🌱 Patch AM: Could Akron bus service grind to a halt in a union strike?

Cheers Akron! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Could Akron bus service grind to a halt in a union strike?
• Why Akron electric bills will drop, then jump, in early 2026
• How will Akron’s new AI assistant change your next police call?

Also on today's calendar: Music at Bath: Burning River Brass Christmas Concert and 9 more events.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Akron? Post it to Akron photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Partly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 32 and low of 28 degrees.
• Wednesday: Clouds giving way to some sun, temps: high: 39, low: 30.
• Thursday: Cloudy and breezy; p.m. rain, with a high of 49 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. 'We're burnt out' Akron Metro RTA drivers consider strike after 17 months without contract (news5cleveland.com) — Akron Metro RTA bus drivers and other union workers are weighing a possible strike after 17 months without a contract and no raises since January 2023, raising concerns for thousands of local riders. Union leaders cite safety issues, burnout, and inadequate breaks, while Metro RTA says it remains committed to good-faith negotiations under the state fact-finding process.
   

2. Ohio Edison rates are rising despite rebates, revenue reduction order (beaconjournal.com) — Akron-area Ohio Edison customers should expect their electric bills to dip slightly from January through March 2026 due to House Bill 6-related rebates, then rise starting in April despite a state-ordered revenue reduction. Regulators approved new distribution rates that ultimately mean a few extra dollars a month for typical residential users. Consumer advocates say they’re scrutinizing why promised relief turns into higher charges.
   

3. Akron police implement AI-powered assistant for non-emergency calls known as 'Ava': Here's how it works (wkyc.com) — Akron residents calling the police non-emergency line will now first encounter “Ava,” an AI assistant that gathers details and routes calls so human dispatchers can focus on urgent 911 emergencies. Akron Police say trained staff still review all information, and similar technology already used by nearby Summit County communities has shown positive results.
   

4. Northeast Ohio landmarks among best for holiday home tours (spectrumnews1.com) — Akron’s own Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens has been named the nation’s second-best historic holiday home tour, spotlighting its massive “Deck the Hall” light display and historic mansion. The ranking, alongside Cleveland’s “A Christmas Story” house, puts Northeast Ohio’s festive attractions on a national stage for visitors and locals planning holiday outings.
   

5. Daughter sues after mother stabbed to death at Akron group home (cleveland.com) — A wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed after an in-home caregiver was fatally stabbed at an Akron group home on Shaw Avenue near Brittain Road, alleging negligence by the operator and the Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The suit claims the accused killer wasn’t properly monitored and that the company failed to train and vet the victim, while both the provider and county board say they’ll respond through the legal process.
   

📸 Around Akron

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Akron

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday December 18

• Music at Bath: Burning River Brass Christmas Concert
  The Bath Church, United Church of Christ, 3980 W Bath Rd, Akron
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Dave Banks Holiday Big Band Show
  BLU Jazz+, 47 E Market St, Akron
  8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Tuesday December 16

• Graphic Novel Book Club
  Firestone Park Branch Library - Conference Room
  6:00 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Project Learn GED Classes at Firestone Park Branch Library
  Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
  10:30 am

Thursday December 18

• The Great Gingerbread Games
  Maple Valley Branch Library - Community Room
  3:00 pm
• Teen Crafternoon
  Odom Boulevard Branch Library - Community Room
  3:30 pm

Friday December 19

• The Great Gingerbread Games
  Maple Valley Branch Library - Conference Room
  3:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Elf Academy
  Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
  1:00 pm

Monday December 22

• Job and Family Services: Case Managers at the Library
  Maple Valley Branch Library - Conference Room
  10:00 am
• Break-in Bag: Save the Snowman
  Odom Boulevard Branch Library - Community Room
  3:00 pm

Friday December 26

• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
  Holy Trinity Lutheran Church , 50 N Prospect St , Akron
  6:30 pm
• Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
  Holy Trinity Lutheran Church , 50 N Prospect St , Akron
  8:45 pm

📣 Akron Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Update: Pet Reunited
  Ruby, a dog who went missing in Akron, OH, has been safely reunited with their family after 2 hours, 11 minutes. Message from Owner: "She slipped… (Nextdoor Kenmore Rimer)
• Does anyone know of anyone that needs to re-home a kitten or cat, I'm not allowed to have a dog so that's out.
  I'm asking because I've battled addiction for 40 yrs and will have a year clean on 12-21-25 I work 6 days a week 3pm-11pm and to be honest I hate… (Nextdoor Hazel - Goodyear)

• TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Shipping in Akron. Apply here.
• Arby's Restaurant posted a job opening for Team Member in Akron. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Akron here.

Ok Akron! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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