Good morning, Akron.

Akron will celebrate Independence Day with the Heart of Akron Festival from July 3 to 5 on Main Street, featuring local art, music and food with free admission and a fireworks display on July 4 around 9:45 p.m. The Akron RubberDucks will host games on July 4 and 5 with post-game fireworks while nearby communities hold parades, picnics and festivals (including Springfield’s Rock the Docks Festival starting today) as organizers advise checking for weather updates.

Search crews recovered the body of 49-year-old Walter O’Neil Cox — who drowned while swimming with his family at Portage Lakes State Park Tuesday at about 6:30 p.m. — marking the park’s second fatal drowning in the last week.

On June 22, responders recovered the body of a 5-year-old boy from the Cuyahoga River after an inflatable flotation device capsized near Broad Boulevard on June 21 + teams continue to search for his missing father.

A 25-year-old Akron woman was shot in her home on East Crosier Street when masked intruders entered and she grabbed a gun to protect herself—no arrests have been made.

The MAPS Air Museum will host the 1928 Ford Tri-Motor known as the Tin Goose on June 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—visitors can tour the historic aircraft, learn its story and take a 30-minute ride with tickets costing $99 for adults and $75 for children with free admission for one guest with a ride ticket.

Akron Public Schools joined a group of public schools in a lawsuit that said using state tax money for private schools breaks the law.

A ruling by Judge Jaiza Page on Tuesday was paused pending an appeal, so the program will keep running while the case continues (APS loses about $28 million annually).

Akron City is launching the Right to Counsel pilot program in September to give renters legal help when facing eviction—tenants eligible must be at least seven days from eviction and prioritized by income and family needs.

City Council approved $250,000 each year for the three-year program in partnership with United Way of Summit and Community Legal Aid.

Ken Dies, an 81-year-old local wrestling leader from Highland Square, received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame when a letter arrived on June 25 + his family celebrated the honor as a tribute to decades of running youth and high school wrestling tournaments in Northeast Ohio.

KennyLIVE: The Ultimate Chesney Tribute

7:30-10 p.m. — Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater — Ticket required — Enjoy a night of your favorite Kenny Chesney songs with this vibrant tribute band.

Paint, Sip and Socialize with Summit Sports and Social

4-6 p.m. — Missing Falls Brewery — Cost included with registration — Unleash your creativity while sipping a drink and painting a beautiful beach volleyball scene.

TV and Film Intensive Workshop

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Weathervane Playhouse — Registration required — Engage in an immersive experience exploring the world of television and film.

Whole Telly Takeover

12 PM — Radisson Hotel Akron/Fairlawn — Tickets available — Experience Ohio’s largest pool party and a pre-holiday extravaganza with DJ performances and luxurious amenities.

Akron RubberDucks vs. Erie Sea Wolves

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Canal Park — Tickets apply — Catch a thrilling matchup as the RubberDucks take on the Sea Wolves on this festive night.

Sample the City

2-6 p.m. — Lock 3 Park — $40 ticket includes food samples and a beverage — Experience a flavorful journey through the local culinary scene with live music following the event.

Chad Baker, Lea Marra & The River Boys, Lily Unless & The If Onlys Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Musica — $12 — Enjoy lively swampy-tonk and country music from local and New Orleans-based artists.

One Full Day Monday

12:30-4 p.m. — Super Ninja World — Cost Info — Experience a fun-filled afternoon of ninja activities for ages 6-14.

Towpath Trail Tour #7

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Memorial Parkway Trailhead — Free entry — Explore the scenic Towpath Trail followed by food and drinks at Lock 15 Brewing Company.

John Brown & Carter Dockerty at Canton Comedy Boom

8-9:30 p.m. — Canton Comedy Boom — $15 presale / $20 at door — Enjoy a night of laughs with co-headliners John Brown and Carter Dockerty, hosted by the talented Jo Rou.