Episodes of the Akron Podcast

Akron’s fire and EMS services just snagged the Mission Lifeline Gold Achievement Award from the American Heart Association, proving that if you happen to have a heart attack or stroke, you’re in pretty good hands here. It’s refreshing to hear some good news for a change, right? We also dive into the excitement of a new splash pad at Elizabeth Park, which promises 2,600 square feet of sheer joy for kids. And if you’re in the mood for entertainment, Steve Martin and Martin Short are gracing the Ci...

Akron is stepping up to help hungry kids this summer with free meals, starting June 9, for those 18 and under who qualify. This initiative will run Monday through Friday until August 1, ensuring that eligible youth, especially those from families receiving food assistance, won’t go hungry. Meanwhile, it seems like the local dining scene is getting a bit of a reality check, with several restaurants landing on the Wall of Widges for health violations. Oh, and if you’re planning a trip to Cedar Poi...

The Mayor of Akron, Shammas Malik, delivered a compelling state of the city address, marking a significant moment for our community. He highlighted the progress made under his administration and laid out a bold vision for the future of Akron. Among the exciting news, three blimps celebrated the centennial of the Goodyear blimp, adding a festive touch to the event. Malik's focus remains on building a safer, stronger, and more equitable city for all residents, emphasizing transparency and communit...

The blimps are coming to Akron! Yes, you heard that right. Three blimps will be floating over our city to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first blimp flight. We’ll dive into the details of when and where you can catch these majestic airships in action, including during the mayor's State of the City address and a Rubber Ducks game. But that's not all; we’ll also tackle some serious topics, like hazardous waste disposal, because who doesn't love a good convo about batteries and oil-based pa...

Wayne Dawson is back in the news, but not for his usual morning TV gig—he's opening a pot dispensary in Akron. Yes, you heard that right; Steinle's restaurant is being transformed into a marijuana haven. Meanwhile, Metro RTA is offering free rides on weekends this summer, which is great because who doesn't love free stuff? On a more serious note, Akron's mayor and police are still squabbling over officer pay, while we collectively ponder why shooting each other seems to be a popular pastime. And...

Ohio has decided that students and their cell phones should take a break during school hours, as the Senate just voted to implement a ban starting September 1st. While supporters argue this will boost student engagement and minimize distractions, opponents are concerned about how kids will communicate with parents during emergencies. Honestly, it's almost like they forgot that we used to have landlines for that. In other news, Cedar Point is attempting to spice up its live entertainment by bring...

We've got some big news on the Akron Podcast today: crime is still a hot topic, despite the mayor's optimistic claims. While we might have thought gun violence was down, a recent shooting at a party proves otherwise. And just when you think it can't get worse, there's a wild story about a stabbing involving a pit bull—yes, you heard that right. But it's not all doom and gloom; we're also talking about some exciting developments, like the return of Big Lots to the area and a giveaway for free Akr...

The superintendent of Akron Public Schools is officially out, and we’re left with a $200,000 payout to show for it. Mark Robinson’s tenure ended amid allegations of bullying his staff and making some truly questionable choices, including threatening board members' families. Meanwhile, Ohio's ongoing ban on gender-affirming care for minors is still a hot topic, with legal battles in the works as the ACLU steps in. On the bright side, crime stats in Akron are showing some improvement, with notable...

The main focus today is the upcoming meeting on April 29 called "Designing Akron's Future," where local creatives can share their ideas for a new city logo. We’ll hear from notable partners and city representatives about how community insights will actually influence this design process. It's a chance for all you graphic designers, community artists, and anyone who cares about Akron’s visual identity to get involved. On a lighter note, we also dive into some recent local absurdities, like a stud...

The big news in Akron this week is the sudden leave of Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson from Akron Public Schools, which has everyone buzzing. Meanwhile, Mary Outley steps in as the interim superintendent (again), and the Mayor is optimistic about the future of the school district. Also on the agenda, we'll discuss the city’s quest for a new logo—because apparently, the last one didn't quite cut it. And if you thought the city was done with all the logo drama, think again; we’re forming subco...

Akron is buzzing with news this week, and we’ve got all the juicy details. Akron Taxes Due First off, let’s talk about taxes. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, well, I don’t know what to say—like, do you really think the IRS is going to take pity on you? You can’t complain about potholes if you’re not doing your part, right? North Main Street Open Discussion Speaking of potholes, the city is hosting an open house on April 16 at the North Hill Branch Library to discuss proposed improvements fo...

Grant Money for Small Businesses Entrepreneurs and small business owners can visit https://bit.ly/3FfsT8J or call 2-1-1 to make a FEC financial counseling appointment. Shooting at Field House Lounge Two people in critical condition. Do we blame Boosie? Clean Slate Event SUMMIT COUNTY JUVENILE EXPUNGEMENT CLINIC Juvenile records are not automatically sealed at the age of 18. Unless sealed, juvenile records may appear on background checks for employment or housing. MARCH 15, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM Summ...

The Akron City Council meeting offers a revealing glimpse into the local governance, where residents voice urgent concerns about police accountability and public safety. We dive into the absurdity of public comments, where citizens passionately address issues like police violence, yet the council seems to treat these grave matters like an uncomfortable formality. It’s almost as if feedback is a luxury they can choose to ignore. We highlight the stark contrast between the emotional weight of the ...

The Akron podcast dives into the exciting transformation of the Linda Theater, shifting from showing first-run movies to live entertainment. This change is about as groundbreaking as, well, watching paint dry, but at least we’ll get to see Bernie Kozar live at the reopening. I mean, who doesn’t want to hear a former football player talk? Future plans include concerts and comedy shows, which could either be a blast or just another excuse to watch tribute bands butcher classics. We also chat about...

Ohio lawmakers are gearing up to make significant changes to the state's voter-approved recreational marijuana law through Senate Bill 56, which could raise the excise tax on marijuana and implement several restrictions. The proposed bill aims to cut the number of home-grown plants from 12 to 6, limit dispensaries to 350 locations, and ban smoking and vaping in public spaces. Critics argue that these changes could destabilize a thriving market that has already generated $300 million in sales, ra...

The latest Akron Podcast dives into the exciting launch of the Downtown Akron Development Corporation, a new initiative aimed at revitalizing the city's downtown area. With a significant funding boost of $360,000 per year for three years, this organization will focus on key priorities such as increasing residential development, establishing a convention center hotel, and expanding retail options. Host discussions highlight the essential role of an executive director dedicated to transforming the...

This episode of the Akron Podcast discusses the important bond issue on the upcoming ballot that aims to fund a significant renovation of the Akron Summit County Public Library system. As the library infrastructure ages, community leaders are advocating for updates to ensure the libraries remain relevant in the 21st century, responding to the evolving needs of residents. Other Stories: In extremely cold weather, it's essential to dress properly to avoid frostbite symptoms. Big Chuck Schadowski, ...

November 5, 2024, marks an engaging episode of the Akron Podcast, where listeners are welcomed with the excitement of civic engagement and local happenings. The show kicks off with a reminder for voters about the importance of participating in the elections, noting poll hours and providing links for those unsure of their voting locations. Beyond the ballots, the episode introduces Swenson's, an iconic Akron eatery, celebrating the season with their limited-time Thanksgiving on a Bun sandwich. Th...

New Anti-Violence Strategy in Akron In a proactive step against gun violence, Akron City Council has approved new funding for a violence prevention program, set to launch in January 2025. Following a recent surge in local shootings, the council will use nearly $185,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act to hire three 'credible messengers'—individuals with criminal pasts who’ve since turned their lives around. These messengers will work with street teams to identify potential violence hotspots usi...

This episode provides crucial information about Akron's leaf removal schedule, ensuring residents are prepared for the upcoming season. The hosts discuss how each ward in Akron has different leaf pickup dates, emphasizing the importance of knowing your specific ward to avoid missing the collection. Listeners will learn how to easily find their ward through the Akron City Council website, which offers a straightforward mapping tool. Additionally, the episode outlines essential rules for leaf disp...

Akron City Council voted 10-3 Monday night to move forward on a heavily contested plan to build a modern waste transfer station at a different site than its current operations. The three council members who voted against the proposal were Johnnie Hannah (Ward 5), Margo Sommerville (Ward 3) and Jan Davis (Ward 4). We are told, "it won't smell..." Mentioned in this episode: Start Your Podcast Today Join the School of PodcastingWhen you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:Ar...

Today, we introduce two AI Anchors that help me share information. While they are not real, they sound real and will help me consistently get more information out. Today, you will hear about a ruling on the Police shooting from April 1st. Also, there has been an update on who pays the settlement for Jaylon Walker and how much it is. Got an Opinion? Share it! Go to www.akronpodcast.com/voicemail Sources: Beacon Journal on Jaylon Walker Findings on April 1 shooting. Mentioned in this episode: Star...

Police Union Willing to Talk At an Akron City Council meeting, Brian Lucey, representing Akron's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, stated the union's willingness to engage in discussions on police reform, offering to meet with anyone at any time for this purpose. Lucey's remarks were prompted by Councilman James Hardy's suggestion to pause discussions on a new police headquarters until reform is achieved. Councilwoman Jan Davis echoed the need for dialogue on policing in Akron. Hardy expressed ...

Welcome back to the Akron Podcast, where we tackle the tough stories affecting our community. Today is April 11th, 2024, and we have a difficult topic. This isn't an April Fool's Day prank—it's a serious incident involving Tavion Koonce-Williams, a 15-year-old East High School student whom an Akron police officer shot under contentious circumstances. Reports indicate that Williams was carrying what appeared to be a gun— but was later revealed to be a toy —as he was walking home. A concerned citi...