View in browser  |  Get our newsletters

The Wake Up

FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025

 

Cleveland’s lead-safe law was supposed to be a turning point — a bold shift from reacting to lead poisoning in children to preventing it altogether. But five years in, the results are underwhelming. The number of poisoned kids hasn’t budged and thousands of rental units still haven’t been certified.

 

Now, Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer says it’s time to stop pretending the system is working. She’s released a report that lays out where the city is falling short and offers a list of fixes — from beefed-up enforcement to better targeting of the riskiest properties. Her goal is to make the law more effective, not just more complicated.

 

City Council President Blaine Griffin isn’t opposed to change, but he’s warning against moving too fast, while Mayor Justin Bibb’s team says they’re ready to collaborate and keep the momentum going.

 

The stakes are enormous. Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage in children — and Cleveland’s most vulnerable families are the ones bearing the cost of a law that hasn’t delivered. The city may not get many more chances to get this right.

 

— Leila Atassi

 

 

Overnight Scores and Weather

Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Kyle Manzardo’s trifecta of errors leads the way in Guardians’ 6-0 loss to Toronto

 

Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Warm, chances of storms this weekend

 

 

Cleveland is in the midst of a decades-long effort to combat cases of childhood lead poisoning. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, along with many of his predecessors, have tried to tackle the lead issue at various times. (Lonnie Timmons III, Plain Dealer file photo)

Top Stories

Lead safety: Cleveland Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer is calling for changes to the city's 2019 lead-safe law, arguing that it has failed to reduce child lead poisoning. Sean McDonnell reports Maurer suggests more-focused resource allocation and home repair strategies.

 

Stadium deal: Hamilton County and the Cincinnati Bengals have reached a tentative lease-extension agreement for $470 million in stadium improvements, with the county covering $350 million and the team contributing $120 million. Rich Exner reports the deal includes a 10-year extension and gives the county more control over stadium events.

 

Today in Ohio: If you want a front-row seat to just how shameless Ohio lawmakers can be, look no further than the middle-of-the-night sneak attack they pulled to help the Browns bail on Cleveland — all while pretending it’s for the taxpayers. On Today in Ohio, we’re talking about how lawmakers used the state’s budget process to interfere with a lawsuit on behalf of billionaires.

 

 

Statehouse and Politics

Teachers pensions: Ohio lawmakers propose dramatic restructuring of the State Teachers Retirement System board, reducing educator-held seats from seven to three. Anna Staver reports the last-minute budget amendment would shift control to political appointees, sparking controversy among educators who see it as a "slap in the face".

 

Tuition prices: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan subpoenaed Harvard University, seeking information about tuition practices and potential antitrust violations. Sabrina Eaton reports the investigation examines whether Ivy League schools are coordinating to raise tuition prices.

 

College law: A campaign to overturn Ohio's controversial Senate Bill 1 failed to collect enough signatures to make the November ballot. Jeremy Pelzer reports the bill imposes new rules on public universities, including banning faculty strikes and limiting diversity initiatives.

 

 

Advertisement

 

Northeast Ohio News

Algal bloom: Researchers predict a mild to moderate harmful algal bloom in Lake Erie's Western Basin this summer, with an index number of three. Peter Krouse reports the bloom is expected to start in July, peak in August and remain confined to the Western Basin.

 

Sheriff's budget: Lorain County commissioners are considering a 0.25% sales tax increase to support the sheriff's office budget. Hannah Drown reports the proposed tax would generate $13 million annually and help address inherited debts and rising operational costs.

 

 

Business and Health

MetroHealth ranking: MetroHealth System leads Northeast Ohio hospitals in the Lown Institute's 2025 social responsibility rankings, with four local hospitals making the national honor roll. Julie Washington reports on MetroHealth's community-focused initiatives and commitment to health care equity.

 

CSU renovation: Cleveland State University's Fenn Tower received $5 million in historic tax credits for a $50 million renovation project. Megan Sims reports the 1930s building will be modernized while preserving its historic character.

 

 

Crime and Courts

Wrongful imprisonment: Cleveland will pay $7.9 million to the estate of Isaiah Andrews, who spent 45 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. Adam Ferrise reports Andrews was exonerated in 2021 after the Ohio Innocence Project discovered key evidence was never turned over to his defense.

 

Hough shooting: A 20-year-old Cleveland man, Tyresse Sanford, was fatally shot in the city's Hough neighborhood. Olivia Mitchell reports Sanford was transported to Cleveland Clinic and later died at University Hospitals.

 

Wrong-way crash: A suspect in a “series” of drive-by shootings tried to escape from officers Thursday by driving the wrong way on Ohio 2, causing a multi-vehicle crash and being thrown from his own car, Cliff Pinckard reports.

 

Teacher stalking: Hannah Freeman, a North Ridgeville teacher, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanors after originally facing five felony charges of stalking her ex-boyfriend. David Gambino reports Freeman will face potential fines or up to six months in jail and must continue mental health counseling.

 

Home invasion: Akron police are searching for four suspects who broke into a woman's home and shot her multiple times Monday night. Lucas Daprile reports the surveillance footage shows at least three suspects carrying guns during the incident.

 

 

Arts and Entertainment

New coaster: Cedar Point's newest roller coaster, Siren's Curse, opens Saturday, featuring a unique 61-foot tilt track that rotates vertically, offering riders a thrilling 160-foot drop at 58 mph. Susan Glaser reports the ride, which is North America's first tilt coaster, provides an intense experience with on-board audio and mythical siren theming.

 

Adam Sandler: Iconic comedian Adam Sandler will perform at Rocket Arena on Oct. 13 as part of his "You're My Best Friend" tour. Alex Darus reports tickets go on sale today.

 

Japanese art: Visitors are calling the Takashi Murakami exhibition at Cleveland Museum of Art "extraordinary" and deeply layered. Peter Chakerian highlights the show's exploration of Japanese culture, historical events and the artist's unique superflat style.

 

Local musician shines: Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan brought his side project The Machines of God to House of Blues, featuring Cleveland's own Kid Tigrrr (Jenna Fournier) on bass. Peter Chakerian writes about the tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" and "Machina/The Machines of God" albums.

 

Music workshop: Cleveland Pops Orchestra's Carl Topilow continues to mentor the next generation of conductors through his "Resources for Conductors" workshops. Peter Chakerian reports on Topilow's approach to teaching, which combines practical advice, humor, and a commitment to nurturing musical talent.

 

Ask Yadi: Yadi Rodriguez highlights the importance of personal choice and suggests that a reader have an honest conversation with her father about her decision to legally change her name, dropping his last name.

 

Lighthouse celebration: Fairport Harbor will celebrate its two historic lighthouses with a boat parade on Aug. 2, featuring decorated boats cruising past the 200-year-old original lighthouse and the 100-year-old breakwater lighthouse. Paris Wolfe reports the event will include prizes for the best-decorated boats.

 

Farmers market: North Union Farmers Market is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a July 12 event and launching a farm-to-table dinner series. Marc Bona writes about the market's growth and its commitment to supporting local food entrepreneurs.

 

Doughnut burger: The Aviator Pub and Restaurant is bringing back the Jack Frost Smash Burger, served on a grilled Jack Frost glazed doughnut. Marc Bona writes about the collaboration between the Cleveland companies, which was popular during its first run last year.

 

Meatball mania: Lago East Bank will host its annual meatball-eating contest on July Fourth during their rooftop fireworks party, offering the champion meatballs for a year and a $150 gift card. Yadi Rodriguez reports the event includes prime views of Cleveland's fireworks.

 

Best snack: Cleveland's Terranean Spices won Good Housekeeping's 2025 Best Snack Award for its Za'atar Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spread. Paris Wolfe highlights that the all-natural spread was created by first-generation Lebanese American Tina Chamoun to provide easy access to a traditional seasoning.

 

 

You’re all caught up

 

Don't forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.

 

— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.

 

 

OTHER TOP STORIES

 

Akron woman gets life in prison for rape of infant Read more

 

Avon Local Schools announce interim superintendent Read more

 

Drunk man crashes Cadillac into neighbor’s home in Berea Read more

 

Major retailer takes interest in Medina entrepreneurs Read more

 

Medina awaits lab results for soil samples from Sunoco site Read more

 

How to get copy of new Akron history book, ‘Akron at 200: A Bicentennial History’ Read more

 

Seven Hills welcomes orange barrel invasion as 2025 roadwork begins Read more

 

On your mark, get set, go for new Lakewood High School stadium track Read more

 

 

Terry's Talkin' with Terry Pluto Newsletter

Connect with Northeast Ohio’s favorite sports columnist as Terry shares his exclusive thoughts and insights on Cleveland sports teams, as well as issues on personal faith like in his popular weekly Faith & You column.

 

There's one caveat, though. This is an exclusive newsletter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer loyal subscribers. Not a subscriber? That's ok. You can receive a few weeks of Terry’s newsletter as a free trial. In either case, click here sign up.

 

GAMES & PUZZLES

Try the new games and puzzles today.

 

 

Try our new games and puzzles today!

 

TODAY'S OBITUARIES

Click here to for access to Cleveland obituaries.

 

TODAY IN OHIO PODCAST

Want the top headlines but don't have time to read? Listen to cleveland.com’s Today in Ohio podcast on Spotify, Google or Apple Podcasts.

 

NOT ENOUGH NEWS?

The Daily Digital Edition is included with both print and digital subscriptions to cleveland.com. You can also choose from our selection of local news, sports or lifestyle newsletters and apps.

WANT TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH A FRIEND?

FacebookTwitterLinkedIn EmailGet Link

Did someone share this newsletter with you? Click here to never miss a day!

CONTACT THE NEWSROOM

To contact the newsrooms for any of our publications regarding technical support, news tips, classified ads and other inquiries, please click here.

 

 

Unlimited Digital Access | NO BLOCKED STORIES

 

$1 for 3 months

(cancel anytime)

Subscribe now!

$1 for 3 months

(cancel anytime)

Subscribe now!

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING
OR SPONSORING OUR NEWSLETTERS?

Contact [email protected]

 

GET YOUR LOCAL NEWS 24/7

News | Politics | Business | Sports

Entertainment | Community News | Opinion

FacebookTwitter InstagramYouTube

You received this email because you opted in to the newsletter. To ensure receipt of our emails, please add [email protected] to your address book or safe sender list.

 

4800 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn OH 44144

 

Contact us | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy