FirstMerit FirstEnergy downtown Akron
Exterior view of the FirstMerit and FirstEnergy buildings in downtown Akron in the fall. Akron is among the most affordable city's in the nation, according to a report by the tax foundation.
(Shane Wynn/Akronstock)
AKRON, Ohio -- When compared to the average cost of living around the nation, $100 in Akron, Ohio actually seems more like $112.49.
Akron had some of the lowest costs for living and goods of any place in the United States, the Akron Beacon Journal reported, citing a recent study by the Tax Foundation. Washington, D.C. was the most expensive place in the nation, where $100 seems more like $84.96.
Kenmore Leg of I-76 reopens Monday: The Ohio Department of Transportation will fully reopen the stretch of freeway connecting interstates 76 and 77 in Akron to Interstate 277 and I-76 heading west.
The northbound side of the freeway has been closed since early June, and the southbound side was closed in May. The freeway has been resurfaced and some ramps have also been repaired.
Consolidations will continue at Summa: Dr. Tom Malone, president and CEO of Summa Health System, told a roundtable Thursday that patients should expect more changes to come as a result of consolidation, the Beacon Journal reports.
As part of what Malone calls a "value-added service model," there will be fewer inpatient beds, more screenings and more coordinated care, according to the newspaper.
Mayoral candidates meet in early debate: The three Democratic mayoral candidates met for an early debate this week at meeting of the Building Owners and Managers Association at Portage Country Club, broadcast on WKSU.
The word "collaboration" came up a lot, according to a wrap-up by the station's M.L. Schultze. Frank Comunale touted his experience as a business owner, Mike Williams said City Hall needs to listen, while Dan Horrigan proposed a civility accord between the mayor's office and City Council.
The Akron Press Club will host a debate on Aug. 19, three weeks before the September primary election. Visit cleveland.com/akron for live coverage of the pre-election debate.
Goodyear commits to invest millions in U.S. tire plants: After announcing it would be opening a new $500 million plan in San Luis Potosi,Mexico, Goodyear has committed to the United Steelworkers a similar investment in U.S. plants, Crain's Cleveland Business reports.
The company already plans to invest about $700 million in existing U.S. plants, Crain's reports, but Goodyear has committed investment beyond that. "The demand for HVA (high value added) tires in North and Latin America is projected to grow significantly over the next several years," the company said in a statement.