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.

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Introduction and Overview* Brief summary of episode topics: Spaghetti Warehouse news, Cedar Point updates, shootings, Devo Day, Akron Public Schools news * Mention of episode date and podcast website

  1. Devo Day Legislation* Ohio lawmakers considering House Bill 866 to designate April 18 as Devo Day
  2. Introduced by Veronica Sims (Akron) and Michelle Grimm (Toledo)
  3. Chosen for Devo's first performance date at Kent State in 1973
  4. Devo's contribution to music and Ohio culture
  5. Honors Devo's influence and philosophy of de-evolution
  6. Key band members mentioned: Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh
  7. Notable songs cited: "Whip It," "The Girl You Want," "Freedom of Choice," "Beautiful World," and "Mongoloid"
  8. Devo's local ties
  9. Formed in Kent, developed in Akron
  10. Bill must pass several legislative steps to become official

  11. Upcoming Devo concert at Akron Civic Theater

  12. Akron Area Road Closures and Construction* Central Interchange overnight closures (May 17–22)

  13. Purpose: Bridge painting by ODOT
  14. Specific detour routes provided
  15. Gent Road ramp closure (starting May 18)
  16. Ramp to I-77 North closed for pavement reconstruction
  17. All American Bridge repair and related street closures (from May 26)

  18. Charles Street under State Route 261 closed through June 6

  19. Cedar Point Millennium Force Ride Issue* Seat belt issue leading to guests being unable to ride

  20. Seat belts shorter than intended spec, causing problems for riders
  21. Longer load times and some guests turned away

  22. Confirmation of replacement seatbelts coming

  23. Spaghetti Warehouse Akron Closure* Official closing statement and last day (May 17)

  24. Reflection on the restaurant’s significance to the community
  25. Historical background
  26. Opened in 1992 in the B.F. Goodrich warehouse building
  27. Proximity to local landmarks

  28. Company history and other locations

  29. New Downtown Akron Restaurant – Crafty Steer* Description of Crafty Steer as a multi-use destination

  30. Restaurant, bar, games, market, event space
  31. Revitalization of previously vacant Ohio Brewing Company space
  32. Importance to downtown Akron’s urban development
  33. Effort to increase density and foot traffic
  34. Use of West Point Market recipes
  35. Owner's goals and connection to existing markets

  36. Timing of opening and ongoing downtown revitalization efforts

  37. Akron Public Schools Staffing Cuts Debate* Temporary postponement of planned staffing reductions

  38. Board voted 5–2 against current reduction proposal
  39. Discussion around necessity and presentation of cuts
  40. Specific positions proposed for reduction:
  41. Assistant principal (dean) roles
  42. Paraprofessional positions
  43. Library technician jobs
  44. Art therapist
  45. Issues raised by board members about approach and process
  46. Other cost-saving measures being considered

  47. Statement from district leaders on funding challenges

  48. Cleveland Orchestra Event at Blossom Music Center* Announcement of Itzhak Perlman performing July 9, 2026

  49. Details of the all-Beethoven program

  50. Significance of Perlman’s appearance

  51. Recent Shootings and Crime Updates in Akron* Shooting near Marcy Street and Cole Avenue

  52. Details of the incident, victim identity, current investigation
  53. Contact information for providing tips
  54. Bar owner shooting at North Hill Game Day Grill
  55. Circumstances and status of the victim

  56. Repeated encouragement to provide information

  57. Bath Township Airbnb Shooting Lawsuit* Lawsuit filed by Brooklyn Diner against Airbnb, homeowner, and party organizers

  58. Alleged zoning violations and foreseeability of violence
  59. Details of the incident and legal arguments
  60. Status of related criminal cases

  61. Status of the property where the incident occurred

  62. Akron Civic Theater Free Tours* Monthly free tours of the Civic Theater

  63. How to sign up, age restrictions, and format of the tours

  64. Proposed WM Trash Transfer Station Agreement* Overview of agreement between Akron and WM (Waste Management)

  65. Closure of Fountain Street facility after new Archwood Ave. site opens
  66. Deed restrictions, community improvement fund, Joy Park support
  67. Truck routing changes and public accountability measures
  68. Community benefits: youth programs, cleanups
  69. Debate over adequacy of financial compensation

  70. Timeline for construction and potential delays

  71. Closing Announcements* Call for resident voicemails about living near the Fountain Street facility

  72. Notice of upcoming events: State of the City, River Butcher comedy show, Steve Earle concert
  73. Reminder to check akronpodcast.com for more events

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