If you’re walking down Euclid Avenue today, the air feels a little different. It’s that biting, "stay inside" kind of cold that only Northeast Ohioans truly understand. But honestly, the real story right now isn't just the wind—it's everything else hitting the city at once. From a high-stakes search for a new Browns head coach to a massive legislative shift in how we handle 911 calls, Cleveland Ohio breaking news is moving fast this weekend.
We've got 20 inches of snow sitting on the ground in some parts of the suburbs, and according to the latest Weather Impact Alerts, it's about to get much worse.
The Polar Plunge is Actually Coming
Let’s talk about the weather first, because it’s going to dictate how every Clevelander spends their Monday. While we’re currently digging out from a significant snowstorm—shoutout to Chagrin Falls for hitting that 20-inch mark—the National Weather Service is sounding the alarm for early next week. We’re looking at a "polar plunge" that’s going to drop wind chills into the double digits below zero.
It’s dangerous. The city is already moving to open four recreation centers as warming shelters, and Akron is following suit with extended hours at the Summit Lake Community Center starting January 18. If you have neighbors who live alone, check on them. This isn't just "O-H-I-O winter" as usual; it's the kind of deep freeze that causes pipes to burst and skin to freeze in minutes.
The Browns’ Coaching Carousel Spins in Berea
While most of us are worried about our furnaces, the front office in Berea is sweating for a different reason. Since firing Kevin Stefanski on January 5 after six seasons, the Browns have been on a whirlwind hunt for their 19th head coach.
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Just today, Saturday, January 17, the team interviewed Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. At only 30 years old, Udinski is a fascinating, high-upside pick. He helped lead a Jaguars unit that ranked sixth in the league in scoring this past season. But he's not the only name in the hat. On Friday, the team sat down with Jesse Minter (Chargers DC) and Nate Scheelhaase (Rams passing game coordinator).
The search is getting crowded. We've seen interviews with Mike McDaniel, Tommy Rees, and even Jim Schwartz. It feels like the organization is torn between a "young genius" offensive mind and a veteran steady hand.
Tanisha’s Law: A Massive Shift in 911 Calls
Away from the field, there’s a piece of news that’s going to fundamentally change how this city operates. It’s called Tanisha’s Law, named after Tanisha Anderson, who died in 2014 during a police encounter while experiencing a mental health crisis. After a year of political gridlock, Mayor Justin Bibb and City Council have finally reached a compromise.
Basically, starting as early as late January, Cleveland is adding a fourth option to 911. Instead of just police, fire, or EMS, there will be a "care response."
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This means mental health clinicians will be dispatched—often without police—to handle behavioral health emergencies. They’ll show up in plain vehicles, not ambulances, to de-escalate situations that used to end in handcuffs. Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones has been pushing this hard, and a final vote is expected January 26. It’s a huge win for activists who have argued for years that police shouldn't be the default for medical crises.
Real Talk on Crime and the Streets
We can't ignore the grittier side of Cleveland Ohio breaking news this week. There was a pretty scary scene on Columbia Road where a 28-year-old man was found passed out at the wheel—with the car still in drive. When he finally woke up, he reportedly tried to turn off the engine by hitting the radio button.
Police found a 9mm firearm and open liquor in the car. He’s facing OVI and weapons charges. It’s a reminder of why the city is leaning so heavily into traffic safety and youth curfews lately. Over in Lorain, those new teen curfews are now officially in effect to try and curb late-night violence.
What’s Happening Around Town
If you can brave the cold, there’s actually a lot of life in the city right now.
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- The Cleveland Boat Show is currently taking over the I-X Center (running through January 18).
- Disney on Ice is at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which is a lifesaver for parents with bored kids.
- The Cavaliers are on a high after Jaylon Tyson dropped a career-high 39 points to beat the 76ers.
- MLK Day preparations are everywhere. Monday will see free admission at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Why All of This Matters
Cleveland is in a weird spot of transition. We are simultaneously dealing with the fallout of a massive storm, a total overhaul of our most popular sports franchise, and a radical change in how our city government handles its most vulnerable citizens.
It’s easy to get lost in the headlines, but the common thread is a city trying to modernize. Whether it’s the "care response" teams or the push for a new stadium in Brook Park, the Cleveland of 2026 is clearly trying to shed its old skin.
Actionable Steps for Clevelanders This Weekend
- Prep for the Freeze: Monday and Tuesday are going to be brutal. Cover your outdoor spigots and make sure your car battery is actually holding a charge. If it's over three years old, a -10°F wind chill will probably kill it.
- Monitor the 911 Changes: If you or a loved one are in a mental health crisis, know that the "care response" isn't fully active yet, but the pilot programs are expanding. Keep an eye on the January 26 council vote.
- Check Local Warming Centers: If your heat fails, the Michael Zone and Sterling Rec Centers are primary locations.
- Commute With Caution: With 20 inches of snow in the Eastern suburbs, black ice is the real enemy tonight as temperatures fluctuate.
Stay safe out there. It’s a busy time to be in the 216, but if we can survive 20 inches of snow and a decade of Browns rebuilding phases, we can handle a little polar air.