Erin Simonek

Columbus

Reporter at WSYX-TV (Columbus, OH)

📺11 p.m. Weekday Anchor & Nightside Reporter @21wfmjnews. ⚡️@KentStateMDJ alum.

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Articles

DOJ grant could bring new hires to the Youngstown Police Department

2 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

NewsIf passed by council, the department could begin using these funds this July and would have until September 30, 2029 to exhaust the $1.6 million. The City of Youngstown wants to expand its police department by hiring more officers and purchasing a handful of new vehicles. The City is now eying a $1.6 million grant from the Department of Justice that could take some of the hiring expense off the city. The COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Grant could pay for a portion of 15 new hire's salaries.
Judge blocks portion of Trump's executive order on voting overhaul

2 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

NewsThe League of Women Voters does not take political stances and certain issues. But when it comes to this executive order and the SAVE Act, they're citing accessibility concerns for voters nationwide. Some details of President Trump's executive order aimed at changing U.S. elections are now blocked by a federal judge. This includes provisions that require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
Penguin City owner echoes downtown business concerns

3 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek
YCSD Superintendent to sign DEI ban directive to avoid $16 million in cuts

3 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

NewsThe Youngstown City School District tells 21 News the $16 million expenses salaries to maintain sufficient staffing. There's nationwide pushback over the Trump Administration's demand to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public schools. The clock is ticking for school districts to sign off on an Ohio Department of Education and Workforce certification mandate on diversity, equity, and inclusion bans.
Candidates forum: Mayor Brown & Councilwoman Turner share their campaign goals

3 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

NewsBrown and Councilwoman Samantha Turner took the stand at Monday's candidates forum at Union Baptist Church to speak on why they should lead the city. In just two weeks, Youngstown voters will cast their ballots in the primary election for who they want to run for Mayor this November. Incumbent Mayor Tito Brown will face off against a familiar face in next month's Democratic primary.
YSU celebrates medical laboratory graduates

3 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

News"This is the best field for them to make a huge difference in healthcare," said Medical Laboratory Sciences Program Director Dr. Farhana Mueez. It was a night to celebrate Youngstown State University graduates earning their white coats for a very specific and vital skill set within the medical field. YSU graduates just a handful of medical laboratory students each year. Friday's ceremony at YSU's Kilcawley Center was all about celebrating their intelligence in a field that many overlook.
YPD to limit overtime to 28 hours max per week

3 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

NewsPolice Chief Carl Davis is putting the brakes on his department's overtime. He explained that maintaining patrol officer staffing is the main culprit for why more than $3 million was spent on overtime in 2024. Leaders with the Youngstown Police Department are putting their foot down on excessive overtime spending. In 2024, the city expensed $3.25 million to cover overtime costs for the police department alone, and now the city council is questioning the numbers.
Valley Stark State branch offering more healthcare-based programs

4 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

The closure of Eastern Gateway Community College last fall left a gap in access to affordable college options in the Mahoning Valley. Stark State College's presence in Lowellville continues to grow. The Canton-based college offers in-person and online education options for people in the area looking to advance their careers. The college serves more than 14k students and is known as the fourth largest of the 22 public two-year colleges in Ohio.
Leavittsburg Dam removal debate awaits trial

4 weeks ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

There are strong opinions in Trumbull County on whether the Leavittsburg Dam should stay or go. 21 News has followed updates on the potential removal for years and reported a trial scheduled for May. People living in Warren Township gathered Tuesday to speak their minds and discuss all options. "Our reason isn't just about saving a dam. Our reason is to save our community," explained Debbie Roth, President of Our Lives Count.
Medical bill mix-up sends same-name man to collections

1 month ago | wfmj.com | Erin Simonek

NewsThe issues began in 2018 when a Trumbull Regional Medical Center patient with the same name was billed $1,614.00. But those bills were sent to the 'wrong' James Vaughn's house. Medical bills can rack up quickly. One Youngstown man continues to receive notice after notice of unpaid medical bills in the mail. The problem is they're not for him. One patient with the same name racked up thousands of dollars worth of unpaid bills but was sent to the wrong man.