News

Boardman contractor misses probation-violation hearing

Local News August 24, 2026

LISBON — A Boardman area contractor convicted in 2024 of stealing from clients was scheduled for a probation-violation hearing in three cases Friday, but he failed to show up in court. Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam issued a bench warrant for John P. Bartos, 43, of Youngstown, when he did not arrive for the 10:30 a.m. hearing. His defense attorney, Frank Cassese, who was present, filed a motion shortly before the scheduled time of the hearing to withdraw from the case, citing irreconcilable differences with his client. The prosecution had filed a motion ...

Carney warned about economic coercion. Now Trump is testing the Canadian prime minister

National News August 24, 2026

TORONTO (AP) — Mark Carney drew international attention as Canada’s prime minister by warning that middle powers must resist economic coercion by more powerful countries. Now President Donald Trump is putting that warning to the test with sweeping new tariffs that could show how much economic pain Canada can absorb. Tensions escalated late Friday when Canada walked away from negotiations after Carney concluded the United States was demanding too much in exchange for tariff relief. The U.S. imposed 50% duties Saturday on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, and Carney ...

Community news

Community News August 24, 2026

BLOOD DRIVE: Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission is hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday at its event center at 1915 Belmont Ave., Youngstown. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-733-2767 or online at RedCRossBlood.org or the free Red Cross Donor app and enter Sponsor Keyword: Veterans. Those who give blood in August are eligible for a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. UNION CEMETERY STORY: The Girard Free Library will have a program history of the Girard-Liberty Union Cemetery at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The program is part of the America250 ...

Battle of the badges builds camaraderie

Local News August 24, 2026

NILES — The annual police vs. fire department softball game became a battle between Trumbull and Mahoning counties Saturday at 717 Credit Union Field at Eastwood with the Youngstown Fire Department winning the day. A game between the Warren fire and police departments was followed by a game between the Youngstown fire and police departments. The winners of the first two games faced off in a final showdown for first- responder bragging rights. “I felt that this would be a good way for our officers to come together, not only our department but Warren PD, and join the fire ...

Judge vacates policy that suspended processing of visas from 75 countries

National News August 24, 2026

A federal judge in New York has vacated a Trump administration policy that suspended the processing of visas from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia, whose nationals the Trump administration deemed likely to require public assistance in the United States. U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, set aside the policy Friday as “contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his authority by issuing the policy, which “runs afoul” of the Immigration and Nationality ...