No company on earth can provide everything required to train someone for space. At least until Blue Abyss opens in Brook Park. ETA: 2026. The company’s plans for a 300,000-square-foot facility include a planetarium, a hotel, a 164-foot-deep pool, a centrifuge that spins to simulate the force during takeoff, and hyper- and hypobaric chambers to simulate the air pressure found deep under water or in space. Plans also include a parabolic plane, which flies in a curve to simulate zero gravity. The company's goal is to train space tourists and researchers. But it could also partner with institutions like universities and hospitals to perform experiments right here on earth. Ohio officials see Blue Abyss as a catalyst that brings other businesses to the area, surrounding NASA Glenn Research Center. Brook Park already is getting inquiries from other companies, wanting to know what land is available and how it is zoned. Ohio could be a big player in the new space economy. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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This rendering shows astronauts in training and a diver using a deep pool. Blue Abyss plans to build this kind of facility in Brook Park. (Courtesy of Blue Abyss/Bloc Digital) |
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Blue Abyss: As space transforms from a place only governments visit to a place where businesses are built, a British company called Blue Abyss has plans to build a $250 million facility in Brook Park, reports Sean McDonnell. Petland: At least 36 complaints against Petland stores have been filed with the Ohio attorney general’s office since 2019. Several say Petland sold sick and dying dogs to consumers. Others say Petland brokered financing on the dogs with loans with interest as high as 130% to cover the puppy purchases, which run in the thousands of dollars. Jake Zuckerman talks to dog owners who say Petland sells mass-produced “puppy mill” dogs that were the victims of filthy and poor upbringings. Book banning: The Mentor Board of Education recently narrowly voted against removing a book from school libraries. Jake Zuckerman reports the Mentor dustup is the latest in a rising tide of parents seeking to purge books from school or local libraries, especially around themes of racial justice or LGBTQ issues. Nationwide, book challenges leapt 65% last year compared to 2022. Today in Ohio: National Democrats have taken out last-minute TV ads in Ohio “warning” voters about Bernie Moreno, the Trump-anointed Republican Senate candidate. It’s a sign they’re trying to hand-pick a challenger for Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown this November. We’re talking about Democrats crossing over to vote in the Republican primary on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily news podcast. |
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Park fracking: An unidentified driller asked the state to open all 85 acres of Keen Wildlife Area in Harrison County for oil and gas extraction. Jake Zuckerman reports this marks the second land lease request in a week to the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission, which also is considering opening Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in Belmont County for development. School violence in Haiti: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine have worked for decades to build up a network of free schools for thousands of children in one of the poorest slums in Haiti. But Haiti’s government has disintegrated and violent gangs now control most of the Caribbean country, putting the DeWines' work at risk, Jeremy Pelzer reports. 14th district: In Congress, Republicans like South Russell’s Dave Joyce, who work on legislation with Democrats, earn kudos from groups championing effective lawmaking. But in the subset of Republicans who view moderation and compromise as dirty words, those tactics earn multiple primary challenges. Republicans Elayne Cross of Kent and Kenneth Polke of Saybrook Township are looking to replace Joyce, reports Sabrina Eaton. |
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Irishtown Bend: By 2027, a five-acre heritage site could rise over the buried archaeological remains of a crowded riverside neighborhood, where newcomers driven to America by famine energized the city’s industrial heyday through sweat, ingenuity and hard physical labor. Steven Litt reports the Irishtown Bend project is part of the latest plans for a new, $40 million, 25-acre park. El Nino spring: How does El Niño influence weather conditions heading into the spring? Spring blooms are two weeks early across Ohio, but Zachary Smith reports the El Niño phenomenon that gave us a warm, dry winter begins to lose strength in the spring and dissipates entirely by the summer. HHS: It has been a long time since Cuyahoga County voters rejected a health and human services levy – March 1978 to be exact. But even in 1978, the HHS levy eventually passed during the November election. Lucas Daprile reports that if approved this time around, it would extend the existing levy by eight years. Kindland: The Metanoia Project in Lakewood needs your skill set and whatever time you can offer, Peter Chakerian reports. The organization seeks to foster a transformative change of heart (the literal meaning of the word “metanoia”) by providing temporary shelter and support to those in need. Classic CLE: Visiting b.a. Sweetie’s is a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, kaleidoscopic candy castle, writes Peter Chakerian. Touted as the largest candy store in North America, they stock nearly half-a-million pounds of sweets that span generations – all-time favorites, weirdo retro throwbacks and new kid obsessions. |
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Flu rates: Flu rates in Ohio are still among the highest in the nation. For another week, Ohio has been given a flu designation of “very high” by the CDC. Gretchen Cuda Kroen reports Ohio remains one of only three states and districts with the designation, along with Washington, D.C., and Nebraska. Saving You Money: Sean McDonnell is giving you permission: Wear the same pants three times without washing them. Thanks to fast fashion, your clothes probably aren’t made to last. And over-washing them won’t do you any favors. Joann: Crafts retailer Joann Inc. has added an expert at turning around companies to its board and is paying its chief financial officer a $400,000 bonus so that he’ll stay with the company, reports Sean McDonnell. The two moves come amid reports that Joann may file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which the company has not publicly commented on. |
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Jail report: Cuyahoga County Jail officials conducted poor use-of-force investigations, offered inmates terrible food and provided “very weak” measures to prevent suicides. Adam Ferrise reports those are among the findings in a 252-page report on the jail, a document prepared as part of a 2018 lawsuit against the county over its deplorable conditions at the facility. Police shooting: A 27-year-old woman died early Sunday after a police shooting and a car crash, according to the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. The Cuyahoga County Use of Deadly Force Team is currently investigating the shooting, Megan Sims reports. Euclid chase: Euclid police are searching for a suspect who shot at officers during a chase early Tuesday morning. Molly Walsh reports that officers responded about 4:30 a.m. to East 232nd and Gay streets for a report of gunshots fired after an argument. Stolen violin: A week after his violin was taken, a Cleveland Heights musician has increased the reward to $2,500, reports Olivia Mitchell. |
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St. Patrick's Day parade: Following a brief shower of white, it was green that came out on top as the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade commenced Sunday in downtown Cleveland. Megan Sims reports this year’s parade focused on culture and unity, with the theme Ireland: One Island, One Nation. Cleveland Orchestra: The Cleveland Orchestra's 2024-25 season calendar, unveiled Sunday, is a desire by conductor Franz Welser-Most to tackle specific artistic projects before he steps down in 2027. With one themed exception, the season he has planned is diverse and wide-ranging, fueled in equal measure by curiosity, urgency, and avid personal interest. Kent State: The May 4 Center at Kent State University is opening a new exhibition called “Graphic Content: Cartoons of May 4,” hoping to bring the tragedy of 1970 to younger generations through graphic illustration. The “Graphic Content” exhibition opens Wednesday at Taylor Hall and runs through June 7, Peter Chakerian reports. House of the Week: If you’re in the market for a year-round home on the water or a weekend getaway, 2770 N. Sanctuary Drive in Catawba Island deserves your attention, reports Joey Morona. Built in 2015, the large cottage-style home has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms and is listed at $2.59 million. |
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Man who shot robbery suspects, killing 1, charged with drug trafficking Read more Man dies when he’s shot shortly after leaving Akron bar Read more Euclid police: Four shot, one injured in shootings at large social gathering Read more Popeyes gets initial approval for Middleburg Heights restaurant Read more Berea councilwoman urges diligence in reporting short-term rental property issues Read more Coventry PEACE Park tips off ‘Match Madness’ to build basketball half-court Read more |
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