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Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy battle for Ohio governor

The candidates offer sharply different visions for Ohio's future as campaign spending approaches nine figures.

Politics

Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" data-vars-content-id="e0ef10ea-d14c-46a1-a96c-9b9d8576eaf1" data-vars-headline="Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy battle for Ohio governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" target="_self">race for governor</a> has become a slugfest — a fiercely contested, wildly expensive showdown between Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton, the state&#x27;s former health director.Why it matters: The election will determine whether Ohio continues its run of Republican leadership or elects a Democrat for the first time since Ted Strickland in 2006.

Grateful Dead's 1970 Cleveland debut was nearly lost to history

The Oct. 17, 1970, concert captured the Dead at a pivotal moment for the Dead.

Music

The Grateful Dead made its Cleveland debut 56 years ago with a marathon show at Music Hall that would become one of the most sought-after recordings among devoted fans.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oct. 17, 1970, concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/100063491171505/posts/october-17-1970cleveland-music-hall-cleveland-oh-no-tapes-circulated-until-one-s/325033602721589/" data-vars-content-id="5bc7e4ae-5f66-4de8-9eeb-19ad8cc6fa75" data-vars-headline="Grateful Dead&#x27;s 1970 Cleveland debut was nearly lost to history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/100063491171505/posts/october-17-1970cleveland-music-hall-cleveland-oh-no-tapes-circulated-until-one-s/325033602721589/" target="_blank">Oct. 17, 1970, concert</a> captured the Dead at a pivotal moment, transitioning from psychedelic pioneers into one of America&#x27;s most influential touring acts.

MAGA-linked super PAC funding Ohio's socialist senate candidate

The group has spent nearly $400,000 on mailers promoting Greg Levy in an apparent bid to split the Democratic vote.

A MAGA-linked super PAC is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars promoting a socialist candidate, Greg Levy, in Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closely contested U.S. Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" data-vars-content-id="51c8bb6b-467f-49df-af2f-951e4499ceea" data-vars-headline="MAGA-linked super PAC funding Ohio&#x27;s socialist senate candidate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" target="_self">closely contested U.S. Senate race</a>.Why it matters: The likely strategy is to siphon left-leaning voters away from Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown to benefit Republican Sen. Jon Husted.<ul><li>The tactic of boosting third-party candidates to divide an opponent&#x27;s support is an electoral maneuver used by both parties and has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="become more popular" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/07/2024-election-congress-controversial-tactic-third-party-00193124" data-vars-content-id="51c8bb6b-467f-49df-af2f-951e4499ceea" data-vars-headline="MAGA-linked super PAC funding Ohio&#x27;s socialist senate candidate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/07/2024-election-congress-controversial-tactic-third-party-00193124" target="_blank">become more popular</a> in recent cycles.</li></ul>

Cleveland Zoo announces new Primate Forest opening date

The former Rainforest has been transformed, and opens to the public Thursday.

Things to Do

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo&#x27;s new Primate Forest opens to the public Thursday, Oct. 22, at noon.Why it matters: The opening has been long in the works. It&#x27;s the first phase of the zoo&#x27;s largest capital improvement project, transforming the former Rainforest into a 140,000-square-foot indoor destination.

Monte Ahuja gives CSU another $10 million

The Cleveland entrepreneur's latest gift will overhaul business education with a focus on entrepreneurship and emerging tech.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleveland State University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/csu-law-prosecutor-training-program" data-vars-content-id="0417f9f4-21cc-4166-8f28-fb3d57c83863" data-vars-headline="Monte Ahuja gives CSU another $10 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/csu-law-prosecutor-training-program" target="_self">Cleveland State University</a> is getting a $10 million donation from alumnus Monte Ahuja and his family foundation to overhaul a business school that already bears his name. Why it matters: The mega-gift will support business curriculum changes across the board to emphasize entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

CMSD weighs $603K Flock contract renewal

The district is considering another year of license plate surveillance.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District will vote later this month on a $603,000 contract renewal with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/06/shontel-brown-flock-fbi" data-vars-content-id="38d60275-9b02-42e2-8230-6aa1ff95a5d3" data-vars-headline="CMSD weighs $603K Flock contract renewal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/06/shontel-brown-flock-fbi" target="_self">Flock Safety</a>, potentially extending its controversial license plate surveillance program for another year.Why it matters: CMSD operates about 200 automatic license plate readers at 62 schools, which has drawn mounting scrutiny from parents, teachers and community activists.

Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans

Stephen King was the nation's most-banned author, with 312 instances involving his books.

News

Ohio school districts recorded the third-highest number of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="book bans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/10/07/texas-book-ban-pen-america" data-vars-content-id="5d497672-5947-41d5-8b0a-bf177ed00296" data-vars-headline="Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/10/07/texas-book-ban-pen-america" target="_self">book bans</a> in the country during the 2025-26 school year, according to PEN America&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Index of School Book Bans.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top&amp;lctg=63883f95eb76627b3989208f" data-vars-content-id="5d497672-5947-41d5-8b0a-bf177ed00296" data-vars-headline="Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top&amp;lctg=63883f95eb76627b3989208f" target="_blank">&quot;Index of School Book Bans.&quot;</a>Why it matters: The ranking comes amid continued disputes over what students should be allowed to read, as Ohio lawmakers, school boards and parents debate whether certain books contain inappropriate material.

CMSD's top academic officer is leaving

Selena Florence will depart at the end of September amid the district's Building Brighter Futures overhaul.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CMSD&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/21/cmsd-2026-report-card" data-vars-content-id="48d34d99-5478-44d7-911d-984056fc2fbe" data-vars-headline="CMSD&#x27;s top academic officer is leaving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/21/cmsd-2026-report-card" target="_self">CMSD&#x27;s</a> top academic officer is leaving the district just weeks into the first school year of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping consolidation." data-vars-click-url="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cmsd-board-approves-restructuring-plan-for-2026-2027-school-year" data-vars-content-id="48d34d99-5478-44d7-911d-984056fc2fbe" data-vars-headline="CMSD&#x27;s top academic officer is leaving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cmsd-board-approves-restructuring-plan-for-2026-2027-school-year" target="_blank">sweeping consolidation.</a>Why it matters: Selena Florence oversees CMSD&#x27;s academic division, including teaching and learning, schools and student services. She has been a key architect of the district&#x27;s academic strategy since joining CEO Warren Morgan&#x27;s administration in 2023.

CMSD holds at 2.5 stars in report card despite key gains

Cleveland schools remain below state standards, with improved graduation rates and student growth.

Cleveland schools remain below Ohio&#x27;s threshold for meeting expectations, per the latest state report card.Why it matters: The report card does contain glimmers of progress CMSD officials are keen to highlight in the early days of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Building Brighter Futures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/building-brighter-futures" data-vars-content-id="43fb8ed8-b753-4be3-b107-cf91b787fcf0" data-vars-headline="CMSD holds at 2.5 stars in report card despite key gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/building-brighter-futures" target="_blank">Building Brighter Futures</a> era.

Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts

Residents checked out more than 13 items per person in fiscal 2024.

Culture

Ohio leads the nation in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public library borrowing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" data-vars-content-id="682eaa48-82fa-4c1d-93b1-c2d49119652f" data-vars-headline="Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" target="_self">public library borrowing</a>, with residents having checked out more than 13 items per person in FY 2024, according to newly released federal data.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s library habit isn&#x27;t new. The state has consistently ranked near the top nationally for circulation, including ranking No. 1 in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2015" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/plsfy2015.pdf" data-vars-content-id="682eaa48-82fa-4c1d-93b1-c2d49119652f" data-vars-headline="Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/plsfy2015.pdf" target="_blank">2015</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2016" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/public-libraries-united-states-survey-fiscal-year-2016.pdf" data-vars-content-id="682eaa48-82fa-4c1d-93b1-c2d49119652f" data-vars-headline="Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/public-libraries-united-states-survey-fiscal-year-2016.pdf" target="_blank">2016</a> and No. 2 in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2017" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/plsfy17volume2.pdf" data-vars-content-id="682eaa48-82fa-4c1d-93b1-c2d49119652f" data-vars-headline="Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/plsfy17volume2.pdf" target="_blank">2017</a>.

Ohio colleges get poor marks for free speech in new rankings

Northeast Ohio schools landed in the bottom half of the 261-school ranking.

Ohio colleges aren&#x27;t exactly making the honor roll when it comes to free speech, per a civil liberties nonprofit&#x27;s new report. State of play: Ohio&#x27;s 13 ranked colleges and universities earned a D- average for their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campus speech climates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" data-vars-content-id="5aa0a83c-624f-4de2-91b1-27001f9a2771" data-vars-headline="Ohio colleges get poor marks for free speech in new rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" target="_self">campus speech climates</a> in the latest national rankings from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.org/news/2027-college-free-speech-rankings-kirk-murder-adds-another-difficult-topic-dismal-climate" data-vars-content-id="5aa0a83c-624f-4de2-91b1-27001f9a2771" data-vars-headline="Ohio colleges get poor marks for free speech in new rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.org/news/2027-college-free-speech-rankings-kirk-murder-adds-another-difficult-topic-dismal-climate" target="_blank">Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression</a> (FIRE), matching the national average.

CMSD is walking an AI tightrope

Cleveland schools embrace AI literacy while trying to ensure chatbots supplement (not impede) student learning.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District is crossing its fingers that students and educators will adhere to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its new AI policy" data-vars-click-url="https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/cmsd/Board.nsf/pfiles/DVBLME5735F6/$file/Policy-AI%20in%20Schools%206.23.2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="398e2947-5dc4-46e8-8ac4-db3c6fb4969f" data-vars-headline="CMSD is walking an AI tightrope" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/cmsd/Board.nsf/pfiles/DVBLME5735F6/$file/Policy-AI%20in%20Schools%206.23.2026.pdf" target="_blank">its new AI policy</a> safely and responsibly. Why it matters: School officials and policymakers nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are grappling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/19/mcgraw-hill-teacher-study-survey-ohio-ai-schools" data-vars-content-id="398e2947-5dc4-46e8-8ac4-db3c6fb4969f" data-vars-headline="CMSD is walking an AI tightrope" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/19/mcgraw-hill-teacher-study-survey-ohio-ai-schools" target="_self">are grappling</a> with AI&#x27;s potential to simultaneously enhance and undermine learning.<ul><li>CMSD&#x27;s new policy treads a fine line: embracing &quot;AI literacy&quot; while trying to prevent students from outsourcing learning itself.</li></ul>

Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline

Ohio requires K-12 students to be fully protected against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases.

Health

Vaccination rates among Ohio kindergartners fell across all tracked vaccines during the 2025-2026 school year, mirroring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" data-vars-content-id="117a4312-2cd2-4c99-a4db-158fac425fe0" data-vars-headline="Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" target="_self">nationwide decline</a>.Why it matters: The drop-off has coincided with continued efforts by the Trump administration to make controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine policy changes" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47112002.82/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDkvMjYvbW1yLW1tcnYtdmFjY2luZS1zaG90LXNjaGVkdWxlLWNkYy10cnVtcD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/63883f95eb76627b3989208fBf3269c19" data-vars-content-id="117a4312-2cd2-4c99-a4db-158fac425fe0" data-vars-headline="Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47112002.82/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDkvMjYvbW1yLW1tcnYtdmFjY2luZS1zaG90LXNjaGVkdWxlLWNkYy10cnVtcD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/63883f95eb76627b3989208fBf3269c19" target="_self">vaccine policy changes</a> and with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles cases" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47112002.82/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMjIvbWVhc2xlcy1jYXNlcy1zdXJnZS1wYXN0LWxhc3QteWVhcj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/63883f95eb76627b3989208fB4b8c0df8" data-vars-content-id="117a4312-2cd2-4c99-a4db-158fac425fe0" data-vars-headline="Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47112002.82/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMjIvbWVhc2xlcy1jYXNlcy1zdXJnZS1wYXN0LWxhc3QteWVhcj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/63883f95eb76627b3989208fB4b8c0df8" target="_self">measles cases</a> hitting levels not seen in more than three decades.

Cirino wants university civic center classes to be mandatory

The new bill would broaden the authority of Ohio's controversial civics centers despite low enrollment so far.

Cleveland State University&#x27;s Center for Civics, Culture and Society enrolled just 28 students during its pilot semester this spring.Why it matters: State Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), the driving force behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio&#x27;s higher ed overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/27/ohio-senate-bill-1-dei-ban-higher-education" data-vars-content-id="85cdfa7a-6414-45d5-859e-adee76265a8f" data-vars-headline="Cirino wants university civic center classes to be mandatory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/27/ohio-senate-bill-1-dei-ban-higher-education" target="_self">Ohio&#x27;s higher ed overhaul</a>, now proposes to make it mandatory for every student at universities with civics centers to take at least one of their courses.

Education 📚

Monte Ahuja gives CSU another $10 million

CMSD weighs $603K Flock contract renewal

Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans

CMSD's top academic officer is leaving

CMSD holds at 2.5 stars in report card despite key gains