Fear was everywhere leading up to Saturday’s “No Kings” protests — fear of political violence, of police crackdowns, of being tracked and punished just for showing up. And yet, people came. In Cleveland and across Northeast Ohio, thousands rallied anyway, many for the first time in their lives, standing shoulder to shoulder in defiance of intimidation and silence. We wanted to understand what moved them. So we asked. More than 200 readers responded to a simple prompt: What fears did you have to overcome to protest? The answers were honest and raw — some heartbreaking, others unexpectedly hopeful. They spoke of threats from Proud Boys and online trolls, of job insecurity, and of the gnawing fear that democracy itself is slipping away. But they also spoke of something else: resolve. One marcher put it this way: “Fear is the sign we’re alive. We may be afraid — but we won’t be stopped.” That sentiment came through again and again — people who were scared, yes, but unwilling to sit this one out. Not now. Not when so much feels at stake. You can read their full reflections in today’s top story. I hope you do. It’s a reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s choosing to show up anyway. — Leila Atassi |
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Protestors gathered Saturday at Willard Park in downtown Cleveland as part of a “No Kings” rally to protest the Trump Administration’s ICE raids and other policies. (David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com) |
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'No Kings,' no fear: A recent "No Kings" protest across Northeast Ohio drew far more participants than anticipated. Over 200 people shared their fears about attending with Chris Quinn, who highlights how protesters overcame concerns about violence, police action, and personal safety to demonstrate civic courage. Cut to kids programs: Ohio's child welfare advocates are concerned about the Ohio Senate cutting $61.35 million in proposed funding for children services, potentially threatening innovative foster care programs. Kaitlin Durbin reports the cuts could jeopardize Cuyahoga County's child wellness campus and housing solutions for youth in crisis. Park remarks: The National Park Service is asking visitors to report "disparaging remarks" about Americans at national parks, sparking controversy about historical interpretation. Peter Krouse reports the directive, part of an executive order by President Trump, has drawn criticism from the National Parks Conservation Association as an attempt to whitewash history. Today in Ohio: Thousands of Clevelanders who rely on free hot meals could be left hungry next month as a federal funding freeze threatens to shut down 17 sites. On Today in Ohio, we’re talking about President Trump’s orders to review — and eventually eliminate — FEMA support for emergency food programs. |
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Security measures: Ohio is increasing security for state lawmakers after two Minnesota legislators were shot in their homes. Anna Staver reports on the heightened vigilance following those attacks and the state's response to ongoing threats against public officials. Lawmakers named: Three members of U.S. Congress from Ohio say they were on the list of names found in the vehicle of a man accused of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses, Cliff Pinckard reports. Fixing pets: An Ohio Senate budget plan proposes a voluntary tax refund donation option to help fund pet spay and neuter programs. Jeremy Pelzer reports about the potential to raise $100,000 to $350,000 annually for controlling stray animal populations. Divorce settlement: U.S. Rep. Max Miller and Emily Moreno reached a divorce settlement days before a trial that would have involved testimony from her father, Sen. Bernie Moreno. David Gambino reports the agreement includes shared child custody and $2,500 in monthly child support. |
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City in turmoil: Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren did not turn in the required number of valid signatures to qualify for re-election this fall, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections determined Monday. Seren, whose first term has been marred by several scandals, needed the signatures of 342 registered Cleveland Heights voters to qualify for the ballot, reports Cory Shaffer. Bridgeworks project: The $82.5 million Bridgeworks mixed-use development in Ohio City is set to begin construction with a planned 2027 completion date. Megan Sims reports the Port of Cleveland will provide up to $25 million in taxable lease revenue bonds for the project. RTA celebration: RTA is celebrating 50 years this weekend in the Flats. The “Ride Through Time” festival will include food trucks, live music and a scavenger hunt for families, reports Rich Exner. |
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Opioids settlement: Ohio will receive $198 million from a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma, ending the Sackler family's control of the company. Laura Hancock reports the funds will be used to support addiction treatment and recovery services. |
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Block party shooting: Some 80 gunshots were fired at an unpermitted block party during a shootout that left one dead and five injured, Olivia Mitchell reports. Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said more than 100 people showed up to the party on Luther Avenue and East 59th Street that ended in chaos. Fatal shooting: Police are searching for a suspect after a fatal shooting early Monday morning in Cleveland. Lucas Daprile reports that De'Ante Kidd, 34, was found dead on a house balcony and a SWAT team surrounded a nearby home but did not locate the suspect. |
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Gordon Ramsay: Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay visited Cleveland's Cordelia restaurant during his Northeast Ohio tour, enjoying locally foraged ingredients. Alex Darus reports on Ramsay's dining experiences in the city. Brewery expands: Pompatus Brewing Co. is celebrating its two-year anniversary. Marc Bona reports that owner Steve Miller plans an expansion while maintaining a diverse beer selection. Solstice tickets: The Cleveland Museum of Art has reopened ticket sales for its signature Solstice summer celebration, expanding attendance due to favorable weather. Paris Wolfe reports the all-inclusive $150 event will feature international musical performances, unlimited food and drinks, and late-night museum access. The Wiggles: Featuring classic hits and new music from its country-inspired album, Peter Chakerian reports about the beloved children's entertainment group's global impact and its mission to create music that connects with children as it gets ready for its Cleveland performance. Leslie Odom Jr.: Grammy and Tony Award-winning singer-songwriter and actor Leslie Odom Jr. will bring his 2025 Christmas Tour to the MGM Northfield Park on Dec 7. Malcolm X Abram reports tickets for the show go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Chicago: Legendary rock band Chicago is returning to Northeast Ohio for a concert at MGM Northfield Park on Nov. 9. Peter Chakerian highlights the band's impressive musical legacy, including over 100 million record sales and numerous awards, with tickets going on sale today. Free dance: DANCECleveland will host a free Community Dance Day on July 26, offering movement classes for all ages and abilities across the Playhouse Square District. Paris Wolfe reports on the event's diverse dance styles and a student showcase featuring 16 regional dance schools. Retirement performance: Ohio Contemporary Ballet will celebrate dancers Kate Webb and Antonio Morillo's retirement with a free farewell performance at Cain Park's Evans Amphitheatre, reports Paris Wolfe. Golf tournament: Ernie Els returns to Firestone Country Club to defend his title in the Kaulig Companies Championship, with 78 golfers competing for a $3.5 million purse. Marc Bona highlights the tournament's impressive field, which includes 17 PGA Tour major winners and numerous champions. Food documentary: Parilya will host a food documentary screening and buffet dinner, exploring the evolution of Filipino cuisine in America. Joey Morona reports the event will feature classic dishes. New restaurants: Cleveland's dining scene has welcomed 11 new restaurants in 2025. These include Birdietown, Good Pizza, and Jolene's Honky Tonk, reports Alex Darus. Film festival: The International Horror Hotel Film Festival returns to Middleburg Heights, featuring horror films, competitions, and industry networking. Paris Wolfe reports the four-day festival begins Thursday. |
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Art Walk premieres this Thursday in downtown Chagrin Falls Read more Solon proposes new limits on marijuana dispensaries and vape shops Read more Oberlin City Council to address tax levy for library, power infrastructure upgrades and housing partnership at Monday meeting Read more Akron hosting free summer concerts, festivals at many venues; see schedule Read more Solon Schools boost staff pay, promote alumna to assistant principal role Read more Lorain City Council to review memorial tree program in city parks, chicken-keeping rules at Monday meeting Read more Up in smoke: Lakewood City Council passes smoke and vape shop moratorium Read more Fairview Park teachers partner with Baldwin Wallace on science of reading Read more |
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