Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than 60% of residents in West Akron and Sherbondy Hill pay over 10% of their income on utility bills, officials said at a community discussion on Tuesday, April 14 hosted by the Akron Urban League. Experts shared tips to cut costs (switching to LEDs and replacing old smoke alarms). Signal Akron
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dave's Hot Chicken opened at Summit Mall's Fairlawn location on April 16, offering Nashville-style hot chicken with seven heat levels (including reaper, which needs a waiver) for local diners. The chain's first in Summit County operates Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and until midnight on weekends. Akron Beacon Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Akron historian David Lieberth at the Akron History Center explained how the city's tire makers created synthetic rubber during World War II to secure production when natural supplies were scarce* and he invited residents to share ideas on Akron's contributions in a project running until December. Akron Beacon Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ APS Board on April 13 rejected plans to cut 17 staff positions as part of an $11 million budget cut. It also approved a $607,507 grant for a Kindergarten Readiness Bootcamp (for 500 students) and invited community members to a public education forum at Firestone CLC on April 21. Akron.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers over 200 miles of trails for walking, running, biking and horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy the historic Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and find maps and advice at Boston Mill Visitor Center (6947 Riverview Road in Peninsula). Akron.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, Apr. 16, an inspector shadowed food-safety checks at three restaurants in Akron and learned that establishments may rely on time instead of temperature controls, redating frozen food is crucial, crispy bacon follows different rules, and even dumpsters are inspected to prevent pests. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Health inspectors from Summit County Public Health inspected food safety at Akron restaurants on Mar. 10 and Mar. 17, including Artisan Coffee in Ellet, The Hungry Fork, and Georgies BBQ + Grill. They checked temperatures, handwashing stations and labels to help ensure safe dining. Akron Beacon Journal
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Gino Faciana will purchase the 27-story Huntington Tower at 106 S. Main St. while Trailhead Foundation plans to lease about 5,000 sqft at the 12-story Akron Centre building today as downtown awaits further mixed-use development. Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After three losses to the Raptors, the Cavaliers have reshaped their lineup with new players including (James Harden) as they prepare for Game 1 tomorrow. Coach Kenny Atkinson said the team demonstrated readiness in a recent intense practice and noted only Thomas Bryant remains questionable. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Downtown Akron's STVM boys lacrosse team beat Elyria Catholic 16-6 on April 13 to notch back-to-back wins and improve its 2-3 record. Coach Zack Bickel said his new defensive players are settling in and the team will host Benedictine High School today at 5:30 p.m. Akron.com
- ➤ Akron's men's basketball team added transfer guard Exavier Wilson (6 ft. 1) from Kansas State as a redshirt freshman for the upcoming season. He announced his commitment on April 16 and joins recent transfers Tahj Staveskie and Max Burton to strengthen the roster. Akron Beacon Journal
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Revisiting Creedence Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — E.J. Thomas Hall — Tickets from $64 — Relive the legendary tunes of Creedence Clearwater Revival in an unforgettable live performance.
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Taste of Coventry
6-9 p.m. — Gather at the Lakes Event Venue — Proceeds benefit Coventry Schools Foundation — Sample local cuisine while enjoying raffles and silent auctions.
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Stomp Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — E.J. Thomas Hall — Tickets starting at $54 — Experience an unforgettable night of rhythm and energy with Stomp in Akron.
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An Evening with Derek Hough
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Canton Palace Theatre — $0.00 - $75.00 USD — Experience the inspiring journey of three-time Emmy Award winner Derek Hough and his life lessons through dance.
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Curtain Up FUNraiser 50th Anniversary
6-2:30 p.m. — North Canton Playhouse — $26.13 — Enjoy a weekend of variety shows, games, and food while supporting a local cause.
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3rd Annual CHESS FOR CURE Open
6 AM - 6 AM — The East End — Registration required — Engage in competitive chess while supporting a noble cause in Akron.
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PBA Tournament of Champions
4-7 p.m. — AMF Riviera Lanes — Spectator passes available — Witness world-class bowlers compete for the prestigious PBA title at this iconic venue.
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Baja Thunder Live Concert
7-11 p.m. — Musica — $10 online, $12 at the door — Catch live performances by Baja Thunder, Betzler, and Missy for an exciting night of music.
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Soar Dance Competition
All day — Firestone Community Learning Center — Registration fees apply — Showcase your dancing skills and celebrate the art of dance in Akron.
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Canton Comedy Night with Bill Boronkay
8-9:30 p.m. — Canton Comedy Boom — $16.50 online / $20 at door — Experience an evening of laughter with stand-up performances by Bill Boronkay and Nick Dlouhy.
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
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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