Good morning, Akron.

Terrence Shelton and Dr. N.J.

Akbar are advancing the Legacy Building Project to build a 25,000 sqft African American Cultural Center and Museum on city-owned land along Rhodes Avenue near the decommissioned Innerbelt. Phase one is underway with pre-construction fundraising and support from Mayor Shammas Malik + local officials.

The Summit County Domestic Relations Court held a custody clinic at the APS Board of Education Office on Jan.

30 to help caregivers of homeless students. Judge Cook donated 500 bus passes to remove transportation barriers, with another family law clinic scheduled for Feb. 6 at the Akron Bar Association.

In 2006, a lab demonstration at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson produced a flash fire that injured a teacher, her son and six students; three students spent weeks in the hospital, prompting Akron-area schools to review their lab safety measures.

Akron’s The Black Keys released a new single on Feb.

5 and will release their album Peaches! on May 1. The album, recorded during tough personal times for Dan Auerbach, includes a cover of an Earl Hooker song with guest Kenny Brown (a prior collaborator).

Valentine’s events take place in Akron this February across coffee tastings, library card-making sessions, alternative markets, music shows and zoo brunches.

Families, friends and couples can enjoy various specials at local venues (check details ahead of time).

Barberton City Schools approved an 11-mill levy on the May 5 primary ballot to help cover an $11 million operating gap, with the measure expected to raise $5.96 million annually and cost property owners $385 per $100,000 of value (Ryan Pendleton explained the decision).

Akron Public Schools is discussing a proposal to reassign fewer than 50 Leggett CLC students to Innes CLC to ease crowding at Jennings CLC.

Three meetings are scheduled: a virtual meeting on Feb 10 plus in-person meetings on Feb 11 at Leggett CLC and Feb 12 at Innes CLC.

Danielle Murphy was elected to the Woodridge Local Schools Board and said she will use her labor law experience + commitment to public education to guide the district through funding challenges.

At a Barberton City Council meeting on Feb.

2, officials discussed two tax incentive proposals for Strait and Lamp Lumber’s project at 250 S. Van Buren Ave to add 23 jobs and drive $3 million in investments, including building additions + machinery, with reviews set to shape the final plan.

The former drive-in at 3929 S.

Main St. will be demolished for a project in two phases that first builds 232 storage units then adds retail/office space and a coffee shop— the project is set for review by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 18 amid neighborhood concerns.

On Feb. 5 the Cavaliers traded De’Andre Hunter to the Kings, Darius Garland for James Harden to the Clippers, and Lonzo Ball to the Jazz to gain salary cap relief and roster depth.

More potential moves may follow as teams adjust their strategies.

The Akron Beacon Journal released rankings of top boys basketball players for the 2025-26 season, emphasizing standout performances from local high schools plus teams in Summit County and Highland.

Their list shows season averages and notable game stats as tournament play draws near later this month.

Akron native Mike Vrabel, now head coach of the New England Patriots, will speak before Super Bowl 60 on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium while his former Walsh Jesuit community cheers him on at a local watch party (at Panini’s Bar and Grill in Stow).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet The Maker Mixer

5-7 p.m. — The Well CDC — Free entry — Experience local culinary delights while supporting community food entrepreneurs and enjoying live music.

Shrek The Musical

7:30 p.m. — Weathervane Playhouse — Check venue for pricing — Enjoy a delightful family tale of an ogre's journey and fairy tale misfits.