Akron Digest
July 25, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

It’s been a tough week for anyone who ever ripped a guitar solo on a broomstick or tore their shirt off trying to body slam a sibling onto the couch.

We lost Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan - two icons who defined what it meant to be larger than life in the '80s and '90s. Whether you were headbanging to Crazy Train or yelling “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!” at recess, this one hits deep.

But if their lives taught us anything, it’s how to show up loud, proud, and unapologetically ourselves.

Let’s dive into this week’s issue.

Editors note: We’ve given our newsletter a refresh this week both in style and in content - including even more events. Tell us what you think! You can reply to this email and let us know how you’re enjoying it - and what else we can include to make it better!

🗞️ The Digest

Gravity-Powered Glory 🏁

The 86th All-American Soap Box Derby wrapped up this weekend, bringing thousands to Akron and racers from 5 countries and 39 states. Six champions were crowned across divisions, and the crowd brought the energy under perfect skies.
📸 See the photos and winners →

UA Tackles Sticky Art Problem 🧪 

The University of Akron’s polymer science team has developed a plant-based, reversible adhesive for art conservation—designed to safely hold together fragile historic works without using the toxic solvents common today. Early testing shows it could be used by museums worldwide to preserve paintings, artifacts, and paper works more sustainably.
🔬 More on the discovery 

Paddle the Park 🚣

Cuyahoga Valley Adventures just became the first authorized kayak and raft rental operator inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park. While paddling your own boat has always been an option, no commercial outfitter had been officially approved—until now. The company plans to offer guided and self-guided trips starting at Lock 29 in Peninsula, making river access easier than ever.
🛶 Check their website for info

🔥 Top 5 Events This Week

Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:

📌 Everything Else Worth Knowing

Some bonus picks from us:

🎬️🎥 Akron Weekend Movie Action

Nightlight Theatre

• Eddington
  “In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.”

  Rotten Tomatoes: 67%

  Showtimes

• Sorry, Baby
  “Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least.”

  Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

  Showtimes

Highland Theatre

• Fantastic Four: First Steps
  “Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.” (IMDB)

  Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

  Showtimes

Weather

Today

85 🌡️ 69 | 🌦️ | 80% 🌧️

Saturday

85 🌡️ 72 | 🌦️ | 88% 🌧️

Sunday

83 🌡️ 69 | ⛅️ | 40% 🌧️

Thanks!

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Talk to you next Friday!