Akron Podcast

About Akron Podcast

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.

Publisher

Dave Jackson

Category

news · news · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Jan 2020

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

148 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Protests, Pumpkins, and (bad) Parents

   Welcome to the Akron Podcast for October 15th, 2026, where today’s episode covers a dynamic mix of local news and events. The conversation focused on recent “No Kings” protests across Northeast Ohio, explored a troubling incident involving an Akron police officer, and highlighted family-friendly fall activities like pumpkin patches. A key theme that emerged was community impact—with updates on a new connected learning center at the Boys and Girls Club, the sadness surrounding the passing of the Akron Zoo’s snow leopard, and legal battles over sports betting in Ohio. The discussion explored changes to high school football schedules after spectator fights, new leaf collection procedures for Akron residents, and upcoming events around the city, including comedy shows and documentary premieres. Several points were raised, including public safety, technology access, civic engagement, and the lighter side of local entertainment. Chapters: 00:00 Protests, Pumpkins and Parents 00:16 No Kings Protests This Weekend 01:26 Police Biter Pleads No Contest 02:33 Pimpkin Patches 03:07 Free Computer Access 04:11 Akron Snow Leopard Dies 04:36 Predication Markets 07:18 Crappy Parents Ruin Football Schedule 09:37 Derby Documentary 10:50 Akron May Not Need $300 Million Water Treatment 14:25 Events Calendar Research Links Sources Used or Mentioned In This Episode No Kings Protest Schedule (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/politics/2026/10/12/no-kings-protest-near-me-early-voting-rallies-akron-area/92216198007/) Free Computer Access at Boys and Girls Club (https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2026/10/new-connected-learning-center-offers-community-internet-access-at-boys-girls-club-in-akron.html) Prediction Markets Crack Down (https://signalakron.org/ohio-cracks-down-on-prediction-markets-as-they-flood-elections-with-cash/) PBS Derby Documentary (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/10/14/new-pbs-documentary-captures-akron-soap-box-derby/92247987007/) Snow Leopard Dies at Zoo (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/10/14/akron-zoo-snow-leopard-tai-lung-dies-at-age-17/92251782007/) No More Friday Night Lights (https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/akron/friday-night-lights-akron-area-high-school-football-fans-react-district-wide-schedule-change/95-60457d35-7542-4564-995a-5abfde8bba2d) Leave Removal Schedule (https://www.akronohio.gov/news_detail_T17_R510.php) Leotis Daggett charged with assaulting Akron officer as bystanders filmed, laughed, FOP says (https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/10/13/arraignment-man-charged-with-punching-biting-akron-police-officer/) Pumpkin patches in Akron, Ohio to visit this fall plus corn mazes, more (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/09/29/pumpkin-patch-akron-corn-maze-apple-picking-fall-activities/91984573007/) City of Akron Reaches Agreement with U.S. EPA and Ohio EPA to Eliminate $300 Million Sewer Project (https://www.akronohio.gov/news_detail_T17_R512.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawU1y6pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMUk2TFdianFuU1NCdHlBY1dzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe3gkYjCSvJVmSzm5WKCmhuA4th3jMwFA7l494ZxnkvBsBrHQrtLwqYwfuhUI_aem_W7JXbhqlB4wsC9LRoBGLpw) Mentioned in this episode: Give Back to the Akron Podcast If you are finding value in this show, please consider giving back by going to www.akronpodcast.com/value Value For Value (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/value) Start Earning Start Saving With Acorns I haven't had my acorns account that long and just by rounding up, I saved over $700 and I'm earning big interest in my savings. This is the most I've ever had in savings. Check it out at www.akronpodcast.com/acorns Acorns Online Banking (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/acorns) Start Your Podcast Today Join 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 see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/akron Tell a Friend and Support the Show Do you know someone who would enjoy the show? Tell them to go to Akron Podcast and Follow the show. You can also say "thanks" by visiting the link below to help keep the lights on. Support the Show (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/support-the-show)

2. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Phones Out, Hands Off: Akron Officer Attacked as Crowd Watches

   An Akron police officer was punched and bitten on Copley Road while people around her pulled out their phones and laughed. I can't let that one go, and on this episode I explain why it should bother every one of us. I've also got the Akron officer caught snooping through the city's Flock camera network, a morning shootout on Brown Street, and some news that eCheck haters have been waiting decades to hear. Then we lighten up with Halloween events, trick-or-treat night, and a packed October concert calendar. Hit play. There's a lot going on in this town. This episode: Officer attacked while bystanders film. On September 28th, a female Akron officer answering a burglary-in-progress call in the 900 block of Copley Road was assaulted by a violent felon, and two others joined in. Nobody helped. I talk about why that's a problem for all of us, especially since the chief just told council that assaults on officers are up 76% this year (30 so far in 2026, compared with 17 in 2025). The Flock camera investigation. A former officer on paid leave after a fatal shooting allegedly used Akron's Flock camera system for his own purposes. The city opened a criminal investigation and turned it over to the Summit County Sheriff's Office. Councilman Eric Garrett wants answers on how the 145 cameras are being used, the police oversight board wants the independent auditor to review the network, and a local petition is calling for the city to end the contract entirely. eCheck could finally be on its way out. Governor DeWine has directed the Ohio EPA to start ending vehicle emissions testing in Northeast Ohio, now that the region meets federal ozone standards. There will be public comments in October and a public meeting in November, and the request should go to the U.S. EPA by year's end. It isn't gone yet, but it's closer than ever. Officer-involved shooting on Brown Street. I play Lt. Michael Murphy's briefing on Wednesday morning's warrant operation, where a suspect fired and an Akron task force officer returned fire. BCI is handling the investigation. Register to vote by October 5. I cover how to register online at voteohio.gov, by mail, or in person at the BMV, public libraries, the county board of elections, and more. 20+ years for shooting at an Akron officer. A convicted drug trafficker was sentenced for a 2023 shooting near South Arlington Road. The searches turned up guns, meth, fentanyl, cash, and even a 3D printer. Halloween in Akron. Trick-or-treat night is Saturday, October 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. I also run through safety tips and these events: Boo at the Zoo Downtown Akron Fall Fest (Oct. 17) The Akron Art Museum's Thriller dance party (Oct. 30) Boo on the Boulevard in Kenmore (Oct. 31) Spooky films at the Akron Civic all month Research Links Sources Used or Mentioned In This Episode How to register to vote in Ohio, vote early, see sample ballot (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/politics/2026/10/01/register-to-vote-ohio-election-day-early-voting-when-do-polls-open/92019629007/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6abef423ccd9bf00010b80e7&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawUr7O5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMXN6M09rTzlZcWR5SjU2cnVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe7SdkP3udNqoAE0-Rtq7nL7KRajfKTCUU75u2X4ZC72MX0Htze2Z4CrhiUNM_aem_YkIv6ZjqpJG0B-VRm02IzQ) Man dead after Akron police shooting today on Brown Street (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/crime/2026/10/01/akron-shooting-today-police-shoot-man-dead-brown-street-near-ua/92036729007/) Gov. DeWine calls on Ohio EPA to end Northeast Ohio E-Check program (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/09/29/northeast-ohio-e-check-program-could-end-dewine-calles-on-epa/92005433007/) City officials say investigation underway into Davon Fields' Flock use (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/09/30/akron-officials-say-investigation-underway-into-fired-police-officer-davon-fields-flock-use/92019607007/) Attack on Akron police attacked while onlookers film and laugh (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/crime/2026/09/29/attack-on-akron-police-officer-should-be-condemned-union-says/92007171007/) Convicted drug trafficker who shot at Akron Police officer sentenced to 20+ years in prison (https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/08/26/convicted-drug-trafficker-who-shot-akron-police-officer-sentenced-20-years-prison/) City of Akron Trick or Treat Set for Saturday, October 31 (https://www.akronohio.gov/news_detail_T17_R502.php) Mentioned in this episode: Start Earning Start Saving With Acorns I haven't had my acorns account that long and just by rounding up, I saved over $700 and I'm earning big interest in my savings. This is the most I've ever had in savings. Check it out at www.akronpodcast.com/acorns Acorns Online Banking (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/acorns) Tell a Friend and Support the Show Do you know someone who would enjoy the show? Tell them to go to Akron Podcast and Follow the show. You can also say "thanks" by visiting the link below to help keep the lights on. Support the Show (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/support-the-show) Start Your Podcast Today Join 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 see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/akron Please Support This Show If you get any value from the show please consider giving some of that value back and help us keep the lights on by going to www.akronpodcast.com/value any size donation is appreciated. Value For Value (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/value)

3. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Jobs, Policies, Programs, and Pacman

   This is today's Akron news, with a little commentary from me. Get paid to rake Akron's leaves The city is hiring seasonal leaf collectors at $18 an hour. It's full-time for six to eight weeks, with 12-hour shifts Monday through Saturday, so the overtime adds up fast. Hiring sessions run 5–6 p.m.: Sept. 23 at Patterson Park Sept. 24 at Reservoir Park Community Center Sept. 30 at Lawton Street Community Center Oct. 1 at Firestone Park (starts at 6 p.m.) It's a great way to show you're reliable and earn some holiday money. [Link to apply] New program steers city contracts to small businesses Akron has launched a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program. The city says nearly $800 million of its budget goes to service contracts, and it wants more of that money staying local. The first projects include: Hydrant painting, sidewalk repairs, parking deck lighting, mowing and property cleanup Two lead service line replacement contracts worth about $8 million combined Those two contracts require at least 10% SBE participation, which is about $800,000 in work for certified small businesses. A new "SBE Spotlight" will also connect local businesses with the city staff who make contracting decisions. I think it's a smart move. Akron Marathon needs volunteers Race day is Saturday, Sept. 26. Volunteers are needed for: The health and fitness expo at the John S. Knight Center Relay exchange zones at Wolf Ledges, North Main Street, Sand Run and Firestone CLC The finish line chute and Acme food bag distribution Sign up at AkronMarathon.org (https://akronmarathon.org). Geauga Lake site is coming back Phase one of Aurora Park, on the old Geauga Lake/SeaWorld property, is set to open in mid-to-late October. [Link to Channel 5 video] Midway Plaza is getting a second life Midway Plaza opened in 1955, fell into disrepair and was once partly condemned. Since it sold at auction in 2022, the building and parking lot have been renovated and new tenants are moving in: MLJ Arcade, from Monica Combs, has claw machines, air hockey, foosball, video games, a preschool play area and party space. Hand your bored teenager some quarters and teach them Pac-Man. Venue 37 is an event space from Akron native Whitearia Thornton, who's back after 12 years in D.C. It also supports her family's catering business, which lost its home when Northside Marketplace closed. There's also an international grocery, a clothing store, a bargain retailer and a furniture store. It's too early to call it a revival, but the signs are good. Police auditor reviews Akron's Flock cameras Independent Police Auditor Anthony Finnell has launched a full audit of how Akron police use nearly 150 Flock "safety" cameras, which record license plates and vehicle details. Akron has used the system since 2022, and it has never been audited. The Citizens' Police Oversight Board backed the audit unanimously. The city says the system can't be used for immigration or anti-abortion enforcement. I'll be watching this one. A major Wendy's franchisee files for bankruptcy Meritage Hospitality Group owns 314 Wendy's locations and owes Wendy's nearly $25 million. It filed for Chapter 11, blaming record beef prices. My take is that beef prices aren't the only problem. Clean up the soda machines and take the drive-thru seriously. Two teens shot near Lawton Street Community Center On Sept. 17, a large group of kids gathered near Hartford Avenue to watch a fight. Shots were fired, and two 15-year-olds were hit, one in the chest and one in the leg. 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. Sources Used or Mentioned In This Episode West Akron shooting puts two teens in hospital, police investigating (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/09/18/west-akron-shooting-injures-two-teens/91822297007/) Wendy's franchisee operating 300+ locations files for bankruptcy (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/money/food/2026/09/21/wendys-franchisee-bankruptcy/91873245007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) How are Akron Police using Flock cameras? Auditor wants to know (https://signalakron.org/akron-police-flock-camera-program-review-independent-auditor-anthony-finnell/) Leaf Removal Crew - Seasonal Laborer | Job Details tab | Career Pages (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/akron/jobs/5417831/leaf-removal-crew-seasonal-laborer?keywords=Leaf&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs) Akron announces new small business initiative (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/09/21/akron-announces-new-small-business-initiative/91873653007/) Akron Marathon seeking volunteers for race this Saturday, other events (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/09/22/akron-marathon-seeking-volunteers-for-race-this-saturday-other-events/91886988007/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6ab2c937e3b0c100017dc801&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawUgD0twZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVo4YU5sODF6cm1BYUtRYkxzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAKz6MQwNBLr_VoovEmD9zURPOVvhEDRp78AjU-eGiEU3M25N1JV7sYZWIx8_aem_xaPFzSqWCRkfrcU2w5BThw) Arcade, event space move into Midway Plaza, filling more storefronts (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2026/09/03/arcade-event-space-move-into-midway-plaza-filling-more-storefronts/91357576007/) Mentioned in this episode: Is Your Bank Paying You Interest? Acorns Does! When I purchase something, Acrons rounds up to the nearest dollar and I earn interest on that. It's a simple (almost invisible) way to save money. I switched all my banking to Acorns. They even have tools to help me teach my kids to be financially responsible. Use the link below and sign up today! Acorns Online Banking (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/acorns) Start Your Podcast Today Join 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 see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/akron Plan, Track, and Save Your Money Monarch simplifies finances by bringing all your accounts together into one clear view. Always know where your money is and where it's going, achieve your goals quicker, and collaborate with your partner or professional at no extra cost. Monarch Money (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/monarch) Tell a Friend and Support the Show Do you know someone who would enjoy the show? Tell them to go to Akron Podcast and Follow the show. You can also say "thanks" by visiting the link below to help keep the lights on. Support the Show (https://akron-ohio-podcast.captivate.fm/support-the-show)

Who has been a guest on Akron Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Congresswoman Amelia Sykes
• [Guest Name Credential]
• Shammas Malik

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

28,383

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

82

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

32

Contact Akron Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Akron Podcast