Good morning, Akron.

Ayauna Edwards Bush, a 10-year gun violence survivor who lost her sight in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, spoke Wednesday at the Akron Blind Center in Middlebury about her journey and her work to support the visually impaired community + her shared message of resilience.

Akron officials cut the ribbon on the first esports game room at the Judge James R.

Williams Lawton Street Community Center on July 1. The room will host an esports camp for 20 middle schoolers from July 6-24 and open to the public in August – boosting youth skills.

Anderson Ambition, a private strength facility, opens July 11 at 3755 Boettler Oaks Drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It offers *free teen training sessions* each month to build confidence among local youth.

On Thursday, July 9, CNBC ranked Ohio as the best state for business due to its central location, low business costs and quality of life.

Columbus remains a hub for expanding companies (even as the state faces workforce and education challenges).

Akron Soul Train introduces new exhibitions at the CapSOUL Gallery featuring 2026 artists-in-residence, including Josh Maxwell and Kristen Mimms Scavnicky + emerging artist Nick Lee.

The free shows are on view through July 18.

Hale Farm and Village will host its Music in the Valley Folk and Wine Festival on July 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of America 250 (celebrating 250 years), featuring live folk sets by Hunter Skeens and the Forerunners and local wine and mead tastings.

Green High School sophomore Isabella Elmiger painted a 10-by-12-foot mural at Sunrise Social restaurant with art teacher Shannon Bowman and owner Paul Calderone.

She worked about three hours each weekday for two and a half weeks to complete the piece + celebrate her creative talent.

Today, Akron officials unveiled the city's first Litter Letter Project installation at Prentiss Park (2043 East Ave) in Kenmore; the artwork, made by local students and commissioned by Keep Akron Beautiful, transforms collected trash into the word 'THINK' to urge responsible behavior.

Carrie Coon (a Copley native) received her fourth Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for HBO's The Gilded Age and will face top competitors at the ceremony on Sept.

14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The Revere Local Schools Board heard proposals from local groups, including a safety handrail pitch by three Revere Middle School students, and approved programs to support student needs.

The board will meet again on July 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Revere Administration Building.

Akron Fulton International Airport will upgrade 6,000 feet of taxiways with a $3.2-million FAA grant announced by Rep. Emilia Sykes on Thursday.

The improvements will enhance safety and support the airport's role for private planes, corporate travel, and flight training.

The 216-year-old carriage house at 97 Kent Court was demolished on July 9 in Middlebury by Metro Demolition LLC — it had been condemned after years of neglect.

The loss marks the end of a quiet piece of Akron history.

Silver Lake native Ryan Armour played at Firestone Country Club in the final Kaulig Championship event on Thursday, July 9 as he made his pro debut on the course he grew up loving.

He said he hopes Akron supports Firestone’s legacy when the tournament moves to California next season.

Akron Public Schools announced the 2026 APS Athletics Hall of Fame class, highlighting football legends such as Ara Parseghian, Jay Brophy and Mike Fox.

The induction banquet will be held Monday, Oct. 19 at Guy's Party Center (500 E. Waterloo Road) as APS continues its sports tradition.

On July 9, day one of the Kaulig Companies Championship took place at Firestone Country Club with 78 golfers on the South Course.

Defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez and past winners competed for a share of the $3.5 million purse — live scores were tracked.

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.

Thunderchief at The Matinee

7-11:30 p.m. — The Matinee — Ticket info pending — Thunderchief returns to Akron for an electrifying live performance with Radian.

Flight of the Heron 5K & Fun Run

Flight of the Heron 5K & Fun Run — Saturday — Akron, Ohio — Registration fee applies — A fun community run with options for kids and adults alike in a scenic road course.

BIG VINYL SALE! Cleveland South Record Riot

10 AM-4 PM — Woodside Event Center at St Michael's — Free entry — Dive into a vibrant vinyl digging party featuring LPs, CDs, and family fun.

Dance Intensive Program

All day — Weathervane Playhouse — Prices vary — Enhance your dance skills with personalized instruction from professional choreographers.