Good Morning, Cleveland! It’s Friday, June 12, and here is what you need to know.
Akron to target violence with new intervention program
Akron is launching a new violence intervention program on Friday as the city deals with a spike in shootings that has left six people injured since the weekend. The city is partnering with local hospital systems on the new program, called PIVOT. More details are expected to be announced at a news conference later this morning. City leaders also took steps Thursday to address violence in the Highland Square area. Almost every bar in Highland Square agreed to close at midnight this weekend — with one exception. The Highland Tavern is the only bar staying open late. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said that the decision speaks to the bar’s priorities. The fire department will monitor the Highland Tavern for capacity issues this weekend. The city is also closing the Chipotle and Walgreens parking lots late at night this weekend. Police are still asking for the public’s help in identifying the people involved in Sunday’s shooting…