Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Akron’s new union deals could reshape next year’s city budget
Happening soon: Stow Heritage Ringers - Winterscape: Scenes of Christmas on the Akron Patch calendar
Greetings Akron! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How Akron’s new union deals could reshape next year’s city budget
- Why is an Akron lieutenant on paid leave until 2027?
- What Akron’s five new polymer projects could mean for local jobs
Also on today's calendar: Stow Heritage Ringers - Winterscape: Scenes of Christmas and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Akronfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Akronfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Snow showers in the afternoon, with a high of 39 and low of 21 degrees.
- Thursday: Cloudy, snow showers; colder, temps: high: 29, low: 21.
- Friday: Cloudy and cold with flurries, with a high of 29 and low of 23 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Akron finalizes fire, civil service union contracts (spectrumnews1.com) — Akron has finalized new contracts for firefighters and civil service workers that raise wages at the same rate as recent police increases, while slightly boosting health insurance contributions. Mayor Shammas Malik warns the higher pay will require cuts elsewhere in the city budget, with more details coming in the 2026 capital and operating budget proposals. 
2. 3News Investigates: Akron officer gets paid to stay home after sexual harassment finding (wkyc.com) — Akron officials have kept a longtime police lieutenant on paid terminal leave through January 2027 after an investigation found he sexually harassed a fellow officer, rather than firing him. Records detail prior discipline and a past civil settlement involving the city, while Akron leaders say the agreement is in the city’s best interest and that complaints are taken seriously.
3. Akron's Polymer Industry Cluster fosters innovation with new projects (ideastream.org) — Akron’s Polymer Industry Cluster is backing five new projects with state Innovation Hub funding, aiming to grow local polymer and materials startups. Community members gathered at Bounce Innovation Hub as leaders detailed new pilot facilities, accelerator support, and how these investments are designed to create jobs and drive long-term economic growth in Akron and Northeast Ohio.
4. Akron RubberDucks sold to new ownership after Ken Babby becomes CEO of Tampa Bay Rays (wkyc.com) — Akron’s beloved RubberDucks have been sold to Prospector Baseball Group as longtime owner Ken Babby departs to become CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays. New owners say they’ll keep minor league baseball strong in Akron, build on upgrades at 7 17 Credit Union Park, and continue the club’s reputation for affordable, community-focused fun.
5. Akron ceremony welcomes new U.S. citizens (fox8.com) — Newly naturalized Americans took their Oath of Allegiance in Akron, where 46 people from 30 countries officially became U.S. citizens during Monday’s ceremony. Speakers, including Judge John Adams and Rep. Emilia Sykes, praised their commitment while addressing broader immigration backlogs, halted ceremonies for some countries, and a controversial dual-citizenship proposal from Sen. Bernie Moreno.
📸 Around Akron
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Akron
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Stow Heritage Ringers - Winterscape: Scenes of Christmas
Stow Presbyterian Church, 4150 Fishcreek Rd, Stow
7:30 pm - Music at Bath: Burning River Brass Christmas Concert
The Bath Church, United Church of Christ, 3980 W Bath Rd, Akron
7:00 pm
Friday December 12
Thursday December 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Felt Ornaments and Bag Charms
Odom Boulevard Branch Library - Community Room
3:30 pm - 5/3 Bank Presents: How to Protect Your Identity
North Hill Branch Library - Community Room
6:00 pm - Holiday Craft Bazaar
3300 Morewood Rd, Fairlawn, OH
9:30 am - Holiday Gift Bazaar
3300 Morewood Rd, Fairlawn, OH
9:30 am - Winter Wonderland
North Hill Branch Library - Community Room
11:00 am - Questing Club
Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
1:00 pm - Project Learn GED Classes at Firestone Park Branch Library
Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
10:30 am - Tween and Teen Tuesdays: TikTok Hits Music Bingo
Maple Valley Branch Library - Community Room
3:30 pm - Graphic Novel Book Club
Firestone Park Branch Library - Conference Room
6:00 pm - Project Learn GED Classes at Firestone Park Branch Library
Firestone Park Branch Library - Community Room
10:30 am
Thursday December 11
Saturday December 13
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
📣 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
- I am taking it apron myself to help this ginger boy who just showed up on day and he is a sweet heart and became our new neighbor hood kitten .
he has a breathing issue and last month something had attacked him and messed up his beautiful face and forehead. No it was not a raccoon ! But i… (Nextdoor Sand Run Offshoots) - Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
FOUND on December 8, 2025 in Akron, OH 44320 near Hartford and Greenwood, Schumacher CLC Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor West Akron)
- MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Ocean Export Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$32/Hr in Akron. Apply here.
- DoorDash posted a job opening for Restaurant Delivery - Sign Up and Start Earning 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 come in peace. You come in pieces.
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