A Franklin County judge ruled Tuesday that Ohio’s EdChoice school voucher program is unconstitutional, handing a major win to public school advocates who’ve argued for years that the state is siphoning too much money away from public education. On the other side, school choice supporters already are preparing to appeal, saying families deserve options. The ruling doesn’t immediately stop the flow of money to families using vouchers, but it ignites a legal battle that could work its way to the Ohio Supreme Court. And with nearly $1 billion in taxpayer money on the line, the fight is far from over. It’s the kind of story that matters to just about everyone — parents making school choices, teachers making do with limited resources, students navigating their futures, and taxpayers who help fund it all. — Leila Atassi |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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Teachers from the Columbus area led a May Day demonstration at the Statehouse on May 1. (Laura Hancock, cleveland.com file photo) |
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Voucher programs 'unconstitutional': A Franklin County judge has ruled Ohio's EdChoice school voucher programs unconstitutional, marking a significant victory for public school advocates. Laura Hancock reports the decision challenges the state's current education funding model and could potentially impact nearly $1 billion in annual voucher spending. Browns stadium: Ohio lawmakers have approved $600 million from the state's unclaimed property fund to support a new Cleveland Browns stadium in Brook Park. Jeremy Pelzer and Anna Staver report the funding is part of the state's two-year budget and would require Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam to contribute additional funds to ensure the project's financial viability. Doctors union: University Hospitals disciplined two pediatricians leading a union organizing effort, placing them on administrative leave and terminating one's employment. Julie Washington reports on the physicians' claims of retaliation and their push to create a physicians union representing approximately 2,000 eligible doctors. Today in Ohio: Federal lawmakers say they’re fixing Medicaid — but their latest move could shutter 11 rural Ohio hospitals and blow a hole in the state’s entire funding plan. We’re talking about what’s at stake for rural health care on Today in Ohio. |
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Iran conflict: Ohio Republicans are shifting their foreign policy stance after supporting Trump's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Mary Frances McGowan reports on how previously isolationist politicians like JD Vance and Bernie Moreno are now defending military intervention, marking a significant change in their "America first" approach. Antisemitism hearing: A House Judiciary subcommittee conducted an emotional hearing Tuesday to confront what both Democrats and Republicans described as a dangerous surge in antisemitic violence across the United States, Sabrina Eaton reports. Lawmakers agreed the threat must be stopped but partisan divides emerged over the problem’s roots and how to fix it. Tax cut: Ohio is transitioning to a flat 2.75% income tax rate for earners over $26,000, eliminating tiered tax brackets. Anna Staver reports this $1.14 billion tax cut will deliver the largest savings to high-income earners, with supporters arguing it will simplify filing and make the state more competitive. Budget amendments: Ohio lawmakers continue to hide behind anonymous budget amendments, making it difficult to track who is responsible for controversial policy changes. Jeremy Pelzer reports legislators use this practice to avoid public scrutiny and potentially take credit for amendments they didn't write. Political smuggling: Ohio's budget process allows lawmakers to anonymously insert controversial policies without public accountability. The panelists on the Today in Ohio news podcast discuss how legislators use budget amendments to hide policy changes, creating what our podcasters call a "political smuggling operation" that shields them from criticism. College endowments: The Moritz family's latest attempt to change Ohio law and allow donors to sue universities over endowment use has failed again. Laura Hancock writes about the ongoing struggle to ensure donated funds are used as intended by benefactors. |
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Apartment fire: Olivia Mitchell reports on the devastating fire at Rainbow Terrace Apartments in Cleveland that destroyed 44 units, displaced over 100 residents, and resulted in five hospitalizations. Tubing Tragedy: Authorities continue searching for Patrick Cross after a tubing accident on the Cuyahoga River claimed the life of his 5-year-old son, Braxton. Lucas Daprile reports the ongoing search involves 40 rescue personnel and multiple resources. Swimmer drowns: Lorain police say a 20-year-old Lorain resident died Tuesday morning after failing to resurface while jumping off a break wall on Lake Erie, Cliff Pinckard reports. Power outage: Cleveland City Hall and Public Auditorium will be closed today, and Cuyahoga County offices are delaying opening because of the effects of a power outage caused by a fire at a substation, Cliff Pinckard reports. Cuyahoga County buildings in Cleveland closed Tuesday because of the outage, David Gambino reports. West 25th RTA: RTA's $50 million plan to create dedicated bus lanes on West 25th Street near the West Side Market has sparked controversy among local businesses concerned about parking and pedestrian safety. Rich Exner reports on the proposed changes and community pushback. |
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Alzheimer's conference: The Alzheimer's Foundation of America will host a free educational conference in Cleveland on July 16, focusing on early cognitive impairment identification and caregiver strategies. Julie Washington reports on the event. City grants: Cleveland is awarding $475,000 in grants to 19 small businesses and three community development corporations using funds from the Steelyard Commons tax deal. The grants will support businesses across six neighborhoods. Trade deal: The Port of Cleveland has reached a new agreement with an Irish port to boost transatlantic trade between the Great Lakes and Europe. The agreement — signed with Ireland’s second-largest port operator, Shannon Foynes Port Company — aims to deepen economic ties between the Great Lakes and western Ireland, the Port said in a news release. |
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SWAT standoff: A police standoff closed the I-480 westbound ramp near The Plain Dealer printing plant after a chase ended in a crash, with SWAT officers attempting to negotiate with an armed suspect. Reports indicate suspect had a rifle and later died by suicide. Airport incident: Several flights were diverted at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport after a man jumped a fence following a car crash. Susan Glaser reports the incident resulted in a brief ground stop and the man's apprehension by an airport employee. Medical fraud: An Avon doctor, Mohammad Ahmad, is accused of ordering over $260,000 in unnecessary medical braces while working for a telemedicine company, causing Medicare to pay out approximately $126,000. Adam Ferrise reports Ahmad allegedly forged documents and performed fraudulent telemedicine consultations. Death threat: A Minnesota man is accused of threatening to kill his former supervisor at the U.S. Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s Cleveland branch years after the supervisor fired him, according to federal investigators. Godwin Obot, 43, was charged Tuesday in federal court in Cleveland, Adam Ferrise reports. Home invasion: A 25-year-old woman was shot multiple times during a home invasion in Akron, with masked suspects entering through the back door and fleeing the scene. |
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JazzFest: The 46th annual Tri-C JazzFest brings international jazz flavors to Playhouse Square from Thursday through Saturday. Malcolm X Abram highlights performances by Stanley Clarke, Trombone Shorty, and Sun Ra Arkestra, who are among the many acts scheduled for the fest. Dominick Farinacci: Local jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci prepares to celebrate Cleveland's saxophone legacy at the Tri-C JazzFest. Peter Chakerian writes about Farinacci's multifaceted musical career and commitment to mentoring young musicians. Cordelia expands: Cordelia owners Vinnie Cimino and Andrew Watts plan to open a second restaurant in Cleveland's Hingetown neighborhood. Alex Darus details the upcoming intimate eatery centered around a wood-burning stove. Christmas ale: Great Lakes Brewing Co. announced its annual Christmas Ale in July event, featuring a pig roast, toy drive and special beer tastings. Marc Bona reports on the brewery's unique mid-year celebration of its popular seasonal ale. Rare sculpture: The Cleveland Museum of Art has acquired "Fata Morgana," a rare marble sculpture by Giambologna, which Peter Chakerian notes is the last known marble work by the artist still in private hands. The piece will be unveiled Aug. 30 in the museum's Italian Renaissance gallery. Ask Yadi: An avid cook struggles with a friend who repeatedly criticizes her refrigerator's organization during gatherings. Yadi Rodriguez writes about setting boundaries and not feeling obligated to explain or apologize for a messy but functional kitchen. Happy Hour: Fahrenheit restaurant offers an affordable $5 happy hour in downtown Cleveland, providing upscale small plates and drinks at budget-friendly prices. Alex Darus and Paris Wolfe explore the restaurant's elegant atmosphere and diverse menu options. |
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Cleveland Heights residents submit petitions to place mayoral recall on ballot Read more Avon Lake to hold annual fireworks celebration at Weiss Field on July 3 Read now North Royalton approves ‘sketch plan’ for 29 clustered homes on former Albion school site Read more Akron Marathon 1-mile event features 70-year-old, first-time racer Read more Shaker Heights makes its ban on short-term rentals legally clear Read more North Royalton school board approves raises for all district employees Read more Here’s the dirt on e-bikes from a Bay Village bike guru Read more Disheartened Orange school board approves required Parents’ Bill of Rights policy Read more Rocky River Schools officials speak out against House budget bill Read more Olmsted Falls to honor Vietnam veterans this Saturday Read more Brunswick city and school leaders predict dire financial impact of proposed state budget Read more |
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