Welcome to Signal Akron, where we’re working to create a community-focused newsroom to ensure you have the information you need and want.
Our goal is to significantly increase accountability reporting relevant to Akron residents, including coverage of culture and arts, local government, education, business, public safety and health.
We’ll be partnered closely with our Documenters program to build a deep understanding of the information Akron residents need.
Today, Doug Brown takes a deep dive into the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board, which was approved by voters after police killed Jayland Walker. The board will investigate the Akron Police Department’s internal investigation into the eight police officers who shot Walker. But it will have to go back to the drawing board on its rules proposal after Akron City Council denied it the authority to issue subpoenas and conduct parallel investigations into police use-of-force incidents.
Where do you live and what do you call the area? That’s the question Culture & Arts Reporter Brittany Moseley examines as she explores how the city came to name its neighborhoods. It’s not exactly scientific – culture and common sense each play a role.
And do you know the artist next door? Our contributors Dara Harper and Diane Johnson explore how Akron has changed from an industrial city to one with art in every nook and cranny of its neighborhoods.
Always feel free to contact us with your questions and concerns – you can fill out our form or reply to this email. I’ll lend an open ear and be listening closely. We truly care about what you think of our coverage.
The encouragement I’ve received from folks all over Akron has been tremendous – thanks for welcoming us to the neighborhood.
