Good morning, Youngstown.

Work is continuing to repair the Phoenix House exterior at the low-income and senior apartment complex in Austintown following a natural gas explosion that led to evacuations — township leadership says contractors will next begin interior work including repairs to sprinklers and the elevator.

Organizations and residents in the Valley are remembering Dolly Parton through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which gives free books to children from birth to fifth grade.

Community events and discussions will honor her lasting impact on local education and culture.

Comedian Jay Leno will perform a benefit comedy show at Stambaugh Auditorium on Thursday, Jan.

7 to support United Way programs for the Mahoning Valley. Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 28 online and at the box office.

Cannabis dispensaries have raised significant tax revenue for Valley communities, and municipal officials are set to review spending plans for public projects using the funds.

The increase supports ongoing efforts to boost local services.

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Hubbard Schools received new sculptures on its campus.

Donated by local alumni and business owners, two H-shaped structures and a 10.5-foot hand-carved wooden eagle are now on display—one near the high school auditorium and another at the stadium.

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center launched its Oil and Gas Jumpstart Program on Aug.

25, and students can enroll free to explore career opportunities in oil and gas + the program may open new pathways to industry training.

Work on YSU’s $58 million Kilcawley Center renovation project continues on campus after groundbreaking on May 5, 2025; more than $13 million in state funds and local donor contributions are funding updates, with completion planned for fall 2027.

YSU unveiled its new Center for Career Management in the Williamson College of Business Administration on Tuesday, Aug.

25. The hub (serving all students from freshman to graduate levels) offers internships, resume help, and career advice to prepare for future jobs.

The Youngstown City School District Board approved a two-year contract with the Youngstown Education Association that gives teachers a 3% raise and runs until June 30, 2028.

The board said the raise fits its three-year funding forecast + future plans will address a coming shortfall.

Liberty board approved a five-year, 260-day contract for superintendent Brian Knight at Liberty Local Schools that will run from Aug.

1 until July 31 with an annual salary of $111,970 and planned raises (details were finalized after discussions that began in May), ensuring his leadership continues into 2030.

The Tax Incentive Review Council renewed abatements on five parcels totaling $433,373.18 on Tuesday morning, even as some local leaders expressed concern the breaks do not spur resident hiring — officials say they are discussing workforce training with the companies to boost local employment.

Several local agencies in the Mahoning Valley received part of a $2.5 million grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s DART program to support opioid addiction survivors.

Columbiana County received $126,198, Mahoning County $144,943, and East Palestine PD received $24,315+ funds will connect patients to treatment and recovery support.

Schools in Trumbull County are on alert as three measles cases have been confirmed this week, prompting enhanced cleaning and free vaccine clinics.

Districts in areas like Joseph Badger and Bloomfield-Mespo have stepped up safety measures as classes resume.