Friday, January 30th, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Akron Roundtable marks its 50th anniversary with a lineup of Northeast Ohio speakers. ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst (a former Akron Beacon Journal reporter) will head the series with his talk at noon, Feb. 19 at Quaker Station, with tickets priced at $30 including lunch. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Community Legal Aid will host a free Family Law Clinic for Summit County residents at the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s Main Library (60 S. High St.) on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m.; registration is required by Feb. 20. Akron Beacon Journal
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Akron's Polymer Industry Cluster is expanding its work in 2026 with over 50 companies collaborating on new projects and plans. The group will break ground on a $25 million innovation facility near the University of Akron campus and boost local workforce training for advanced manufacturing. Akron Beacon Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At St. Hilary School in Fairlawn, eighth grader Sarah Trecek won the Jan. 22 spelling bee for her third title; she will take an online test on March 14 to try to qualify for the Regional Spelling Bee at the Akron-Summit County Library. Akron.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Keep Akron Beautiful CEO Jacqui Ricchiuti said plastic grocery bags are often littered in Akron, especially in public spaces (like parks and near retail streets). Her remarks aim to boost local efforts to reduce plastic waste. Akron Beacon Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic say microplastics from everyday products may enter human bodies, while Mustard Seed Market in Highland Square now uses reusable bags to help curb exposure. Akron Water Supply Bureau assures residents that its water is safe & largely free of microplastic contamination. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Amid persistent extreme cold, Akron Children’s Burn Center today uses Aurlumyn plus iloprost to treat severe frostbite and prevent amputations; the drug offers a 72-hour window for treatment that can save digits when patients delay care. Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Akron Zips face Kent State today at 6 p.m. at Rhodes Arena in a MAC rivalry game. Akron holds an 85-82 all-time lead and a 27-game home winning streak, and the game will air on CBS Sports Network (with local radio coverage). Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ St. Vincent-St. Mary (10-6) defeated Archbishop Hoban (7-5) 58-51 in boys basketball on Jan. 23 at the University of Akron. Coach Dru Joyce said the team will keep working toward its state championship goal. Akron.com
- ➤ LeBron James returned to Rocket Arena for an emotional reunion as he watched his mother cheer him and his son Bronny during the Cavs win over the Lakers on Thursday, Jan. 29. The game featured autograph signings and key plays (a sweet family moment) that boosted the energy. Akron Beacon Journal
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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.
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Midweek Jump Off with Smokeface & Brainwreck
9:00–11:45 p.m. — Musica — $7 entry — Enjoy a live band and DJ experience featuring weekly guests as the bar opens at 7 PM.
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Girl Scout Launch Event in West Akron
6-7 p.m. — Northwest Family Recreation — Free entry — Explore space-themed activities and kick off your Girl Scout journey with hands-on learning and fun.
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Zipcon 2026
10 AM – 10 PM — Jean Hower Taber Student Union — $10 entry — Immerse yourself in anime culture at this one-day convention hosted by the University of Akron's Anime Club.
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
To find yourself, think for yourself.
~ Socrates
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