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Which cost more per vote, Cleveland City Council or the U.S. Senate? The Wake Up for Friday,…

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When Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno beat longtime politician Sherrod Brown in November 2024, the race set the record for most expensive U.S. Senate contest ever.

An election cycle later, we’re looking at another incredibly expensive battle, between Brown, a Democrat, and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, who took over J.D. Vance’s seat when Vance was elected vice president.

(I’ve already started getting national fundraising emails, screaming for donations.)

But the cost per vote in the U.S. Senate race (breaking down the combined $127.5 million in 2024, it is $22.35 per vote) pales compared to some Cleveland City Council races.

Sean McDonnell did the calculations. In Ward 5, where just 1,863 people cast ballots in November, it cost $138.43 per vote.

— Laura

Overnight Scores and Weather

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Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Unseasonably warm, then cold air returns

Top Stories

Cost-per-vote: Ohio’s 2024 U.S. Senate race was billed as the most expensive non-presidential political race in United States history. But if you consider the cost-per-vote, running in Cleveland’s Ward 5 was much pricier, Sean McDonnell reports.

1/25

Demonstrators protest the killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent, 2026

ICE protest: Activists from multiple organizations gathered Thursday night in downtown Cleveland to protest the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis, Olivia Mitchell reports. Vice President JD Vance defended the shooting, Sabrina Eaton reports.

Today in Ohio: President Donald Trump wants to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family homes and U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno wants to introduce legislation to make it law. We’re talking about whether the idea is legal on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.

Statehouse and Politics

ACA vote: The House of Representatives on Thursday voted 230-196 to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years, with Reps. Max Miller of Bay Village, Dave Joyce of South Russell and Mike Carey of Columbus among 17 Republicans who joined all Democrats to approve the measure over Speaker Mike Johnson’s objections, Sabrina Eaton reports.

Householder trial: A Cuyahoga County judge rejected former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder’s motion to dismiss state felony charges related to the House Bill 6 scandal. David Gambino reports that Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost emphasized Householder will face state criminal charges, with a trial tentatively set for June 8.

Ramaswamy bodyguard: Justin Salsburey, a 23-year-old bodyguard for Vivek Ramaswamy’s family, was arrested on federal drug trafficking charges after receiving over 260 parcels of fentanyl and methamphetamine, reports Jeremy Pelzer. The private security firm immediately removed Salsburey from the Ramaswamy family’s security detail after his arrest.

Running mates: Vivek Ramaswamy selected Rob McColley and Amy Acton chose David Pepper as their lieutenant governor candidates. Jeremy Pelzer and Mary Frances McGowan talked to political experts, who analyzed what these choices reveal about the candidates.

Venezuela operation: There were divided reactions in Ohio’s congressional delegation regarding President Trump’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with some praising the operation and others expressing concerns about congressional authorization and potential broader military interventions, Sabrina Eaton reports.

Electric bills: AEP Ohio is asking state regulators to approve a plan that would slightly lower electric distribution rates for its customers, Anna Staver reports. The utility filed a settlement this week with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that would reduce distribution charges by about $58.7 million. It’s a proposal that would save typical households just $1.22 monthly.

Treasurer race: Cincinnati City Councilman Seth Walsh announced his candidacy for Ohio state treasurer, saying he will focus on using the office’s $280 billion in assets to encourage community development, reports Jeremy Pelzer.

Wexner subpoenaed: The U.S. House Committee voted to subpoena Ohio billionaire Les Wexner regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, marking a significant escalation in the congressional investigation into Epstein’s sex trafficking network, reports Sabrina Eaton.

Northeast Ohio News

Cuyahoga County withdrawal pod

Residents rest on their bunks inside the withdrawal and recovery pod in the Cuyahoga County jail. The special housing unit opened in November 2023 and is designed to safely detox inmates and connect them to treatment. (Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga County)Courtesy of Cuyahoga County

Jail detox: Cuyahoga County’s new jail withdrawal and recovery pod is helping inmates safely detox and connect to treatment, potentially breaking cycles of addiction and crime. Kaitlin Durbin reports on the program’s success through a personal story of Bryan Kubit, who found hope and a path to sobriety through the initiative.

Combating carjacking: Cuyahoga County marked a milestone launching the nation’s first federally funded initiative to target carjackings throughout Cleveland. But with a spate of carjackings earlier this week, authorities say they’re still working to crack down on the threat, Olivia Mitchell reports.

Home prices: Home prices across Cuyahoga County have risen more than 50% since before COVID-19, with some cities seeing gains of over 75%. Rich Exner reports the median selling price rose from $124,000 in 2024 to $187,500 in 2025, with cities like Cleveland and East Cleveland experiencing the most significant increases.

Climate plan: Oberlin has released a draft Climate Action Plan Update seeking community feedback, with goals to cut emissions by three-quarters by 2030 and become climate-positive by 2050. Hannah Drown reports the plan’s 39 strategies include expanding community gardens and upgrading home weatherization.

Lake Commissioners: Morris Beverage was elected president of the Lake County Board of Commissioners, filling a leadership role left vacant by the death of Richard Regovich. Molly Walsh reports that Beverage was unanimously chosen during Thursday’s organizational meeting.

Deer population: Shaker Heights will begin a new deer management program combining sterilization and culling to control the local deer population. Cory Shaffer reports the $112,340 initiative will sterilize 15-20 female deer and continue sharpshooting through March.

Mentor schools: The Mentor Board of Education swore in Maggie Cook for a second term and welcomed two new members following a closely watched election, Molly Walsh reports.

Housing development: Elyria City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a 122-unit workforce housing development on West River Road North. Hannah Drown reports the project will be located on a 6.8-acre parcel near Black River Career Prep High School, offering affordable housing for residents making 60% or less of the area median income.

Akron housing: Akron’s Department of Planning and Urban Development is seeking developer proposals for affordable housing projects, making up to $2 million available through the HOME Investment Partnership Program. Megan Becka reports the initiative aims to create housing for people experiencing homelessness and low-to-moderate income households.

Rocket recycling: Rocket Arena has improved recycling efforts, with a revamped waste room that has increased their diversion rate by 15%. Marc Bona reports the facility now sorts through six tons of waste per Cavs game.

Health Care and Business

Breastfeeding study: A new Ohio University study suggests women with pre-pregnancy high blood pressure are less likely to breastfeed for at least three months. Julie Washington reports that researchers analyzed data from over 127,000 women, finding 66% of women with hypertension breastfed compared to 72% without the condition.

Crime and Courts

Lattimore arrested: Marshon Lattimore, a former Ohio State star and current Washington Commanders cornerback, was arrested on weapons charges in Lakewood after being stopped for expired plates. He was released pending investigation, Zach Mentz reports.

Shooting arrest: Police have arrested a man they believe fatally shot two people on I-71 late last year, Lucas Daprile reports. Police announced the arrest of Nishawn Wood, 30, of Cleveland for the Dec. 20 shooting deaths of Emerald Vanderhorst, 35, and Jordan King, 31.

AI use: A murder trial remains in jeopardy after a judge ruled against Cleveland police for their use of artificial intelligence to identify a suspect, Lucas Daprile reports.

Check fraud: Euclid resident Jovaun Woodfolk launched a new check fraud operation just days after pleading guilty to a previous $1.9 million mail theft scheme, authorities say. Adam Ferrise reports that Woodfolk recruited people to cash forged checks from a Cincinnati law firm while awaiting sentencing.

Sanders burglary: Police arrested three Georgia residents accused of burglarizing Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ home in November, with a fourth suspect still at-large. Lucas Daprile reports the suspects stole $200,000 worth of luxury items and may have targeted other professional athletes.

Arts and Entertainment

Donna Kelce: Cleveland Heights native Donna Kelce makes her reality TV debut on season four of “The Traitors,” premiering on Peacock. Chris Pugh reports that Kelce, 73, joins a star-studded cast in a strategic competition filmed in a Scottish castle.

Ask Yadi: Yadi Rodriguez offers guidance on handling a partner who frequently forgets important dates. She suggests open communication, shared calendars and focusing on feeling appreciated rather than keeping score.

Nightjar: A new cocktail bar called Nightjar is opening on Feb. 13 in Eton Chagrin Boulevard, with a focus on pre-prohibition recipes, live jazz, and a VIP membership program, reports Paris Wolfe.

‘Stereophonic’: The Tony Award-nominated play “Stereophonic,” a drama about a 1970s band recording an album, features impressive technical staging and live music performances at Playhouse Square through Jan. 25, reports Joey Morona.

New Soft Shoe: The New Soft Shoe, a Cleveland cover band, celebrates16 years of monthly shows with their debut album, reports Malcolm X Abram.

Chilloughby festival: Downtown Willoughby will host its annual Chilloughby winter festival on Saturday, featuring ice sculptures, live entertainment and a drone show. Molly Walsh reports the free family-friendly event will run from 4 to 7 p.m., with activities including rock painting, s’mores, and live music.

Cortisol cocktail: Paris Wolfe explores the viral “cortisol cocktail” trend, with Cleveland endocrinologist Brian Burtch explaining why the drink is unlikely to actually lower stress levels. The expert recommends lifestyle changes instead of quick fixes.

New restaurant: Safar, a new upscale Indian fusion restaurant, is opening in the former Tick Tock Tavern location. Owner Saravanan “Babu” Chandrababu has completely renovated the space with imported Indonesian finishes, reports Paris Wolfe.

Irish party: Great Lakes Brewing Co. is hosting an Irish-themed party next week, featuring a new Irish lager and special food and drink offerings, reports Marc Bona. The brewery will celebrate with live music and a variety of Irish-inspired beers.

M Cellars: M Cellars hosts its first tasting of 2026, focusing on sparkling wines with sommelier Paige McGrath guiding guests through tastings paired with caviar. The event will feature two special sparkling wine selections, reports Marc Bona.

Things to do: Alex Darus compiles a list of 21 things to do in Greater Cleveland this weekend, including Disney on Ice, Cavaliers games, concerts, and various entertainment options.

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.