Subscribe to Cleveland.com’s free morning newsletter, subscribe to Wake Up, and deliver your inbox at 5:30 a.m.
The National Association of Black Journalists held its 50th Annual Convention in Cleveland this week, and the timing is meaningless. With political attacks and the newsroom budget tightening diversity plans, this year’s gatherings brings attention to celebration and determination – while respecting progress, how much work has been recognized.
The background, of course, is Donald Trump’s return to power and his administration’s positive progress in demolishing DEI initiatives nationwide. For black journalists and media professionals, it is an increased pressure in an industry that they have long had to fight for opportunities.
There are obviously no companies that are going all out at such meetings now. But others not only tend to speak, but also hire pipelines, support and visibility. Participants said that at this moment, the commitment speaks a lot.
– Laura
Overnight scores and weather
New York Mets Guardian: Juan Soto ruins Gavin Williams
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: sunny
Top stories
NABJ Convention: The 50th Congress of the National Association of Black Journalists in Cleveland. Olivia Mitchell's report on media professionals discusses the impact of opposition policies and the challenges faced by journalists of color in the current political climate.
RTA U-PASS: Cleveland State University will end student RTA passes due to the state budget, exposing students to $95 monthly transit fees. Laura Hancock reported that Governor Mike Dewine's press secretary said CSU's interpretation of the new national budget language for student fees is a “ridiculous reading” of the law. Hancock reports that students attending Cuyahoga Community College will not lose their passes because Tri-C is not paying for their fees.
Immigration lawsuit: The continued imprisonment of Mario Monroy Villalta is a new legal battle, an immigrant who has been denied the opportunity to argue Bond in his civil immigration case. Adam Ferrise reported that Monroy Villalta's lawyers filed a lawsuit, which challenged the detention center on the grounds of concerns about due process.
Today in Ohio: Gov. Mike Dewine hopes to ban prop betting in Ohio after two guardians are investigated. We are discussing the efforts surrounding a state legislator to retain the bets pushed down by the daily half-hour news podcast in Ohio, Cleveland.com.
State Assembly and Politics
Property Tax: Ohio Senate Republicans may wait until they fall, despite enough votes that otherwise veto the property tax veto. Anna Staver reports Senate President Rob McColley has suggested delaying the veto.
“Holly's Act”: U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno proposed the “Holly's Act” after meeting with Cincinnati officials about violent beatings, seeking criminal justice reforms and increasing police personnel. Sabrina Eaton reported on Senators’ support for calls for stricter verdicts.
Northeast Ohio News
Prison booking: Cuyahoga County Council unanimously approved a new agreement Tuesday that would overhaul how arrested persons booked county jails, facilitating a long-term negotiated plan designed to curb unnecessary detention and make prison reimbursement rates in Cleveland a higher rate of prison reimbursement in Cleveland to align with current costs.
Election Address: The Cuyahoga County Election Commission is now officially operating under the new street address (1803 Superior Ave.).
RTA rides: In 2044, each RTA route will exceed 1 million, with Red Line Rapid leading 3.2 million riders. Rich Exner reported that passenger volumes are still around 74% of the previous working day level.
School Taxation: School leaders in West Geauga want to combine two expired taxes and require voters to approve voters in November this year.
1/14
Aerial image of the funeral parade of Lorraine police officer Phillip Wagner
Support for the Officer: A week after the death of tragic Lorraine policeman Phillip Wagner, the community showed extraordinary solidarity and support during the funeral parade. Hannah Drown reported on solidarity that emerged across Ohio, where residents and law enforcement gathered to honor Wagner’s memory.
Waterfront renovation: Phase 2 of the Horan Sunset Pier Park project is progressing steadily, with a recently installed stormwater system, which is expected to be sanitary sewer installation this week.
Business and health
Amusement Park: Six Flags Park attendance fell by 9% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, a disappointing start to the year Susan Glaser attributed to bad weather in most of the United States.
CEO resigns: Richard Zimmerman, who is in charge of the fair merger of Six Flags Selder, will resign as CEO resignation at the end of 2025. SusanGlaser reported the 38-year-old industry veteran leader through the pandemic and controversial merger.
Labor-Management Dispute: In the labor-management dispute, the rising coffee lake is currently closed. Paris Wolfe reported conflicts between the barista and the owner, resulting in employee termination, suspension and union efforts.
Harvest Challenge: Northeast Ohio farmers are battling extreme weather, experiencing late vegetable harvests due to cold spring and challenging growing conditions.
Crime and courts
Marchers raided: Authorities raided four Northeast Ohio massage parlors in an investigation Wednesday, saying they targeted forced labor and sex trafficking. According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, police searched two businesses in Strongsville, one in Lorain and one in North Olmsted.
Court Review: Ohio Supreme Court will review the case of a Cleveland man whose rape conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in March. David Gambino reported that in this case, the problem was precisely enough evidence to prove the damage.
Sex Battery Allegations: Chad Kendall, former theater director of the Archbishop of Hobhoby High School, was charged with sexual batteries involving students aged 16-17 in the 2023 and 2024 incidents. An arrest warrant was issued, and the school has been placed on administrative leave after the charges.
Art and Entertainment
Brown Taste: Marc Bona reports that the upcoming taste of the Browns fundraiser will have more than 35 local restaurants and businesses to benefit Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
MGK Day: Popular pop singer and rapper Machine Gun Kelly will perform at Jacobs Pavilion in Nautica on Friday as part of the celebration of “MGK Weekend and XXCON 2025”. MGK will celebrate the release of his latest album, Americana, on Friday.
1/65
Where is Nelly's party
Party Journey: “Where is the party?” Malcolm X Abram reported that featuring Nelly, Ja Rule and Eve, transformed the Blossom Music Center into a nostalgic 2000s hip-hop time machine.
Island Tour: The Thousand Islands area of New York has 1,864 islands, boating adventures, historic Boldt Castle and diverse water activities.
Theater Lineup: Joey Morona has two Pulitzer Prize-winning and Cleveland premiere on the venue at the new John Carroll University, the Ensemble Theater's 2025-26 season on the venue at its new John Carroll University.
“2 Chefs & A Beat”: Jukebox Cleveland hosts the “2 Chefs & A Beat” pop-up that includes cooking and musical performances. Marc Bona reports on a unique event where chefs prepare dishes in each other’s cuisine style.
Water Sports Center: Susan Glaser reports that the renovated Totori Water Visitor Center exhibits an expanded exhibition, Lake Erie fish and free fishing.
Peter Chakerian reports Reaper on Red: Red Reaper performed in Beachland Ballroom and Tavern on Friday, bringing their dark, minimalist sounds influenced by bands such as Joy Division and the Mercy Sisters.
You all caught up
Don't forget that you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting Cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of a Cleveland journalist, consider becoming a Cleveland.com subscriber.
– Curated by content director Laura Johnston and written by Cliff Pinckard.
Other top stories
Improper behavior of adolescents can lead to premature night outings in southern Euclid. Sepd head says “Accountability is coming”
2 fires in East Cleveland caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage Tuesday Read more
North Ridgeville voters decided to increase income tax by 0.75% in November
Yee-Haw! Olmsted Township Police Lasso UP Youth Bike Rodeo More
Seven Hills Embrace Italian Sister City Mayor Visit Read More
Palma Orange Bucket Season: Working on Snow Road, Broadview Road is imminent Read More
Medina County Park District Extracts November Voting Read More
We may receive compensation if you purchase products or register an account through links on our website. By using this website, you agree to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions and personal information may be collected, recorded and/or stored on social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.