The legislation behind the viral anti-vax conspiracies that could put Ohioans’ health at risk: The Wake Up fo

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Temperatures will reach the mid-80s today with partly sunny skies and, of course, chances of showers and thunderstorms. Saturday also will be partly sunny with highs in the mid-80s, but it should be dry. Highs will be in the low 80s Sunday with mostly sunny skies. Showers and thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon. Read more.

Anti-vax legislation: Ohio became a national laughingstock this week when state lawmakers invited testimony from a Middleburg Heights doctor who claimed that people could become magnetized after being vaccinated, with forks and keys sticking to their bodies. But lost in the spectacle of this viral story is the legislation the doctor was there to support — a bill that a host of prominent medical experts and business groups say will put Ohioans’ health at risk, hamper efforts to prevent deadly disease outbreaks and destabilize our economy. Laura Hancock details the Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination Act, where vaccine skeptics have been allowed to spread misinformation.

Delta variant: The more contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus has been linked to a small number of infections in Ohio, but data has shown COVID-19 vaccines are still effective against it, Evan MacDonald reports. The Delta variant has now been found in more than 60 countries, and accounts for approximately 6% of new infections in the U.S., and less than 1% of cases in Ohio, but can spread quickly.

Towpath completion: After decades of work on the devilishly complex project, the Towpath Trail is complete in Cleveland. Steven Litt reports on the city’s link of the 101-mile trail, which serves as a growing trail network connecting city neighborhoods to Lake Erie, downtown, the Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Cleveland and Akron.

Homeless rejected: The mayor of Independence called upon Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish last month to intervene in a contract to house homeless men at a Ramada Inn during the pandemic. And Budish capitulated — ordering homeless services providers to immediately stop sending people to the hotel and re-house those currently staying there within 30 days. Editor Leila Atassi writes that more than 100 men still staying at the hotel must be relocated by next week.

Shuttered venues: It’s been more than a month since Cleveland’s music venues applied for Shuttered Venue Operator’s Grants, federal help to make up for the closures and financial strain on most performing arts organizations during the coronavirus pandemic. There is $16.1 billion allocated to help venues hurt the most — including movie theaters, concert venues, talent representatives and other performing arts organizations. But Anne Nickoloff reports businesses in Greater Cleveland say they haven’t received any money yet, and they don’t know how much longer they can wait.

This Week in the CLE: The Ohio Senate added a budget amendment saying state money can pay for legal representation of the Ohio Senate president and House speaker if they get involved in lawsuits over legislative and congressional redistricting and choose attorneys outside the Ohio attorney general’s office. We’re talking about why they’d want such an amendment, unless they expect to get sued over gerrymandering, on This Week in the CLE, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.

New numbers: Ohio reported 344 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, below the 21-day average of 539. Ohio has had 1,106,064 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Vax-a-Million: Thirteen-year-old Sara Afaneh of Sheffield Lake won a full, four-year college scholarship in Ohio’s Vax-a-Million lottery, the third winner with Northeast Ohio ties. Julie Washington reports Mark Cline, 64, of Richwood in Union County, was the third winner of $1 million.

Home sales: Home prices are up nearly everywhere in Cuyahoga County – 9% countywide in comparison to the first five months last year – but they’re up 18% in Parma, and similar gains can be seen in other mid-priced suburbs. Eric Heisig reports that property transfer records provide evidence for what all the buzz has been about in the past year – that the coronavirus pandemic led to a substantial increase in demand for houses.

Subsidized rentals: An amendment in the Ohio Senate’s version of the state’s biennial budget would require county auditors to disregard federal subsidies awarded to low-income housing when conducting appraisals. Eric Heisig reports that move could lead to financial woes for those property owners and ultimately fewer homes for the needy.

Householder records: A federal prosecutor said Thursday that authorities uncovered about 1.2 million pages of records in their investigation of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and House Bill 6. John Caniglia reports that the U.S. attorney’s office turned the documents over to defense attorneys for Householder and lobbyist Matthew Borges, and it hopes to have the process completed by late August.

Expelling Householder: Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Thursday laid out their case for expelling indicted state Rep. Larry Householder from the legislature, reports Jeremy Pelzer. In testimony in front of the House Rules and Reference Committee, they argued that his key role in the House Bill 6 bribery scandal warrants his removal from office.

Infrastructure needs: The billions in federal stimulus money coming to cities won’t be enough to address their infrastructure problems, especially aging roads and bridges, according to a report from the National League of Cities. The lobbying group’s 2021 “State of the Cities” report shows the top priorities of about 600 municipalities were infrastructure, budget and management, public safety, economic and workforce development and housing, Robin Goist reports.

CDC grants: The CDC has awarded the Ohio Department of Health and the Columbus Center for Public Health a total of nearly $34.5 million to address COVID-19-related health disparities. Julie Washington reports the grants are part of a $2.25 billion federal investment to promote health equity by expanding services and capacity at the state and local level.

Downtown shooting: Mayoral candidate Zack Reed witnessed a daytime shooting in downtown Cleveland less than three hours after he filed formal petitions to run for office. Adam Ferrise reports Reed said the shooting happened about 12:15 p.m. on West Ninth Street and Superior Avenue, around the corner from where he parked his car to talk on the phone.

Johnson ally: A second ally of suspended Cleveland City Councilman Kenneth Johnson admitted Thursday to charges involving the federal corruption investigation of Johnson’s work with the city. John Caniglia reports John Hopkins, 57, the former executive director of the Buckeye-Shaker Square Development Corp., pleaded guilty to conspiracy and theft from a federal program.

Shooting witness: Cuyahoga County prosecutors cannot find the only witness who says he saw a U.S. soldier fire a weapon during a deadly 2018 New Year’s Eve party shootout that left three men dead. Cory Shaffer reports the witness did not respond to a subpoena to appear in court Wednesday, did not answer phone calls or text messages from police and prosecutors, and was not home on Wednesday or Thursday when police tried to find him. The development is another blow to prosecutors in a case where no physical evidence links Tevin Biles-Thomas to the shooting.

Gym crowds: With DeWine lifting most restrictions and the average home suddenly packed with exercise equipment, are customers returning to the gym? Alexis Oatman reports yes, that gym-goers are happy for the camaraderie and a change of scene. CycleBar in Beachwood is seeing an all-time high in membership.

New jail: A steering committee selected HOK, an international design and engineering firm based in St. Louis, to be the “criteria architect” for a new Cuyahoga County jail, which still does not have a location or a funding source. Peter Krouse reports candidates were interviewed and scored, with HOK ranking just ahead of DLR Group, the firm that has been working to develop the size and scope of the new jail on behalf of the county.

CPT: Cleveland Public Theatre is returning to live performances this summer, reports Joey Morona. Performances will take place on the lawn between the Parish Hall and Church buildings on Detroit Avenue at West 64th Street. There are no tickets, reservations or assigned seating. Just show up and find a seat, or bring a blanket to sit on.

Finger Lakes: Susan Glaser traveled to the Finger Lakes with her daughter, who graduated last month from Ohio State University. They drank wine and ate ice cream for breakfast, and toured the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, where they learned about the groundbreaking women who played pivotal roles in the arts, sciences, government and humanities as her daughter heads off into the adult world.

Kent ice rink: Kent State University has closed its recreational ice rink, one of two rinks inside its ice arena, and is seeking bids to transform the space into a practice facility for its marching band. Megan Becka reports students will have priority of use of the competition ice rink, and the decrease of ice time is causing one local figure skating group to consider disbanding.

‘Bridesmaids’: Director Paul Feig breaks down the iconic airplane scene from “Bridesmaids” after the film’s 10-year anniversary for cleveland.com’s sister site, Vanity Fair.

Things to do: The weather is going to be nice and more places are open. Joey Morona has 15 things to do this weekend, including “The Choir Man” at Playhouse Square.

Ohio receives nearly $34.5 million from CDC to address COVID-19 related health disparities Read more

New COVID-19 guidelines for international travel, Cleveland Clinic holds one-day Johnson & Johnson vaccination clinic: Coronavirus update for June 10, 2021 Read more

Man who killed Maple Heights laundromat security guard who tried to stop shooting gets life in prison Read more

Former FedEx driver gets five years probation for running over elderly Berea woman with delivery truck Read more

Man robs PNC Bank branch in Elyria Read more

Cleveland Heights police ID victim in fatal shooting at Denison Park Read more

See stunning partial solar eclipse as sun rises over Lake Erie in Cleveland (photos) Read more

Orange council president opposes repealing face mask requirement at park Read more

Hunt ‘extremely proud’ as he looks back on career with Chagrin Falls Schools Read more

Solon Charter Review Commission learns more about central retail district Read more

Beck Center for the Arts completes first phase of $6.7 million renovation project Read more

Plans for Beachwood’s City Park East park call for Fitness Court, pavilion, restrooms, added parking Read more

Berea will place 4.1-mill tax issue renewal on Nov. 2 ballot Read more

Lakewood mayor hoping to earmark $25 million in ARPA funds to water and sewer infrastructure Read more

Akron area Council seeks candidates to fill Ward 1 vacancy Read more

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