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Hello Akron! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: LeBron’s school-supply giveaway, GeekFest, and a princess concert + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Akron help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
School prep with perks: LeBron’s foundation will hold the Better Together Book Bag Giveaway on Thursday, August 6, noon to 6 p.m. at House Three Thirty, with free supplies, health checks, and laptop drawings -- see what families can get.
Expanded animal care options: Peace Love Pawz in Summit County has launched an exotic pet veterinary service, bringing specialized care for reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals to Akron, plus husbandry education for owners -- see the exotic pet service.
Making the most of it: Akron’s Zips posted one of the best seasons in program history in 2025-26 despite the MAC’s lowest athletics budget, spotlighting how far resourcefulness and spending choices can carry the program -- check the Zips' season.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Akron roots, up close: Simon Perkins Stone Mansion delivers a compact hit of Akron history this week. Wander an 1837 Greek Revival home built by the founder’s son, see rooms staged with artifacts from three generations, and trace the John Brown partnership on Mutton Hill, all in one very photogenic lesson.
Secondhand scores await: Whether you’re chasing vintage looks, solid modern brands, or that just-right toaster, My Consignment Store keeps the racks and shelves turning with a mix of clothing, household appliances and small electronics. Pop in this week, poke around, and let the bargain gods treat your closet and home.
Craving cat cuddles: Whimsical Whiskers CatFae & Rescue is a rescue-first, calm hangout where you can sip Pearl Coffee Co.’s “Diana,” try a smeowthie or kit-tea, and help shy cats blossom into adoptable sweethearts, since every visit supports their care and rehabilitation right here in Green.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🌱 Kids in the Garden @ Summit Lake Nature Center | Thursday (8/6) at 3:30 PM – First Thursdays at Summit Lake Nature Center mean tiny gardeners, big smiles, and dirt proudly worn like badges. Kids plant, seed, harvest, craft, and snack, you breathe, supervise as needed, and pretend you planned this wholesome chaos. All ages welcome, drop-in friendly.
💃 Inlet Dance Theatre @ Firestone Park | Friday (8/7) at 8:45 PM – Akron’s summer dance ritual is landing at Firestone Park, with Inlet Dance Theatre headlining the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival. It’s free, family friendly, and lawn chair required. Pack a picnic, let the kids loosen up at the pre-show, then savor top-tier moves.
🤓 GeekFest @ Akron-Summit County Public Library | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Whether you still quote Star Wars or just learned what manga is, GeekFest is a free, all-ages romp at Main Library with panels, vendors, games, a cosplay contest, and an art showdown. Free weekend parking in the High St. parking deck, so no excuses.
🐾 Adoption Event @ Tractor Supply Co. | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Chapel Hill Tractor Supply is hosting a furry meet-and-greet with adoptable charmers, think window shopping you can pet, and zero impulse buys. If you’ve got your eye on a particular fluffball, coordinate with their foster, and remember adoptions require pre-approval, not on-the-spot.
🧺 Middlebury Neighborhood Picnic @ Jewett City Park | Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 PM – Middlebury’s neighborhood picnic is back, serving free eats while they last, music, and low-stakes bragging rights at the game stations in Jewett Park. Kids dive into a foam pit, grown-ups trade stories, and everyone pretends the raffle isn’t the real reason we showed up.
🍖 Visitation of Mary Annual BBQ @ Visitation of Mary Church | Sunday (8/9) at 12:00 PM – Craving that classic church-picnic vibe? The Visitation of Mary crew fires up an annual BBQ with comfort food, neighborly laughter, and a playlist that knew your prom theme, your first road trip, and your knees before they started creaking. Simple, warm, and proudly sauce-stained.
👑 The Princess Concert @ Akron Civic Theatre | Sunday (8/9) at 3:30 PM – Akron Civic downtown hosts a Princess Concert with West End voices, aerials, dancers, and songs from Frozen, Wicked, Moana, Taylor Swift, and more. Peak summer recess move, heavy on goosebumps and nostalgia, light on glitter cleanup, and you look like a hero.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Akron report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 42%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 0 to 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 88°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 52%
A slight chance of rain showers before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis fully renovated ranch sits beside Cuyahoga Valley National Park with front-row meadow and red barn views. Inside, light wood floors, an airy open layout, and a wood-burning fireplace set the tone, while the sleek kitchen, oversized breakfast bar, and new Trex deck bring the wow factor. The walkout lower level adds bright bonus space, office room, and storage.
Take a peek inside → |
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