Daily
Akron
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Five new restaurants opened in Akron, Bath, Fairlawn, and Hudson in April, offering fresh dining options for local residents. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ The LeBron James Family Foundation opened Buckets at House Three Thirty in West Akron, offering a family-friendly menu with décor inspired by LeBron’s career + supporting local job training through the I Promise Program. It serves lunch and dinner on select days. Akron.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Four Summit County student teams are headed to nationals — Archbishop Hoban’s mock trial team begins today in Des Moines and middle school quiz bowl teams from Revere, Copley-Fairlawn, and St. Barnabas will compete tomorrow in Rosemont. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Julia Michalak, a Kent State senior who faced challenges with cerebral palsy and strabismus that made gym class tough, will graduate tomorrow with a degree in physical education + sport performance. She will then pursue a master's degree to help students overcome similar struggles. Akron Beacon Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Copley Township officials are addressing increased homeless encampments on the Walmart property at 200 Rothrock Road as summer approaches. On April 27, trustees approved a $4,500 cleanup order to Bio-One Inc. to safely remove hazardous materials & coordinate tent removal with local charities and Walmart staff. Akron.com
- ➤ Stow Mayor John Pribonic noted the Acme Fresh Market closed permanently on May 5 and its pharmacy remains open until May 19. Pribonic, who worked for 42 years (including as store director), said the large space may be used for a new retailer. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ In downtown Akron, Summit County Council honored the University of Akron men’s basketball team on May 4 for winning the MAC tournament and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament plus approved two new mental health screening positions at Summit County Jail to improve intake protocols. Akron.com
- ➤ Following a festival that ran for 17 years, council approved $14,000 from the General Fund for public safety at a new summer celebration on the Lakemore side of Springfield Lake (including a fatherhood celebration on June 13 and a youth fishing derby on June 27 at Dodds Park). Akron.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Akron Zips softball advanced in the MAC tournament with a 6-5 walk-off win against Ohio on May 7 at Firestone Stadium. The team will play the winner of the Northern Illinois and Western Michigan game at noon today. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Akron softball coach Craig Nicholson celebrated his team’s MAC regular season title on May 5 at Firestone Stadium and reflected on their preparation for the upcoming MAC Tournament. Akron Beacon Journal
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Dirty Lookz Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Old 97 — Free entry — Get ready to party hard with Dirty Lookz live for killer vibes and great tunes.
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Pink Calla Lily Painting Event for Moms
12-2 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $39-$44 per person — Celebrate Mother's Day by creating a beautiful calla lily painting in a family-friendly environment.
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Akron Speed Dating for Singles 40s/50s
7-9 p.m. — P.F. Chang's — Check website for ticket costs — Engage in pre-dates with multiple singles looking for connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Evening of French Wine & Culinary Pairings
6-8 p.m. — 159 Events on Main — Free entry — Savor exquisite French wines paired with delicious culinary creations in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Red Tie Affair
6 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn — Sponsorships starting at $500 — An engaging gala with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and memorable auctions.
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Michael Martin Murphey Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Kent Stage — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical journey of Michael Martin Murphey as he blends Pop, Country, Western, and Bluegrass.
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Susie Everiss Live at Picklebacks
7-11 p.m. — Pickleback's Medina — Cost info unavailable — Experience an amazing night of music with Susie Everiss and sound engineer Nigel Pinnell.
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Memorial Day Celebration
7 a.m.-3 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Park — Free entry — Enjoy a pancake breakfast, a parade, a ceremony, and a car show while honoring Memorial Day.
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DJ Dracula Returns
7-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — Enjoy classic alternative, new wave, and punk vinyl spun by DJ Dracula for a fun night out.
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Graveridden with Wasted Society and Dead Beat Horse
8-11 p.m. — Musica — $10 online / $12 at the door — Experience a night of live music with local rock bands.
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
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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