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Breaking news, sports and entertainment from across Northeast Ohio.
More than four years later, three of the six people who conspired to kidnap, torture and kill Alishah Pointer have been sentenced to prison.
Judge hands down life sentences in ‘horrific’ East Cleveland murder
Hakeem-Ali Shomo and Anthony Bryant received life without parole while Brittany Smith got life with parole eligibility after 41 years for the torture and murder of Alishah Pointer.
www.cleveland.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:02 AM
More than four years later, three of the six people who conspired to kidnap, torture and kill Alishah Pointer have been sentenced to prison.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2025 national title, has elected to forego his senior season and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ohio State football star safety Caleb Downs announces 2026 NFL Draft decision
Ohio State standout safety Caleb Downs has made a decision regarding the 2026 NFL Draft.
www.cleveland.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:04 AM
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2025 national title, has elected to forego his senior season and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Steven Kwan and the Guardians, should they not reach a deal beforehand, will exchange salary figures for the 2026 season on Friday. If the two cannot reach a deal at that point, the Guardians could go to an arbitration hearing with one of their best players.
Steven Kwan, Guardians set to exchange salary figures on Friday
The Guardians could open the 2026 season with their smallest payroll since 2022.
www.cleveland.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Steven Kwan and the Guardians, should they not reach a deal beforehand, will exchange salary figures for the 2026 season on Friday. If the two cannot reach a deal at that point, the Guardians could go to an arbitration hearing with one of their best players.
"Maduro’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the country’s interim president. Given what has happened, could you blame her if she answered a call from Russia or China?" columnist Eric Foster writes.
After ‘ego-driven’ assault, what comes next in Venezuela? Eric Foster
It’s clear from the administration’s subsequent statements that there was no plan for what would happen after the Venezuela assault. This fact is made even more bewildering when considering that this operation was planned for months in advance. Maduro’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the country’s interim president. Given what has happened, could you blame her if she answered a call from Russia or China, asks Eric Foster in his column today.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:30 PM
"Maduro’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the country’s interim president. Given what has happened, could you blame her if she answered a call from Russia or China?" columnist Eric Foster writes.
The money will be split between customer refunds, low-income programs, interest on improper charges, and other restitution.
FirstEnergy to pay $275 million to Ohio customers over HB 6 corruption scandal
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:58 PM
The money will be split between customer refunds, low-income programs, interest on improper charges, and other restitution.
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/0lz34b
Police announced Wednesday they arrested three people who allegedly burglarized the home of Cleveland Browns Quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A warrant has also been issued for a fourth suspect, who is still on the run.
Picture: John Kuntz, Cleveland.com
Police announced Wednesday they arrested three people who allegedly burglarized the home of Cleveland Browns Quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A warrant has also been issued for a fourth suspect, who is still on the run.
Picture: John Kuntz, Cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:20 PM
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/0lz34b
Police announced Wednesday they arrested three people who allegedly burglarized the home of Cleveland Browns Quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A warrant has also been issued for a fourth suspect, who is still on the run.
Picture: John Kuntz, Cleveland.com
Police announced Wednesday they arrested three people who allegedly burglarized the home of Cleveland Browns Quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A warrant has also been issued for a fourth suspect, who is still on the run.
Picture: John Kuntz, Cleveland.com
Cleveland Browns legendary quarterback Bernie Kosar is back in the hospital again, about six weeks after he underwent liver transplant surgery in November.
Browns legend Bernie Kosar hospitalized again after ‘small rejection’ of liver transplant
Cleveland Browns legendary quarterback Bernie Kosar has been re-admitted to the hospital to the fourth time following his liver transplant surgery on Nov. 17 due to his body having a "small rejection" of his new liver, he announced in a post to X on Wednesday.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Cleveland Browns legendary quarterback Bernie Kosar is back in the hospital again, about six weeks after he underwent liver transplant surgery in November.
In case you missed it: The move was a given, after the way that Tate had played in his third and final season with the Buckeyes. He is expected to be a first-round pick, and potentially the first receiver off the draft board in April.
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate declares for 2026 NFL Draft
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate has declared for the NFL Draft.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:34 PM
In case you missed it: The move was a given, after the way that Tate had played in his third and final season with the Buckeyes. He is expected to be a first-round pick, and potentially the first receiver off the draft board in April.
Organizers need to collect well over 400,000 signatures from voters in 44 of Ohio's 88 counties for each of their anti-discrimination and marriage equality amendments to get the issues the November 2026 ballot.
The race is on for Ohio equal rights amendments hoping to make the November ballot
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Organizers need to collect well over 400,000 signatures from voters in 44 of Ohio's 88 counties for each of their anti-discrimination and marriage equality amendments to get the issues the November 2026 ballot.
The fight over $600M in unclaimed Ohio funds isn’t over.
Lawyers are asking a federal appeals court to stop the money from going to the Browns’ stadium while constitutional questions play out.
Lawyers are asking a federal appeals court to stop the money from going to the Browns’ stadium while constitutional questions play out.
Federal appeals court asked to pause $600 million transfer to Browns for stadium
A halt on the transfer of unclaimed funds expires Thursday and may not be extended.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:07 PM
The fight over $600M in unclaimed Ohio funds isn’t over.
Lawyers are asking a federal appeals court to stop the money from going to the Browns’ stadium while constitutional questions play out.
Lawyers are asking a federal appeals court to stop the money from going to the Browns’ stadium while constitutional questions play out.
Wild weather is on its way 🌬️
Northeast Ohio eyes near-60-degree warmth before wind, rain and snow
Northeast Ohio could see temperatures approach 60 degrees later this week as rain and gusty winds move through, followed by colder air and snow chances this weekend.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Wild weather is on its way 🌬️
He’s the third known request after Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
Browns request permission to interview Bengals OC Dan Pitcher for their head coach job
Browns request permission to interview Bengalas OC Dan Pitcher for their head coach job.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:30 PM
He’s the third known request after Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
"I don’t say this to be negative. I’d like Hopkins to have more nonstop destinations as much as anyone. But wishing it won’t make it so," writes travel reporter Susan Glaser.
No, United is not coming back: Why Cleveland Hopkins will never be a major airline hub again
Here’s the truth: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will never again be a hub for a major legacy carrier like United. The city is even building a new airport terminal that accepts that reality.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:02 PM
"I don’t say this to be negative. I’d like Hopkins to have more nonstop destinations as much as anyone. But wishing it won’t make it so," writes travel reporter Susan Glaser.
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/6gmdvh
Browns linebacker Devin Bush ended his career-best 2025 season with some recognition. Bush was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday for the NFL’s Week 18 slate.
Picture: Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Browns linebacker Devin Bush ended his career-best 2025 season with some recognition. Bush was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday for the NFL’s Week 18 slate.
Picture: Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:40 PM
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/6gmdvh
Browns linebacker Devin Bush ended his career-best 2025 season with some recognition. Bush was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday for the NFL’s Week 18 slate.
Picture: Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Browns linebacker Devin Bush ended his career-best 2025 season with some recognition. Bush was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday for the NFL’s Week 18 slate.
Picture: Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/6bhm7d
DeWine: “Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream.”
What do you think about the endorsement?
Photos: AP
DeWine: “Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream.”
What do you think about the endorsement?
Photos: AP
January 7, 2026 at 6:19 PM
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/6bhm7d
DeWine: “Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream.”
What do you think about the endorsement?
Photos: AP
DeWine: “Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream.”
What do you think about the endorsement?
Photos: AP
He’s the third known request after Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
Browns request permission to interview Bengals OC Dan Pitcher for their head coach job
Browns request permission to interview Bengalas OC Dan Pitcher for their head coach job.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:59 PM
He’s the third known request after Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/lokat2
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will both interview for the head coaching vacancy on Thursday, a league source told Cleveland.com.
Picture: John Kuntz, Cleveland.com, AP
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will both interview for the head coaching vacancy on Thursday, a league source told Cleveland.com.
Picture: John Kuntz, Cleveland.com, AP
January 7, 2026 at 5:32 PM
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/lokat2
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will both interview for the head coaching vacancy on Thursday, a league source told Cleveland.com.
Picture: John Kuntz, Cleveland.com, AP
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will both interview for the head coaching vacancy on Thursday, a league source told Cleveland.com.
Picture: John Kuntz, Cleveland.com, AP
Court spokesman Darren Toms and Common Pleas Judge Lauren Moore's bailiff declined to explain the recusal.
Ex-Cuyahoga County judge’s plea hearing abruptly nixed. Here’s why.
Leslie Celebrezze faces up to three years in prison for falsifying court records in a 2023 divorce case she manually assigned to herself, according to prosecutors.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Court spokesman Darren Toms and Common Pleas Judge Lauren Moore's bailiff declined to explain the recusal.
The contemporary upscale seafood restaurant plans to open next month at 13220 Shaker Square, the former home of Edwins Too and Fire Food and Drink.
Josh Cribbs, Akin Affrica to open Sazani Oceana seafood restaurant at Shaker Square
Josh Cribbs and Akin Affrica's upscale eatery will fill "void" in local dining scene with grilled oysters and potato-crusted halibut in former Edwins Too location.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:33 PM
The contemporary upscale seafood restaurant plans to open next month at 13220 Shaker Square, the former home of Edwins Too and Fire Food and Drink.
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/8rklw3
There are three pediatric cases of highly contagious measles in Cuyahoga County — one confirmed and two probable, health officials said Wednesday. All three patients live in the same household and all three are unvaccinated.
There are three pediatric cases of highly contagious measles in Cuyahoga County — one confirmed and two probable, health officials said Wednesday. All three patients live in the same household and all three are unvaccinated.
January 7, 2026 at 3:58 PM
🔗: https://l.cleveland.com/8rklw3
There are three pediatric cases of highly contagious measles in Cuyahoga County — one confirmed and two probable, health officials said Wednesday. All three patients live in the same household and all three are unvaccinated.
There are three pediatric cases of highly contagious measles in Cuyahoga County — one confirmed and two probable, health officials said Wednesday. All three patients live in the same household and all three are unvaccinated.
Six coaches fired. Same owners. Same results.
On Today in Ohio, podcast hosts ask why the Haslams won’t admit this failure is on them, not Kevin Stefanski.
On Today in Ohio, podcast hosts ask why the Haslams won’t admit this failure is on them, not Kevin Stefanski.
'This failure is squarely on the Haslams:' Why firing Kevin Stefanski won’t fix the Browns
Jimmy Haslam scapegoats Stefanski instead of taking responsibility for the disastrous Deshaun Watson trade and years of roster failures.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Six coaches fired. Same owners. Same results.
On Today in Ohio, podcast hosts ask why the Haslams won’t admit this failure is on them, not Kevin Stefanski.
On Today in Ohio, podcast hosts ask why the Haslams won’t admit this failure is on them, not Kevin Stefanski.
Pepper, a 54-year-old attorney, novelist and son of a former Proctor & Gamble CEO, gives Acton a running mate with access to some much-needed campaign cash to compete with Acton’s likely Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, who’s been raising money at a record pace.
Amy Acton picks David Pepper as her running mate in 2026 Ohio governor’s race
It marks a return from the political wilderness for David Pepper, a former Ohio Democratic Party chair and former attorney general nominee from Cincinnati.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Pepper, a 54-year-old attorney, novelist and son of a former Proctor & Gamble CEO, gives Acton a running mate with access to some much-needed campaign cash to compete with Acton’s likely Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, who’s been raising money at a record pace.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is bringing back Winter Wonder Weekends, offering heated shuttle service, free carousel rides and special programming each weekend from Jan. 16 through March 8. Details: https://l.cleveland.com/7cdcw6
January 7, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is bringing back Winter Wonder Weekends, offering heated shuttle service, free carousel rides and special programming each weekend from Jan. 16 through March 8. Details: https://l.cleveland.com/7cdcw6
McColley, who was blocked by term limits from seeking re-election in the Senate, is to be introduced Wednesday evening at an event in Cleveland.
Ohio Senate President Rob McColley is Ramaswamy’s pick as running mate for lieutenant governor
Vivek Ramaswamy, the presumptive GOP nominee for governor in the 2026 election, has tapped Sen. President Rob McColley to be his running mate for lieutenant governor.
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:03 PM
McColley, who was blocked by term limits from seeking re-election in the Senate, is to be introduced Wednesday evening at an event in Cleveland.
As more solar farms are proposed across Ohio, the state’s highest court is increasingly being asked to decide whether they get built.
Ohio Supreme Court will decide future of solar projects across the state
Ohio’s Supreme Court is increasingly being asked to answer the same question: How much power should local opposition have to stop large renewable-energy projects?
www.cleveland.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:32 PM
As more solar farms are proposed across Ohio, the state’s highest court is increasingly being asked to decide whether they get built.