Cleveland’s Promise was an entirely new way to cover education. Rather than attending school board meetings and writing about administrative policy, two reporters spent nearly two years embedded in fourth and fifth-grade classrooms at Almira Elementary School. Hannah Drown and Cameron Fields and their editor, Leila Atassi, worked with Almira teachers, counselors, administrators and specialists to illuminate the inner workings of Cleveland Metropolitan School District and the heartrending difficulties children face. Through nearly 100 stories, through class pets, dance lessons, after-school clubs, karaoke lunch and countless academic lessons, readers gained intimate understanding of obstacles and achievement. As Hannah writes, we aimed to “dispel myths about urban communities and education and replace them with a newfound collective interest and commitment to supporting the children who are our region’s next generation.” We hope Cleveland’s Promise resonated with you. -- Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Guardians at Chicago Cubs: Josh Naylor gets shot at redemption in extra innings as Guardians top Cubs, 8-6 Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Rain, thunderstorms possible |
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Saying goodbye to Almira Elementary School. (Adrea Levy) |
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Cleveland's Promise: Almira Elementary School is a second home for students, and for Hannah Drown as well. In Cleveland’s Promise, she harnessed a rare opportunity to shine light on the challenges of educating children in poverty and what the district is doing to help students overcome their obstacles, defy statistics and achieve the futures they deserve, despite the hardships they face outside of the classroom. It’s the longest and most intensive project she has ever worked on. Brunswick interchange: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine positioned himself as an unusual peacemaker last March when he signed a state budget bill that required the construction of a new highway exit at I-71 and Boston Road at the edge of Strongsville in Cuyahoga County and Brunswick in Medina County. DeWine said in March that he expected negotiations to kick off this summer after an early planning study led by Strongsville, which wants the interchange to lessen traffic on Ohio 82. But Steven Litt reports the new “Preliminary Feasibility Study’' has raised suspicions in Brunswick that the entire exercise is designed to produce a predetermined result. Wildfire smoke: Is breathing wildfire smoke the same as smoking cigarettes? Gretchen Cuda Kroen reports that using this type of comparison isn’t exactly accurate, but it’s about the best comparison we have. And, when it comes to conveying just how much damage breathing smoke can do, the analogy does a pretty good job. On a more positive note, the air quality Sunday morning was rated as "good" in Northeast Ohio, a marked improvement from last week. Ethics reform: Nearly three years after ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder was arrested for overseeing the largest bribery scheme in state history, Ohio lawmakers haven’t passed a single piece of legislation to change state ethics or campaign-finance law. Jeremy Pelzer reports there’s little sign they will anytime soon. Today in Ohio: The federal judge who sentenced Larry Householder to the maximum possible prison sentence for Ohio’s largest corruption case said the ex-House speaker handed the public’s money to “suits with private jets.” We’re talking about how that practice hasn’t stopped, even in the wake of Householder’s conviction on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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State budget: State lawmakers appeared poised to pass a two-year, $190.7 billion state budget plan on Friday that, among hundreds of other things, slashes income and business taxes, dramatically expands the state’s school voucher program, and strips away most of the State Board of Education’s power. Laura Hancock and Jeremy Pelzer report the plan reflects how the state is flush with cash right now. 2024 elections: The odds may have gone up that Ohioans will vote next year under the same congressional district lines as they did in 2022, thanks to a surprise decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. Andrew Tobias reports that under the current map, Republicans won 10 of the state’s 15 congressional seats last year. Borges sentenced: Republican lobbyist Matt Borges sentenced to 5 years in prison for his role in bribery scandal orchestrated by Larry Householder. Adam Ferrise reports it is the second time in two decades Borges has been convicted of a corruption-related crime. |
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County rebounds: Executive Chris Ronayne touted a renewed region in his first state of the county address last week. Using the Cuyahoga River as a metaphor for the county as a whole, he acknowledged some of the challenges the county must yet overcome, reports Kaitlin Durbin. RTA raise: If the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority chooses to grant CEO and General Manager India Birdsong Terry a 20% raise as part of a new, five-year contract, it would make her one of the highest taxpayer-paid officials in Cuyahoga County, as well as transit leaders in the region, reports Kaitlin Durbin. The contract proposes increasing her base salary from $278,512 to $335,000, among other benefits. In comparison,Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb earns $156,000 and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne earns $175,000. Convention center: A decade ago, more than 10,000 older athletes descended on Cleveland to compete in the National Senior Games, the first event in Cleveland’s $465 million convention center. Ten years later, and there’s no question that the center has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact. As for whether it’s transformed downtown? The answer to that question, Susan Glaser reports, is complicated. Tax credits: Seven Northeast Ohio development projects have received millions of dollars in historic tax credits, reports Megan Sims. The projects include the Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and the Variety Store Building and Theatre on Lorain Avenue in Cleveland. Sherwin-Williams: Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock announced late last week that it bought over a million square feet of office space from Sherwin-Williams including the Landmark Office Towers and the Breen Technology Center, according to reports from cleveland.com. Bedrock also purchased a nearby vacant railroad station as it acquires land for its proposed Riverfront Master Plan. Lorain County: Some local residents are pushing for a ballot initiative that would let voters choose seven district-based county commissioners rather than the current system in which three commissioners represent all of Lorain County. Lucas Daprile reports the initiative would split the county up into seven districts that organizers say represent the county’s demographics and political leanings. Rare gull: Birdwatchers flocked to Euclid Beach Park early Saturday afternoon to catch a rare glimpse of a Pacific-based gull not known to frequent Cleveland’s freshwater coast. Heermann’s gull is defined by its distinctive red bill, white head and dark-gray plumage, reports Courtney Astolfi. Heritage Fest: The smell of funnel cakes filled the air as thousands of people wandered the streets of downtown Kent on Saturday for the 28th Kent Heritage Festival. See David Petkiewicz’s photos from the fireworks. |
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Guardians deal: The Cleveland Guardians and Marathon have reached a deal that will see the team wearing a patch on their jerseys featuring the company’s logo. Paul Hoynes reports the agreement begins July 3 and runs through 2026. Cedar Point: After closing the ride down two years ago, Cedar Point has recently teased the future of Top Thrill Dragster. Susan Glaser reports the park posted a photo and tease about the ride on their Twitter account last week. Sports betting: The Ohio Casino Control Commission released its May revenue numbers last week, reporting mobile-betting apps took in $430.7 million in bets in May, which led to $55.9 million in revenue. Sean McDonnell reports that the the two most popular apps for sports betting continue to be FanDuel and DraftKings. Rosewood Grill: Hospitality Restaurants is temporarily closing the Strongsville location of the Rosewood Grill for interior and exterior renovations, Marc Bona reports. In addition to new carpeting and furnishings inside, an expansive new covered patio will have heaters and fans overhead and two fire-pit areas will be installed. |
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Canton police: Two men charged with attempted murder after shooting at Canton police officers last week, Molly Walsh reports. One suspect was arrested near the scene while another was taken into custody early the following morning. Pilot program: The city of Akron offering free Ring video doorbells to some residents via pilot safety project. Megan Becka reports that residents in eligible wards are able to apply for one doorbell per household and the program is designed to deter crime in known hotspots around the city. Couple indicted: A federal grand jury has indicted a Willoughby Hills couple and accused them of conspiring to set fire to rental properties to collect insurance money, reports Olivia Mitchell. The pair would purchase ownership rights in houses and recruit people to act as renters and nominal owners to insure the homes, according to the indictment in the case. Fish theft: Five defendants pleaded guilty and will pay nearly $37,000 in restitution for stealing fish meant for a Sandusky charity, reports Julie Washington. The defendants — four people and the Sandusky-based Lake Fish Co. — also must pay a combined $24,120 to the Victory Soup Kitchen and a combined $13,000 in restitution to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. |
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Rock Hall: Inductees and rap legends Chuck D and Flava Flav of Public Enemy, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and Roxanne Shante gathered last week to dedicate and open the museum's new exhibit Hip Hop at 50 "Holla If Ya Hear Me." Malcolm Abram reports on the star-studded event. Booze-free cocktails: As the dry/sober trend grows in popularity, a new Ohio City business looks to be a part of it. Verbena Free Spirited Shoppe, Café & Dry Bar has set a July 7 date for the café and bar’s grand opening. Paris Wolfe reports the Hingetown spot will offer coffee, tea, rice bowls and healthy food options from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. before transitioning to a spirits-free bar. Season opens: The Cleveland Orchestra has made its annual return to Blossom Music Center for the summer. As Zachary Lewis reports, the 2023 Blossom Music Festival started not with a bang but rather the musical equivalent of a big warm hug, highlighted by Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." House of the Week: Looking to live in a community known for its natural beauty and highly rated schools? If so, this modern farmhouse, located in Pepper Pike, combines contemporary elegance and timeless charm in one of the best suburbs in Northeast Ohio, writes Joey Morona. |
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Akron police search for 3 gunmen who fired more than 40 shots, injuring 2 women Read more Long abandoned factory to become affordable housing in Cleveland Read more 3 people taken to the hospital after an accident on Cleveland’s West Side Read more Avon police investigating single-vehicle crash Sunday morning Read more Man charged with shining laser at highway patrol helicopter over Elyria in April Read more New Akron Zoo dragonfly mural sparks joy, celebrates life Read more Parma Schools begins online auction before building demolitions Read more Fairport Mardi Gras (again) elevates family-friendly fun Read more |
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