Good morning, Akron.

The Akron Zoo has begun construction on an $11.95 million animal hospital behind the Knight Pride of Africa area along Diagonal Road; the 11,949-square-foot facility will include a surgery suite, intensive care unit and areas for different species and is set to open in 2026 (the zoo reached 75% of its fundraising goal with key private donations and $2 million from the state). Zoo officials will soon start planning and fundraising for an immersive giraffe habitat in the Pride of Africa area that will be open year-round.

Ohio ranked as the top state for spam and scam calls and texts with 859 complaints per 100,000 people from a Textla review of over two million FCC and FTC complaints.

The report found that factors like large cities and tax laws may lure scammers and advises Ohioans to use the National Do Not Call Registry—helping them block unwanted calls.

Raphael Xavier from DanceCleveland is leading a workshop at Firestone CLC that combines creative writing and hip-hop movement for local participants.

The Summit County OVI Task Force plans sobriety checkpoints over Easter weekend — starting April 18 and running into the early hours of April 19.

Officials advise drivers to remain sober while targeting high-risk areas on major highways.

Summit County Public Health inspected many food-serving places in March and found that several restaurants had serious health code violations that might lead to license suspension or closure.

Basement Sports Bar and Grill in Stow had 10 violations while Mid East Cafe and Restaurant and The Eye Opener in Akron each had 7.

Former Super Bowl champion Joe Flacco signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Cleveland Browns—he spoke with the Steelers and Vikings before making his decision—his agent confirmed.

Akron Zips swimmer Grace Nuhfer set a world record on April 4 in Sacramento in the S13 200 butterfly with a time of 2:22.78—she won a Paralympic silver medal in August and is now training for the Singapore World Para Swimming Championships in September while aiming to compete in LA 2028.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying tribute to Pink Floyd with a spectacular light and laser show.

U.S. Army Field Band Concert

7-9 p.m. — Goodyear Theater — Free entry — Experience a video-integrated concert journeying to the edge of the known universe with music and visuals from the U.S. Army Field Band.

Dancing Conversation: Generational Exchange

5:30-7 p.m. — Cummings Center for the History of Psychology — Free entry — Engage in dynamic dialogues between seasoned and emerging artists in the dance community.

Blue Hour Concert featuring The Buffalo Ryders and Adam J. Snyder

7-10:30 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an exciting night of live music with three talented acts at Akron's premier venue.

Egg-stra Wild Egg Hunt

8:30-10:00 a.m. — Akron Zoo — Family-friendly event — Kids will enjoy a fun-filled egg hunt at the zoo!

PBA Tournament of Champions

12:30-5:30 p.m. — AMF Riviera Lanes — Ticket info available — Experience thrilling competition with the world's top bowlers.

Race Judicata 5K Run

5-7 p.m. — University of Akron School of Law — Proceeds benefit the Akron Bar Foundation — Participate in a charity 5K and support local scholarships.

The Gray Beard Band with The Skoolies

7-10:30 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy a lively mix of classic hits and original alternative rock tunes.

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — EJ Thomas Hall — Ticket required — Experience an enchanting evening honoring the legacy of choreographer Heinz Poll with celebrated pieces including the iconic Bolero.

Zoo of Humanity Live Performance

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of Zoo of Humanity live in Akron.