Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 29th of December.
Good morning, Akron.
🏘️ Community
Bernie Kosar’s liver donor was honored at a pregame ceremony held before the Browns game on Dec.
28. The event recognized the donor’s life-saving gift and celebrated the community's connection to the late football star.
🎭 Culture
David Giffels’s 2000 time capsule predictions for Akron were reprinted on Dec.
28, 2025, noting the Beacon Journal thrives after its move, Canal Park was renamed 7 17 Credit Union Park, population fell, and the Diamond Grille celebrated 90 years — a playful look at past visions —.
Sara Steele, a self-taught artist who drove an ice cream truck during the pandemic, finished a pop-art mural outside a retail store at 449 W.
Market St. Steele will start a new mural in downtown Kent soon (her ice cream job helped spark her return to art).
Tickets for the Andrea Rose Teodosio Foundation Angel ART Auction are on sale at an early bird price of $100 until Dec.
31; the event will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the John S. Knight Center featuring local art, live entertainment, food stations, and networking.
As Akron celebrates its bicentennial, a local history column recalls notable events from 1825 to 2000—ranging from debates over public drunkenness and a rare winter heat wave to a call for 5-cent cigars and downtown First Night festivities.
The series wraps up 200 years of memorable local moments.
📰 Economy
Ohio's minimum wage will rise in 2026; starting Jan.
1, non-tipped employees will earn $11 per hour and tipped employees $5.50 (a 30-cent and 15-cent increase) as wages adjust for inflation following the November 2006 voter approval.
🎓 Education
Barberton City Schools and Norton City Schools were flagged by the state for shortfalls; Barberton must submit a recovery plan by Feb.
21 (which may cut up to 80 jobs), while Norton plans to end open enrollment and merge schools to save $9 million, with details in January.
Barberton City Schools is investigating incorrect financial forecasts after treasurer Craig McKendry resigned effective July 31, with interim treasurer Jennifer Sudhoff stepping in.
New forecasting software revealed a $9.2M deficit earlier than expected and the district must submit a recovery plan by Feb. 21.
🏈 Sports
The Browns & Steelers clashed Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS in Cleveland for the 149th edition of their rivalry.
The game was crucial for playoff hopes as fans tracked team updates and scoring predictions.
🎉 Akron Events
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Deck the Hall
3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Adults $28, Youth $15 — Experience a magical holiday season with 1.4 million lights and festive decor throughout the estate.
SmokeFace NYE Jam Session
9 PM–1 AM — Musica — $7 — Experience an exciting NYE jam session with Akron's own SmokeFace featuring music and creativity.
Richard Lloyd Live Performance
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Musica — $23 — Experience the legendary guitarist Richard Lloyd as he showcases classic rock sounds in an intimate setting.
Spiritual New Year's Resolution Discussion
9:30-11:30 a.m. — Portage Path CLC — Free entry — Explore the spiritual path to happiness and personal growth inspired by Bahá’í teachings.
Karaoke Thursday at Musica
9 PM - 1 AM — Musica — Free entry — Grab a drink and take the mic at this fun karaoke night.
Susan Carson Live at Front St Social
7-11 p.m. — Front St Social — Free entry — Experience an evening of diverse music by Susan Carson and Rikk Mayr.
Female Fronted Rock Night
7-10 p.m. — Musica — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening filled with vibrant performances by talented female-fronted bands.
DJ Dracula
8-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — DJ Dracula returns to spin classic alternative, new wave, and punk vinyl for a nostalgic night out.
FREE FRIDAY: Outdated View, Cabin Fever, SpAIR Jordans
8-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — Enjoy a night of psychedelic blues rock and indie vibes from three amazing bands.
Square Records Closing Fundraiser
7-10 p.m. — Musica — $9.07 — Celebrate the legacy of Square Records as it bids farewell to Akron's music scene.
🏠 Akron Real Estate
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