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In December, Governor Mike DeWine made the decision to veto a bill that aimed to prohibit minors from receiving gender-affirming care and transgender girls and women from participating in female sports teams at both K-12 and college level. After engaging in conversations with families, Governor DeWine recognized the importance of allowing healthcare decisions to be made by parents in consultation with medical experts, rather than being dictated by the government.
Governor DeWine proposed a compromise by introducing his own regulations that prohibit transgender surgeries for minors. However, the legislature proceeded to override the governor’s veto, and now the law is facing legal challenges.
A rule prohibiting minors from undergoing gender surgeries was recently approved by a panel of state lawmakers, with the decision being split along party lines.
On Monday, all the witnesses expressed their opposition to the rule, emphasizing that it created conflicts with existing laws, exceeded the state’s authority, and caused confusion among healthcare professionals regarding the treatment of transgender individuals in Ohio.
Transgender individuals face a higher risk of suicide, which makes this issue all the more concerning.
“Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Laura.”
Overnight Scores and Weather
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The Guardians at Boston Red Sox game saw a standout performance from pinch-hitter Will Brennan, who played a crucial role in sparking the Guardians’ offense. In a dominant 6-0 victory over the Red Sox, Brennan made a significant impact and helped lead his team to victory.
The weather forecast for Northeast Ohio predicts a sunny day with showers expected later in the day.
Top stories
The future of transgender care for Ohio youth remains uncertain as a lawsuit challenging a new state law unfolds. In response to this uncertainty, a state legislative panel has recently cleared a rule that prohibits transgender minors from undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. This rule was proposed by Gov. Mike DeWine as part of a comprehensive package of changes in January. Earlier, DeWine had vetoed House Bill 68, a bill that aimed to ban minors from accessing surgeries, puberty suppressants, and hormone replacement therapy. Journalist Laura Hancock brings us this update.
Ohio House Republicans have proposed a new plan to provide additional subsidies for the expansion of natural gas pipelines in Ohio. According to Jake Zuckerman, the bill aims to allocate $20 million of state funds to establish a revolving loan program. This program would offer interest-free loans for a period of five years to local governments that acquire easements for pipelines.
A forum was organized to address the issue of child care and its impact on Ohio’s economy. Community leaders and child care providers came together to discuss the lack of high-quality child care and explore potential solutions. Julie Washington reports that Ohio businesses are willing to support their employees in resolving their child care challenges. This could involve offering flexible work schedules, purchasing slots at local day care centers for employee use, or even establishing on-site day care facilities.
In the latest episode of Today in Ohio, we discuss a significant development in Ohio regarding the protection of domestic violence victims. A bill has been introduced in the Ohio House for the third time, proposing several changes to better support survivors, including a requirement for police officers to assess the risk of potential partner-inflicted harm. The question now arises: will Senate President Matt Huffman finally pass this crucial bill? Tune in to this episode of cleveland.com’s daily news podcast as we delve into the importance of safeguarding women from abuse.
Statehouse and Politics
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is providing $7.5 million to the Teamsters Local 73 pension plan based in Valley View. This contribution is part of a program aimed at strengthening underfunded pensions, which was established by the American Rescue Plan, according to Sabrina Eaton’s report.
William T. Sherman, a prominent historical figure in Ohio, is set to have a collection of his artifacts auctioned publicly on May 14. According to Andrew Tobias, the auction could potentially yield several hundred thousand dollars.
State officials have approved the payment of an initial amount of approximately $131,000 to Aaron Culbertson, a Canton man who was wrongfully imprisoned for over four years. According to Jeremy Pelzer’s report, Culbertson was sentenced to eight years in prison in November 2018 but was released in late 2022. The Ohio Innocence Project, the organization representing him, presented new evidence proving that Culbertson was not involved in the armed robbery of a Canton woman in February 2018. It is important to note that Culbertson was only 16 years old at the time of the incident.
Northeast Ohio News
Cleveland City Council’s finance committee decided to postpone its vote on Mayor Justin Bibb’s request for additional funding to prepare for various potential scenarios on the downtown lakefront. Although city officials did not explicitly state that the extra funds are meant to address situations where the Browns or the stadium are no longer present on the lakefront, Finance Chief Ahmed Abonamah assured that the final lakefront master plan will take into consideration all possible outcomes.
A top Cleveland safety official, Jakimah Dye, was dismissed on Friday for violating multiple policies. This action was taken after she was involved in a car accident in February while driving a city vehicle that had four children onboard. Olivia Mitchell reports that a disciplinary hearing was conducted on March 27, during which Dye was accused of misconduct. It was determined that she had neglected her responsibilities, resulting in damage to public property and the city vehicle.
The 2024 Annual Fashion Shows at Kent State University’s School of Fashion will feature 163 looks from forty-two talented student designers. Taking place from April 25-27, the three shows will be held in the Kent Student Center Ballroom on the Kent Campus, according to Paris Wolfe’s report.
Healthcare and Business
Hotel Cleveland, formerly known as the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel, is set to open its doors for business in June. The long-awaited completion of this $90 million project, located at 24 Public Square, has been announced by officials who have revealed plans for a grand reopening in early June. Megan Sims reports on this exciting development.
Cedar Point has reached a financial settlement with a Michigan woman who was severely injured while waiting in line for the roller coaster Top Thrill Dragster. The incident occurred in August 2021 when a part from the ride hit her in the head. The settlement comes just weeks before the ride is set to reopen to the public after undergoing a major overhaul. Susan Glaser reports.
Park Place Technologies has successfully purchased its new headquarters by acquiring an office campus from Progressive Insurance for $17 million. The sale, which was initially announced in December, includes three buildings located at 747 and 755 Alpha Drive in Highland Heights, north of Wilson Mills Road. This office campus is one of the few campuses that Progressive owned along that road, near Interstate 271.
Last week was a sluggish one for Ohio companies in the stock market, according to Zachary Smith. Every large company in Ohio experienced a decrease in stock prices, with some even suffering losses of more than 4%. However, only seven major Ohio companies saw losses of less than 2%.
Crime and Courts
Arts and Entertainment
Lucas Daprile suggests a playful solution to a writer who believes their neighbor’s oboe-playing is cursing them. According to Lucas, the best way to combat this situation is by joining in the fun. Even if you’re not musically inclined, you can simply blow on an empty milk jug and create your own free jazz experience. The key is to embrace the spirit of experimentation and not worry about technical skills.
The 48th Cleveland International Film Festival concluded its in-person event on Saturday with the Closing Night Awards Ceremony. Among the winners, the documentary “American Delivery” took home the prestigious Roxanne T. Mueller Audience Choice Award, earning the title of best film. With over half of the feature film lineup and almost all of the short films now available online, including “American Delivery,” festival-goers can continue to enjoy these films from the comfort of their own homes.
Our team at “Best of Cleveland” has some strong opinions when it comes to potato puffs. Tater tots have long been a beloved comfort food in America, evoking a sense of nostalgia for countless generations. To determine the best tots out there, we put 20 different variations of frozen tater tots in the oven, following the recommended cooking instructions, and ranked them accordingly.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has extended its special Browns exhibit, “A Legacy Unleashed.” This exhibit, celebrating the franchise’s eight championships, including the anniversaries of the 1954 and 1964 NFL titles, will remain open until April 28. According to Marc Bona’s report, football enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the rich history of the Cleveland Browns at this captivating exhibit.
You’re all caught up
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Curated by Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard
Other Top Stories
One person was wounded in a shooting that occurred during an argument in Maple Heights. Read more.
Avon Police Officers Recognized for Saving Life of Choking 2-Year-Old Girl on Halloween
Avon police officers were recently honored for their heroic efforts in saving the life of a 2-year-old girl who was choking on Halloween candy. The incident took place on Halloween night when the little girl accidentally swallowed a piece of candy that became lodged in her throat, causing her to choke and struggle to breathe.
The quick thinking and immediate response of the police officers at the scene made all the difference. They swiftly performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the candy from the girl’s throat and restoring her ability to breathe. Their decisive actions undoubtedly saved her life and prevented a potentially tragic outcome.
The Avon Police Department recognized the officers for their bravery and life-saving actions, commending them for their dedication and professionalism. Their swift response in a critical situation demonstrates the importance of having well-trained and capable first responders in our communities.
Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the crucial role that police officers play in ensuring public safety and protecting the lives of individuals in distress. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and take immediate action is a testament to their commitment to serving and protecting the community.
The recognition and appreciation shown to these officers highlight the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the selflessness and bravery displayed by law enforcement officers every day. Their unwavering commitment to public safety deserves our utmost respect and gratitude.
In conclusion, the Avon police officers who saved the life of a 2-year-old girl choking on Halloween candy are a true testament to the dedication and heroism of our first responders. Their quick thinking and decisive actions undoubtedly saved her life, and they serve as a reminder of the crucial role that police officers play in our communities. We owe them our gratitude and respect for their unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the public.
A tragic accident claims the life of a young 28-year-old woman in a single-vehicle crash. The incident is a devastating reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for caution while driving. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.
A counselor recently discussed some important facts about ADHD during a talk at the Avon Lake Library.
Westlake pediatrician retires, but continues to dedicate her time to children.
The director of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce gives us a sneak peek into what we can expect in 2024.
Community West Foundation has generously granted nearly $1 million to provide support for various regional nonprofits. This significant contribution will have a great impact on the organizations and the communities they serve. The Foundation’s dedication to making a positive difference is truly commendable. This grant will undoubtedly go a long way in helping these nonprofits continue their valuable work and improve the lives of individuals in need. The generosity of Community West Foundation is truly inspiring, and their commitment to the betterment of the community is truly commendable.
Avon Women’s Art Show Celebrates Local Artisans, Focuses on Health
Avon, a renowned brand in the beauty industry, recently hosted an art show that not only highlighted the talent of local artisans but also emphasized the importance of health. The event served as a platform for women to showcase their artistic prowess while promoting wellness in the community.
The art show, organized by Avon, aimed to support and empower women in the arts. By featuring the works of local artisans, the event provided a space for these talented individuals to gain recognition and exposure for their craft. It was a celebration of creativity and talent, with various art forms on display, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
In addition to showcasing the artistic talent within the community, the event also had a strong focus on health and wellness. Avon, known for its commitment to empowering women, used this platform to raise awareness about the importance of self-care and wellbeing. Various health-related activities and workshops were conducted throughout the event, promoting a holistic approach to beauty and wellness.
The art show served as a reminder that art and wellness go hand in hand. It emphasized the idea that creativity and self-expression can contribute to overall well-being and happiness. By incorporating health-focused elements into the event, Avon aimed to inspire women to prioritize their physical and mental health, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
The Avon Women’s Art Show succeeded in celebrating the talents of local artisans while promoting the significance of health and wellness. It provided a unique opportunity for women to showcase their artistic abilities and highlighted the positive impact that art can have on overall well-being. Through this event, Avon continues to empower women and promote a holistic approach to beauty and self-care.
