Ask a Cleveland Sex Therapist: Healing Shame Through Sex-Positive Living
Welcome to Ask a Cleveland Sex Therapist. Want to ask Matt a question that could be tackled in a future column? Click here. Now, onto this week’s topic. I’ve been thinking a lot about how uncomfortable I feel around anything sexual. I grew up in a religious home, never really got a proper sex education,…
What ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ Lacks in Tension, Plot and Pacing, it Makes up for in Heart, Cast and Characters
The playbill for the national tour of “Kimberly Akimbo” features the back of a gray-haired woman, her arms outstretched and fingers spread wide, who looks toward a roller coaster. The track of the silhouetted thrill ride swoops with steep hills and valleys; a little figure depicted in one of the cars even has her hands…
Ohio Renters Need to Make $22.51 an Hour to Afford 2-Bedroom Apartment, New Report Shows
Ohioans need to be making at least $22.51 an hour working a full-time job to be able to afford a “modest” two-bedroom apartment, according to a new report released this week. This is a slightly more than an 8% increase from last year — which was $20.81, according to the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing…
Cleveland Book Week to Graduate to Month-Long Cleveland Book Fest This September
Cleveland Book Week is about to encounter a serious plot point. This September, the usual week-long literary celebration becomes (officially) Cleveland Book Fest, with eight local organizations planning four weeks of events instead of the historically allotted one. A wide span of talks, exhibits, readings, workshops and panels, spanning a myriad of genres and age…
Coppia Opens in its New Home in Willoughby on July 24
The menus are crafted, the tables are set, and chefs Hedy and Talia Trovato are eagerly awaiting the first round of guests at the stunning new home of Coppia (1731 Lost Nation Rd., 440-375-5956). Since 2022, the fine-dining restaurant had called Chesterland home, but the owners had dreamed of finding a setting that better suited their vision. They…
Ohioans’ Electric Bills Could Climb Depending on Regional Grid Auction
Around Ohio, utility bills are rising, and they may keep climbing. Next week, the regional grid operator PJM Interconnection will announce the results of its annual capacity auction. Under normal circumstances, most people ignore the proceedings. But the auction has drawn increasing scrutiny after a dramatic spike last year. The price power generators can charge…
Dionte Davis and Do’Juan Nettles Formally Charged in the 2011 Murder of CIA Student Brandon Cartellone
Two men have been formally charged for the murder of 21-year-old Brandon Cartellone, a student of the Cleveland Institute of Art who was killed in his Tremont apartment in July of 2011. Dionte Davis, 36, and Do’Juan Nettles, 40, were indicted by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday for ten counts of crime, from…
At an Ohio Food Bank, Fears That Republican Cuts Will Overwhelm an Overstretched Program
Ohio’s food banks are strained as it is. Huge cuts to the safety net signed into law in recent days could overwhelm them, the director of a Columbus food bank said last week. President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” cut trillions in taxes — mostly for the richest Americans — added trillions to the…
Livewire: 16 of the Best Concerts to Catch in Cleveland Through July
THU 07/17 GHOST: Skeletour World Tour 2025 Last year, the mysterious masked metal band released the feature film Rite Here Rite Now and solidified its position as an arena rock sensation. On tour in support of its latest release, Skeleta, the Swedish group performs tonight at 8 at Rocket Arena. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.…
Fidelity Hotel Chef Daniel Young Returns to Cleveland After Professional Journeys and Personal Tragedy
Like most skilled chefs, Daniel Young spent much of his career moving from kitchen to kitchen, city to city, sharpening his skills while gaining exposure to multiple cuisines, systems and mentors. Restaurants provided Young not only with a dependable career path but also a safety net for when things went south – and south they…
Cleveland Water Taxi Launches Service on Cuyahoga Next Week
Downtown Cleveland is ready for its newest ride share service. The Cleveland Water Taxi Harbor Hopper will soon be cruising the Cuyahoga, ferrying passengers to assorted destinations around the Flats come launch on July 21. Brittany Orlando, the owner and operator of the CLE Tiki Barge, announced this week that her latest charter on the river…
Chopt Creative Salad Co. to Open at Eton Chagrin in Woodmere and Crocker Commons in Westlake
The wait is nearly over for salad lovers. Ohio’s first Chopt Creative Salad Co. is almost ready to open its doors at Eton Chagrin Blvd. (28801 Chagrin Blvd.). The new restaurant will feature Chopt’s full line of fresh salads, warm grain bowls, wraps and signature dressings. Chopt is adored by diners in search of speedy…
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Makes Medicaid a Big Ugly Mess In Ohio and Across America
In 2019, I attended my first meeting of the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis in Washington, D.C. The keynote speaker was Cass Sunstein, one of the most prominent public advocates for the use of benefit-cost analysis and former administrator for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs under President Obama. His keynote was on a phenomenon…
‘It’s Superman Summer’: Cleveland Relishes Opening Weekend of the Blockbuster and the City’s Turn in the Spotlight
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Cleveland finally getting recognition for nearly a century of cultural export! At least that’s how viewers of Superman, the latest cinematic rendition of the world’s most popular superhero, felt this past weekend, when thousands across Northeast Ohio watched the Man of Steel represent his birthplace and show that…
Carpe Raci in Brecksville to Close, Brick & Vine to Open
For the past 10 years or so, the red brick building at 8903 Brecksville Road in Brecksville has been home first to 750ml Wines and later Carpe Raci, an Italian restaurant that built upon the success of the wine bar while expanding its offerings. On Saturday, July 19, Carpe Raci will close and new owners,…
Build the Pho Now Open in North Olmsted
It’s the summer of pho in Cleveland. Build the Pho has debuted in North Olmsted (400 Great Northern Blvd.) as plans continue to open its third location soon in Ohio City. As the name suggests, Build the Pho is a build-your-own-bowl-style concept, with diners having numerous options with respect to noodles, broth and meats. Owner…
My Review of Fairview Hospital
After what felt like two hours on the operating table after an emergency C-section, the resident suturing me up looked pleased. He proudly reassured me that he took some extra time on the table to make sure the tattoo on my lower abdomen lined up properly. When I was 18, my friend Denise called my…
Ask a Cleveland Sex Therapist: How Can I Rebuild Desire and Emotional Safety After a Pregnancy Loss?
Welcome to Ask a Cleveland Sex Therapist. Want to ask Matt a question that could be tackled in a future column? Click here. Now, onto this week’s topic. My partner and I have experienced five pregnancy losses, and while we’ve grieved together, it feels like something shifted in our intimacy. I think we’re both carrying…
Krusinski’s Market in Slavic Village Preserved by New Owner
Neighborhoods like Slavic Village have experienced so much hardship and divestment in recent years that we almost expect the other shoe to drop. That could have been the fate of Krusinski’s Market (6300 Heisley Ave., 216-441-0100), a 75-year-old family-run business, had Dave Bundus not stepped in. “I’ve been going to the market since I was a kid,” Bundus…
Ohio’s Public Media Landscape At Risk Under Potential Cuts to Corporation for Public Broadcasting
For those who work in Ohio’s public media space, coverage can depend on where they live and work. For those in rural counties, for instance, that means being the only news source in the area. But for some, like The Ohio Newsroom, the mandate is statewide. Reporters use their resources to make sure Ohioans know…
Moody Blues Singer-Bassist John Lodge Brings His Singer in a Rock and Roll Band Tour to Agora
Following the success of his Days of Future Passed Tour, Moody Blues singer-bassist John Lodge decided to mix up the set list for the current tour, dubbed the Singer in a Rock and Roll Band Tour. The current trek, which rolls into the Agora Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 2, will feature songs from what Lodge…
Livewire: 8 of the Best Concerts to Catch in Cleveland This Weekend
FRI 07/11 Avery Anna The up-and-coming country singer takes a break from playing amphitheaters and arenas as part of Luke Bryan’s Country Song Came On Tour and Brad Paisley’s Truck Still Works World Tour to perform tonight at the Roxy at Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. She’s just released her…
Cleveland’s Radderall and Muzzy Fossa Collaborate on New Concept Album
This fall, RAM, a collaboration between Cleveland psychedelic pop artists Radderall and Muzzy Fossa will release a concept album called The Club Is Open. They’ve just released the funky first single and video, “Baseball,” which is available on all streaming services. “This album and three-part video arc follows two fictional characters caught between short-term thrills…
In New Documentary, Former Ohio State Wrestlers Say U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan Knew About Strauss Abuse
Survivors of Dr. Richard Strauss say Ohio Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan knew about the sexual abuse the student-athletes suffered, according to HBO’s new documentary, “Surviving Ohio State.” Jordan declined to be interviewed for the documentary, but his name is frequently brought up by former Ohio State wrestlers and a referee. The documentary came out…
Last Week in Cleveland Food News: Ohio City Getting New Izakaya, Cocktail Bar
– After a year and a half of pop-ups, Kyuu-juu, the new izakaya from partners Ryan Endrian and Chef Kwan and executive chef Dereck White, is slated to open very soon in Ohio City on the first floor of an old Victorian that houses Sushi Kuwahata on the second level. Related – Hereafter, a new cocktail bar…
Painesville Councilman Charged With Criminal Trespassing After Helping Teenagers Avoid Curfew Violation Charges
It was late at night on May 17 when Mario Rodriguez got the call. A group of teenagers had been playing basketball past park hours on Painesville’s east side and were now in midst of being detained by police. Rodriguez, the city’s first and only Hispanic councilman, felt compelled to act. He and his wife…
BorderLight Festival To Feature Shows Across 16 Stages in the Playhouse Square District
in 2019, Dale Heinen and Jeffrey Pence founded the BorderLight Festival, an eclectic festival that will return this year to Playhouse Square. This year’s incarnation features 150 performances that represent 10 states and three difference countries across 16 stages. The goal is to present “innovative theatre that inspires, builds cross-cultural understanding, and celebrates the diversity…
Ohio Emergency Doc: Medicaid Cuts Will Hurt Everybody, Close Hospitals
Ohio emergency doctors say that low-income people won’t be the only ones to suffer amid concerns that Medicaid cuts signed by President Donald Trump will cost hundreds of thousands of Ohioans their health insurance. Taking away insurance won’t reduce emergency-room visits, doctors say. Instead, the giant jump in the number of uninsured Ohioans will increase…
Cuyahoga County Expands 911 Co-Response Model to Parma and Parma Heights
In an effort to keep fewer people in jail and lighten the load for patrol officers, Cuyahoga County expanded its co-response model for policing by including Parma and Parma Heights in its purview. Those two cities and their first responders will soon have a handful of mental health specialists in their departments working under, and…
Why State Rep. Juanita Brent is Running for Cleveland City Council in New Ward 1 Against Joe Jones
There are more than a handful of interesting races for city council in Cleveland’s new 15 wards this year ahead of the September primary and November general election. There are two open seats, brand new challengers, two incumbent-vs.-incumbent races, and the possibility that Mike Polensek will, for the first time in what feels like a…
The Cleveland Orchestra Continues Its Blossom Run and the Rest of the Classical Music to Catch This Week
Summer is a time to relax and recharge, but that doesn’t mean that classical music events go on holiday. Here’s an edited list of concerts for your consideration. – Ohio Light Opera gets busier each week in Freedlander Theater at The College of Wooster as new productions and performances are added. This Wednesday, Rodgers and…
Ohio’s Center for Christian Virtue Reclassified as Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Group
Ohio-based political lobbying group Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) – a primary driver behind anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at the Ohio Statehouse – has been reclassified as an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The non-profit first appeared on the national civil rights watchdog’s list of anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups in 2015 and 2017,…
Cleveland Selects Finalists for Modular Home Building Facility, Acquires Site for Project
They’re supposedly cleaner to build. They’re cheaper to build. And in a city with an affordable housing crunch, Mayor Justin Bibb thinks they can be gamechangers. Modular homes, pre-built houses often confused with mobile homes, will soon be constructed at a factory on the former General Electric site in Collinwood, the city announced Tuesday. The…
Ohio and National Government Watchdogs Warn GOP Trying to Engineer a More Favorable Midterm Map
Good government leaders in Ohio and around the country are worried about state lawmakers attempting to ‘bake in’ 2026 election results long before voters head to the polls. Between new rounds of redistricting and even more restrictive voting legislation, Republican state lawmakers seem poised to engineer an easier path for their party’s candidates, they say.…
First Look: Kyuu-juu, Opening July 18 in Ohio City
After a year and a half of pop-ups held around town, Kyuu-juu is ready to take flight in its permanent home. The restaurant occupies the main floor and outdoor spaces of a lovely two-story Victorian in Ohio City that neighbors the Tinnerman Lofts. The upper level of the building is home to the high-end, eight-seat…
Hereafter Cocktail Bar and Restaurant Coming to Ohio City
Gabriela Holzer, a StarChefs “Rising Star Bartender” and lead bartender at Thyme Table in Bay Village, is striking out on her own. She has signed a deal to take possession of the property at 4732 Lorain Avenue in Ohio City and will open an intimate cocktail bar and restaurant this coming winter. “Hereafter has been a…
Defamation Suit Offers Early Test of Ohio’s New Anti-SLAPP Statute
In Cambridge, Ohio attorneys have filed what may be the state’s first anti-SLAPP motion. The newly established legal procedure gives defendants a tool to dismiss frivolous lawsuits filed suppress their protected speech. According to the Institute for Free Speech, 38 states have now passed laws protecting against strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPP. The…
Nashville-Based Anna Scott Looks Forward To Two Big Ohio Shows
Given that Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Anna Scott calls herself a “proud North Olmsted, Ohio native,” it’s understandable that she would be excited to return to Ohio this summer for a pair of shows. On Saturday, July 12, she’ll open for Blake Shelton/Ashley McBryde and other big-name acts at Country Concert in Fort Loramie. This year’s…
Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Tempest’ is a Magical Show in an Enchanting Setting
Ohio Shakespeare Festival (OSF) has performed under the stars at the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens for twenty-four summers. Their playing space is tucked away between small ponds and bordered on all sides by towering trees. Stringed lights guide you to the plastic garden chairs that will serve as your seat for the night. The…
His Ubiquitous Home Buying Billboards Around Cleveland Have Drawn Backlash. But John Williams Says He’s Not a Predatory Investor
The billboards may give Tim Misny a run for his money. And they’re just as egocentric. On an indeterminate number of them across Cleveland, there’s a middle-aged, balding man in rose-tinted aviators and a Cheshire grin. “Most Trusted Home Buyer in America,” one says. “Your House is Trash? I’ll Pay Cash” reads another. John Williams…
Cosm Immersive Sports and Entertainment Venue Coming to Downtown Cleveland
Cosm, an immersive sports and entertainment venue, has announced that Cleveland will become home to location number five in its chain. Currently, Cosm has venues in Los Angeles and Dallas, and is building additional sites in Atlanta and Detroit. In a joint statement from Cosm, Bedrock and Rock Entertainment Group, the players announced that the facility will…
More Than 133,000 Ohioans Started the Process to Recover Their Unclaimed Funds in June
More than 133,000 people have initiated claims to get their unclaimed funds in the weeks since Ohio lawmakers initially suggested using those dollars to help finance the new Cleveland Browns stadium, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce. The Ohio Senate put using the state’s unclaimed funds to help pay for the Browns stadium in…
Ask a Cleveland Sex Therapist: Why Am I Like This? Planting the Seeds of Sexuality
Welcome to Ask a Cleveland Sex Therapist. Want to ask Matt a question that could be tackled in a future column? Click here. Now, onto this week’s topic. Have you ever wondered why you carry shame when it comes to your sexuality? Why when you lie next to your partner you struggle with whether they…
High Prices and Muted Marketing Stunting Ohio’s Cannabis Industry, Observers Say
Ohioans had great expectations for recreational marijuana after voting to legalize personal use of the plant in Nov. 2023. According to data from the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control, total marijuana sales have reached over $2.7 billion as of mid-June. Non-medical cannabis comprises about $587 million of that figure, with Ohio expected to bring on…
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Reviewing Request for Investigation Into Wiretapping Allegations Against Cleveland Heights Mayor
There’s never a dull week at Cleveland Heights City Hall. In the past 10 days, there have been accusations of Mayor Kahlil Seren blocking residents from seeing his Facebook account; there have been proposals for legislation by City Council to limit Seren’s access to city emails after allegations — and confirmation — that he was…
Proposed Federal Cuts to Research Funding Could Devastate Ohio Universities
Proposed federal funding cuts could be devastating for Ohio colleges and universities. President Donald Trump’s budget proposes cutting NASA’s science funding by 47% and the National Science Foundation by 56%. The budget has to be passed by Congress, something lawmakers are trying to do this week. Earlier this year, the Trump administration announced the National…
