Good morning, Akron.

The Barberton Mum Festival returns to Lake Anna Park on Sept.

27-28 with a bee-themed display featuring 17,000 hand-planted chrysanthemums—promising live music, water-ski shows, and other entertainment for about 28,000 visitors. This free event marks the city’s largest annual celebration.

Today, Sisters With a Vision and Community Brothers host the third annual Hoops for Homeless at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a friendly basketball game between police and firefighters plus family activities and collection of donations to support local homeless services.

Akron Zoo will rededicate the John Brown Monument on Sept.

28 at 3 p.m. during a free event that features speakers, musical selections and a wreath-laying procession in the wooded area at 500 Edgewood Ave.—Reservations are due by Sept. 24 via email or phone.

Today, the Akron Annunciation Greek Festival runs at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 129 South Union Street downtown, offering indoor and outdoor dinner buffets, live music and dance performances, and a church open house from noon to 8 p.m.

A $5 scratch-off ticket bought at a Sheetz on N.

Leavitt Road in Amherst won the Big Win top prize of $100,000—after taxes, the winner took home about $72,000. Lottery officials said the ticket beat odds of 1 in 1.5 million.

Mogadore school district was released from fiscal caution after voters approved a 5.93-mill emergency levy and a forecast showing positive general fund balances in 2026 led to improved finances (Auditor Keith Faber announced this on Sept.

18).

Akron Public Schools Facilities Services Director Steven Keenan resigned on Sept.

17 after being placed on administrative leave over an investigation into alleged policy violations regarding district property—he said the job caused significant mental and emotional strain on him and his family. The school board will review his resignation at its Sept. 22 meeting.

Greater Akron is under a moderate drought — record dry August conditions reduced rainfall and led some trees to show fall colors early.

Rain is expected from Monday through Wednesday as warm temperatures near 90 degrees continue.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announced on X Friday afternoon that he will not run for governor in 2026 after much thought and prayer—he said he will focus on education and workforce issues during his term, a decision that opens a clearer path for GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Rami Hammouri got out of ICE custody after being moved from a federal prison in Rhode Island, which let him join a class action that may reopen his deportation case; his attorney said his wife quickly picked him up so he could come home to Hudson — a change that offers him a new chance to stay in the U.S.

Andrew McKnight powered Copley football into Week 5 with his versatile play on offense, defense and special teams—he leads as a receiver and earns praise for his on-field leadership and college offers.

Coach John Kromalic said McKnight’s dynamic game has helped the team win, showing his value on every part of the field.

Addison Hovey, a tennis player from Woodridge, won the Akron-Area High School Athlete of the Week award for girls (receiving 55.71% of 16,323 total votes) while Angelo Gotto from Barberton, a football player, was named the boys winner.

The Ohio high school football season is in Week 5 with Akron-area teams playing several games, as most kick off Friday at 7 p.m. and one game between East and University School is scheduled today at noon—live score updates will follow.

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.

CoComelon Live Show

6-7:30 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Family-friendly fun — Experience the interactive world of CoComelon with singing and dancing for all ages.

The Ultimate Pink Floyd Tribute Experience

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Goodyear Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Pink Floyd like never before in an unforgettable tribute performance.