Andrew Keiper, Author at Signal Akron

On Jan. 12, 2026, the Akron Public Schools Board of Education unanimously elected Barbara Sykes as its president for the year. Sykes has served on the school board since 2024

Barbara Sykes didn’t want anyone to say women shouldn’t lead. That belief has shaped her political life

by Andrew Keiper January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

From her service on Akron City Council as its first Black woman — while pregnant — to leading the public school board today, Barbara Sykes’ political life has been shaped by steady, people-centered leadership and a commitment to public education.

Grant Horak, 13, gets some major air while sled riding at Cascade Valley Metro Park on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

Akron shovels, plows and blows its way out of nearly a foot of snow

by Andrew Keiper January 27, 2026

Tonya Grant is a family liaison at Helen Arnold Community Learning Center. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

Inside Akron schools’ Family Resource Centers, help comes without judgment

by Andrew Keiper January 22, 2026January 23, 2026

Charlie Landers, a 16-year-old student at Western Reserve Academy, delivers a presentation on cyber safety at Ohio Living Rockynol.

Plato inspired this Akron teen to teach seniors how to spot scams

by Andrew Keiper January 19, 2026

Akron Board of Education member Barbara Sykes smiles after the board unanimously voted to appoint her president

How Barbara Sykes reshapes new Akron school board in first move as president

by Andrew Keiper January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

The concession stand and press box at Griffin Stadium on Buchtel Community Learning Center's campus in Akron will be renovated in the coming months.

Buchtel CLC press box project moves forward as costs rise, restrooms relocated

by Andrew Keiper January 8, 2026

The first rule of thumb is to slow down. Don’t use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface such as ice and snow. AAA offers these driving tips when driving in the snow and ice.

Are you and your car ready for what’s left of Northeast Ohio’s winter?

by Andrew Keiper January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Akron Board of Education member Barbara Sykes (right) holds a microphone up to Karmaya Kelly (left) so that she can say "I do" during a swearing-in ceremony at Garfield Community Learning Center on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

New Akron school board members sworn in, promise to serve with transparency

by Andrew Keiper January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

An Akron firefighter hoses down a house in Highland Square in December of 2022. Colder temperatures during the winter months bring more fire hazards for residents.

Winter is a dangerous time for house fires. Here are 10 tips for preventing them

by Andrew Keiper December 31, 2025January 2, 2026

On April 23, 2025, tunneling officially began on the Northside Interceptor Tunnel—a major milestone for the project. Extending from the Chuckery Metro Parks area to Front Street, the tunnel will span 6,660 feet beneath North Hill and is expected to reach breakthrough in approximately five months. With round-the-clock coordination and specialized crews in place, progress will continue steadily as the tunnel boring machine, Elaine, advances beneath the city. Northside Interceptor Tunnel project path.

Akron could save hundreds of millions if changes to sewer project plan are approved

by Andrew Keiper December 30, 2025