Oct. 4, 2026

Altman named chair of Akron Children’s board

Akron Children’s mission had resonated with Louis Altman for quite some time. Not only does the Canton native love children and wants to ensure every youth is happy and healthy, but he is also passionate about the Northeast Ohio community.

So, joining the Akron Children’s Foundation board of directors and Akron Children’s board of directors was a natural fit for the 57-year-old Altman, and he was named the chair of the foundation’s board in September 2025.

EEOC sues Youngstown hospital over Jewish doctor’s firing

An orthopedic surgeon working in the Youngstown area was allegedly fired for being Jewish, less than a month after the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, according to a lawsuit filed on Sept. 23 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Dr. Ian Walton worked for Mercy Health, a Catholic healthcare system with locations in Ohio and Kentucky, since August 2016. He was affiliated with St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown and St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

In November 2023, Walton was fired “for a reason other than work performance,” according to the lawsuit. He was later told, “No reason,” when he sought further explanation for his termination.

Ohio lawmakers approve 90-day gas tax holiday just weeks ahead of election

Ohio state lawmakers have approved a 90-day gas tax holiday at the urging of Republican candidate for governor Vivek Ramaswamy. The House and Senate also cobbled together the two-thirds supermajority necessary for an emergency clause which ensures the measure takes effect immediately.

The move comes as the rising cost of gas and diesel threaten Republicans’ chances at the polls this November. The bill now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine, who has said he intends to sign it.

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Community spotlight

My half-century journey in journalism coming to a close

Editor Bob Jacob

I started my full-time career in 1978 covering Little League baseball banquets and high school sports events. Those stories were big news in every community that our newspaper touched. Readers could not wait to see the names of their children, grandchildren, friends and others in black and white delivered to their doorstep every day.

Names are news and that is a lesson I have never forgotten. While the newspapers I have worked for have covered everything in the world, local news has been where it’s at for me. That is more important today as there are so many ways people can get their national and world news.

I recently celebrated my milestone 70th birthday and decided it’s time for the next chapter to be written. Today, I am announcing my retirement, which will take place within the next few months.

Upcoming events

Oct. 7 Commemoration: The Recipe for Hope

Join Shlichim Mor Roffee and Yarden Shiri (as part of a 4 day Shlichut) as they explore the powerful connection between food, memory, resilience, and hope. Drawing from their personal experiences in Israel, they’ll share how recipes and food traditions can carry stories, connect us to family and home, bring comfort during difficult times, and preserve memories.

The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 8-Nov. 1

The Ohio Shakespeare Festival will present The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 8 through Nov. 1 on the Henry C. Bishop Stage at Greystone Hall. This is the cult musical theatre classic that became the iconic film starring Tim Curry. Featuring unforgettable songs played by our live rock band: “Sweet Transvestite”, “Damnit Janet”, “The Timewarp”, and all the others you’re expecting.

Akron Oatmeal Festival Oct. 10

The Akron Oatmeal Festival embraces everything that makes this city weird, wonderful, and uniquely Akron. The Cascade Locks Park Association welcomes you to be part of this exciting day in Cascade Valley! Now entering its second year, the festival continues to grow in scale and imagination, featuring two stages of entertainment, a public food drive, and, of course, oatmeal! 

Shavua Tov is sent on Sundays. Send your feedback, ideas and news to editorial@akronjn.org.

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