Good morning, Youngstown.

Shenango Valley will kick off its holiday season this weekend with the Night of Lights in Sharon on Friday, Nov.

21, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will light a tree with fireworks and reindeer petting planned. Hermitage will host the 27th Annual Holiday Light Parade Saturday at 6 p.m.—and local shops will support Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29.

Stone Gate Farm in Hanoveton held a three-hour memorial service called 'Justice for the Final Four' on November 16 to honor four horses found dead at Pure Gold Stables in Salem in October.

Local advocates led a public forum discussing proposals for more meetings and legislative outreach—steps aimed at preventing future neglect.

Canfield Middle School is leading a large food drive that aims to collect 4,000 lbs of food for families across the Valley through next Monday—donations are accepted during school hours or given to any CVMS student.

The school works with Second Harvest Food Bank where every $1 donated provides five meals if people cannot donate food items.

Jimmy’s Italian Specialties—located at 3230 Belmont Ave—will host a book launch for local author Nicholas D’Alesio’s pasta-themed children’s book 'The Littlest Ravioli' on Saturday, Nov.

22; the free event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a 2 p.m. reading, book signings and copies along with a coloring book available for purchase.

Meridian HealthCare will host a job fair (Thursday, November 20, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) at its North Meridian Road campus where local job seekers can bring resumes for direct care, medical and clinical roles.

The event follows Meridian's recent designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike that has increased demand for health services in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties.

A new analysis shows that past-due utility bill balances rose 9.7% in Q2 while monthly energy bills jumped 12%, putting nearly 6 million households at risk of collections.

In Youngstown, residents who qualify for HEAP and Ohio’s Payment Plan can get help managing their energy payments—ensuring they avoid disconnection.

The Ohio Supreme Court ordered Lordstown to file its response by Friday to a complaint from Bristolville 25 Developer LLC over a proposed data center after the village banned data centers — Bristolville said the project on 133 acres in Trumbull and Mahoning counties would create 120 jobs with wages over $84 an hour.

Workers will close the exit ramp from Interstate 680 North to Midlothian Boulevard during the day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for noise wall work — the $4 million 14 foot barrier is designed to lower highway noise and will be completed on Nov 24.

City Council reviewed financial support for three major projects on Monday - Valley Christian plans a reduced sports complex at the old South Fieldhouse, Huntington Bank Tower still needs funds to reach its target, and a new gas station at Market and Midlothian is under review.

The council will propose legislation for site grants to help complete the projects while Valley Christian plans to finalize its property purchase soon.

The Western Reserve Transit Authority received $228,413 to expand the Warren Express route—buses will run every 30 minutes during peak hours between Youngstown and Warren starting fiscal year 2026–2027—and Governor DeWine with the Ohio Department of Transportation announced the expansion as one of 28 projects to improve access to jobs, schools and local businesses in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Mahoning County dog warden Dianne Fry swore in four new deputies to patrol roads and enforce animal protection laws, ensuring dogs have valid licenses.

The new hires, funded by dog tag revenue and county commission funds, bring the team to its highest size ever — a move meant to better serve stray and lost dogs.

Mercy Health announced a new partnership with Humana that will keep 10,000 Medicare and Medicaid patients in the Mahoning Valley in network with Mercy providers—this agreement covering Humana plans will take effect Dec.

1. The deal ensures uninterrupted access to hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers for these patients.

What We're Thankful 4-Miler

8-11 AM — Davis Family YMCA — Registration required — Participate in a fun-filled day of running and walking to celebrate gratitude with community spirit.

Tri-City Storm vs. Youngstown Phantoms Match

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Watch live on FloHockey — Catch the exciting face-off between Tri-City Storm and Youngstown Phantoms.

Shaun Cassidy Live Concert

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Robins Theatre — VIP Experience Available — Enjoy an evening with Shaun Cassidy featuring his music and story-telling.

USA Hockey NTDP U-18 vs Youngstown Phantoms

6:05-7:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Cost info available online — Watch Team USA take on the Youngstown Phantoms in an exciting hockey matchup.

Mistletoe Mingle for Singles

5-8 p.m. — Penguin City Brewing Company — Bring a donation for the Humane Society for extra chances to win prizes — Mix and mingle with other singles under the mistletoe for a night of fun and connection.

Omaha Lancers vs Youngstown Phantoms

6:05-7:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Watch the Omaha Lancers take on the Youngstown Phantoms in an exciting hockey matchup.