METRO Tax bills: Cuyahoga County property taxes are coming due in two weeks and the treasury’s new website makes it easier than ever to pay, reports Kaitlin Durbin. 1,000 ties: For the past three years, 1,000 Ties CEO and founder Jowan Smith has been helping Black youths eliminate barriers with the simplest of actions: tying a tie. Alexis Oatman reports that Smith began placing donation boxes around her neighborhood or local libraries for tie donations. She collected more than 5,000 before her first annual tie event and has continued to double tie donations each year. Algal bloom: Researchers are predicting a smaller-than-average harmful algal bloom for western Lake Erie this summer, with an expected severity index of 3.5 compared to last year when the bloom registered at 6, reports Peter Krouse. So far, 2,400 farmers have enrolled in a runoff mitigation program offered by the state’s H2Ohio program, but improvements are not expected to register for some time. The smaller-than-average bloom this year has been attributed mostly to lower rainfall. Police commission: A panel that will recommend selections for a powerful new 13-member Community Police Commission to bolster accountability in Cleveland has begun interviewing 27 finalists for the positions, reports Robert Higgs. Celebration canceled: The city of Akron on Thursday announced that it canceled the Rib, White, & Blue Festival scheduled for today through July 4 at Lock 3. The cancellation is due to the police shooting early Monday morning that killed 25-year-old Akron resident Jayland Walker, reports Megan Becka. Huntington’s Disease: Jesse Lis, 41, of Columbia Station, was named the "Person of The Year" at the 37th annual Huntington’s Disease Society of America convention in Atlanta, Alexis Oatman reports. For the past six years, Lis has been the chapter president of the non-profit organization, hosting galas, golf outings, education days and other events throughout the year to help raise funds to send to the national organization for research, potential treatments, providing social workers for the community, and, ultimately, a cure. Dry season: For the first time since October, parts of Northeast Ohio are classified as being abnormally dry and at risk of drought, according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Parts of Cuyahoga, Lake, and Summit counties have received the classification, as well as all of Geauga and Portage counties, signaling the beginning of another drought cycle, Zachary Smith reports. Money dispute: Federal prosecutors want to keep more than $140,000 found inside a trunk parked at Beachwood Place Mall earlier this year, according to court records. Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry DeBaggis filed a civil action in federal court in Cleveland asking a judge to find that the money came from illegal drug trafficking and that it stay with the prosecutors office, Adam Ferrise reports. COVID-19 & HEALTHCARE Weekly cases: The state of Ohio on Thursday reported 17,225 new cases of COVID-19 in its weekly dashboard update, up about 1,000 from last week’s new case number. This week’s case total averages to about 2,460 new cases per day over seven days, reports Julie Washington. BUSINESS EarthFare: Earth Fare is returning to Greater Cleveland. Marc Bona reports the organic and natural grocery store is planning to open a store in Westgate in Fairview Park on July 27. CRIME Jayland Walker: The family of Jayland Walker called for the Akron police officers who shot and killed the 25-year-old Akron resident early Monday morning to be held accountable. They also called for protests in Walker’s name to remain peaceful, reports Kaylee Remington. Baby's death: A man was arrested on a murder charge Wednesday after his 13-week-old child died from a baby wipe stuck in his throat at a residence on Cleveland's West Side, Olivia Mitchell reports. Traveon Hughes, 18 is accused of killing his son, also named Traveon Hughes, police said. Jail officers: Three correction officers at the Cuyahoga County Jail were fired for stealing commissary snacks for themselves or inmates, reports Olivia Mitchell. The county launched an investigation in January after the associate warden, Jennifer Frame, received an anonymous tip that correction officers were stealing and giving away food and toiletries from the commissary. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Seattle: Susan Glaser skipped a few first-timer must-dos in Seattle, including the Space Needle and the original Starbucks. She added several new-to-me attractions, including Smith Tower, the underground tour and a water taxi ride, plus a few favorites, including Pike Place Market and the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. Find out what to do over 48 hours in Seattle. Chihuly: Want to see the glass creations of Washington artist Dale Chihuly closer to home? Susan Glaser reports the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus is home to one of the largest permanent collections of Chihuly art in the world, with 18 installations. 100 best: Compiling a list of the greatest Rock Hall songs of all time is a monumental task. That didn’t stop Troy Smith from trying. See the full list. | 