Good morning, Akron.

Summit County Animal Control is reducing dog adoption fees for August from $96 to $28 (the fee covers a fully vetted dog with a microchip) as part of the Clear the Shelters campaign to ease kennel crowding.

River Reach Construction in Barberton rescued a kitten stuck in a Komatsu excavator on July 14 (named Sue after the machine) and has cared for the playful rescue ever since.

The company plans to keep the kitten as its official shop cat.

Several local organizations are hosting an anti-violence event at Perkins Pool on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. to help kids trade real guns for water guns with food trucks and water-balloon kickball games (Council President Margo Sommerville and HYPE CEO Cordell Walker are among the organizers).

A structure fire broke out at Holub Recycling on July 30 at 470 N.

Arlington St. — roads reopened after a shelter-in-place order was lifted, although one truck remains spraying water as officials work to determine the cause.

Playhouse Square's Broadway in Akron series presents the Beetlejuice musical on Sept.

22-23 at 7:30 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall at 198 Hill St, with tickets ranging from $51.50 to $132.50 & free parking available nearby.

On July 30, the Beacon Journal checked prices for 10 grocery items at Acme, Aldi, Giant Eagle, and Walmart in Akron + it found a .2% rise in June amid a 2.7% year-over-year increase, with monthly tracking set to help shoppers plan budgets.

University of Akron officials reviewed campus revitalization projects on July 30 during a tour led by CFO Misty Villers and VP Willy Kollman (highlighting renovations at E.J.

Thomas Hall and the Polsky Building).

The City of Akron installed 70 plastic flex posts along Memorial Parkway to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists amid community concerns.

A traffic study scheduled for 2028 may lead to more measures for lane protection.

The Summit County Courthouse in downtown Akron will host a free open house celebrating 250 years of American history on Thursday, Aug.

6 from 4 to 6 p.m. with art and architecture tours, a scavenger hunt, and a judges panel (parking at Summit County Parking Deck is available).

Ohio Department of Health said 4,013 people have contracted the stomach illness cyclosporiasis across 80 counties, with cases rising by 55% in recent weeks.

Health officials urge residents to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly (to lower risk) as investigations continue.

Browns defensive end Jared Verse practiced finishing moves at the Berea training camp on July 30 as he works to boost his sack total this season.

He honed his skills with advice from veterans at the Sack Summit earlier this month and will keep refining his technique this preseason.

Allison Hay of Tallmadge High School won Akron Area Girls Athlete of the Year for the 2025-26 school year on Friday, Jul.

31 at 5:45 a.m. ET (receiving 94.18% of 5,410 votes cast). She is noted for her standout performance in cross country and track events.

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.