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Hi Akron, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: A $1.25M Bezos grant reshapes a shelter, Moonlight’s 10th anniversary screening, Firestone Plant 1’s future, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
How the grant transforms care: ACCESS Shelter in Akron received a $1.25 million Bezos Day 1 Families Fund grant, expanding footprint by 80 percent. A 2027 phase will add family spaces, with funds hiring staff — learn how funds will be used.
Support for new motorists: Medina High School is partnering with Akron Children’s Hospital and Goodyear Foundation’s Safe Mobility Project to promote teen driving safety, covering new laws, distracted driving, and scholarships for driving school — get all the program details.
Island flavors find new homes: One Love Karibbean Kitchen serves Jamaican comfort food in Akron, with takeout on Copley Road in West Akron and a new Kenmore Boulevard spot, from jerk chicken to oxtail — find both locations here.
Historic site faces choices: Akron is rethinking plans for Firestone Plant 1 after a dispute with the state, weighing five preservation options. The city’s preservation commission will review proposals later this month — see the options under review.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Upcoming benefit events and celebrations: Akron’s Andrea Rose Teodosio Foundation Angel ART Auction happens today at the John S. Knight Center with a silent auction and live entertainment. Chocolate Walk at the Kent State Hotel & Conference Center benefits the Chippewa Lake Lions Club. The Women’s Endowment Fund celebration is March 26 at Quaker Station. Get dates, locations, and details.
Hoops on a bigger stage: The Zips face Troy this Saturday, February 7, and the MAC-SBC Challenge matchup will air nationally on ESPN2. It is one of the Sun Belt’s wildcard TV selections this season, with additional wildcard broadcasts set for February 14 and February 28. Read the full story.
Treasure hunt for a cause: Need character on your shelves and kindness to your budget? Happy Tails Thrift Shop in Merriman Valley turns secondhand finds into support for the Humane Society of Summit County, with home goods, quirky antiques, and the occasional “how did this end up here?” gem.
Sushi that hits right: If your week needs an edible reset, Sushi Asia Gourmet serves clean, fresh nigiri and playful maki, plus a solid Szechuan lineup, perfect for mixing rolls with something spicy. A couple favorites and one adventurous pick make a perfect combo… your future self will approve.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
💎 Jewelry Extravaganza @ REMAX Diversity | Friday (2/6) at 3:00 PM – Whether you waited on purpose or by accident, swing by this Tallmadge jewelry pop-in for a relaxed browse, real sparkle, and no mall chaos. Hosted by RE/MAX Diversity and Cevasco Jewelers, it’s how you check Valentine’s off the list with style, and zero panic.
🎬 The Return of ‘Hamnet’ @ The Nightlight | Friday (2/6) at 5:30 PM – Grab your favorite seat at The Nightlight, because Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet is back, on the big screen, again. Hamlet’s origin story from an Oscar winner, with real heart, Paul Mescal as Will, and Jessie Buckley as Agnes. Missed it before, congrats, second chance secured.
💐 Galentine’s Bouquet Bar @ P.F. Chang’s | Saturday (2/7) at 2:00 PM – Consider this your unofficial Galentine’s roll call. Round up the crew for a bouquet-making session where the flowers are fresh, the jokes are slightly wilted, and the vibes are rosy. No crafting pressure, just petals, laughs, and brag-worthy stems to take home.
🌭 93rd Annual Sausage Dinner Dance @ Carovillese Lodge & Club | Saturday (2/7) at 4:00 PM – Nothing beats a North Hill night with endless sausage and a top-shelf open bar. At the Carovillese Society’s 93rd La Salsicciata, expect seven courses, G4 LIVE’s Italian hits, and plenty of dancing, all while keeping our neighborhood traditions funded. Dress classy, bring stretchy pants.
🎭 5th Annual Mardi Gras Night at The Races @ St. Bernard Catholic Church | Saturday (2/7) at 5:30 PM – Do Mardi Gras at the races, Rubber City style, and help feed neighbors without the Bourbon Street hangover. Your ticket gets you in, a hearty meal, one drink, and a shot at prizes, and you can sponsor or buy a horse if you can’t attend.
🎬 Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight @ The Nightlight | Saturday (2/7) at 5:30 PM – Think you know Moonlight? The Nightlight brings back Barry Jenkins’ masterpiece for its 10th anniversary, an intimate punch to the heart with Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe, and company. Bring tissues, leave your cynicism, and remember why we sit in dark rooms together.
🎶 Gospel Meets Symphony 2026 @ E.J. Thomas Hall at the University | Saturday (2/7) at 7:30 PM – Trade your playlist for Akron’s favorite mashup, the Akron Symphony with the GMS Choir in a soul-stirring blend of gospel and orchestral power. Three decades strong, it’s goosebumps, community, and zero dull moments. Tickets won’t break the bank, $7 kids, $20 adults.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Akron report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 22°F – Low: 13°F – Precip: 7%
Partly sunny, with a high near 22. Southwest wind 1 to 5 mph. Later: A chance of snow showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Southwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 31°F – Low: 2°F – Precip: 98%
Snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 31. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Later: Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
This house is wild
A refined Colonial where timeless architecture meets a complete reinvention. The kitchen pairs crisp white cabinetry with quartz countertops, stainless appliances, matte black hardware, and open shelving. A redesigned half bath connects to a custom mudroom that doubles as a sitting area or workspace, linking to the attached two-car garage. Wide-plank floors frame a stone fireplace with an electric insert.
Upstairs features three bedrooms, including a primary suite with a spa-inspired tile bath and dual closets. The finished basement adds plush carpeting, a brick fireplace with an electric insert, and a bar with wine storage, plus new windows and HVAC.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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