Good morning, Akron.

Ellet residents and local officials united to restore the faded Akron sign on a hillside near Akron-Fulton Airport as community volunteers power washed the letters on June 28 (continuing work that began last fall).

Akron-Canton residents can vote for their favorite content creators in the Top Content Creator 2026 competition.

Voting remains open until July 12 (a call for local talent support).

Rubber City Theatre is showing Once Upon a One More Time, a musical comedy featuring Britney Spears hits in a modern fairy-tale story.

The production runs through July 12 at Sandefur Theatre, Guzzetta Hall at the University of Akron.

A former 12-year-old remembers the magical 1976 bicentennial when Akron celebrated with school field trips and a three-day innerbelt expo held July 3-5, featuring parades and high-wire acts that brought the nation together (a cherished piece of local history).

The new community art space Museville opened in May at 156 W.

North St. in Cascade Valley and offers art classes, poetry readings, and songwriting workshops to support local creators. Co-founder Stephanie Serna created the space to provide a safe hub for artistic expression (including yoga and healing sessions).

The Beacon Journal compared prices of 10 grocery essentials at four Akron stores (Acme, Aldi, Giant Eagle, Walmart) on June 25, noting that prices are rising slowly after a 4.2% increase in May.

Future checks will help shoppers see the impact on food costs.

Akron Public Schools will start a free Jump Start program on July 13 at seven elementary sites for up to 500 kindergarteners.

Classes run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and include free breakfast and lunch to help students prepare for school.

Experts advise setting your thermostat at 78 degrees to save about 3% on your energy bill, while each degree lower may add $3 to $4.50 (for a $100–$150 bill).

Akron faces a forecast heat wave with highs near the upper 90s and a heat index of 105 in coming days.

A dangerous heatwave will affect Akron from today through Thursday with record-high forecasts.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory and Summit Lake Community Center (380 W. Crosier St.) will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on advisory days.

A heat wave sent families to splash pads for relief and fun yesterday as children played at Streetsboro City Center, Firestone Park in Akron, and Maca Aquatic Center in Tallmadge.

The Cavaliers begin free agency negotiations today at 6 p.m. ET after their Eastern Conference Finals run, and signings will start July 6.

Local attention is high as buzz surrounds a famed Akron native possibly returning — a major storyline this summer.

Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi improved his season after replacing his sweeper with a slider plus working with new catcher Patrick Bailey.

He posted a 2.55 ERA in his last nine outings and will take the mound on July 2 against the White Sox.

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.

The Desert Song

3:00 – 5:30 PM — Firestone Theatre — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience a musical masterpiece for the first time in Akron in 75 years.

Art in Motion

2-3 p.m. — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Registration required — Enjoy a creative afternoon of exploration through various art techniques for children.

Derek Hough Performance

8 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Ticket options available — Enjoy an evening with acclaimed performer Derek Hough.