Good morning, Youngstown.

Batter Up for Autism will host a weekend softball tournament at Champ Park in Austintown to raise money for the Potential Development School for Autism, with over 60 teams and 149 games, and Saturday’s events include a 12:15 p.m. opening ceremony with a ceremonial first pitch.

United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley is accepting proposals from local nonprofits for its 2027 Community Investment cycle to fund programs in education and emergency services.

Proposals must be submitted via the E-CImpact portal from July 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. to August 31, 2026, at 5 p.m.

On Monday, Mineral Ridge hosted a parade to welcome home 17-year-old Christopher Dourm after he spent over 20 days at the Cleveland Clinic receiving treatment for a rare cancer.

Neighbors gathered to show support+ care as he returned home.

On May 20 the Youngstown Area Federation of Women’s Club met at Bogey’s in Boardman to award Daniel Wakefield of the Dorothy Day House and Nancy Brooks as top honorees.

Paul McFadden (president of YSU Foundation) presented awards; the next meeting is June 17 at The Lake Club.

Youngstown’s First Fridays event featured a Chalk the Walk art contest and a pop-up skatepark on North Phelps and West Commerce Streets near Yonder Brunch and Vibes.

The Skatepark Association — partnering with CityScape and Parks Department — plans additional free skate events for summer and fall.

Simply Slavic completed the restoration and replacement of the entrance signage at the Strossmayer Croatian Picnic Grounds in Vienna Township in time for the Croatian Festival today from noon to 7 p.m.—a project funded by its Cultural Preservation Fund that helps preserve a long-standing community space for Croatian Americans.

Mineral Ridge High School accepted a $10K donation from VFW Post 2074 today & school officials said the gift will boost support for military-connected families and enhance key educational programs.

Struthers named former boxing champion Jacob Giuriceo as its new fire chief, swearing him in Friday to succeed Mike Agnone after a 35-year career.

Giuriceo, who grew up in a tough area and excelled in local boxing, says he will complete three fights before retiring the sport.

State lawmakers plan to scrap the school takeover system that has shifted control from local school boards and will propose new reforms to give local educators more input in managing failing schools.

The changes will be discussed in the upcoming legislative session.

A new mental health initiative called 'Check Your Engine' launched yesterday to help men in Youngstown by offering free counseling, workshops, and resources—local officials say the program aims to reduce stigma around mental health.

Brady Shannon, a YSU athlete who posted 15 home runs and 35 RBI this spring, played on Wednesday with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and got his first hit with two RBI at 717 Credit Union Field.

He said playing in his hometown fills him with extra joy & honor.

The Cardinal Mooney baseball team beat Canton Central Catholic 5-4 on Thursday to win its first Division IV regional championship at Thurman Munson Stadium in Canton.

The team will face Sandusky Perkins in the state semifinal on Saturday, June 13 (10 a.m.).

At Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium Thursday, nearly 6,000 athletes competed in the state track championships, including Mahoning Valley schools.

Sophomore Brody Smith earned silver in the high jump and Heartland Christian’s Rebecca Geiss took bronze in the 3200 run — more events resume today at 9:30 a.m.

Warriors Inc. 7th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance

4:30 – 8 p.m. — Byzantine Center at the Grove — Early Bird $40, $50 Jun 1-12 — Get ready for a fun night of dancing and memories.

Niles 4th of July Parade, Car Show & Craft Fair

11 a.m. — Niles Senior Citizen Center — Free entry — Celebrate the Fourth of July with a festive parade, exciting car show, and vibrant craft fair.

Daikaiju Live at Westside Bowl

7-10 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free entry — Experience the wild sound of surf rock with Daikaiju and DAGGRS & TM in a highly interactive performance.