Good morning, Youngstown.

About 100 community members and youth groups marched Sunday on the West Side, starting and ending at Grace Evangelistic Temple Church (2214 Mahoning Ave.) to call for peace and unity as they urged continued efforts to reduce violence in the area.

Local groups teamed up to launch the inaugural farmers market at Selah Restaurant’s parking lot on Sunday, where vendors sold fresh produce, breads, and more while Councilman Jim Baluck played live music (boosting neighborhood spirit).

Two more markets are planned on Aug. 30 and Sep. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Youngstown Skatepark Association hosted a free pop-up skatepark event Saturday at Borts Field on the West Side — attracting about 25 to 30 skaters while promoting a push for a permanent facility.

The group will hold another free pop-up at Lincoln Park Aug. 22.

PLYMC has formed Team PLYMC for the 2026 Panerathon to support a cause and celebrate community connections.

The race takes place Sunday, Aug. 23 at 8 a.m., with registration open until Aug. 14 at $40 for the 10k and $30 for the two-mile race.

Some employees at Ultium Cells in Lordstown returned to work Monday, July 27 after six months of layoff, as the phased return is set to finish around the week of Aug.

17 (a UAW representative noted concerns over ongoing indefinite layoffs).

Federal Street Fright Night is set for Saturday, Oct.

3 at Penguin City Brewing Company in downtown Youngstown, where Coop’s Nightmare will perform Alice Cooper hits with theatrical flair. Doors open at 6 p.m. before the show starts at 7 p.m.

Workers at the Schwebel facility in Youngstown were laid off on Monday, Jul.

27 and told not to return after their shifts.

Youngstown City School District is still searching for teachers as classes will begin in less than 40 days; officials say hiring will continue until all positions are filled (more details are pending).

Youngstown State University received nearly $2 million from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health & split the funds equally between its counseling and social work programs to cover tuition and fees for fall and spring.

Recipients must work at an Ohio behavioral health setting for a matching term.

On Monday, July 27, the Boardman Schools Board approved a teachers’ union contract for 293 and a two-year deal for 200+ staff; the teachers’ contract (effective July 1–June 30, 2029) removes two workdays and adds personal day, while the staff deal (effective July 1–June 30, 2028) includes a 2% raise.

Liberty Board of Education approved a contract with Canton-based HWS Best Health LLC effective Aug.

1 through July 31 to extend student mental health services, including returning counselor Izzy Rowlands, to better support high-need students.

The Ohio EPA issued a violation to Girard for a 53% water deficiency that exceeds the 15% limit set by law.

City safety director Glenn Homes said aging pipes may be a factor and the city will audit its meters and follow EPA recommendations.

Crews with Mahoning County EMA began the final week of storm debris removal on Monday, July 27 in Austintown, Boardman, and along the Mill Creek Bike Trail.

With over 300 tons collected, crews are limited to debris under 8 inches so residents must remove larger items by July 31.

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.