Episodes of the Akron Podcast

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 Schadowsk...

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 us...

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 Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying abou...

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 episo...

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 expresse...

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 c...

21-Year-Old Male Shot at Drive-Through Akron police and EMS were dispatched to the scene at about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday. They found the victim, an employee at the store, with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at 11:38 p.m. The shooting occurred after a man approached the drive-thru window on foot seeking to buy black and mild cigars, Akron police Capt. Michael Miller said. He handed the clerk some cash that was in poor condition, possibly with soil or blood, Miller said. A disput...

Akron Council Limits Public Input Akron City Council has implemented new rules, effective January 3, 2024, to restrict public comment during meetings. In an 8-5 vote, the council decided to move the meeting start time to 6:30 p.m. and shift the public comment period to the beginning. However, the most significant change is limiting public comment to 10 speakers per meeting, with individuals allowed to speak only once every 30 days. Residents must fill out an online form by 4 p.m. on the day of ...

Jury Duty Scam Beware of a jury duty scam circulating in Summit County, as authorities issue a warning about fraudulent calls threatening fines and arrest for alleged failure to appear. Scammers may demand payments in Bitcoin, falsely claiming that judges accept cryptocurrencies. Summit County government offices do not accept such payments. The scammers may pose as deputies, using real names and ranks of law enforcement personnel, along with spoofed phone numbers to mimic authentic Summit Count...

The Akron Police Department's internal investigation has determined that the eight officers involved in the shooting death of Jayland Walker did not violate police policies. “I found that the facts and circumstances of this tragic shooting show that the officers had an objectively reasonable belief that Mr. Walker was armed and by his conduct presented an imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to them and/or their fellow officers,” Chief Steve Mylett said in an executive summary of the...

77 South Ramp at Interchange to Close For a Year A big change in the Akron freeway system starting Monday night. The Interstate 76 ramp to I-77 South at the Central Interchange will close for a year. That sharp-turn ramp is being replaced with a so-called “fly-over” ramp. That’ll be just like the recently-opened 76/77 East ramp to Route 8. Also Monday night, a one-night-only closure of Route 8 Southbound within the interchange through 5 a.m. Tuesday. That could affect Canton-area commuters...

Experience a Close Encounter with the Goodyear Blimp at the Santa Claus Express Toy Drive in Mogadore The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for the annual Santa Claus Express holiday toy drive on December 1-3 from 2-7 p.m. at the Wingfoot Lake blimp hangar in Mogadore. The free drive-through event encourages community members to donate new, unwrapped toys to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program. While remaining in their vehicl...

Why Isn't Akron Pro-Peace? This is Nonsense Akron City Council's unanimous Oct. 16 vote adopting a resolution condemning the deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants in Israel has led activists to pack into council chambers for weeks, demanding a resolution addressing the devastating effect Israel's retaliation has had on civilians in Gaza. During the council's Rules Committee meeting Monday, Ward 4 Councilman Russ Neal and Ward 5 Councilwoman Tara Mosley introduced a resolution — crafted wit...

Your Water Bill is Going up in 2024 The city of Akron has announced a restructuring of its water rates in 2024, increasing from $2.73 to $3.06 per HCF (hundred cubic feet). Residential customers will also incur a fixed infrastructure charge of $9, leading to an overall monthly utility bill increase of $10-$12 for most Akron residents. The changes aim to fund necessary projects for Akron's aging drinking water infrastructure, addressing repairs and replacements of essential components over 100 y...

Wild Lights At the Zoo Return Wild Lights, the annual holiday event at Akron Zoo, will return for the 2023 holiday season from Nov. 24 to Dec. 29. The event features a lighting display with over one million lights, including the "Rockin' Lighted Spectacular" animated wall set to holiday music. Dates for the event are Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3, Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-23, and Dec. 26-29, running from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors can meet the Grinch, have visits with Santa until Dec. 23, and enjoy treats from Mrs....

Cedar Point and Six Flags Merge Cedar Fair, the parent company of Cedar Point and Kings Island, is merging with Six Flags Entertainment, the world's largest regional theme park operator. The goal is to create a stronger operating model and enhance revenue and cash flow. The combined company will have a diverse portfolio of assets and intellectual property, providing a wide range of entertainment experiences across 27 parks in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The merged entity will operate...

Snow is On the Way The National Weather Service is predicting a 60% chance of precipitation in the Akron area Tuesday night with a low of 28 degrees. With a cold front moving through the area, the precipitation will likely start as rain that turns into lake-effect snow later that night, the NSW said. Snow is expected to continue into Wednesday as well, mixing with rain after 11 a.m. before eventually tapering off as temperatures rise. The weather service said 1-2 inches of snow is possible...

Ever Wonder How Athletes Get Paid So Much? Bookie.com has once again donned its financial detective hat to unveil the annual sticker shock of attending an NBA game with the whole family. They've scrutinized everything, from the wallet-slimming ticket prices to parking and even the cost of two sodas, two beers, and four hot dogs. Brace yourselves—on average, a family will shell out a not-so-modest $304.64 to watch some hoops live this season. The wallet-wincing award goes to the New York Knick...

Akron Is A Tech Hub Akron has been designated a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce, making it eligible for up to $70 million in federal funding. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown announced the selection from 31 hubs chosen out of nearly 400 applicants. Akron's hub will leverage its historical leadership in the rubber industry to pioneer the production of sustainable polymers, representing the next generation of rubber and plastics. The city will compete with other h...