Good morning, Akron.

Summit County Children Services is boosting its 'Be Present, Not Perfect' campaign to recruit foster families and reduce out-of-county placements.

The agency is expanding support with a dedicated licensing team and increased per diem rates for caregivers to help stabilize placement for children.

On Aug. 4, Akron will host its 43rd annual National Night Out, offering free community programming including snacks+ music+ and children’s activities across each ward.

Residents can take this chance to interact with local officers and build trust within their neighborhoods.

Conservancy CEO Greg Peckham called the park a sleeping giant that sees three million annual visitors and fuels a $225 million local economy — he is planning new trails and programs after the park expanded with Oxbow Meadows from the former Brandywine Golf Course.

Multiple Akron Fire Department units responded on July 30 at Holub Recycling (470 N.

Arlington St.) after a large fire broke out, prompting efforts to contain the blaze.

Two new Nordstrom Rack stores will open in Ohio this year, with the Canton store debuting Aug 20 at The Venue at Belden and the Akron store debuting Oct 29 at Montrose Plaza.

Both locations will offer pre-opening parties and grand events with giveaways (including a $1,000 gift card drawing).

Reeves Cake Shop in Kenmore will close on Christmas Eve after 50 years in business as owner Rick Reeves retires — the family is seeking a buyer for the shop, equipment, and treasured recipes after fulfilling over 10,000 wedding cake orders.

Akron Soul Train will host two art exhibits featuring Ron Copeland and Cory Sheldon from Aug.

5 through Sept. 12 (a free reception runs Aug. 7 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 191 S. Main St).

Fairlawn Lutheran Church and School at 3415 W.

Market St. will host Welcome Night on Sunday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. — families can meet the new principal and kindergarten teacher and learn about the upcoming kindergarten program and scholarship opportunities.

Akron Public Schools is overhauling the cosmetology program at Buchtel Community Learning Center to help more seniors qualify for the state licensing exam.

The program, which showcased new student skills at a recent senior hair show (Cosmetology Redefined), is expected to better prepare graduates for testing.

Mayor Shammas Malik announced on July 21 the launch of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) to award $40,000 in microgrants to Akron youth’s climate projects.

Applications will be accepted from Aug. 3 through Sept. 14 and include mentorship from the city and local organizations.

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.

Chicago and Styx Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Blossom Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to classic hits from Styx in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Happy Together Tour

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hard Rock Cafe — Tickets vary — Relive classic 60s and 70s hits with renowned pop and rock acts in an unforgettable nostalgia concert.

Five Finger Death Punch Concert

6:00-8:15 PM — Blossom Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of heavy rock with Five Finger Death Punch alongside country star Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire.

The Stray Cats Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Northfield Park Racino — Cost info not specified — Experience the legendary rockabilly sounds of The Stray Cats in an unforgettable live performance.