Youngstown schools leader's paperless payroll plan didn't pay off for district

Youngstown schools leader's paperless payroll plan didn't pay off for district

In this months-long 21 News Watchdog investigation, we looked at Youngstown schools leader Justin Jennings single-handedly approved projects that cost the district millions

Thursday, March 30th 2023, 6:05 PM EDT by Robert McFerren, Madison Tromler & J. Breen Mitchell
Youngstown school leader Justin Jennings spent $5 million on dead internet plan for district

Youngstown school leader Justin Jennings spent $5 million on dead internet plan for district

In part one of the three-part series, this months-long 21 News Watchdog investigation looks at how the Youngstown City School District leader spent millions on projects without much to show for it.

Thursday, March 30th 2023, 4:42 AM EDT by Robert McFerren, Madison Tromler & J. Breen Mitchell
YCSD school leader spent $3.6 million on covid tests when state offered kits for free

YCSD school leader spent $3.6 million on covid tests when state offered kits for free

While other Valley school districts spent no additional money for covid tests, Youngstown schools then-CEO Justin Jennings bought 120,000 additional kits for more than $3.6 million citing low vaccination rate, safety concerns

Wednesday, March 29th 2023, 5:39 PM EDT by Robert McFerren, Madison Tromler & J. Breen Mitchell
Watchdog Report: Independent experts point to gaps in water testing in East Palestine

Watchdog Report: Independent experts point to gaps in water testing in East Palestine

What we found are some chemicals in the creek water that officials and responders are not testing for.", Whelton said after he and colleagues at the university took samples back to the laboratory and analyzed them. 

Wednesday, March 8th 2023, 6:34 PM EST by Corey McCrae
WATCHDOG REPORT: Traces of harmful chemicals reported in Valley drinking water

WATCHDOG REPORT: Traces of harmful chemicals reported in Valley drinking water

The Ohio EPA reports 58 out of over 1,500 tested water treatment plants in the state found PFAS contaminants in the water, and one of those plants is the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District. 

Tuesday, January 24th 2023, 9:31 PM EST by Madison Tromler
WATCHDOG REPORT: Youngstown Law Director says buying 20 Federal was a 'terrible idea,' but optimism remains

WATCHDOG REPORT: Youngstown Law Director says buying 20 Federal was a 'terrible idea,' but optimism remains

The City of Youngstown has owned the iconic 20 Federal Place building, also at one time known as the Phar-Mor building, for almost 20 years.

Monday, January 16th 2023, 6:59 PM EST by Madison Tromler
WATCHDOG REPORT: EMS crises grows in Pennsylvania with unique challenges

WATCHDOG REPORT: EMS crises grows in Pennsylvania with unique challenges

The fear is felt across the nation. EMS providers continue to struggle and a Mercer County ambulance provider hopes an upcoming gathering to sound the alarm once again, will do something "before it's too late." "Now we are truly getting to the end of the

Thursday, January 5th 2023, 6:51 PM EST by Madison Tromler
WATCHDOG: Councilman & Valley residents raise concern over demolitions

WATCHDOG: Councilman & Valley residents raise concern over demolitions

In 2022 alone, six property owners filed injunctions against the city of Youngstown for attempting to tear down their structure. One Canfield resident plans on suing the city, after a South Avenue building was demolished in April. Jennipher Carter said sh

Wednesday, October 12th 2022, 7:12 PM EDT by Madison Tromler
Watchdog Report: How court orders to stay off the internet are enforced

Watchdog Report: How court orders to stay off the internet are enforced

In this 21 News Watchdog Report, we explain how orders like this are enforced and what happens when they're not obeyed.

Wednesday, September 28th 2022, 4:10 PM EDT by Chris Cerenelli
WATCHDOG REPORT: Will investing in Youngstown's parks help make the city safer?

WATCHDOG REPORT: Will investing in Youngstown's parks help make the city safer?

With money to invest into long term solutions, one major idea city leaders are getting behind is large scale improvement and expansion of city parks. But can that idea actually lead to a safer city?

Wednesday, June 8th 2022, 4:45 PM EDT by Chris Cerenelli
WATCHDOG REPORT: Canfield fire chief, officials discuss concerns over plans to build school near ethane pipeline

WATCHDOG REPORT: Canfield fire chief, officials discuss concerns over plans to build school near ethane pipeline

Canfield Superintendent Joe Knoll said the pipeline operator has lots of safety measures in place for school, community

Wednesday, April 13th 2022, 5:47 PM EDT by Robert McFerren & Madison Tromler
WATCHDOG REPORT: Is it practical to bring another airport to Northeast Ohio?

WATCHDOG REPORT: Is it practical to bring another airport to Northeast Ohio?

Loychik describes this idea as 'common sense legislation,' however other lawmakers along with aviation experts are on a whole different page stating the bill simply doesn't make any sense.

Friday, April 8th 2022, 8:30 PM EDT by Zach Mosca
WATCHDOG Report: Bill stuffers go out soliciting utility line insurance. Do you need it?

WATCHDOG Report: Bill stuffers go out soliciting utility line insurance. Do you need it?

Grabbing the mail lately, you may have noticed what looks like an important, official-looking letter, maybe even with a city logo on top, offering utility line insurance. If read closely, it may be a third-party company offering the coverage. Now homeowne

Thursday, March 17th 2022, 1:22 PM EDT by Madison Tromler

Woman covered in blood after alleged beating at Boardman Plaza

Recreational marijuana becomes legal, but you won't find it in stores until the end of next year

Body found in woods off US Route 422 in Niles, police investigating

Columbiana woman involved in head-on Florida crash passes away

$8M settlement to be shared by those who worked when GM closed Lordstown, two other plants

East student charged for assaulting principal

One woman, two dogs dead after fire in Poland Township

One woman, two dogs dead after fire in Poland Township

Upcoming road closures in Mahoning County

Youngstown man allegedly threatens to murder police during arrest in Boardman

Youngstown organization marches with Little Bears to end violence

Monday's $638M prize among Powerball's top ten jackpot

Classes resume Monday in Youngstown after YEA reaches tentative agreement

Court filing gives rare look inside FBI seizure of lawmaker's phone in 2020 election probe

Court filing gives rare look inside FBI seizure of lawmaker's phone in 2020 election probe

Lawsuit alleges negligence in train derailment and chemical fire that forced residents from homes

Man who wounded 14 in Pennsylvania elementary school with machete dies in prison 22 years later

Storm closes schools in Cleveland, brings lake-effect snow into Pennsylvania and New York

Drivers in NE Ohio, NW Pennsylvania advised to prepare for wintery roads

YSU trustees explain confidential presidential search process