Good Morning Youngstown!

As we all slowly pile back into work, we have a so much to look forward to! So, turn that frown upside down as we conquer this week back. Steel Valley Scoop is here to remind you of all the great things we have going on locally, from music festivals to craft shows. And don’t worry, we’ll keep you up to date on the local news too. Make sure to pour yourself an extra large cup of coffee or tea as you read this one.

The Scoop To Keep You In The Loop!

• OH WOW! Debuts New 2nd Floor of Fun and Discovery

• Uptown Pizza’s Award Winning Pizza

• Events going on this weekend

Let’s dive in.

Steel Valley Spotlight

OH WOW! Debuts New 2nd Floor of Fun and Discovery

Something exciting just happened at OH WOW! Children’s Center in downtown Youngstown—on April 16, the museum officially opened its totally reimagined second floor, and it’s packed with fresh ways for kids to learn, play, and explore. From hands-on exhibits to mind-bending science activities, the new space takes curiosity to the next level. Families packed the building for the grand opening celebration, which featured half-priced admission, special guests, and a whole lot of wide-eyed wonder. With this bold new upgrade, OH WOW! continues to prove it’s not just a museum—it’s where Youngstown’s future inventors, builders, and explorers come to play.

Pope Francis dies at age 88

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, died at 88 on Monday. Known for his humility and focus on the poor, he won many hearts but upset some conservatives with his views on capitalism and climate change. Church bells rang in Rome after Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his passing from the chapel where Francis lived. Francis, who had lung issues since youth, was hospitalized for double pneumonia in February 2025, his longest hospital stay during his 12-year papacy. His final public moment was blessing a crowd in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the day before he died, after meeting U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Efforts in progress to improve and refresh downtown Niles.

Niles is using American Rescue Plan funds to enhance its downtown. The money will support beautifying the area, restoring a historic building, and improving access to the Mahoning River. A vacant lot where old buildings were demolished will become Niles Public Square, an urban entertainment space at South Main and West State streets. It will feature shade sails, benches, and a turf area for events like music and farmers markets, with construction starting this summer for use next year. Nearby, the former Niles Masonic Temple is being renovated into office, programming, and kitchen incubator spaces, with potential future housing, funded by a $3.5 million Appalachian Community Grant. Additionally, a kayak launch is planned along the Mahoning River, with tree removal already done and a road and parking area in development. These projects aim to revitalize downtown Niles.

Business Brief

Knoll Run Golf Course: Great Greens, Even Better Burgers

This past Friday, I made my way out to Knoll Run Golf Course to sneak in 9 holes and catch up with friends over dinner—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The course is already in fantastic shape this season, making for a smooth (though not necessarily low-scoring) round. Afterward, we headed inside for dinner, and the bacon cheeseburgers were a standout. Whoever’s behind the grill clearly knows what they’re doing.

The atmosphere at Knoll Run’s restaurant was just as enjoyable as the meal itself—a laid-back, welcoming vibe with families, golfers, and friend groups all making the most of a perfect Friday evening. I even bumped into a few people I hadn’t seen in years, which made the night even better. If you haven’t been out to Knoll Run yet this year, you’re missing out on one of the area’s best kept golf-and-grub combos. I’m already planning my return—this time for all 18 holes and another bite of that burger.

Uptown Pizza’s Award Winning Pizza

Uptown Pizza is a local delicacy, known for its delicious sauce and crispy crust. If you’re ever in the area, you should stop by and give it a taste. The service is always really fast with smiling workers to greet you as you pick up your slab. Uptown Pizza has earned acclaim, winning the Travelers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor for its consistently outstanding reviews, cementing its status as a top pizza destination.

Charity Spotlight

Help Skip Find a Home—and Support Hundreds More Just Like Him

Skip is the kind of dog that reminds you why we love dogs in the first place. This sweet, 3-year-old, 60-pound bundle of joy is fully vetted, neutered, and ready for his forever home thanks to generous donations that gave him a second chance at life. He’s got excellent leash manners, a love for tennis balls, and a personality full of affection and goofy zoomies. Skip is great with kids, friendly with other dogs, and will happily become your lap dog if you let him. He’s the whole package—now all he needs is someone to open their heart and home.

Skip’s story is just one of many, and it’s why Voices of the Trumbull County Pound Dogs is celebrating a huge milestone—50,000 followers—with a fundraiser that could change countless lives. If every follower donated just $1, they could raise $50,000 to help with vet care, vaccinations, training, and other essentials that make adoption possible. It’s an ambitious goal, but with a community like this, it's absolutely doable. If you’ve ever been moved by a dog’s second chance, now’s your moment to be part of the next one. Let’s help dogs like Skip find homes—and give even more pups the chance to become someone’s best friend.

Weekend Planner

Thursday, April. 24th

🌎 National Community Development Day | Covelli Centre | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

🍺 Draft Day Drafts | Tavern 26 | 8:00 PM

🤠 El Cowboy 7th Anniversary Boogie | El Cowboy | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday, April. 25th

🎶 (Live Music) Cruze Campo & More | Westside Bowl | 7:00 PM​

🕰️ Mr. Darby’s Vintage & Antiques Opening | 7386 Market St | 10:00AM - 6:00 PM

🎵 Federal Frenzy Music & Arts Festival | 20 Federal Place | 4:00 PM

Saturday, April. 26th

🐐 Farm Animal Baby Shower | Mill Creek MetroParks Farm | 10:00 AM

🎵 (Live Music) Ironflame & Guests | Westside Bowl | 7:00 PM

🍻 Broken Reins | The New Manhattan | 8:00 PM

Sunday, April. 27th

🎭 Morse Code Improv | Cedars: West End | 7:00 PM​

🧘 Yoga Basics Course | Fellows Riverside Gardens | 9:15 AM

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