Cleveland, OH

East Cleveland Mayor King suspended, what happens now?

Published

1 year ago

January 30, 2025

East Cleveland Mayor King suspended, what happens now?

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Several East Cleveland city council members held news conferences Wednesday after East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King was suspended Tuesday by a special commission of three retired judges appointed by the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court.

The three retired judges voted 2-1 on King’s suspension.

“Mr. King’s conduct as covered by the charges, adversely affects the functioning of the office or adversely affects the rights and interests of the public, and as a result, Mr. King should be suspended from office,” court documents said.

On Wednesday evening, Councilmembers Twon Billings and Patricia Blochowiak called for an emergency council meeting to demand King return his city vehicle and building keys and remove his name from city bank accounts and websites.

Not enough council members were present to move forward with it.

In October 2024, King was indicted on:

Two counts of theft in office
Four counts of having unlawful interest in a public contract
Four counts of representation by public official or employee
Filing a false disclosure statement
Soliciting improper compensation

King had a pre-trial in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Tuesday and he is scheduled to return to court on April 2.

According to a statement from East Cleveland, the next in line to be mayor is City Council President Lateek Shabazz.

Shabazz held a news conference at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

“I want you to know that East Cleveland is still safe. There is nothing going wrong just because this Mayor has been indicted and removed,” says Shabazz.

By law, Judge Anthony Russo, the Presiding Judge of Cuyahoga County Probate Court, is in charge of appointing the interim mayor.

“The public should be running this City. Not no politicians who are keeping everything a secret,” says Shabazz.

Judge Russo is currently accepting applications by mail or e-mail.

You can mail your statement of interest, a resume, and three references to:

Presiding Judge Anthony J. Russo, Cuyahoga County Probate Court, Room 221, 1 Lakeside Avenue West, Cleveland OH 44113.

You can also email the information to Sue Schwarten, Administrative Assistant to Presiding Judge Anthony J. Russo, at sschwarten@cuyahogacounty.gov

“It speaks volumes about the corruption of the City of East Cleveland that the court has to put together an application process of anyone who wants to be the Mayor of the City,” says Twon Billings, Former City Council President

At 1 p.m., East Cleveland Councilman at Large Twon Billings will held a news conference, demanding King immediately return all city property in his possession, including, city vehicles, keys, and key fobs.

“This would be a great opportunity for East Cleveland residents, but East Cleveland residents have to learn how to start voting,” says Billings.

Council members also want to deny King access to all city buildings, businesses, and properties.

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Cleveland, OH

14-year-old girl shot on Cleveland’s East Side

Published

2 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

14-year-old girl shot on Cleveland’s East Side

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A 14-year-old girl is in critical condition after being shot at a home Friday.

Police said around 7:15 p.m., officers from the Fifth District got a call for someone shot in the 1400 block of Lakeview Road.

When officers got on scene, a 14-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound.

Cleveland EMS took her to a nearby hospital, where she is listed in critical condition

A gun was recovered at the scene.

The incident remains under active investigation.

Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Cleveland, OH

Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies

Published

14 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.

Michael Sokolowski(WOIO)

65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.

Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.

Read Obit below

MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.

Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.

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Cleveland, OH

If You Could Put Any Cleveland Baseball Player from the Past on the 2026 Team, Who Would it Be?

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

If You Could Put Any Cleveland Baseball Player from the Past on the 2026 Team, Who Would it Be?

We are beginning to see the 2026 roster shape up – now it’s time to get your time machines out.

What Cleveland baseball player from the past would make the biggest impact on the 2026 Cleveland Guardians?

Is it 2017 Francisco Lindor anchoring the team from the shortstop position? Or 1948 Lou Boudreau?

Is it 2002 Jim Thome or 2006 Travis Hafner providing thump in the middle of the lineup? Maybe 1953 Al Rosen gets to DH and spell Jose at third?

Is it 2014 Michael Brantely in right field? 1994 Kenny Lofton in center? 2006 Grady Sizemore in center? 1920 Tris Speaker in center?

1995 Albert Belle providing a shock to the system in left?

Or do you want an ace – maybe 2017 Corey Kluber, 1946 Bob Feller, 2008 CC Sabathia, 1969 Sam McDowell, 1972 Gaylord Perry, 2008 Cliff Lee or 1968 Luis Tiant?

Let us know your choice in the comments below!

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