👋 Ready, Set, Scoop!

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👋 Ready, Set, Scoop!

Some newsletters keep it simple—just a forecast and a few headlines. But not The Scoop. We’re taking you from thunderstorms and sunshine to sidewalk sales, Soap Box racers, Broadway magic, and a peek inside City Hall’s decision-making.

You’ll also meet a Hudson grad who’s heating up in the minors, and we couldn’t let National Mac & Cheese Day pass without giving it its golden moment.

Here’s what you’ll find in today’s Scoop:

• ☀️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather — A forecast full of flip-flops, in more ways than one
• 🧀 National Mac & Cheese Day — A delightfully gooey tribute with a few curveballs
• 🚒 Fire Department Update — Hudson’s safety game just stepped it up
• 🗳️ What’s Happening at City Hall This Week — The kind of meeting that sets up a busy fall
• 💼 Hudson’s Budget Check-In — A little number talk that’s anything but boring
• 💦 Water Fun Party at First & Main — Midweek splash zone, no pool required
• 🏁 Soap Box Derby in Akron — Gravity, grit, and a little hometown pride
• 🎤 Concerts at Blossom — Two totally different nights, both worth it
• 🎭 Kimberly Akimbo at Playhouse Square — A new kind of musical hero
• 🛍️ Hudson Sidewalk Sale — Three days of summer buzz and local finds
• 🪄 Good Boys of Magic — Comedy, chaos, and a bit of sleight of hand
• ⚾ Joe Whitman’s Climb to the Bigs — A Hudson grad chasing something major

Ready to Scoop when you are. 👇

☀️ The Scoop on Hudson Weather

This week’s weather is like that friend who might cancel plans at the last minute—charming, but a little unpredictable. We’ve got sunshine, storms, and just enough humidity to frizz every hair type equally. Let’s take a peek at what the skies have in store:

• 🌧️ Today (Mon 7/14) – 82°/65° — AM showers and cooler air sneak in. (Perfect excuse for one more iced coffee before the clouds roll in.)
• 🌤️ Tue 7/15 – 88°/71° — Partly cloudy and summer-sizzling. (Break out the sunscreen and that wide-brim hat you keep meaning to wear.)
• ⛈️ Wed 7/16 – 87°/71° — Thunderstorms on deck. (A good day to keep your outdoor plans labeled maybe.)
• ⛈️ Thu 7/17 – 84°/69° — More storms roll through with gusto. (Think “sky drama” meets wet flip-flops.)
• 🌦️ Fri 7/18 – 80°/65° — Lingering showers, but less dramatic. (Consider it a soft launch into the weekend.)
• 🌤️ Sat 7/19 – 83°/68° — Partly cloudy and pleasant. (Grill? Porch hang? Farmers Market haul? Yes, yes, and yes.)
• ⛈️ Sun 7/20 – 81°/66° — Thunderstorms return like they forgot something. (Keep the umbrella in your backseat… just in case.)

We’re riding the rollercoaster of mid-July weather—some dips, some splashes, and just enough sunshine to keep your plants (and spirits) alive.

Let’s pull back the curtain for a sec…

Ever wonder how your favorite local spots end up in The Scoop? It’s not some big corporate ad deal. It’s usually just a conversation that starts with, “Hey, I’d love to get the word out.”

If you’ve got a business, service, or event that could use some extra love, we’ve got room at the table. Our readers trust us to spotlight what matters—and when we talk about you, they notice.

Curious what that could look like? Drop us a line at [email protected]. No pressure, no salesy weirdness. Just a friendly chat about how we might help you shine.

📰 Fresh Off the Clocktower

🧀 National Mac & Cheese Day

It’s officially the cheesiest day of the year, and we’re not talking about bad puns (okay, maybe one or two). Happy National Mac & Cheese Day, Hudson!

This is your sign to fire up the stovetop, preheat the oven, or stop by a local spot serving up gooey, golden goodness. Mac and cheese has been comforting souls for centuries—and it’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves.

A few fun facts to sprinkle on top:

• Thomas Jefferson helped introduce mac and cheese to America after discovering it in France. Presidential palate, confirmed.
• The earliest known recipe dates back to 13th-century Italy. Cheese + carbs = a historic love story.
• Americans buy over 1 million boxes of mac and cheese every day. That’s enough elbows to build a pasta highway coast to coast.

So go ahead—treat yourself to something warm, cheesy, and fully justified by the calendar. It’s practically a civic duty.

🚒 Big Shift for Hudson’s Fire Department

Sometimes the best upgrades don’t involve new tech or flashy features—they’re about people showing up when it matters most.

Hudson’s Fire Department is officially staffed on-site from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM—every single day. That’s a big change for a department that’s run on volunteer power since 1849 (yes, before sliced bread).

So why the shift? Turns out 70% of emergency calls come in during the daytime, when volunteers are out working their regular jobs. Before, it could take over 11 minutes to get help on scene. With daytime crews now stationed at the firehouse, response times should drop to 5–6 minutes—a huge win for safety, speed, and peace of mind.

The long-term plan? Full 24/7 staffing by next year. The city’s investing $1.2 million a year to make it happen, with more renovations and hiring on deck.

Chief Jerry Varnes called it “a great step forward,” and we couldn’t agree more. It’s one of those upgrades you hope you never need… but feel pretty great knowing it’s there.

🗳️ What’s Happening at City Hall This Week

City Council is back in session this Tuesday, July 15, and it’s shaping up to be a big one. Things kick off with a 6:45 PM workshop to review a hefty batch of Charter amendments proposed by Hudson’s Charter Review Commission. If approved, each amendment will appear as its own issue on the November 4 ballot—so you’ll get to vote on them one by one this fall.

Here’s a quick peek at what might hit your ballot:

• How council members are elected
• How vacancies on council get filled
• Rules for ballot petitions (like initiatives and referendums)
• Clarifying roles between City Council and the City Manager
• How emergency legislation is handled
• Who appoints people to boards and commissions
• Voting language updates to match state law and modern terms
• General Charter clean-up (grammar tweaks, outdated language, etc.)

All of these come from the 2025 Charter Review Commission, and Council will vote in the coming weeks to decide if they make the ballot.

Then at 7:30 PM, the regular meeting begins, and it’s packed. Here’s what else is on deck:

• Budget adjustments for 2025
• A $950K stormwater project at Willow Lake
• More funding for Velocity Fiber’s broadband expansion
• A resolution to pursue a $45K FEMA grant for fire prevention
• A new design contract for Fire/EMS renovations
• Plans to add lighting to six pickleball courts at Barlow Farm Park
• A new natural gas supply contract for city buildings

There’s also legislation coming up that could tighten zoning for assisted living facilities and clarify how administrative appeals are handled.

The meeting takes place at Town Hall (27 E. Main St.), and residents are always encouraged to attend or tune in. These aren’t just dry agenda items—this is where the groundwork for Hudson’s future gets built.

Hope to see you there—or if you can't make it, you know we’ll keep you in the loop.

💼 Hudson’s Budget Check-In: Still on Solid Ground

The City of Hudson just dropped its June 2025 Financial Report, and let’s just say—our local checkbook is holding up just fine. Despite some softer income tax collections, the city is coming out ahead thanks to higher interest income and strong performance from its electric and broadband services.

Here’s the quick math:

• General Fund revenue: $17.95M — $418K above budget
• Spending: $17.5M — slightly under budget
• Current cash balance: $18.98M (that’s $476K more than expected)

Other city funds brought in $24.17M in revenue—fueled by electric utility sales and a $430K reimbursement for the inclusive playground—and spent $23.16M on big-ticket projects like a new golf clubhouse, a stormwater revamp, and a shiny new ambulance.

Some fun facts:

• Hudson’s broadband system is outperforming expectations with a $142K surplus
• Snow and ice control came in hot (or, well, cold) with an added $211K in expenses
• Electric Fund sales are nearly $400K ahead of plan

All told, the city is sitting on a solid $89.8M in total cash and investments. That’s a nice cushion as we head into the second half of the year—and a good sign that Hudson’s keeping things both responsible and forward-looking.

🧐 Did You Know?

Stay curious, Hudson!

📅 The Scoop To-Do List

🏁 Soap Box Derby Rolls Into Akron Tonight

Start your engines—well, your gravity-powered ones—because the All-American Soap Box Derby officially kicks off tonight (Monday, July 14) in Akron!

The big Opening Ceremony Parade begins at 6 PM at Canal Park, with champions from across the U.S., Canada, and Japan marching to Lock 3 for their grand introductions. Expect colorful cars, big cheers, and enough team spirit to rattle the bleachers.

The racing fun continues all week at Derby Downs, where more than 300 young drivers will compete in Stock, Super Stock, and Masters divisions for trophies, scholarships, and the chance to become a national champ.

If you’ve never watched a Derby race, this is your sign. These kids hit top speed in seconds, and the energy is unbeatable. It’s fast, fun, and full of heart—everything summer should be.

Keep an eye out for any Hudson names on the roster—we’ve had our share of champs. And if you head over tonight, bring your lawn chair and your loudest cheer voice. It’s race week in Akron, and the countdown starts now.

💦 Splash Alert: Water Fun Party at First & Main

On Tuesday, July 15, grab the sunscreen and your favorite little sidekicks—it’s time to make a splash in downtown Hudson!

From 10 AM to 12 PM, First & Main will transform into a kid-friendly wonderland for the Water Fun Party, presented by Akron Children’s and Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine. It’s free, it’s playful, and it’s designed for parents, caregivers, and kids who love a good soak and a lot of laughs.

Expect water games, superhero vibes, and all-around summer magic. Pro tip: bring a towel... or two.

🎤 What’s Happening at Blossom This Week?

It’s a good week to pack a blanket, grab your crew, and head to Cuyahoga Falls—because Blossom’s got something for every vibe.

On Tuesday, July 15 at 6:30 PM, it’s the Good Vibes Only tour featuring Wiz Khalifa, Sean Paul, and special guest DaBaby. Expect throwback hits, fresh tracks, and a full-on summer party under the trees.

Then on Saturday, July 19 at 7 PM, things slow down—in the best way—with The Cleveland Orchestra performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto under the stars. It’s a perfect evening for music lovers, date nights, or just a little serenity with a side of culture.

Bonus: Live Nation’s still offering their $30 “Ticket to Summer” deal, with flat-rate tickets to a ton of shows at Blossom—no extra fees, just easy summer fun.

Blossom’s doing what it does best this week—something for everyone, and a soundtrack for every kind of night.

🎭 Don’t Miss Kimberly Akimbo at Playhouse Square

Looking for a show that’s weird in the best way, heartfelt without being sappy, and funny enough to earn its own standing ovation? Say hello to Kimberly Akimbo, opening Tuesday, July 15 at Connor Palace in Playhouse Square.

This one’s been racking up the trophies—five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, Best Leading Actress, and Best Featured Actress. It comes from the minds of Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire and Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori. Translation: the writing is sharp, the music is brilliant, and the whole thing is a little bit wild in the best way.

The story follows Kimberly, a teenage girl navigating high school, family drama, and a rare aging condition that makes her look like a 72-year-old woman. It’s equal parts funny, touching, awkward, and real.

Want the inside scoop? There’s a pre-show talk on opening night (Tuesday), so you can get the behind-the-scenes lowdown before the curtain rises.

🎟️ Tickets are available now at playhousesquare.org. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve a night of Broadway magic close to home.

🛍️ Hudson Sidewalk Sale is Back!

Clear your calendar and charge your walking shoes—the annual Hudson Sidewalk Sale is rolling into town Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 19, and it’s bringing serious summer energy with it.

Expect more than 30 local vendors and over 10 restaurants joining the fun across Downtown Hudson, First & Main, and Evaporator Works. There’ll be sidewalk deals, surprise finds, seasonal menus, and live music floating through the breeze.

And if you’re looking for local tips or a little Hudson-themed swag, swing by the Visitor Center at First & Main from 9 AM to 3 PM during the sale.

It’s not just a shopping event—it’s one of those weekends that feels like the whole town’s out saying hey. See you out there!

🪄 Double Trouble at Playhouse Square: Good Boys of Magic

If you’re into magic, comedy, or watching two grown men walk the tightrope between chaos and charm—clear your calendar. David & Brayden, one of the country’s premier performing arts duos, are bringing their hit show Good Boys of Magic to Playhouse Square this week, and it’s not your average rabbit-in-a-hat routine.

This fast-paced, totally unhinged blend of magic and mayhem lands somewhere between vaudeville throwback and viral sketch comedy. Expect expert sleight of hand, running jokes, audience surprises, and more than a few moments where you’ll wonder, “Are they allowed to do that?”

They’re performing at the Idea Center at Playhouse Square:

• Thursday, July 17 — 7:00 PM
• Friday, July 18 — 8:30 PM
• Saturday, July 19 — 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets are available here.

Magic that breaks the rules. Comedy that goes off the rails. And a duo with enough energy to power half of Euclid Avenue. Don’t miss this.

#RollHUD Sports Recap

⚾ Hudson Grad Joe Whitman Climbs the Ranks

If you’re looking for someone to root for this summer, might we suggest a lefty from Hudson who’s heating up in the minors?

Joe Whitman, a Hudson High School grad (class of 2020), is currently pitching for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. After a standout college career at Kent State and a third-round MLB draft pick in 2023, Whitman’s now tossing heat in front of big-league scouts—and making us all proud in the process.

He’s known for his competitive edge on the mound and his signature slider that’s been giving batters headaches since his Explorer days. Richmond’s coaching staff has praised his work ethic, composure, and all-around readiness for the next level.

So if you’re scrolling through scores or catching a game highlight, keep an eye out for #32. One of Hudson’s own is chasing the big leagues—and we’ll be cheering every pitch.

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📝 Consider Yourself Scooped

From budget wins and Broadway magic to backyard splash parties, cheesy celebrations, and gravity-powered races, this edition covered a little bit of everything (and then some).

Thanks for spending part of your day with The Scoop. If you enjoyed it, share it with someone who keeps a stash of emergency mac & cheese—just in case.

Until next time...

Support local, spread kindness, and stay awesome. 💙