News

Aviation Education Center to break ground Friday

Business News September 17, 2026

Staff report A groundbreaking ceremony for the Aviation Education Center, a celebration of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport improvement and community development initiatives, will take place at 2:30 p.m. Friday. The Aviation Education Center will serve as a hub for hands-on learning, workforce development, career exploration and industry engagement, according to a news release from the Western Reserve Port Authority, which oversees airport operations. Once completed, the $5.5 million facility will provide students and community members with access to innovative educational ...

Company touts proposed data center for McDonald

Local News September 17, 2026

McDONALD — Officials with Oppidan said a proposed data center possibly to be located at the former McDonald Steel property will mean 250 full-time jobs and $7.3 million in property taxes for the village, but residents are concerned with emissions, noise and environmental issues if such a ...

Federal Reserve hikes key rate for 1st time in 3 years

National News September 17, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time since 2023 in an effort to quell stubbornly high inflation, and the central bank signaled another rate hike could occur later this year. The quarter-point increase lifts the Fed’s key rate to about 3.9% and, over time, could result in higher borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards. In a set of quarterly projections, the Fed also signaled its rate-setting committee could raise it a second time to 4.1%. The move comes as Americans are already struggling with high ...

City council refuses to temporarily increase the number of police lieutenants

Local News September 17, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN — With the Youngstown Police Department reinstating Brian Flynn, fired as a lieutenant in December 2022 after being accused of dereliction of duty but winning numerous legal challenges, city council refused to increase the number of lieutenants on a temporary basis. Council voted 6-1 on Wednesday against legislation, sponsored by Mayor Derrick McDowell, to increase the number of lieutenants from eight to nine until one retires so no one would be demoted with the reinstatement. The only member of council to vote in favor of the legislation was Samantha Turner, D-3rd ...

Fencing goes up around main Kennedy Center building

National News September 17, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fencing went up Wednesday around the main Kennedy Center building, a day after the Trump-aligned board voted to close most of the performing arts center for repairs. A Democratic congresswoman who is a trustee quickly sought an emergency court hearing to prevent what she called the “unlawful closing.” The board’s vote on Tuesday came after a federal judge blocked the institution from returning President Donald Trump’s name to the building. The Republican president had said in a social media post that the closure was needed for safety repairs. But he said ...

Community news

Community News September 17, 2026

FOOD DRIVE: The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation is hosting its annual High Holiday food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley through Oct. 14. Donations are being accepted at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown and Akiva Academy, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown; Temple El Emeth and Children of Israel Congregation, 3970 Logan Way, Liberty; and Ohev Beth Sholom, 1119 Elm St., Youngstown. Items needed the most year-round include peanut butter, cereal, canned vegetables, canned fruit, tuna fish, dry pasta, canned soup, and ...