Ohio’s brand-new U.S. senator just threw cold water on the state’s long-awaited passenger rail dreams. In a Senate hearing Wednesday, Bernie Moreno questioned why the federal government is even in the business of running Amtrak — and suggested it shouldn’t be. Moreno, a Westlake Republican, said Amtrak’s service can’t compete with privately run lines like Brightline in Florida. He called Amtrak’s trains outdated and inefficient, comparing them to “a Russian car from the ‘70s.” The timing’s notable, because back in Ohio, the DeWine administration is still studying whether to greenlight new Amtrak routes — including a big one connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. If approved, those trains wouldn’t start rolling until 2030 at the earliest. But with Moreno already making noise about cutting off funding, Ohio’s slow march toward expanded rail could be facing some very strong headwinds. — Leila Atassi The Wake Up will not publish Friday because of today's Juneteenth holiday. It will return on Monday. |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Guardians at San Francisco Giants: Daniel Schneemann’s homer off future Hall of Famer leads Guardians to 4-2 win over Giants Northeast Ohio weather forecast: More showers and storms |
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Amtrak estimated last year that the proposed Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati would, by 2035, have 385,000 riders annually but run an operating deficit somewhere between $16 million to $25 million. (Dan Gleiter, pennlive.com file photo) |
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Amtrak funding: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno has called for ending funding for Amtrak, arguing the government is inefficient at running passenger rail. Sabrina Eaton reports Moreno has criticized Amtrak's service compared to private alternatives like Brightline, even as Ohio studies potential new Amtrak routes. Juvenile justice: Cuyahoga County Council is considering juvenile justice reform recommendations, with potential policy changes expected in the fall. The long-awaited report from the Juvenile Court Advisory Subcommittee emphasizes prevention over punishment for youth, reports Kaitlin Durbin. Transgender care: A 6-3 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court could have implications in Ohio. Sabrina Eaton reports the court upheld Tennessee's ban on transgender youth care, potentially impacting a similar law here. Today in Ohio: An accused gunman targeted Democratic lawmakers — and two of Ohio’s congresswomen were on his list. On Today in Ohio, we’re talking about political violence and the terrifying reality that politicians face. |
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Focus on states: In a discussion moderated by newly elected Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde, DNC Chair Ken Martin said Ohio will be “critical” to Democratic strategy in 2026. Martin cited an open governor’s race, Senate race and vulnerable Democratic House members on the ballot as some of the reasons, reports Mary Frances McGowan. Fatherhood program: The Ohio Senate has proposed $20 million for faith-based responsible fatherhood programs. Laura Hancock reports the initiative would fund nonprofits supporting fathers and launch a statewide awareness campaign, modeled after a program in Florida. |
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Backyard chickens: Lorain City Council has advanced an ordinance that would allow residents in single-family homes to keep up to 12 hens for personal egg production. Hannah Drown reports the proposed legislation includes specific requirements for chicken coops and permits. Transportation costs: The Lorain City School District is considering bringing transportation services in-house to combat exploding costs. Hannah Drown reports that some specialized student transportation routes currently cost the district up to $1,000 per day. Kennel full: The Lorain County Dog Kennel has put out an urgent adoption plea. Hannah Drown reports the kennel reached full capacity after taking in 15 dogs within 36 hours. Wildlife issues: A neighbor's groundhog sighting prompts an exploration of the potential damage these animals can cause to gardens and home foundations. Susan Brownstein writes about groundhog behavior and management strategies for homeowners in this week’s gardening column. |
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Water safety: Is it safe to swim in the water after it rains? Susan Glaser reports on how Ohio health officials provide guidance on swimming safety in Lake Erie, monitoring bacteria levels and harmful algal blooms and on the importance of checking water quality before beach visits. Sale approved: The Ohio Attorney General’s office “conditionally approved” the $485 million sale of Summa Health to a venture capital firm. Julie Washington reports there is a caveat that $30 million in cash and equity must be given to a new nonprofit foundation to benefit the community. Store opening: Bath & Body Works has opened a new store concept called Gingham+ at Westgate Shopping Center in Fairview Park. The store's open floor plan and dedicated product zones are meant to appeal to Gen Z consumers. |
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Sanders speeding: Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was cited for driving 41 mph over the speed limit earlier this week, police say. Strongsville police issued Sanders a citation that accused him of driving 101 mph in a 60 mph zone, Lucas Daprile reports. Murder charges: A Cuyahoga County grand jury has indicted Nathaniel Crockett for the murder of Juvar King, a Warren man who went missing in February. David Gambino reports Crockett faces charges including aggravated murder, kidnapping, and arson after King's body was discovered in an abandoned East Cleveland building. Parking lot shootings: Two men died in separate shootings in Cleveland parking lots Tuesday. Lucas Daprile reports Patrick Carner, 34, was pronounced dead at University Hospitals and Leonzo Washington, 34, was killed later that day in a different location. Trainer sentenced: A former University School athletic trainer, Ryan Goughnour, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexual misconduct with students. David Gambino reports Goughnour admitted to showing his genitals to students and prosecutors agreed to drop more serious felony charges in exchange for the plea. FBI arrest: Ricardo Johnson Sr. was arrested by FBI agents after admitting to two shootings while possessing an illegal handgun. Adam Ferrise reports that Johnson, whose toddler son died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022, used the weapon in incidents involving his brother and cousin. |
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Juneteenth: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will welcome back Mx. Juneteenth, a “black and queer liberation celebration,” honoring the Juneteenth holiday with live music, DJs, drag performers, community advocacy groups and small local businesses banding together to celebrate the holiday and themselves, Malcolm X Abram reports. The event is Saturday at the Rock Hall’s outdoor stage and plaza. Best beaches: Looking for a new spot to try out on Lake Erie this summer? Susan Glaser reports on 15 beaches' unique amenities and attractions. Gordon Ramsay: Food Network star Gordon Ramsay showed up for dinner Tuesday at Abundance Culinary in Cleveland Heights, Paris Wolfe reports. Chef/owner Liu Feng had less than 30 minutes to prepare when someone tipped her off to his arrival. Student program: Rejuv Eatery has opened on Cleveland's Public Square, offering health-focused meals while also providing culinary students with real-world experience. Paris Wolfe reports on the new restaurant and its partnership with Tri-C's Hospitality Management Program. Subscription service: Chef Liu Fang brings handmade Chinese dumplings to Cleveland with a new subscription club featuring three tiers of unique flavors. Alex Darus reports about Fang's personal culinary journey, highlighting how her family memories inspire each dumpling variety. Musician interview: Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls discusses the band's legacy, activism and upcoming Cleveland concert. Peter Chakerian reports on their enduring musical and social impact. Food history: A new book delves into how immigration shaped Lorain County's culinary landscape. Marc Bona reports on Kelly Boyer Sagert and her exploration of the region's diverse food traditions. |
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Iconic North Ridgeville popcorn business sold to Arizona company Read more Solon boy’s bar mitzvah project supports Cleveland Clinic’s Child Life department Read more North Ridgeville Schools announces multiple administrative appointments Read more Brooklyn adding traffic calming measures to slow down motorists Read more Lakewood eyes construction of $40 million sewer overflow storage tank Read more Parma Schools partners with Cleveland Food Bank for free summer lunch program Read more Lakewood Schools hosts Learnapalooza for teachers before summer break Read more Four North Ridgeville businesses earn Ohio School Board Association top honors Read more New Euclid police K9 honors officer killed in line of duty Read more |
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