Daily
Akron
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bridgestone Americas in Akron ran a volunteer campaign in November that logged over 300 service hours and built on $17 million raised for United Way since 2015. The program uses donations + volunteer work to support efforts against local food and housing challenges. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Akron Marathon Charitable Corp. recognized winners of its 2025 Corporate Challenge at a Nov. 19 ceremony at the Summit County Council Chambers. Over 1,700 runners competed from 26 companies, with FirstEnergy raising $100,000 and six divisions honored (each for different company sizes). Akron.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Magical Theatre Company is starting its Broadway classic Annie today in Barberton. The musical, for families and kids aged 6 and up, runs to Dec. 21 plus includes local talent and a dedicated creative team with tickets on sale online. Akron.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At its Nov. 24 meeting, Akron Public Schools board approved a $114,534 performance audit for HR, transportation and facilities (expected to finish by fall) and updated attendance, nepotism and device policies while also endorsing union agreements with OAPSE and a tentative SEIU pact that concluded a successful bargaining cycle. Akron.com
- ➤ Miller South School has launched its 'Turn Up the Mics' Holiday Fundraiser to buy a new sound system. Scheduled for Dec. 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Musica (51 E. Market St), the event will feature Shep and the Bucs and Friends. Akron.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cuyahoga Falls will partner with Akron to develop a 20 MW solar project on the 77-acre Hardy Road landfill that has lain idle since 2003. Council approved a lease on Nov. 24 and the city will soon install 50,000 panels to provide low-cost green power while meeting federal tax credit deadlines. Akron.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At a Summit County Council meeting on Dec. 1, Akron Zoo’s Doug Piekarz said the zoo is headed for record attendance with upcoming Wild Lights events (5 to 9 p.m. on select dates through Dec. 30). Habitat for Humanity reported nearly 200 safety kits have been delivered to eligible seniors. Akron.com
- ➤ Summit County Children Services launched a Substance Use Impact Team (SUIT) on Dec. 1 in Akron to address nearly 50 reports of child ingestions of substances. Supervisor Kristin Lopez will lead a team of caseworkers to identify risks early and connect families with needed services. Akron.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Summit County started a new program on Nov. 20 that uses wastewater monitoring to detect drug trends to prevent overdoses + partnered with Summit County Public Health and Biobot Analytics to collect samples from the Akron Water Reclamation Facility. Officials expect data to be integrated by the end of December. Akron.com
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ In November, several restaurants opened in Summit County, adding varied dining options for local residents — the new spots offer menus ranging from casual to upscale. Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Akron Zips' Mahaffey brothers, Evan (21) and Eric (19), boost the team's play with strong defense and teamwork; they helped the squad start 7-2 with a win over Bucknell on Dec. 3, and coach John Groce credited their bond for fueling the effort. Akron Beacon Journal
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2nd Annual Brunch with Santa
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM — 159 Events on Main — Check event page for cost — Experience festive cheer with Santa and holiday magic.
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Chili Cook-Off
1-10 p.m. — Mercedes Neighborhood Tavern — Cash prizes available — Showcase your cooking talents at this exciting culinary competition.
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Deck the Hall
3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Experience a festive holiday atmosphere with beautiful decorations and seasonal charm.
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Deck the Hall
3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Experience a festive holiday celebration in a stunning historic venue.
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Deck the Hall
3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Experience the enchanting holiday display in a historic setting.
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Deck the Hall
3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Experience the festive decorations at this enchanting historic estate during the holiday season.
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The Anime Night Before Christmas
5:30-7 p.m. — Musica — General Admission — Embrace the holiday spirit with anime-themed festivities and a cosplay contest.
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RustFed 'Voracious' Album Release Party
7-11 p.m. — Musica — $10 online / $12 at the door — Celebrate RustFed's debut LP with special guests and an energetic night of music.
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Deck the Hall
3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — $15-$28 — Celebrate the holidays with 1.4 million lights and festive decorations throughout the estate.
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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — EJ Thomas Hall — Tickets starting at $49 — Enjoy a lively evening with the energetic tunes of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
~ Carl Sagan
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