Daily
Akron
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Akron Zoo announced that two mountain lion cubs (Ozette and Neah) are acclimating in the former jaguar habitat; the orphaned cubs, rescued from Washington, will debut for visitors in the coming months. Akron.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Clorox is set to acquire Akron-based GOJO Industries for $2.25 billion, a deal that will maintain local operations and provide new growth investments. The agreement is expected to close by Clorox’s fiscal year end in September, with community leaders confident the move will benefit the area. Signal Akron
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lock 3 in downtown has drawn residents with attractions like ice skating, ice bikes, and ice bumper cars drawing roughly 500 on weekdays; tomorrow, Frost Fest from noon to 5 p.m. will add live ice sculptures, a hot cocoa crawl and local meet-and-greets (organizers say) to the growing winter buzz. Signal Akron
- ➤ Firestone CLC Theatre presents Ayn Rand’s courtroom drama 'The Night of January 16th' in an immersive production where 12 audience members act as jurors. The staging runs from Jan. 22 to Jan. 25 in Akron, with shows at 7 p.m. + a matinee on Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. Akron.com
- ➤ Circa Jazz will be at Akron Art Museum on Feb. 13 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. and will feature live jazz by The Decos — with dance lessons, a mystery challenge to a secret speakeasy and art activities — with tickets from $15. Museum galleries stay open until Feb. 15. Akron.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Boys and Girls Club members at Lincoln Elementary (Cuyahoga Falls) and Barberton West Club improved reading and math scores in the 2024-25 school year, reaching benchmarks and missing fewer days under the federal 21st Century Community Learning Center program. Akron.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ohio EPA has partnered with CVSR to repower two historic diesel locomotives with electric engines in a $3.5m project that will cut diesel emissions and keep rail heritage alive in Cuyahoga Valley National Park (supported by a $2.1m grant). Akron.com
- ➤ The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Akron as heavy snow and subzero wind chills are expected from Saturday evening to Monday afternoon — officials advise delaying travel and following AAA safety tips. Akron Beacon Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 21, a 45-year-old water main split along West Market Street in the Wallhaven area, forcing a closure and delaying repairs set for Jan. 22 — city officials said weather and pressure changes cause about 350 breaks a year. Akron Beacon Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A poll commissioned by the Ohio AAP found that 86% of Ohioans consider routine childhood vaccines safe (three in four support mandatory vaccination) and 89% trust their pediatricians for vaccine advice. Confidence was lower for COVID-19 vaccines, with only 43% expressing strong trust. Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Norton High School boys basketball remained undefeated at 14+0 after defeating Streetsboro 55+47 on Jan. 22, 2026; freshman Mason Ventura led with 23 points as coach BJ Sanderson said the team must improve ahead of tougher contests. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Bobby 'Sumthin' Smith, a local basketball legend who played for the Zips and coached at Norton, South, and East high schools, died Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Randolph Township (79). His lifelong passion for the game made him a beloved sports figure in our community. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ On Jan. 20, Akron Zips men’s basketball won 82-63 at Buffalo with Amani Lyles (18 pts, 15 rebounds) and Tavari Johnson adding key contributions; the team, now second in MAC standings, will play Ohio today at 8 p.m. in Athens. Akron Beacon Journal
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Galentine's Sea Glass Trees and Collage Craft Night
6-8 p.m. — P.F. Chang's — Food and drinks available for purchase — Create beautiful sea glass trees or collages in a fun atmosphere.
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Business Networking at House Three Thirty
9-10 a.m. — House Three Thirty — Free entry — Connect with fellow Outstanding Ohioans in a vibrant community setting.
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Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Concert
7-10 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Tickets required — Experience high-energy live performances featuring catchy tunes and impressive stage presence.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
~ Carl W. Buehner
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