Community Corner
π± Patch AM: What could the Sept. 14 SOBE hearing mean for downtown heating bills?
Be sure to catch Reggae Night at the Westside Bowl on the Youngstown Patch calendar

Coffee in hand, Youngstown? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What could the Sept. 14 SOBE hearing mean for downtown heating bills?
- See which Youngstown groups are sharing nearly $1 million in grants
- How YSU's 30% drop in international students could reshape Youngstown
Also on today's calendar: Charley Crockett.
Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Saturday: An afternoon t-storm; humid, with a high of 81 and low of 58 degrees.
- Sunday: Some sun with a few showers, temps: high: 75, low: 53.
- Monday: Partly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 71 and low of 51 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• SOBE hearing set for Sept. 14 (vindy.com) — Downtown Youngstown building owners face steep emergency steam heat rate hikes while state regulators reconsider whether SOBE Thermal Systems can keep charging them. A Sept. 14 hearing in Columbus will let the city, consumer advocates and others argue over the increases, even as Youngstown officials work with the state on funding and long‑term fixes to keep the troubled system running.
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• Youngstown Foundation awards $986K to local organizations (wytv.com) — Nearly $1 million in new Youngstown Foundation grants is flowing to local institutions, including Stambaugh Auditorium's roof project, the YMCA of Youngstown, and Youngstown City Schools' One Vision One Youngstown efforts. Additional funding will bolster youth programs, recovery housing, trails, veterans' services, and regional history projects that touch many Mahoning Valley residents.
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• Youngstown State University reports a 30% decline in international student enrollment, following national trends (wkbn.com) — Youngstown State University expects about 30% fewer international students this fall, a drop leaders link to tighter federal rules and slower F‑1 visa approvals. Administrators say the decline is already affecting STEM programs and could shape Youngstown's future population, so they're pursuing dual‑degree partnerships abroad while urging policymakers to understand how immigration policy hits local enrollment and community growth.
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📸 Around Youngstown
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Youngstown
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Reggae Night at the Westside Bowl →
Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown
7:00 pm
Thursday September 3
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Board of Education Meeting
Youngstown City School District Youngstown Rayen Early College High School, 20 W Wood St, Youngs
4:30 pm - Charley Crockett →
Youngstown Foundation, 100 E Federal St, Youngstown
7:30 pm
Tuesday August 25
Saturday September 19
📣 Youngstown Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Jr. High Volleyball - Tri Match
McDonald Local Girard Junior/Senior High School, 1244 Shannon Rd, Girard, OH 4
10:00 am - Stream Stomp →
Yellow Creek Park, 17 Lowellville Rd, Struthers
11:00 am - Varsity Football @ Valley Christian High School
McDonald Local Mineral Ridge High School, 1334 Seaborn St, Mineral Ridge, OH 4
7:00 pm - Fyath/Øutlier/Singled Out →
Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown
8:00 pm - Grade K Small Group Testing (Day 3 of 3)
McDonald Local McDonald, OH 44437 - NEOEA Trade Day
Austintown Local Youngstown, OH 44515 - Jr. High Volleyball @ Mineral Ridge
McDonald Local Mineral Ridge High School, 1334 Seaborn St, Mineral Ridge, OH 4
5:00 pm - Varsity/JV Volleyball - LaBrae
McDonald Local McDonald High School, 600 Iowa Ave, McDonald, OH 44437, USA
5:30 pm - 1st Day for Grade K Students
McDonald Local McDonald, OH 44437
Saturday August 22
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Looking for a great wedding cake baker.
It will not be a large cake. Any suggestions? (Nextdoor Sherwood) - Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
Leo was LOST on August 20, 2026 in Youngstown, OH 44509 near Near and keystone Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Oak Hill)
- Essilor of America, Inc. posted a job opening for RXO - Distribution Clerk in Youngstown. Apply here.
- McDonald's Restaurants posted a job opening for Team Member $13.00/hr in Youngstown. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Youngstown here.
🗞 Nearby News
Campbell
- Fresh, free haircuts send kids off to school in style in Campbell (wkbn.com)
- Plea set today for Campbell woman accused of trafficking 12-year-old (wfmj.com)
- Heavyweight clash headlines Saturday's Game of the Week (wkbn.com)
Struthers
- Jalen Nathaniel Devine, Boardman, Ohio (wkbn.com)
Boardman
- Boardman preparing for back-to-school traffic (wkbn.com)
Ok Youngstown! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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