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Mahoning may cut number of voting precincts

Latest News

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Board of Elections is considering a reduction in voting precincts, starting next year, because of issues recruiting enough poll workers and an eventual reduction in costs. With numerous people voting early, the strain on polling locations during elections is less than several years ago, said Tom McCabe, the board’s director. Also, with 212 precincts, the board of elections needs 848 poll workers for each election, and the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office wants 30% over that as backups, McCabe said. “We struggle with poll workers,” McCabe ...

Youngstown treasurer touts school district’s proactive stance

Local News

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown City School District’s four-year financial forecast is wrapped in a strong layer of security, with an added garment of proactivity, a school official says. “For three of the four years, we’re funded, and we intend to be proactive to prepare for the future,” Treasurer Michael A. Rock said after Tuesday afternoon’s regular board of education meeting at Youngstown Rayen Early College High School. “If you do something now, it helps you in the future.” Rock was referring to the district’s unreserved fund balances for fiscal years 2027, 2028 ...

City board reviews tax breaks

Local News

YOUNGSTOWN — The city’s Tax Incentive Review Council recommended Youngstown council renew the six existing tax abatements, but because Penguin City Brewing Co. missed a June 2025 deadline to complete an expansion project, its abatement never took effect. The TIRC met Tuesday for its annual meeting and agreed to recommend city council continue six existing tax abatements. Those abatements have saved the businesses $445,394.56 in property taxes while they’ve paid $154,982.50 in property taxes as of 2025. Penguin City was approved in February 2025 for a 75%, 10-year tax abatement ...

Community news

Community News

NIGHT MARKET: The Struthers Farmers Market will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in downtown Struthers. The market will include food items, plants and cut flowers, artisan crafts and handmade goods. Local nonprofit and community organizations are also welcome to apply to have a table at the market for sharing resources and information. Limited spots are available.. The Struthers Farmers Market vendor application is available at Struthers City Hall. Email mayorssecretary@cityofstruthers.com to have an application emailed. CLOSET CLEANOUT: The Center McDonald, 114 W. Marshall Road, is ...

Australia’s music industry bans AI-generated tracks from official charts

International News

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s recorded music industry will bar tracks wholly generated by artificial intelligence from official charts as burgeoning generative technologies threaten artists’ livelihoods, a representative said on Tuesday. The crackdown comes as a variation of Madonna’s pop hit “Like a Prayer” created by an Australian producer using AI-generated vocals and drums has spent 16 weeks in the Australian top 20, stoking debate about generative AI’s place in music. It peaked at number two on the Australian Record Industry Association’s top 20 ...

Judge blocks Ohio proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration

National News

COLUMBUS (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked enforcement of an Ohio requirement that voters show proof of citizenship when registering to vote at a motor vehicle bureau, a rule that took effect for the first time this year. Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, said he would immediately appeal. In a lawsuit brought on behalf of the Ohio Alliance of Retired Americans and the progressive group Red Wine & Blue by the Democrat-aligned Elias Law Group, U.S. District Court Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. in Cleveland ruled that the requirement appears to conflict with ...