If smoother roads and more trails were on your 2026 wish list, you’re in luck. The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) kicked off the year by approving nearly $29 million in funding for 21 transportation projects across Summit, Portage, and northeastern Wayne counties. After reviewing 71 applications last fall, Read more
With Valentine’s Day coming up, it turns out what counts most isn’t just how loved you feel, it’s how much love you show others. A new study co-authored by Dr. Juan Xi, a sociology professor at the University of Akron, analyzed responses from nearly 40,000 adults across the United States. Read more
Eight people have pleaded guilty in connection with a human trafficking ring operating out of two massage parlors in Warren. Investigators say the group forced women to live inside the businesses, Tiger Spa and Sunny Spa, and perform sex acts for money. The case stems from a 2023 crackdown known Read more
New national data from the White House shows violent crime declined sharply in many of the country’s largest cities in 2025. According to the report, murders were down 19% nationwide compared to the previous year, robberies fell 20%, and aggravated assaults dropped nearly 10%. In Columbus, local law enforcement has Read more
The Akron RubberDucks are bringing back their popular reading program, Quack Open a Book and Read. Students who read four books between now and April 2 will earn a free ticket to a RubberDucks home game in April. Participants will also be recognized during their game with a special pre-game Read more
Following the announcement that Lourdes University will close, Walsh University is offering automatic acceptance and a seamless transfer pathway for students in good academic standing. As a fellow Catholic institution, Walsh says it’s committed to helping Lourdes students continue their education with minimal disruption. The university will match financial aid Read more
Ohio lawmakers are debating whether high school athletes should be allowed to make money from their name, image, and likeness. A new bill would roll back rules approved last fall by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Supporters say NIL deals could hurt students’ mental health and create unfair recruiting, Read more
Wadsworth State Representative Sharon Ray is working to modernize Ohio’s guardianship laws, saying the current system needs clearer rules and stronger accountability. Ray recently presented House Bill 491 to the Ohio House Judiciary Committee. The proposal would update how guardians are defined, spell out their responsibilities more clearly, and add Read more
The newly formed Stark County Human Trafficking Task Force has made its first arrests following an undercover operation targeting individuals who allegedly believed they were communicating with minors online. Stark County Sheriff Eric Weisburn said two suspects were taken into custody after arriving at predetermined locations expecting to meet minors Read more
Ever wake up after what should have been a solid night of sleep…and still feel exhausted? Experts say it may not be about how long you’re sleeping, but what’s happening while you’re asleep. According to sleep psychologist Alicia Roth with Cleveland Clinic, one of the most common issues sleep centers Read more
