Phil Lombardo

Last year, Clean Up Akron Month volunteers removed more than 71 tons of litter. But Keep Akron Beautiful CEO Jacqui Ricchiuti said there are less community service workers picking up trash, and the city is dirtier than it's ever been.

City council was required to pass an ordinance putting a civilian police review board on the ballot because a petition got enough valid signatures. However, council members expressed concern with some of the language in the charter amendment.

If the North Akron neighborhood looks a little brighter after dark this winter, it could be the result of newly elected Akron City Councilman Phil…