AKRON, Ohio -- Christopher J. Hardesty will lead efforts to revitalize downtown Akron as the first executive director of the Downtown Akron Development Corporation.

Updated: Jun 26, 2025 / 01:19 PM EDT AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — A Summit County judge has sentenced a woman to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the rape of an infant.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, early Monday morning, all lanes were closed along I-76 westbound, including the ramp from I-76 west to State Route 8 northbound.

Akron’s Bicentennial Signature Week features the Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade and the Heart of Akron Festival, which includes a concert series, food and fireworks.

45-year-old Scott Jacobson of Akron was sentenced to life without parole for raping two children in his care, according to Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich.

Columbus native Malaki Branham has a new NBA team 3 years after the San Antonio Spurs drafted him in the first round out of Ohio State.

36-year-old Rondell Harris pleaded guilty mid-trial for the 2016 murder of 24-year-old Damon Harris, Jr., outside a barbershop on Copley Road.

An Akron man found a stranger fatally shot in his home, Ohio police say. The victim, Andrew J. Cassell, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigation ongoing.

With recent black bear sightings across the Miami Valley in recent weeks, Ohio wildlife experts chime in on what to know and what are safe practices if you see a bear.