Good morning, Akron.

Hyundai issued a recall for 68,500 2026 Palisade SUVs after a 2-year-old died in Cuyahoga Falls when a rear power seat collapsed; owner letters will be mailed May 16 and VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov March 19 (owners should avoid rear seats until a free software update is applied).

Ohio airman's father said today that Tyler Simmons, who died on March 12 in a KC-135 crash in Iraq while volunteering on a mission, will not allow his son's sacrifice to be used as a political springboard — he insists his legacy be honored.

The FCC approved Tegna’s $3.54 billion sale to Nexstar on March 20, expanding Nexstar’s local reach with stations covering Akron (including Fox 8 Cleveland’s WJW and WBNX-TV) while Tegna retains WKYC in Cleveland.

Joseph T. Dick, a 96-year-old local artist at the Gardens at Cuyahoga Falls, created the UA kangaroo mascot Zippy in 1953 when he was a student.

His work now inspires the team as UA enters the 2026 NCAA tournament & his contribution remains celebrated in the community.

Officials and students attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Mar.

19 at the former Kenmore High School site in Akron for a new building that will house Pfeiffer Elementary and Miller South School (Visual and Performing Arts) to enhance local education.

Summit County property owners have until Tuesday, March 31 to file real estate valuation complaints — forms can be mailed, submitted in person at 1180 S.

Main St., Suite 250 in Akron, or filed electronically. The Board of Revision will review submissions at a hearing after the deadline.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik announced that nearly 17,000 residents will have their medical debt cleared.

The city purchased $20 million in debt for $115,000, and qualifying residents will receive letters from Undue Medical Debt in the coming weeks.

Akron Zips coach John Groce, known for his focused and passionate leadership, led the team to a record-three MAC Tournament titles and an NCAA bid with his contract running through June 30, 2035.

He coached the team in their NCAA Tournament game last Friday at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.

At spring training, the Guardians are still deciding on their Opening Day roster before the season begins March 26 in Seattle.

Key positions including catcher, infield, outfield + pitching remain in flux as the team finalizes its lineup for emerging players.

Sling TV offered passes for streaming March Madness games; Friday's matchups featured Akron vs. Texas Tech at 12:40 p.m. ET on truTV, TNT, and TBS while the Round of 32 starts today.

Fans may choose 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day options to catch the action.

The Zips, underdogs by 7.5 points, beat Texas Tech on Friday after Shammah Scott hit a game-winning three with 6 seconds left in an NCAA tournament matchup in Tampa on TruTV (the win advances Akron in the tournament).

The NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships are in progress in Cleveland through today; Friday’s rounds have led to medal matches scheduled later, and 15 local wrestlers (from Greater Akron/Canton) join 36 Ohio competitors battling for 10 titles.

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.

SmokeFace Jam Session

9 PM – 12 AM — Musica — Free entry for performers — Bring your instrument and enjoy a night of jamming with local musicians.