Good morning, Akron.

Local Summit County law enforcement hosted the annual Christmas With a Cop event on Dec.

6 in Fairlawn, where children received $250 gift cards to shop at Walmart after breakfast with Santa. The program is funded through local fundraisers and supported by several departments.

Amazon received conditional approval on Dec.

8 to build a 387,000 sqft warehouse and distribution center at 2322 Manchester Road in Kenmore, a site expected to support same-day deliveries with flex drivers handling transport. City officials are exploring measures to address local traffic concerns near the project.

The Akron Art Museum offers winter exhibitions including beaded tapestries in Myrlande Constant: DRAPO that run until Jan.

4 — a display of Cuyahoga Valley history runs until Jan. 25. The museum also hosts events from a virtual discussion on Dec. 13 to a 1920s dance party on Feb. 13.

Makeshift Theatre in Akron presents George C.

Wolfe’s play 'The Colored Museum' (10 darkly comic sketches that explore Black history and identity). It runs Dec. 12-14 and 19-21 at Coach House Theatre with shows at 7 p.m. on Fri/Sat and 2 p.m. on Sun; tickets cost $25.

The City of Akron unveiled its new logo on Dec.

6 at the Bicentennial Closing Ceremony, replacing the former Rubberworker symbol with a design developed by Pritt Entertainment Group after extensive community input — a new branding guide will be released in the coming weeks.

Ohio Turnpike tolls will increase nearly 3% on Jan.

1, 2026, with E-ZPass passenger vehicle fares rising by 50 cents and cash users paying up to 75 cents more; the extra funds will support maintenance and capital improvements (including three projects north of Akron starting Dec. 12).

The Fairlawn Fire Department received two personal Seek Thermal imagers donated by the Valor Freedom and Respect Foundation.

The devices (which have aided fire departments across Northeast Ohio) will boost firefighter safety during emergencies.

Local grocery stores and restaurants are offering pre-ordered holiday dinner packages for one to 24 people, featuring ham, turkey and prime rib with sides and desserts.

Akron residents can order meals until mid-December for pickup on Christmas Eve and select dates to help reduce holiday stress.

A Greater Akron realtor advised homeowners to use low-cost cleaning, fresh neutral paint (which buyers favor) and modest landscaping instead of over-improving to boost home value and speed up sales.

Her guidance comes as local property values remain steady after recent market shifts.

Walsh Jesuit High School hosts its 31st Ironman wrestling tournament with teams from across Ohio.

It begins today at 9:30 a.m. with quarterfinal rounds and continues Saturday with consolations at 8:30 a.m., semifinals at 10:15 a.m. and finals at 5:30 p.m.

In fall 2025, Greater Akron girls golf showcased standout performances when Highland senior Elizabeth Coleman repeated as Suburban League golfer of the year and Walsh Jesuit sophomores posted top-20 finishes at state—while promising underclassmen from Revere and Hudson set sights on next season.

Prospector Baseball Group (PBG) has acquired the RubberDucks from Ken Babby's Fast Forward Sports Group today.

The deal also gives PBG ownership of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and the team will open on April 2 at 7 17 Credit Union Park.

Greater Akron high school golfers competed in the fall OHSAA season with strong showings by teams from Hoban, Hudson and Green at state tournaments.

Junior Ben Berridge and freshman Nick Pollak led Hoban to a top-five finish and will return next season.

At Coventry High School on Dec.

1, Kayla Munn (a senior) broke two girls basketball records by scoring 43 points and making nine 3-pointers as her team won 62-20 against East Community Learning Center.

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.

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.

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.

Holiday Lights Celebration at Stan Hywet

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Adults $28, Youth $15 — Experience 1.4 million lights and festive displays amidst a magical holiday atmosphere.

Charcuterie Wreath Workshop

6 PM – 8 PM — Constance Fromagerie & Café — Ticket price includes materials — Create a beautiful charcuterie wreath while enjoying champagne in a relaxed atmosphere.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — $15-$28 — Experience festive lights and holiday cheer with family and friends at this enchanting winter event.

Poetry Night with CC Speaks

7:30-10 p.m. — House Three Thirty — Specialty food and beverages for purchase — Experience a moving evening of poetic expressions from the local community.

Akron's ReaL DeaL ~ Old School & Motown Concert

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — House Three Thirty — Specialty food and beverages available — Dance to the classic hits from renowned artists like The Temptations and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Sunday Afternoon Charcuterie Wreath Workshop

2-4:30 p.m. — Constance Fromagerie & Café — Ticket price includes materials and a glass of champagne — Create a stunning cheese and charcuterie wreath for your holiday gatherings.

Holiday Lantern Tours

5:00 PM – 8:40 PM — Hale Farm & Village — Ticket purchase required — Experience a nostalgic lantern-lit walking tour through a festive 19th-century village.