Good morning, Akron.

The Beacon Journal invites drivers to share a 100-word account of the biggest pothole they encountered this winter and include a photo if safe.

Akron residents can call 311 or visit the city's website to report potholes and help alert officials to dangerous road conditions.

Akron housing experts provided free legal help and clear guides for tenants facing eviction.

Community Legal Aid’s new Right to Counsel program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays (9 to 11 a.m. at Akron Municipal Court) to help residents understand their rights and navigate the eviction process.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band announced their Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour for Spring with a single Ohio stop on May 22 at Rocket Arena.

Kiedrowski’s Bakery in Amherst has been getting ready since Jan.

10 for Paczki Day with 1,700 dozen pre-orders, and the shop will host giveaways and a polka band on Fat Tuesday until all orders are filled (42-year tradition).

Ohio set up a statewide quarantine for the spotted lanternfly on Feb.

17 to block the movement of trees and nursery stock without proper inspection. The Ohio Department of Agriculture said the measure aims to protect the state from the invasive insect’s damage — a step to safeguard local agriculture.

Ventura Foods recalled over 20,000 peanut butter products sold in 40 states, including items in Ohio, after blue plastic was found in a production filter.

Consumers should check labels and safely discard or return the affected items.

Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo entered spring camp 15 pounds heavier (a boost from his winter training and high-protein diet) and plans to use smarter situational hitting to drive runners over for the 2026 season.

His new approach aims to improve the team's offensive performance.

Akron native LeBron James said on his Mind the Game podcast on Feb.17 that the Cavaliers (34-21) are going for it after trading Darius Garland for James Harden as additional moves.

The team faces the Nets at 7 p.m. on Feb.19.

Akron Zips and Miami RedHawks will face off in the MAC championship on Saturday, March 14 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland as Akron chases a three-peat and Miami remains unbeaten.

The game highlights a rivalry between John Groce and Travis Steele — one promising a Speedo dare if Miami wins.

Hoban boys basketball won its eighth straight game against Nordonia High and now heads into a matchup with St. Ignatius — led by John Johnson and Arri Caporaletti.

The Akron-Area High School Athlete of the Week contest is open for votes for Feb.

9-15 until 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, honoring one boy & one girl high school athlete, with winners set to be announced Friday morning on Beacon Journal.

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.

Man of La Mancha

3-4 p.m. — Ohio Shakespeare Festival — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in the classic tale of hope and imagination through the vibrant performance of Man of La Mancha.

Canstruction Awards Reception

4-7:30 p.m. — Circle of 5ths — RSVP required — Celebrate creativity in canned food art and enjoy a lively networking happy hour.

Sip & Stitch Craft Night

6:30-8 p.m. — HiHO Brewing Co. — Cost varies — Enjoy a cozy evening of knitting, crocheting, and sewing while sipping craft beers.