Good morning, Akron.

West Akron is a neighborhood with 15,000 residents that has parks, schools, a commercial area on Copley Road and historic sites like the John Brown House.

Long-time residents Warren and Kim Meredith say the area is resilient—despite challenges like pharmacy and school closures, community spirit remains strong.

Giant Eagle said it will cut prices on over 300 grocery items—including fresh meats, dairy, produce and pantry staples—from Oct.

2 until Dec. 31 to help ease rising costs for shoppers. The discounts apply both in stores and online.

With Halloween only a month away, kids in Akron can choose from trending costumes such as KPop Demon Hunters, Labubus, and Minecraft Chicken Jockey—costumes that are featured in both major retail stores and online.

Stores will soon release these options as designers and sellers prepare for the busy holiday season.

Today, Ohio’s outdoor burning restrictions take effect as open burning is banned from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in October, November, March, April and May — this measure aims to curb wildfire risks amid dry, windy conditions and reminds residents to follow safe practices.

The National Park Service in Cuyahoga Valley National Park will begin controlled burns in four areas—the Richfield Coliseum site along Route 303, Terra Vista Natural Study Area, an area in Boston Township, and Brookside Wetland—to remove invasive plants, improve soil, and lower wildfire risks, with work planned to be completed by May. Park fire experts will assess conditions before starting to ensure smoke does not impact nearby roads and properties.

A potential government shutdown today may affect Cuyahoga Valley National Park—if talks in Washington fail, restrooms and the Boston Mills Visitor Center will close, programs will be canceled, and trash will not be collected while park trails remain open for visitors.

Akron is holding clean-up events for its Bicentennial Beautification Initiative — the first are on Oct.

4 in South Akron from 8 to 10 a.m., West Akron from 8 to 10 a.m. and Kenmore from 10 a.m. to noon; later events on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 will have more volunteers signing up as Keep Akron Beautiful provides cleaning gear.

Akron will host the 2026 Northeast Regional Classic of the TFT Firefighter Challenge Championship Series from July 23 to 25 when firefighters from 13 states and across the nation will compete in a skills test at the Spaghetti Warehouse parking lot on S.

Main St.—the public can attend for free.

Akron area schools are asking voters to choose one boy and one girl high school athlete of the week for Sept.

22–28, with ballots open until 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 and winners to be announced Friday morning at BeaconJournal.com.

The high school football season for Akron-area teams has 18 games on Friday, Oct.

3 and three on Saturday, Oct. 4 — all games start at 7 p.m. unless noted while Archbishop Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary are on bye.

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.

Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run

October 11-12 — Missing Falls Brewery, Downtown Akron — Donations from profits — Challenge yourself in this scenic ultramarathon along the Ohio & Erie Canalway.

Brecksville Sunday Hike: Coffee & Snacks

9 AM - 12 PM — Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area — Free entry — Start the hiking season with coffee, snacks, and a delightful outdoor adventure.

Managing Staff Conflict Workshop

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Medina County University Center — Member: $375 / Nonmember: $425 — Enhance your conflict resolution skills in this comprehensive workshop hosted by the Medina County Sheriff's Office.

Akron Epilepsy Support Group

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center — Free event — Connect with locals to discuss epilepsy and share management strategies.

Girl Scouts Adventure Kickoff

6-7 p.m. — Northwest Family Recreation — Free entry — Discover what Girl Scouts can offer girls in grades K-5 while enjoying fun activities and meeting new friends.