Good morning, Akron.

Freedom BLOC will host a community forum in Akron *tomorrow* to gather feedback on housing proposals planned for the 2026 ballot.

Aldi will open more than 180 new stores nationwide in 2026 & a new location is planned in Stow, adding to its 175 Ohio sites that include six in Akron.

The grocer continues its expansion after last year’s openings in the Greater Akron area.

The Akron Art Museum and Akron Zoo will offer free admission on Monday, Jan.

19 for MLK Day. The museum will show short films (Celebrating Black Stories) while the zoo will host a temporary exhibit on Black history in Perkins Woods.

Barbara Sykes was sworn in as Akron school board president on Jan.

13 and immediately streamlined meeting procedures by cutting lengthy reflections and consolidating votes. Sykes, joined by community leaders, aims to boost efficiency and transparency in discussions (the board now meets twice monthly, except during May and December).

Eight-county property tax bills will soon come mostly unchanged except where voters have raised rates or major home upgrades occurred.

A new law letting rates drop may add credits, with first-half bills due Feb. 19 and summer adjustments offering refunds, prompting some counties to advise paying only the first half.

A study from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio reported that 75 of 88 counties lack child mental health providers (with only 11 facilities offering youth inpatient services), leaving families with wait lists as long as two years for treatment.

Akron-area high schools are spotlighted as voters choose one girl and one boy for Athlete of the Week during Jan.

5-11 on BeaconJournal.com (polls open until 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15) and winners will be named Friday morning, Jan. 16.

Norton beat Canton Central Catholic in girls basketball on Monday with a final of 56-51, and Barberton secured an overtime win against Tallmadge to snap a two-game skid at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

Both results highlight a strong week for Akron-area high school sports.

The Akron Zips men's basketball team prepares to host Ball State at Rhodes Arena on Tuesday at 7 p.m. (tipoff) following wins over Central Michigan and Bowling Green; coach John Groce expects key players to step up against a Cardinals team facing three straight road losses.

Karaoke Thursday at Musica

9 PM - 1 AM — Musica — Free entry — Grab a drink and take the mic at this fun karaoke night.

Susan Carson Live at Front St Social

7-11 p.m. — Front St Social — Free entry — Experience an evening of diverse music by Susan Carson and Rikk Mayr.

Female Fronted Rock Night

7-10 p.m. — Musica — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening filled with vibrant performances by talented female-fronted bands.

DJ Dracula

8-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — DJ Dracula returns to spin classic alternative, new wave, and punk vinyl for a nostalgic night out.

FREE FRIDAY: Outdated View, Cabin Fever, SpAIR Jordans

8-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — Enjoy a night of psychedelic blues rock and indie vibes from three amazing bands.

Square Records Closing Fundraiser

7-10 p.m. — Musica — $9.07 — Celebrate the legacy of Square Records as it bids farewell to Akron's music scene.

TB Book Club Meeting

6-7:30 p.m. — 750ml Wines Akron — Open to all Torchbearers — Connect over books and join a fun book swap at this month's meeting.

Cucina Demonstration Dinner – Home-Style Tuscan Comforts

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa — $75.00 - $80.00 USD — Explore comforting Tuscan recipes and culinary techniques in an engaging demonstration dinner.

Cherry Yachtsman Album Release Party

8-11 p.m. — Musica — $10 online / $15 at the door — Celebrate the release of 'Bison' with Cherry Yachtsman and special guests.

Valentine's Day Paint Your Pet

2-5 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Capture your beloved pet on canvas during this custom painting class.