Good morning, Akron.

Akron grandparents, a local church and a 13-year-old girl are organizing a Stop the Violence toy and coat drive scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ed Davis Community Center (they expect to give away about 700 toys and 200 coats to help brighten the holidays).

Tallmadge High School was placed under emergency lockdown Tuesday morning after an anonymous threat led officers to clear the building and investigate while students remained in classrooms.

Akron unveiled the Public Art Inventory — an online map of over 725 city artworks — to help residents explore local culture.

The Public Art Commission chose Art x Love to lead the project, which used GIS maps and catalogued each piece's condition.

Professors Carolyn Behrman and Timothy Matney host a book talk today at the Highland Square Branch Library (807 W.

Market St.) on their new book 'What Remains: Infirmary Burials, Memory, and Community in the Rubber City.' The event explores Schneider Park’s history as a former burial ground.

Akron Children's Museum received a $1,000 grant on Dec.

16 to support its Museums for All program, offering discounted admission for nearly 200 families with SNAP benefits. The museum plans to keep interactive exhibits accessible to all families (helping low-income visitors enjoy its features).

Local mother Kelsey Keller praised Akron Children's Museum today as a place where interactive exhibits engage her sons Kyler 3 & Stetson 1 in hands-on discovery.

The museum offers a safe, fun space for kids to explore and learn.

City officials announced plans to redesign a dangerous intersection in Akron to improve traffic safety.

The project, detailed in a recent press release, will update signals and crosswalks with further design details expected soon.

Residents across seven counties can submit comments until Jan.

12 on the EPA decision to reject Ohio's plan to allow self-attestation in place of in-person E-Check testing. The program (in effect since 1996) stays as the EPA warns of risks from unchecked emissions in the region.

Flu cases are rising in Northeast Ohio (including Akron) as a new variant spreads.

Local health officials plan to boost vaccine access and urge residents to follow safety practices.

Summit County Public Health inspected local restaurants in November and found critical violations risking food safety.

Ground Xero Events Catering and Angie's Italian Restaurant each recorded nine issues, while Casa Del Lago had eight (some were corrected during inspection).

Jarrett Allen returned to the court after missing six games and is expected to boost his team's play in the upcoming matchup.

Local high school sports fans can vote for the Akron-Area High School Athlete of the Week for the week of Dec.

8 to Dec. 14. The online poll is open until 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 + winners will be announced Friday on BeaconJournal.com.

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.

Holiday Lantern Tours

5-8:40 p.m. — Hale Farm & Village — Ticket purchase required — Experience the charm of a lantern-lit village tour showcasing festive 19th-century traditions.

Deck the Hall Event

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Celebrate the holiday season with an enchanting experience at this historic venue.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free Parking — Experience the festive charm of the season at a historic venue filled with holiday spirit.

Deck the Hall Celebration

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Adults $28, Youth $15 — Experience 1.4 million lights and festive fun with family and friends.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — $15-$28 — Experience holiday magic with dazzling lights, festive décor, and visits with Santa in a beautiful estate setting.