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🗞️Cats are taking over the city

🗞️Cats are taking over the city

January 17, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

This is Akron Digest, the newsletter that is as satisfying as a perfectly brewed cup of coffee on a crisp Ohio morning.

In this week’s issue:

Joann Fabrics is in trouble…again
Cats takeover Akron
Lots and lots of music options

…and a bunch more.

Let’s get to it.

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Blimp Sweepstakes Update

Last week we covered Goodyear’s sweepstakes to celebrate 100 years of the Goodyear Blimp. They’re giving away Blimp rides to 3 lucky winners. A couple of readers pointed out that Goodyear’s online entry form was not working properly. We talked with Goodyear’s marketing department, and it is now fixed. If you weren’t able to enter the sweepstakes, you can do so now on their website.

The Digest

Joann Files for Second Bankruptcy

Joann, the 82-year-old fabric and craft retailer headquartered in Hudson, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy again, less than a year after its first filing in March 2024. The company cited ongoing financial struggles, inventory shortages, and tough retail conditions as key reasons.

Joann plans to sell most of its assets, with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners as the initial bidder, while continuing to accept competing offers. Stores and the website remain operational, but at least eight locations across six states will close this month. The once-public company went private again in 2024 under Leonard Green & Partners. Joann's future now hinges on finding a buyer to keep the brand alive.

Akron Secures $1.2M for STEMM Scholarships 🏫

The University of Akron received $1.2 million from Ohio's Choose Ohio First program to provide scholarships for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical (STEMM) degrees. The program, designed to boost diversity in STEMM fields, supports both undergraduate and graduate students with funding and resources.

Recipients also gain access to a Summer Bridge Program offering credit courses, tutoring, and mentorship to ease their transition into college. University officials emphasized the program's role in preparing students for success while bolstering Ohio's STEMM workforce. Students can apply for scholarships after being admitted to the university.

Akron’s Polymer Power Play Gets $3M Boost

Akron is reinforcing its status as the "Rubber Capital of the World" with a $3 million federal grant aimed at building a robust workforce pipeline for its polymer industry. The funding, announced by U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, comes from the CHIPS and Science Act and will be matched by $3 million in local investments.

The grant will support the Greater Akron Chamber’s Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Excellence workforce training program. Designed in collaboration with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations, the initiative will create career pathways in polymer science and manufacturing. The program aligns with the region’s designation as the U.S. Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, advancing both its legacy and its future in polymer innovation.

What Akron Wants to Spend Your Tax Dollars On in 2025 💵

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik rolled out his proposed $368 million capital budget for 2025 last week, spotlighting major investments in infrastructure, housing, parks, and the economy. Notably, 75% of the funding comes from state and federal sources, while local dollars make up 23%. The proposal also limits general obligation (GO) debt to under $12 million for the second consecutive year, reflecting fiscal restraint.

Key highlights include:

Infrastructure upgrades: 48 miles of road resurfacing and demolishing long-blighted sites like Firestone Plant #1 and Rankin Elementary.
Community investments: Four gaming/e-sports rooms in community centers and 10 affordable housing units in the Summit Lake neighborhood.
Public health: The final 1,700 lead service lines will be replaced by year’s end, making Akron lead-pipe-free.
Economic development: A city match to boost the Polymer Industry Cluster, leveraging $100M in public and private funding for growth.

The budget reflects feedback from ward meetings, where residents prioritized housing, transportation, public safety, and recreation. Public input continues with a hearing on Jan. 27, and City Council has until Feb. 15 to approve the budget. Other methods of providing feedback can be on the city’s press release.

What’s Happening?

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

Purr-fect Weekend Plans: Akron’s Cat Show Extravaganza 🐾

Cat lovers, rejoice! This weekend, the John S. Knight Center is hosting a full-scale feline extravaganza with up to 35 breeds competing for Best in Show across four judging rings. Whether you're here to see elegant Maine Coons, playful Bengals, or meet Smudge the Mustache Cat, there’s something for everyone.

Highlights include a cat costume contest, free coloring books for kids, and a "Meow Mall" packed with cat-themed and non-cat-related items for the pet-obsessed. Admission starts at $15 for adults, with free parking available.

Judging and events run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Even if you’re not a hardcore cat enthusiast, this family-friendly event promises an engaging (and adorable) weekend. Info Here

Jazz Meets Symphony 🎶

Celebrate 100 years of Rhapsody in Blue with a show-stopping performance at E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday. Local jazz phenom Theron Brown will take the stage alongside members of the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir and the Akron Symphony Orchestra to bring Gershwin's iconic masterpiece to life.

It’s a once-in-a-century celebration blending jazz, gospel, and symphonic brilliance into one unforgettable evening. Don’t miss the chance to experience this legendary piece in a way you’ve never heard before. ✨🎹 Tickets and Info

Steel Drum Sunday 🎶

The sweet sounds of Trinidad are coming to the Akron Civic Theatre this Sunday as the University of Akron Steel Drum Band takes the stage at 2:30 PM. Founded in 1980 by Dr. Larry Snider, this nationally renowned ensemble is one of the oldest collegiate steel drum bands in the U.S.

Featuring over 20 percussion majors and steel drums crafted by master tuner Cliff Alexis, the group is dedicated to sharing the rich history and vibrant rhythms of pan music. From humble beginnings to drawing crowds of over 2,000, this Akron staple promises an afternoon of energy, culture, and unforgettable tunes. 🥁✨ Tickets Here

Wine, Paint & Alpacas 🖌️🍷

Get ready to sip, paint, and channel your inner artist at Wine & Paint Night tonight from 6–9 PM. This evening features an instructor-led session to create an alpaca-themed masterpiece—no experience required!

Your ticket includes one drink, appetizers, and all painting materials, plus the chance to watch a special animal ambassador create their own artistic masterpiece, which will be raffled off at the end of the night. Grab your brushes and let your creativity run wild! 🎨✨Info Here

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

Sing Sing
Divine G, imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose through acting in a theatre group with fellow incarcerated men. A moving story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art.
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Showtimes
Mulholland Drive
Betty Elms arrives in Hollywood chasing stardom but finds herself entangled in a mystery with a brunette suffering from amnesia. Meanwhile, a filmmaker faces ominous challenges in his latest project. A surreal classic by David Lynch.
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Showtimes
Soundtrack to a Coup d'État
In 1960, a political earthquake shakes the United Nations as the Global South asserts itself. Musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach disrupt the Security Council, Nikita Khrushchev infamously bangs his shoe in protest, and the U.S. sends jazz ambassador Louis Armstrong to the Congo in an effort to distract from its first African post-colonial coup.
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails are back in their most action-packed adventure yet, facing off against the mysterious Shadow, whose powers push them to their limits. Expect big laughs, high stakes, and surprising alliances in this family-friendly thrill ride.
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Showtimes

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Live Music Breakdown

Here is a summary of live music happening all around Akron this weekend:

Weather

Today

35 🌡️ 25 | ⛅️ | 4% 🌨️

Saturday

37 🌡️ 17 | 🌨️ | 87% 🌧️

Sunday

23 🌡️ -2 | ☁️ | 25% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!