When someone in Parma calls 911 with a mental health emergency, they’ll soon get a social worker, in addition to police and fire services. The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Crisis Response Program launched in Shaker Heights early last year and has expanded to South Euclid, Richmond Heights, University Heights and Cleveland Heights. The idea is simple: not every emergency needs a badge and a gun. It’s a shift that’s been gaining traction across the country, especially after high-profile incidents where police responses to mental health crises ended in tragedy. Supporters say the program reduces strain on jails, emergency rooms and police officers, while building trust with the public. Critics worry about safety. With a growing number of calls, Parma officials say the need is urgent. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Guardians at Chicago White Sox: Guardians-White Sox opener rained out; split doubleheader scheduled today Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Very hot and humid |
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| A trained social worker now will respond alongside Parma and Parma Heights police and fire officials when crisis calls are suspected to involve mental health conditions or substance abuse. (John Benson, cleveland.com file photo) |
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Mental health response: Parma and Parma Heights will now include licensed social workers with 911 emergency response teams for mental health and substance abuse crises. Kaitlin Durbin reports the program aims to provide more comprehensive support following successful implementations in other Cleveland suburbs. Measles cases: The United States has recorded 1,288 measles cases in 2025, the highest number since 1992, with Ohio contributing 35 cases. Julie Washington reports that lower vaccination rates and increased vaccine hesitancy are driving the surge, with health experts warning the trend could continue. Education funding: The Trump administration has halted $185 million in federal education funding to Ohio, affecting programs supporting migrant education, teacher development and student support. Laura Hancock writes that while it's a small portion of total education funding, the hold could disproportionately impact low-income and special needs students. Today in Ohio: Today in Ohio will return Monday. |
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Minority farmers: U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown criticizes the USDA's decision to eliminate race-based considerations in its programs. Sabrina Eaton reports on the potential impact on minority farmers, highlighting the elimination of the "socially disadvantaged" designation. Medicaid: Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday emphasized the importance of the state’s medical institutions for child health care, Mary Frances McGowan reports. During a visit to University Hospitals’ Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, DeWine said the state will have to remain focused on ensuring good medical care is available for its people despite $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, a resource used by more than 3 million Ohioans. Property taxes: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine created a working group to address property tax reform. Anna Staver reports on the ongoing debate between the governor and state lawmakers over tax-relief measures. |
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Casino revenue: Cleveland City Council unanimously voted to expand how casino tax revenue can be spent, giving council members more flexibility in funding neighborhood projects. Sean McDonnell reports the new policy allows spending on community meals, youth sports uniforms, and home repairs, with improved upfront payment options for small contracts. Browns stadium: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb suggests the Browns should help pay for demolishing their current lakefront stadium if they move to Brook Park. Rich Exner reports that the city hopes that the Haslams, the team's owners, will contribute to the stadium's removal after receiving significant public funding for a new facility. Brook Park questions: Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne is seeking answers from the FAA and ODOT about potential traffic and flight-pattern disruptions related to the Browns' proposed new stadium near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Rich Exner reports on Ronayne's concerns about increased congestion and potential impacts on airport operations. Science funding: A collection of local universities, businesses and economic development groups vying for up to $160 million in National Science Foundation funding has made it to the next level in the competition, Peter Krouse reports. Student aid: Lorain County is overhauling its student clothing assistance program with $1.25 million in federal funding to eliminate stigma by providing personalized clothing options, reports Hannah Drown. Transit: Lorain County commissioners approved a $2.2 million contract extension to continue microtransit services in Elyria and Lorain, offering flexible, ride-share-style transportation, reports Hannah Drown. |
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Business rankings: Ohio has broken into the top five states for business in a CNBC study, ranking fifth with top marks in infrastructure and low business costs. Rich Exner notes the state's significant achievement is tempered by a workforce shortage, placing 31st in that category. New apartments: A new apartment complex for seniors and aging veterans is coming to the Glenville neighborhood. Megan Sims reports Emerald Senior Apartments complex will include supportive services and “trauma-informed design” principles, which are intended to make residents feel safe by providing open and simple communal spaces with clear lines of sight, private spaces that offer a sense of security and connections with nature. Conference coming: Cleveland will host the 2028 National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals Annual Conference, attracting approximately 550 attendees. |
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CMSD sued: The family of Yaniel Rivera, an 11-year-old who died by suicide, plans to appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court after lower courts dismissed their lawsuit against Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Lucas Daprile reports the family argues the district failed to protect their son by not blocking violent content on a school-issued iPad. Body found: A cleaning crew discovered a body hidden under a mattress while emptying a garage on Cleveland's West Side. Olivia Mitchell reports that police are investigating the circumstances and the Cuyahoga County medical examiner will perform an autopsy. Investment scam: A Brecksville man, John E. Brown II, is charged with running a $3.3 million investment fraud scheme that used investor funds for casino gambling and repaid early investors with money from later ones. Adam Ferrise reports on the federal indictment charging Brown with wire fraud and monetary transaction crimes. Suspects arrested: Four people, including two teens, have been arrested in connection with last month’s shooting death of an Ashtabula County man in Painesville that police say “deeply shook” the community, Cliff Pinckard reports. Fatal shooting: A 22-year-old man died Wednesday after being shot on Cleveland’s East Side in the King Kennedy neighborhood, Olivia Mitchell reports. Vermilion shooting: A Vermilion man is being held in jail on multiple charges, including murder, after he was accused of fatally shooting a woman early Thursday morning, Cliff Pinckard reports. Ex-coach sentenced: A Cuyahoga County judge Thursday sentenced a former Noble Academy basketball coach to a year in prison for having sexual contact with a 14-year-old student, David Gambino reports. Child Injury: A 2-year-old boy remains hospitalized after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle near a shooting scene on Cleveland's East Side, Olivia Mitchell reports. |
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'Superman': Cleveland serves as the primary filming location for the new "Superman" movie, featuring iconic local landmarks like Public Square, the Leader Building and the Arcade. Joey Morona highlights the various locations that transform into Metropolis, including dramatic scenes with Superman battling villains across the city. Happy hour: Northeast Ohio restaurants are reconsidering traditional happy hour formats because of rising costs and changing consumer habits. Paris Wolfe reports that while some establishments have abandoned the concept, others are adapting and finding creative ways to attract customers during slow hours. Cavs summer: Fans can watch the Cavaliers' four NBA Summer League games through multiple viewing options, including FanDuel Sports Network and Rock Entertainment Sports Network, reports Marc Bona. Ask Yadi: A diner's disappointing restaurant experience prompts advice about speaking up when a meal doesn't meet expectations. Yadi Rodriguez stresses the importance of providing constructive feedback. Heart: Rock icons Heart will continue their "Royal Flush Tour" with a stop at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron on Aug. 26. Malcolm X Abram writes that the band, led by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Ann and Nancy Wilson, will celebrate 50 years since their debut album "Dreamboat Annie." Karin Slaughter: Best-selling author Karin Slaughter will appear at the Parma-Snow library branch on Aug. 13 to promote her 25th novel "We Are All Guilty Here." Marc Bona reports the event includes a book copy and will benefit the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation. Cocktail faves: A recent study mapped cocktail preferences across the United States, revealing that Ohio's favorite drink is the old fashioned. Paris Wolfe writes that the whiskey-based cocktail is popular in 12 states, second only to the margarita. Things to do: Live music, food festivals and more are in store for this upcoming weekend in Northeast Ohio. Alex Darus lists 36 things to do in Greater Cleveland. |
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Woman arrested after 1-year-old child wanders into traffic in Mayfield Village Read more FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship rolls into Akron soon; see schedule Read more Councilwoman questions Orange mayor’s architect selection process Read more Avon Lake art auction goes to the dogs Read more New speed-monitoring signs up and running in Orange Read more LakewoodAlive receives grant to help seniors remain safely in homes Read more North Olmsted focusing on Ward 4 for sidewalk replacement Read more Seven Hills to host Italian sister city with gala event Read more |
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