Daily
Akron
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Makeshift Theatre presents 'The Raise,' a French play by Georges Perec running from Feb. 28 to Mar. 8 at Coach House, 732 W. Exchange St. (Tickets are $10 and a local improv show 'Point of No Return' will follow on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. for $8.) Akron.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Akron artist Althea Jones launches her 'Skin Color' project featured in two new Gibbs Smith Education textbooks used nationwide to promote diversity awareness in classrooms; the work includes local images (by Robert Greer Sr. and Christiana Cacciato). Akron.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ohio regulators ordered Akron-based FirstEnergy to extend billing for $245 million in storm-related expenses from a five-year period to a 25-year period, and the company must file customer bill impacts by Feb. 24. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ At a Feb. 10 trustee meeting, Sharon Township Fire Department reported 79 calls in January and introduced two new hires. Access the Arts announced a concert at Sharon Circle on May 29 with Monica Robins and the Ninja Cowboys, and a U.S. Semiquincentennial event is planned for July 25. Akron.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cassandra Pate, a Spring Hill resident, says her poor living conditions and ongoing health issues keep her from working and add stress to her daily life. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Nick Young, a 23-year-old cancer fighter from Wadsworth, received a supportive letter from LeBron James on Feb. 19 during chemotherapy. The personal note boosted his resolve as he battles a rare aggressive tumor. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ University of Akron researchers showcased a new 3D printed, less invasive heart valve implant (funded by the American Heart Association) on Feb. 17 in the BioEngineering for Translational Applications Lab. They continue refining the innovation to enhance patient care in Akron. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Summit County Public Health expert Sara Cochrane advised Akron renters facing mold or pest issues to seal entry points, keep homes dry, and promptly report problems to landlords; if issues persist, residents should contact Akron’s Housing Compliance Division (using 311 or calling 330-375-2366) for an inspection. Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cavaliers' first-round pick Jaylon Tyson advised his younger brother Jordyn, projected as a first-round NFL pick, to be himself during interviews as he prepares for the NFL Combine from Feb. 23 through March 2. Tyson, who has boosted the team's play, expects Jordyn to make an impact. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ The OHSAA girls basketball tournament seeds for Akron-area teams were released on Feb. 15, with Division I teams Wadsworth and Stow set for semifinals on Feb. 25. In Division II, Twinsburg will host Cleveland Rhodes on Feb. 21 while other local teams compete on Feb. 25. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Area high school bowling teams competed in sectional tournaments at Spins Bowl Akron, AMF Medina Lanes and Spins Bowl Kent in February. Walsh Jesuit boys advanced after finishing fourth on Feb. 13 while Coventry’s Comets and Springfield teams reached districts with top scores from Marcus Brown and Aidan Jensen. Akron.com
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Iris Blue Live
8-11 p.m. — Musica — $12 online / $15 at the door — Enjoy an evening of indie rock with Chicago’s Iris Blue and support from local favorites.
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