Breaking News

Janie Bradford Hobbs, early Motown songwriter dies after illness at age 87

Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs, who helped pen hits including "Money (That's What I Want)" and "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby," has died following an extended illness at a Los Angeles hospital, her family said Saturday. She was 87. Bradford Hobbs was born in Charleston, Missouri, and later moved to Detroit. She was introduced in the late 1950s to Motown founder Berry Gordy by neighbor and singer Jackie Wilson. She joined Motown as a receptionist in 1958 and like many of the company's employees took part in the creative process that helped make Motown a music industry ...

Peter J. Vitucci 1936-2026

RAVENNA — Peter J. “Pete” Vitucci, 90, passed away Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. Born at home in Youngstown on May 5, 1936, to Panfilo and Lidia Pinciaro Vitucci, he was a proud first-generation American and a graduate of East High School, class of 1954. Pete worked at a local steel mill ...

Brian Eric Noss 1959-2026

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. — Brian Eric Noss, 67, went home to our Lord and Savior on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, where he will be in perfect joy and peace. Brian was a gifted man with a gentle and trusting soul. Born Feb. 5, 1959, in Youngstown, to Vera and Norbert Noss, he was special in every ...

Jalen N. Devine 2000-2026

BOARDMAN — Jalen Nathaniel Devine, 25, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. His passing came far too soon, leaving behind a lifetime of love, memories and a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. Jalen was born on ...

Janice R. Hutz 1938-2026

HUBBARD — Janice R. Hutz, 88, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. Janice was born April 30, 1938, in Chautauqua, New York, a daughter of Josephine Ryan. She was a 1956 graduate of Farrell High School, in Farrell, Pa., and a 1959 ...

Area deaths

CAROL DAVIS, 80, of Youngstown, died Wednesday. Arrangements are pending. (Kinnick - Youngstown) KATHLEEN HURLEY, 79, formerly of Newton Falls, died Aug. 1 in Portland, Oregon. (Borowski Memorial) DANIEL L. McKENNEY, 68, of Canfield, died Tuesday. Arrangements are pending. (Kinnick - Youngstown) EDWARD O. “ED” TOOT, 91, died Wednesday at Salem Regional Medical Center. SERVICES: 11 a.m. Tuesday, St. Paul Catholic Church, Salem. CALLING HOURS: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Stark Memorial Home, Salem.