News

Incumbent GOP state legislators outraise challengers

Local News October 30, 2026

The Republican incumbent state legislators who represent the Mahoning Valley have significant financial advantages over their Democratic challengers right before the election. Pregeneral election finance reports, for the period between June 6 and Oct. 14, show state Sen. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, raised $98,350 to $33,464 for Democrat Michael Kripchak of Youngstown. The district includes all of Mahoning, Columbiana and Carroll counties. In the 65th Ohio House District race, state Rep. David Thomas, R-Jefferson, raised $82,988 in the pregeneral period compared to $30,237.51 for Democrat ...

Neil Young sues Trump for use of song at Youngstown rally

Local News October 30, 2026

When it comes to President Donald Trump, music legend Neil Young doesn’t have a “Heart of Gold.” Young filed a $10 million federal lawsuit against Trump’s campaign committee for the unauthorized use of his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” during the Republican president’s rally in Youngstown. The lawsuit states Young’s song was played just prior to Trump taking the stage at the Oct. 12 rally at the Covelli Centre and played it “numerous times at other rallies designed to encourage Republican votes in the upcoming midterm elections.” When the song played at the ...

West Branch FFA attends national convention

Local News October 30, 2026

BELOIT - West Branch FFA members traveled to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention, where they explored agriculture, attended events, and celebrated a chapter member’s achievement. On the way, members visited Velvet-View Dairy Farm in Big Prairie, Ohio, to learn about its show cows, ...

Controversy surrounds Hanni-Rudzik race

Local News October 30, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN -- The race for an open seat on Ohio’s 7th District Court of Appeals has been an intriguing one, with both candidates making headlines in their own way. Republican Mark Hanni is trying to extend his tenure on the court by seeking a different seat on the panel. Plenty of drama also surrounded his primary campaign. His opponent is Democrat Katherine Rudzik of Poland, the Mahoning County Clerk of Courts’ chief deputy clerk under embattled Clerk of Courts Michael P. Ciccone, who entered the race as a write-in candidate in the May primary after no other Democrat ...

Lisbon council to seeks bids for pool repair

Local News October 30, 2026

LISBON — Lisbon Village Council agreed during a special meeting Thursday night to advertise for bids for the repair of the Sadie Van Fossan swimming pool, specifically for installation of a new PVC membrane lining system. The motion was brought up by Councilwoman Melissa Hiner, who is also council president, and seconded by Councilman Zachary Smith, with the vote 4-0 to approve the resolution authorizing the village to advertise for bids. Councilman Joe Morenz and Councilwoman Susan Temple were unable to attend. For well over a year now, council has been talking about the pool and ...

Residents voice concerns at JEDD hearing in East Palestine

Local News October 30, 2026

EAST PALESTINE — A public hearing for the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) between East Palestine and Unity Township was well attended this week, with village officials fielding questions about what exactly a JEDD would mean for residents. The primary concern voiced among residents who turned out for the meeting involved the proposed sanitary sewer line along Howell Avenue, which is part of the broader utility expansion toward state Route 14. “The utility expansion and proposed Joint Economic Development District are related initiatives, but neither is dependent on the ...