Good morning, Youngstown.

Effective today, Ohio's minimum wage for non-tipped workers rises to $11 and for tipped workers to $5.50 — up 30 cents and 15 cents from 2025.

The law also raises the business threshold to $405,000 while workers at smaller employers and 14- and 15-year-olds remain at the federal rate.

Youngstown officials declared a snow emergency effective today at noon, as four inches of snow triggered parking restrictions on streets except for alleys or streets 25 feet or less wide to keep the community safe until further notice.

Trumbull County officials say the fiber-optic project that began in January 2024 is delayed by hand-dug trenches when water lines are hit — leaving Cortland residents frustrated by damaged yards and little communication from the companies while local commissioners await updated timetables.

Mahoning County commissioners approved Tuesday a resolution to name Market Street in Boardman the Clarence 'Sonny' Smith Jr. Memorial Highway to honor Smith, a local philanthropist who donated property for the Smith Wellness Center for first responders.

Columbiana County Jail got $250,000, Eastern Ohio Correction Center earned $199,881, and Trumbull County’s Northeast Ohio Community Alternative Program received $145,390 from the Ohio Attorney General's Office to help treat inmate addiction; the funds are part of a $5.3 million state plan to lower overdoses.

SCOPE partners with Ridgeview Country Tours to offer one-, two-, and three-day bus trips that let seniors visit cultural sites, shops, and restaurants nationwide; future trips include journeys to Dearborn and Gatlinburg, and you can call their centers (440-693-4000) for more details.

Kravitz Deli in Liberty (3135 Belmont Avenue) will offer four types of house-made soup and daily selections during National Soup Month in January.

The deli will serve chicken noodle, wedding, and weekly special soups prepared by Chef Chris for dine-in and carry-out.

A 2025 roundup shows Ohio State football winning the national championship and Youngstown State’s quarterback Beau Brungard driving a strong turnaround.

Local high school teams set records in track, football, and soccer across the Mahoning Valley.

Lakeview beat Columbiana 46-40 on Tuesday in Cortland with key contributions from Isaiah Lantz (who scored 19 points) as the win capped their 2025 run.

They will seek momentum on Saturday at Newton Falls while Columbiana aims to rebound against Wellsville on Jan. 6.

Des Moines Buccaneers vs Youngstown Phantoms

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Watch live on FloHockey — Catch the thrilling ice hockey match as the Buccaneers take on the Phantoms.

Tropidelic Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Tickets starting at $76 — Experience the vibrant energy of Tropidelic's live reggae and electronic fusion.

Charlie Boy, Ferro, Ryan Concert

7-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a lively concert featuring Ferro who brings melodic tunes to life.

Underground Entertainment Awards

5-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Cost info not specified — Celebrate the creative talents and influential voices of Youngstown's entertainment community with special performances.

Empress Eyes Live with Brake Fluid and Outrun Infinity

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with captivating performances from local bands Empress Eyes, Brake Fluid, and Outrun Infinity.

Intro to Epoxy & Overlays Training

9 AM – 5 PM — Epoxy Depot Youngstown — $895 — Learn epoxy techniques from seasoned expert Garrett Barnes at this comprehensive training event.