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🗞️ Runaway Goat

🗞️ Runaway Goat

March 28, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

Our city has a knack for popping up in the national spotlight—and not always in the ways you'd expect. This time, we made The Late Show with Stephen Colbert thanks to a runaway goat on Route 8. Yes, really.

The clip shows Akron police chasing the nimble fugitive across the highway via body cam footage, but the real showstopper was Colbert’s commentary:

"Clearly the goat was going to take Tallmadge West, then hang a right on East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue, then another right on Elma to get to El Malecon Mexican Grill. I mean, chimichangas for ten bucks—she’s a goat, she’s not an idiot."

Akron, never change.

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The Digest

Layoff Shock at FirstEnergy ⚡

Akron-based FirstEnergy is laying off 350 employees in a major workforce reduction. The layoffs are part of a broader effort to reduce costs, as the company restructures following legal troubles and financial strain from the House Bill 6 scandal. Affected employees were told this week. For hundreds of Summit County workers, the news lands hard. It's a jolting reminder of how even major employers can have shaky ground.

Electric Shock Incoming 🔌

Starting in May, Akron residents can expect a serious jolt to their monthly electric bills. The city just inked a 13-month agreement with Dynegy—formerly Energy Harbor—with a fixed rate of 9.24 cents/kWh, nearly double the old rate of 4.97 cents. Translation? The average household could see their monthly bill spike by about $40.

The hike is attributed to broader market increases from energy suppliers. Current aggregation customers will be automatically enrolled with Dynegy unless they opt out via a mailed letter or online. If you’re not already in the program, you can still join—or choose another supplier on the open market. No penalties for switching out later.

Compared to nearby cities, Akron’s rate is mid-pack:

Tallmadge: 8.60¢/kWh
Green: 9.69¢/kWh
Youngstown: 7.99¢/kWh

Want to soften the blow? The city suggests energy-saving moves like sealing drafts, switching to LEDs, and using a programmable thermostat. Even unplugging unused electronics can make a dent. Every kilowatt counts.

Bicentennial Blast from the Past 🏛️

The Akron History Center is officially opening its doors on Saturday, April 5, and it’s more than just a walk down memory lane—it’s a full-blown celebration of Akron’s 200 years. Located at 172 South Main Street, the museum will debut with a public opening from 1:00–5:00 PM, following a private ceremony. Housed in one of the restored Bowery buildings, the Center features more than 60 exhibits, over 100 artifacts, and 30+ video screens telling Akron’s story in vivid detail.

It’s the result of a $2.2 million effort led by Akron History Center Inc. in partnership with the Akron-Summit County Public Library and Summit County Historical Society. With free admission and rotating exhibits, it’s designed to grow and evolve—because history never stands still. In other words: Akron just gave itself the ultimate birthday gift.

What’s Happening

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

All-Day Akron Bash 🎉

House Three Thirty is throwing an all-day celebration Saturday, and it's shaping up to be the ultimate community party. Dubbed “330 Day,” this jam-packed event marks the venue’s 2-year anniversary and brings together the best of Akron—music, art, family fun, and food—all under one roof at 532 West Market Street.

Expect everything from a meditative sound bath to stilt walkers, roaming magicians, henna art, face painting, and dance performances. Live sets include Counting Butterflies, QRB, and The Teddy Rob Show, capped off with music trivia and a Guardians game screening. There’s even a Paint & Sip session and permanent jewelry if you’re feeling extra. Whether you're into mindfulness or magic, House Three Thirty is offering something for every vibe, every age, and every Akronite. Tickets are Free! Schedule and Info Here

Books, Booze & Bibliophiles 📚🍷

The 39th Annual Akron Antiquarian Book and Paper Show is setting up shop at the Knight Center this weekend, and it's more than just books—it's a whole vibe. There’s a Friday night preview from 5–8 PM with drinks, entertainment, and first dibs on the rare finds. Then on Saturday, from 10 AM–4 PM, the full fair opens to the public, offering everything from vintage maps to nostalgic ephemera. It’s $5 at the door unless you're a NOBS (Northern Ohio Bibliophilic Society) member or preview ticket holder. A perfect weekend destination for collectors, readers, or anyone who loves the smell of old paper. Info Here

Close Encounters (Live!) 👽

Fans of the History Channel's “Ancient Aliens,” this one's for you. The show’s crew is coming to Akron Civic Theatre for Ancient Aliens LIVE on Saturday at 7:30 PM. Expect deep dives into extraterrestrial theories, on-stage storytelling, and fan-favorite personalities like Giorgio A. Tsoukalos with the hair to prove it. Whether you're a true believer or just in it for the spectacle, it's sure to be a thought-provoking—and entertaining—evening. Info and Tickets Here

Clarinet & Co. 🎼

The Akron Symphony is dusting off the classics with a performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto at E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday at 7:30 PM. Expect a night of rich harmonies, impressive solos, and orchestral finesse as they deliver one of Mozart’s most iconic late works. If you're not usually a classical buff, this is a great entry point—accessible, beautiful, and a chance to feel cultured while staying local. Info Here: Info and Tickets Here

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

The Penguin Lessons
In 1976, as Argentina descends into violence and chaos, a world-weary English teacher regains his compassion for others thanks to an unlikely friendship with a penguin.
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

Snow White
"Disney's Snow White," a live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film, opens exclusively in theaters March 21, 2025. Starring Rachel Zegler ("West Side Story") in the title role and Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman") as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen, the magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 46%
Showtimes

Live Music Breakdown

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

Friday

Saturday

Weather

Today

66 🌡️ 56 | 🌧️ | 73% 🌨️

Saturday

76 🌡️ 58 | 🌧️ | 84% 🌧️

Sunday

68 🌡️ 56 | ☁️ | 25% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!