Good morning, Youngstown.

A 7-year-old entrepreneur from West Branch Elementary donated a $100 check (matched by an ongoing campaign) and supplies from her Glitter Lab to Angels for Animals in Canfield after six months in business.

Youngstown is hosting a Winter Clothing Drive to help those in need during winter; drop-offs are at the City Health Department (9 West Front Street) and Penguin City Brewing Company (460 East Federal Street) from today until Saturday, Feb.

28.

A community dinner was held Thursday at the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church on Youngstown's South Side where the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the McCarragher family served turkey, sides, hygiene items, and donated socks (from Socktober) to 100 residents, with Norma Seefeldt sharing hope amid holiday struggles.

Local entertainment in 2025 celebrated milestones at venues including the 100th anniversary gala at Youngstown Playhouse in June + YLIVE’s two-day event at YSU stadium; new leadership at Butler Institute and the Symphony set the stage for more arts events in 2026.

A recent Christmas at Harding event at the high school helped local FIRST Robotics and LEGO League teams raise money as they gear up for competitions on Jan.

10. The fundraiser hosted by the Warren Robotics Boosters had 35 vendors and more than 300 guests.

Youngstown State University released a study analyzing Ohio’s export trends from 2018 to 2024 — showing how industrial and electrical machinery, along with other key sectors, sustained robust trade amid global disruptions.

The report offers actionable guidance for businesses planning growth and provided hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Mathews Elementary’s new gymnasium nears completion as the county grants final occupancy permission; staff will begin moving items over break and plan a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the semester to mark the $1.9 million project (which also offers improved space for high school students).

Express Junk Removal will host its 6th annual Community Christmas Tree Recycling Event on Jan.

8 and Jan. 9 in Mahoning and Trumbull counties — residents must sign up online and place bare trees curbside the night before pickup.

Several Mill Creek Park roads, trails and facilities will close Monday, Dec.

29 for a $42.7 million sewer project to stop wastewater from entering Lake Glacier. Marucci + Gaffney Excavating Co. will start work on the project expected to finish in late 2027.

Vienna township officials are preparing for a potential artificial intelligence data center in Trumbull County by reviewing zoning laws for setbacks, noise, and utility requirements, even though no proposals have come in yet, while Hubbard council considers a resident's submitted ordinance.

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.