Politics Archives December 2021
Ohio reports 19,744 new coronavirus cases Thursday; cases per 100,000 jump to 1,364.7
About 25% of Ohio coronavirus tests are coming back positive. Gov. Mike DeWine says actual positivity is higher.
Ohio’s House Bill 6 scandal widened in 2021, but more is yet to come in 2022
10 ideas for improving downtown’s public realm as Cleveland changes mayors – Commentary
What is the legacy of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson? Today in Ohio
The rubble from January 6 is cleared but divisions persist, Ohio Congress members say
Seven Cleveland schools, some named for slaveholders, to be renamed
Ohio Children’s Hospital Association asks K-12 schools to require kids wear masks
Cleveland rebuts monitor’s critical report on chase that killed Tamia Chappman
Ohio Department of Health posts 20,320 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, largest single-day record
DeWine calls up an additional 1,250 members of Ohio National Guard to help hospitals with the coronavirus
Lorain County’s new representative in Congress is an old hand: Meet U.S. Rep. Bob Latta
Cuyahoga County Chief of Staff Dee Haslam? Bernie Moreno? Here’s who County Executive Armond Budish considered before picking ex-prosecutor Bill Mason
Rescuing the West Side Market: editorial
Ten predictions for the world in 2022: Michael Weidokal
Bipartisan infrastructure law is already delivering for Northeast Ohio: Shontel M. Brown
Corruption, coronavirus, a coup, gerrymandering and elections: The top Ohio politics stories of 2021
Former Senate leader Harry Reid dies at 82
White multistory apartment building approved for Residences at Valor Acres in Brecksville
Cleveland Indians’ name change; Ohio Navy Corpsman killed in Kabul: 21 most talked-about posts on cleveland.com’s Instagram page 2021
Ohio reports 15,403 new coronavirus cases Tuesday
‘The General Assembly has thumbed its nose at these reforms:’ Ohio Supreme Court asked to toss congressional map as gerrymandered
Kevin Kelley considers his future after mayoral defeat and reflects on tenure as Cleveland City Council president
President Biden signs $768.2 billion defense spending bill into law
Voters backed change in 2021 Cleveland elections, but pushed back on politicizing local school boards
Monitor rips Cleveland police over administrative probe into chase, crash that killed teen Tamia Chappman
First gorilla born at Cleveland zoo; OSU band’s 9/11 tribute; remembering Max Soviak; Browns pride: 21 most popular posts on cleveland.com’s Facebook page 2021
Ohio reports 8,092 new coronavirus cases Monday
Cleveland Mayor-elect Justin Bibb announces two more cabinet hires, replacing traditional chief of staff role
Just how bad was 2021 for Gov. Mike DeWine? Today in Ohio
In 2021, Gov. Mike DeWine played nicer with his fellow Republicans
Rob Portman’s surprise announcement triggers free-for-all for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat in 2022
Good tidings for Ohio from Haiti: Darcy cartoon
Cuyahoga has highest number of adoptable youth in state, families needed to care for them
What GOP’s coffers buy Ohio state senators (and their donors): Thomas Suddes
Who captured the headlines? Here are Ohio’s top political newsmakers of 2021
Down on the farm in Ohio is not what you think: Mark Altieri
Sen. Brown, please support bipartisan reforms in how dementia care is delivered: Deborah Cloud
Building Back Better requires a Canada-U.S. approach to electric vehicles: Joe Comartin
Christmas morning outages left 24K Cuyahoga County residents in dark, power restored
Covid Christmas: Darcy cartoon
Broadview Heights plans to build new $10.2 million fire station, will ask for tax increase in May
Cuyahoga County launching new ‘Family Space’ program to support local parents
Taking stock of Browns stocking: Darcy cartoon
Ohio representative apologizes for claims of attacks on healthcare workers by unvaccinated people
Gov. Mike DeWine signs $4 billion coronavirus spending bill, but vetoes a child-care provision
Gov. Mike DeWine signs key bills into law, including one legalizing sports betting in Ohio
Mayor-elect Bibb’s swearing-in ceremony will be virtual due to pandemic concerns
Cleveland port authority gets $3 million grant from U.S. Transportation Department
Ohio Supreme Court decided dozens of critical cases in 2021, from death penalty to charter school appeals
Congress member unharmed after being carjacked in Philadelphia
Biden administration extends pause on student loan payments through May 1
State lawmakers urge Ohio Medicaid director to designate Summa Health a ‘distressed hospital’ and provide money for hiring more staff
Select committee investigating January 6 riot wants to meet with Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan
Gov. Mike DeWine signs ‘born alive’ bill that could shutter last two Southwest Ohio abortion clinics
Ohio sets another record with 12,864 new COVID-19 cases: daily coronavirus update for Wednesday, Dec. 22
RTA closes main building to public amid latest COVID-19 surge
Frank Jackson fought ‘the beast’ of urban decline, leaving behind a partially transformed city - Commentary
State announces first 7 Northeast Ohio hospitals where Ohio National Guard is deployed for coronavirus surge
Cuyahoga County Board of Health asking residents to self-report at-home COVID test results
Cleveland Mayor-elect Justin Bibb announces first four cabinet hires
What’s fueling the surge that has made Cuyahoga and neighboring counties among the worst for surging COVID-19 cases?
Property tax bills are going in the mail soon for Cleveland-area land owners; here’s when they’re due
These 10 states are recovering jobs fastest during COVID-19; and how Ohio is doing
Democrats ‘not giving up’ on Biden bill, talks with Manchin
Here are your winners of the 2021 Sloopys, Capitol Letter’s Ohio politics awards: Capitol Letter
Joe Manchin BBB no: Darcy cartoon
Armond Budish should resign: editorial
Which path leads to ‘Peace on Earth’? Marvin A. McMickle
Ohio redistricting battle: Yet another time crunch looms over possible outcomes to gerrymandering lawsuits before Supreme Court
Omicron’s message - we must adapt to living with COVID: George A. Elmaraghy
Ohio state rep says hospital CEO warns of attacks on healthcare workers by unvaccinated people
Ohio National Guard-supported COVID-19 testing site in Cleveland turns away people because of high demand
Cleveland Public Power can buy electricity from Brooklyn landfill solar farm, Ohio Supreme Court rules
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish hatched a revenge plan against critical county council members: Today in Ohio
Stretch of Bolivar Road between Progressive Field, Playhouse Square to see 184 new apartments
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish hatched revenge plan against county council after president’s critical comments, documents show
Democrats try to ‘build back’ after Manchin tanks $2T bill
Cannabis businesses submit petitions for recreational program referendum: Capitol Letter
In Republican U.S. Senate primary events, Bernie Moreno downplays his company’s support for LGBTQ non-discrimination
Family of Tamia Chappman, social activists demand greater accountability of police in chase that killed 13-year-old
Ohio National Guard to staff free drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Cleveland, starting Tuesday
The Just Like Alcohol campaign submits signatures to state, one step closer to getting recreational marijuana on Ohio ballot next year
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish considered pleading Fifth if called to testify against jail director without immunity deal, AG memo shows
Biden boosts fuel-economy standards to fight climate change
Omicron took less than a week to dominate Northeast Ohio: Today in Ohio
DeWine sends out National Guard amid worsening COVID-19 landscape: Capitol Letter
Joe Manchin upends Biden’s agenda, won’t back $2 trillion bill
Two more Browns activated: Darcy cartoon
Sen. Joe Manchin says no to $2T bill: ‘I can’t vote for it’
Jordan, Hamilton, Meadows text: Darcy cartoon
Tide Cleaners hopes to open dry-cleaning & laundering plant in Brecksville
RTA will observe Saturday service hours over holidays
Cuyahoga County’s consultant in search for new jail is also listing agent for preferred site
New FDA decision could make it easier for Ohioans to obtain abortion pills
Schism continues in Ohio Republicans’ responses to gerrymandering lawsuits
Cleveland disputes allegations that former police official changed reports in internal affairs investigation
Ohio Supreme Court sets Dec. 28 date for oral arguments in congressional gerrymandering lawsuits
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine deploying National Guard to help with hospital staffing shortages amid worsening COVID landscape
How does Ohio Justice Pat DeWine rationalize recusal from the Vax-a-Million case, but not the gerrymandering case? Today in Ohio
Cleveland Councilwoman-elect Rebecca Maurer also opposes Ward 12 jail site in strong letter
Biden acknowledges $2T bill stalled, but vows it will pass
DeWines quarantine again over possible coronavirus exposure: Capitol Letter
Cleveland to join statewide mayor’s group under Justin Bibb, in change from Jackson administration
Vote now on Round 3 of the 2021 Sloopys, Capitol Letter’s Ohio politics awards
Ex-Ohio legislative candidate fined $50,000 for failing to report campaign-finance expenses
Ohio increases to 783.2 coronavirus cases per 100,000, with Cuyahoga County No. 1 in severity
Ohio’s top health official stresses ‘personal responsibility’ over public health orders as governor quarantines and hospitals run out of beds
Former Gov. John Kasich, comedian Jordan Klepper to launch podcast in early 2022
Ohio missionaries kidnapped in Haiti are freed
Cleveland gets $5 million to abate lead paint as part of broader fight against lead contamination
Ohio Supreme Court tosses conspiracy-laden lawsuit challenging Gov. Mike DeWine’s ‘Vax-a-Million’ coronavirus sweepstakes
Are Ohio leaders intentionally dragging their feet on launching sports gambling? Today in Ohio
Gov. Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine cancel public events after exposure to coronavirus
Senate Judiciary Committee signs off on three prospective Northeast Ohio judges
Child tax credit should be extended to help fight hunger, Greater Cleveland Food Bank and other advocates say
Why the Fed feels now is time to tighten credit more quickly
AP source: Biden, Manchin sharply divided over $2T Dem bill
Parma state Rep. Jeff Crossman announces run for Ohio attorney general
Ohio Senate wraps up 2021 work by passing abortion, marijuana, gun bills: Capitol Letter
DeWine, Husted on Ex-FirstEnergy execs want list: Darcy cartoon
PUCO audit into FirstEnergy delayed by weeks after utility dragged its feet in providing information
Public input requested on steel arch structure for Hilliard Road Bridge replacement
Ohio airports, including Cleveland Hopkins, will fly high on money from infrastructure deal
PUCO orders probe into whether FirstEnergy broke Ohio law by not disclosing Sam Randazzo contracts
Ohio Senate passes bill to allow concealed firearms without a permit
Vote now on Round 2 of the 2021 Sloopys, Capitol Letter’s Ohio politics awards
Ohio Senate passes bill expanding medical marijuana to any patient whose symptoms ‘may reasonably be expected to be relieved’ by drug
Post-Nov. 2 audit finds Cuyahoga County election 100% accurate
Ohio Senate passes bill limiting school districts from challenging property values
Hold your bets: under recently-passed bill, sports betting not likely to launch in Ohio until well into 2022
Cleveland councilman attempting to block plans to build new jail at ‘Job Ready’ site in his ward
Ohio Senate sends to Gov. Mike DeWine a ‘born alive’ abortion bill that could shutter last clinics in Dayton, Cincinnati
Where does Cleveland rank among 100 peer cities for advancing clean energy goals?
Mayor-elect Bibb taps Cleveland police veteran Wayne Drummond as interim chief
Why did Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson block a consultant from proposing new West Side Market management? Today in Ohio
In search for new jail location, Cuyahoga County allowing property owners to apply for consideration
Gov. Mike DeWine says he’ll veto the legislature’s anti-vaxx bill prohibiting business mandates: Capitol Letter
Justin Bibb in The White House: Darcy cartoon
Congress approves debt limit increase, avoiding default
U.S. House of Representatives votes to hold Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress over objections from Ohio’s Jim Jordan
Vote now on Round 1 of the 2021 Sloopys, Capitol Letter’s Ohio politics awards
Cleveland Mayor-elect Justin Bibb meets with President Joe Biden at the White House
Bill to allow concealed firearms without a license in Ohio clears Senate panel
Gov. Mike DeWine said he’ll veto an Ohio bill that prohibits employers, schools from mandating vaccines
Mayor Frank Jackson blocked consultant from suggesting independent operator could revive West Side Market, councilman says
See how 8 Northeast Ohio counties rank for vaccinating youth against COVID-19
Apartment conversion of former Ohio Bell building in downtown Cleveland nets $5M historic tax credit
Hopkins Airport gets $4 million federal grant to offset concession revenue lost during the coronavirus pandemic
Ohio legislation seeks to streamline state laws, rules flagged by artificial intelligence
Cleveland-based defense contractor made $21 million overcharging government, reports says
How did Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Pinkey Carr run her courtroom like a game show? Today in Ohio
Mayfield, Kentucky tornado derby devastation: Darcy cartoon
Legal trends funnel Ohio gerrymandering cases away from federal judges, toward Ohio Supreme Court
Ohio Senate set to vote on bill preventing school districts from initiating challenges to property tax bills: Capitol Letter
Texts show Trump’s allies scrambling to get him to condemn Jan. 6 attack on Capitol
Ohio Supreme Court asks for more information as it ponders gerrymandering lawsuits
Frank LaRose says legislature should revisit elections law change that might criminalize routine activities
Teachers, Menlo Park Academy charter school could be in for a protracted fight over union elections
Cleveland Mayor-elect Justin Bibb headed to the White House
Senators want President Biden to prioritize Great Lakes infrastructure spending
Ohio Senate set to vote on a bill that would hamstring school districts from challenging property values
Why are FirstEnergy shareholders so intent on getting Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s emails? Today in Ohio
President Biden aims to cut bureaucratic runaround for gov’t services
Attorneys for former FirstEnergy execs identify Ohio governor’s office in filings over HB6 lawsuit, again: Capitol Letter
Max Miller, Trump’s Elf on the Subpoena Shelf: Darcy cartoon
Frank Jackson - the mayor who is Cleveland: editorial
History’s lesson for a fractious Ohio GOP: Thomas Suddes
All-In for a Greater Cleveland: Baiju R. Shah
I’ve been talking to him across 22 years -- here’s my Frank Jackson story
By voting for ‘Build Back Better,’ Republicans can help the middle class: Gene Shimandle
Frank Jackson: Man, mayor and mystery. After 16 years, Jackson will soon leave office. But how well do we know Cleveland’s longest serving leader?
Frank Jackson’s legacy: Editorial Board Roundtable
Cleveland settles for $45,000 with downtown resident arrested while out for groceries amid riot curfew
Judge: Cleveland board must approve developer’s plans to build Dollar General in Old Brooklyn
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center gets $1 million federal grant to help juvenile sex trafficking victims
Ohio congressional candidate Max Miller helped arrange Trump’s January 6 rally that preceded riot, select committee says
Did Ohio’s overzealous Republicans put elections officials into jeopardy if they do simple voter outreach? Today in Ohio
Questions continue over ‘Zuckerbucks’ Ohio election law change: Capitol Letter
Outdated HIV felony disclosure law fails to serve its original purpose: editorial
COVID inequities show why Ohio’s fair map mandate must not be ignored: Jeniece Brock
Ohio congressional candidate Max Miller says he’s being subpoenaed by the committee probing the Jan. 6 riot
Ohio legislature’s $4 billion coronavirus spending bill a win for nursing homes, a mixed-bag for child advocates
Ohio House votes to end most August special elections, targeting tax levies from schools and local governments
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost rejects ballot language for anti-vaccine mandate proposal
Ohio prosecutors, elections officials, activists pushing for clarity on open-ended ‘Zuckerbucks’ elections law change
Ohio climbs to 718.5 coronavirus cases per 100,000 from last week’s 601.1
U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs introduces bill to let Amish people buy guns without photo ID
Ohio’s Supreme Court looks likely to obliterate the state’s gerrymandered maps: Today in Ohio
Cleveland Water Department trying to contact childcare centers served by lead water lines
Sports betting legalization bill passes Ohio legislature: Capitol Letter
State lawmakers approve bill legalizing sports betting in Ohio
Ohio House passes ‘born alive’ abortion bill that would likely shutter last clinics in Dayton, Cincinnati
Ohio Senate approves spending $4 billion in COVID relief
Ohio General Assembly sends Gov. Mike DeWine bill permanently expanding telehealth
Ohio Supreme Court hears gerrymandering lawsuits challenging state House and Senate maps
Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Republicans tout spending from Democrats’ federal coronavirus aid law opposed by GOP
Cleveland City Council President-elect Griffin names Kerry McCormack, Jasmin Santana to leadership team
Republican Shay Hawkins announces congressional bid in swing district; he’ll face Trump-backed Max Miller in GOP primary
Lawmakers in Ohio finally seem likely to legalize sports betting: Today in Ohio
Ohio casinos, racinos break yearly gambling revenue record with a month to go
Bob Dole attended Cleveland GOP Convention: Darcy cartoon
Ohio lawmakers close to passing a sports betting bill: Capitol Letter
Oversight needed for $2 million ARPA grant for struggling Cleveland health-services nonprofit: editorial
Cuyahoga County’s jail population won’t be cut significantly without buy-in from judges: Eric Foster
Why are supply chains broken? Blame the ‘black swan’ tsunami: Sarah K. Rathke
Apologies to my grandson - the world I’m leaving you is a train wreck: John Blumenthal
Cuyahoga County Council approves 2022-23 budget, another jail settlement
Gov. Mike DeWine signs executive order to facilitate $500M for industrial cleanup, building demolition projects
Ohio House Republicans again seek to allow any deadly weapon to be carried concealed without a permit
Cleveland culinary training program for soon-to-be released prisoners gets $900,000 federal grant
Sen. Rob Portman expresses concern about Ukraine as President Joe Biden warns Russia’s Vladimir Putin on aggression
Low-profile rulings from Ohio Supreme Court justices could offer tea leaves to read in high-stakes redistricting cases
Did Ohio board certify Icebreaker wind project with enough bird, bat research? Ohio Supreme Court to decide
After several false starts, Ohio lawmakers could be on brink of legalizing sports betting in Ohio
Blame Ohio’s Health Department for why we don’t break down coronavirus data based on vaccination status: Today in Ohio
Ohio cemeteries, funeral homes buried in debate over casket regulation bill: Capitol Letter
Cleveland City Council approves lease-to-sell agreement for construction school on key Opportunity Corridor site
Kevin Kelley closes out 16 years on Cleveland City Council, eight years as president
Cleveland City Council OK’s creation of Division of Special Events and Marketing
Cleveland City Council approves $15 million in stimulus projects originally part of Mayor Frank Jackson’s spending plan
Gov. Mike DeWine, lawmakers seek to fast-track $250M in federal coronavirus aid to fund police, other first-responders
Cleveland City Council passes $2M stimulus project for financially troubled NEON Health Services
Federal lawsuit says Ohio’s new state legislative, congressional maps discriminate against Black voters
Ohio bill has cemeteries accusing funeral homes of attempting to create a monopoly on casket sales
LG Chem and Cohen & Company get tax credits to help expand in Ravenna, Cleveland
Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell running for Cuyahoga County Executive
What is the Buckeye State’s coronavirus breakthrough case rate? Ohio Department of Health isn’t reporting it
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost reviewing language for proposed anti-vaccine ballot initiative
Why is Ohio’s Republican party coming apart at the seams, with the law called in to maintain order? Today in Ohio
Anti-DeWine protesters force early end to Ohio GOP meeting: Capitol Letter
Ohio’s not alone when it comes to using ratepayer money to fund controversial coal plants
Shaker Square remains an historic and iconic part of Cleveland, even as future has grown murky
Roe v. SCOTUS & Mississippi, impact on Ohio: Darcy cartoon
Nominations are now open for the 2021 Sloopys – Capitol Letter’s Ohio political awards
80 years later, the Pearl Harbor attack that galvanized us into war reminds us of what we’ve lost: editorial
With its abortion ruling, Supreme Court can correct a 49-year-old blunder: Ted Diadiun
Are lawmakers doctors? Did they stay at a Holiday Inn last night? Thomas Suddes
Ohio Gerrymandering lawsuits: Everything you need to get up to speed ahead of this week’s Supreme Court hearing on legislative maps
Arming teachers won’t make schools safer: Ric Doringo
Why the expertise of Dr. Fauci was just what our COVID-wracked country needed - and needs: Jean Wendland Porter
Cleveland seeking to award $2M to financially troubled NEON Health Services using pandemic relief money: Stimulus Watch
With the 2022 elections looming, we wonder whether it all comes down to inflation: Letter from the Editor
Sports betting in Ohio: Should it happen, and if so, who benefits? Editorial Board Roundtable
Ohio announces final $10,000 Vax-2-School scholarship winners, with final $100,000 prizes announced tonight
Ohio Republican Party leaders stop meeting, call in sheriff’s deputies because of anti-DeWine demonstrators
Cleveland notifies judge of need to amend consent decree over Issue 24, but offers little insight on how to do that
Did cutting off $300 a week in unemployment benefits force Ohioans back to work? No, it did not: Today in Ohio
Lawmakers propose making cities pay more for police and fire pensions: Capitol Letter
Cleveland’s $12M Shaker Square bailout plan unlikely to pass in 2021 as home councilwoman withholds support
Donald Trump faces flurry of investigations beyond Jan. 6 probe
Sherwin-Williams tower design check of approval: Darcy cartoon
Cuyahoga seeking inmate population manager to increase efficiency in jail
For those working for the good of others, a round of applause
As the world’s 26th largest emitter, Ohio can make a climate-change difference: John Mitterholzer
Our son’s murder by fentanyl will not be the last, but the risks can be lessened: Beth Weinstock
Those harming Ohioans’ safety through anti-vaccine votes don’t deserve to stay in office: Beth Liston
Rep. Dave Joyce introduces cannabis conviction expungement bill with Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Ohio announces fourth of five rounds of $10,000 Vax-2-School scholarship winners
Coronavirus cases continue to climb, with high hospitalizations in Northeast Ohio
Abortion bill would complicate obstetricians’ care when pregnancies don’t go as planned, lawmakers told
Jobless Ohioans didn’t surge back to work after state cut extra $300 unemployment, data suggests
Ohio lawmakers propose increasing taxpayers’ share for police and fire pensions
Ohio governor candidate Jim Renacci picks Christian movie producer Joe Knopp as his running mate
Ramifications of learning Donald Trump tested COVID positive before Cleveland debate: Today in Ohio
Gov. Mike DeWine names new leadership at the Ohio Department of Youth Services: Capitol Letter
Progressive Field reno progress: Darcy cartoon
Ohio announces $150 million in grants for child-care programs, applications open
Jury convicts Cleveland man of robbing Colossal Cupcakes during May 30 riots downtown
‘Roe’ on the brink as conservative SCOTUS justices signal they’ll uphold Mississippi’s ban on abortions after 15 weeks
Dr. Amy Acton to serve on Cleveland Mayor-elect Justin Bibb’s transition team
RTA considering consolidated fare collection, trip planning app next year
Gov. Mike DeWine announces shakeup at Ohio Department of Youth Services
Ohio announces third round of $10,000 Vax-2-School scholarship winners
State Department is prioritizing return of missionaries from Ohio group kidnapped in Haiti
Former President Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19 three days before Cleveland debate with Joe Biden, new book says
Reversing past veto threat, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs ‘Business Fairness Act’
ACLU, voting-rights groups file gerrymandering lawsuit over new Ohio congressional map
Of the people? Really? Just how wealthy are all of the people running for the U.S. Senate in Ohio? Today in Ohio
Cleveland Mayor-elect Bibb seeking applications for 5 key city jobs
Boebert, Omar bigotry battle: Darcy cartoon
Conservatives eagerly await Supreme Court abortion arguments: Here’s how to watch live online
Dark-money group linked to AEP reports $500k contribution to ex-speaker Householder’s term-limits group
President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates for Ohio health care workers, federal contractors on hold for now: Capitol Letter
Ohio Supreme Court needs to tighten calendar so it can rule on congressional map ASAP
Adopt Cleveland ‘Complete and Green Streets’ plan for heart health and equity: Sam Prewitt
Holocaust stories reverberate to this day and remind us of the costs of injustice: Tom Romano
Ohio could be a no-abortion state by next summer, unless we act: Iris Harvey
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