Good morning, Akron.

Residents Byron Delpinal and Mac Love launched Akron Pulse, a free events platform that uses AI + data scraping to combine over 125 local calendars for Akron and Summit County.

The tool allows users to filter events by neighborhood and category while staying ad-free and equitable.

The F-16 Viper Demonstration Team is practicing low-flying jets at Akron Fulton Airport ahead of the Props and Pistons Festival, which runs this weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local fans can expect fighter jets, warbirds, STEM zones, and food trucks during the show.

Local first responders were honored on Aug.

8 at the free Heroes and Helpers Community Celebration held at the Barberton Public Library parking lot. Main Street Barberton and the Cominsky Family Foundation organized the event with live demonstrations — a vehicle extrication and K-9 display — plus family activities.

Harbor Freight opened its third Summit County store in Fairlawn on Aug.

13 at 9:59 a.m. The store, located next to World Market & near the Dick's Going, Going Gone outlet, is projected to create 10 to 15 local jobs.

Local school districts in Akron set varying start dates for the 2026-27 school year, with APS beginning on Aug.

27 (except some schools starting earlier) and other districts hosting open houses and orientations from Aug. 18 to Aug. 31. District leaders say administrative changes and new programs aim to support a smooth term.

At its Aug. 10 meeting, the APS Board of Education accepted evaluations that praised Superintendent Mary Outley and Treasurer Wayne Bowers, approved a 2% raise for Outley effective July 1, and endorsed new hires, a $2.02M grant for preschool services, and enhanced safety procedures for athletic events.

Leaders from Summit County public schools have shared updates for this school year after being interviewed by the Akron Beacon Journal.

The 17 districts detailed new programs — improvements meant to help students learn as classes restart in the fall.

Labor Day is set for Monday, Sept.

7, 2026, and federal services such as USPS and banks will be closed or have limited hours while major stores and trash pickup in Akron adjust their schedules (verify local details).

Summit County Council reviewed downtown plans on Aug.

10, including the $11.5M Legacy Building Project led by AROPI to create the first African American cultural center and museum complex with a soft opening this fall plus proposals to renovate the Polsky Building to boost local jobs.

State health officials reported 69 measles cases in 11 counties, surpassing last year’s 45, and urged residents to check their vaccination status to help stop further spread.

Experts emphasize that staying up to date on vaccines is key to keeping the community safe.

The Browns are holding a quarterback competition as Deshaun Watson will start the first half on Saturday in Chicago and Shedeur Sanders will finish the game while the team looks to choose its lead QB for the season.

Fans remain cautious given early mixed signals from both players.

Four Akron private school teams are set to begin the 2026 football season next week (opening games scheduled for Aug.

20 and Aug. 21). The Archbishop Hoban Knights, CVCA Royals, St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish and Walsh Jesuit Warriors look to build on last season's success.

Renowned Ellet High School football coach Joe Yost died on Aug.

13 at 73 after nearly 40 years and 234 wins, inspiring local athletes on and off the field. His leadership and dedication left an enduring mark on Akron sports.