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From 2018 to 2023, enrollment in Ohio public and private colleges dropped nearly 11%, to 542,000.
That’s more than double the decrease nationwide in the same five years, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, a higher-education research organization. And it left both public and private schools strapped for cash.
In Northeast Ohio over the past two years, we’ve seen Lakeland Community College grapple with a financial crisis, Cleveland State and Baldwin Wallace universities cut jobs, Ursuline College merge and Notre Dame College close after 102 years.
The reasons are universal: Americans are having fewer kids and fewer kids think college is worth the investment. (The 2025 sticker price for tuition, room and board at Ohio State University is nearly $29,000.)
Gov. Mike DeWine wants colleges to step up their recruiting to help boost the state’s falling population. He urged schools to make their tours pleasant. But he didn’t address either the nauseating high cost of education or the Republican-sponsored Senate Bill 1, which adds strict rules for schools to quell “liberal indoctrination.”
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Browns vs. Green Bay Packers: 1 p.m. Sunday, Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland. TV: WJW Channel 8. Radio: WKRK FM/92.3, WNCX FM/98.5, WKNR AM/850.
Guardians at Detroit Tigers: José Ramírez turns boos to tears with two-run homer as Guardians sweep Tigers, 3-1
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Sunny, warm weekend
Top Stories
College recruitment: Gov. Mike DeWine is urging Ohio colleges to recruit more students amid a projected population decline of 5.7% by 2050, stressing the importance of keeping talent in the state, Laura Hancock reports.
Lorain shooting: The Lorain police shooting involved a gunman who fired 103 shots, killed Officer Phillip Wagner, wounded two others, and had over 7,500 rounds of ammunition and explosives. Lucas Daprile reports that authorities are still seeking the motive.
Browns stadium: The Ohio Department of Transportation reversed itself and announced Thursday it has approved a permit for the Cleveland Browns to build their proposed stadium next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Rich Exner reports. Key to the decision by ODOT to waive the height limit, which is 150 feet above the airport’s ground elevation, was that ODOT determined the stadium would not require any changes to the airport’s current flight operations.
Today in Ohio: U.S. Rep. Max Miller paints a dystopian picture of Cleveland, claiming it’s not the same place he visited as a kid and that families are afraid to walk down the street. But is that accurate? We’re talking about using violence to appeal to the Republican base on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.
Statehouse and Politics
Keep the heat: Ohio utility regulators are offering a $175 reconnection deal to help residents keep their heat on this winter. Jeremy Pelzer reports the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s special order allows customers to avoid utility disconnection with a minimal payment.
Politics and science: U.S. Sen. Jon Husted condemned what he called “politically motivated decisions” by the Centers for Disease Control during the pandemic, claiming the agency prioritized “politics and special interests” over science. But Today in Ohio podcast hosts weren’t buying his selective outrage.
Northeast Ohio News
City Hall work: Cleveland City Hall is surrounded by scaffolding for repairs on the roof and facade, with work expected to finish in late 2026. Sean McDonnell reports the renovations, funded by ARPA and bonds, aim to preserve the historic building.
Montreal flight: Air Canada will introduce a new, daily nonstop flight between Cleveland and Montreal starting May 1, marking the first direct service to Canada’s second-largest city in over a decade. Susan Glaser reports this will bring Cleveland Hopkins Airport’s international routes to five destinations.
CWRU donation: The Weatherhead Foundation donated $25 million to Case Western Reserve University to establish a leadership institute focusing on ethical and emotionally intelligent leaders, launching in fall 2026. The initiative will serve students across the campus.
First day of fall: The autumnal equinox Monday marks the start of fall in Northeast Ohio, with decreasing daylight and gradually cooler temperatures, reports Ryan Cohick.
Dog hikes: Orchard Hills Park offers wide meadows and scenic trails for an enjoyable, dog-friendly outdoor experience near Cleveland, reports Dave Petkiewicz.
Business and Health
Cleveland schools: Additional Cleveland schools have in-house health clinics this school year, thanks to a collaboration involving the city of Cleveland, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and two local hospitals, Julie Washington reports.
Crime and Courts
Murder conviction: A Cuyahoga County jury Thursday rejected a Cleveland woman’s claims that she shot and killed her casual romantic partner in self-defense. David Gambino reports Manija Downey, 30, was convicted of two counts of murder and two counts of felonious assault in the April 29, 2023, death of Cynquan Leggett.
Missing man: Authorities released an age-progression image of Michael Hodge, missing since 2004, to help generate new leads. Olivia Mitchell reports that Hodge was last seen riding a bicycle and had distinctive tattoos and features.
Bicycle death: A 20-year-old Cleveland man has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide after authorities say he struck and killed a woman riding her bicycle early Tuesday morning, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Crime hub: Federal and city officials on Thursday said they opened a new law-enforcement hub to tackle violent crime. Akron will now be home to a crime gun intelligence center, which brings federal, state and local law enforcement officials under one roof to investigate shootings and people who carry out violence, Adam Ferrise reports.
Arts and Entertainment
‘Notebook’ differences: The musical adaptation of “The Notebook” launches its national tour in Cleveland, offering a reimagined version of the beloved story with significant differences from the original film. Joey Morona highlights the production’s unique approach, including a mixed-race cast and new musical elements.
Loudonville: Loudonville, a small Ohio town of 2,780 residents, serves as the gateway to Mohican country’s outdoor adventures. Susan Glaser explores the town’s unique attractions, including its new state park visitor center and diverse local businesses.
Crab prices: King crab leg prices have skyrocketed to $79 to $100 per pound because of fishing restrictions, reduced catch limits, and a Russian seafood embargo, Paris Wolfe reports. Local seafood buyer Ed Muhic explains the “perfect storm” affecting seafood pricing.
Oktoberfest: The 45th Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest returns with free admission, featuring local breweries, entertainment and unique attractions like live soapmaking demonstrations. Megan Becka reports on the weekend-long event that will support local scholarships and the Falls Cancer Club.
Patio party: Patron Saint and Betts are teaming up for an end-of-summer patio party today in downtown Cleveland. Alex Darus highlights the downtown collaboration featuring Italian-inspired cocktails and extended happy hour specials from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Doobie Brothers: The Doobie Brothers and Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band delivered a nostalgic concert at Blossom Music Center, blending classic rock and coastal vibes. Malcolm X Abram reports on the veteran bands’ performance, which celebrated familiar hits and paid tribute to Buffett’s musical legacy.
CMA chair: Virginia “Gini” Barbato has been named the new chair of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s board of trustees, bringing deep institutional knowledge and philanthropic experience. Peter Chakerian reports Barbato, who joined the board in 2003, will lead the museum into its next chapter.
Pops Orchestra: The Cleveland Pops Orchestra is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a vibrant season featuring diverse musical performances. Peter Chakerian reports on the orchestra’s commitment to accessible, high-quality symphonic pops music under the leadership of Carl Topilow and Shirley Morgenstern.
Ohio Mart: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens’ 58th Ohio Mart returns with 149 exhibitors showcasing diverse crafts, including a needlework showcase and Manor House tours, reports Marc Bona.
Franklin Castle: Cutwater Spirits is offering a Halloween-themed sweepstakes for an overnight stay at Cleveland’s haunted Franklin Castle, complete with ghost-hunting equipment and paranormal investigation. Paris Wolfe details the spooky prize package for fans 21 and older.
Things to do: Cleveland offers 21 must-do activities for the weekend, ranging from gaming conventions to arts festivals and musical performances. Peter Chakerian highlights the diverse entertainment options, including the Cleveland Gaming Classic and various cultural events.
You’re all caught up
Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.
— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
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