Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
Good morning, Akron.
Barberton native Lynne Tracy recounted her 31-year career in diplomacy at the Akron Roundtable luncheon at Quaker Station on March 19 — noting her local roots and family support played a key role in guiding her international service.
The final piece of a three-part series reviews Akron Agora's early 1990s rock shows with bands like Kidd Wicked, Foxx, and national acts including Alice in Chains, as Scene Magazine & musicians provided photos to capture the venue’s vibrant era.
Donkey basketball returned to the Copley High School gym on March 15 after a decades-long hiatus.
Four teams (each with eight players and a staff sponsor) competed in elimination rounds and a championship game while ticket sales raised $3,000 for the class of 2026 After Prom.
Undergraduate and high school students in the University of Akron (UA) biology lab gained early access to research that typically is reserved for graduate students.
Professor Jordan Renna said the program uses advanced imaging to study retinal cell connections to build career skills in science and medicine.
Akron announced nearly $20 million in medical debt relief for almost 17,000 residents thanks to a partnership with national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt (letters will be mailed in the next week to two weeks).
On March 5, state Sen. Casey Weinstein joined the Humane Society of Summit County and community leaders in Cuyahoga Falls to spotlight animal welfare efforts and announce Senate Bill 232, aimed at improving oversight for high-volume dog breeders.
The event highlighted bipartisan support for stronger pet protections.
St. Vincent-St. Mary has introduced a new girls flag football team that will play its first game today at 7 p.m. at Ellet High School; coach Gary Shadie said player interest was very strong as they prepare to face local rivals.
Archbishop Hoban High School girls basketball team won the Division II championship by beating Olmsted Falls 60-58 in overtime on March 13 and Mount Notre Dame 72-64 on March 14.
Coach Pamela Davis praised the team's hard work (which set a lasting legacy for underclassmen) in East Akron.
The NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships are underway at Rocket Arena, having begun yesterday and running until Saturday, March 21.
Fifteen Greater Akron-Canton wrestlers join 330 competitors vying for 10 titles plus 80 All-American slots.
Akron Zips will face Texas Tech today at 12:40 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena; Texas Tech is missing key player JT Toppin (injured) while Akron rides a 10-game win streak to look for an upset.
Archbishop Hoban (20-7) met Steubenville (25-1) in a Division III state semifinal on March 19 at UD Arena after each team advanced through district and regional games.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Seuss's The Cat In The Hat
6:30-9:30 p.m. — E.J. Thomas Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with an enchanting performance of 'The Cat In The Hat'.
Fabulous Fairy Gardens Workshop
1-2:30 p.m. — Boomdyada — Light refreshments included — Create magical fairy gardens with live succulents and charming decorations in a cozy setting.
Zack Keim 'Battery Lane' World Tour
8 PM – Midnight — Musica — $12+ fees online / $15 at the door — Experience the vibrant sounds of Zack Keim and special guest David Shane live in concert.
2026 Downtown Akron Sakura Festival
1-7 p.m. — Lock 3 — Free entry — Celebrate spring with Japanese culture featuring performances, food, art, and cherry blossom trees.
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