Good morning, Youngstown.

Local groups St. Vincent de Paul and the YMCA joined forces Thursday at the Y downtown to offer free lunch, clothing, and books to neighbors in need—marking their first joint outreach.

St. Vincent will host another event Saturday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church to provide socks and underwear.

Youngstown Rotary Club held a Downtown Bash as summer ended to launch its Operation Warm campaign providing winter coats for children.

The club seeks to raise $32,000 to coat 1,800 kids, as each $20 raised helps cover one cost + local teachers assist in identifying students in need.

Youngstown Foundation awarded grants to local organizations including Stambaugh Auditorium, which began replacing its storm-damaged roof in June; the work will finish by year’s end.

The project preserves a historic landmark that hosts arts, education and community events.

Hartford Township will host the free 62nd Annual Apple Festival from Friday, Sept.

18 to Sunday, Sept. 20 along State Routes 7 and 305, featuring a pageant, a parade with Saturday road closures from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and a car show on Sunday at 9 a.m.

Officials cut the ribbon on the new $11.4 million LEAD Center at the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center in Canfield, expanding career training to include robotics, networking, AI and HVAC plus a collaborative space dedicated to J.

Paul Good. The 40,000 sqft facility will serve 100 students.

Ursuline High School said on Thursday that spring AP exams in subjects such as Calculus, Chemistry, French, and Physics achieved a 100% pass rate while overall 92% of exams were passed + 54% of the class of 2026 earned or could earn college credit, according to the release.

Incoming freshman Adrianna Holden attended YSU’s annual IGNITE event on Thursday next to Stambaugh Stadium, sharing her enthusiasm for the art program that led her to choose the school.

New students also met campus organizations and learned about key services to ease their transition.

YSU broadcast its State of Academic Affairs Address live on Aug.

20, sharing updates on academic programs + plans for future initiatives.

Austintown Senior Center cut the ribbon on its new Telehealth, Health and Wellness Room on Thursday; the facility, funded by an $11,000 AARP grant, gives seniors telehealth appointments and basic checkups while staff teach them to use digital tools (such as MyChart) for care.

New mothers facing postpartum depression can get help in Mahoning Valley.

The national maternal mental health hotline 833-TLC-MAMA is available 24 hours a day and anyone with severe symptoms is urged to visit the emergency room or consult a specialist.

The 17th annual Panerathon will offer a 10K and a 2-mile race for runners and walkers starting Sunday, Aug.

23 at 8:00 a.m. near the Covelli Centre, and the parking lot will host food trucks, a kids’ zone, and more while special pricing on a training shoe supports a breast care center.

High school football season kicks off Thursday as local districts update safety rules for students and fans watching games.

New rules include required school IDs at Rayen Stadium (banning bookbags and large purses) and designated seating to keep events safe.