STATEHOUSE & POLITICS
Capital budget: Gov. Mike DeWine signed a $3.5 billion capital budget, which provides money for the construction of an Intel chip-manufacturing facility, school safety measures and community projects. Laura Hancock reports that of the $3.5 billion, $2.8 billion will come from state funds and the rest from federal dollars.
Mike Pence: Gov. Mike DeWine will appear with former Vice President Mike Pence in Ohio this week at an event promoting the state’s oil and natural gas industry, discussing the importance of domestically produced fossil fuels. Andrew Tobias reports the event will be closed to the public.
State superintendent: The Ohio State Board of Education voted 10-7 against installing a permanent superintendent Tuesday afternoon after the resignation of former education chief Steve Dackin over ethics questions. Laura Hancock reports Dackin resigned June 3 after questions about whether he followed state ethics law.
METRO
Lifeguard shortage: Cleveland hopes to keep outdoor pools open longer than usual this year, but a lifeguard shortage could hamper plans. Courtney Astolfi reports Mayor Justin Bibb hopes to keep at least some lifeguards around long enough to extend the swimming season until Aug. 21, two weeks beyond the usual end-date. Though despite raising wages, only 50 or so lifeguards are employed this year, versus the roughly 145-person target commonplace prior to the pandemic.
Cooling centers: Cleveland is opening up several recreation centers as cooling centers over the next few days in response to scorching temperatures that are expected to reach the mid-90s today, reports Courtney Astolfi.
Home sales: Ten Cuyahoga County homes sold for at least $1 million in May, including two each in Gates Mills, Shaker Heights and Moreland Hills. Zachary Smith reports that the most expensive purchase was a colonial-style house custom designed by Cleveland architect Tony Paskevich, which sits on 11 acres overlooking the Chagrin Valley.
Composting: Home composting turns plant-based food scraps and yard debris into nutrient-rich garden compost. Summer is a great time to start, writes Susan Brownstein. All you need is a large bin outdoors, a small, lidded container for collecting food scraps in the kitchen, and a tool to mix or “turn” your compost pile.
COVID-19 & HEALTHCARE
Pediatric hospitals: When it comes to specialized pediatric care, Northeast Ohio hospitals rank among some of the nation’s best, according to the latest assessment by U.S. News & World Report. Gretchen Kroen reports Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, and Akron Children’s Hospital have all been ranked in the top 50 in one or more pediatric specialties in the Report’s 2022/2023 issue.
BUSINESS
JACK Casino: The downtown JACK Cleveland Casino ushered in Ohio’s modern gambling era on May 12, 2012, and since its inception, the urban casino has been a learning experience for the people running it. Originally called the Horseshoe, Cleveland’s casino was the first to open in Ohio after a constitutional amendment in 2009 made them legal, reports Sean McDonnell.
Route suspended: Breeze Airways is suspending service from the Akron-Canton Airport to Hartford, Connecticut, just a month after it began, due to workforce issues, Susan Glaser reports. With the elimination of Hartford and addition of Las Vegas, Breeze will continue to fly to six destinations from Akron-Canton.
Fuel costs: The story of rising prices, even rising fuel prices, hurting businesses isn’t new, but Greater Cleveland companies are dealing with $5-a-gallon gas prices for the first time. Many commercial applications need diesel, which is coming at an even greater cost, Sean McDonnell reports.
Wine market: Pearl Street Wine Market and Cafe will soon take over the former Flying Fig space in Ohio City. The concept -- natural wines paired with seasonal bites -- will be run by Karen Small and Jill Davis, reports Annie Nickoloff.
CRIME
Officer charged: A grand jury has levied felony charges against a CMHA police officer accused of stealing cash seized from the scene of a drug raid earlier this year. Cory Shaffer reports Douglas McGilbra, 32, of Willowick, is charged with theft in office, tampering with evidence and dereliction of duty.
Sentencing: A judge on Tuesday declined to impose prison time on a former Major League Baseball prospect who was convicted of sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl after the two met for dinner at Legacy Village mall. Cory Shaffer reports Mackenzie Wainwright, 20, cried when a Cuyahoga County judge placed the former fourth-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds and St. Edward High School standout on probation for 18 months.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Play House: Cleveland Play House has named Mark Cuddy as interim artistic director, taking over for Laura Kepley while the board searches for a permanent replacement, reports Joey Morona.
Juneteenth celebrations: Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday just a year ago, but many Northeast Ohio towns and organizations already have established their own events and celebrations to mark the day. Annie Nickoloff has 22 events to honor the date in 1865 when Union generals announced the end of the Civil War and freedom from slavery in Texas.
