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Making some progress on opioid crisis

Since President Donald Trump’s first day in office, and from my first day as his health secretary, our country’s opioid crisis has been one of our most challenging missions. But there were always sources of inspiration: We heard from the Americans on the frontlines of the fight against addiction, and we set about bringing them what they needed to continue the fight. Today, thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the hard work of so many, there are clear signs that we are beginning to turn the tide. According to provisional data, total drug overdose deaths in the United States ...

Valley should embrace GM battery factory

The automotive world is on the cusp of sweeping changes in technology not seen in more than a century. Gas and diesel engines are going by the wayside, and decisions are being made right now on where the factories of the future will be located. Currently we have several companies considering significant electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing investments right here in the Mahoning Valley. General Motors told United Auto Workers negotiators that the company wants to open its first battery-cell manufacturing facility here. This could plant the seed and bring other leaders in the future of ...

Seeing Eye: Naturalization ceremony set

NATURALIZATION CEREMONY: Mahoning County Clerk of Courts Anthony Vivo will administer the oath for the naturalization of 17 new citizens at a ceremony to be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Mahoning County Courthouse. Remarks will be made by Judge R. Scott Krichbaum. Special guests will include representatives of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Easy Street Productions, Daughters of the American Revolution, and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown’s office. The Youngstown Board of Education will have a table set up at the courthouse rotunda for voter registration of new ...

Agenda for today and Wednesday

Public meetings scheduled: • MAHONING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will meet 2:30 p.m. today at the courthouse to view courthouse statues. • LOWELLVILLE BOARD OF EDUCATION will hold a Buildings and Grounds committee meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday at the conference room. • LOWELLVILLE VILLAGE Safety and Utility meeting will be held 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at city hall. • MAHONING VALLEY REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS will meet 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Mahoning County Educational Service Center. • STRUTHERS CITY COUNCIL will meet 7 p.m. Wednesday at municipal building. Caucus is 6:15 p.m.

Canfield Fairgrounds abuzz with cars, train displays today

CANFIELD — The only thing missing are the planes today, as trains and automobiles flood the Canfield Fairgrounds. Today will see the first Rooster Rally Car Show and Steak Fry, and the second annual toy train show. The car show is hosted by the Blue Ribbon Wranglers 4-H Club and is sponsored by Fairway Ford and Canfield Rhino. The show is a fundraiser for the new Mahoning County Junior Fair Building. Pat Adams, head adviser for the Blue Ribbon Wranglers, said the idea started about a year ago. “Our club decided on doing a fundraiser for the Junior Fair complex, and we decided ...

Despite hope, Lordstown GM not reopening

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said during a recent stop in Youngstown he’s “still holding out” hope General Motors will place its own electric vehicle at the idled Lordstown facility. State Rep. Gil Blair, D-Weathersfield, said, “My preference is to bring back a GM product. The possibility of it happening is better than people think.” While Brown, Blair and others are seeking what amounts to a miracle, GM CEO Mary Barra has made it clear the company doesn’t have plans for a new GM product at the local plant. GM officials say they are negotiating with the Lordstown Motors Corp. ...