Good morning, Akron.

Local residents can nominate their favorite food-and-drink spots in Summit County; nominations (online) close at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

3.

On Aug. 29, the Black Chamber of Commerce - Summit County hosted The Black Exchange: A Black Wall Street Experience at South Hawkins and Diagonal Road to celebrate Black-owned businesses.

The outdoor event featured interactive reptile shows, carnival games, and sponsors like Huntington Bank + Breakfast in Bed by Lacole.

The Akron Zoo announced Tuesday the passing of Forest, its beloved porcupine ambassador born in 2013 who exceeded the typical life expectancy and visited local schools and libraries.

He was known for his friendly nature & trained interactions with guests that left a lasting impression.

Highland Square resident Tim Carroll will host a free pick-your-own-flowers event at his home at 113 Conger Ave on Thursday, Sept.

3 from 6-8 p.m. He estimates his yard holds thousands of blooms and welcomes donations.

Akron Public Schools placed safety director Alan Jones on paid leave on Aug.

31 after a disputed meeting on Aug. 26, when an employee and her union representative said Jones lost his temper and mishandled transfer. Superintendent Mary Outley said an investigation is underway plus interim measures protect staff.

Data center growth is adding pressure to Ohio's electric system, boosting generation, transmission, and distribution costs.

The Office of Ohio Consumers’ Counsel said it will push regulators to require data centers to pay their fair share as FirstEnergy seeks rate hikes starting in 2027 & consumers can submit comments.

Residents can vote for Akron-Area High School Athlete of the Week for Aug.

24-30. The poll closes at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 and winners will be announced Friday on BeaconJournal.com.

The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay takes place Sept.

25-26 in Akron, starting with the Health + Fitness Expo at John S. Knight Center on Friday and a Kids Fun Run, followed by a Finisher Festival. Residents should plan for road closures.

Local high school teams posted strong wins in week two with Copley beating Firestone 56 to 6, Woodridge rallying for a 55 to 20 victory over Brookside, and wins by CVCA, Highland, Revere, Perry, NFL Academy Europe, and Indian Valley, while the Walsh Jesuit-Springfield game was canceled due to illness.