Good morning, Akron.

Akron fire crews responded late Wednesday night to a large commercial building fire on the 500 block of West Wilbeth Avenue that led to part of the structure collapsing—no injuries were reported as crews stayed on scene to monitor hot spots while investigators review the cause.

On Wednesday evening at around 7:15 p.m., police responded to a shooting on the 90 block of Kent Court in Akron—first responders found 32-year-old Andrew Cassell with gunshot wounds to his head and chest and pronounced him dead on scene, with his death ruled a homicide and no suspect identified.

Denzel Ayers, 32 of Akron, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in May for the shooting death of 29-year-old Jalisa Buchanan, a mother of six, and he was sentenced by Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands on July 3 (yesterday).

The Bicentennial Commission of Akron presented the first copy of a 427-page book, Akron at 200: A Bicentennial History, to Mayor Shammas Malik on June 24 as part of the city's bicentennial celebration—The anthology, published by The University of Akron Press, will be officially released on Sept. 9 and on sale at the Akron History Center from July 2 — 5.

The Portage Lakes Purple Martin Association celebrated its 25th anniversary at Buckeye Martinfest on June 29 at Portage Lakes State Park in Coventry where over 200 residents joined bird banding and interactive activities to learn how purple martins help control pests.

State Rep. Jack Daniels presented a proclamation to honor the group’s long work in protecting these birds.

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.

One Half Day Morning Event

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Super Ninja World — $35.00 — Enjoy a fun half-day event at a top-rated venue perfect for families and kids.

Larry Alltop Live Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Mercedes Neighborhood Tavern — No cover charge — Experience the musical talents of the amazing Larry Alltop in a cozy tavern setting.

Akron Trail Marathon

7 AM — Memorial Parkway Trailhead — Entry Fee $40-$90 — Experience a scenic trail marathon through downtown and the beautiful Metro Parks.

Ninja Adventure Half Day Camp

12:30-4 p.m. — Super Ninja World — Pricing varies — Experience thrilling ninja activities in a co-ed environment for ages 6-14.

Akron Epilepsy Support Group

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center — Free entry — Connect with others in the Akron area to share experiences and strategies for managing epilepsy.