Happy Independence Day! I bought my first American flag when COVID shut down the world and Gov. Mike DeWine asked Ohioans to fly the Stars and Stripes to show their unity. Three years later, the symbol is still standard on my front porch. About 60% of Americans have a very positive view of the flag, and another 13% have a positive view, according to a 2022 survey by YouGov, an opinion polling firm. Many will fly the flag today. But is Old Glory more closely aligned with the Republican Party than with Democrats? Republicans, white Americans, and older Americans are particularly likely to have a very positive view of the American flag, according to the survey. In recent years, some liberals have distanced themselves from the flag that cloaked Trump supporters as they stormed the U.S. Capitol. It’s an interesting turn for the flag, which the Smithsonian says became the “primary icon of national identity" during the Civil War. As an interesting sidenote, the flag probably wasn’t created by Betsy Ross. Enjoy the holiday! The Wake Up will be back Thursday. -- Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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American flags fly with a cloudy sky above the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo) |
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American flag: Republicans are somewhat more likely than Democrats to fly U.S. flags meshes with national research findings, reports Sabrina Eaton. Eighty-three percent of Republicans told the organization they have a “very positive” view of the flag, with 61 percent of independents and 49 percent of Democrats sharing that assessment. Perfect day: The Fourth of July high is typically around 81 degrees, with the low around 62 degrees. We’ll be slightly higher than that, but perfectly sunny for parades, picnics and fireworks, reports Zachary Smith. Fireworks: Ohioans can discharge, ignite or explode fireworks on private property on certain days of the year, including the Fourth of July. But Molly Walsh reports that cities are allowed to opt out of the law, which went into effect last summer. Check her list for where you can’t set off your bottle rockets tonight and then read Zachary Smith's report on who is most likely to receive injuries from fireworks this year. |
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Medical marijuana: Patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may soon be able to legally obtain medical marijuana, after a committee recommended the State Medical Board of Ohio add the condition to its list of illnesses for which the drug is permitted. The full medical board is also expected to look at marijuana for autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, reports Laura Hancock. |
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Wet weather: Since the beginning of April, this year ranks as the 20th driest out of 24 years in Cleveland, according to National Weather Service. Zachary Smith reports the start of July had 0.29 inches of rain - 0.18 on Saturday and 0.11 on Sunday. Deputy chief: Cleveland Deputy Police Chief Harold Pretel is retiring after 30 years, reports Molly Walsh. Pretel most recently served as the deputy chief of Homeland Special Operations, a job in which he oversaw emergency response issues and handled the Homeland Security policies and procedures for the city. Dogs and fireworks: Research has found that nearly one-third of dogs have noise-related anxiety which can not only cause a fearful holiday weekend, but stress that impacts their overall health. Hannah Drown reports that it’s important that dog owners be on the lookout for common signs of anxiety – such as excessive barking, pacing, shaking, hiding and destructive behavior – so they can help reduce any preventable triggers. Church president: United Church of Christ has elected the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson as the first woman to lead the denomination as general minister and president, reports Molly Walsh. The General Synod, the governing body of the church that is based in Cleveland, voted Monday to elect Thompson during its 34th annual gathering in Indianapolis. |
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Betting: Ohio’s casinos and racinos had $196 million in gambling revenue in May, about a 3% drop compared to this month last year, reports Sean McDonnell. The same 11 casinos and racinos brought in a combined $202 million in May 2022. Discount gas: Sheetz says it will sell gasoline for $1.776 a gallon the Fourth of July, celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a new promotion. Sean McDonnell reports that unlike some of Sheetz other deals, this one includes regular, unleaded 87 gasoline and other grades as well. |
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Jail settlement: Cuyahoga County has agreed to settle a contentious lawsuit by paying a former jail inmate $250,000 after he accused guards of twice dousing him in the face with pepper spray for no reason. Attorneys for Deonte James and county prosecutors reached the agreement during mediation last week, reports Adam Ferrise. The settlement needs approval from Cuyahoga County Council. Gun violence: 17 people were shot and 3 killed over this past weekend in Cleveland. Olivia Mitchell reports at least 98 people have died in homicides this year and most of the slayings were committed with guns. Akron police: Two Akron police officers are being investigated for their use of force after video circulating online shows a man being punched multiple times in the face by the officers during an arrest Saturday. Molly Walsh reports several bystanders took video of the arrest and posted it on social media. |
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Ask Lucas: If your friend promises to pick up the check, but doesn’t, what should you do? In his advice column, Lucas Daprile suggests thrift store tax fraud. Good Morning America: Television cameras rolled through Chagrin Falls’ small businesses last week to capture the village’s charm for the July 5 broadcast of ABC-TV’s “Good Morning, America.” These segments will be part of the show’s live broadcast between 7:15 to 9 a.m. today as part of the show’s “Main Street USA” series. But on Monday, Grumpy’s Café competed for the “United States of Breakfast” award, but came home empty-handed. WonderStruck: The third WonderStruck Music & Arts Festival is happening on Saturday and Sunday, July 8-9, at Lakeland Community College. The two-day festival is packed with live music acts, food, drink, fun activities and merch to be consumed by music lovers. Malcolm X Abram has what you need to know. |
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South Euclid business fire likely caused by lightning, officials say Read more 7 people rescued: Cars covered in mud as heavy rain floods Cleveland street Read more Lorain police investigating after officer shoots family's dog Read more African Safari Wildlife Park offering free admission for some in honor of July 4 Read more 34-year-old woman shot, killed in Wallhaven/Northwest Akron Read more Traffic lights in downtown Cleveland fixed after over 24 hours Read more Amherst police net five arrests in human trafficking, prostitution sting Read more Lake Erie College reports increase in transfer students with new 72-hour process Read more |
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