
Valley economy is doing better than rest of the state, but recovery remains slow.
Shrinking Utica Shale should lead to industry consolidation in eastern Ohio, including the Mahoning Valley.
Mahoning Valley unemployment is up in November, leading into the next three months when unemployment figures are typically the highest.

The chilly weather Friday did not stop several anti-fracking activists from carrying signs and chanting during a march as the group traveled along Wick Park on Youngstown’s North Side.

Store owner built business listening to her customers' requests.
Goal of midstream partnership is to leverage current pipeline infrastructure to promote quicker development.
Dick's Sporting Goods suspends gun sales in light of Newtown, Conn. shooting. It doesn't appear other stores will follow suit.
Companies continue to squeeze more time in the holiday shopping season by opening around the clock.

Hilcorp and NiSource partnership to build pipeline and natural-gas processing site in eastern Mahoning County.
By BURTON SPEAKMAN bspeakman@vindy.com YOUNGSTOWN The Ohio Department of Natural Resources