Healthy Ways to Deal with Pandemic-Related Stress, Anxiety, and Anger
Written by Jeanne DestroFrom the lady who got a broken leg because she asked someone to wear a mask at the grocery store, to everybody going stir-crazy at home; this whole pandemic thing has gotten pretty old, and let's face it; pretty weird, for a lot of people.
So, what's a pandemically-challenged person to do? Talk to the Doctor, that's what.
Here's Akron-area psychologist and author, Dr. Toni Cooper, with Jeanne Destro, talking about healthy ways to cope with the pandemic.
A couple of new developments with attractive, modern homes may be just the ticket to attracting new residents to the City of Akron, and Mayor Dan Horrigan is looking forward to when they'll be completed.
In addition, the new Amazon fulfillment center on Romig Road is close to opening, and now the City is putting finishing touches on road improvements that will keep traffic flowing smoothly in the area.
Jeanne Destro talked with the Mayor about it, today.
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-8-7-20 Featured
Written by Jeanne DestroThis week, Deepfakes, artificial intelligence, a special kind of air filter we can use against COVID-19, and 3-D printed KFC chicken-- in Russia!
Our special guest this week, is author Vikram Mansharmani, talking about his new book, “Think for yourself: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence”.
Please note: This program is also available as a podcast on Apple, Android, Spotify, and Stitcher.
If you have any questions or suggestions for future shows; please scroll down and fill out our comments form.
Stop Gun Violence Now!: A City Councilwoman's Plea
Written by Jeanne DestroAkron City Council Woman Tara Samples (D-Ward 5) recently wrote a letter to constituents, in which she urged them to help stop gun vioence in our community. (Text of letter, below).
Today, she talked to Jeanne Destro about why she wrote the letter, and what she wants to see happen as a result.
July 24, 2020 Open Letter:
Dear Residents of Ward 5 and The City of Akron:
I hear you. I feel your anxiety, I feel your pain. We must do something about gun violence here in the City of Akron. We are burying our young at an alarming rate and something must be done about it.
Weak gun laws and unfettered access to firearms have made it far too easy for people to take their own lives and the lives of others. It is up to you and me as a community, as a City, to get a hold of the uptick in violence in our City by simply speaking out. We cannot expect more from anyone if we are not expecting more from ourselves.
No, we do not need a “federal” agency or “national guard” rolling into our city when we can just simply be our own voice, our own activists, and our own vindicators of justice. We cannot wait until it affects us personally to want change. We have to want it for our mothers, our fathers, our grandparents, our children, our grandchildren, for ourselves. Gun violence has shaped the fabric of our society and our community, by traumatizing millions and imposing substantial financial burdens that we all share when we are left to pick up the pieces. However, it is up to us to change our own narrative.
No, we are not the police, and, no we should not do the policing. However, we can police our children and grandchildren. How? Be showing them the right way, the positive way, the godly way. That is where we change the narrative, and the outcome. Again, I hear you and I feel your pain. TOGETHER, we can change our outcome.
But, we must stand together now, not later, not when it’s too late.
UPDDATE: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Now Tests Negative for COVID-19
Written by Jeanne DestroUPDATE-Although Ohio Governor Mike DeWine initially tested positive for COVID-19, when he was screened at the airport before greeting President Trump yesterday in Cleveland; after re-testing, twice, his test results came up negative.
That's because the first one administered, was a rapid result "antigen" test, which has been widely reported to be less accurate than the second kind of test he took, known as a "PCR" test. It is the kind of test that is most often given to people, but which takes longer to process.
DeWine says "We will be working with the manufacturer to have a better understanding of how the discrepancy between these two tests could have occurred."
Help, Hope, Hunger: The Pandemic & Food Insecurity
Written by Jeanne DestroA recent survey from the US Census Bureau shows more than 30 million Americans to report they do not have enough to eat.
Here in the Akron-Canton area; the number of people who need food assitance has increased by more than 80 thousand since the pandemic began, according to Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank President and CEO, Dan Flowers.
He talked about the growing numbers, the growing need, and what you can do to help, with Jeanne Destro.
Pulitzer Prize Winning Author, Connie Schultz, on Her New Novel
Written by Jeanne DestroPulitzer Prize winning author, Connie Schultz, is enjoying the experience of a brand new creative adventure; her first novel.
“The Daughters of Erietown: A Novel”, was released in early June, and has already appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list.
Schultz, who is from Ashtabula, Ohio, is known for her many years writing for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and her first two books , "Life Happens: And Other Unavoidable Truths”, as well as “…and His Lovely Wife: A Memoir from the Woman Beside the Man”.
Schultz also teaches Journalism at her Alma Mater, Kent State University, writes syndicated columns that appear regularly in publications nationwide, and is is married to US Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).
Today, she talks to Jeanne Destro about her new book.
Akron Police cashed in on a routine traffic stop Wednesday afternoon near North Case Avenue and East Market Street.
According to the report, officers stopped the vehicle for an equipment violation. When they approached the vehicle they smelled marijuana coming from inside. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Damiarie Davis admitted that he had recently smoked.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers turned up a little more than seven grams of marijuana and more than $45,000 in cash.
Davis was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and the cash was reportedly booked as evidence. He's awaiting a date in court.
COVID-19: What We Know So Far About Long Term Effects
Written by Jeanne DestroEvery day we learn more about COVID-19, the mysterious and deadly disease that has sickened millions of people around the globe, and has killed more than 160 thousand people in the United States so far.
Jeanne Destro talked to Dr. Thomas File, who is an Infectious Disease Physician at Summa Health in Akron, and is the President of the Infectious Disease Society of America, about new information concerning long-term, debilitating effects of the disease, even on people who didn't have a really severe case of it. But, nobody knows yet exactly how long "long-term" will be, and that's just one of many troubling aspects of this rapidly spreading disease.
News in the Time of COVID-19: A Conversation with Akron Beacon Journal Editor, Michael Shearer
Written by Jeanne DestroAlthough they moved into a brand new office complex late last year; the Akron Beacon Journal Newspaper staff hasn't had a chance to spend much time there. Instead, like many Americans during the pandemic; they're working from home.
But, as Akron Beacon Journal Editor, Michael Shearer tells Jeanne Destro; they've not only found a way to effectively cover the news here in Akron, but they've also partnered with other Gannett newspapers to broaden their reach, and bring new depth to their coverage of big stories statewide.
More...
Pandemic On a Plate: How COVID-19 Affects Our Food Supply
Written by Jeanne DestroThe pandemic has had a major impact on the global food supply chain, with expectations that more than a million people worldwide could starve this year because of disruptions that are making it difficult for farmers to get their crops to market.
But, here in the US, though there have been some disruptions; Dr. Matt Kleinhenz, who teaches Vegetable Crop Physiology & Management at Ohio State University, tells Jeanne Destro that they have largely been resolved as the farmers have adapted to rapidly changing and extremely challenging conditions.
Pandemic Relief Funds for Summit County Residents
Written by Jeanne DestroTimes are tough for a lot of businesses and individuals in Summit County as a result of layoffs, shutdowns, and health issues related to COVID-19.
But, there is some relief funding available through Summit County, though Congress has yet to reach a compromise on a new pandemic aid package that would include extended uenmployment benefits.
Jeanne Destro got an update from Summit County Executive, Ilene Shapiro:
Mass Shootings in America: Dayton, One Year Later
Written by Jeanne DestroOne year ago today (August 4, 2019), 9 people were killed and 17 were wounded, when a gunman armed with an assault rifle opened fire in Dayton’s popular Oregon entertainment district.
At the time, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine responded to protesters demands to “do something”, with a pledge to push for new laws that would make it harder to obtain assault weapons, and easier to get law enforcement involved before tragedy strikes, through “red flag” laws.
But, even though he made some recommendations; none of that ever happened, as CBS Law Enforcement and Security Analyst, Paul Viollis, tells WAKR News Anchor, Jeanne Destro, who is filling in for Morning Show Host, Ray Horner, this week.
If you'd like to hear more from Paul Viollis, check out his podcast, "Mending America".
Akron Police Looking for Two Suspects in Toddler Shooting Death
Written by Ryan LangAkron Police Detectives are investigating a deadly shooting that left a one-year-old child dead and two adults injured.
According to the APD report, the shooting happened around 9:30 Sunday night at a home in the 1200 block of 5th Avenue. When police arrived, they found the child, a man, and a woman all with gunshot wounds.
All three victims were taken to Summa Akron City Hospital where the child later died. Both adults suffered gunshot wounds to their lower extremeties and are expected to fully recover.
Since the shooting, police have released a photo of a vehicle they say was "possibly involved" in the shooting (pictured above), a black Dodge Ram pickup truck. Additionally, police say that there are two suspects that they are looking for. The investigation revealed that the two suspects got out of a vehicle and opened fire from the driveway of the home on 5th Avenue and then drove off. The two adult victims were reportedly both shot while getting out of their car. The baby was shot after several bullets struck the home.
Anyone with information is asked to call Akron Police.