Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of June.
Good morning, Akron.
🏘️ Community
On June 2, Ward 1 residents marked unsafe spots with colored stickers and sticky notes along South Maple Street and Copley Road.
The city hired OHM Advisors, and APD collected traffic data while Unify Akron reviewed zoning to improve affordable housing + safety.
💼 Business
A planned grocery store at 159 S.
Main in downtown Akron is scheduled to open in about 45 days and will offer basic household items for residents. The new market directly competes with the soon-to-open The Mercantile and has raised concerns over limited local demand.
🎭 Culture
On June 16, 2026, Beacon Journal staff earned honors in multiple reporting categories at Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest.
Judges praised work on investigative, editorial and science/health care pieces — strong examples of local journalism.
Akron native Vinnie Cimino — chef and co-owner of Cordelia — lost the Best Chef: Great Lakes category at the James Beard Awards on June 16 to Chicago chef Jacob Potashnick.
His restaurant is closed through June 17 and will reopen at 4 p.m. on June 18.
Tomorrow, June 18, Ohio Contemporary Ballet will offer a free preview performance at the Akron Art Museum garden at 6:30 p.m. The preview event is part of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, which begins July 24 in local parks with free workshops + yoga classes + performances.
📰 Economy
A SmartAsset study released on June 16 shows that Ohio residents need to earn between $48,141 and $144,424 to be considered middle class, with a median income of $72,212—ranking 39th nationally.
The study also finds that cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo require the lowest incomes to qualify.
🏛️ Government
Former councilman Ernie Tarle honored Warner Mendenhall as a fearless champion who fought for people’s rights both in law and as head of the Freedom Council during COVID — a legacy that inspired local community action.
📰 Real Estate
A property that once served as a care home is coming to auction at 39 N.
Portage Path in Highland Square July 13-15 with a starting bid of $700,000. The large complex (which includes a mansion, a five-story building, and an indoor pool) closed last year.
🏈 Sports
Golfweek named Firestone Country Club's three courses among Ohio's best on June 16; the club remains open to non-members via Stay + Play Packages that allow rounds on each course.
Call the club for pricing and booking details for public play in Akron.
Local high school athletes are in the spotlight as votes for the Akron-Area Athlete of the Week for June 8-14 remain open until 5 p.m. tomorrow — winners will be announced Friday on BeaconJournal.com.
🎉 Akron Events
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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.
Preschool Field Day
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Free entry — Enjoy outdoor lawn games and water activities at this family-friendly event.
R&B Sing-Along Night at House Three Thirty
7:30-11 p.m. — House Three Thirty — General Admission — Enjoy a lively R&B sing-along led by DJ Mr. King with food and drink options available.
Star Spangled Bangerz 3
9 p.m.-3 a.m. — The Vortex — Refunds available up to 7 days before — Akron's annual 4th of July bash featuring M8TRX and more!
Parade The Musical
2:30-5:30 p.m. — Weathervane Playhouse — Tickets from $64 — Experience the unforgettable live musical Parade in Akron.
🏠 Akron Real Estate
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💼 Akron Job Board
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📣 Akron Announcements
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