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Youngstown City Schools achieved a three-star rating on its 2025-26 report card, meeting Ohio’s education standards for the first time in 25 years.

Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor credited improved third-grade scores and community effort for the milestone while several schools earned three to five stars.

Maplewood Local Schools in Cortland earned five stars from the Ohio Department of Education after high scores in Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing and Graduation; it also got three stars in Early Literacy and four in College Readiness.

Superintendent Kevin O'Connell credited success to community support.

Youngstown officials and the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel submitted a filing with the Public Utilities Commission asking that emergency rate hikes for downtown steam heat customers include an expiration date (to prevent temporary charges from becoming permanent).

The filing echoes concerns about the utility’s long-term rate plans.

County districts in Mahoning Valley received their Ohio report cards Tuesday morning, with all schools meeting or exceeding state standards.

The report shows a rise in literacy proficiency following the Science of Reading initiative & improvements across key academic areas in several districts.

A fundraising campaign for YSU's Dana School of Music raised $8 million at a gala Monday at Firefly Farm - with co-chairs Bruce Zoldan and Pamela Benger giving $5 million toward expanding programs and boosting enrollment.

The campaign aims to preserve the school’s legacy and strengthen community ties.

Kuchta Farms displayed its general store while Amanda previewed fall activities (including a fall fest) planned for later this season at the farm.

Sebring McKinley High School earned its highest-ever Ohio Report Card rating for the 2025-26 school year with a four-star score and a 100% graduation rate, showing significant improvement over the past three years as the school prepares students for future success.

Oppidan officials said a proposed data center at the former McDonald Steel site will create 250 full-time jobs + $7.3 million in annual taxes if built, but residents worry over emissions and noise.

The village council meets today at 5 p.m. to consider emergency legislation.