In 2023, the Cuyahoga County Public Library circulated more than 11 million books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies and more. The Cleveland Public Library circulated more than 4 million materials. And seven other independent libraries in the county, from Westlake to the Heights, circulated millions more. But those libraries’ collections – not to mention their staffing, community programs and operating hours – are at risk with proposed cuts from the Ohio legislature. Under a new funding formula pushed by the Republican supermajority, the nine systems in Cuyahoga County alone would lose almost $16 million in funding every year. Ohio libraries would lose over $100 million in the next two years. That’s according to the Rocky River Public Library, which on Friday launched a PR attack to win back funding. They sent emails, scrolled the message on their electronic sign, and provided computers for patrons to contact House Speaker Matt Huffman. “This is not a solution,” the library email said. “This is a problem.” While the House budget makes all sorts of cuts, from smoking cessation programs to newborn nurse visits, Ohioans love their libraries. This could be a fight. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Cavs vs. Sacramento Kings: Cavs dodge Donovan Mitchell injury but fail to clinch East’s top spot in 120-113 loss to Kings Guardians at Los Angeles Angels: Angels’ power just too much as Guardians lose, 6-2, limp home at 3-6 Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Sunny early, then rain, snow |
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Libraries throughout Ohio and their backers are urging patrons to contact their elected representatives about potential cuts in funding. (Lisa DeJong, Plain Dealer file photo) |
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Library cuts: The Ohio House GOP’s two-year budget proposal would end the longstanding practice of giving libraries 1.7% of total state tax revenue and replace it with a set amount. In fiscal year 2026, the defined amount would be $485 million — less than the roughly $495 million to $500 million expected this year, Anna Staver reports. Medicaid cuts? Northeast Ohio hospitals are bracing for a wave of negative impacts if state and federal lawmakers follow through with Medicaid cuts that would take health insurance away from thousands of Ohioans. Julie Washington reports that hospitals – which already pay millions annually to make up the difference between the cost of health care and what Medicaid pays – would take a financial hit because they would foot the cost of care for the newly uninsured. Today in Ohio: The Ohio House is budgeting $1.6 million to save Cleveland State University’s varsity wrestling program while cutting millions in other priorities, from smoking cessation to child care. We’re talking about Republican priorities on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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The Fuhrer: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Westlake Republican, referred to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who is Jewish, as a “Fuhrer” during a conversation with reporters, reports Sabrina Eaton. Moreno applied the Hitler reference in remarks to reporters outside the Senate chamber as Republicans discussed a way to pass President Donald Trump’s tax cuts through the legislative body. FirstEnergy: Only a handful of FirstEnergy’s customers turned out for a Thursday night public hearing on the utility’s proposed rate increase and, as one might expect, none of them were in favor of paying more for their electricity. Peter Krouse reports opponents didn’t just focus on how increases would burden ratepayers, but also suggested that FirstEnergy wasn’t worthy of a rate increase based on past behavior. Driver’s ed: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s $50 million budget proposal to coax local schools into offering driver training courses has stalled. Cory Shaffer reports that House Republicans earlier this week released their budget proposal that nixed several programs and priorities that DeWine included in his own proposal in February. DOGE probe: U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown wants a pair of inspectors general offices to probe a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer’s mishandling of Americans’ personally identifiable information. Sabrina Eaton reports Democrats want to investigate a DOGE employee’s “unauthorized and potentially illegal” sending of a spreadsheet of personally identifiable information from the Treasury Department to GSA, which manages federal real estate. Elections commission: State House Republicans want to eliminate a regulatory body that enforces deadlines and accuracy of candidates’ campaign finance spending and fundraising reports. While their proposed state budget doesn’t repeal the section of state law that created the Ohio Elections Commission 30 years ago, Jake Zuckerman reports it zeroes out its $432,000 budget. Walz visit: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is coming to Northeast Ohio next week to fill what Democrats say is a void left by Republicans who won’t face angry constituents. Walz, who ran on Democrat Kamala Harris’ ticket as a vice presidential candidate, will hold a “people’s town hall” in Youngstown and another in Lorain, reports Jake Zuckerman. Sunday in Columbus, Walz encouraged over 150 public education supporters to fight against President Donald Trump’s attacks on public education and potential raiding of American safety nets, such as Social Security and Medicare, Laura Hancock reports. |
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Bike lanes: Cleveland leaders and transportation safety advocates met Friday in City Hall to celebrate Mayor Justin Bibb’s newly approved Cleveland Moves plan – and his commitment to build 50 miles of protected bike lanes in Cleveland over the next three years. Sean McDonnell reports that advocates at the event made clear they are looking for even more, saying they were excited for “50-plus” miles to be built. Demonstrations: Hundreds rallied Saturday in Market Square Park and across Northeast Ohio as protests against recent actions by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk erupted nationwide, David Gambino reports. Cleveland, Strongsville, Ravenna, Medina and other sites joined more than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations planned by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates and veterans. Shipwreck: Western Reserve, a freighter that sank in the middle of Lake Superior in 1892, has been found. Twenty-eight passengers and crew were on board the ill-fated ship the day it sunk to the bottom of Lake Superior. But only one person, a Clevelander named Harry Stewart, survived. Peter Krouse talks to his descendant. Real ID: After multiple delays over nearly two decades, the deadline is almost here. If you don’t have a Real ID, expect to face delays when flying domestically, reports Susan Glaser. The May 7 deadline requires travelers flying within the United States to present a Real ID, also known as a compliant driver’s license, or a valid passport to board an airplane. Federal pause: In South Lorain, the city planned to finally build a road connecting the historically redlined neighborhood to essential services — like food. But Hannah Drown reports that a $1.5 million planning grant and millions more in federal funds meant to ease isolation, prevent flooding and expand public transit are now in limbo thanks to orders from President Trump. Parking woes: A lightning strike knocked out the system that tallies open spaces in the Smart Garage at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, leaving travelers guessing as to whether any spots are available, reports Susan Glaser. Boys and Girls Clubs: Gov. Mike DeWine’s budget proposed restoring funding for Ohio’s Boys and Girls Clubs after cuts last year forced 17 locations across Northeast Ohio to close, eliminating some after-school and summer programs for at-risk youth. But the latest version released by the Ohio House slashes that funding once again and that may put even more clubs in jeopardy, reports Kaitlin Durbin. Sensitivity training: Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin’s commitment to send all of council’s elected leaders, and all their staff, to harassment and sensitivity training started in earnest Friday. Sean McDonnell reports that council will pay $20,000 to a local firm called Connected HR to lead staff through three-hour sessions, a city spokesperson confirmed. Stop the Hate: Thousands of Northeast Ohio students this year participated in the 17th annual Stop the Hate contest hosted by the Maltz Museum. Solon High School junior Nandita Srikumar took first place with her essay on dementia. Our Best Life: After a long, cold winter in Cleveland, a spring break week of freedom from school and work feels like a reward for surviving the cold, bleak winter. Laura Johnston relishes the escape from the confines of our regular Northeast Ohio lives to relax and play in the sun. |
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Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio’s ability to provide low-cost reproductive services and birth control is in jeopardy now that the Trump administration has rescinded its federal funding under Title X, reports Julie Washington. The loss of funds from Title X — a federally funded family-planning program —will especially affect low-income and uninsured people. Legionnaires’ disease: The Cuyahoga County Justice Center’s water system was disinfected Friday because of the detection of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, reports Julie Washington. Legionella bacteria was found during regularly scheduled water-system tests March 19 and the presence of Legionella bacteria was confirmed March 31. |
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Nanny abuse: A Beachwood nanny admitted to federal investigators that she recorded herself sexually abusing two toddlers under her care and sent the videos via Snapchat, reports Adam Ferrise. Molly Duncan, 25, abused the children while she was hired to take care of them at their homes in Kent and Chardon, according to an arrest affidavit. Fatal shooting: An 18-year-old male died early Saturday morning after he crashed his vehicle into a utility pole and was found with an apparent gunshot wound, Cliff Pinckard reports. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the teen as Ricky Walker of Cleveland. Akron plea: An Akron man faces time behind bars after pleading guilty Friday to shooting a burglar who authorities said was running away, Lucas Daprile reports. Stacy Martin, 27, admitted to charges of voluntary manslaughter, obstructing justice and possessing a weapon after being convicted of a felony. Gang trafficking: A suspected member of a street gang on Cleveland’s West Side is accused of trafficking cocaine, reports Adam Ferrise. Raydon Howard, 36, is believed to be a member of the D-Block gang, which is affiliated with the Heartless Felons. Bar shooting: A Cleveland man died days after he was shot at a bar last week in Lorain, reports Olivia Mitchell. Fugitive arrested: A murder suspect wanted by Baltimore police was arrested Thursday in Massillon by U.S. marshals, reports Olivia Mitchell. The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force picked up Unique Thorn, 26, at a residence in the 1700 block of Alpha Street NW in Massillon. Fatal crash: An Amherst man is dead after authorities say he crashed his car in Huron County, reports Lucas Daprile. At 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Daniel Palko, 35, was driving south on Ohio 60 in Wakeman Township, near Auster Road, when he went off the right side of the road. |
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Progressive Field upgrades: What’s new at Progressive Field? Marc Bona runs down the new food choices and the nearly complete renovations, including Terrace Hall, a “reimagined” beer hall featuring refined indoor and outdoor spaces. Classic CLE: Peter Chakerian is an amateur chef. Two of his favorites of late are Erie Bone Broth’s Field & Sky Bone Broth (a product of Burning River Foods) and POP Mustard (nom de plume of Old Brooklyn Mustards). Noodle bar: Xinji Noodle Bar will close its Ohio City ramen shop April 19, reports Alex Darus. House of the Week: The Tudor Revival home in Rocky River blends timeless elegance with stunning Lake Erie views and direct water access, reports Joey Morona. Built in 1930, the property offers six bedrooms, eight bathrooms (six full), a finished basement and two-car garage, listed at $4.75 million. |
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Man hospitalized after shootout near Akron apartment complex, police say Read more Wanted man surrenders peacefully after hours-long standoff in Elyria Read more New center for people with developmental disabilities opens in Independence Read more Inaugural Cleveland Pet Expo offers education, entertainment for animal lovers Read more Non-Polaris seniors can gain STNA skills through ‘Earn and Learn’ partnership Read more Avon Lake schools prepare for Erieview Elementary School closing Read more Coe Lake to get safety boost with new Berea ambassador program Read more It’s ‘Game on!’ at free April 23 sports officiating career fair Read more |
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