  What you need to know Wednesday, August 18, 2021  WEATHER
Highs will reach the low 80s today, with muggy conditions creating good chances for showers. Skies will be mostly cloudy and remain so overnight, with temps in the upper 60s and slight chances of showers.
Local scores: Indians 3, Minnesota Twins 1 OVERNIGHT
NFL Draft: Hosting the 2021 NFL Draft pumped an estimated $42 million into Cleveland’s economy and positioned the city to land more events as it shined in the national spotlight. Robert Higgs reports the event from April 29 to May 1 drew about 160,000 people to Cleveland and was seen by more than 40 million television viewers, according to the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
DeWine's plea: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine warned Tuesday that the delta variant of the coronavirus threatens students’ return to classrooms this fall, and urged local school districts and parents to take steps to ensure children are protected. But he did not issue any mandates, Evan MacDonald reports.
Food Bank: A day after Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson’s administration told City Council it has not yet finalized its preliminary plan for spending $511 million in federal stimulus funds, a trio of council members announced Tuesday they are seeking to spend $5 million of it on the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Robin Goist reports Councilman Mike Polensek, whose Ward 8 includes the Food Bank’s headquarters in the Collinwood neighborhood, emphasized repeatedly during
Vaccine mandates: Akron Children’s Hospital has informed employees they must receive the COVID-19 vaccine or undergo regular testing, Evan MacDonald reports. The new policy is still being finalized, but it likely will go into effect within the next few weeks, Akron Children’s Hospital President and CEO Grace Wakulchik said in a statement. Meanwhile, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court will require its employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus beginning on Oct. 15, Cory Shaffer reports.
This Week in the CLE: Live Nation has announced it will require all artists, crew members, and fans to show proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test to attend concerts at Live Nation venues and festivals beginning Oct. 4. We’re talking about how private interests are stepping forward to mandate vaccines on This Week in the CLE, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.
Mayoral debate: It was Round Two on Tuesday night for the Cleveland mayoral candidates, who once again took to the primetime stage for a public debate on the day early voting started. Seth Richardson reports on the highlights.
Vaccine incentive: Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish is considering an incentive plan that would provide $100 to county employees who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. Robert Higgs reports the plan would aim to include all 7,500-plus county employees, including those who work for the Common Pleas Courts, County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley, and the County Council, Budish
Opioid settlement: A proposed $800 million-plus settlement between opioid companies and state and local governments in Ohio has cleared another hurdle, as enough local officials have signed on that the deal won’t be rejected out of hand, Attorney General Dave Yost announced Tuesday. However, the proposed settlement still needs final approval from the companies, Jeremy Pelzer reports.
Ballot initiative: More Than A Vote, a national voting rights organization that fights racism, is partnering with Citizens for a Safer Cleveland on the coalition’s police accountability ballot initiative, the two organizations announced Tuesday morning. Cameron Fields reports the partnership marks More Than A Vote’s first instance of joining a local organization for its criminal justice reform work through its Protect Our People campaign.
Wealthy candidates: New financial disclosures show a huge personal financial gap between the leading Republican candidates and the Democratic congressman running for an open U.S. Senate seat in Ohio next year, Andrew Tobias reports. All three candidates seeking the Republican nomination who filed financial disclosure statements this week -- former Ohio treasurer Josh Mandel, former Ohio Republican Party chairman Jane Timken and Cleveland luxury car dealer Bernie Moreno -- are millionaires, the disclosures show.
New candidate: After losing a progressive Democratic primary challenge to incumbent U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty last year, Columbus attorney Morgan Harper announced that she’s taking her battle against political insiders to the U.S. Senate race to succeed Rob Portman, Sabrina Eaton reports. Harper will face Niles-area Rep. Tim Ryan and any other contenders who enter the Democratic Senate primary before the Feb. 3 filing deadline.
COVID study: A study found more than 25% of children with COVID-19
Court bailiff: A Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court bailiff who is also the chair of Parma’s civil service commission is charged with domestic violence after police said he choked his wife at his Parma home early Saturday, according to court records. Cory Shaffer reports that John Thomas Jr., 54, was released from jail Monday on a personal bond in Parma Municipal Court after spending two nights behind bars on the first-degree misdemeanor charge.
Body identified: The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has identified the man whose body was found along the Lakewood Park shoreline Saturday night. KayleeRemington reports that Lakewood police say Nathaniel Henderson, 45, of Rocky River was identified through fingerprints. Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Henderson’s death, though officers determined foul play is not suspected.
Cleveland shooting: The father whose 12-year-old son was shot outside his Cleveland store in 2017 sobbed during courtroom testimony Tuesday as he recounted performing CPR on his dying son. Cory Shaffer reports that Ala Bashiti wiped tears from his eyes and looked across the courtroom to Marvin Harris, the man charged with aggravated murder in the killing of Abdel Bashiti.
Oktoberfest: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Medina will hold Oktoberfest, complete with food, beer, music, kids activities and more, Marc Bona reports. The rain-or-shine event is 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.
Adam Levine: Maroon 5 superstar Adam Levine and his wife Behati Prinsloo wanted to live in their Pacific Palisades ranch house because it felt “homey.” The couple takes cleveland.com’s sister site Architectural Digest for a tour of their Los Angeles home.
Pawpaw cookbook: Pawpaws, a fruit native to Ohio and much of the Midwest, are a forager’s treat in the late summer weeks. Anne Nickoloff reports that diners now can find new ways to prepare pawpaws with Marietta chef Sara Bir’s new book “The Pocket Pawpaw Cookbook.” Strongsville, North Royalton schools make masking optional for pupils Read more
Battling Parkinson’s disease, Cleveland Heights Councilwoman Mary Dunbar resigns Read more
Solon voters to consider three proposed charter amendments on Nov. 2 ballot Read more
Pandemic still causing financial difficulties, but Mayfield’s finances are in fine shape Read more
Brecksville-Broadview Heights teachers agree to new 3-year contract Read more
Mayfield Councilwoman Patsy Mills, 91, won’t seek re-election Read more
Massachusetts man dies in motorcycle crash on Ohio Turnpike in Erie County Read more
Board of Elections changes initial ruling; Jordan now officially a candidate for Richmond Hts. council president Read more
Akron’s Rubber City Match program to aid 20 small businesses Read more
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