Good morning, Kent.

Fashion & Feather, an exhibition pairing fashion from Kent State University Museum with ornithological specimens, opened Wednesday (Earth Day) at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and will remain on view through Oct.

11.

Kent State graduate programs earned top national rankings from U.S. News & World Report on April 22.

Counseling, audiology and nursing programs led the list, making Kent State the top public institution in northern Ohio.

The gym at Southeast High School sustained over $1 million in damage when a microburst storm ripped off part of its roof on March 31.

A temporary roof has been installed and repairs will begin by late May or early June, with work expected to be completed by August.

Yesterday, Earth Day celebrated Ohio’s rare butterflies, venomous snakes, and native trees (including the pawpaw and buckeye) to boost environmental awareness in local communities.

Families were encouraged to learn more about the state’s natural beauty and unique flora and fauna.

Portage County Health District is distributing oral rabies vaccine baits to wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes.

Dropped by land vehicles, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft since April 18, the baits will be dropped until May 13 + residents are urged to handle any bait with care.

Former East Tennessee State point guard Jaylen Smith signed with Kent State and will join the Golden Flashes for the 2026-27 season — he was named the Southern Conference's Sixth Man of the Year and may replace point guard Cian Medley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An Evening With Michael Martin Murphey

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Kent Stage — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sounds of Michael Martin Murphey, a legend of Country and Western music.

Ekoostik Hookah Live Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Kent Stage — Ticket prices vary — Experience an eclectic mix of folk, psychedelic rock, and blues with Ekoostik Hookah.