dion L. Taylor, 32, waived his preliminary hearing Thursday in Youngstown Municipal Court on two counts of aggravated robbery, two of kidnapping — all first-degree felonies — as well felony escape, a second-degree felony, and theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree ...

The Declaration of Independence

Chevrolet Bolt vs. Nissan Leaf, an Edmunds $30,000 EV comparison

Business News July 3, 2026

Many new electric vehicles are prohibitively expensive for car shoppers. But there are a few relatively low-cost options that provide plenty of usable range and utility. One great example is the Nissan Leaf. Originally debuting for 2011, it’s today’s longest-tenured EV and remains among ...