Good morning, Youngstown.

A scrap crew working on the Realty Building project cut a gas line they thought was dead and it exploded, leaving rubble and debris on May 28th.

Transcripts from the NTSB report show officials and Greenheart Companies assumed the pipes were abandoned—an oversight linked to a noncompetitive contract and delays on the SMART 2 project.

A car crash early Wednesday morning knocked down a pole on Mahoning Avenue between Raccoon Road + Beverly Avenue in Austintown and left more than 130 residents without power + First Energy said power would be restored by 6 a.m.

One year ago, a gas explosion at Realty Tower killed Akil Drake and injured nine people, leading to the building's demolition, an upcoming evacuation of International Towers on June 20, firefighter Scott Thomas, Tommy Gibbs and Joseph Koziel receiving the Fire Service Valor Award, and a $6.1 million wrongful death settlement for Drake's family.

Brandon Kennedy, 32, pleaded guilty in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular assault after his car caused a crash in November that killed a 12-year-old boy—sentencing will be on July 11.

Police arrested Rodney Smith, 35, on Tuesday at about 3:45 p.m. on West Delason Avenue after a traffic stop led to a car search that uncovered a satchel containing fentanyl pills + crack cocaine and other drugs, and he faced arraignment on Wednesday on charges of first-degree felony possession of fentanyl and fourth-degree felony possession of drugs.

Today, the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre launches its 2025 concert series with Riley Greene performing while organizers introduce a new outdoor refreshment area for the event—concertgoers must discard alcohol before entry and are urged to arrive early for a sold-out show.

The series will continue through the weekend with Rock the Rich Center scheduled to perform on Saturday.

State Rep. David Thomas introduced a bill to give county budget commissions control over tax rates and levies—allowing them to reduce or eliminate unnecessary charges, which local auditors say would lower taxes for residents.

The proposal, which Thomas sponsors from his district in Jefferson, has already been heard in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing reminded buyers that House Bill 466 now requires written agency agreements detailing agent compensation before agents can show homes.

Home buyers can choose an exclusive or nonexclusive agreement or work with a seller’s agent with approval—most agents follow these changes due to a settlement with the National Association of Realtors.

Mix 98.9 Time Warp Prom

6-11 p.m. — Canfield Fairgrounds — Tickets required — Experience the Valley's biggest annual 80's & 90's themed costume party with dinner buffet and live music.

Lita Ford Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre — Cost TBD — Rock out with the iconic hard rock singer and guitarist known for her 1980s hits.

Club Michael Sip and Paint

7-9 p.m. — Club Michael — Paid event — Spend an evening creating art under the guidance of Mary as you explore your creativity.

The Benders Reunion Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Robins Theatre — Fundraising event — Celebrate the legacy of The Benders in a special concert honoring Bill Griffin’s son while raising money for charity.

3rd Annual Girard-Liberty Catalina Wine Mixer

6-9 p.m. — Giant Eagle Supermarket — $75 per person — Enjoy a variety of wines and craft beers while supporting local community projects.

RIVIVAL

7-10 p.m. — Westside Bowl — All ages welcome — The RIVIVAL takes over Youngstown for a night of pure energy, music, and self-expression!

The Family Reunion Stage Play: Family Tree

7:30 p.m. — DeYor Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the heartwarming continuation of a family legacy in the captivating stage play by Michael Anthony Forney.

Ribs-N-Rock Festival

12-12 a.m. — Southern Park Mall — Free entry until 3 p.m. — Ribbers and rockers unite for summer’s ultimate rib cook-off and music festival.

Tribute: The Band - Tenacious D Cover Experience

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — $14 general admission — Experience the energy of Tribute: The Band, plus Nintendo-themed nerdcore with Master Hand!

2nd Annual Cardinal Mooney Color Run

10 AM – 12 PM — Cassese's MVR — Registration fee required — Experience a vibrant two-mile color run with a community twist featuring a stop at Penguin City.

YO! Motion Presents: Mobilizing Midlothian Community Bike Ride & Health Fair

This FREE, community bike ride and family-friendly event is designed to mobilize residents around the Midlothian corridor bike lane. Our goal is to not only promote safe and healthy cycling but to celebrate the rich history and positive changes happening in the Midlothian and Glenwood corridors.