Every nonjudicial statewide elected official in Ohio is Republican. Twenty-six out of 33 Ohio Senate seats are Republican. And 65 of 99 Ohio House seats are Republican. The last time Ohio had a Democratic governor was Ted Strickland, elected in 2006. And in November, Democrats’ long-beloved representative of the working class, Sherrod Brown, was ousted from the U.S. Senate by Donald Trump devotee Bernie Moreno in the most expensive non-presidential election in U.S. history. The state – a reliably purple bellwether when I was a kid – is now decidedly MAGA red. The Ohio Democratic Party faces a daunting effort as it searches for a new state chair. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
|
|
Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters holds Ohio's 2024 Democratic National Convention sign after Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the party's presidential nomination at Chicago's United Center in August 2024. (Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com file photo) |
|
|
Democratic Party: Liz Walters’ departure as Ohio Democratic Party chair comes at a watershed moment for the party as it tries to reverse its increasing irrelevance in a state that’s turned solidly Republican, reports Jeremy Pelzer. Husted’s lane: When Jon Husted was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to the U.S. Senate in January, the question in many politicos’ minds was whether he would remain a DeWine-style, establishment conservative or become the pro-Trump warrior that most Ohio conservatives demand in a Republican senator. After Husted’s first 100 days in office, Jeremy Pelzer reports Husted has become a consistent ally of Trump. Browns financing: Gov. Mike DeWine wants to increase the sports betting tax to seed an ongoing statewide stadium fund. The Browns instead have asked the state to borrow $600 million up front to help pay for their new stadium. The math says a combination of both ideas could work. Rich Exner ran the numbers as the debate over stadium funding for both the Browns and Cincinnati Bengals works its way through the legislative process in Columbus. Cleveland Heights: Voters in Cleveland Heights wanted more accountability, so after more than a century operating under a council-manager system, the city adopted a strong mayor form of government in 2019. The goal was to streamline decision-making, boost development, and make city leadership directly answerable to residents. But Cory Shaffer reports that nearly four years into this new political era, City Hall is in disarray. Today in Ohio: Cleveland Cliffs is temporarily cutting hundreds of jobs while praising President Trump’s tariffs. We’re talking about the future — and Sen. Bernie Moreno — on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
|
|
Tax amendment: A constitutional amendment to ban property taxes in Ohio just took another step forward, reports Anna Staver. Attorney General Dave Yost on Friday approved summary petition language for the amendment and sent it onto the Ohio Ballot Board. Amtrak: U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes on Tuesday brought her case for an Amtrak stop in Akron or Canton to the head of Ohio’s Rail Development Commission, reports Sabrina Eaton. Ramaswamy endorsement: Vivek Ramaswamy’s hold on the 2026 GOP nomination for governor got even tighter Friday as he landed an early endorsement from the Ohio Republican Party. Jeremy Pelzer reports the endorsement came despite lobbying by Ramaswamy’s main primary opponent, Attorney General Dave Yost, and a last-minute hint by Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel that he might consider joining the race. Jim Tressel: On the eve of a vote by Ohio Republican Party leaders on making an early endorsement in the gubernatorial primary next year, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announced that he’s leaving the door open to run as well. Jeremy Pelzer reports Tressel said he has “not ruled out a run for governor” and that he’s been surprised and humbled by the number of people encouraging him to do so. EPA grant: The U.S. EPA has terminated a $17 million grant awarded last year to MetroHealth to reduce in-home pollution in disadvantaged communities, reports Peter Krouse. |
|
|
No mayoral run: Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin won’t run for the mayor’s seat this November, which means the list of serious challengers to current Mayor Justin Bibb’s reelection continues to shrink. Sean McDonnell reports Griffin will instead run for reelection in the newly drawn Ward 6. CVNP ranger: Over 33 years, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ranger Pam Machuga has led hikes on every trail in the park. Now, after more than three decades and during a moment of great uncertainty for the park, Ranger Pam has called it quits, reports Peter Krouse. Summer fun: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio is inviting youth to “Journey Through Summer” with art and science activities, field trips and play. Their free summer program is open to youth ages 6-18 across 17 club locations, including five in Cuyahoga County, reports Kaitlin Durbin. Mother’s Day: Happy Mother’s Day, to all the moms, not just for the unceasing physical labor or the mental load: remembering everything from what brand of chicken nuggets your kid will actually eat to when the next orthodontist appointment is. But also the emotional wringer of tantrums and hormones and heartache. Laura Johnston writes that if we want to thank moms, let’s support policies that support all families. |
|
|
Omega-3: Environmental factors are partially to blame for a global shortage of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are crucial for good health, suggests new research from Case Western Reserve University. Julie Washington reports fish oil is a dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, which the body needs for many functions, especially in the eyes and brain. Paper business: Millcraft Paper Co., a distributor of paper, packaging and office supplies, is growing its presence by expanding into new markets and boosting customer service, reports Molly Walsh. |
|
|
Murder charges: Three people accused of murder are in custody following their arrests by a U.S. marshals-led task force. Lucas Daprile reports one of them is charged with killing a Cleveland author whose body was found inside a burning car last year. Drug bust: Elyria police say officers arrested 20 people in a monthlong investigation that targeted the city’s drug peddlers. Police said they also seized a half pound of fentanyl, 2 ounces of cocaine, a small amount of methamphetamine and four guns, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. Threats: A central Ohio man has been charged with multiple federal crimes for sending threatening letters that contained white powder to Ohio politicians. Ronald Lidderdale, 39, appeared in federal court Wednesday on charges including making interstate threats, mailing threatening communications, conveying false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking, Anna Staver reports. Fatal stabbing: A man has died following a Saturday night stabbing, Megan Sims reports. Akron police responded to the report of a stabbing at the 1600 block of Cromwell Drive around 8:11 p.m., authorities said. A 52-year-old man was found at the scene in critical condition. King trial: The Ohio Supreme Court rejected a request to remove the judge presiding over the public corruption case against suspended East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King, reports David Gambino. Marshals arrest: A 77-year-old man wanted in the United Kingdom on sex charges was arrested Friday in Garfield Heights, reports Olivia Mitchell. |
|
|
All in: AEG has announced a weeklong “$25 all-in” concert ticket deal for 42 shows across three different venues via ticketing platform axs.com, reports Peter Chakerian. Rito’s: Schnitz Ale Brewery and Das Schnitzel Haus will be expanding their empire with a bakery and market in the soon-to-close Rito’s Bakery in Brunswick, Alex Darus reports. Best of Lakewood: Woodstock BBQ was named one of 20 finalists in cleveland.com’s 2018 Best Barbecue contest and returned in 2023 as tops for the best ribs. Now they’re your “Best” spot to eat and drink in Lakewood, according to our Cleveland.com readers’ poll. |
|
|
Cleveland man arrested after leading Brook Park police on vehicle chase with 2-year-old in backseat Read more Independence teacher in running for award Read more Northeast Ohioans embrace spring at the Holden Arboretum Read more Rocky River students pedal for a positive impact Read more Richmond Heights to hold citywide meeting May 18 Read more Solon students advance in elite U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Read more Berea, Brook Park and Middleburg Heights to mark Memorial Day with parades, music and remembrance Read more |
|
|
Terry's Talkin' with Terry Pluto Newsletter |
Connect with Northeast Ohio’s favorite sports columnist as Terry shares his exclusive thoughts and insights on Cleveland sports teams, as well as issues on personal faith like in his popular weekly Faith & You column. There's one caveat, though. This is an exclusive newsletter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer loyal subscribers. Not a subscriber? That's ok. You can receive a few weeks of Terry’s newsletter as a free trial. In either case, click here sign up. |
|
|
Want the top headlines but don't have time to read? Listen to cleveland.com’s Today in Ohio podcast on Spotify, Google or Apple Podcasts. |
|
|
WANT TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH A FRIEND? |
Did someone share this newsletter with you? Click here to never miss a day! |
|
|
To contact the newsrooms for any of our publications regarding technical support, news tips, classified ads and other inquiries, please click here. |
|
|
Unlimited Digital Access to cleveland.com |
|
|
Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING
OR SPONSORING OUR NEWSLETTERS? |
|
|
You received this email because you opted in to the newsletter. To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.cleveland.com to your address book or safe sender list. 4800 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn OH 44144 Contact us | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy |
|
|
|
