| STATEHOUSE & POLITICS Independent campaign: State Rep. Shayla Davis, a Garfield Heights Democrat appointed to her seat earlier this year, is trying to remain in the Statehouse next year by running as a political independent. But to qualify for the November ballot, she may have to convince the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections that she fits the bill, if anyone challenges her party affiliation, reports Andrew Tobias. METRO Shaker bridges: The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works and the Ohio Department of Transportation are seeking public input on a project to rehabilitate two bridges on Warrensville Center Road in Shaker Heights. Kaitlin Durbin reports the project includes replacing the bridge deck, roadway, drainage and traffic signal improvements, and installation of a shared use path across the northbound structure. COVID-19 & HEALTHCARE COVID cases: For the first time in six weeks, the weekly number of COVID-19 cases in Ohio has dropped. Gretchen Cuda Kroen reports that the state had 27,785 new cases of COVID-19 in its weekly dashboard update, down 2,091 from a week ago. Ohio has been over 10,000 cases per week every week since the beginning of May. BUSINESS Mortgage rate: Homebuyers are getting some relief. The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage nationally is below 5% for the first time since April, reports Sean McDonnell. Million-dollar homes: Eight Cuyahoga County homes sold for more than $1.25 million in July, including two each in Rocky River and Shaker Heights. Zachary Smith reports Shaker had the highest sales price in the county last month at $1.63 million. CRIME Ethan Liming’s death: The three men charged in connection with the death of 17-year-old Ethan Liming outside of Akron’s I Promise school had their bonds significantly lowered Thursday. Olivia Mitchell reports the three men were initially charged with murder and felonious assault and held on $1 million bonds. 2-year-old’s death: A Cleveland man who pleaded guilty to charges related to the death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son was sentenced Wednesday to at least 12 years in prison. Cory Shaffer reports Ronald Hicks Jr. could spend up to 16 years behind bars for the death of 2-year-old Ryan Mounts Jr. O'Malley charged: Former Cuyahoga County Recorder and Cleveland City Councilman Patrick J. O’Malley pleaded not guilty on Thursday to felony charges accusing him of assaulting a Parma police officer during an April arrest in which authorities responded to a mental-health crisis incident at his home, Cory Shaffer reports. O’Malley, 63, is charged with felonious assault of a peace officer, assault of a peace officer, obstructing official business and resisting arrest. Opioid doctor: A former Youngstown-area doctor who overprescribed opioids to dozens of patients, including two who died from overdoses, was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in federal prison. Adam Ferrise reports that prosecutors say Martin Escobar flooded the small town of Lake Milton with prescription opioids, preyed upon people’s addictions and pushed drugs on patients for money. Ducks shot: A Cuyahoga Falls resident wants answers after she found two white American Pekin ducks along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Akron shot by what appeared to be BB pellets. Angela Brown found one of the ducks dead and the other injured while walking along the trail on July 11, Megan Becka reports. The Summit Metro Parks ranger department is investigating. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Olympic park: Olympic National Park isn’t just a single fascinating outdoors space – it’s three terrific places in one. Susan Glaser reports that on a massive peninsula west of Seattle, fluctuating elevation and precipitation combine to create a stunning range of natural environments. Things to do: The first weekend of August is chock full of possibilities including fairs, festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, Twins Days and more. Joey Morona has 23 ideas to choose from. | 