Good morning, Youngstown.

Easter egg hunts will take place in several local communities from Saturday through April 4, including events in Niles at Waddell Park baseball fields and at the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Library.

Local groups organize activities for children with themed attractions and photo opportunities.

Yesterday, Eastwood Mall hosted a celebration for the Girard cheerleading squad as they marked their state championship win with a $10,000 donation from the Cafaro Foundation and plans for five seniors' graduation.

Sparkle Market in Boardman at 1135 W.

Western Reserve Road is set to close next week due to delays from a $20-million widening project - reduced traffic during the holiday season cut into business. Store management thanked local customers for their long-term support.

Fat Axxes in Weathersfield Township is being sold to a new owner and will continue operating as planned; co-owner Garrett McIntyre said the sale is expected to finalize by the end of March (with current employees kept onboard).

Dani Dier, chief business officer at the Henry H.

Stambaugh Auditorium Association, was selected for the six-month CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute + a program where she and leaders from 13 cities will build advocacy skills to support Youngstown’s creative sector.

At BRITE Energy Innovators in Warren, startup founders, manufacturers and regional partners learned about the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace + Defense, a $26 million state-backed program connecting companies to low-cost factory space, grants and workforce training.

Leaders including Mayor Doug Franklin said the initiative will spur advanced manufacturing growth.

More than a dozen school bus drivers from Youngstown City Schools met Wednesday at the bus garage on Teamster Drive to ask for a raise from $24.78 per hour to nearly $30.

They urged clearer pay deductions and fairer rates compared to private contracts & additional duties.

Mathews Local School board kept all sports programs after freezing several coach salaries (saving about $9K), and superintendent Russell McQuaide warned that ongoing funding losses may force tough decisions soon.

Youngstown State University will update its research misconduct policy to include rules on artificial intelligence usage after its academic excellence committee passed a resolution Wednesday (with a final board vote scheduled Thursday morning).

Boardman’s softball team aims to replicate last year’s historic run — which saw a district title, regional championship and state final four appearance — with a strong returning lineup set to face All-American Conference and nonconference challenges.

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.

99 & 2000's Party Vol. 2

10 p.m. — Penguin City Brewing Company — VIP Packages Available — Celebrate the Easter Weekend with nostalgic vibes and top DJ sets.

Intro to Epoxy Training

9 AM - 5 PM — Epoxy Depot Youngstown — $995 — Gain hands-on skills in epoxy flooring with expert training from seasoned professionals.

Youngstown's Enchanted Princess Ball

2-4 p.m. — Youngstown Country Club — $55 — Experience a magical dining affair with princess meet and greets, performances, and dancing.

Kiss Me Kate Musical Performance

7:30 p.m. — Youngstown State University — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew during this lively weekend show.

Youngstown's City-Wide Baby Shower

11 AM – 2 PM — The Eugenia Atkinson Recreation Center — Free entry — Celebrate and support new and expectant families with essential baby items and educational resources.