Good morning, Akron.

As Akron celebrates its bicentennial—marking two centuries of local milestones—a surveyor completed a plat map in 1825, authorities warned of arson and safecrackers in 1875 and 1925, and Lone Star Fraternity damaged a house in 1975.

In 2000, Mayor Plusquellic’s aide Joel Bailey left City Hall to join FirstEnergy Corp as a federal lobbyist.

Last month during the Akron Bicentennial Signature Celebration Week, community members and visitors at the Akron History Center and online shared one-word descriptions of Akron that ranged from positive terms like 'innovative' and 'aspiring' to negative words such as 'unsafe' and 'scary.' Local police data from the first quarter shows a drop in violent crime (a trend explained by the online disinhibition effect), even as some residents voice ongoing safety concerns.

Crystal Idley began her food truck business in June 2020 and now serves 24 flavors of sherbet shakes, over 40 flavors of shaved ice, and hearty meals from a second truck at 2088 Copley Road in Akron—tips support a local foundation offering free music and art lessons to youth at Copley High School.

Akron Police Detective Natalie Tassone resigned last month after she was accused of having a sexual relationship with a criminal informant arrested near Summit Lake—her resignation ended a six-week internal affairs investigation.

A teenager was shot Saturday night at the Summit County Fairgrounds parking lot when a man fired multiple shots into an occupied vehicle—a 17 year old victim was hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries while police investigate the shooting and describe the suspect as a black male wearing a Nike t-shirt with dreadlock-style hair and a tattoo on his neck who fled in an unknown vehicle.

The History Channel will air an episode titled 'Tire Trailblazers' on Aug.

3 at 9 p.m. that explores Akron's tire industry and features the Seiberling brothers & Harvey Firestone. The episode coincides with Akron’s bicentennial celebration and marks Goodyear’s blimp 100th anniversary & shows how the city's rubber legacy shaped its growth.

At its July 9 meeting, the Akron Public Art Commission discussed using unspent fiscal year funds for new murals, traffic control box art and freestanding artworks.

Commissioners emphasized a transparent process—focusing on under-recognized neighborhoods—and will review these options further at an Aug. 13 meeting.

Euchre Game Night

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Kenmore Community Center — Free entry — A friendly afternoon of card-playing excitement awaits enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Twins Days Festival

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Glenn Chamberlin Park — Check official website for entry fees — Celebrate the joy of twins with a fun-filled festival featuring highlights from past events.

Summit County Amateur Championship

Aug 2-3 — J. E Good Park Golf Course — Entry via registration — Compete in a prestigious amateur golf championship held annually since 1974.

Summer Parks Concert by the Akron Symphony Orchestra

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Firestone Park Community Center — Free entry — Experience beautiful music in the great outdoors of Akron at this beloved community event.

Nelly, Ja Rule & Eve Concert

12:00 PM - 7:59 PM — Blossom Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 25 years of hip-hop with Nelly, Ja Rule, and Eve at an unforgettable concert experience.

Cuyahoga County Fair

12-11 PM — Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds RV Park — Admission fees may apply — Celebrate agriculture, livestock, music, and food while enjoying family and community activities.

All the Many

7-9 p.m. — Mercedes Neighborhood Tavern — Free entry — Discover a new band performing a diverse arrangement of music.

Live Music with Ben Clark

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery — Wine and beer available — Enjoy live music outdoors while sipping on refreshing drinks.

FREE Summer Parks Concert at Lock 3

7:30-9 p.m. — Lock 3 Park — Free entry — Enjoy a night of beautiful music performed by the Akron Symphony Orchestra in the heart of Akron's great outdoors.

Afternoon Ninja Activity

12:30-4 p.m. — Super Ninja World — Pricing info not specified — Engage in super fun ninja activities designed for ages 6-14.