The Power Rankings from Signal Cleveland is a weekly roundup of the people, places and things wielding their power, for better or worse, in Greater Cleveland. Juneteenth, the fairly new federal holiday, tops the list this week.
Last week, Cleveland City Council dominated for quickly and quietly voting to raise members’ ability to raise money.
Have suggestions for next week’s rankings? Submit an idea here.
1. Juneteenth
Cleveland’s official Juneteenth celebration was Saturday, but there are still lots of ways to celebrate and commemorate. If you know of an upcoming event in Ohio that’s not on our list, please let us know.
2. City Hall IT staff
Hacked: We can only guess at the long hours and coffee and pizza consumption at Cleveland City Hall as the staff deals with a ransomware attack that shut down some systems. State and federal law enforcement are involved. Are they authorized to tase anyone who asks, “Did you try turning it off and back on?”
3. Mayor Justin Bibb
Thank goodness it’s Monday: In the same week, a crippling network hack and a minor car accident possibly caused by his driver. If you see the mayor and want to cheer him up, ask him about solar panels.
4. Cleveland Monsters
Roller coaster: They dropped the first three in the best-of-seven conference finals series, then rallied to force a game seven but lost in overtime. Thanks for the thrilling ride, boys, can’t wait for next season.
5. Frank LaRose
No vote for you!: The Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose ordered that more than 150,000 people be purged from voter rolls, including almost 15,000 in Cuyahoga County alone. Hot take: This is how you know voting works — when powerful people try to stop you from doing it.