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A Level 1 trauma designation means a hospital can treat even the most complicated, dire injuries. Not just gunshot wounds, but also brain injuries, car crashes, industrial accidents and blunt force trauma — together, a leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44.
MetroHealth earned its Level 1 Trauma designation in 1992, University Hospitals in 2015 and now the Cleveland Clinic plans for its main campus to qualify by 2028.
(The Clinic currently operates a Level I trauma center at Akron General Hospital and Level II trauma centers at Hillcrest, Fairview and Mercy hospitals for adult patients.)
The Clinic says such an expansion “would allow us to fulfill the full spectrum of our patients’ needs.”
Does Cleveland need another Level 1 trauma center?
MetroHealth doesn’t think so and immediately spoke against the idea.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Colder temps arrive this weekend
Top Stories
Trauma center: Cleveland Clinic plans to establish a Level I trauma center at its main campus, facing criticism from MetroHealth, which argues Cleveland cannot sustain three such centers. Julie Washington reports on the debate and hospital plans.
Stadium traffic: Drivers heading to the airport before or after big events at the new Browns stadium nearby should encounter only nominal traffic delays, but other motorists on some local through-streets should expect backups. Rich Exner reports that’s what regional traffic planners told about 200 residents and others during a public meeting Wednesday night.
Today in Ohio: U.S. Sen. Jon Husted questioned witnesses at a Senate hearing Wednesday about cases where men allegedly slipped mifepristone to women without their consent. Husted, who generally opposes abortion, wants to resume in-person dispensing requirements for the abortion drug. We’re talking about how Husted is twisting ideas to make it harder to get abortions on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.
Statehouse and Politics
Equal rights: Ohio Equal Rights launched a drive to put anti-discrimination and marriage equality amendments on Ohio’s 2026 ballot, requiring over 400,000 signatures in 44 counties, Mary Frances McGowan reports.
Vehicle regulations: Trump administration officials will visit Ohio manufacturing facilities to promote a rollback of federal fuel efficiency standards. Sabrina Eaton reports the proposal aims to reset Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and reduce electric vehicle mandates.
Child care: Ohio Republicans appear split on how aggressively to respond after viral videos accused some child care providers of fraud, Anna Staver reports.
Congressional race: Brook Park City Councilman Brian Poindexter entered the congressional race against U.S. Rep. Max Miller, positioning himself as a working-class candidate. Sabrina Eaton reports that Poindexter is one of several Democrats challenging Miller in Ohio’s 7th District.
ICE candidate: Madison Sheahan, a former deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, announced Thursday she is running for Congress against U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur in Ohio’s 9th District. Sabrina Eaton reports that Sheahan, 28, enters a crowded Republican primary field that already includes five candidates vying to challenge the longest-serving woman in congressional history.
Northeast Ohio News
Bibb priorities: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb aims to advance police reforms, city efficiency and lakefront development in his second term, focusing on infrastructure, public safety and modernization, reports Sean McDonnell.
Speaker controversy: Aaron Baer, president of the influential Center for Christian Virtue, is speaking today in a sold-out question-and-answer forum at the City Club of Cleveland Laura Hancock reports the invitation to speak quickly stirred controversy and may well prompt protests outside The City Club’s venue on Euclid Avenue.
Opioid settlement: Cuyahoga County is spending opioid settlement funds on jail detox, treatment centers and prevention, with debates on future priorities as the overdose crisis shifts toward cocaine, reports Kaitlin Durbin.
Winter storm: Lake-effect bands dumped widespread snow across Greater Cleveland, forcing parking bans and slowing traffic, reports Chris Pugh. Forecasters say a brief warm-up today and Saturday will give way to an arctic blast early next week.
Snow record: The winter storm that moved through Northeast Ohio dropped temperatures and dumped plenty of snow, with a record amount recorded for the date in Cleveland, Cliff Pinckard reports.
Driving assistance: A program designed to ease anxiety during traffic stops for drivers with developmental disabilities has reached more than 70 Ohio counties, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Bridge funding: North Ridgeville secured $739,000 in state funding for maintenance of the Lorain Road bridge, aiming to extend its lifespan and ensure safety, reports Hannah Drown.
Mountain lions: The Akron Zoo has welcomed two orphaned female mountain lion cubs, Ozette and Neah, from Washington. They will debut publicly soon, reports Megan Becka.
Bus wrap: Laketran has launched a contest for students in Lake County to design a bus wrap themed around America’s 250th anniversary, with winners announced in March, reports Molly Walsh.
Health Care and Business
Market improvements: The West Side Market’s newly renovated KeyBank Produce Arcade opened Wednesday, featuring modern design, improved climate control and increased vendor space, making shopping more welcoming, reports Paris Wolfe.
Crime and Courts
Fraud defense: Text messages at the heart of the prosecution against Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase weren’t about rigging pitches, they were about a cockfighting operation that Clase ran in the Dominican Republic, according to his lawyers, reports Adam Ferrise.
Carjacking history: A Cleveland man accused of a carjacking spree that ended in a shootout with police has a criminal history spanning more than 15 years, including convictions for drug trafficking and violent crimes, reports Olivia Mitchell.
Betting scandal: Two sports betting influencers accused of orchestrating a betting scheme involving former Shaker Heights High School star Terry Rozier were charged Thursday in connection with a points-shaving scheme in college basketball. Adam Ferrise reports the scheme included University of Buffalo games against Kent State and Ohio University.
Vehicle thefts: A Euclid man was sentenced to 34 months for multiple vehicle thefts across Lake County, reports Molly Walsh. He was arrested after fleeing police in a stolen vehicle, leading to a crash in Garfield Heights.
Animal cruelty: A Cleveland man could face prison after his dog — left outside on a balcony for at least six hours in September — died of heatstroke, David Gambino reports. Kenneth Childs, 37, was indicted Thursday by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on one count of fifth-degree felony cruelty to companion animals.
Arts and Entertainment
MLK events: Celebrate MLK Jr. Day in Northeast Ohio with free museum days, community events, concerts, and special programming from today through Monday, honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy, reports Peter Chakerian.
Orchid Rodeo: The Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Orchid Rodeo opens Feb. 14, featuring over 3,000 orchids, themed around the Wild West, with special events like Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s after-hours, Paris Wolfe reports.
Martini festival: The Cleveland Espresso Martini Festival, scheduled for Feb. 12 at 78th Street Studios, will feature about a dozen bars competing for the best espresso martini, reports Paris Wolfe.
Ask Yadi: Yadi Rodriguez offers advice on managing a child’s forgetfulness and building responsibility, emphasizing routines and patience.
Manson and Zombie: Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson are teaming up for a co-headlining tour stopping at Blossom Music Center on Sept. 2, Malcolm X Abram reports. Tickets for the show go on sale Jan. 23.
New dining: Cleveland is set to welcome 15 new restaurants and bars in 2026, including ROSY, Nightjar, Paper Tiger, and Sazani Oceana, showcasing a vibrant culinary scene with diverse concepts, reports Alex Darus.
Things to do: It’s shaping up to be another cold and snowy weekend across Greater Cleveland. But don’t let that stop you from getting out and enjoying the myriad of events and activities happening around Northeast Ohio during this long holiday weekend. Joey Morona lists 23 things to do.
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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