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Nearly 18.6 million people visited Greater Cleveland last year, spending $6.9 billion on their trips.
That’s 1.5% more visitors than 2023 and 4% more spending – a Cleveland-area record for dollars.
In part, we can thank a rebound in business travel, up 7% over 2023. Business travelers are more likely to spend the night and so typically spend more. They’re also more likely to be new to Cleveland.
So maybe they’ll come back with their families for fun?
If so, hopefully they’ll book a trip in September to take advantage of this delightful sunny weather.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Guardians at Detroit Tigers: Guardians shake off ‘gut-punch’ homer with 10th inning rally in 7-5 win over Tigers
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Another sunny, warm day
Top Stories
Ohio tourism: The increase in visitation to Cleveland in 2024 roughly mirrors the increase in visitors across Ohio, which welcomed a record 242 million visitors last year, up from 238 million in 2023, reports Susan Glaser.
Kirk cartoon: Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke is on paid leave after reposting a cartoon criticizing gun violence and Charlie Kirk, which Mayor Justin Bibb condemned as crossing the line. Sean McDonnell reports on the controversy and potential legal issues.
Today in Ohio: School report cards are out and the best scores tend to go to the wealthiest districts. On Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast, we’re talking about Cleveland schools’ score, which is better than at first blush.
Statehouse and Politics
Political murder: Two Republican lawmakers have proposed expanding Ohio’s hate crime definition to include politically motivated murders, with Rep. Jack Daniels arguing the bill would make such killings punishable by life without parole or the death penalty. Anna Staver reports the legislation aims to address recent political violence, including the murders of Charlie Kirk and Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
Vaccine policies: Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno defended the Trump administration’s vaccine policies on the Senate floor, Sabrina Eaton reports, objecting to a Democratic resolution supporting school vaccine requirements as Florida moves to end mandates. Moreno argued against mandatory vaccinations while defending the Trump administration’s approach to CDC leadership.
Hitler comparisons: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno denounced Nazi comparisons in a speech, despite previously referring to Chuck Schumer as a “Fuhrer.” Sabrina Eaton reports on the apparent contradiction in Moreno’s rhetoric.
Library losses: Cleveland Public Library recovered nearly $400,000 lost in a vendor payment scam, Mary Frances McGowan reports. The library retrieved funds through insurance, vendor forgiveness, and bank recovery after falling victim to a fraudulent scheme in June 2024, and has since implemented new vendor verification measures.
Nursing homes: Ohio is fighting a Supreme Court order to pay up to $1 billion in Medicaid quality incentive payments. Anna Staver reports the state is challenging the court’s unanimous decision, which found Medicaid underpaid nursing homes.
Northeast Ohio News
Immigration rights: Cleveland Heights residents and immigrant rights advocates are urging City Council to fund legal defense for ICE detainees, emphasizing immediate action is needed after verbal support. Cory Shaffer reports about ongoing efforts and delays.
New jail: Take a first look at the new Cuyahoga County jail plans, set to open in 2029 with a $929 million budget and expanded facilities. Rich Exner reports on budget adjustments and frustration over costs.
Report cards: Solon schools topped Ohio’s school report card performance index scores, with 11 of the top 25 districts from the Cleveland/Akron area. Rich Exner highlights the rankings.
Native plants: No longer just trees, tar and turf: Susan Brownstein explains how native plants and landscapes are being promoted in Northeast Ohio to support pollinators and improve ecological health, transforming parks and yards.
Dog hike: A popular dog-friendly hike at Edgewater Park offers city views, beach access, and fun for dogs and owners, David Petkiewicz reports.
Business and Health
UH gift: University Hospitals received a $3.5 million gift from Kathy Coleman to expand its cancer trials center, aiming to triple capacity by 2030, reports Julie Washington.
Campbell’s pollution: Campbell’s Co. admitted to over 5,400 violations of the Clean Water Act from 2018 to 2024 at its Northwest Ohio canning plant, which contributed to pollution in the Maumee River and Lake Erie. The case aims for settlement and penalties, reports Adam Ferrise.
Medicaid fraud: Officials have cracked down on Medicaid fraud in Northeast Ohio, resulting in indictments of providers for stealing over $1.6 million through schemes like billing for unrendered services, reports Lucas Daprile.
Crime and Courts
Bar attack: Cleveland and Portage County officers pleaded not guilty to attacking a man they mistakenly believed was an undocumented immigrant in a bar incident, reports Adam Ferrise.
Mother charged: A judge denied bond for Tiarika Baymon, who is accused of torturing her 7-year-old son and fleeing Ohio, prompting an Amber Alert, reports Lucas Daprile.
Pedestrian killed: A 51-year-old woman died early Tuesday after being struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle on Cleveland’s East Side. Officers arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the incident, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Arts and Entertainment
Caramel apples: Malley’s Chocolates is bringing back its limited-edition chocolate-covered caramel apple slices for one weekend in September. Alex Darus reports the seasonal treat will be available at all Cleveland-area locations Friday through Sunday, priced at $9.95.
Sunday (1994) live: Sunday (1994), a dream pop and shoegaze duo, is set to perform Sept. 24 at Mahall’s in Lakewood. Peter Chakerian reports on the band’s unique sound, cinematic aesthetic, and their limited North American tour, promising an intimate and expansive live experience.
Kulas Hall: The Cleveland Institute of Music will celebrate the grand reopening of Kulas Hall with a weekend of free concerts on Oct. 3-4. Joey Morona reports a $22 million renovation transformed the performance space with improved acoustics, new technology, and a sleek design.
Taste of the Browns: The 27th annual Taste of the Browns raised $380,000 for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, featuring over 40 food and drink purveyors. Paris Wolffe reports that Browns players, including Joel Bitonio, supported the event at Huntington Bank Field.
North Pole Adventure: The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s North Pole Adventure returns this holiday season, with tickets going on sale Oct. 7. Megan Becka reports the train ride offers themed cars, milk and cookies, and a visit from Santa.
Cordelia: Gayle King expressed interest in visiting Cleveland’s Cordelia restaurant after a “CBS Mornings” segment featuring chef Vinnie Cimino. Alex Darus writes about Cimino’s Food & Wine Best New Chef recognition and the restaurant’s unique concept.
Theater productions: Cleveland’s theater scene promises nearly 70 productions for the 2025-26 season, featuring Broadway hits, local premieres, and diverse performances. Joey Morona highlights the variety of shows across multiple theaters.
Rosh Hashanah: Chef Michael Herschman shares insights into Rosh Hashanah food traditions, explaining the symbolic meanings behind traditional dishes. Paris Wolffe highlights the cultural significance of foods like apples, honey, and round challah.
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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