Donna Skoda on Face Shields vs. Masks, COVID-19 vs. Flu
Written by Tony MazurMalone Unviersity Professor Shares Insight on 2020 Presidential Election
Written by Tony MazurThis Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-10-30-20 Featured
Written by Jeanne Destro 
Summa Health President: Keep Guard Up Against COVID
Written by Tony MazurBoth Ohio and the United States have hit record highs in COVID-19 cases during the pandemic this week. Though Northeast Ohio, especially Cuyahoga County, avoided the high risk purple level, Summit County remains in the red. Dr. Cliff Deveny is the president and CEO of Summa Health joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to talk about the spike in cases, which he has seen at his hospital. Months ago, Dr. Deveny says the amount of hospitalizations were in the single digits, but now they are in the thirties. The spread this time around is not coming from nursing facilities, but from 40 to 70 year olds letting their guards down and not taking the precautions as serious. If matters continue to get worse, Dr. Deveny says they have plans in place. But in the meantime, the facilities are still open and he encourages listeners to get their flu shots in they have not.
Student Athletes of the Week: DeAsia Moore & David Banks
Written by Tony MazurLayoffs At Agencies Helping Victims of Crime & Domestic Abuse
Written by Jeanne DestroThree local agencies that help victims of crime and abuse have had to significantly cut their budgets and lay off employees as a result of federal and state funding cuts.
Jeanne Destro talked to the leaders of those organizations this week, about dealing with those challenges during a pandemic that has actually increased the need for their services.
First, a conversation with Terri Heckman, who is the CEO of the Battered Women's Shelter, and the Rape Crisis Center of Summit and Medina Counties, who tells us they recently had to eliminate 19 positions from the two agencies, which are part of the Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center.
We also talked to Leanne Graham, who is the President & CEO of Summit County's Victim Assitance Program, who says they recently had to lay off three employees.
It's not just that they made and distributed a dangerous and addictive drug; it's that they denied it was addictive, marketed it aggressively, used illegal tactics to do it, and then lied about it.
That's why the US Department of Justice got a more than $8 billion dollar civil and criminal settlement last week with Purdue Pharma, the now bankrupt makers of Oxycontin, and why Summit County is also involved in litigation with other opiod makers, distributors, and pharmacies.
Jeanne Destro talked to US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Justin Herdman, as well as Summit County Executive, Ilene Shapiro and her Deputy Chief Of Staff, Greta Johnson about ongoing legal efforts to make the people and companies they maintain are responsible for the opiod epdiemc, pay in a big way.
First, US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Justin Herdman, on the recent DOJ settlement with Purdue Pharma:
Next, Summit County Executive, Ilene Shapiro, and her Deputy Chief of Staff, Greta Johnson:
Theater Spotlight: Akron Civic, Rubber City Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse
Written by Jeanne DestroThe pandemic has been hard on theaters and theater companies in our area, but while they've been down; they're certainly not out.
Listen here, as Jeanne Destro gets the latest on how they're planning big comebacks at The Akron Civic Theater, The Rubber City Theatre Company, and the Weathervane Playhouse.
First, our conversation with Val Renner, from the Civic Theater in downtown Akron, where she tells us they've got a big event planned for tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 29) highlighting some dramatic new artwork, and how they're cautiously reopening for some performances.
Next, we talk to Rubber City Theatre Company Artistic Director, Dane CT Leasure, about a new agreement they just signed which puts them in a very advantageous position for attracting top shelf talent who can really shine on their stage in Akron's Northside District.
We also heard from Weathervane Playhouse Artistic Director and CEO, Melanie Pepe, about a couple of innovative fundraisers they're doing-including a couple of movies you can watch online-while they wait until it is safe again to open back up for live performances.
Remote Learning for Akron Public Schools Through December
Written by Jeanne DestroThe Akron City School Board decided to continue their pandemic-related remote learning program intact through the end of the year, with a few exceptions.
School Board President, Patrick Bravo explained why, and how it works, during a conversation this morning with Jeanne Destro.
Chestnuts Roasting Over A (Virtual) Fire: Holiday Health Advice & More
Written by Jeanne DestroWith the holidays just around the corner; now is a good time to think about how to celebrate them safely.
Summit County Public Health Commissioner, Donna Skoda, talked to Jeanne Destro about how COVID-19 is still on the rise, and why celebrating differently this year can keep everyone more healthy.
Listen now, for the latest, and best medical advice on how to survive and thrive, even in these challenging times.
More...
Learning From Home When You're Homeless: Akron Public Schools Project Rise
Written by Jeanne DestroAll Akron Public School students are learning from home during the pandemic, but what about students who are homeless? How are they going to keep up with their lessons?
That's where APS "Project Rise" comes in, as Homeless Education Liaison, Shannah Carino explains to Jeanne Destro.
Privacy, Surveillance, and Crime: City Council Proposal In the Spotlight
Written by Jeanne DestroAkron City Council is considering a proposal to buy home surveillance cameras for citizens in high crime neighborhoods, so that home videos can be easily shared with police.
But Akron is not alone. In fact, more than 1,300 cities nationwide have signed agreements giving police easy access to Amazon RING Video doorbell recordings.
At this point, it's unknown whether Akron will decide on Amazon RING, another brand, or even if they will approve it at all. A vote is expected in the next few weeks.
But what we do know, is that citizens sharing home surveillance video with police does raise some privacy concerns.
In fact, one national civil liberties organization, The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is doing an online petition drive specifically taking aim at Amazon RING, and in Washington, the House of Representatives held hearings on it earlier this year.
To find out more, Jeanne Destro talked to Akron City Councilwoman Tara Samples, and Dr. Matthew Guariglia, who is with the EFF.
Councilwoman Tara Samples:
Dr. Matthew Guariglia:
(Cleveland Browns) Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s win over the Bengals and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Beckham went down with the injury while attempting to chase down Cincinnati CB Darius Phillips on an interception return early in the first quarter. An MRI Monday confirmed Beckham tore the ACL in his left knee.
Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowler, caught 23 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns this season. He also rushed three times for 72 yards and a touchdown and completed his only pass attempt for 18 yards.
No Couch Required: Mental Health Counseling Goes Virtual
Written by Jeanne DestroYou can improve your mental health and protect your physical health at the same time, as counseling goes virtual during the pandemic.
Find out how and why that's an increasingly popular choice, with Akron-area Psychologist and inspirational books Author, Dr. Toni Cooper.