Good morning, Youngstown.

The YMCA of Youngstown will host free family Halloween events this weekend with Dunkin' for Pumpkins on Saturday, October 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Davis Family YMCA Indoor Pools at 45 McClurg Road and Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the YMCA parking lot—featuring pumpkin activities, fall crafts, and snacks for kids.

Bishop David Bonnar led 39 clergy and parishioners on a pilgrimage to Rome to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee of Hope – they visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Vatican City and Assisi, and return today.

A ribbon was cut Wednesday at Kirkmere Park to unveil a renovated playground with new equipment, restrooms, and a pavilion with picnic tables and grills paid for by American Rescue Plan Act funding—an official ceremony will take place Friday.

The funding is also being used to upgrade John White Park on the East Side.

Jason Cooke, founder of the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, was sworn in as a humane agent on Wednesday morning at Trumbull County Probate Court after completing both online and in-person training approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.

Cooke said his new role will help the county tackle its animal crisis and educate the public about pet care.

Evan Brockway, an Ursuline High School senior, earned a perfect ACT score of 36 in March—making him the second senior in two years to achieve this rare score.

He also earned AP Scholar with Distinction honors while taking advanced courses and participating in extracurricular activities.

Youngstown State University’s rebuilt Ward Beecher Planetarium is hosting two free Halloween shows that mix music and astronomy to encourage visitors to dress in costume—Night-LITE runs at 2 p.m. on Saturdays Oct.

18 and 25 while Nightlights plays at 8 p.m. on Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25, and Oct. 31 with an extra showing at 3 p.m. on Oct. 25; doors open 30 minutes before each show.

The Mill Creek Metro Parks board is set to authorize its director Aaron Young to sell the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve following years of alleged mismanagement, which has raised worries among local leaders about losing a key community asset (Richard Scarsella of the McGuffey Historical Society expressed disappointment over not being consulted). He recommended selling the property to an organization that keeps such natural spaces free for public use.

At a City Council committee meeting, City spokesperson Andy Resnick clarified that downtown Youngstown has 32 vacant first-floor retail spaces among 79 in a study of 230 units—Councilman Julius Oliver proposed a leasing ordinance while plans to hire a development manager support new projects worth over $20 million scheduled in the next 12 months.

Aqua Ohio will begin a $1.3 million water main replacement project in Brookfield Township along Grover, Owsley, Lucy, Roberts, and Hill Streets — crews will remove over 4,000 feet of old pipe.

The work includes installing eight new hydrants and 67 new service connections — the project is expected to last about three months.

Glendale Avenue at OH-422 in Girard will be closed for sewer line repair starting Friday at 9 a.m. until repairs are complete (Girard Safety Service Director Mark Ragozine said crews will work until the sewer line is fixed).

The American Heart Association announced that it will award $200,000 from its Social Impact Funds—distributed by FirstEnergy Foundation—to support NCUS TEC and Project Milk Mission in boosting career training and maternal health services.

The funds will help both organizations expand their programs to reach more community members.

Dr. Thomas Jarome at Boardman Family Eye Care advises new contact lens wearers to wash their hands and clean their lenses carefully to avoid infection and vision loss — he warns that reusing lens solution or wearing colored contacts can lead to serious eye damage.

Today, local high schools kick off football action with the Sharon game at Titusville and many teams set to play Friday and Saturday—schools like New Castle, Fitch, and Canfield are battling to boost records and secure playoff spots.

The series of matchups will determine key positions in conference standings as the season nears its close.

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.

Green Bay Gamblers vs Youngstown Phantoms

4:05-5:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Stream available — Catch the thrilling matchup on FloHockey between these two competitive teams.

Kal-El Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — $22.50 — Experience fuzzed-out intergalactic stonerrock with Kal-El and friends.

Seniors & Caregivers Expo 2025

10 AM – 2 PM — Austintown Senior Center — Free entry — Discover essential resources and enjoy door prizes tailored for seniors and caregivers.

Homecoming Alumni Halloween Bash

6-10 p.m. — McGuffey Centre — Free entry — Reunite with friends in your best costume for a spooky alumni Halloween celebration.

Reaper On Red and Chew Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free entry — Experience a blend of human-meets-machine music with Reaper On Red and Chew.

Warren Epilepsy Support Group

6-8 p.m. — Maggiano Holly J MD — Free entry — Connect with others who understand epilepsy and share management strategies in a supportive environment.

Halloween with DJ Puff

10:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. — Penguin City Brewing Company — Prizes for costume contest — Youngstown’s greatest Halloween party is back bigger than ever with special guest Ben Basta.

Øutlier Concert Featuring Bo's Garage & Sludge

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — $11.88 — Enjoy an electrifying night of music with Øutlier and special guests Bo's Garage and Sludge.

Judy Collins Live Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Robins Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless melodies and inspiring artistry of music icon Judy Collins.