radioNOVO News for New Castle/Youngstown/Butler/Hermitage 07-17-26

Good morning.Battle lines are being drawn in Lawrence County over controversial plans to build massive data centers. Grassroots citizen groups have officially formed across local townships to demand tighter zoning regulations, while legal teams are preparing to file new motions to shut down ongoing data center lawsuits. Residents at recent town halls have cited severe concerns over the facilities' massive energy consumption.Regionally, the Eleventh District Court of Appeals has unanimously upheld the murder conviction of a Warren man. David Hollie will continue serving forty-one-and-a-half years to life in prison for the August 2025 shooting death of Choice Washington. Hollie’s defense team argued for a new trial, claiming self-defense, but appellate judges threw out the request, noting testimonies proved the victim was unarmed.And a major Code Purple air quality alert is in effect across the valley today as dangerous levels of Canadian wildfire smoke blanket western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Environmental officials warn the air is now considered highly unhealthy for the general public, prompting health experts to advise everyone—especially children, seniors, and those with heart or lung conditions—to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors.For more news, download the radioNOVO app. I’m Codi Gaboff, radioNOVO News, a service of Seven Mountains Media.