Plain Press

  • Cleveland Fell in National Cultural Standing, Report Says

    by Bruce Checefsky    Cleveland ranked 50th overall and 23rd among large communities in the 2025 Southern Methodist University (SMU) Arts Vibrancy Ranking. The SMU index measures arts supply, demand, public support, cost of living, and population size. In past years, Cleveland reached as high as 12th among large communities, yet it falls behind for…

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  • ADAMHS Board names new executive director

       (Plain Press November 2025) On October 22nd, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County announced its Board of Directors voted to appoint Jason Joyce as its new chief executive officer. Joyce brings more than 19 years of experience serving vulnerable populations, with a focus on ensuring individuals have…

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  • TRUTH IS: WE CAN NO LONGER AFFORD PRO SPORTS

    Truth is: We can no longer afford pro sports by Roldo Bartimole    If the Browns domed stadium in Brook Park tiff tells anything it says loudly that Cleveland and Cuyahoga County taxpayers can no longer afford the rapacious desires of billionaire sports owners.    We simply cannot pay their tab any longer.    It…

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  • GATEWAY PROMISED 28,000 JOBS;

    THREE YEARS LATER – 35,000 JOBS LOST GATEWAY PROMISED 28,000 JOBS; THREE YEARS LATER – 35,000 JOBS LOST by Roldo Bartimole   In 1990 when Cleveland politicians and top business & legal leaders were preparing to sell the first sales “sin” tax for our sports team owners, they promised 28,000 “good paying jobs for the…

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  • Do we repeat the mistakes?

    Do we repeat the mistakes? by Roldo Bartimole   How generous are both local politicians and the Cleveland news media going to be on luxury spending for the new domed stadium?   Lessons can be learned from the outrageous spending for Dick Jacobs, then of the Cleveland Indians, and the Gund family, owners of the…

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  • History says Browns stay put

      by Roldo Bartimole (Plain Press June 2025) Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne is trying to save Cleveland.    He has put his foot down on rejecting a get-out-of-town demand from Browns owners – the Haslam family.    They’re asking for a $600 million input from County residents. Borrowed, the cost will likely double for Cuyahoga County…

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  • Cuyahoga Job and Family Services Bridge Beyond Benefits Program helps low-wage workers

         (Plain Press June 2025) Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) has renamed the Benefit Bridge program to Bridge Beyond Benefits and is launching new online tools to help low-wage workers to build their bridge to financial freedom. The rebranded program includes coaching, planning, personal finance education, and other incentives to help workers succeed. The new program…

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  • American Lung Association gives Cuyahoga County and Cleveland failing grades for air quality

         The American Lung Association released its 2025 State of the Air Report Cards for cities and counties in the United States. The report looked at high ozone days, 24-hour particle pollution and annual average rates of particle pollution. Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland-Akron-Canton metropolitan area received a failing grade in all three categories. The…

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  • Cuyahoga County program offers emergency assistance for lead poisoning victims

         (Plain Press April 2025) The Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services and Cuyahoga Job and Family Service have an Emergency Assistance Lead Poisoning Program.      The Emergency Assistance or Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) program can assist with reasonable moving and utility costs related to lead poisoning.      Eligible families include: a…

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  • Palestinian group applauds county’s freezing of Israel Bond investments

       (Plain Press April 2025) The Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community (CPAC) celebrates Cuyahoga County’s decision to end its bond investments, including $3 million in Israel Bonds, a move that redirects these funds back for the county’s needs. This decision, announced on February 21, 2025, marks a step toward responsible financial policy and a rejection of…

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