Portage County • April 30, 2025
Good morning, Portage County. After seven transformative years at the helm, Case Western Reserve University's engineering dean Venkataramanan "Ragu" Balakrishnan is stepping down, leaving behind an impressive legacy. Under his leadership, the school established the first ABET-accredited data science program, welcomed over 40 new faculty members post-pandemic, and achieved record levels in both research funding and fundraising – a remarkable chapter in the institution's ongoing evolution.
Meanwhile, sweet news is rolling into South Euclid this summer as Cinnaholic prepares to bring its customizable vegan cinnamon rolls to Cedar Road, adding another delicious option to Cleveland's growing plant-based food scene. On a more sobering note, Cleveland Clinic's medical community has found itself at the center of controversy, with journal editor Dr. Peter Mazone facing what some describe as unprecedented pressure regarding scientific publishing practices – highlighting tensions between medical institutions and government oversight.
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🎓 Engineering dean steps down after transformative seven-year tenure. Venkataramanan "Ragu" Balakrishnan will leave his position at Case Western Reserve University on June 30 to join the engineering faculty after a sabbatical. During his leadership, the school established the Department of Computer and Data Sciences, launched the first ABET-accredited data science program, and welcomed over 40 new faculty members since the pandemic. Under Balakrishnan's guidance, the school achieved record levels in both research expenditures and fundraising. Christian Zorman will serve as interim dean while a nationwide search begins for Balakrishnan's successor.
🍪 Vegan cinnamon roll shop rolling into South Euclid this summer. Cinnaholic, specializing in gourmet customizable vegan cinnamon rolls, will open at 13953 Cedar Road. The bakery chain is known for allowing customers to personalize their treats with various toppings and frostings. This will be a new addition to the Cleveland area's growing vegan food scene. The opening adds to South Euclid's expanding retail landscape, joining other recent business developments in the community.
🔬 Trump administration accused of "Stalinesque" intimidation of medical journal. The interim U.S. Attorney sent a threatening letter to Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Peter Mazone, editor of Chest Journal, demanding explanations about alleged "partisan scientific bias." Cleveland medical experts, including Clinic vice chair Nathan Pinell, condemned the action as an attack on scientific independence and First Amendment protections. The podcast "Today in Ohio" connected this incident to broader patterns of intimidation against independent institutions, noting similar threats from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prosecute medical journals. The journal defended its 90-year history of ethical publishing and peer review processes.
Copley's bats came alive Monday as the Indians trounced Aurora 11-3 in league play, looking more like offensive juggernauts than a team with a sub-.500 record. Field and Streetsboro delivered the day's nail-biter, with the Falcons barely escaping with an 11-10 victory that likely had coaches reaching for the antacid. Meanwhile, Kirtland's pitching staff flexed their muscles with a 3-0 shutout over Crestwood, keeping their perfect 11-0 season intact and reminding everyone why zeroes are a pitcher's best friend.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Aurora (4-8) | ||
vs Copley | L 11-3 | |
Ravenna (5-9) | ||
@ Coventry | W 11-2 | |
Streetsboro (8-4) | ||
@ Field | L 11-10 | |
Tallmadge (6-7) | ||
@ Highland | L 5-0 | |
Crestwood (6-5) | ||
vs Kirtland | L 3-0 | |
Field (9-3) | ||
vs Streetsboro | W 11-10 | |
Rootstown (8-4) | ||
vs Aquinas | W 13-0 | |
Waterloo (5-6) | ||
@ Springfield | L 9-5 | |
Southeast (8-6) | ||
vs LaBrae | L 7-3 | |
Roosevelt (5-6) | ||
@ Barberton | L 6-4 | |
Windham (6-6) | ||
@ St. John | L 12-1 | |
@ St. John | L 10-0 |
Aurora's bats were on fire as the Greenmen steamrolled Barberton 17-0, improving to an impressive 15-1 on the season. The Magics, now 4-9, will need to regroup quickly before facing Highland in their next Suburban-American showdown.Springfield's pitching proved impenetrable in their 2-0 shutout victory over Ravenna, pushing their record to a solid 12-5. The Spartans' defense held firm throughout, setting up an intriguing Metro Athletic Conference matchup with Coventry next on the schedule.In a nail-biter, Streetsboro escaped with a 4-3 win over Woodridge, extending their strong season to 12-4. The Rockets' clutch performance has them riding momentum into their upcoming bout with Ravenna, while the Bulldogs dropped to 4-16 on the year.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Aurora (15-1) | ||
@ Barberton | W 17-0 | |
Ravenna (6-8) | ||
@ Springfield | L 2-0 | |
Streetsboro (12-4) | ||
@ Woodridge | W 4-3 (9) | |
Tallmadge (8-7) | ||
vs Roosevelt | W 4-2 | |
Crestwood (1-12) | ||
vs Wickliffe | L 4-1 | |
Field (11-4) | ||
vs Coventry | W 10-0 | |
Rootstown (8-4) | ||
vs Aquinas | W 11-1 | |
Garfield (6-7) | ||
@ Crestview | W 6-4 | |
Southeast (9-5) | ||
vs LaBrae | L 9-8 | |
Roosevelt (2-9-1) | ||
@ Tallmadge | L 4-2 | |
Waterloo (7-3) | ||
@ Springfield | W 13-9 | |
Windham (4-11) | ||
@ St. John | L 8-1 |
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