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Now’s the time for Youngstown to reimagine the future

“It’s not hard you can hit, it’s how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” One of the best lines in the history of movies comes from the beloved boxing legend Rocky Balboa when he’s lecturing his son to get out of his slump. It’s a great line, and it’s the line the people of Youngstown need to remember as it tries to pick up the pieces — literally — from recent events that have knocked downtown to the canvas. I, like all of you, had true grief and sadness over the explosion at the Realty Tower. Akil Drake seemed like so many ...

YSU’s music school will continue to be successful

The decisions and outcomes at YSU this semester have weighed heavily on the Dana School of Music. We will greatly miss our colleagues who will not be returning full-time next year, and extend our appreciation for all they have done during their time at Dana. Throughout this situation, the community and alumni support has been strong and inspiring. It has underscored the need for the arts and arts education in our region and beyond, and the deep dedication and love for those who have been touched by the Dana School of Music. We are all very grateful for this support. Many have ...

Celebrate wonders of travel in the Valley and the region

As National Travel and Tourism Week unfolds, it’s the perfect time to highlight the unique aspects of the travel industry within Trumbull and Mahoning counties. Our region is not just a destination, but a treasure trove of cultural gems and natural sanctuaries that are unlike any other, regularly attracting a diverse range of visitors. Reflect upon the collections housed within the walls of the Medici Museum of Art, the nostalgia preserved at the National Packard Museum, the warmth of the End of the Commons General Store, the historic grandeur of the McKinley Memorial, and not to ...

Focus on mental health every month

Small steps can lead to big progress in mental health. In America today, approximately 1 in 5 Americans is suffering with a mental health issue; and approximately 1 in 25 adults is experiencing a serious mental illness that substantially interferes with one or more major life activities. Left unaddressed, the negative impact will increase. The time to act is now. As CEO of Belmont Pines Hospital, my staff and I have the privilege of serving many members of our community who are experiencing some of the most challenging times of their lives — mental illnesses that are often invisible ...

New Lake To River Region a Game Changer for Valley & Regional Chamber

We have reached a defining moment in our economic future. Wednesday’s news that our four lake-to-river counties will make up the seventh and final JobsOhio region is a game changer for our entire region. This monumental decision by Gov. Mike DeWine and JobsOhio President & CEO JP Nauseef, something local business leaders have long advocated for, means the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber can greatly redefine its role in economic development by directing more resources toward strategic, transformational initiatives that condition the landscape for future and sustained regional ...

Call for understanding, inclusion during Autism Awareness Month

As Autism Awareness Month begins, it is crucial to reflect on the progress that has been made in understanding and embracing neurodiversity. The month of April serves as a poignant reminder to foster a society that values and includes all individuals. Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses a wide range of conditions, characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Each person with autism is unique, possessing their own strengths, challenges and perspectives. While awareness initiatives have come a long way in recent years, there remains much work to be ...