📰 130 years, gone by morning

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Apparently time travel doesn’t require a DeLorean. Just a set of stairs and a truck stop that never got the memo about modernizing ⏳🚫🪜

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

It withstood upheaval and change for 130 years. Until one night of fury reduced a sturdy, stone Cleveland landmark into a pile of mangled metal, ash and rubble.

Part of the entrance and the cornerstone bearing its name are the only reminders left of Friendship Baptist Church.

It has left Clevelanders in shock…

How could such a storied corner disappear overnight?

Anatomy of Destruction

Soul of the city, where history was made

Built in the 1894 as a synagogue, it went on to play a key role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Many of its congregants were leaders in the Black community. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke there. It hosted portions of the 1929 NAACP convention.

It was also spring board for Bobby Womack,

The soul legend got his big break there in 1953, when Womack, 9, and his brothers opened for Sam Cooke's Soul Stirrers.

Cooke would sign them to a record label. Bobby would go on to become one of rock's greatest songwriters.

Friendship Baptist was central to the soul of Cleveland for decades. And gone, within 24 hours.

“That’s a lot of food,” I said, as she approached with three heaping plates of pancakes, hash browns, scrambled eggs and a giant omelet.

“Truck drivers need to eat for those long drives,” said Nawal Ghantous as she placed them on the table.

I never drove a truck, but her point was well taken.

For 30 years, Nawal and Emile Ghantous have operated Main Gate Restaurant – which is up early and full of truckers by 6 a.m.

It’s literally a hidden gem.

There’s no flashy sign and it’s located in the basement of non-descript warehouse that houses the old Cleveland produce terminal.

Ten steps down those stairs and you’re in another time – when hustling, bustling working-class diners thrived.

The Main Gate was packed with people of all ages and walks – and they were as chatty as the staff.

Killer pecan pancakes. A heap of a hash browns. Massive omelet.

“How is everything?” Emile asked, as he took a break from working the grill.

“Great,” I said.

More than that, it’s 10 steps into another time – where the food is as cheap as the vibes are good.

Deshaun Watson picked a bad time to confront Browns fan after getting booed by the home crowd. And not just because he was terrible in a 34-7 loss to the Bills.

“I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance. It’s a little bit more personal than that. So, I think it’s a disrespectful thing,” he said on Saturday.

It came one day after Nick Chubb announced his retirement with the dignity, grace and class that made him one of the most beloved Cleveland athletes in decades.

"In the NFL, I wanted to lead the league in rushing, win MVP and win a Super Bowl for the city of Cleveland," Chubb said.

"I wasn't able to accomplish any of those things. ... What's most frustrating but also gives me peace is that I know for a fact I gave it my all."

He ended it with: “Till the day that I die, it will always be:  GO DAWGS.  GO BROWNS!!!” 

This is what separates legends from losers.

Secluded on a perch, these rooftop patios offer views above and below…

The Aviator: Located across from Hopkins, the sprawling patio of this modern American eatery is perfect for martinis and small plates while watching the planes come and go.

Bar 32: The views stir the drink on the 32nd floor of the downtown Hilton -- with stellar shots of the skyline, Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River.

Eden Rooftop Lounge: It's the view, er, actually, the many stellar views that make this spot transcend mere trendiness – with a 360-degree view of downtown.

Fahrenheit Public Square: Chef Rocco Whalen's downtown rooftop patio always feels like a stylish night in the big city, served with wide ranging drink and food menus.

Jolene’s Honky Tonk: The cowpoke coral has a tractor on its rooftop patio – but, more than that, stellar views of East Fourth.

Market Garden: This rooftop patio and leafy-green beer garden next to the West Side Market connects Cleveland's past and present with an up-close view of the market stands and the vibes of the West 25th party scene.

💰 Price: $220,000

📏 Size: 2,194 sq. ft.

🏡 Built: 1900

🛏 3 Beds | 🛁 2 Baths

👉 View Listing on Zillow

And you thought – or at least were told – it was all about safety.

An internal review for the Highland Heights PD found that a part-time dispatcher had used the city’s Flock Safety system to search specific license plates over about two years.

As in, five separate plates more than 1,000 times each, and total searches exceeding 20,000.

Amid multiple reports of Flock misuse, two bills being pushed by Ohio legislators to regulate the camera.

A bill by State Sen. Al Cutrona would limit sharing of the data, require it be deleted after 10 days and charge anyone misusing it with a fourth-degree felony.

Fans partying at the Holiday Inn Lakeside before the Rolling Stones 1975 concert at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

72 °F 🌡️ 63 °F | ☁️➡️☀️ (AM Clouds, PM Sun) | 19% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 16 mph W (≈ 14 knots)

73 °F 🌡️ 61 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 14% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 8 mph WNW (≈ 7 knots)

80 °F 🌡️ 67 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 7% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 8 mph SSW (≈ 7 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Angels, 9:38 PM August 24 (Monday)

Away vs. Angels, 9:38 PM August 25 (Tuesday)

Away vs. Angels, 4:07 PM August 26 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Royals, 7:10 PM August 28 (Friday)

Home vs. Royals, 4:10 PM August 29 (Saturday)

Home vs. Royals, 1:40 PM August 30 (Sunday)

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