Jeanne Destro

Jeanne Destro

The Pretenders have added another show in Akron, after their first one, set for July 23 at the Goodyear Theater, sold out.

Presales for the second show on July 24, begin Wednesday, March 27 at 10am. All remaining tickets will be released to the general public on Friday, March 29 at 10am. Complete details at thepretenders.com.

The upcoming live run will further be highlighted by an array of US stadium dates as special guests of Foo Fighters, including New York, NY’s Citi Field (July 17), Cincinnati, OH’s Great American Ball Park (July 25), Minneapolis, MN’s Target Field (July 28), Denver, CO’s Empower Field at Mile High (August 3), Los Angeles, CA’s BMO Stadium (August 11), Portland, OR’s Providence Park (August 16), and Seattle, WA’s T-Mobile Park (August 18).
 
From there, The Pretenders will embark on an eagerly awaited, nearly sold-out EU/UK headline tour, including shows in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Poland, France, and the United Kingdom, culminating October 28 with a sold-out show at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.
 
The Pretenders’ epic live schedule follows last year’s release of the legendary band’s acclaimed new studio album, Relentless, available now via Rhino Records on standard black vinyl, limited edition baby pink vinyl, CD, and digital download. 
 
Produced bymultiple Grammy Award-nominee David Wrench (Courtney Barnett, David Byrne) at the famed Battery Studios in Willesden, North West London, Relentless marks the second consecutive full-length songwriting collaboration by founder Chrissie Hynde andPretenders guitarist James Walbourne following 2020’s acclaimed Hate For Sale
 
Relentless was met by critical praise around the world, with MOJO hailing its “persistently brilliant songwriting...surely how Chrissie Hynde always wanted The Pretenders to sound.” “The new prime of Chrissie Hynde,” declared Uncut while Record Collector affirmed the collection in a five-star rave as quite simply “the best Pretenders album in 20 years.” 

 

When citizens are mislead by lies online, and journalists are hacked, tracked, intimidated, and shut down; democracies worldwide are threatened.

That was the message this week from US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who spoke at this week at the Third Summit For Democracy in Seoul, South Korea.

Blinken talked about efforts the United States is making to support free speech, free press, and free people, by protecting journalists, teaching citizens how to spot misinformation, and regulating the use of commercial spyware.

We'll also hear about how that spyware works, from Cybersecurity expert, Dr. John Nicholas, who is the Director of the Center for Information and Communication Sciences, at Ball State University.

Find out more. Listen now.

 

antonyblinken

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State

DR. J. NICHOLAS BALL STATE

Dr. John Nicholas, Ball State University

Wednesday, 20 March 2024 09:00

State & Local Primary Results

In the Ohio primary yesterday, no surprises as President Joe Biden, and former President Donald Trump, get the win.

When it comes to the other big race in Ohio yesterday, though; it was Trump-supported Republican Cleveland car dealer, Bernie Moreno, who will challenge long-time Democratic Incumbent, US Senator, Sherrod Brown next fall, after beating out State Senator Matt Dolan, and Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose.

Some races of interest in Summit County, include:

  • In the 13th District Congressional Race, Republican Kevin Coughlin will go up against incumbent Democrat, Emilia Sykes in November.
  • In the 34th Ohio House District race, Democrat Derrick Hall will face Republican Adam Bozic.
  • Meanwhile, the State Rep currently holding that position, Democrat Casey Weinstein, is now running for the 28th District Ohio Senate Seat, and will face off against Republican, Jon Leissler.
  • For Summit County Prosecutor—Republican John Greven, will go up against recently appointed Democratic incumbent, Elliot Kolkovich next fall.
  • Republican Katie Reed, will face off against former Democratic State Representative, Tavia Galonski, for Summit County Clerk of Courts.

Tax Levies:

  • The proposed additional tax levy to pay for police and fire contracts in Northfield Center Township, failed, but the one for a similar purpose in Richfield Township, passed.
  • In Springfield Township, the proposed tax levy replacement for road and bridge construction failed, but the one for police operations, passed.
  • Twinsburg voters rejected a proposed tax levy to support road and bridge construction.

School Levies:

Four out of seven school levies in Summit County passed.

Voters said "Yes" to Schools in Aurora, Green, Manchester, and Woodridge, but rejected the levies in Nordonia Hills, Mogodore, and Northwest Local Schools.

Who Voted?

The Ohio Secretary of State's office reports that only about 22 percent of Ohio's more than 8 million registered Ohio voters cast their ballot in the primary yesterday.

More votes of course, will show up in the next few days, as absentee ballots are counted.

For a full list of results, click these links to the Ohio Secretary of State website, and to the Summit County Board of Elections.

The Summit County Sheriff's office reports they found and returned a prisoner to jail, who had escaped yesterday by walking away from a work detail

Now, in addition to facing drug possession and stlolen property charges; 55 year old Ransom Moffit, of Akron, is also charged with escape.

 

So much has changed since the pandemic shut down that started four years ago this week, and one of those things is how much more dependent we all are on technology.

Going to work and to school suddenly became doable from home, but only for those with fast and reliable internet connections. Those who could not count on them, were left having to use less reliable connections through mobile phones, or public Wi-Fi at the library, coffee shops, and restaurants like McDonalds.

Even that was hard, though, because those places shut down too, in the early months of the pandemic, leaving many students and families scrambling.

Since then, the government has stepped in to try to bridge the "digital divide", between Americans in more affluent areas, and those in lower income neighborhoods, where high speed broadband is less prevalent, through federal funds for projects like Summit County's $57 million dollar "fiber ring". That project, which just recently got underway, will  connect 31 local communities and government agencies through a fast and secure network that extends Fairlawn Gig municipal broadband service countywide.

But while extremely useful and important for the safety and security of county residents, that fiber ring doesn't solve the high speed broadband connectivity problem for individual consumers in their homes. So, that's where the City of Akron's recently announced partnership with New Jersey-based SiFi Networks, comes in.

The city will grant the national fiber network developer access to right of ways, with a goal of creating a citywide fiber optic network and affordable, high-quality internet access for all residents.

In return, SiFi Networks plans to invest more than $200 million to install, maintain and operate an underground fiber optic network throughout Akron at no cost to the city, enabling citywide digitization while supporting economic growth.

In addition, SiFi has agreed to reimburse the City of Akron for costs associated with expediting review of permits during the project. 

We talked about it with City of Akron Chief Technology Manager Darren Roznek, who tells us that once the new fiber optic network is built; that could not only mean both high speed internet connections for residents who do not have them yet, but also lower internet connection prices for all consumers in Akron.

Find out why. Listen now.

 

DARREN ROZENEK

Darren Roznek, Chief Technology Manager, City of Akron

 

Akron Police allege the man who was getting robbed at gunpoint in Kenmore on March 14, but then pulled out his own gun and shot his assailants–killing one of them–was in the process of selling them marijuana.

That's why 30 year old Jeffery Ratliff is charged with Trafficking in Marijuana, but the man he shot and wounded who was allegedly trying to rob him; Jovante Dowdell, is charged with murder and aggravated robbery.

Dowdell, who suffered a graze wound to his thigh, and was arrested after showing up at the hospital for treatment, is now in jail.

His accomplice, 19 year old Javeone Aamir Suggs, died at the scene of the crime, in the 2100 block of 19th Street SW in Akron.

US Marshals and Akron Police arrested the suspect wanted in connection with the alleged abduction of a teen mother and her baby daughter, Monday in Akron.

They were taken from a foster home in West Chester Township, Ohio, in Butler County, early Monday morning.

MAOLY HERRERA TOSCANO MISSING   SARA HERERRA

After a statewide Amber Alert for 17 year old Maoly Toscano-Herrera, and her one year old daughter, Sara Herrera was issued earlier today; The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force found them, along with the suspect who allegedly abducted them, in a home in the 300 block of Gibbs Drive, in Akron.

Now, 22 year old Bayron Tajeda, will be held in Akron until he can be extradited back to West Chester.

Authorities say the mother and child are from the Akron area, but were moved to the foster home after an incident of "extreme domestic violence" in Akron on March 9th.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Quick work by West Chester Police, the Missing Child Unit in Northern Ohio and the NOVFTF Akron Division along with a far-reaching Amber Alert system led to the safe recovery of these two victims.  The Missing Child Unit of the USMS will continue to support any of our local departments when critically endangered missing children are involved.”

An Amber alert has been issued to help find two missing girls; one, 17 years old, and the other, 1 year old.

MAOLY HERRERA TOSCANO MISSING

Police allege that the suspect 22 year old Bayron Tejeda abducted 17-year-old Maoly Herrera Toscano and 1-year-old Sara Herrera early this morning from a residence in West Chester Township, Ohio, which is in Butler County. 

He is described as a Hispanic male, age 22, 5'11" tall, weighs 170lbs, and has black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a frayed light blue jean jacket and dark colored jeans.

BAYRON TAJADA

They are asking for help finding Tejeda, who is believed to be driving a white SUV, make and model unknown at this time.

SUSPECT VEHICLE

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-AMBER-OH (1-877-262-3764), WEST CHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT (513) 777-223, or dial 9-1-1.

Akron Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a suspect they believe was responsible for the February 9 hit-skip crash that took the life of 47 year old Akron resident, Jimmy Fletcher, as he was riding an electric bike on South Arlington Street.

They're asking for tips to help them find 23 year old David Ferren, who they believe was driving the white 2013 Chevy Cruze involved in the crash.

Farren is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel-colored eyes. He is approximately six feet, four inches tall and weighs around 188 pounds, with a tattoo on his right arm.

Ferren is charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, and was identified as the suspect based on evidence gathered from the vehicle which was found last Thursday, March 7, in Ashtabula, and then towed back to Akron for processing.

If you have any information that can help find Ferren, please contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.

Citizens may also provide anonymous information to any of

the following:

  • The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS.
  • Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637
  • Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411 or accessing the link at www.AkronCops.org.

It would be such a hassle to show up to vote on March 19th, only to find out that your polling location has changed, which is why it is a very good thing that the Summit County Board of Elections has posted this list today.

Check it out to make sure you go to the right place to vote.

Please note, they are also planning to send out notices by mail to voters in the affected locations.

Polling Location Changes in Summit County, Ohio
for March 19, 2024 Primary Election
• Christian Healthcare Ministries located at 800 Wooster Road North, Barberton, OH 44203 is
permanently closed as a polling location. Voters assigned to precincts Barberton 1-A, 1-B,
1-C and 2-B will vote at Barberton High School located at 555 Barber Road, Barberton,
OH 44203.
• Church in the Falls located at 837 Chestnut Boulevard, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 is
permanently closed as a polling location. Voters assigned to precincts Cuyahoga Falls 2-A
and 2-B will vote at DeWitt Elementary School located at 425 Falls Avenue, Cuyahoga
Falls, OH 44221.
• St. Thomas Eastern Orthodox Church located at 555 South Cleveland-Massillon Road,
Fairlawn, OH 44333 is permanently closed as a polling location. Voters assigned to precinct

Fairlawn 1-A will vote at Grace Church – Bath Extension located at 565 South Cleveland-
Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333.

• St. Thomas Eastern Orthodox Church located at 555 South Cleveland-Massillon Road,
Fairlawn, OH 44333 is permanently closed as a polling location. Voters assigned to
precincts Fairlawn 2-A and 3-A will vote at Crosspoint Alliance Church located at 855
Rothrock Road, Copley, OH 44321.
• Hudson High School Auxiliary Gym located at 2500 Hudson Aurora Road, Hudson, OH
44236 is permanently closed as a polling location. Voters assigned to precincts Hudson 4-A
and 4-C will vote at Hudson City Schools Administrative Office at Evamere located at 76
North Hayden Parkway, Hudson, OH 44236.
• Hudson High School Wrestling Room located at 2500 Hudson Aurora Road, Hudson, OH
44236 is permanently closed as a polling location. Voters assigned to precincts Hudson 1-C
and 4-D will vote at Hudson City Schools Administrative Office at Evamere located at
76 North Hayden Parkway, Hudson, OH 44236.

• Coventry Fitness Center located at 3089 Manchester Road, Akron, OH 44319 is
permanently closed as a polling location. Voters assigned to precincts Coventry Twp A and
C will vote at Coventry High School located at 1135 Portage Lakes Drive, Coventry
Township, OH 44319.
• Voters assigned to precinct Twinsburg Twp A are now permanently assigned to vote at
Twinsburg Community Center – MultiPurpose Room located at 10260 Ravenna Road,
Twinsburg, OH 44087.
• Schumacher CLC located at 1020 Hartford Avenue, Akron, OH 44320 is closed for the
March 19, 2024 Primary election. Voters assigned to precincts Akron 4-J and 4-L will vote
at Lawton Street Community Center located at 1225 Lawton Street, Akron, OH 44320.
• Voters assigned to precincts New Franklin 4-A and 4-B who previously voted at Apostolic
Church Annex will now vote at Manchester Middle School located at 760 West Nimisila
Road, New Franklin, OH 44319.

All impacted voters have been mailed polling place change cards. Contact Director Lance E. Reed and Deputy Director Pete Zeigler with press inquiries.

Any registered voter may find their correct polling location for the March 19, 2024 Primary Election by visiting the Precinct and Polling Location Info link at www.summitcountyboe.gov, or by clicking here.

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