Kent
Daily News
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Kent. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Habitat for Humanity of Portage County will host a Recycle Extravaganza on May 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at KentRestore on S. Water St., featuring games, paper shredding & a smash room experience along with vendor booths. Record-Courier
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 7-Eleven's parent company Seven and i Holdings Inc. said it will close 645 North American stores during its 2026 fiscal year due to softer spending and inflation; some of its 517 Ohio locations may shut while 205 new stores are planned, with closures occurring gradually. Record-Courier
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Coachella Weekend 2 kicks off today with headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G as live streaming begins at 7 p.m. ET on YouTube; Ohio bands Devo (6:45 p.m. on Mojave from Akron) and Nine Inch Noize (8:00 p.m. on Sahara on Saturday) will showcase local ties. Record-Courier
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kent State students toured modern manufacturing at Rockwell Automation on Thursday, Apr. 16, as they explored manufacturing systems and automation (a hands-on look at materials handling operations) under the guidance of engineering manager James Pignatiello and Ph.D. Abdelhakim Turk. Kent State Today
- ➤ Kent State University honored student employees and supervisors during National Student Employment Week on Thursday, Apr. 16 (awardees include Ethan Boyes, Savon Brown, McKenzie Yuhnke, Ashley Zelina, Disney Maxwell, and the Academic Success Center) for their contributions to campus operations. Kent State Today
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Brain Break: Run Away From Your Stress 5k
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Kent State University Cunningham Hall — Registration fee required — Participate in a fun run to support mental health awareness and enjoy scenic routes on campus.
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Doug Tallamy Presents: 'How Can I Help?' Saving Nature with Your Yard
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — SEED Campus - Davey Tree Expert Company — Free entry — Learn how your yard can make a big difference in preserving nature with Doug Tallamy's insights.
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Bell Tower Brewing Saison Fest
12-4 p.m. — Bell Tower Brewing Co. — Ticket required — Celebrate the art of Saison brewing with tastings from over 20 local breweries.
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Rooted and Rising: A Collective Affirmation Gathering
7-9 p.m. — The Healing Brew, LLC — $20 — Ground yourself with guided meditation and affirmations in a heart-centered community gathering.
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American Roots Festival
3-9 p.m. — Ray’s Place — Free entry — Celebrate Americana, Bluegrass & Country music with a range of performances at this annual festival.
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Paint a Pot: Mother's Day Gift Workshop
11 AM – 1 PM — Acorn & Evergreen Floral Studio — $20 per person — Create a handmade pot and plant gift for Mom in this kid-friendly workshop.
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Race into Finals 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk
8:30-11:00 a.m. — Henderson Hall — Funds raised benefit the College of Nursing — Lace up and enjoy a community race to celebrate the end of finals.
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Plant Bingo for Moms
7-9 p.m. — Acorn & Evergreen Floral Studio — BYOB, donations welcomed — Play bingo, win plants, and support moms in need while having fun.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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