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 if you're planning to hit up Blossom for a concert, be prepared for a few new rules that make attending a music event sound more like a trip to the DMV. Buckle up, folks; it’s going to be a wild ride!

• Wayne Dawson's return to the public eye is overshadowed by his fight against cancer, but he is now cancer-free, which is a relief for everyone.
• Metro RTA is offering free rides on weekends this summer, making it easier for us to get to events while saving a few bucks.
• Cedar Point is in the news for all the wrong reasons, from incidents involving students to escaped alpacas; it's a wild ride out there.
• The city of Akron is struggling with police funding while trying to keep the streets safe, which seems like a classic case of catch-22.
• Ohio lawmakers are considering allowing online gambling, which might just lead to more people losing money, because why not?
• Concert-goers at Blossom should arrive at least two hours early to avoid parking headaches and to ensure they can find their way around, or just take an Uber and hope for the best.

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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 bringing in comedians who probably have more talent in their pinky fingers than I do in my entire body. Spoiler alert: I’m not lining up for tickets. So, buckle up as we explore how banning phones and questionable comedy shows are the latest happenings around here.

Takeaways:

• The Ohio Senate has passed a bill banning cell phone use during school hours, effective September 1st.
• The bill allows exceptions for health concerns or emergencies, but defining an emergency could be tricky.
• Many districts are already enforcing similar bans, citing reduced distractions and better engagement in classrooms.
• Social media's impact on youth mental health was discussed, with some teachers claiming it's a societal disaster.
• Cedar Point is revamping its entertainment, featuring comedians known from national shows, which might be interesting if you like waiting in lines.
• In bizarre news, a raccoon was found with a meth pipe, proving that reality can be stranger than fiction.

Links referenced in this episode:

• • Man dies after shooting in Akron McDonald's parking lot
  • Akron Police Punch Detained person in the face
  • Cedar Point adds comedians to its live summer entertainment lineup
  • Ohio Senate votes to ban cellphones in schools
  • ALDI announces Grand Opening date for Akron West Market Street store
  • 2 males hospitalized Sunday after Firestone Park shooting
  • Ohio woman arrested after being caught in disturbing act with 'Chewy' the Raccoon inside car | Daily Mail Online
  • Akron woman hospitalized after stabbing and pit bull attack | wkyc.com
  • Akron man shoots into crowd with rifle, hits 2 including teen
  • Akron woman hospitalized Saturday after being stabbed, attacked by dog
  • 19-year-old man arrested accused of meth,...

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 Akron Rubber Ducks baseball tickets. So, if you're in the mood for a rollercoaster of news that swings from alarming to mildly amusing, stick around!

May 9th marks a day filled with the usual mix of community news and quirky insights on the Akron Podcast. We kick off with a police statement that sounds more like a warning than a community update. Then, we shift gears to the fun side of Akron, talking about the Rubber Ducks and their generous offer of free baseball tickets. Who doesn’t love a good game? The excitement of summer plans emerges as we imagine a day filled with hot dogs, laughter, and a little bit of baseball magic.

However, as the episode progresses, the mood takes a sharp turn as we confront the reality of crime in the area. A shooting incident at a party serves as a reminder that not everything is rosy in Akron. The hosts, ever so sarcastic, point out the irony of the mayor’s claims about declining gun violence, all while a gunman is on the loose. They humorously advise listeners to perhaps avoid the streets at 4 a.m., suggesting that late-night adventures might not be the best idea. It’s a stark juxtaposition between the joyful anticipation of summer and the sobering realities of safety in the community.

The podcast concludes on a hopeful note with the announcement of Big Lots returning to Akron. With five new locations slated to open, it seems that the local economy is getting a much-needed boost. The hosts highlight the importance of local businesses and community initiatives, such as the Summer Youth Employment Program, which promises valuable job opportunities for teens. It’s a mix of the absurd and the uplifting, showcasing the resilience of Akron and its community spirit. As we wrap up, we’re left with a reminder that amidst the chaos, there’s always room for laughter, community, and a little bit of hope.

Takeaways:

• This episode kicked off with a friendly reminder that it's Friday, May 9th—so don't forget to breathe, folks!
• We discussed a police statement, because nothing screams excitement like crime reports in Akron.
• There’s a giveaway for Akron Rubber Ducks tickets, because who doesn’t want free snacks and baseball?
• We found out that crime rates are a bit like a rollercoaster—up and down, but mostly just down at the moment.
• In a shocking turn of events, Big Lots is returning, just when we thought we lost them forever.
• Remember, if you want to work this summer, apply for the Youth Employment Program by May 16th!

Sources

• Akron Police address video circulating social media showing ‘use of force incident’
• Win tickets to the Akron RubberDucks - Signal Akron
• Summer Youth Employment Program - Youth Success Summit

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