News

Former ‘American Idol’ singer Caleb Flynn is sentenced to life in prison for wife’s murder

National News October 6, 2026

COLUMBUS (AP) — A former music pastor in Ohio who appeared briefly on “American Idol” was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Monday after a jury convicted him of murdering his wife while he was having an affair. Prosecutors said Caleb Flynn, 40, staged a home invasion in February after shooting Ashley Flynn, a 37-year-old schoolteacher and volleyball coach, then claimed she was killed by a burglar. In his 2013 appearance on “American Idol,” Flynn told TV viewers about how his wife had encouraged him to chase his dreams on the singing competition. ...

Cupcake event honors breast cancer survivors, fighters

Liberty fiscal officer gives financial update

Local News October 6, 2026

LIBERTY — Motorists across Ohio are receiving relief at the gas pump until December, but the township will not be losing out as a result of it, according to Liberty’s fiscal officer. As part of his report at Monday’s trustees meeting, Fiscal Officer Matthew Connelly noted the township’s funds are looking good compared to years ago, with a balance of more than $8 million, with $2.3 million of it attributed to the Belmont Park Cemetery’s endowment fund. “So that really leaves you with $6.6 million, and last year at this time, we were at $7.1 million, so we’re about ...

Marriage licenses

Local News October 6, 2026

Marriage licenses granted Sept. 21-25 in Trumbull County: Michele G. Coppola, 34, Warren, and Jenna C. Jewett, 31, Warren Natalie N. Mostoller, 26, Girard, and Nathan C. Huff, 27, Girard Joshua E. Danko, 32, Niles, and McKayla P. Bryan, 24, Boardman Beverlee A. Gearhart, 46, Warren, and Brian S. Mitchell, 52, Warren Brandon L. Noel, 40, Warren, and Melissa E. Noel, 40, Warren Alexus T. Carnathan, 30, Youngstown, and Nicolino T. Minniti, 34, Youngstown Alexandrea M. Flower, 25, Hubbard, and Coleman A. Brown, 26, Hubbard Bryan T. Kaster, 26, North Bloomfield, and Kayla R. ...

Trump to stump in the Valley again

Failing to register address as sex offender lands man in prison again

Local News October 6, 2026

WARREN — William M. Murphy, 58, was sentenced to 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 years in prison Monday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court for walking away from a halfway house in February and failing to register a change of address as a convicted sex offender — for the third time. Judge Sarah Kovoor said the sentence was necessary to protect the community and Murphy’s history of sexual assault and not reporting to authorities. Murphy has had addresses in various Trumbull County communities since 2008. Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman said Murphy’s current conviction for ...