Daily
Akron
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Akron Zoo is moving forward with a 16-acre expansion of its Pride of Africa area, which will soon be home to giraffes, wildebeests, ostriches and Marabou storks. Akron Beacon Journal
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Breeze Airways will launch new direct summer flights from Akron-Canton Airport starting in July, with twice-weekly flights to Portland and daily service to Myrtle Beach. iHeartMedia
- ➤ Akron native Chef Vinnie Cimino and partner Andrew Watts open their new restaurant ROSY today in Hingetown following a friends and family night on Feb. 16. The eatery features small plates inspired by ancestral European recipes and sources 80% of its ingredients from regional farmers. Signal Akron
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 24, APS held its first regional Spelling Bee Championship in over 20 years at the APS administration building, where middle school students competed and prizes including new Scrabble board games were awarded + photos capture the event. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Greater Akron Chamber and Akron Public Schools announced a new academy at Garfield Community Learning Center that runs until Feb. 2029 and offers student experiences in advanced manufacturing, construction, culinary arts and patient care. The Chamber’s 2,700 members will provide hands-on learning through field trips + internships. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ In an article for Akron Children’s, Dr. Michael Forbes advises parents to actively guide their kids’ AI use rather than ban it, noting that healthy involvement helps balance digital learning with traditional play. His tips encourage practical learning and cautious use in schools and at home. Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Akron's men's basketball team beat Buffalo 99-85 on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Rhodes Arena to secure its 30-game home win streak, tying records with Duke and Miami. Senior Tavari Johnson led with 23 points + Evan Mahaffey earned a career-high 20 in the contest. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Akron RubberDucks GM Jim Pfander is joining the Tampa Bay Rays in a senior role after 26 years in the minors. He will remain in Akron until the end of May to help transition a new general manager & ensure a smooth handoff. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Several high school swimmers from Firestone CLC, Revere, Highland, and other schools are competing at states at C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton until Feb. 28, and the event features both swimming + diving contests following strong district performances. Akron.com
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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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Akron Mini Renaissance Festival
5 PM - 1 AM — The Green Dragon Inn — $15 per day — Celebrate with costumes, vendors, and live entertainment at Akron’s vibrant Renaissance Festival.
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Ballet Excel Ohio Presents: Aladdin
2-5 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Family-friendly event — Experience the enchanting ballet adaptation of Aladdin with stunning performances and a journey of love and adventure.
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An Evening with Terry Virts
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Canton Palace Theatre — $0.00 - $75.00 — Hear astronaut Terry Virts share insights from his space missions and photography adventures.
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
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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