Good morning, Youngstown.

Braceville will celebrate America250 on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the service center by the fire and police departments with a final time capsule event in its one-year series; locals may bring mementos and the capsule (unopened until 2076) will preserve their memories.

Ground was broken for the Howland Library expansion on Thursday, July 23 at 10 a.m. and the branch will close on September 8; the project will add 1,400 sqft and update key features with work expected to finish in March 2027.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place Thursday morning to begin repurposing the former Vidicator building — set to become a hub for aerospace and defense businesses — as part of efforts to boost local industry.

Warren artist Aaron Chine unveiled *Mo' Musky*, a 100-foot vibrant muskellunge mural on a retaining wall near the Mahoning River and Summit Street Bridge on Thursday.

Nearly 100 attendees witnessed the public-private project funded by the city, the Fund for Warren's Future and Sherwin-Williams.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival (its 25th year) kicked off Thursday, Jul.

23 at 343 Via Mt. Carmel and will continue with live music, pageants, food, and games until Sunday.

Oil prices passed $100 a barrel amid conflict in the Middle East, and local businesses in Youngstown are expected to pass higher fuel costs to shoppers.

Gas & grocery prices may rise, affecting back-to-school expenses and everyday travel.

Kayla McCann, a Youngstown High School social studies teacher, was chosen among 31 educators to join C-SPAN’s Summer Educators’ Conference in Washington, D.C. from July 27 through 29 where she will explore digital resources and new classroom techniques.

Cleanup crews finished clearing storm debris in Boardman Township on Wednesday and continued work in Canfield on Thursday—cleaning along Tippecanoe and Shields Roads with plans to complete work along Canfield Road by day’s end.

Residents were advised to expect traffic impacts in the area.

Trumbull County Planning Commission was featured in the June edition of Business in Focus, an international magazine praising local industrial history and community growth.

Officials noted the commission's work with community partners + local business leaders as a sign that the county is open for business.

While some Valley communities have paused data center talk, Youngstown officials have quietly pursued a major data center over the past year (Watchdog Report by Kaitlyn McCarthy) that details ongoing discussions around tech investments.

Poland's Save Our Library group denied PLYMC's claim that it backs an anti-property tax measure and urged county commissioners to independently review relocation data for the library.

The group said PLYMC's report is based on incomplete cost data + misrepresents community support.

Since 2025, city leaders have quietly explored a hyperscale data center project with private partners as plans include a study of power load and community input on the potential multibillion-dollar development near the east side.

The project remains under discussion for further public review.

Brian Simpson Concert

7-8 p.m. — Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the smooth jazz sounds of Brian Simpson live in concert.

Sunny Sweeney Concert

7-10 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of country music with Sunny Sweeney and Kayla Ray.

Black Men's Wellness Day - Mahoning Valley

7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Free entry — Celebrate health and wellness for Black men with screenings, activities, and entertainment for all ages.

The Bunny The Bear Concert

7-10 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Check venue for tickets — Experience the unique blend of post-hardcore and electronic music with The Bunny The Bear.