What Happened Now? A Cleveland Newsletter
Issue 869: Sept. 16, 2025
"What Happened Now?" is a lively roundup and analysis of the top stories of the day in Northeast Ohio from News 5's Joe Donatelli. It’s like getting the news from a friend who says kill all the spotted lanternflies with extreme prejudice.
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Are we losing the war to the spotted lanternfly? It sure *Joe swats 19 spotted lanternflies off his forearm* feels that way. Hops, apples and grapes are favorite foods of SLFs, and infestation can cause devastating damage like oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, dieback and mold. Need I remind you: Hops, apples and grapes = beer, pie and wine. The best things in life, friend. KILL. THEM. ALL. Watch Catherine Ross’s report.
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Cuyahoga County’s new jail looks like every high school built in Northeast Ohio over the last 20 years: The renderings are out, reports Michelle Jarboe. The upshot is this one seems like a more humane facility, which puts it in stark contrast to its predecessor.
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The death of Charlie Kirk and the power of social media: In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death, his supporters have started a social media campaign reporting critics to their employers for posting negatively about Kirk or celebrating his death. They say it's in the name of accountability. But those being targeted say it's "cancel culture" and is concerning for free speech. Watch Morgan Trau’s report.
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Do not fall for the old ‘homeowner forgot to pay state taxes’ scam: There’s a letter going around. Clay LePard’s reports on how you can tell it’s a fake.