Good morning, Akron.

A Summit County fatherhood program is now connecting dads with counseling and mentoring services to boost parenting skills (details have been shared by local officials) and will soon begin enrolling participants at community centers.

Two families from a duplex on Eastland Ave were displaced Tuesday morning when a fire broke out, and the Red Cross is assisting all ten residents as the Akron Fire Dept investigates the cause.

Highland Tavern reopened on Friday, June 19 after a temporary weekend closure and now welcomes customers daily from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.—the owner said the decision was made to protect employees’ earnings.

Schwebel's 120-year-old bakery in Cuyahoga Falls is winding down its operations with layoffs beginning July 6 and a complete closure by Labor Day, while Orlando Baking Company offers job openings to affected workers.

The distribution deal remains intact as the market faces tough changes.

Steve Millard, president of the Greater Akron Chamber, said his office supports 850 small businesses in Summit and Portage counties by offering cost-saving health benefits and over 140 networking programs; the Chamber also assists local schools with polymer science initiatives during a community meeting in North Hill.

FirstEnergy asked PUCO for a three-year rate hike starting in 2027 to improve its transmission system (for customers of Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison).

The change may raise bills by up to $15.45 a month, and public hearings will be held to review the proposal.

Templeton Transportation is asking Akron Public Schools to extend its contract for student van transportation — the move could secure continued safe rides for students.

Akron Public Schools has chosen Buckeye Logistics & Transit for a one-year van contract to transport special needs and unhoused students for the 2026-27 school year, saving $7.5 million versus last year.

Templeton Transportation faces contract expiration on June 30, leaving over 60 drivers uncertain about future work.

On Wednesday, June 11, volunteers with River Guardians Ohio cleaned up trash from Summit Lake using a homemade boom and simple tools.

The group is working with local agencies (like Metro Parks and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources) to improve Akron waterways and counter pollution.

Residents are invited to vote for the Akron-area high school girls sports team of the year until 5 p.m. Thursday, June 25 — candidates include teams from Hoban, Copley, Hudson, Nordonia, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Walsh, and Wadsworth high schools, with results to be announced Friday morning on BeaconJournal.com.

Darryn Peterson (a Canton native) was drafted second overall by the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, June 23 at the Barclays Center in New York.

He said choosing his father’s tribute number will inspire his play as he begins his NBA journey.

The Cavaliers traded their first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Kings last night, receiving the No. 34 selection and a future second-rounder in return.

The Kings used the traded pick (No. 29) to draft UConn forward Alex Karaban.

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.

Space Exploration Camp

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Akron Fossils & Science Center — Fees apply — Discover the exciting history of the space race through interactive activities and learning.

The James Hunter Six Live in Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Kent Stage — Tickets available — Experience the soulful rhythms of James Hunter and his six-piece band as they perform songs from their new album.

Dave Banks Big Band Performs Bond Themes

8-11 p.m. — BLU Jazz+ — $— Experience the exciting music of '007' with the 17-piece Dave Banks Big Band at BluJazz.