Good morning, Akron.

Stow will celebrate the Fourth of July with a parade starting at 10 a.m. from the Community Center and a Firecracker Run beginning at Holy Family Church with 7:30 a.m. starts for its 2- and 4-mile races (registration fees apply), while local roads and parking face closures on July 4.

Akron opened its first e-sports game room Wednesday at Lawton Street Community Center, where a summer camp for middle schoolers will begin next week before the space opens to the public in August.

Residents can enjoy the free second annual Summit Lake Float on July 11 at Summit Lake NorthShore Park (540 W.

South St.), with guided canoe and kayak trips and pontoon rides from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; root beer floats start at 9 a.m.

Local communities plan Independence Day celebrations for America's 250th anniversary — featuring food trucks, fireworks and concerts at Akron’s Lock 3 and 7 17 Credit Union Park today, with additional events tomorrow and a boat parade on July 11 at Portage Lakes State Park.

Kroger is buying Giant Eagle, adding nearly 200 supermarkets (197 stores and 11 pharmacies) in northern Ohio and nearby states for $1.65 billion; the deal is expected to close in 2027 while the current Giant Eagle brand continues unchanged.

Barberton City Schools Board approved resolutions on June 25 and requested the Tax Commissioner's estimates for either a property tax or earned income tax levy on the Nov.

3 ballot. The board aims to generate $3.5M to $5.9M annually to help close an $11M deficit (voters will decide between options).

Fort Island teacher Ashley Gozzard received a $3,300 grant from the GAR Foundation to launch The Literacy Link, which will give every K-4 student a copy of 'Happiness According to Humphrey' for the 2026-27 school year (designed to foster a shared reading experience).

Mayor Shammas Malik expanded the City of Akron Street Team following unanimous City Council approval on June 29.

The program increased its funding threefold from $185,000 during the pilot to $600,000 over the next year, adding up to four credible messengers to prevent violence and connect residents to support services.

HVAC experts warn that closing AC vents in unused rooms can damage the system by raising pressure in the ductwork.

They advise keeping all vents open and setting the thermostat at (78) degrees as Akron faces near-99 highs today.

Nearly 1,700 runners and families gathered for the Acme Fresh Market Foundation 8K and 1 Mile on June 27 at InfoCision Stadium, launching the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health.

Winners set records and the event introduced a new Family 1 Mile and Kids Zone ahead of upcoming races on Aug. 8 and Sept. 26.

Guardians catcher Austin Hedges posted his best offensive season on July 2 when a home run and a safety squeeze bunt helped secure Cleveland's 9-4 win over the Texas Rangers.

His improved hitting marks a significant turnaround after a long career focused mainly on defense.

The PGA Tour Champions tournament will be held at Firestone Country Club from July 9-12, marking its final event in Akron as it moves to Newport Beach next year after a 72-year legacy hosting pro golf tournaments.

Akron's Summa Health, where LeBron James was born, posted an Instagram message on July 2 urging him to finish his career with the Cavaliers.

The hometown hospital calls for the NBA star to return to the North Coast.

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.

Derek Hough Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of dancing and entertainment with Derek Hough.

Richie Furay Concert

7:30 – 10:30 PM — The Kent Stage — $36.17 to $55.52 — Celebrate a music legend with Richie Furay's latest country album showcase after 60 years in the industry.