Good morning, Akron.

Laura Bailey Culp, a longtime Akron resident (with over 40 years of community service), will be honored with the Bert A.

Polsky Humanitarian Award at an award dinner on Nov. 17 in Akron. She was selected as the 57th recipient by a committee of past honorees.

Residents in Silver Lake are cleaning up after a microburst tore through the village over the weekend, knocking down trees and damaging homes + fences + cars; crews have begun removing large oak debris and the mayor said power will be restored by Monday.

Several Akron-area breweries won awards at the U.S. Open Beer Championship announced July 15; Third Eye Brewing earned nine medals (including five gold) while other local winners from Akron and Kent were honored.

Bell’s Barber College opened in May at 3333 Manchester Road, Suite 21 in Coventry, led by Cuyahoga Falls native Justin Bell to train future barbers with state-licensed programs that take 11 to 18 months; the college enrolls 14 students and offers $9 walk-in haircuts + free back-to-school cuts for K-12 students.

At a Strongsville town hall on Friday, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy clarified he meant to consolidate overlapping programs—not close universities—saying top courses like nursing and engineering should persist at schools including Akron; his stance came amid bipartisan backlash and criticism from education leaders.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park volunteers planted 33,000 trees on 230 acres since 2012 and plan to plant 40,000 more on 500 acres over the next 10 years to absorb rainwater (a key step to reducing floods).

On Monday, July 20, Akron City Council approved a fee of $100,000 per year (calculated at roughly $40.42 per foot along West Market Street) from Highland Square building owners to advance the Special Improvement District.

The funds will pay for extra security and beautification projects.

Metro RTA approved a three-year contract with Teamsters Local 348 on June 16 and will resume discussions with TWU for over 300 bus and service workers.

The agency has offered meetings in July while union talks over wages and health care continue.

Summit County residents whose property was damaged by the weekend storm may apply for a real estate tax deduction by submitting Form DTE 26 (available on the county fiscal officer's website) by Dec.

31. The relief excludes damage to trees, landscaping, and personal items.

Akron City Council approved a HUD-funded program that offers up to $7,500 downpayment assistance for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers, helping about 33 buyers.

The program will begin in August—eligible buyers must finish eight hours of housing counseling and meet income limits.

Tallmadge City Schools announced on July 20 that Madison Horrigan (a Cuyahoga Falls native and experienced athletic director from Columbus City Schools) will manage 23 varsity sports programs at Tallmadge High School.

Recent reports show the Cleveland Guardians' TV ratings rose 33% from last year as streaming viewership grew 24% and total minutes watched increased 43% following the league’s move from Bally Sports; broadcasts now air on cable, satellite, and streaming providers in Northeast Ohio.

Santino Sings Live

7-11 p.m. — Firestone Country Club — Tickets available — Experience powerhouse vocals and soulful songwriting from international artist Santino Tomasetti.

Casey James Live in Akron

Evening — The Vortex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night with Casey James, a standout from American Idol Season 9.

Perfectly Polite Dining Etiquette Class

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — M Italian — Cost information not provided — Enhance your dining skills with an etiquette class covering table settings and various cuisines.

Free Water Family Day

12-3 p.m. — Akron Art Museum — Free entry — Enjoy a splash-filled creative day with art activities and fun water play.

Snapology Robotics Workshop

1:30-5:30 p.m. — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Free entry — Build, code, and create machines with robotics and Legos for ages 7-12.

East Nash Grass Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — G.A.R. Hall — Cost info not provided — Experience tight harmonies and stellar picking from the acclaimed East Nash Grass band.

Meadow Music Concert Series

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Crown Point Ecology Center — Free entry — Experience live music by Richfield Circus in a scenic outdoor setting.

Cleveland Orchestra - Schumann's Second Symphony

7-10 p.m. — Blossom Music Center — Tickets required — Experience the emotional depth of Schumann’s Second Symphony performed by the renowned Cleveland Orchestra.

Summer Parks 2026—Goodyear Metro

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Sledding Hill at Goodyear Heights Metro Park — Free entry — Experience the Akron Symphony Orchestra performing classic masterpieces under the stars.

Nike Basketball Camp at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — St. Vincent-St. Mary High School — $320 — Improve your basketball skills at this comprehensive skills camp led by experienced coaches.