Good morning, Youngstown.

Youngstown State University’s Sokolov Honors College donated about 100 hygiene and clothing bags to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley as part of the We Are Project I Am initiative (students in grades 1-4 assembled the bags) to support guests in emergency overnight rooms this winter.

Trumbull County Tourism recognized Jordan Taylor for 24 years of service and leadership in advancing sports tourism and community partnerships (he also serves as Scrappers' Executive Vice President and treasurer).

It comes as the organization closes out 2025 with renewed efforts to boost local tourism.

City officials approved a contract with Avalanche Baseball to reactivate Roosevelt Park's baseball fields for youth teams next season after years of disuse, and they set new ward boundaries to better balance district populations.

Following its biggest race in over two decades, the Youngstown Peace Race board donated $10,000 to 14 organizations in the Mahoning Valley.

Organizers are now preparing an 11k race for Oct. 18.

The East Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County at 430 Early Rd will close from Dec.

22 to Jan. 3 for facility improvements. The closure is part of an upgrade to the 2009-built branch among the library's 14 locations.

Holiday events bring cheer this weekend as The McKinley Birthplace Home presents a historical talk at 2 p.m. Saturday and Fellows Riverside Gardens hosts free outdoor winter lights on Saturday and Sunday, with local chess night & open houses scheduled throughout the week.

Ohio reached a $4.25 million settlement with Menards over ads that showed 11% off at checkout when the discount came later & misled customers.

The agreement aims to fix the practice and protect buyers from future confusion.

Students and staff at Akiva Academy held a Hanukkah program on Thursday at Stambaugh Auditorium, explaining the holiday’s traditions with skits, songs, and a menorah lighting; the event promoted unity and resilience amid rising anti-semitism (supporting all faiths).

Simply Slavic hosts 'Home for the SLAVidays' today from 6 to 11 p.m. at Penguin City Brewing Company (460 E.

Federal St.) featuring local music, holiday traditions, food vendors, raffle prizes, and Krupnik martinis with proceeds benefiting the Simply Slavic Scholarship Fund.

School officials renamed a Spanish classroom at Mathews High School — honoring alumnus John Summers, who built a 33-year career in public education — at a regular board meeting on Wednesday.

The decision celebrates his lasting impact on students and the broader educational community.

YSU's senior forward Cris Carroll scored a career-high 31 points in a tight overtime loss to Robert Morris Wednesday as 22 turnovers hindered the team's win — YSU will host USC-Upstate Saturday at Zidian Family Arena.

Lakeview held its first home wrestling meet Wednesday in Cortland, matching against Leetonia and Austintown Fitch’s B team.

Although the Bulldogs had a tough night, coaches said the competition gave the young wrestlers valuable experience plus built local support.

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.

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.