Good morning, Cuyahoga County. Twelve felony arrests, nine illegal firearms off the streets, and three stolen vehicles recovered — Cleveland's targeted crackdown on violent crime is producing real numbers. It's the kind of results-driven headline the region needed, even as a shooting on I-71 Wednesday night — a man and young girl struck by gunfire while driving — is a sobering reminder of how much work remains.

On a more constructive note, Northeast Ohio's sewer district just unlocked $25 million to upgrade infrastructure across 12 communities, including Brooklyn and Parma — unglamorous work that genuinely matters. Nationally, the labor market stayed in its slow-hire, slow-fire limbo. Fresh real estate listings are inside if you're browsing, and Financial Friday is breaking down how tax-advantaged retirement accounts can quietly do the heavy lifting on your savings.

Reuters says unemployment claims dipped again, keeping the labor market in its awkward “slow-hire, slow-fire” phase despite June’s weak jobs report.

AP News reports the Trump administration is boosting funding to push back against China’s expanding global influence, because geopolitics apparently needed another budget line.

AP News says U.S.-Iran tensions have entered a new phase as Saudi-backed strikes hit proxies and diplomacy keeps stalling.

ABC News is covering the latest U.S. national headlines, including major breaking developments across politics, security, and the economy.

CNN is tracking today’s biggest domestic stories, from Washington drama to the kind of business headlines that make analysts refresh their spreadsheets.

USA TODAY is highlighting the day’s top national and business stories, with the usual mix of policy fights, market moves, and headline churn.

Taking advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as 401(k) or IRA can help your savings grow over time and reduce your taxable income. By contributing to these accounts, you can build a nest egg for the future while also lowering your tax liability.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

— Ephesians 4:29

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and use them to uplift and encourage those around us, creating a positive and supportive community. By choosing our words carefully, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we interact with.

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