In Episode 77 of Everything Is Local, Matt and Shana dive into the latest controversy surrounding Beachwood’s proposed library, the future of local youth sports and a wide-ranging discussion about politics, elections and the issues shaping the country.

• Why the proposed $30 million Beachwood library continues to face criticism over its cost, the loss of recreational fields and unanswered questions about who will pay for the necessary engineering work.

• The backlash to a letter sent to residents about the library project, why its tone has frustrated community members and whether officials are listening to the people they represent.

• What the proposed library plans could mean for book collections, public events, youth sports and the families who rely on Beachwood’s existing facilities.

• Why residents are demanding more transparency, independent impact studies and a public meeting before the library project moves forward.

• The latest political developments heading into the midterm elections, including competitive Senate races, the state of the House and whether Democrats could make major gains in traditionally Republican territory.

• A discussion about political endorsements, campaign fundraising and why some candidates are struggling to connect with voters.

• The debate over congressional decorum, the growing influence of online political commentators and the First Amendment questions surrounding a controversial Ohio case.

• Why the Cleveland Guardians need to make the most of their playoff run, the frustration of small-market baseball and the looming possibility of a major MLB labor dispute.

• Plus, a look back at the 2016 World Series, the Browns’ unexpected win and the sports-related superstitions Cleveland fans just can’t shake.

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In Episode 76 of Everything Is Local, Mike and Shana break down the latest developments surrounding Beachwood’s proposed library project, local spending and the community’s future, along with a heated conversation about consent and college culture.

• Why the proposed $30 million Beachwood library could mean fewer recreational fields, expensive engineering work and major safety concerns near Fairmount Boulevard.

• The unanswered questions about who will pay to rebuild the fields, when they’ll reopen and whether the city and school district are passing responsibility back and forth.

• Why the hosts are questioning the school district’s changing explanations about the library plans, public access to athletic fields and a new policy restricting informal field use.

• How the loss of recreational space could affect youth baseball, softball and soccer, particularly kids who rely on local leagues rather than travel sports.

• The financial concerns surrounding Beachwood’s infrastructure projects, including millions already committed to engineering work and whether the city can afford the projects it is planning.

• A candid discussion about the Cornell sexual-assault case, consent, fraternity culture, bystander responsibility and the way public figures discuss the people involved.

• What the conversation reveals about college social life, changing attitudes toward sex and the importance of holding people accountable without losing sight of empathy.

• Plus, Cleveland Guardians playoff nerves, Browns frustrations, baseball memories and a few reminders about upcoming Beachwood community fundraisers.

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In this episode of Everything Is Local, Mike and Shana dig into several local issues before getting into a much bigger national conversation:

• Why Beachwood teenagers were reportedly told they could not use the Fairmount fields when the fields were not being used, and what the school district's facility-use policy actually says about community access.

• The frustration over changing explanations for why the kids were removed from the fields, and the larger questions about accountability and oversight within the school district.

• How the fight over access to the fields connects directly to the proposed $30 million Beachwood library and the concern over losing even more athletic space in a community that already has limited fields.

• The city's effort to declare the Fairmount Temple property “blighted,” why the hosts question the reasoning behind the designation, and what it could mean for a potential future property-tax incentive.

• The $8 million purchase price for the Fairmount property, why developers may not be willing to pay anywhere near that amount and the debate over whether taxpayers should ultimately absorb the difference.

• The broader tension between local tax incentives and Cuyahoga County's financial struggles, particularly when it comes to health and human services and other safety-net programs.

• A lengthy and heated discussion about the Cornell University sexual-assault case, consent, changing perceptions of sexual behavior and the responsibilities of students who witness questionable situations.

• What parents should be teaching their kids about consent, relationships, group-chat culture and recognizing when a situation crosses a line.

• The conversation takes a few unexpected turns into college culture, Alabama football, dress codes, “side boob” and the changing social norms around dating and sex.

• Plus, a surprisingly deep discussion about the death penalty, wrongful convictions and whether the state should have the power to execute someone.

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