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Akron Podcast

Akron Podcast

By: Dave Jackson
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Do you live in Akron, Ohio? Want to keep up with what is going on in your city? This podcast is for you. We will cover local news (the good and the bad), Entertainment schedules, Updates on what your local representatives are up to (in a "just the facts / Non-biased fashion), and whatever else you'd like to hear.Copyright 2026 Dave Jackson Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • State Of the City Part 3

    State Of the City Part 3
    May 22 2026
    So I went to the "State of the City" (part 3) presentation at the beautiful civic. I didn't know what to expect, but I was surprised by the turnout. A wide variety of Akronites, who were all lead by Kindergarteners to open with the pledge of Allegiance. It was specialThe Mayor went through the different things the city has been planning and doing. Was it a pep rally? Sure, but you can ignore the positive things happening in the city. We like to poke fun of those things that aren't, but all in all a lot of things are going in the right direction.You can check out the main points, slides, and transcript here.From the Press ReleaseHere is a quick summary of the presentaiton from the Mayor's websiteDuring his third State of the City address delivered on Tues. May 19 at the historic Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik outlined a sweeping vision for Akron’s future centered on collaboration, innovation, and community investment. The speech highlighted major new initiatives across housing, public safety, youth opportunity, sustainability, and economic development, all tied together through the city’s “Together for Akron” framework.“Our address was about more than programs or announcements,” said Mayor Malik. “It was about the belief that Akron’s future can be incredibly bright if we continue to work together. Every major step forward we are making, whether it’s housing, safety, sustainability, youth investment, or economic growth, is happening because residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and public institutions are leaning in together.”Down Payment Assistance ProgramAmong the evening’s major announcements was a new Down Payment Assistance Program launching later this summer to help first-time homebuyers purchase homes in Akron. Eligible residents meeting income requirements will be able to receive up to $7,500 toward down payment and closing costs, helping expand access to homeownership for working families.Housing Code LegislationMayor Malik also announced upcoming legislation aimed at strengthening Akron’s housing code, including reforms addressing recurring mold violations, improvements to the city’s rental registration system, and the elimination of minimum lot sizes for new infill housing construction on vacant lots to reduce barriers to building new housing.Polymer Pathways PartnershipEconomic development and workforce growth were a major focus of the address. Mayor Malik highlighted continued downtown investment, neighborhood business growth, and Akron’s leadership in sustainable polymers and advanced materials. The City announced a new Polymer Pathways Partnership that will connect Akron students to education, credentials, and careers in advanced manufacturing and polymer industries through partnerships with The University of Akron, Stark State College, Akron Public Schools, the Greater Akron Chamber, and industry partners.Together for Akron DashboardMayor Malik also unveiled an updated Together for Akron public dashboard, allowing residents to track city initiatives and progress in real time at www.akronohio.gov/dashboard. The dashboard will be updated quarterly.WM Development AgreementMayor Malik highlighted City Council’s recent approval of a development agreement with WM that will finally close the long-contested Fountain Street waste transfer station and build a new, state-of-the-art facility on Archwood Ave. The agreement is the first in the City’s history to include community benefits. These commitments include $1 million over 10 years focused on the East Akron and Middlebury neighborhoods.Community Violence Intervention (CVI) ProgramOn public safety, the City announced the upcoming launch of a new community violence intervention (CVI) program in partnership with Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Minority Behavioral Health Group. The initiative will connect victims of violence with immediate counseling and support services to help prevent retaliation and break cycles of harm.Use of Force RecommendationsThe speech also highlighted the city’s continued implementation of recommendations from the recent use-of-force review conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum, including policy updates, accountability reforms, and a commitment to provide monthly public updates on implementation progress.Blimp DayThe City also announced the launch of Akron’s first-ever “Blimp Day” celebration in partnership with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Scheduled for Saturday, June 6, the event will feature two Goodyear blimps flying over all 24 Akron neighborhoods from 9am-noon and is expected to become an annual city tradition.CollaborationThroughout the address, Mayor Malik repeatedly emphasized that Akron’s momentum is rooted in collaboration and civic engagement.“Together for Akron is more than just a plan, it is a way of doing things,” said Mayor Malik. “The future of Akron is not something that is going to happen to us. It...
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Devo Day? Would You Vote For This?

    Devo Day? Would You Vote For This?
    May 18 2026
    Welcome to the Akron Podcast, today we have a lot news to cover with restaurant's coming and goings, Cedar Point News, Devo, shootings, and road closures along with the new trash facility and the APS.PLEASE help support this show. Every little helps. It takes a lot of time, and I do my best to bring local news from all sources and spinkle in some snark to make it fun. Any amount of support is DEEPLY appreciated.Got Feedback?Leave a message for the show and we'll play it in the show.Introduction and OverviewBrief summary of episode topics: Spaghetti Warehouse news, Cedar Point updates, shootings, Devo Day, Akron Public Schools newsMention of episode date and podcast website2. Devo Day LegislationOhio lawmakers considering House Bill 866 to designate April 18 as Devo DayIntroduced by Veronica Sims (Akron) and Michelle Grimm (Toledo)Chosen for Devo's first performance date at Kent State in 1973Devo's contribution to music and Ohio cultureHonors Devo's influence and philosophy of de-evolutionKey band members mentioned: Gerald Casale and Mark MothersbaughNotable songs cited: "Whip It," "The Girl You Want," "Freedom of Choice," "Beautiful World," and "Mongoloid"Devo's local tiesFormed in Kent, developed in AkronBill must pass several legislative steps to become officialUpcoming Devo concert at Akron Civic Theater3. Akron Area Road Closures and ConstructionCentral Interchange overnight closures (May 17–22)Purpose: Bridge painting by ODOTSpecific detour routes providedGent Road ramp closure (starting May 18)Ramp to I-77 North closed for pavement reconstructionAll American Bridge repair and related street closures (from May 26)Charles Street under State Route 261 closed through June 64. Cedar Point Millennium Force Ride IssueSeat belt issue leading to guests being unable to rideSeat belts shorter than intended spec, causing problems for ridersLonger load times and some guests turned awayConfirmation of replacement seatbelts coming5. Spaghetti Warehouse Akron ClosureOfficial closing statement and last day (May 17)Reflection on the restaurant’s significance to the communityHistorical backgroundOpened in 1992 in the B.F. Goodrich warehouse buildingProximity to local landmarksCompany history and other locations6. New Downtown Akron Restaurant – Crafty SteerDescription of Crafty Steer as a multi-use destinationRestaurant, bar, games, market, event spaceRevitalization of previously vacant Ohio Brewing Company spaceImportance to downtown Akron’s urban developmentEffort to increase density and foot trafficUse of West Point Market recipesOwner's goals and connection to existing marketsTiming of opening and ongoing downtown revitalization efforts7. Akron Public Schools Staffing Cuts DebateTemporary postponement of planned staffing reductionsBoard voted 5–2 against current reduction proposalDiscussion around necessity and presentation of cutsSpecific positions proposed for reduction:Assistant principal (dean) rolesParaprofessional positionsLibrary technician jobsArt therapistIssues raised by board members about approach and processOther cost-saving measures being consideredStatement from district leaders on funding challenges8. Cleveland Orchestra Event at Blossom Music CenterAnnouncement of Itzhak Perlman performing July 9, 2026Details of the all-Beethoven programSignificance of Perlman’s appearance9. Recent Shootings and Crime Updates in AkronShooting near Marcy Street and Cole AvenueDetails of the incident, victim identity, current investigationContact information for providing tipsBar owner shooting at North Hill Game Day GrillCircumstances and status of the victimRepeated encouragement to provide information10. Bath Township Airbnb Shooting LawsuitLawsuit filed by Brooklyn Diner against Airbnb, homeowner, and party organizersAlleged zoning violations and foreseeability of violenceDetails of the incident and legal argumentsStatus of related criminal casesStatus of the property where the incident occurred11. Akron Civic Theater Free ToursMonthly free tours of the Civic TheaterHow to sign up, age restrictions, and format of the tours12. Proposed WM Trash Transfer Station AgreementOverview of agreement between Akron and WM (Waste Management)Closure of Fountain Street facility after new Archwood Ave. site opensDeed restrictions, community improvement fund, Joy Park supportTruck routing changes and public accountability measuresCommunity benefits: youth programs, cleanupsDebate over adequacy of financial compensationTimeline for construction and potential delays13. Closing AnnouncementsCall for resident voicemails about living near the Fountain Street facilityNotice of upcoming events: State of the City, River Butcher comedy show, Steve Earle concertReminder to check akronpodcast.com for more eventsMentioned in this episode:Start Your Podcast TodayJoin the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to ...
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    26 mins
  • Free Meals for Kids: A Summer Lifeline in Akron

    Free Meals for Kids: A Summer Lifeline in Akron
    May 15 2026
    AI Voices Today For Some of the Show

    Kicking off with a mix of sarcasm and sincerity, Dave dives straight into the chaos of recording amidst a symphony of jackhammers. The irony of trying to deliver a podcast with construction noise in the background is not lost on him, and honestly, it sets the perfect tone for what’s to come.

    PLEASE help support this show. Every little helps. It takes a lot of time, and I do my best to bring local news from all sources and spinkle in some snark to make it fun. Any amount of support is DEEPLY appreciated.

    Chippewa Lake News

    The episode explores the local Akron scene, beginning with a nostalgic look back at the Chippewa Lake Amusement Park, now being reborn as a nature preserve. The Tumble Bug Trailhead is just one of the many initiatives aimed at preserving the park's rich history while encouraging outdoor activities. It’s a quaint reminder of the past, filled with tales of glory days gone by.

    Akron Zoo New Animals

    The episode takes us to the Akron Zoo's new Primate Passage exhibit, which promises to be a hit with families. With playful monkeys and immersive environments, it's not just an exhibit; it's an invitation to escape reality for a moment. And just when you think we’re done with the fun, the return of Dinotrek brings life-sized dinosaurs back to the zoo, proving that Akron knows how to entertain.

    Free Food For Youth

    But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows; we also tackle serious topics like the city’s initiative to provide free meals for kids during the summer, a response to food insecurity that’s both necessary and commendable.

    Akron Potholes - When Will They Be Fixed?

    Two neighborhoods are slotted for help, and look below for a link to the shedule

    Takeaways:

    • In Akron, new developments at the Chippewa Lake site aim to blend history with nature, making it a serene destination.
    • The Akron Zoo is introducing exciting new exhibits, including the Primate Passage and unique axolotls, just in time for summer fun.
    • Free meal programs for local youth will be available again this summer to combat food insecurity in Akron.
    • Akron's city officials are launching a significant road resurfacing project, addressing pothole concerns for residents effectively.
    • Controversy surrounds Akron Public Schools as district spokesperson faces scrutiny, adding drama to an already tumultuous leadership situation.
    • Despite Huntsman Corporation scaling back operations, they assure the community that they are committed to Akron's future.

    Mentioned in this episode:

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