2024 has been a busy news year around the Mahoning and Shenago valleys.

From December 20 through New Year's Eve, 21 News will share a recap of one month per day of some of the interesting news events that happened in 2024. Here are some of the top stories in December.

December 4

Steward questions Meadville Hospital's ability to buy Sharon Regional

Attorneys will discuss pausing a timetable to close Sharon Regional Medical Center during a bankruptcy court hearing in Dallas on Wednesday morning. See the full story here. 

 

December 5

Gun turned in to police in Hubbard cold case is not murder weapon

Hubbard Detective Sergeant Michael Banic tells 21 News that someone did turn a gun matching the make and model, but unfortunately, it was not the weapon used in the killing of Cody Pitts. See the full story here. 

 

December 9

Youngstown mayor backs fire chief, won't issue discipline over fight with union

Youngstown fire chief Barry Finley won't face any discipline over allegations of racially-charged language during an argument with union representatives. See the full story here. 

 

December 16

Former Mahoning County sheriff's deputy accused of sexually abusing inmate

The alleged conduct happened at the Mahoning County Jail throughout November of 2023 when former deputy Damon Perry allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with the inmate. See the full story here. 

 

December 16

No timeframe for when Hubbard Pizza Works can reopen following fire

In a statement released on the Restaurant's Facebook page, owner Bill Siwicki says he has no details on when the restaurant could reopen or anything else at this time. See the full story here.

 

December 16

Carl Pelini not returning to Cardinal Mooney as football coach

The statement does not list a specific reason for not renewing Pelini's contract, but says the school came to this decision 'after a comprehensive review of [its] football program.' See the full story here. 

 

December 16

Closure notice filed after Meadville Medical Center pulls offer to acquire Sharon Regional

MMC was not able to come up with the funding needed to "keep financially stabilize the hospital for the long-term was unable to be secured." See the full story here.

 

December 17

Update: Liberty Police identified suspect shot in alleged stolen vehicle investigation

31-year-old Jason A. Cain was transported by the Liberty Fire Department to the hospital, where he is currently in critical condition. See the full story here.

 

December 17

Sources: Juvenile shot on South Avenue stemmed from interaction near school

Our sources say the shooting on South Ave involved two students of Wilson Alternative Schools. See the full story here.

 

 

 

December 20

Suspect in Monday Liberty Police shooting dies

https://www.wfmj.com/story/52039767/suspect-in-monday-liberty-police-shooting-dies

The man shot during an altercation with Liberty Police on Monday has died.  The Mahoning County Coroner was notified of the death of Jason Cain, a 31-year-old male who was shot by officers after police attempted to block a vehicle flagged as stolen. See the full story here.

 

December 20

 

https://www.wfmj.com/story/52039745/feed-our-valley-second-harvest-food-bank-collects-46000-lbs-of-food-in-annual-campaign-nearly-dollar241000-in-funds