Good morning, Youngstown.

The seventh Rock for Care festival will take place this Saturday from 3-11 p.m. at Ross Eatery and Pub in Warren, where Chuck Gisewhite from Mr. Lucky and other bands will perform to raise funds for the Care Closet—tickets cost $10 and raffles and food by Earl Ross will be available.

WKBN+ is a free streaming channel that shows extra local news and long-form stories via the WKBN+ app on smart TVs available on Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV.

Dave Coy said the service will soon expand to Samsung while letting viewers watch live high school football and other local events from anywhere.

The Youngstown Foundation awarded $1.2M in grants to local groups including $400K to the Butler Institute of American Art—funding major renovations to improve accessibility and educational programs.

Sixteen other nonprofits received funds for affordable housing, performing arts and community initiatives.

A coalition of business and community leaders launched the Drive It Home campaign in November 2018 after General Motors ended production at the Lordstown plant, shifting focus to attract new investment.

Their coordinated efforts helped Foxconn take over the 6.2 million square-foot facility in May 2022.

Youngstown State University reported that fall enrollment increased 2.1% compared to last year and that smaller programs like on-campus associate, doctoral and CCP enrollment saw significant gains—administrators have hired extra teachers and secured housing through local partners while monitoring steady international numbers closely.

An associate professor at YSU has received his fourth National Science Foundation grant—his total funding now stands at about $1.6 million, which boosts the university’s work in AI research and innovative projects.

Dry conditions persist in the Valley with little rain over the last 30 days and Columbiana County was upgraded to severe drought status—officials said a burn ban for burns between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Oct.

1 to Nov. 30 will soon go into effect to reduce fire risks.

Newton Falls council met to review a comprehensive growth plan — they discussed safety measures including a grant for bulletproof vests and reviewing speed cameras and appointed Pamela Hileman as finance director.

The council passed all ordinances and set the next meeting for October 21.

Senator Al Cutrona introduced Senate Bill 265 which would bar those convicted of animal cruelty—such as harm to companion animals, animal fighting, dogfighting or sexual conduct with an animal—from becoming foster parents or adoptive caregivers.

The bill seeks to close a gap in background checks and has yet to be assigned to a committee for hearings.

Springfield Township voters will decide on a new 3.5 mill levy on November's ballot to support its fire and EMS services that now use paid part-time staff as savings run low—if the levy fails, staffing cuts or service reductions may occur.

Shepherd of the Valley broke ground on its Salem Campus off the State Route 62 bypass in Columbiana County to start a $60 million project that will add 36 independent villas, 36 assisted living units, and mid-market apartments for seniors—phase one is underway and the project will finish by the end of 2027.

Columbiana Craft Beerfest

4-8 p.m. — TownCenter at Firestone Farms — Proceeds benefit the Columbiana Project Playground — Sample a variety of craft beers while supporting local community initiatives.

Tim McGraw Concert

7-9 p.m. — Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the chart-topping hits of a country music legend.

Mom's Basement Fest

7 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free entry — Enjoy a night of diverse music performances in the Trophy Room at Mom's Basement Fest.

Wickyards Unplugged Autumn Market

6-10 p.m. — The Wickyards — $10 presale, $15 at the door — Experience a vibrant night of singer-songwriters and unique handcrafted goods in a community celebration of fall.

Flourish: A Mother's Heart Praying for Prodigals

9:30 p.m. — The Shops at Boardman Park — Snacks and drinks provided — Engage in heartfelt prayer and inspiration with former prodigals and mothers, featuring national speaker Leighanne McCoy.

Infidels Record Release Show

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — No cover charge — Celebrate the release of Infidels' new record alongside The Jellybricks in a fun atmosphere.

Canfield Train & Toy Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Canfield Fairgrounds — $7 admission, free for children under 12 — Explore new and vintage trains, parts, and toys at this engaging family-friendly event.

Danceland in Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free parking — Psychedelic Americana vibes take over the night with Danceland and Ke'Von & The Vybes.

US National Under 17 Team vs. Youngstown Phantoms

6:05-9:05 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Ticket info available — Experience thrilling USHL hockey action on First Responders Night.