The Balboas, a punk-surf rock band, started their roots in Akron and the love for the area has still influenced them to this day. Back in the late 90’s, Rich Griffith, Rick Frei, and Mark Healy found themselves studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Akron. All music lovers, these three men formed a group known today as the Balboas.   Later on, Caitie O’Shea, Akron...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city received daily calls about one business in particular. The calls kept coming in nearly daily for eight months.  “The city was getting calls every day, ‘When is the Peanut Shoppe coming back?’” Marge Klein, the current owner of the historic Akron store said.  Not getting a satisfactory answer from the city, their next step was to call Klein directly.  “So,...

Are you book shopping for a bookworm who seems to have every popular book you can think of? Are you in Akron looking for unique book finds?   Banned Books Box sells banned or challenged literature to fight against the ongoing issue of censorship inside the U.S.  Books in the U.S. get banned based on complaints about content. Book banning in schools and prisons has risen exponentially. During...

Content Warning for brief discussions of suicide.  Broadway in Akron continued its 2024-2025 run with “Dear Evan Hansen” back in mid-November. Following “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical,” “Dear Evan Hansen” is the second Broadway show to come to E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall this school year. Long-time “Dear Evan Hansen” fans filled the seats, but there were many audience...

If you are part of the school of communication, there is a huge possibility that you know Mckenna Vietmeier, or have heard of her from other professors. Mckenna Vietmeier has been at the University of Akron since 2016. She works with students one-on-one through advising and she also teaches classes throughout the week.   Mckenna Vietmeier went to Miami University of Ohio for her undergrad. Vietmeier...

A Conversation with U Akron Park: What campus parking has to say about student's frustrations Most University of Akron students have faced the universal horror of not being able to find a parking space throughout the university parking destinations. The familiar feeling of seeing rows upon rows of cars beat you to the punch is a common frustration among students. Students also question the lack...