Good morning, Akron.

Akron Zoo has closed its Legends of the Wild area for concrete repairs—temporarily removing animals such as condors, alpacas, and penguins from exhibits.

The zoo is also renovating Penguin Point, expanding the snow leopard habitat, and building a new animal hospital, with work on Legends of the Wild expected to finish before Boo at the Zoo in October.

A Northeast Ohio drone operator located Pumpkin—a 15-year-old blind dog who had been missing for 27 hours—yesterday in Akron and returned the pet to relieved owners.

DeCheco's Pizzeria, a family-owned Akron chain since 1993, opened a new location in Summit County's Hudson this month at 178 W.

Streetsboro St.—the restaurant employs about 20 people and offers 18 signature pizzas with custom pies. It will expand further with plans to open locations in Munroe Falls and Cuyahoga Falls later this year.

On Tuesday, the Ohio Education Association, the Ohio Federation of Teachers and the American Association of University Professors sued the state over new rules that cut elected teacher seats on the pension board—saying the change is unfair and takes away their voice.

Bridgestone is hosting a free half-day teen driving program at Firestone Stadium this Saturday with sessions from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.—professional instructors will guide teens on a closed course as the state prepares to tighten driver education rules for those under 21.

Perry Township warned parents on Sept.

16 that some Halloween candy might contain traces of marijuana and urged them to check treats carefully—officials are looking into the matter further.

Ohio lawmakers have proposed a bill that would require anyone convicted of politically motivated murder to serve life with a chance of the death penalty and add 10 years for other violent crimes—this proposal follows the Sept 10 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the death of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman as they aim to deter future political violence.

A FOX 8 poll and online reviews have identified the best local cheeseburger spots in NE Ohio for National Cheeseburger Day—highlighting favorites like Bob’s Hamburg in Akron and Crowley’s that offer a range from smash burgers to thick burgers.

Readers are advised to check hours since many places are closed early in the week.

Akron-area high school football games are scheduled for Friday, Sept.

19 and Saturday, Sept. 20, with most games starting at 7 p.m. The key contest will have undefeated Wadsworth hosting undefeated Twinsburg — a Suburban League heavyweight battle.

Stow High School graduate Treniere Moser, a former national track champion, will be inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame on Oct.

7 at the Bank at East End in Akron — she won several USA Track and Field titles and has worked with Nike during her career.

Akron-area high school sports voters are invited to choose one girl and one boy athlete of the week for Sept.

8–14 from a list of local candidates. Votes will be accepted until 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 and winners will be announced Friday morning on BeaconJournal.com.

Retro Rewind with The Unit Band

8:30-11 p.m. — House Three Thirty — Specialty food and drinks available — Experience live nostalgic hits in an intimate Cabaret setting.

Dave Banks Big Band Latin Jazz Night

8-11 p.m. — BLU Jazz+ — $10 cover — Experience the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Latin jazz performed by an exceptional big band.

Lunar Moth Concert

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Musica — $10 — Experience the grunge-infused sounds of Lunar Moth on their 'Even Stranger Tour' with local support acts.

Rookie to Rockstar Real Estate Event

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Shady Hollow Lodge - Sand Run Metro Park — Light bites and refreshments served — Gain insights from top agents and elevate your real estate career.

Poetry Night at House Three Thirty

7:30-10 p.m. — House Three Thirty — Specialty food and beverages available — Immerse yourself in a night of poetic expression and community creativity at this open mic event.

Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay

7 a.m. — Akron Art Museum — Registration fees apply — Experience a scenic run through Akron's historic landmarks and stunning parks.

Mentallo & The Fixer Resurrection Tour 2025

7-10 p.m. — Musica — $15 online / $20 at the door — Experience an electrifying night with Mentallo & The Fixer alongside special guests Access to Concrete and HAREN & THORLA.

Mr. Pink – Free Live Music Band

7-10 p.m. — Old 97 — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant night of live music with tunes from Mr. Pink while hanging out with friends.

Ohio Plant Show

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — John S. Knight Center — Admission details not provided — Explore a diverse collection of carnivorous plants and orchids at this exciting two-day event.

CAK 5K on the Runway

8 AM – 12 PM — Akron-Canton Airport — Registration fees apply — Experience a unique 5K run on an actual runway with great finisher awards and post-race festivities.