Daily
Akron
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kate and Joe Wise lost most possessions when their 200-year-old home caught fire Saturday — everyone evacuated and they will move into a rental this week. Community members are hosting a 'Fill The Crib' fundraiser at The Barn at Walnut Grove Sunday, Mar. 15 to aid them before twins arrive. News 5 Cleveland
- ➤ WalletHub’s 2026 study ranked Akron at No.173 and Cleveland at No.179 among 182 cities, measuring factors such as income, well-being and community. The report highlights key areas where local leaders may work to improve conditions. WKYC
- ➤ Summit County is offering no-cost home-improvement help for eligible homeowners, including lead testing (for homes built before 1968), weatherization and aging-in-place modifications to lower energy costs; funding for the program was renewed for four years by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Signal Akron
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Nick Murray (a University of Akron graduate) pitched his soda brand Hot Girl Soda on Shark Tank on Wednesday, March 11 on ABC; his parents said the pitch fulfilled his lifelong dream of running his own business. Akron Beacon Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jackson Township salon owner Vanessa Drozda, a 50-year-old with 30+ years in hair care, appears on Netflix’s new dating show Age of Attraction that premiered March 11. She seeks a loyal partner as she returns to Vida Beauty Design on March 16. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ At the University of Akron, 15 students recently competed in an American Idol style tryout for Zippy, the beloved kangaroo mascot, testing endurance in the heavy suit & performing fun tasks to capture her bubbly spirit. Former performers credit the role with boosting confidence and uniting the community since 1953. Akron Beacon Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Akron school board finished its 26-page midyear evaluation of Superintendent Mary Outley today, praising her overall performance while urging improvements in communication and teaching consistency. The board will reevaluate her in June while emphasizing teacher support, recruitment, and retention. Akron Beacon Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 17,000 Akron families will soon have their medical debt erased after Undue Medical Debt purchased $20 million in debts for $115,000 using federal funds — city officials and former Councilwoman Nancy Holland, who championed the program, said letters will be sent in the coming weeks. Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ St. Vincent-St. Mary and Unioto will face off today at 1 p.m. in the OHSAA Division III state semifinal at Nutter Center on the Wright State campus. The matchup features top players including 1,000-point scorer Melania Cornute and Southeast District Player of the Year Milee Smith. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Today, Division III semifinals pit Copley vs. Chaminade Julienne at 11 a.m. and STVM vs. Unioto at 1 p.m. at Nutter Center. In Division II, Archbishop Hoban meets Olmsted Falls on March 13 at 6 p.m. at Butler High, with a championship game on March 14 at UD Arena. Akron.com
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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.
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I’D LIKE TO GO HOME NOW Album Release
7-8 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — $5 surcharge for under 21 — Experience the unique blend of folk and rock as I’d Like to Go Home Now celebrates their debut album with local acts.
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Great Lakes Indoor Sectionals & National Series 2026 - Bounce Archery
12 p.m. — 5676 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH — Early registration required — Compete in the indoor archery sectional for national rankings with flexible shooting rounds.
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Akron Singles Speed Dating Event
7-9 p.m. — P.F. Chang's — Ticket required — Connect with up to 12 potential matches during a fun evening of speed dating.
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Vintage Record Clock Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Nauti Vine Winery — All supplies included — Create a unique vintage record clock while enjoying a fun and creative atmosphere.
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Elmo's Got The Moves Photo Experience
6-9 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Ticket required — Capture unforgettable family memories with Elmo in a fun photo op setting.
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Long Tall Deb & Colin John with Guests
7-10 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — Ticket prices not specified — Experience a high-energy blues performance complemented by soulful vocals and dynamic instrumentals.
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Line Dance Night
6-10 p.m. — Venue Nineteen 14 — Donations accepted — Enjoy a relaxed evening of line dancing suitable for all skill levels with a friendly atmosphere.
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
Success is not about money. It's about peace.
~ Naval Ravikant
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