Book report: Outgoing U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and two other Senate Republicans met with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin last year in an unsuccessful attempt to get the West Virginia Democrat to leave his party, according to the book “This Will Not Pass.” Jeremy Pelzer reports the book covers the 2020 presidential campaign, the general election and aftermath, the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the partisan aftermath, and President Joe Biden’s attempt to navigate his policy priorities through opposition from both the left and right, among other things.
Tax collection: Ohio, the nation’s seventh-largest state, collected the ninth highest amount of taxes in 2021, at $34.9 billion, a 14.1% increase from 2020, according to data released from the U.S. Census Bureau. Zachary Smith reports California, by far the largest state in terms of population, collected the most with $248.2 billion.
METRO
Dimora’s health: Disgraced former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora’s health is failing, and his defense attorney asked a judge to consider releasing him from prison when Dimora is re-sentenced on corruption charges next month. Adam Ferrise reports that attorney Philip Kushner urged U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi to have leniency for Dimora, according to a court filing.
Ken Johnson: The defense attorney for a former Cleveland employee who pleaded guilty to helping disgraced Councilman Kenneth Johnson’s scheme to illegally pocket cash said Johnson groomed his client from a young age and used him as a “pawn," Adam Ferrise reports. Robert Fitzpatrick, a former recreation department supervisor, met Johnson at a critical time during his rough upbringing, according to documents filed Monday by defense attorney Carlos Johnson.
Sheriff's resignation: Cuyahoga County Sheriff Christopher Viland’s abrupt resignation marks the fifth turnover in leadership since becoming an executive-appointed position under the new county charter, and some believe that turmoil is justification for restoring the sheriff to an elected position, Kaitlin Durbin reports.
Stolen mail: Beachwood residents have complained of stolen mail and fraudulent activity on their bank accounts after they dropped mail off at the drive-up boxes at the city's Post Office, reports Olivia Mitchell.
Solar energy: Solar United Neighbors is collaborating with the city of Cleveland to bring rooftop solar energy to households that have historically been unable to afford it. Peter Krouse reports the plan is to install rooftop arrays on up to 10 low- to medium-income households and to collect information along the way that could lead to a broader expansion of solar power into less-wealthy communities of the city.
Water access: Across the United States, the cost of water and sewer has grown more expensive over the last several decades, with the average water bill increasing by 30% between 2012 and 2019, reports Conor Morris. In November 2021, almost 10% of all Cleveland Water customers – about 40,000 customers – were behind on their water and sewer bills by six months or more, a rate that’s far higher than non-pandemic years.
COVID-19 & HEALTHCARE
CWRU gift: A Case Western Reserve University alumna has created a $5.5 million scholarship fund to encourage more students to follow in her footsteps as certified registered nurse anesthetists. Julie Washington reports the gift will create an endowed scholarship fund to support at least one annual, full-tuition scholarship for a student pursuing a registered nurse anesthetist certification.
BUSINESS
Akron Soap: The former home of the Akron Soap Co. is slated to become apartments after being sold to a new developer. Sean McDonnell reports Green Harvest Capital plans to develop 50 to 52 apartments in the warehouse and to lease already renovated commercial space on the site.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Good Company: Good Company, the kitchen and bar in Cleveland’s Battery Park neighborhood, has joined Buildings & Food hospitality group. Marc Bona reports it joins a trio of places in the Buildings & Food group: Spotted Owl Tremont, Spotted Owl Akron and Prosperity Social Club.
