Good morning, Kent.

Kent State trustees approved a 3% tuition hike for incoming undergrads and increased room and meal plan rates by 3.8% and 2.2%, amid a $711.6 million budget for fiscal year 2027 that is 1.6% lower than last year, while continuing students keep fixed tuition for four years.

The James A. Garfield Board of Education announced that Superintendent Ted Lysiak was selected as the 2026 Martha Holden Jennings Superintendent Award of Excellence recipient; he will be honored at the Foundation’s Annual Educator Awards Banquet in July (with a $1,000 award for a district initiative).

Ohio lawmakers passed House Bill 732 on May 20 that will let residents get free tourism passes in 2026 with validity through 2027, and the measure now moves to the Senate for further review.

Crestwood's softball team surged late to beat Orange 21+10 in the sectional championship in Pepper Pike on Thursday and now looks ahead to a Tuesday district semifinal against Field if they win.

Coach Matt Helm praised the team's progress on the road.

Local track and field teams advanced to regionals after competing at district meets across Northeast Ohio on May 20, May 21 and today.

Qualifiers include relay teams, jumpers and discus performers from Aurora, Roosevelt, Streetsboro, Garfield, Rootstown, Southeast and Mogadore.

Mogadore senior Peyton Walker discussed her game-sealing catch as the Wildcats won a 7-6 district semifinal against Loudonville — a highlight in a tight game.