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Justin Dennis

Justin Dennis

Justin Dennis has been on the beat since 2011, publishing daily reports on crime, courts and public education, keeping an eye on government spending and chicanery, and always hunting for a fresh lead. Most recently, Dennis wrote for The Vindicator, covering Mahoning County government and courts, as well as municipal goings-on in Austintown and Canfield. Dennis grew up in Poland and Salem, and graduated from Salem High School. He studied journalism and communications at Cleveland State University and University of Pittsburgh.

Email
justin@mahoningmatters.com

Recent Work by Justin

WHO ARE THE MASK POLICE? The challenge of enforcing Ohio's public health mandates

WHO ARE THE MASK POLICE? The challenge of enforcing Ohio's public health mandates

Top Notch Diner in Cortland displays a sign informing customers it does not enforce the mask mandate for customers or employees. The diner will be the site of a “civil disobedience rally” tonight at 9 p.m., hosted by Free Ohio Now.
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SOUNDING THE ALARM | Here's a look at hospital bed and ventilator availability in the Valley

SOUNDING THE ALARM | Here's a look at hospital bed and ventilator availability in the Valley

"We have more patients now in the hospitals than we had in the spring. To me, that emphasizes the point that the time for the community to act is now," said Mercy Health's Dr. James Kravec.
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Educators: Schools may be forced to close anyway, for lack of teachers

Educators: Schools may be forced to close anyway, for lack of teachers

“When we have one person [who] can take 25 to 30 people into quarantine, that’s how schools are going to shut down,” Mahoning County Educational Service Center Superintendent Traci Hostetler said Friday.
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'Mask Up Mahoning': As surge worsens, county officials prepare public health campaigns

'Mask Up Mahoning': As surge worsens, county officials prepare public health campaigns

“I’m hoping our community can come together and flatten the curve one more time until we can get to that vaccine," Mahoning County Health Commissioner Ryan Tekac said Thursday.
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U.S. Senate bill would make the coronavirus vaccine free for Medicaid consumers

U.S. Senate bill would make the coronavirus vaccine free for Medicaid consumers

"We know too many people already face barriers to get immunizations they need. Ohioans in low-income communities and communities of color too often lack access to care," U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said Wednesday.
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Lordstown Motors faces 'corporate espionage' suit from Calif.-based Karma Automotive

Lordstown Motors faces 'corporate espionage' suit from Calif.-based Karma Automotive

The suit brings 10 counts, including misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition and breach of contract, among others, and seeks various forms of compensation. LMC officials called Karma’s corporate espionage claims a “fantasy.”
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Here are the Valley communities with the highest COVID-19 spread, according to the state

Here are the Valley communities with the highest COVID-19 spread, according to the state

Of the Valley’s 11,783 cumulative COVID-19 cases since January, 2,186 were reported in just the last two weeks, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
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For his 90th birthday, Wedgewood Pizza's Fernando Riccioni receives the 'key to the township'

For his 90th birthday, Wedgewood Pizza's Fernando Riccioni receives the 'key to the township'

The longtime owner of Wedgewood Pizza not only helped build the 53-year locally owned pizza chain but has also helped build his community.
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Canfield's COVID-19 task force taking a 'personal' approach

Canfield's COVID-19 task force taking a 'personal' approach

At the urging of Gov. Mike DeWine, Canfield's newly formed COVID-19 task force is banding together to shift local perception of the virus.
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UPDATED | Did you have issues casting your ballot Tuesday? Let us know

UPDATED | Did you have issues casting your ballot Tuesday? Let us know

Trumbull County poll workers told a voting couple they wouldn't be allowed to vote in person Tuesday, because they'd already requested absentee ballots. After the elections board clarified the issue, the couple realized they'd made a simple mistake.
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