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 Point, you might want to check if it’s midge season first—because nothing says fun like being a human bug magnet on a rollercoaster. We’ll also touch on some serious issues, like the recent spike in shootings and the launch of a new violence intervention program. So, grab your snacks and settle in; we've got a lot to cover.

Takeaways:

• The City of Akron will provide free meals to eligible youth from June 9 to August 1, 2025, ensuring hungry kids won't go without food this summer.
• Lock 3 in downtown Akron is now equipped with free Wi-Fi, making it an ideal spot to chill, work, and enjoy the outdoors during the summer.
• Kent State's decision to close its LGBTQ+ center and other support systems is a direct result of new state legislation impacting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• The trend of declining homicides in Summit County is a small comfort, especially with recent reports of increased gun violence and shootings in neighborhoods.
• Local restaurants have been called out for critical health violations, with several establishments facing scrutiny for food safety practices that were corrected during inspections.
• Akron's police department is looking for new recruits, as they recently released body cam footage showing the dangers officers face on the job.

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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 community engagement in his plans. It's a time for Akron to come together, face challenges head-on, and continue the hard work that defines our city.

Takeaways:

• The Mayor of Akron, Shammas Malik, delivered a state of the city speech during a lively event with three blimps flying overhead, celebrating Akron's rich history.
• Malik emphasized the importance of a safer Akron, introducing initiatives to prevent gun violence and support community safety.
• The administration is committed to economic development by revitalizing downtown Akron and supporting neighborhood businesses to foster growth and inclusivity.
• Addressing housing challenges is a top priority, with plans for affordable housing and support for vulnerable residents in Akron's communities.

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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 paints? Plus, we’ll check out a cool exhibit at the Rock Hall and discuss some ridiculous news from Columbus. Buckle up; it’s going to be an entertaining ride!

Takeaways:

• Akron is getting three blimps to celebrate the 100th anniversary of blimp flights, which is totally normal, right?
• The Wingfoot 1, 2, and 3 blimps are scheduled to fly over two major events in downtown Akron on June 3rd.
• If you want to see the blimps, check out the mayor's state of the city address or a Rubber Ducks game at Canal Park.
• Hazardous waste drop-off is available in Stowe, and if you have hazardous waste, you should probably know what it is before you go.
• The Akron Canton Airport is expanding and adding more flights, making it a better option than Cleveland for flying.
• Columbus is finally considering free menstrual products for incarcerated women, which honestly should have been a given ages ago.

Sources:

• Summer trip: 5 must-sees at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
• Akron-Canton airport has ambitious plans for more direct flights by 2027 - Signal Akron
• 24-year-old dead after shooting on Darrow Road in Akron Saturday
• Ohio House votes to give free tampons, pads to women in prison, jail
• Three Goodyear blimps to fly over Akron

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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

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