🎤 Hip-hop headwaters

Good morning, Summit County. Hip-hop royalty is heading to Akron as legendary MC KRS-One prepares to bring his conscious rhymes and street wisdom to Lock 3 Park on July 26. "The Teacha" — whose influential career spans from Boogie Down Productions to his recent 17th solo album — will be joined by DJ Cash Money and local favorites, offering a rare chance to witness one of rap's founding philosophers in action for just $25.

While music fans mark their calendars, Peninsula residents face a different kind of flow problem with failing septic systems threatening the Cuyahoga River with E. coli contamination. County officials are working to secure the final $5 million needed for a $10 million sewer system overhaul. Meanwhile, keep those umbrellas handy as severe storms with 60 mph winds roll through today, though the weather outlook brightens considerably for Independence Day celebrations with sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Akron

66°

81°

Cuyahoga Falls

66°

81°

Stow

65°

80°

Barberton

65°

80°

Green

67°

79°

Hudson

66°

81°

Tallmadge

66°

80°

Macedonia

66°

81°

Twinsburg

66°

81°

Norton

65°

80°

Munroe Falls

65°

80°

Fairlawn

66°

81°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎤 Hip-hop legend KRS-One is bringing his iconic rhymes to Akron. The influential rapper will perform at Lock 3 Park on July 26, with DJ Cash Money, rapper Marvelous, and Cleveland's Red Rose Panic opening the show. Known as "The Teacha," KRS-One earned his reputation as half of Boogie Down Productions, delivering street-level grit and community-minded lyrics through classics like "South Bronx" and "Sound of da Police." Tickets start at $25 for fans eager to see the veteran MC who recently released his 17th solo album, "The Temple Of Hip Hop Global Awareness."

🚽 Peninsula's septic crisis threatens Cuyahoga River with E. coli contamination. Summit County officials are seeking $5 million in federal funding to complete a $10 million sewer system project for the small village of 600 residents. The county has already allocated $7.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and secured a $500,000 H2Ohio grant. Officials aim to break ground in 2026 and complete the project without residents bearing any costs, as EPA fines could potentially bankrupt the community. The project would replace failing septic systems with Peninsula's first wastewater treatment plant in 40-50 years.

🌩️ Severe storms threaten Akron with 60 mph winds today. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected Monday afternoon and evening, bringing potential flooding from heavy rainfall. The storms will clear in time for Independence Day, with Friday's forecast showing sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s. The weekend looks promising with Saturday reaching near 90 degrees, though Sunday brings a chance of showers. Tuesday and Thursday also carry storm possibilities in an otherwise partly sunny holiday week.

Spacious Northfield gem with upgrades: Priced at $200,000, this Northfield home features a spacious corner lot, fenced yard with patios, new roof and siding, updated kitchen, three bedrooms, and recent upgrades to the furnace, water tank, and windows.

Cozy Colonial with bonus spaces: This charming $120,000 Colonial offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a blend of cozy features including a screened porch, three-season room, and remodeled bathroom, with all kitchen appliances and laundry included.

Updated condo in serene location: Priced at $258,000, this updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo offers fresh paint, new flooring, modern kitchen countertops, and improved air quality systems, all within a serene neighborhood close to parks and shopping centers.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📚 Jul. 01 - Half Day Tuesday Afternoon: Spend your Tuesday afternoon bouncing and climbing at Super Ninja World's One Full Day event! Kids can unleash their inner ninja from 12:30-4:00 PM on July 1 at 69 Graham Rd, Cuyahoga Falls.

🎵 Jul. 1 - Music by the Lake: Sway to sweet melodies at Music by the Lake on July 1 at Munroe Falls Metro Park! The Metro Parks Ensemble performs lakeside, courtesy of Wayside Furniture. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic if desired.

🎵 Jul. 2 - Blossom Salute to America: Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic symphony under the stars! The Blossom Music Festival's "Salute to America" brings stirring melodies to Cuyahoga Falls on July 2 at the beautiful Blossom Music Center.

📅 Jul. 2 - One Full Day Wednesday: Bounce into summer fun at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Wednesday on July 2! Kids can flip, jump, and play all day at their new location on Graham Road in Cuyahoga Falls.

📅 Jul. 03 - Thursday Half Day Afternoon: Bounce into summer fun at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Thursday! Kids can flip, climb, and play at 69 Graham Rd in Cuyahoga Falls on July 3, from 12:30-4:00 PM.

🚀 Jul. 4 - Akronauts at Lock 3: Blast off with the Akronauts at Lock 3 Park this Independence Day! Catch this exciting performance on July 4th at 3:00 PM in downtown Akron for a stellar addition to your holiday celebrations.

🎵 Jul. 4 - Umojah Nation Festival: Groove to the reggae rhythms of Umojah Nation at Soul Of The City Festival this July 4th! Catch their vibrant performance at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron for a perfect Independence Day celebration.

🎉 Jul. 5 - Akron Bicentennial Parade: Step into Akron's history at the Goodyear Bicentennial Downtown Parade! Join the celebration on July 5 at Lock 3 Park as the community honors 200 years of Akron's vibrant heritage.

🙏 In Remembrance

Nancy Ann Covey

Nancy Ann Covey, born in 1944 in Louisville, KY, passed away on June 28, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. She worked as a secretary before becoming a homemaker who deeply cherished her three children and considered her family her greatest achievement. A 1963 graduate of Phoenixville Area High School with further education at Levitan Business School, Nancy loved outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and participating in the Summit County Metroparks "Hiking Spree." She is preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, sister, and others, and her visitation and funeral service will be held on July 3, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Akron.

Michael Shaw Baker

Michael Baker, a 69-year-old poet and teacher from Akron, Ohio, passed away on June 25, 2025. He was highly educated, attending several institutions including the University of Akron and Kent State University, though he chose not to complete his dissertation for his PhD. Michael is survived by his brothers Chris and Tom, and his son Martin, while being preceded in death by his sisters Mollie and Carrie, his brother Matthew, and his parents. He will be remembered for his extensive knowledge across various subjects, his love of reading, and his ability to engage in deep conversations on any topic.

Michaela Jo Gill

Michaela Jo Gill, 37, passed away on June 24, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, after fighting a rare brain disease shared by only three other people worldwide. As a medical assistant, phlebotomist, and office manager, she dedicated her professional life to helping others, while also maintaining her sobriety and volunteering at various organizations. Michaela enjoyed traveling, especially on a Harley Davidson, listening to music, watching football, and spending time with her beloved dogs and family. She is survived by her children Gracie and Austin, her parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, and partner Stephen Long.

Marick Andrew Fullen

Marick Andrew Fullen, born September 26, 1989, in Akron, Ohio, passed away on June 27, 2025, at his home in Suffield, Ohio. Known for his captivating personality, contagious laugh, and strong work ethic, Marick had a passion for music, dogs, and sports, particularly basketball. He is survived by his parents Richard and Mary Fullen, his siblings Nicole Pitrone and Ricky Fullen, his grandmother Barbara Zsigray, and nieces Scarlet and Audrey. A funeral mass will be held on July 3, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, with interment at Chestnut Hill Cemetery.