Akron Digest
November 7, 2025
Good Morning, Akron!
As we roll into November like an overstuffed shopping cart, our thoughts turn to turkey, family arguments, and that sweet, sweet tryptophan nap. But before you start thawing your bird, let's take a moment to appreciate Akron's bizarre contribution to Thanksgiving tradition.
Back in the 1930s, our very own Goodyear decided that what Macy's Thanksgiving Parade really needed was... whatever nightmare fuel is pictured below. Before the Snoopy and SpongeBob balloons we know today, there was this unsettling Pinocchio monstrosity floating above New York City, probably causing nightmares for children across the country.
Try to get that photo out of your head.
Let’s dive into this week’s issue.
🗞 The Digest
Summit County Votes on Property Taxes 💵🏠
Summit County voters have overwhelmingly approved Issue 2, with a whopping 80% voting "yes" to modify how one small portion of property taxes works. The charter amendment caps the county's unvoted property tax collection growth at 3% annually, even when home values increase more dramatically.
What it means: The county's 2.2-mill tax (about 3% of your total property tax bill) will now be a "charter millage" instead of an "inside millage." Translation? When your home value jumps 20%, your county tax portion won't follow suit.
The fine print: The vast majority of your property taxes—coming from schools, cities, townships, and other voted levies—remain completely untouched by this measure. County officials framed it as "responsible tax reform," but for most homeowners, the actual savings will be minimal to negligible compared to your total tax bill.
Akron Organizations Step Up as SNAP Safety Net Collapses 🍽
While Congress plays chicken with the federal budget, Summit County residents are facing an empty-refrigerator situation. The USDA has confirmed what many feared: SNAP benefits (aka food stamps) have completely vanished for November, leaving 77,000 local residents without their monthly grocery lifeline—that's roughly $15 million in food purchasing power that just disappeared.
The cavalry is arriving: Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council quickly approved a $250,000 emergency grant to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. Cuyahoga Falls City Council followed suit with their own $51,114 contribution (that's $1 per resident, for those keeping score at home). Meanwhile, Governor DeWine has directed $887,337 of state funds to the regional foodbanks—part of a larger $7 million statewide emergency allocation.
Creative solutions abound: METRO bus system is offering free rides to food assistance locations if you flash your EBT card. Swensons Drive-In is serving up free kids' meals through November 12 with no purchase necessary. The Foodbank has extended hours and added Saturday distributions on November 8, 15, and 22.
But is it enough? As Dan Flowers, the Foodbank's CEO, bluntly puts it: "In my 30 years working in food banking, this has never happened before." Food banks nationwide provide just a fraction of what SNAP delivers—last year SNAP provided 9 times more meals than all U.S. food banks combined.
What's next: The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is ramping up operations—extending hours, adding distribution sites, and purchasing additional truckloads of food. But with officials warning "the well has run dry," this stop-gap approach faces unprecedented pressure as the shutdown drags on.
🔥 Top 5 Events This Week
Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:
Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience 🔮
Saturday, November 8 | 7:30PM | Akron Civic Theatre
The renowned medium and star of "Long Island Medium" brings her special talents to Akron for an unforgettable evening. Through personal stories and her unique gift, Theresa delivers healing messages and comfort to audience members by connecting with their loved ones who have passed.
VIP packages include premium seating, a pre-show photo opportunity with Theresa, and a commemorative keepsake. Whether you're a longtime fan or just curious about the experience, this awe-inspiring event promises both emotional moments and unexpected revelations.
Lisa Loeb & Joan Osborne: Live in Concert 🎵
Saturday, November 8 | 7:30PM | E.J. Thomas Hall
Two iconic voices of the '90s unite for a special evening marking the 30th anniversaries of their breakthrough albums—Loeb's "Tails" and Osborne's "Relish." Experience the songs that defined a generation alongside new music and career favorites from these remarkable singer-songwriters.
This rare collaboration brings together two artists whose heartfelt storytelling and unmistakable vocals continue to resonate with fans both new and old. Don't miss this chance to hear these timeless voices in the perfect acoustic setting of E.J. Thomas Hall.
Akron Comicon: Heroes Assemble! 🦸♀️
Saturday & Sunday, November 8-9 | Emidio's Expo Center, Cuyahoga Falls
Calling all comic enthusiasts and pop culture fans! Akron Comicon returns for its 13th year with a jam-packed weekend celebrating mainstream and indie comics past, present, and future. Browse through vendor booths, meet talented artists and creators, and don't miss the cosplay contest on Saturday evening.
Tickets range from $15 for a one-day pass to $25 for the full weekend, with discounted options for children. One child 10 and under gets in FREE with each paid adult admission, making this the perfect family-friendly weekend adventure!
Brian Culbertson: Day Trip Tour 🎷
Sunday, November 9 | 7:30PM | Akron Civic Theatre
Grammy-nominated keyboardist, songwriter, and producer Brian Culbertson brings his "Day Trip Tour" to the Civic! With 29 albums and 40 Billboard #1 singles under his belt, Culbertson promises an eclectic blend of jazz, funk, and R&B that will have you grooving in your seat.
VIP packages include premium reserved seating, a photo opportunity with Brian, a special pre-show performance, and exclusive memorabilia. Don't miss this chance to see one of contemporary jazz's most accomplished and dynamic performers at the peak of his powers!
Holiday Mart Show: Shopping Extravaganza! 🎁
Saturday & Sunday, November 8-9 | Summit County Fairgrounds, Tallmadge
The 51st Annual Holiday Mart transforms the Summit County Fairgrounds into a winter wonderland featuring over 230 vendors offering handcrafted items, unique gifts, and delicious treats. Early birds can catch special shopping hours Saturday 8-10AM for just $10, while regular admission is only $5 (children 10 & under free).
Started in 1974 by Weaver School and Workshop, this beloved tradition now benefits the Summit County Agricultural Society. Bring your holiday shopping list and support local artisans while getting a head start on your seasonal gift-giving!
📌 Everything Else Worth Knowing
Some bonus picks from us:
🎶 Music & Live Performances
Creedence: The Tribute
Saturday, November 8 | 7:30PM | The Knight Stage at Akron Civic
Experience the authentic sounds of Creedence Clearwater Revival with this acclaimed tribute band.
More info →
Blackberry Smoke: Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour
Saturday, November 8 | 8PM | Goodyear Theater
The Atlanta-based southern rock band brings their signature sound and high-energy performance to Akron.
More info →
Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers
Saturday, November 8 | 8PM | MGM Northfield Park
A night of music and stories from this unexpected musical collaboration.
More info →
🍺 Food and Drink
Hoppin’ Frog - Grover Dill’s Feisty Pickle Beer Release
Saturday, November 8 | Hoppin’ Frog Brewery
The Akron Brewery releases a briny brew inspired by A Christmas Story.
More info →
Constance Fromagerie & Cafe - Grand Opening
Saturday, November 8 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | The Nightlight
Check out the grand opening of Fairlawn’s newest European-inspired café.
More info →
📸 #SeenInAkron
Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival
🎬🎥 Akron Weekend Movie Action
Nightlight Theatre
It Was Just An Accident
“Vahid, an Azerbaijani auto mechanic, was once imprisoned by Iranian authorities. During his sentence, he was interrogated blindfolded. One day, a man named Eghbal enters his workshop. His prosthetic leg creaks, and Vahid thinks he recognizes one of his former torturers.”Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Bugonia
“Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.”Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
“With her life crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child's mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Highland Theatre
Predator: Badlands
“A young Predator outcast from his clan finds an unlikely ally on his journey in search of the ultimate adversary.” (IMDB)Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Weather
Today
57 🌡️ 40 | 🌧 | 91% 🌧️
Saturday
52 🌡️ 41 | ☀ | 25% 🌧️
Sunday
49 🌡️ 28 | 🌧 | 84% 🌧️
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Talk to you next Friday!