Good morning, Westerville. Cleveland's literary landscape just got brighter as the Great Lakes African American Writers Conference marked its eighth year of celebrating Black literature. The gathering at MLK Jr. Library brought together voices from across the spectrum—from acclaimed novelist Diane McKinney-Whetstone to emerging talents—while expanding its reach virtually to Columbus and Detroit, creating new connections for writers seeking to hone their craft and navigate publishing's complex terrain.
On the home front, Westerville's dining scene is experiencing a delicious boom with several new establishments opening their doors in 2025. From a massive entertainment venue combining food and play to a popular local bakery expansion and a craft brewery addition, our suburb's culinary options are multiplying. Meanwhile, in judicial circles, the race for Ohio's Supreme Court is heating up as Judge Lanzinger becomes the fifth Republican to enter what's shaping up to be a highly competitive 2026 election.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
📚 Writers unite at GLAAWC's 8th annual conference in Cleveland. The Great Lakes African American Writers Conference brought together local and national authors at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch of Cleveland Public Library, offering workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. Founded by Dr. Leah C. Lewis to eliminate knowledge deficits for writers, the event featured keynote speakers like novelist Diane McKinney-Whetstone and publishing expert Kim Martin-Sadler. This year's conference expanded virtually to Columbus and Detroit, celebrating Black literature while honoring pioneers like Julie Ezelle Patton and Regina Jones, co-founder of SOUL Newspaper.
⚖️ Judge Lanzinger jumps into crowded Ohio Supreme Court race. The Summit County judge becomes the fifth Republican candidate vying for Democratic Justice Jennifer Brunner's seat in 2026. Lanzinger, currently presiding over the Ninth District Court of Appeals, brings experience from multiple judicial roles including drug court and juvenile cases. The Republican primary has already seen turmoil, with one candidate dropping out and party endorsement complications. With filing deadlines still months away, additional candidates may enter the increasingly competitive race.
🍽️ Westerville's food scene explodes with exciting new options. The Columbus suburb has welcomed several notable dining establishments in 2025, including a massive entertainment venue combining food and play. A popular local bakery chain has expanded with a new location in the area. Craft beer enthusiasts can celebrate the addition of a new brewery to Westerville's growing culinary landscape. These openings represent significant growth in the suburb's dining and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.
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