Amtrak: For the first time since Amtrak proposed a major expansion of passenger rail service in Ohio more than a year ago, Gov. Mike DeWine has expressed interest in learning more about the plan. Susan Glaser reports DeWine has asked the Ohio Rail Development Commission, part of the state Department of Transportation, to work with Amtrak “to determine the feasibility and cost” of several routes identified by Amtrak in a massive expansion proposal. That includes a new passenger rail route that would link Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati, or what’s become known as the 3C+D line.
Behavioral health: Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday announced his administration wants to use $85 million in federal coronavirus funding to provide scholarships and other financial assistance to students seeking to become social workers, therapists, addiction counselors and other behavioral healthcare providers. Jeremy Pelzer reports that Ohio has a shortage of such workers as demand for them continues to increase.
METRO
ARPA spending: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced Friday his spending priorities for millions of federal stimulus dollars awarded to the city through the American Recovery Plan Act. Courtney Astolfi and Lucas Daprile report that included in Bibb’s list is affordable housing, violence prevention, internet access, education for all ages, lead removal, along with arts and neighborhood amenities, which include parks, recreation and cultural offerings.
Police commission: An oversight panel is pushing to make sure Cleveland police protect residents’ rights as the department uses drones and other technologies in crimefighting. Olivia Mitchell reports the Cleveland Community Police Commission recommended in a 48-page report that before the city uses any kind of surveillance equipment there should be a policy and community discussion on it.
Electrofishing: Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District monitors the streams and rivers it is charged with protecting by electrofishing, stunning nearby fish so they can be easily scooped from the stream. Peter Krouse reports that inspecting the biodiversity of a stream – including fish as well as aquatic bugs and crustaceans – allows the sewer district to determine if it is meeting expectations of the Ohio EPA.
Fireworks ban: Cleveland officials are taking steps to continue a ban on consumer-grade fireworks within city limits, in light of a change in state law allowing residents to shoot them off on designated holidays. Mayor Justin Bibb’s administration -- along with Council President Blaine Griffin and Safety Committee Chair Mike Polensek -- have proposed legislation that would keep consumer fireworks displays illegal in Cleveland, reports Courtney Astolfi.
COVID-19 & HEALTHCARE
Cleveland Clinic: The Cleveland Clinic announced on Friday that it will invest $1.3 billion in capital projects, including new buildings and renovation of facilities in Ohio, Florida, and London. Steven Litt reports that to help make way for one of the biggest projects, a new, 1-million-square-foot Neurological Institute, the Clinic said it would demolish the historic Cleveland Play House complex at East 85th Street and Euclid Avenue.
Pollen: How much of pollen is floating around in the air causing allergy problems? Very, very little at any one point in time. For all of Cuyahoga County, it adds up to about the size of an oven - roughly 1 square yard - if all stacked together, reports Zachary Smith.
BUSINESS
Lolly the Trolley: Lolly the Trolley’s owners are putting the brakes permanently on the trolley, which canvased Northeast Ohio streets and landmarks since April 15, 1985. Marc Bona reports COVID-19 and a changing landscape of insurance and city regulations have made it harder for the owners, Sherrill Paul Witt and Peter Paul, to hire workers. This month, the trolleys are moving to Clearwater, Florida.
CRIME
DEA shooting: A grand jury on Friday declined to indict an undercover DEA agent for shooting a man who walked toward the agent’s unmarked sport-utility vehicle last year. The agent, identified in police reports as Ryan Schumacher, shot 20-year-old Trayvon Johnson in the stomach, reports Cory Shaffer. Agents were conducting an undercover drug operation and Schumacher was sitting in an SUV in front of Johnson’s home when Johnson walked toward the vehicle.
Police shooting: Members of a regional SWAT unit will not face criminal charges for killing a Parma man after he shot at police officers. Cory Shaffer reports the Ohio Attorney General’s Office said a Cuyahoga County grand jury declined to charge the officers in the June 13 death of 64-year-old Kevin Giesel.
Death penalty: Death-row inmate Kareem Jackson’s execution date has again been postponed because of Ohio’s ongoing troubles with getting lethal-injection drugs. Jeremy Pelzer reports that Jackson, who murdered two drug dealers execution-style following a 1997 robbery in Columbus, had been scheduled to be put to death on Sept. 15, but the date has been pushed back to Dec. 10, 2025.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Fount: Fount, the Cleveland-based leather goods company featured on “Cleveland Hustles,” is moving out of its original Gordon Square store and into a new space at Crocker Park, Joey Morona reports.
House of the week: If you’re looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle in a lively neighborhood, the townhome at 5 Kenilworth Mews in Cleveland Heights offers both. Joey Morona reports the 2010-built house offers two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms in 2,384 square feet, plus a basement and two-car garage. On the market since April 20, the home was recently reduced in price to $549,000.
