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Hi Youngstown, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: A school bus driver head shave for childhood cancer, Girl Scout astronaut training, Record Riot, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Hair today, hope tomorrow: A Liberty school bus driver will shave their head to support childhood cancer research on March 14 at Penguin City Brewery in downtown Youngstown, benefiting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation — get all the details.
Five-phase overhaul outlined: Youngstown schools revamp moves forward as the district prepares to consolidate Chaney and East into one high school and one middle school in 2026-27, with key transitions scheduled this summer — see what’s planned and when.
Expanded care for vulnerable neighbors: Youngstown nonprofit Full Spectrum Community Outreach is creating the Mahoning Valley’s first LGBTQIA+ adult shelter, aiming to open in March with short-term emergency beds plus counseling and healthcare access — see what’s planned and when.
Vacancy decision shifts hands: Youngstown City Council will choose a Sixth Ward replacement after the Democratic Party failed to reach a quorum. The timing and process for the appointment are still being discussed — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Game day with a cause: YSU women’s basketball hosts its Autism Awareness game today against Milwaukee. Players will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned to benefit The Paula and Anthony Rich Center for Autism. The Rich Center also supplied sensory kits for use at YSU basketball games. See how to get tickets.
A vibrant arts celebration: Downtown Youngstown’s First Fridays is set for Friday, February 6 from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring For the Love of Dance at Ballet Western Reserve and Concept Studio. Expect free performances, mini classes for kids and adults, local vendors, and a live music initiative running through May. Get all the event details.
Rolls + hibachi fun: When a weeknight craves maki and table-side sizzle, Asuka Japanese Cuisine comes through with crisp rolls, lively hibachi, and cozy tatami-style nooks for quieter vibes. It’s a steady pick that turns dinner into a small occasion without the fuss.
Treasure hunt with purpose: At VO Depot, the rotating mix of clothing, furniture, and quirky finds keeps the hunt fresh, and every purchase supports Veterans’ Outreach in the Valley. Drop off donations or score a budget-friendly refresh… it’s the simplest feel-good errand.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
💃 First Fridays: For the Love of Dance @ Ballet Western Reserve | Friday (2/6) at 5:00 PM – Take a twirl through First Friday in downtown Youngstown with mini dance classes for all ages, performances, vendors, and a sensory-friendly space. Two step between Ballet Western Reserve and Concept Studio, then wander to Live Music Initiative spots, or slip into Keith Sweat. Free parking.
🐾 Fur-Ever Valentines @ Imbibe Martini Bar | Friday (2/6) at 6:00 PM – If you’re ready to swap awkward small talk for tail wags, head to Imbibe Downtown for a meet-cute with AATP’s long-time residents, bar bingo with prizes, and a signature martini. Sonny, Emil, and Cleo are holding court, Jordan’s cheering from the sidelines.
🏺 Adult Clay Pottery Wheel Class @ Wonderstruck Artisan Market & Classes | Saturday (2/7) at 4:00 PM – Adult pottery wheel class that teaches you to center clay, not your calendar. For $50, learn the basics, make a bowl or mug, and leave with muddy hands, a newfound respect for potters, and a perfectly imperfect piece you will brag about anyway.
🎤 Leanne Binder @ Biker Brewhouse | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – Grab a seat and let Leanne Binder confirm there is something in Youngstown’s air, water, and bars. Expect soulful blues, Rust Belt grit, and a voice that warms like good bourbon. No gimmicks, just road-tested songs, played by someone who means it.
🎻 Dixon’s Violin @ Westside Bowl | Saturday (2/7) at 7:00 PM – Skip the gutter balls and let Dixon’s electric violin turn Westside Bowl into a one-man symphony, the kind that sneaks up on your feelings. Not your grandma’s recital, just spellbinding, layered sound. Tickets from $29, seating is limited, bring your curiosity.
🥂 A Day in the Loop Reception @ Westside Bowl | Sunday (2/8) at 3:00 PM – If you’re into real Youngstown stories, head to Westside Bowl for a toast to A Day in the LOOP, our new community time capsule. Meet the makers, see the selections, hear a few writers read, and enjoy that satisfied, I-showed-up feeling.
🏈 Super Bowl LX Watch Party @ Westside Bowl | Sunday (2/8) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats watching the Super Bowl on a massive screen with people who actually clap at first downs, not commercials. Westside Bowl is showing the game, the Bad Bunny halftime spectacle, and serving the good stuff, so upgrade from couch commentary to communal chaos.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Youngstown report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 22°F – Low: 11°F – Precip: 2%
Partly sunny, with a high near 22. Southwest wind around 2 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 30°F – Low: 0°F – Precip: 97%
Snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 30. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Later: Snow showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 0. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
This house is wild
On Youngstown’s West Side, this home blends vintage charm and updates. A covered front porch opens to a sunlit living room with original hardwood floors. Two main level bedrooms and an updated bath complement a flexible upstairs suite. New vinyl flooring, updated windows, and new HVAC add comfort. A fenced yard, Trex deck, and detached garage complete the outdoor space.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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