Good morning, Youngstown.

The Youngstown Business Incubator hosted its inaugural EmpowerUS Awards on Thursday to honor local minority-owned business leaders.

Business owners, corporate leaders and nonprofit partners joined the event to highlight key figures shaping the region's economic future.

YSU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics hosted its annual spring STEM Jobs Expo on Thursday at Stambaugh Stadium Gymnasium — offering students career opportunities in internships, coop roles and full time roles.

Sherri Hrusovski said the event helped students explore career paths before graduation.

On Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, Lordstown Board of Education elected new leaders, approved a new school calendar, hired a math teacher, set home instruction rates, and arranged College Credit Plus courses.

Monthly board meetings will be held at 4:30 p.m. except July 15.

At its February meeting in Austintown, the Board of Education approved financial reports, staffing changes, and contracts including a $100 donation for the Fitch Concert Choir Tour and a memo with Stark State College for College Credit Plus (for future fiscal years).

Lordstown High School’s planetarium (closed for over 25 years) will reopen for classes in the 2026-27 school year after cleaning and equipment upgrades.

Superintendent Greg Bonamase said staff will receive training to use the new unit.

A Lowellville man won $100,000 on a $5 Bingo Times 25 scratch-off ticket from the McCartney Drive-Thru when he forgot to scratch a bonus box; after taxes he will receive $73,250, which he said he planned to use for home improvements and a vacation.

Warren Township trustees approved a cadet program for teens to learn firefighting and added a part time EMT and volunteer firefighter at today's meeting as the fire chief cited staffing challenges and heavy mutual aid reliance.

They also set up a planning commission to survey residents for a new comprehensive plan.

Warren city council approved a state-funded plan to link parks along the Mahoning River on Wednesday.

The project uses a 2025 grant to build a sidewalk from the Northwest Bridge to Burbank Park (with upgrades at Perkins Park railings and scenic overlooks), boosting safe pedestrian access.

Mahoning County Commissioners met at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor (Steel Museum) on Wood Street and reappointed JFS Director Audrey Morales for three more years while also honoring YSU quarterback Beau Brungard for winning the Walter Payton Award.

Cafaro Co. purchased Regal Cinema South in Boardman for $2.3 million on Tuesday; the 1986 theater — now leased by Regal on its 5.4-acre site — will continue operating as a Regal Cinema holding while renovations upgrade seating, concessions and the lobby ahead of a spring reopening.

Madison Capitols vs Youngstown Phantoms

7:05-9:05 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Check FloHockey to catch the puck drop as Madison Capitols face off against Youngstown Phantoms.

Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party World Tour

7 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Ticket prices range from $25 to $125 — Comedy superstar Bert Kreischer brings his hilarious performance to Youngstown.

Electric Bug Concert

7-10 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Ticket information available — Enjoy live music by The Vumms and immerse yourself in their unique sound.

36th Mill Creek Distance Classic Half Marathon & 5-Mile

8:30-11:30 a.m. — Mill Creek Wick Recreation Area — Registration fees apply — Celebrate fitness and community spirit at this annual running event supporting local scholarships.

Alumni Social in Youngstown

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Varsity Club Youngstown — Registration includes appetizers and first beverage — Network with familiar faces and celebrate Hiram College's alumni community.

Left Lane Cruiser with Papers

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — All ages — Catch the blues rock vibes with Left Lane Cruiser and Papers at Westside Bowl.