Cleveland Unveils Revitalization Vision

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb introduced a development agenda for waterfront revitalization, job creation, and infrastructure upgrades. He dubbed it Economic Resurgence in Action—or the Cleveland ERA.

A centerpiece of the Cleveland ERA is the development of the city’s North Coast. Cleveland and the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation have begun soliciting developer proposals to transform the lakefront.

The initiative aims to increase public access to the shoreline, incorporate small businesses, and expand affordable housing. A planned land bridge linking downtown to the waterfront is set to begin construction in 2027.

Additional priorities under the ERA include the ongoing modernization of Cleveland Hopkins Airport, attracting new businesses, and implementing citywide affordable housing initiatives.

Ohio Faith Leaders React to Relaxed IRS Rules

Brian Hickey, Catholic Conference of Ohio executive director, said it would not be “good practice” for priests to endorse candidates, though clergy will continue addressing policy issues aligned with Catholic doctrine.

Aaron Baer, president of Citizens for Christian Virtue, praised the IRS decision, arguing that the federal government should never have restricted pastors’ freedom of speech from their pulpits.

Ohio Jewish Communities CEO Howie Beigelman expects little change within synagogues, noting some rabbis might feel freer to voice political opinions, but most will maintain their current style of political engagement.

Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest Returns this Weekend

The 44th annual Jazz & Rib Fest returns to Columbus on Friday, featuring 30 bands and over 30 food vendors offering barbecue, vegan options, desserts, and more.

About 200,000 visitors are expected at Bicentennial Park and West Bank Park. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. A festival map is available here.

Headliners will include Lizz Wright and Urban Jazz Coalition on Friday, The Baylor Project on Saturday, and Mavis Staples and The Labra Brothers closing out the festival on Sunday.

Several downtown streets will be closed through the weekend. A list of road closures is available here.

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➤ Columbus: Officials approved a $23 million cybersecurity overhaul one year after a ransomware attack, adding a zero-trust network to strengthen defenses against internal and external threats. (More)

➤ Toledo: The city plans to issue a stop-work order for a sand and clay mining project after proposals to allow the project to expand were voted down by the city council. (More)

➤ Central Ohio: Battelle renewed its $1.1 million investment in STEM education through the YMCA of Central Ohio, aiming to provide education for more than 44,000 children and families. (More)

➤ Mahoning Valley: Local governments are encouraged to seek federal funding to repair nine local bridges named on the state’s 2026 Target Bridge List, which identifies bridges in need of repair or replacement. (More)

➤ Dayton: Dayton Metro Library will adjust its operating hours on August 4, to align with peak visitation times. Additionally, visitors age 17 and younger must be accompanied by someone at least 25 years old. (Details)

➤ Woodville: The Northwest Ohio Bomb Squad responded after a resident discovered a military artillery shell while cleaning a family member’s residence. Authorities have not confirmed whether the shell is live. (More)

➤ Former University of Cincinnati standout Sauce Gardner reportedly agreed to a four-year, $120.4 million extension with the New York Jets, making him the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback. (More)

➤ The Columbus Blue Jackets announced their 2025 season opener at Nashville on October 9, with the home opener at Nationwide Arena set for October 13 against the New Jersey Devils. (More)

➤ The Cincinnati Bengals will induct former offensive lineman Dave Lapham and former defensive back Lemar Parrish into the team’s Ring of Honor this season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Soccer | WNBA

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➤ Columbus’s music industry generated $1.3 billion in 2024, though a recent report found the city lags behind comparable cities in available performance venues. (More)

➤ Deloitte Tax acquired assets of Cincinnati-based Trust Processing Solutions to expand its Institutional Trust Group and strengthen its position in the U.S. fiduciary tax services market. (More)

➤ Hyphen Innovations, a Dayton-area defense contractor specializing in engines and aerospace parts, will move into a newly remodeled 6,500-square-foot facility in Moraine. (More)

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➤ The Ohio Challenge, an annual hot air balloon and sky diving festival, returns to Middletown’s Smith Park on Friday, featuring hot air balloons, skydiving demonstrations, a pyrotechnics jump, and other activities. (Details)

➤ The driver seen in a viral video stopping in the middle of a freeway and causing a crash in April has been charged with reckless driving and wanton disregard for safety. (Watch Video)

➤ The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s ride-along program offers adults ages 18 to 39 a firsthand look at trooper duties, aiming to recruit those considering a career in law enforcement. (Details)

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Should tax-exempt places of worship be allowed to endorse political candidates?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not sure

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever sailed on Lake Erie?

1. Yes: 45%
2. No: 55%

What former canal town is now a living history museum near Coshocton?

Show me the answer