The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest sporting event in soccer history. Having said that, over 62% of all 48 teams have players of African descent. This is nothing new, yet its being observed on a scale unlike ever before. Good job, FIFA organizers, leaders, and teams. After the FIFA World Cup crowns its champion, perhaps we can resume with why Africa is the only continent that has not hosted any Summer Olympic Games ever! With 48 nations, 104 matches, and 1,248 players repr

As we prepare for another exciting weekend of events in Downtown Akron and at Lock 3, we are introducing a few updated event guidelines for July 4, 2026, to help create a welcoming, and family-friendly environment for everyone. Our goal is to ensure guests can focus on enjoying the music, food, entertainment, and time together while helping our staff and public safety partners provide a positive event experience. The following guidelines will be in effect during July 4, 2026:

Last week, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik announced the City would extend hours at Summit Lake Community Center (380 W. Crosier St.) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week to provide a cooling center for residents in need. Today, the city has extended the cooling center to include Friday, July 3 as well. Summit Lake Community Center will be open from 9:00am-9:00pm through Friday. All other City of Akron community centers  will be open during their normal business hours tod

This evening, Transport Workers Union Local 1 voted to authorize a strike. The union represents Metro RTA’s bus operators, vehicle service workers and clerical workers. Mayor Malik has issued the following statement: “Since the issuance of the fact-finder’s report, with Metro voting to approve, and the union’s subsequent no vote, I have continued to strongly encourage both Metro RTA and TWU Local 1 to return to the negotiating table immediately and continue in good faith to r

Album of the Year AM I THE DRAMA? — Cardi B DON’T TAP THE GLASS — Tyler, the Creator everything is a lot. — Wale HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY — Mariah the Scientist WINNER: Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse MUTT Deluxe: HEEL — Leon Thomas The Fall-Off — J. Cole The Romantic — Bruno Mars Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Ari Lennox Coco Jones Ella Mai Jill Scott WINNER: Kehlani Mariah the Scientist Olivia Dean SZA Tems Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Brent Faiyaz Bruno Mars Bryson Tiller Chris Brown D

*Industry leaders increasingly believe AI-powered wearables could eventually challenge the smartphone’s dominant role in consumer technology. Several technology executives, including leaders at Apple, have suggested that smartphones may no longer serve as consumers’ primary devices within the next decade, Fortune reports. Their outlook reflects rapid advances in artificial intelligence and growing interest in devices designed to anticipate user needs. Many technology companie

*More than 15 years after his death, Michael Jackson is still breaking records. “Michael,” the blockbuster biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, has officially become the highest-grossing biographical film of all time, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s Academy Award-winning “Oppenheimer” at the worldwide box office. The film has earned roughly $977 million globally and continues its theatrical run, putting the once-unthinkable $1 billion

Throughout Akron's history, few individuals have left as lasting an impact on the community as Gerald Carter. A tireless advocate, organizer, and visionary, Carter dedicated much of his life to bringing people together through culture, education, media, and celebration. Today, his legacy continues to be felt throughout the city, especially during the annual Juneteenth festivities that he helped transform into one of Akron's most anticipated community celebrations. Long before

Starting today, the City of Akron will provide meals to all eligible youth (18 years of age or younger) and summer day camp program participants that meet the income guidelines for reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. The meals will be prepared by Akron Public Schools and passed out a variety of community centers and other city locations. The program runs Monday-Friday from June 8 – July 31 excluding Fri. June 19 and Fri. July 3. Learn more here: https://

Perkins Woods and Reservoir Park pools are officially open! Enjoy these community pools Monday–Friday from 1-7pm and on Saturdays from 12-5pm. A free Open Swim Membership is required. Sign up here: https://akron.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=21