Strickland's Out... And More Morning Reading in Cleveland: Jan. 8

- Via The PD's Henry Gomez, former Gov. Ted Strickland diffused any speculation of a return to office when he announced this morning that he will not challenge Gov. John Kasich next year. The news paves the way for other likely challengers to truly step into the ring, as they say. Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald is one guy to keep an eye on as we inch toward the campaign trail on the horizon.

- Kevin Kleps picks up the sports business beat over at Crain's and gives us a handy review of the Chip Kelly feast Cleveland enjoyed throughout the past week: "Isn't it amazing how quickly the 'Kelly's gimmick offense will never work in the NFL' sentiments changed to another round of 'woe is us'?"

- The next chapter in Lakewood's ongoing feud with pit bull owners was written when the city's Public Safety Committee shelved an amendment to the $50 annual fees assessed to owners. As Lakewood Patch's Colin McEwen explains: "The proposed measure sought to eliminate a portion of the 2008 ordinance requiring owners of dogs deemed “dangerous” pay a $50 registration fee each year. The issue didn’t make it out of council’s public safety committee, where it was voted down, 2-1."