Good morning, Akron.

Jill Kolesar, CEO and president of the Akron Area YMCA, announced on Oct.

28 that she will retire in June 2026—she led the organization since 2016 and was the first woman in the role. The board will begin planning for her replacement as it works on a smooth leadership transition.

Amid the federal government shutdown, pet owners in Summit County can get free pet food from local outlets including the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank's Venarge Family Food Pantry at 350 Opportunity Parkway, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—and Summit County Animal Control will host a pet food pantry at 250 Opportunity Parkway on Nov. 3 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.—while some pharmacies offer discounted pet medications with a prescription.

Akron Zoo celebrated Halloween by giving its animals pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns as a special autumn treat — an enrichment activity that added seasonal variety to their routine.

Mr. Fun's, the last year-round costume shop in Greater Akron, will close its Cuyahoga Falls storefront at 2104 Front St. on Dec.

31 to shift its focus to online costume rentals and sales. The business will run a store closing sale through the Christmas season + plan to move its remaining inventory to a smaller space + continue serving local customers.

DeCheco's, a family-owned pizzeria—famous for its signature White Pizza—opened new shops in Hudson in September and Munroe Falls in October; it will open its third location—at 2926 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls—on November 3.

This expansion marks a rapid growth for the popular Akron eatery.

Akron-area grocers are worried because today a government shutdown has halted SNAP benefits, which may lower their sales and reduce orders from local suppliers — small stores that serve as community hubs are feeling the impact and some are even donating to food banks.

The Ohio Grocers Association said stores with low margins could be hit hard and urged customers to be kind to grocers during this challenging time.

On Oct. 30, the Beacon Journal price-checked 10 grocery staples at four Akron stores to help local shoppers amid rising costs and SNAP benefit cutbacks; Aldi was the cheapest at $25.15 while Acme was the most expensive at $32.59.

Compared with Sept. 25, eggs dropped 18% and bananas increased 1%, with overall prices falling 7%.

A section of Krumroy Road between Pressler and Myersville roads will close for three days starting Nov.

3 for a culvert replacement, county engineer Alan Brubaker said — homes and businesses will keep access via a detour on Pressler, Killian and Myersville roads, though work may change with the weather.

ACA health plan premiums for roughly 583,000 Ohioans will increase by 13%-17% next year as key tax credits are reduced unless Congress acts.

Open enrollment begins today — many buyers may face higher out-of-pocket costs with less affordable plans.

Planned Parenthood facilities in Ohio have notified the state Medicaid department they will fight the proposal to end funding that supports over 27,000 patients with preventive care—clinics have begun the process for an administrative hearing as federal funding cuts and recent clinic closures have impacted service availability.

Nine Akron-area high school football teams played in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs on Friday, Oct.

31—while eight teams with byes will compete in home games next weekend. Live score updates will continue on the NFHS Network as the postseason unfolds.

Tavari Johnson briefly entered the transfer portal in April—he quickly reversed his decision—and will lead the Akron Zips in his final season.

Coach John Groce said he appreciates Johnson’s improved leadership and defensive skills as the team prepares for the 2025 to 2026 season.

Cavs center Jarrett Allen injured his left ring finger in a loss to the Boston Celtics on Oct.

29—an X-ray at Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine showed a non-displaced fracture at the tip. He was ruled questionable for the next game as the team coped with multiple injuries.

Cleveland South Record Riot Vinyl Sale

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM — Woodside Event Center at St Michael's — Entry fee varies — Dig through a massive collection of over 15,000 vinyl records, LPs, and more in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Radian, Moontemple, Arctor and Temple Witch

7-10 p.m. — Musica — Concert tickets available — Enjoy an eclectic night of music featuring Temple Witch and more.

UMass Minutemen vs. Akron Zips Football Game

7:00-8:30 p.m. — InfoCision Stadium — Enjoy a thrilling college football matchup as UMass takes on Akron.

Pie & Cheese Pairing

6-8 p.m. — Constance by West Side Charcuterie — Ticketed event — Experience four mini pies expertly paired with gourmet cheeses in a cozy new café setting.

Preschool-Grade 8 Open House

Old Trail School is a Preschool-Grade 8 independent school located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Discover if Old Trail School is the right fit for your child by experiencing our campus firsthand and seeing how our closer relationships and deeper learning experiences can help your child thrive.

TOWERS and Friends Live at The Rialto Theatre

7-10 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Experience a captivating night of indie sounds from NE Ohio's Towers, St. Thomas Collective, and The Cabin Sound.

Euchre Night at Foundry Social

7-9 p.m. — Foundry Social — Free entry — Come and enjoy a fun night of euchre with friends and fellow enthusiasts.

Penn State Shenango vs Akron Zips Men's Basketball

7-9 p.m. — James A Rhodes Arena — Check for pricing — Enjoy an exciting college basketball matchup with the Nittany Lions taking on the Zips.

Members Class: The Art of Food Styling

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Akron Art Museum — Enjoy a charming evening of charcuterie styling with expert tips for your holiday gatherings.

Northern Illinois Huskies at Kent State Golden Flashes Women's Volleyball

6-9 p.m. — Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center — Check ticket prices — Catch an exciting women's volleyball matchup between Northern Illinois and Kent State.