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In today’s 216 Scoop Edition:
First look: Luchita’s gets a new life in Shaker Square
Ohio Tax Holiday starts: What’s on the shopping list?
Cuteness overload: Name the zoo’s new baby tree kangaroo
Canton kicks off NFL season with extravaganza
John Petkovic, Jude Perez & Victor Takakura
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IN THE NEWS
First look: Luchita’s gets a new life in Shaker Square

Photos by John Petkovic
Cleveland lost a spicy, storied institution when Luchita’s closed its doors in 2022 after a 40-year run.
They came for the chiles rellenos and other dishes cooked by owner Maria de la Luz Galindo. But there was also the charming, homespun feel – endearing to area foodies and neighborhood regulars alike.
Over and over, people would ask her son, Reynaldo Galindo, the same question: “When are you going to open Luchita’s again?”
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question,” says Galindo, who served as the executive chef at Luchita’s.
Well, they can stop asking: On Friday, the Galindo family will open La Casa de Luchita’s in Shaker Square.
Located next to the Galindos’ just-opened Coyoacan, it’s an homage to the recipes and legacy of Maria (who passed away in 2016).
“We have the same menu and will change it every three months to feature different regions of Mexico, like we did at Luchita’s,” says Galindo, who will start with the fish-heavy cuisine of the southern state of Oaxacan.
The 40-seat cafe is bold and colorful and features decor inspired by Day of the Dead.
“We’re going to do a Day of the Dead parade in November,” says Galindo, who is also working on a sidewalk patio and micro-brewery for 2026.
He also envisions something bigger: a revival of the district.
“I kept looking and waiting for the right place to honor what my mother started,” he says. “But I also want to bring more restaurants and festivals and bring new life to Shaker Square.”
Ohio Tax Holiday starts: What’s on the shopping list?

Photo via Grok
Shop and ye shall find a discount
Ohio’s tax holiday goes into effect Friday and runs through August 14. During that time, purchases under $500 – in person or online – will not be subject to the state’s 5.75% sales tax.
This year, Ohio expanded its 2025 sales tax holiday from 10 days to two weeks. It was introduced in 2015 as a three-day event to ease the financial burden on families purchasing back-to-school essentials.
Last year, the program was expanded to include more items, including dining out in restaurants.
The shift from a school-focused event to a broader economic stimulus reflects Ohio’s attempt to alleviate financial pressures faced by residents. For eligible items, go here.
Cuteness overload: Name the zoo’s new baby tree kangaroo

Photo courtesy Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Say hello to the first Matschie's tree kangaroo born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo since 1998. And you can play a role in addressing the male joey.
The fella has been bonding behind the scenes with mom Modi and dad Kiari and is almost ready for his coming-out party in the Australian Adventure area.
But first: The zoo is asking the public to vote on a name for the cub. Voters can donate to support the conservation of the endangered species. Go here.
There are less than 2,500 of the marsupials remaining in the wild. Native to the Huon Peninsula of New Guinea, their population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Born blind and hairless, the joeys continue to grow and develop in the pouch for up to a year. Once mature, they can leap 60 feet to the ground without injury.
The 216 Rundown
Fast flicks hit the screen: 48 Hour Film Project
The Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project gave 36 teams of area auteurs 48 hours to write, shoot and edit short films earlier this month. You’ll have a chance to check them out when they hit the screens at Capitol Theatre. 7 and 9 tonight and 7 p.m. Thursday. More info.
One last time for ‘80s pop icon
The girl just wants to have fun one last time. At 7:30 tonight, Rock Hall inductee and cheeky pop icon Cyndi Lauper brings her farewell tour to Blossom Music Center. More info.
Canton kicks off NFL season with extravaganza
Canton will be one big pigskin party when the annual NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival hits town. It kicks off Thursday with the pre-season opener between the Chargers and the Lions and includes tours of the Hall of Fame, bands, parties and a Sunday concert by, uh, Nickleback. More info.
🔥 Today’s Hot Property

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NOTES ON A COCKTAIL NAPKIN
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

Photo via Grok
Is a white-collar jobs crisis next?
The collapse of manufacturing jobs dominates the tariff debate. Will a white-collar job crisis dominate the next one?
Fifty-eight percent of recent Gen Z grads are still looking for full-time work -- compared to 25% of generations before them, according to online resume builder Kickresume.
Many entry-level jobs —once the landing spot of new grads -- are now being performed by AI. Jobs most at risk involve information gathering, finance, data analysis, teaching, journalism and web development.
Other findings:
Despite facing a tougher job market, fresh grads report higher levels of confidence when entering the workforce than predecessors.
14% of earlier grads say much of what they learned now feels outdated, due to AI.
11% of fresh graduates are working part-time, compared to 19% of earlier graduates.
VINTAGE CLEVELAND
Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of professional football. The Pro Football Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1963 — when 17 charter members were enshrined.

Photo courtesy Pro Football Hall of Fame
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WEATHER
Wednesday, July 30
85 🌡️ 71 | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 Light breeze
Thursday, July 31
78 🌡️ 65 | 🌧️ | 30% | 💨 Breezy
Friday, August 1
75 🌡️ 64 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 Breezy
Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.
Live Shows in the 216
Top 10 Shows – Wednesday, July 30, 2025
AXIS: SOVA – The Little Rose Tavern (8:00 PM)
Badvril – Badvril / Fruit Fly (7:00 PM)
Bill Kirchen – The Treelawn (7:00 PM)
Cyndi Lauper – Blossom Music Center (7:00 PM)
Earth, Wind & Fire – Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (7:30 PM)
Esoteria – Mahall's (7:00 PM)
flipturn – Agora Theater & Ballroom (8:00 PM)
Jake Wesley Rogers – Blossom Music Center (7:30 PM)
Joe P – Agora Theater & Ballroom (8:00 PM)
of Montreal – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern (7:00 PM)
Top 10 Shows – Thursday, July 31, 2025
Darren Brand – Cleveland Funny Bone Comedy Club (7:00 PM)
Krizz Kaliko – The Vortex (8:00 PM)
Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials – Music Box Supper Club (8:00 PM)
Morgan Myles – Hall Of Fame Bash (8:00 PM)
Nikki Hill – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern (8:00 PM)
Overtime – The Vortex (7:00 PM)
Priscilla Block – Lock 3 Park (7:00 PM)
T.J. Miller – Funny Stop Comedy Club (7:30 PM)
The Cyber Bullies – Happy Dog (8:00 PM)
The Vindys – Musica (8:00 PM)
Top 10 Shows – Friday, August 1, 2025
Barenaked Ladies – Blossom Music Center, 7:00 PM
Bethany Joy Music – Forest City Brewery w/ Josee McGee, 5:00 PM
Fastball – Blossom Music Center, 7:00 PM
Galactic Empire – Cleveland, OH, 6:00 PM
Grunge DNA – Twilight at the Zoo, 7:00 PM
Josee McGee – Forest City Happy Hour + Bethany Joy, 5:00 PM
Kahrin – Believe in CLE, 5:00 PM
Marc Lee Shannon – MLS Trio – Front Street Live, 6:00 PM
Pete Lazard – Bar 32, 6:00 PM
Sugar Ray – Blossom Music Center, 7:00 PM
The 216 Sports Area
Upcoming Games
Guardians
Home vs. Rockies, 6:40pm Wednesday
Home vs. Twins, 7:10pm Friday
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