Although Wall Street Analysts, Stockbrokers, and Traders already use sophisticated computer programming to help them make what is in some cases, dizzyingly vast sums of money; rapidly developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools could soon help them make even more.

On the other hand; AI could also completely replace a lot of those jobs, leaving the people doing them today, out of work and wondering how to get back in the game.

That in fact, is a scenario that is going to play out for billions of workers in all sorts of different fields over the next five to ten years, according to AI Developer, Professor, and Author, David Shrier. I talked to him last week about his new book “Welcome to AI: A Human Guide To Artificial Intelligence”, in which he predicts that within five to ten years; unemployment in the US and other countries could hit 30 to 50 percent. (To listen to that interview, click here).

Obviously; that is not the kind of blow that the US, or any other economy could absorb without either buckling, or at least being severely crippled for time, without some sort of serious intervention. Shrier talked about the need for government to step in with a safety net solution, like Universal Basic Income (UBI) , and large-scale programs to retrain employees so they can work with, and not try to compete against, AI.

With that in mind; I approached Kent State University Finance Professor, David Pelleg, about how they are adapting to this new technology, so that when their students  graduate; they will have the kind of AI-related skills they need to grow and prosper, despite major job disruptions that lie ahead.

David Pelleg, Finance Professor, Kent State University

Imagine if the outrage Apple stirred up this week over the ad showing their super thin new Ipad Pro "crushing" images representing art and music, amplified billions of times over. 

Imagine that instead of just crushing just digital images of human creativity, another tech creation; artificial intelligence, actually crushes our entire world economy, by eliminating 30 to 50 percent of all jobs, leaving millions of people, including today's top earners, in the dust, on the dole, and in despair.

Then, imagine another reality, and in this one; all the boring bits of your job disappear, and you are left free to concentrate on the creative bits, with the time and freedom to innovate, and collaborate in new ways that could usher in a new age of prosperity.

Now, imagine that you get to choose, but you have to do it right now. What would you do? How could you choose>? Who could you ask for help? 

These are the kinds of questions that our guest today, David Shrier, attempts to answer in his new book, "Welcome to AI" A Human Guide to Artificial Intelligence". Find out more. Listen now.

David Shrier

About the Author

David Shrier is a globally recognized author and expert on technology-driven innovation. He is a Professor of Practice, AI and Innovation, at Imperial College Business School, cohead of the Trusted AI Alliance at Imperial College London, Academic Director of the Imperial College Centre for Digital Transformation, and Managing Director of venture studio Visionary Future. He previously held a dual appointment at MIT and the University of Oxford. Shrier has advised public companies, private enterprise, and more than a hundred governments on fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and financial technology. In addition, he has launched multiple AI-based university spinouts.

Two 17 year old males who allegedly shot a 15 year old girl on May 2 in Akron's Joy Park neighborhood, are now in Juvenile Detention, charged with Felonious Assault.

Police say detectives have been working since then to determine who shot the girl, and then left her seriously injured, near the intersection of Fuller Avenue and Minson Way.

One of the suspects was arrested Tuesday on Steiner Avenue in South Akron, and the second was arrested on Wednesday, in the 20 block of Kimlyn Circle, in Chapel Hill area.

Akron Mayor Shammis Malik, and Acting Police Chief Brian Harding are asking citizens for tips to help them find out who is behind the distribution of a racist flyer that includes contact information for a  Ku Klux Klan group based in Kentucky.

The flyer, which a city resident found on their doorstep, includes racist caricatures of Black people and the text, “Arm Yourselves WHITE People!!” 

In response, Malik and Harding released this joint statement: 

"“We want to be extremely clear: Racism and hate have no place in our community, and we find the flyer to be disgusting and offensive. We’re aware that these flyers have been placed in other Northeast Ohio communities and we are talking with other cities to gather further information. We encourage anyone with knowledge of these flyers or who has received one themselves to please contact the police department. This vile flyer does not represent the and welcoming city that we call home, and we stand firmly against those who would deliver this type of material to our residents.”

In addition, they advise that If you have received a flyer or have information about these flyers, to please call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.

You can also provide anonymous information to any of the following:

• The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS
• Text TIPSCO with your tips to 27463
• Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411, or by accessing the link on the Akron police website, www.AkronCops.org.

University of Akron Trustees today named Robert "R.J." Nemer, as their new President, and at the same time announced the retirement of current U-A President, Gary Miller, who has been with the University since 2019.

Nemer's appointment is effective immediately, and Miller will remain as a special consultant to the president to provide transition support through his official retirement.

A search will be conducted for the new dean of the College of Business.

Nemer, who received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and his J.D. in Law from the University of Akron, has been serving as the dean of UA's School of Business for the past two years. 

Nemer previously worked as an attorney, and founded a profesional golf agency in 1998, which he sold to William Morris Endeavor/IMG in 2015.

In a statement released today, University Trustees say they have tasked President Nemer with "leading the University in its next steps toward a more sustainable future, focusing on a return to solid financial footing."

They also thanked Miller for his contributions. “Under the guidance of President Miller, The University of Akron has taken meaningful, tangible steps to address serious challenges presented by a rapidly changing higher education environment and the global pandemic,” said Lewis Adkins, UA Board chair. “His leadership in tackling significant financial issues, while reinvigorating relationships with the local Akron community as well as within the University community, has been critical to the progress made during his tenure."

In addition, Miller stated: "“I want to thank the Board, staff, faculty and most of all our inspiring students for giving me the opportunity to create a bright future for this fine University,” said Miller in a statement. “As I enter the next chapter of my life, I have full confidence that President Nemer will continue the good work we have done to create an exciting future for our students and our campus. His skills as an entrepreneur, business leader and innovator will serve this University well as we continue to seek creative ways to stay ahead in a challenging marketplace."

This week our special guest has a special tie to the Akron community.

University of Akron graduate, Dr. Greg Davis, who started his professional career as a Physics teacher at Stow High School, has been with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, since 2005.

Currently their Principal Technologist; Davis has worked on a number of amazing projects, including the Juno spacecraft, three Mars landers, and Mars Pathfinder.

Listen now, as we find out what's next in his fascinating career, and explore some of the mysteries of space, starting first with a conversation about the Webb Space Telescope.

Greg Davis, Chief Technologist, NASA JPL

Akron City officials and community leaders broke ground for a new pool and renovated recreation center at Reservoir Park in Goodyear Heights, on Tuesday.

The pool will be completely redone, and the community center will be partially demolished, expanded, and renovated.

The new pool will feature a 15-foot slide, shallow water play space, 25-meter lap lanes, climbing wall, shaded areas, updated bathhouse and more.

The community center will include an updated and modern building entrance, multi-purpose/meeting room, kitchen, art room, game room, and gathering space. Outdoor renovations will add more green scape, seating areas, improved pavement, and feature an enhanced fire pit area. The new center and grounds will provide more space for community gatherings and flexible programming space.

The project will cost around $10 million dollars, will be paid for with federal funds, and is expected to be complete in the summer of 2025.

This is an illustration of what it will look like when it is done:

This is the planned layout:

The Akron Police officer who is currently under investigation for shooting a 15 year old boy in the hand who was holding a toy gun on April 1st, has been fired from his job, for two other, unrelated use of force incidents.

Officials say Officer Ryan Westlake was involved in a use of force incident on December 23, 2023, as well as on on March 1, 2024.

Both of those incidents resulted in him being charged with Conduct Unbecoming of an Akron Police Officer, and Violating the Akron Police Division Resisting Arrest/Use of Force Procedure.

Meanwhile, criminal charges against the 15 year old boy who got shot by Officer Ryan Westlake—Tavion Koonce-Williams—have been dropped, pending the outcome of an investigation into the shooting which is being conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

He had been charged with brandishing a replica firearm in the presence of a public safety officer, which is a misdemeanor.

Summit County Juvenile Court Judge, Linda Tucci Teodosio, granted a request from the Summit County Prosecutor's office, to dismiss a charge of brandishing a replica firearm in the presence of a public safety officer, that had been lodged against15 year old Tavion Koonce-Williams, who was shot in the hand by an Akron police officer on April 1st.

The misdemeanor charge was dropped pending the completion of an investigation into the incident, by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

Summit County Prosecutor, Elliott Kolkovitch, says "Pursuing charges at this time against Mr. Koonce-Williams could undermine the independence of BCI investigation”, adding that “Charging decisions should only be made after the completion of a thorough review of the incident by independent investigators.”

Koonce-Williams, was shot by Akron police officer, Ryan Westlake, who responded call about a teen teen pointing a gun–which was later determined to be fake– at homes near the intersection of Tonawanda Avenue and Newton Street, in Goodyear Heights.

Since then, the City released details about Westlake's employment record, incidating he had been disciplined in the past for inappropriate behavior, and Koonce-Williams' family is calling on the City to fire him for "excessive force" in connection with this "traumatizing" shooting.