Hi there, Youngstown! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Charley Crockett.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Youngstown Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Youngstown Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Youngstown.
1. Youngstown Tax Incentive Council approves tax abatement renewals, draws concern for lack of resident freshman (wfmj.com) — Youngstown's Tax Incentive Review Council just renewed several major tax abatements for local businesses, totaling more than $433,000, even as some leaders question whether enough city residents are being hired. Council members and economic development officials are weighing stronger incentives and potential workforce training for Youngstown high school students, while a new 90% abatement request could add about 70 downtown apartments.
2. Youngstown residents can expect rising sewage bills as city faces $170M improvements (wytv.com) — Youngstown residents are being warned to expect higher sewer bills for decades as the city undertakes $170 million in federally mandated sewage upgrades. A new treatment plant on Poland Avenue, long-term loans, and Mill Creek Park sewer work will push rate hikes through at least 2028, with more increases likely as projects stretch into the early 2030s.
3. Idora Park Museum Completes Exterior Renovation Phase (businessjournaldaily.com) — A long-awaited Idora Park Museum is moving closer to reality downtown as exterior renovations finish on the Federal Street building and interior design work begins. The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is raising $11.5 million to turn donated Idora Park rides and memorabilia into a major Youngstown attraction, with state funding and local contractors already helping. Residents can still contribute to the project online.
4. Jay Leno plays Stambaugh for United Way benefit (tribtoday.com) — Jay Leno is returning to Youngstown's Stambaugh Auditorium on January 7, 2027, for a benefit performance supporting United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. Proceeds will fund local programs and services, and tickets go on sale Friday through Ticketmaster, giving residents a chance to enjoy a national act while backing community needs.
5. YSU Kilcawley Center 2.0 takes shape (vindy.com) — Work is steadily progressing on the $58 million renovation of Youngstown State University's Kilcawley Center, with completion targeted for fall 2027. Significant state funding and local philanthropic support are helping modernize the campus "living room," which university leaders say will better serve students and strengthen Youngstown's connection to the university.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Youngstown! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Youngstown Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.