News

Democrats’ future is on the line as El-Sayed and Stevens make final push in Michigan primary

National News August 4, 2026

DETROIT (AP) — Abdul El-Sayed sat quietly alongside his wife and black political leaders in a packed Detroit church Sunday morning, clapping as the congregation sang and the pastor preached. Then he stood before the room and asked for their votes. Less than 10 miles away, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens was making her own appeal at another black church, where one of the city’s most prominent pastors made the case for her. There were fewer than 48 hours left in Michigan’s fiercely contested Democratic Senate primary. And after more than a year spent preaching starkly different visions ...

Gas prices up 30 cents in Northeast Ohio

Business News August 4, 2026

Staff report It’s been a cruel, cruel summer for motorists in Northeast Ohio with gas prices 30 cents higher than the previous week, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report on Monday. At $4.212 per gallon, regional pricing is within a dollar of the all-time record of $5.036 per gallon set on June 13, 2022, according to AAA. A year ago, the average for regular unleaded was $3.201. AAA reported the average price in Niles was $4.238 and $4.119 in Youngstown. On Monday afternoon, drivers using GasBuddy.com reported prices of $3.69 per gallon at Gateway Gas Mart and ...

Grant to cover costs for road improvements in Lordstown

Local News August 4, 2026

LORDSTOWN — A nearly $70,000 Road Use Maintenance Agreement grant will be used to cover some of the costs of resurfacing a section of Henn Parkway and Lyntz Road. Village council at its meeting Monday approved proceeding with the $510,692 project to be done by Shelley and Sands Inc. of North Jackson. Officials said the RUMA funds are helping the village. Mayor Jackie Woodward said the project involves paving 750 feet of Henn Parkway, which includes local businesses on the route. She said the 750 feet will be from Tod Avenue east and Lynytz Road from state Route 45 to Muth ...

Former McDonald mayor named to fill council seat

Local News August 4, 2026

McDONALD — Village council has named former mayor Glen “Marty” Puckett to fill an open seat on council. Council met for less than five minutes at a special meeting Monday where they voted 5-0 naming Puckett to the seat. Former councilman Don Smith stepped down as he and his family are moving to Florida. Council President Sean Schmidt said council selected Puckett for his experience and knowledge of the village because he served on council before being elected mayor. “His experience serving the village in the past and his availability to serve on council is what we need at ...

Businessman attempts to bring affordable housing

Local News August 4, 2026

STRUTHERS — Local businessman and owner of Morgan Oil Mike Kassem hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event at a house he renovated at 98 Park Way St. on Friday. It is one of 32 houses that have been renovated by Kassem. Citing his own experience growing up in poverty, Kassem said he ...

Community news

Community News August 4, 2026

SPARTAN CHALLENGE: McDonald Village will conclude its summer park activities for children with the Spartan Challenge at noon Thursday at Woodland Park. The event will have an America-themed twist. Registration is at 11 a.m. The event is for children ages 13 and younger. There will be an awards ceremony and party following the event. DARE: Divorce/Death Aren’t Really The End (DARE) Singles Group, 6625 Mill Creek Blvd., Youngstown, meets 7 to 9 p.m. every other Thursday at the Boardman United Methodist Church, 6809 Market St, Youngstown. Call 330-729-0127 for more information. (Do not ...