🌞 Last Call for Summer

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop. The Sun is Fading and Boo at the Zoo is Back for Halloween. ☀️👻 🎃

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The media landscape is changing and you’re invited to join 216 Scoop to talk about it.

On Tuesday, we’ll hit the Happy Dog to discuss how Cleveland can navigate this post-media world to build a connected, informed community.

We’ll be joined by John Skrtic (Cleveland Public Library); Eric Vajda and John Sturza (I’m From Cleveland); and Lawrence Daniel Caswell (Signal Ohio).

There’s a Q and A – so speak up and have a drink with us. More info.

Summer is fading fast... Just look at the clock.

The sun goes down at 8:10 tonight, the same time it set all the way back on April 18.  The days are getting precipitously shorter as we head into the end of August… and they keep on speeding toward darkness through September.

In other words, the clock is ticking on your summer bucket list.

This week, we’ll highlight ways to soak up what’s left of summer – starting with today’s 216 Rundown (below): 8 places to end the day with the sun.

Jobs numbers, the housing market and the economy are grinding slower.

President Trump has responded by blasting Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell: “‘Too Late’ Powell, a stubborn MORON, must substantially lower interest rates, NOW.”

Not so fast, says Cleveland Fed president Beth Hammack: “Inflation is too high and we continue to see it rise, and we may see unemployment continue to rise… a challenging moment for monetary policy.”

On Friday, Powell indicated the Fed could cut rates in September. But lowering rates would exacerbate inflation, a bigger risk than slowing job numbers, adds Hammack.

We’ll find out how slow on Sept. 9, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics revises jobs data for the year ending March 2025. Goldman Sachs estimates it overstated jobs by a staggering 550,000 to 950,000.

Ohio unemployment hit 5% in July – the highest in four years and above the national average of 4.2%.

Goblins, ghouls and witches are jumping for joy: Boo at the Zoo is returning to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

The family-friendly Halloween extravaganza was a staple for 30 years – not to mention one of the zoo’s more popular attractions. Then came the pandemic and poof.

Well, here we go… It opens Oct. 2 and runs 5-9 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays through Oct. 26. Tickets.

Boo mixes themed entertainment, animal acts and trick-or-treat – where attendees of all ages are encouraged to come in costume.  

Also coming back is Howl-O-Ween Bash – 6-10 p.m. Oct. 25. The one-night-only 21+ spooky soiree features adults in wild get-ups, as well as live bands, a DJ and silent disco, magicians, stilt walkers, tarot card readers and more. Info.

The Zoo will also roll out the inaugural Halloween 5K – 8:30 a.m. Oct. 25. Runners and walkers are encourage to participate in costume. Info.

Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve: An amazing eco turnaround, it was once a dump littered with garbage, 8,000 junked cars, even ships. Now the peaceful gem east of East 55^th Marina is home to lush vegetation, 280 species of birds and stellar views. Info.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: A hike along the 1.8-mile Ledges Trail feels like you’re scraping the bottom of earth, through brilliant rock formations. Standing on Ledges Overlook, with its panoramic views, feels like you’re on top of it. Info.

Lakewood Park:  The Solstice Steps were designed for sunset viewing, offering tiered seating facing Lake Erie. But the park is also fine for dog-walking, downtown views, volleyball, skating and a stroll. Info.

Superior Viaduct: The historic west bank Flats spot, with its stone arches and unique perspectives, boasts elevated views of the skyline and river and is underrated vantage point for sunsets. Info.

Huntington Beach: It offers a more peaceful alternative to end-of-the-day lounging than the crowded spots.  Bonus: Sandy shores and multiple piers. Info.

Collision Bend: Located in the 19th-century building that once housed the storied Watermark, it boasts timeless views of the Flats and a fine spot to soak up summer’s last stand. Info.

The Aviator: Located across from Hopkins, the patio of this eatery is fine for martinis and small plates while watching the planes and sun come and go. Info.

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. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

The rise of the night sky’s brightest star – Sirius, aka the ‘dog star’ – was said to bring storms, heat and floods in ancient Egypt and Greece during what came to be known as the dog days of summer.

Ah, but it’s all good for pooches -- at least this week.

At 5 p.m. today, Lakewood Dog Park will host its 20^th annual Dog Park Swim – a colorful event in which pups play Olympians, competing, of course, in the dog paddle. Info.

It’s a splashy precursor to National Dog Day -- when the Cleveland Browns celebrate with Yappy Hour at Lakewood Truck Park – 4-6 p.m. Info.

The NDD soiree boasts Milk-Bone treats and vodka cocktails (hmm, who gets what?). Proceeds benefit Rescue Inn, a foster-based organization that saves dogs in need.

Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve is one of Cleveland’s greatest turnaround stories. For most of the 20^th century, Cleveland used its eastern Lake Erie shoreline as a landfill, polluting it with residential trash, even junked cars and decommissioned ships. Incinerated garbage would create thick smog that would overwhelmed drivers on the Shoreway. The dumping ended in 1999 and a nature over and started the healing process. In 2005, the city embarked on a revitalization of it. Less than 30 years later, home to lush vegetation, 280 species of birds and stellar views.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoop_216 on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

72°F 🌡️ 61°F | 🌦️ | 84% | 💨 W 15 mph (≈ 13 knots)

70°F 🌡️ 59°F | 🌤️ | 25% | 💨 WNW 15 mph (≈ 13 knots)

70°F 🌡️ 59°F | ☀️ | 8% | 💨 WNW 11 mph (≈ 10 knots)

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

Home vs. Rays, 6:40pm Monday

Home vs. Rays, 6:40pm Tuesday

Home vs. Rays, 1:10pm Wednesday

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