🌱 Patch AM: Want a free bike in Akron? Here’s how to earn one.

Good day Akron! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Want a free bike in Akron? Here's how to earn one.
• What does METRO's new union contract mean for Akron bus riders?
• Akron police still need witnesses in deadly South Main hit-and-run

Also on today's calendar: VOTE ON OR BEFORE November 3rd, 2026! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why should you never iron a 4-leaf colver? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 76 and low of 63 degrees.
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy and warm, temps: high: 77, low: 62.
• Friday: Showers around; not as warm, with a high of 67 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Local bike shop helps build and repair bikes (spectrumnews1.com) — Akron residents can earn a free, safety-checked bicycle by learning to repair it themselves at The Bike Shop, a nonprofit program of South St. Ministries with three locations across the city. Volunteers and staff say the North Hill site and other spots are building pride, family bonds, and affordable transportation while distributing hundreds of bikes each year.
   

2. Akron METRO RTA board approves new contract with union workers (wkyc.com) — Akron bus riders can breathe easier after METRO RTA's board approved a six-year contract with union workers, averting a possible strike and service disruption. The deal boosts pay, bonuses, and retroactive compensation while aiming to reduce absenteeism and provide long-term stability for Akron's transit system.
   

3. Family calls for justice after Akron man killed by hit-and-run driver (news5cleveland.com) — An Akron family is pleading for justice after 38-year-old Jesse McCool died following a hit-and-run on South Main Street, and police are still searching for the driver of a black SUV. Residents are urged to share tips or camera footage with Akron Police as loved ones plan a balloon release in his memory.
   

4. Akron man indicted in crash that killed Shaker Heights teacher (cleveland.com) — An Akron man has been indicted in Cuyahoga County on charges including aggravated vehicular homicide and OVI after a May crash on I-271 that killed Shaker Heights teacher Najee Hardaway. The case continues in Common Pleas Court as Hardaway's family honors his legacy through a new foundation supporting the Shaker Heights community.
   

📸 Around Akron

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Akron

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Tuesday October 6
• VOTE ON OR BEFORE November 3rd, 2026! →
  9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Wednesday September 30
• The Community Center Group 79th Anniversary →
  IBH Reach Building, 1601 S. Main St., Akron
  6:00 pm
• Brittany Commons Condo Unit Meeting →
  Akron OH
  6:00 pm
• Kiwanis meeting →
  Portage Lakes Kiwanis Civic Center, 725 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron
  6:30 pm
Thursday October 1
• THROW A NAUTI VINE DECK PARTY! →
  Nauti Vine Winery, 3950 South Main Street, Akron
• 2026 CLEO on the Go Luncheons - Akron →
  254 West Market Street, Akron
• IEA Golf Outing →
  452 East Warner Road, Akron
• Ohio Retirement Bass Series @ Portage Lakes OH →
  Portage Lakes Old State Park, State Park Dr., Akron
  7:30 am
• Ohio Mart →
  Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 North Portage Path, Akron
  8:00 am
• WRSW Demonstrators Needed: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens for the Textile Arts and Artisan Show →
  Stan Hywet, 714 North Portage Path, Akron
  9:30 am
• Kids in the Garden →
  SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron
  3:30 pm
Friday October 2
• FREE Summit County Home Expo, October 2026 →
  Summit County Fairgrounds, 229 E Howe Rd, Tallmadge
  12:00 pm

📣 Akron Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• The sweet baby girl, I have been taking care of the past couple weeks after she was found in a basket by the curb with her brother.
  The other kitten found her forever home yesterday and I'm hoping to find a loving forever home for her also, I know there's a lot of cats and kittens… (Nextdoor Kenmore East/South Akron)
• This sweet boy has been roaming around delia and wildwood, in the middle of the street, I was able to get a slip lead on him, and keep him from getting hit.
  He's got a bad eye infection and blind in the other. If he has strayed from home, he is in my kennel that I keep for my dogs. You can come get him… (Nextdoor West Akron)

• J&P Hospitality Management, LLC posted a job opening for HRIS and Payroll Specialist in Akron. Apply here.
• The Cleveland Clinic posted a job opening for Inventory Processor in Akron. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Akron here.

Ok Akron! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: You don't want to press your luck! (Thank you Tee E. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook