Sales Tax Holiday Returns This Weekend

Ohio’s annual sales tax holiday kicks off on Friday and runs through Aug. 14, giving residents two weeks to shop tax-free for back-to-school and household essentials.

Eligible items include electronics, clothing, books, home goods, plants, sports equipment, and groceries—provided each item is priced at $500 or less. Motor vehicles, alcohol, and tobacco are among the excluded products.

There is no limit on total spending, so long as each qualifying item falls under the $500 threshold. All retailers statewide are required to participate in the event.

Cincinnati Restaurants Demand Action After Violence

Cincinnati restaurant owners are demanding decisive action after a violent attack on two people downtown drew national attention and sparked a federal investigation.

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse and the Cincinnati Downtown Restaurant Coalition released a statement urging city leaders to create a clear public safety plan, emphasizing that this is “not a moment for vague promises or delayed responses.”

The Department of Justice and the FBI confirmed an ongoing investigation into the alleged assault, with the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division monitoring the case for potential hate crime charges.

By Wednesday afternoon, authorities had arrested three suspects and filed charges against two more individuals in connection with the attack.

Historic Ohio Estate Listed for $1.25M

A historic 37-room mansion in Stout, Ohio, once home to the Arabian stallion Mirage, the inspiration for the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Mirage’s name, is listed for $1.25 million.

Known as the Selby 100 Mile House, the home was built in 1927 and offers 5,900 square feet of living space. Highlights include three fireplaces, a chef’s kitchen, a grand dining room, and a wood-paneled library.

Set on 11.29 acres, the expansive riverfront property also includes a two-car garage and a separate apartment for guests. Nearly 100 photos of the estate can be viewed here.

Originally built for businessman Charles D. Scudder and later owned by Arabian horse breeder Roger Selby, the home is currently operated as the Mirage Champagne Bar.

➤ Cleveland: More than 1,000 people gathered at Rocket Arena on Wednesday to honor Lorain police officer Phillip Wagner, who was killed in the line of duty last week. Wagner’s funeral was held at the arena. (More)

➤ Whitehall: The Ohio Supreme Court has removed Holly Stein from the Whitehall city council ballot, overturning a previous county decision in a residency dispute. (More)

➤ Wayne County: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down along Fox Lake Road for about two minutes Monday evening. (More)

➤ Darke County: The YMCA of Darke County will close its Versailles branch after 27 years, citing “tremendous financial hardship.” (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Mike DeWine announced a $150 million project to add commercial truck parking at 33 sites statewide, aiming to reduce roadside parking and combat driver fatigue. (More)

➤ Youngstown: An inmate at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center allegedly stabbed another with a homemade knife early Tuesday, cutting his back, face, and right arm, according to police. (More)

➤ Former Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price—a national champion and unanimous All-American—was among 10 OSU athletes selected for the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025. (See Inductees)

➤ A Cuyahoga Falls card store sold a rare baseball card featuring gold patches and autographs from Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, which the owner estimates could be worth seven figures. (See Card)

➤ More than 80 Ohio high schools have kept Native American-themed names and mascots, as debate continues over the Cleveland Guardians’ rebranding. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

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➤ Intel announced its planned Licking County semiconductor plant will likely be canceled if the company fails to secure external customers for its manufacturing division. (More)

➤ Cleveland-based steel manufacturer Cleveland-Cliffs has withdrawn from a $500 million federal grant to convert its Middletown Works steel mill to hydrogen power. The project would have created 1,200 construction jobs and 170 permanent positions. (More)

➤ Allegiant Air will launch nonstop flights from Toledo to Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, beginning Nov. 20, with fares starting at $59. (More)

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➤ The world’s largest rubber duck, known as Mama Duck, will be on display this weekend at Put-in-Bay. The inflatable duck stands 61 feet tall, 64 feet wide, and 74 feet long. (See Mama)

➤ Youngstown will host a weekly Thursday art gathering downtown, starting July 31, inviting residents and visitors to bring supplies and create together in the Phelps Street Gateway. (Details)

➤ Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against a defunct Findlay-based canine nonprofit, alleging misuse of funds and abuse of public trust. (More)

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Do you plan to take advantage of the sales tax holiday?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Maybe

Yesterday’s Results:

What grade would you give your local hospital?

1. B: 20%
2. A: 19%
3. C: 17%
4. D: 15%
5. No opinion: 15%
6. F: 14%

Which teams have called Cleveland Municipal Stadium home?

Show me the answer