Cuyahoga County spent $32.5 million launching and operating its Diversion Center, which opened in May 2021 as the first of its kind in Ohio. The goal was to work with law enforcement to help people suffering from mental health crises or addiction — and keep them out of jail. But the center struggled. Police were slow to make referrals to the center. So eligibility was expanded to allow walk-ins and referrals from friends or family — as long as they met certain screening criteria. Now the county plans to replace the current center by transforming the former St. Vincent Charity Medical Center into a more comprehensive behavioral health crisis facility that officials say will serve a broader population. That renovation would cost $30 million. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Mostly sunny |
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Cuyahoga County officials plan to shutter the underperforming and costly Division Center, located at Oriana House in Cleveland, after it opens a new, more comprehensive behavioral health crisis center at the former St. Vincent Charity Medical Center site. (Google Maps) |
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Diversion Center: Cuyahoga County plans to replace its underperforming Diversion Center with a new comprehensive behavioral health crisis facility. Kaitlin Durbin reports on the $30 million renovation project, which will feature a 40-chair crisis unit and multiple health services, though long-term funding remains uncertain. Uterine fibroids: Actress Lupita Nyong'o joined U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown to introduce four bills aimed at improving uterine fibroid research, education and treatment, reports Sabrina Eaton. The legislation seeks to address the condition that affects many Black women. Today in Ohio: Under Ohio’s new budget, the state plans to take $1.7 billion out of the state’s $4.8 billion unclaimed property fund — and never give it back. That money will help build a new Browns stadium and other big projects, and starting in 2036, you’ll no longer be able to access any unclaimed funds that have been held by the state for 10 years. That’s despite the fact that the fund is money is all owed to regular Ohioans. We’re talking about the issue on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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Vehicle fees: Ohio's new budget introduces significant increases in BMV service fees, vehicle registration costs and county title fees. Jeremy Pelzer reports these changes aim to generate more funding for the State Highway Patrol. The increases range from $3 to $5 for various transactions, affecting everything from driver's licenses to vehicle registrations. Liquor sales: A new bipartisan bill at the Ohio Statehouse could eliminate a major hurdle for businesses hoping to sell liquor on Sundays: the need for a local vote, Anna Staver reports. The proposal would allow local governments to authorize Sunday liquor sales directly, skipping the ballot box entirely. WWII POW: Sabrina Eaton highlights the poignant story of U.S. Army 2nd Lt. William B. Bucey, a Cleveland native who died in a Japanese prison camp during World War II and was finally identified 80 years later. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed his remains and he will be laid to rest in Mayfield Heights this August. SB1: Ohio's new higher-education law is causing significant financial challenges for public universities, with estimated compliance costs reaching millions of dollars. Today in Ohio notes that Kent State University alone expects to spend between $1.5 million to $2 million annually to implement the new requirements. |
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Immigration case: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security rescinded an emergency deportation order against Mario Monroy Villalta, a Cleveland man who sued to challenge his potential deportation. Adam Ferrise reports on the lawsuit accusing Homeland Security of violating Villalta’s due process rights and challenging the department’s claim that he qualified for expedited deportation. Summer heat: Cleveland has recorded eight 90-degree days so far in 2025, slightly above average but well-below historical heat records, reports Ryan Cohick. Controversial billboard: Home-buyer John Williams sparked controversy with a new "Top Ninja" billboard, which Cleveland Councilman Richard Starr claims is racially insensitive. Sean McDonnell writes about Williams' continued provocative marketing strategies. Stadium demo: The Browns say they're willing to assist with stadium demolition but are awaiting response from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb about potential lakefront development contributions, reports Rich Exner. TV20 investigation: A former Cleveland TV20 employee is under investigation, accused of paying her nephew $672,050 over 14 years for no actual work. Sean McDonnell reports the invoices were not questioned until a new TV20 director was hired in July 2024. Shedeur Sanders: Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders joined community leaders Wednesday at the Garden Valley Fun Fest, an event designed to bring healing and unity to traumatized families following a devastating fire last month, Olivia Mitchell reports. BOE campaigning: The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is drafting new rules for political campaigners at their new Superior Avenue location, considering designated zones for electioneering. Kaitlin Durbin reports on the proposed changes to accommodate the new facility's layout. Transit issues: A recent Chrysler recall forced a portion of Lorain County Transit Authority’s Via microtransit fleet off the road, prompting the county to enact a temporary solution to maintain services, Hannah Drown reports. Lorain fair The Lorain County Fair will hold elections for seven Board of Directors positions on Aug. 18, Hannah Drown reports. |
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Health study: Several Lorain County areas have been selected to participate in a national health and nutrition survey by the CDC. Hannah Drown reports that randomly selected residents will be invited to complete interviews and physical examinations. Heart disease: A new study reveals the U.S. heart attack mortality rate has dropped 89% over the past 50 years, though deaths from other heart conditions have increased. Julie Washington reports on research showing improvements in heart attack prevention and treatment. |
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Road rage: The lawyer for Westlake doctor Feras Hamdan says allegations that Hamdan threatened U.S. Rep. Max Miller on Interstate 90 won’t stand up in court, reports Lucas Daprile. His statement comes days after Rocky River Law Director Michael O’Shea released videos and documents from the incident. Murder indictments: Two suspects have been charged with killing a man in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood more than a decade ago. Dionte Davis, 36, and Dojuan Nettles, 40, were indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on aggravated murder charges in the 2011 death of Brandon Cartellone, David Gambino reports. Embezzlement charges: A former East Cleveland Municipal Court deputy clerk, Orlando Chappell, is accused of stealing over $10,000 in eviction fees between 2020 and 2021. Adam Ferrise reports that Chappell is charged with two counts of federal program theft. Walmart scam: A Cuyahoga County grand jury has indicted 16 people in a sophisticated $2.6 million fraud scheme targeting Walmart stores across Ohio. David Gambino reports the suspects purchased money orders ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, deposited funds remotely, and then returned them for full refunds. Akron shooting: Akron police arrested Deshawn Jalen Jeffery for shooting a 26-year-old woman early Wednesday morning. Olivia Mitchell reports that Jeffery was charged with felonious assault after the victim was found with gunshot wounds to her arm and chest. |
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Eric Carmen: A tribute concert celebrating Eric Carmen's musical legacy will be held in November, honoring the late Raspberries frontman's solo work. Peter Chakerian reports on the "EC50: A Celebration of Eric Carmen's Musical Legacy" event. Tattoo festival: The Rubber City Tattoo Invitational returns to Akron's John S. Knight Center July 25-27, featuring over 200 artists, daily contests and entertainment. Megan Becka highlights the three-day event offering tattoo opportunities, music and competitions for all ages. Cheap scoops: B.A. Sweetie Candy Co. celebrates its 75th anniversary by offering 75-cent ice cream scoops Sunday, which is National Ice Cream Day, reports Alex Darus. Doinks: Doinks Burger Joint in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood will celebrate its second anniversary with Doinks Fest, featuring a kitchen takeover by Sam's Supper Club. Alex Darus reports the July 27 event will include live music, local vendors and drink specials. Emmy nominations: The 77th Emmy Awards nominations were announced, with "Severance" leading with 27 nominations and several surprises, including Carrie Coon's supporting actress nod. Joey Morona highlights the nominations and notable snubs for Northeast Ohio actors. 'Hospitality for Hope': Hospitality Restaurants is launching its second annual "Hospitality for Hope" campaign, offering prix-fixe menus at eight restaurants to support local charities. Marc Bona reports the initiative will run for five consecutive Sundays starting Aug. 3. Ohio attractions: Ohio offers numerous free and low-cost attractions for summer travelers, including the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and various state parks. Susan Glaser highlights budget-friendly destinations across the state. Fashion display: The Kent State Fashion Museum opens "Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle," showcasing over three dozen vintage evening gowns from the legendary society columnist. Paris Wolfe reports on the exhibition celebrating Mehle's five-decade career. Deviled eggs: The 2025 Ohio State Fair will feature deviled egg flights with unique flavors, including a chocolate chip cookie dough option. Paris Wolfe highlights the Ohio Poultry Association's creative culinary offerings. |
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Free Motown concert and foam party in downtown Oberlin this Friday Read more Vendors needed for EUC Flea Read more Olmsted Township seeks grant for MacKenzie Road sidewalks Read more Parma Heights to renovate and add new pickleball courts Read more Parma elementary school educators prepare for new ELA curriculum Read more New parking lot to improve access at Brooklyn Senior Center Read more South Euclid-Lyndhurst school board President Cassandra Jones resigns Read more |
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