A day to remember, today's top stories | Daily Briefing

Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Eric Franklin, with the 123rd Air Control Squadron out of Blue Ash, unfurls one of the 1,000 flags that were installed at the Arlington Memorial Gardens in Springfield Township.
Eric Franklin, with the 123rd Air Control Squadron out of Blue Ash, unfurls one of the 1,000 flags that were installed at the Arlington Memorial Gardens in Springfield Township.

Hello there. I’m Jeff Suess, writer of Cincinnati history. Today is Memorial Day, not just a day for sitting at the poolside, but a day to honor the American servicemen and women who died for their country.

Today, I wrote the stories of four young men, all of them Enquirer employees, who lost their lives during World War II. They were memorialized with a bronze plaque in the old Enquirer Building on Vine Street. A family member emailed us to ask if it’s still there, and it is. That prompted us to find out more about them.

Sports editor Jason Hoffman, a Marine Corps veteran, also writes about his own memories of a fallen friend in the Iraq War.

These are just a few of the thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice. Like the others, they were friends, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers. We mourn them and remember them.

What else you need to know Monday, May 29

🌞 Weather: High of 82. Pleasant and warmer with some sunshine.

💰 Debt ceiling: Biden, McCarthy strike deal to raise debt ceiling, cap spending.

⚾ Reds: 'That’s what good teams do': The 2023 Reds are taking steps forward.

⚽ FC Cincinnati: 'Something special's brewing.'

📖 History: Remembering the tragic Beverly Hills Supper Club fire.

Before you go: 📷 The NOPE photo of the day

How's the weather up there, Cliff?
How's the weather up there, Cliff?

Cliff Kennedy of Braco Window Cleaning Service cleans the windows at 312 Plum last Thursday. Kennedy has cleaned windows in Cincinnati and surrounding cities for 33 years.

Kennedy said cleaning windows is easier than jumping out of airplanes like he did while in the U.S. Army. He went on to say, "the ladies love it." Kennedy said it took four days for him and his coworker to clean the 15-story building.

–📱 5 reasons to download the Cincinnati.com app 📱

Today's Top Headlines

Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Sunday, May 28, 2023.
Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Sunday, May 28, 2023.

• Reds keep momentum rolling with sweep over the Chicago Cubs

Authorities are searching for Bradley Gillespie, who escaped from Allen/Oakwood Correctional Facility.
Authorities are searching for Bradley Gillespie, who escaped from Allen/Oakwood Correctional Facility.

• Ohio prison escapee's body believed to be found in Ohio River

The Xavier Musketeers celebrate winning the Big East baseball title over the Connecticut Huskies.
The Xavier Musketeers celebrate winning the Big East baseball title over the Connecticut Huskies.

• Xavier baseball wins Big East title, headed to NCAA Tournament

Colin Yox (No. 6) and Will Patterson combine for a block and kill for Moeller at the inaugural OHSAA Division I Boys Volleyball State Championship, May 28, 2023.
Colin Yox (No. 6) and Will Patterson combine for a block and kill for Moeller at the inaugural OHSAA Division I Boys Volleyball State Championship, May 28, 2023.

• 'We're here to celebrate.' Moeller completes comeback for boys volleyball state title

The Nature Conservancy's work with wetlands in western Kentucky includes restoring the natural meander of waterways. Many Kentucky streams, like the one shown here, have been channelized, often for agricultural purposes.
The Nature Conservancy's work with wetlands in western Kentucky includes restoring the natural meander of waterways. Many Kentucky streams, like the one shown here, have been channelized, often for agricultural purposes.

• What the Supreme Court's 'Sackett' ruling could mean for Kentucky's dwindling wetlands

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Memorial Day: A day to remember | Daily Briefing