Good morning, Akron.

The Akron Zoo broke ground yesterday on its largest expansion, the Lehner Family Foundation Giraffe Journey exhibit, which spans 9 acres near the Pride of Africa area.

The $21 million project will feature eye-level rides and winter viewing and is set to complete by 2028.

Three people were injured on Wednesday at Akron Water Plant after a chlorine gas release in Portage County, and officials later lifted the shelter-in-place order while confirming that the water is safe to drink.

Family-owned January Paint and Wallpaper, founded in 1956 and celebrating 70 years in business, remains at 394 W.

Exchange St. where the siblings offer interior and exterior paints, wallpaper samples (including returns on opened rolls) and computer-matched colors to the Akron community.

Seven new restaurants opened across Akron, Green, Fairlawn, and Barberton in May – each offering unique menus that bring fresh dining choices to local neighborhoods.

The former Downtown Akron Spaghetti Warehouse is holding an auction for its dining tables, kitchen supplies, cookware, bar stools, and vintage decor until Tuesday, June 9.

Interested buyers can visit jkestateauctions.com to bid on these items.

Summit Artspace will host Unapologetically Us for Akron ArtWalk on June 11 from 5 to 9 p.m., offering free art displays, live performances, skate contests plus creative workshops at Summit Artspace and nearby venues in the Main-Market Historic District.

Barberton High School’s Polymer Pathway is expanding after enrollment grew from 13 to 22 students and a senior accepted a job with Akron Rubber Development Laboratory.

The program will open a dedicated polymer lab this fall and extends hands-on learning and industry partnerships + outreach to younger students.

A geomagnetic storm watch issued on June 4 predicted that three solar storms could have spurred the northern lights to appear in Ohio last night (with possible views near Lake Erie), though partly cloudy skies may have limited sightings.

At the June 1 Lakemore meeting, PLCC instructor Harold Britt honored Police Chief Roy Smith and officer Ron Gilbert for five years on the advisory board.

The council accepted Fiscal Officer Meagan Pittman’s resignation and named Village Administrator Tracy Sayers interim officer while approving hiring part-time firemedics.

Four Division II high school softball teams compete in state semifinals tomorrow at Firestone Stadium, with Walsh Jesuit, the only Akron-area squad, seeking to extend its 23-win streak.

Kings and Riverside will start at 3 p.m. while Westerville Central faces Walsh Jesuit at 5:30 p.m.

Walsh Jesuit defeated Marion L.

Steele 6-2 on May 29 to secure a spot in the state semifinals at Firestone Stadium (game scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on June 6). If they win, they will play for the state championship on June 7 at 4 p.m.

R&B Sing-Along at House Three Thirty

7:30-11 p.m. — House Three Thirty — General admission with VIP upgrades available — Enjoy a lively R&B sing-along with DJ Mr. King and exclusive seating options.

Kids’ Pokémon Club

6-7 p.m. — Canal Fulton Public Library — Free registration required — Calling all Pokémon Trainers for a fun meet-up bringing cards and camaraderie.

Sow and Grow Festival

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Hale Farm & Village — $15 adults, $8 children — Experience a 19th-century farm with historic crafts, plant sales, and local artisan goods.

Akron Epilepsy Support Group

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center — Free entry — Connect with others in the Akron area to share experiences and strategies for managing epilepsy.

Grease at Porthouse Theatre

8:00 – 10:30 PM — Porthouse Theatre — Tickets vary — Experience the lively musical ‘Grease’ bringing back the spirit of Rydell High’s Class of 1959.

Chevy Terrill Stand-Up Comedy Show

6-7:30 p.m. — The Killbox Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with local comedian Chevy Terrill, who brings humor to life with a unique perspective.

Family Storytime at the Library

10:30 – 11:30 AM — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Free entry — Experience a delightful morning of storytelling and learning for families in the community.

Parade

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Weathervane Playhouse — Tickets starting at $95 — Experience the unforgettable live performance of Parade in Akron, OH.

Live Music with Teddy Rob

6-9 p.m. — The Piazza at Gervasi Vineyard — Cost info not provided — Experience the rising country star Teddy Robb as he performs in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Canton Comedy Boom Variety Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Canton Comedy Boom — $16.50 online / $20 at door — Experience a high-energy mix of stand-up, sketch, improv, and musical comedy featuring talented local performers.