Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Akron Children’s new autism center could change care for local families

Also, don't miss Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings on the Akron Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 24th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Akron! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Akron Children’s new autism center could change care for local families
  • What Akron business shake-ups mattered most to your wallet in 2025?
  • How Akron finally became free of lead service lines in 2025

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings.

Find out what's happening in Akronfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Akronfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 37 and low of 33 degrees.
  • Thursday: Low clouds, temps: high: 42, low: 31.
  • Friday: Some rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 45 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center opens at Akron Children's (clevelandjewishnews.com) — Families in Akron now have a new, dedicated autism center on Akron Children’s main campus, offering coordinated, family-centered care in a sensory-friendly environment. The Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center brings expanded diagnostic, therapy, and support services under one roof, with features like quiet spaces, specialized equipment, and easier access and parking to make visits less stressful for children and caregivers.
   

2. A year of Greater Akron business news (beaconjournal.com) — Major 2025 business moves reshaped Akron, from Amazon’s planned fulfillment center at the former Akron Baptist Temple site to Goodyear’s triple-blimp flyover and Summa Health’s sale to HATCo. This year-end Beacon Journal newsletter recaps the biggest local growth, development, and consumer stories that affected jobs, shopping, and health care around Greater Akron.
   

3. City of Akron removes last lead service line (news5cleveland.com) — Akron has officially removed its last lead service line, marking a major milestone for safer drinking water in the city. Officials now plan to replace remaining galvanized house lines once connected to lead by 2027, continuing a decades-long effort that began in the 1960s. The change significantly reduces long-term health risks for Akron families, especially children.
   

4. 2 adults charged in deadly Airbnb birthday party shooting in Bath Township to face judge (cleveland19.com) — An 18-year-old Akron resident, Elijah Wells, was killed after being shot multiple times at a massive Airbnb birthday party in nearby Bath Township, and two adults now face 17 serious charges each in Summit County court. Investigators say hundreds attended the November gathering, and authorities are still asking anyone with information to contact the state tip line.
   

5. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik elected to bipartisan Ohio Mayors Alliance (beaconjournal.com) — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik has been elected to the board of the bipartisan Ohio Mayors Alliance, giving the city a direct voice among leaders of Ohio’s 30 largest municipalities. His new role connects Akron more closely to statewide discussions on city priorities and collaboration with mayors from places like Cleveland, Parma, Findlay, and Lima.
   

📸 Around Akron

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I would like to publicly thank the beautiful lady who paid for my groceries at Aldi’s on Sunday.
    It was a nice surprise and very generous of her. Thanks again so very much. It was truly appreciated! Merry Christmas (Nextdoor Wallhaven)
  • Best place to purchase a miniature puppy at- my girls keep asking mommy can we get a dog.
    I said yes but a miniature one- please point me in the best direction (Nextdoor Kenmore/Castle)
  • Summa Health posted a job opening for Medical Office Associate - Cardiology Office in Akron. Apply here.
  • The Babcock & Wilcox Company posted a job opening for Purchasing Clerk 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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