Good morning, Youngstown.

A weekend explosion at the Phoenix House Apartments off North Meridian Road shook nearly 100 residents as safety crews evacuated them and local agencies provided aid.

Township officials declared an emergency on Saturday and approved funds for temporary housing while investigators work to determine the cause — community groups donated essential supplies.

On Saturday morning, hundreds of veterans lined up at the Trumbull County Veterans Service Commission parking lot to receive care packages with turkeys and pumpkin pies supplied by the Cover Down Fund and its partners.

Volunteers ran out of supplies by 12:05 p.m.—their quick response showed the urgent need for extra help during the holidays.

On Saturday, less than a week before Thanksgiving, the Warren Family Mission held an emergency drive-thru food giveaway at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds that saw 200 cars lining up at 2:30 a.m.—prompting an early start to avoid a traffic hazard.

Volunteers from Second Harvest Food Bank and Safe Harbor Recovery helped distribute supplies planned for 1,000 cars to assist those facing food insecurity.

Operation Christmas Child box donations are accepted today at drop-off sites at Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poland from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wildare Church in Champion from 8 to 10 a.m. and Chestnut Ridge Church of God in Hubbard from 9 to 11 a.m.—local volunteers fill shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items and school supplies for children worldwide. Organizers say each box carries a scan code to track its delivery before the boxes are shipped from Wildare Church.

A weekend explosion at the Phoenix House apartments on North Meridian Road in Austintown damaged several floors and forced nearly 100 residents to evacuate; township officials declared an emergency and local agencies provided aid—safety crews and social services worked together on recovery— while the cause remained under investigation.

Nicholas D’Alesio launched his new children’s book 'The Littlest Ravioli' at Jimmy’s Italian Specialties in Liberty Saturday—honoring his Italian heritage with a story inspired by family traditions.

Local owner Frank Occhibove, illustrator Anne Gulfo and craft collaborator Jennifer McDonough supported the event with art and creative features.

YSU Concert Band, led by Dr. Kate Ferguson, opened the performance with traditional marches and holiday tunes on Nov.

23 at Stambaugh Auditorium — the YSU Wind Ensemble then presented three works including a contemporary piece, a tribute to David Maslanka, and an energetic composition by Dennis Llinás.

Captain James W. Thomas from Masury piloted a C-124 Globemaster during a fierce Antarctica blizzard and on his third landing attempt the plane touched down safely at McMurdo Station — all 12 crew members disembarked without injury.

The film ‘Brier Hill’ will premiere on November 28 and November 29 at Columbiana Arts Theater—an extra date was added after the first showing nearly sold out.

Based on a novel by Jimmy Taaffee who also directed it, the movie retells a raw 1977 Youngstown story with local cast and crew.

At the Struthers Board of Education meeting on November 18, board members approved amending the ESCEO service agreement to add technology services and signed a Title I contract with Supplemental Education Services Inc. for the Islamic Academy of Youngstown—while they accepted donations for both schools, approved a sports adviser stipend, appointed new staff, renewed personnel positions, and processed several resignations for the upcoming school year.

Youngstown State Penguins will host Yale on Saturday in the FCS playoffs after finishing the season 8-4 - they won their final three games including a 35-32 win over Northern Iowa for the first time since 1999.

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.

Green Thumb: Paint, Plant & Sip

6-9 p.m. — Smash-On Party Center — Cost not specified — Unwind with a creative evening of painting pots and enjoying smooth vibes with friends.