With grocery prices still straining budgets, shoppers are getting creative about how they save. In this weeks Price Tracker, News 5 asked viewers to share the strategies helping them make ends meet.
Bridget Cofield, a mother of three, says buying in bulk has been a game-changer.
A lot of times if you go to the Sams and Costco. Buying in bulk will help save. Thats the key, she said.
Destini Jarvis, a self-described couponer, relies on apps to spot deals before setting foot in the store.
Ill definitely look at the top of the bottom shelves for the cheapest item and make sure they have similar ingredients so I make sure Im not losing any bang for my buck for sure, she said.
Others, like Akr Drake, say its not just what they buy, but where.
I go to Aldi. Thats definitely a way to save groceries, Drake said.
News 5 tracks prices each week on staples like milk, eggs, bread, chicken, beef and cereal. This week, Walmart offered the lowest total at $16.99, followed closely by Meijer, Giant Eagle and Aldi.
Tracking grocery prices
Grocery prices continue to strain household budgets, and that’s exactly why we have launched a weekly price tracker to help you save before you shop.
Each week, well visit Meijer, Giant Eagle, Aldi, Walmart, Heinen’s and Dave’s Market, checking prices on everyday essentials.
Those include: 2% milk, a loaf of wheat bread, chicken price per pound, ground beef tray or patty per pound (80% lean 20% fat), 12 dozen white eggs, and toasted oats cereal.
If you’re willing to shop around, you can snag even deeper discounts on meat, dairy, and pantry goods.
Were also giving you a chance to see how your favorite stores stack up week to week. Well compare how grocery prices change at each store on a weekly basis.
Here’s how prices compare across stores this week:
From buy-one-get-one-free meat deals to cereal under $2, our Dont Waste Your Money team will be keeping an eye on store shelves and sharing what we find.
Find a better deal? We want to hear from you! Submit your finds through the form below. If you beat our prices, well feature them.
And if youre a savvy shopper, always chasing the best deals, we may even join you on your next grocery run.
As summer heats up, Walmart and Meijer are rolling out savings to help families stretch their grocery budgets. Both retailers are offering deep discounts on cookout staples ahead of key holidays like Fathers Day and the Fourth of July.
Meijer has slashed prices by up to 60% on more than 70 summer grocery items as part of a promotion that runs through July 19. Walmart, meanwhile, is advertising a ready-made cookout bundle that feeds up to eight people for less than $6 a person. The deal, which includes hot dogs, buns, chips, soda and other picnic essentials, is already loaded into the Walmart app for one-click shopping. CLICK HERE to use it.
This week’s Price Tracker shows that some stores are lowering prices, while others have raised prices higher than we’ve seen before.
Meijer takes the win with the lowest total: $15.57. Walmart comes in close at $16.99.
Tracking grocery prices
Grocery prices continue to strain household budgets, and that’s exactly why we have launched a weekly price tracker to help you save before you shop.
Each week, well visit Meijer, Giant Eagle, Aldi, Walmart, Heinen’s and Dave’s Market, checking prices on everyday essentials.
Those include: 2% milk, a loaf of wheat bread, chicken price per pound, ground beef tray or patty per pound (80% lean 20% fat), 12 dozen white eggs, and toasted oats cereal.
If you’re willing to shop around, you can snag even deeper discounts on meat, dairy, and pantry goods.
Were also giving you a chance to see how your favorite stores stack up week to week. Well compare how grocery prices change at each store on a weekly basis.
Here’s how prices compare across stores this week:
From buy-one-get-one-free meat deals to cereal under $2, our Dont Waste Your Money team will be keeping an eye on store shelves and sharing what we find.
Find a better deal? We want to hear from you! Submit your finds through the form below. If you beat our prices, well feature them.
And if youre a savvy shopper, always chasing the best deals, we may even join you on your next grocery run.
Legislative revisions to the citizen-initiated recreational marijuana law passed in 2023 are set for a vote soon as House and Senate differences have been worked out by majority Republicans.
The Asian Lantern Festival is coming back to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this summer from July 5 through Aug. 24. Tickets are now available.
“Dragons Landing” is the newest attraction at the zoo and is part of this year’s event, which showcases a dozen illuminated dragons arriving for the lantern festival. It will also include a 100-foot-long “ice and fire” dragon display.
Now in its eighth year, the Asian Lantern Festival has welcomed over one million guests and has become one of Northeast Ohios favorite summer traditions, said Kelly Manderfield, Cleveland Metroparks’ chief marketing officer. Thanks to the incredible support of our community partners, were excited to unveil all-new lanterns and unforgettable experiences that will delight both first-time visitors and returning fans alike.
From live acrobatic performances every hour on the Fifth Third Bank Stage to culturally inspired cuisine at the MetroHealth Asian Food Market, people will be able to experience the wonder of the zoo.
Zoo-goers can experience the full walk-through experience on Thursdays through Sundays from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
On select nights, zoo guests will have the opportunity to experience the Asian Lantern Festival Drive-Thru Experience as it returns to the festival.
The Lantern 5K is also returning on July 22 at 8:30 p.m. Runners will be able to run with scenic views during the nighttime race.
To purchase tickets and learn more about events, click here.
As the Ohio Legislature considers a possible statewide ban on cellphones in public schools, we asked how the cellphone-free policy went this year at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
There has been a growing trend in recent years in our country regarding the use of cellphones in schools. Half of all states now have laws banning or regulating the use of cellphones in schools, according to KFF.
In May 2024, Ohio Governor DeWine signed House Bill 250 into law, requiring all districts to have a policy in place by July 2025 to govern cellphone usage during school hours and to minimize student use of cell phones in K-12 schools.
And now, as state lawmakers seek to outright ban them, with some exceptions, one of the biggest districts in the state has already pulled the plug.
Laura Kraker has taught math at Garrett Morgan School of Engineering and Innovation in Cleveland for 29 years. She’s a problem solver.
“I love my students,” she said while sitting between periods in her classroom. “I just love um helping my students understand math and have success in math.”
But a more recent problem has proved more difficult to solve, she saiduntil this year.
“Im not having to battle with the kids to put your phone away,” she said.
CMSD, Ohios third-largest public school system, which serves more than 36,000 students, went cellphone-free this school year.
“Oh, its a game-changer,” Kraker said.
In 2024, I visited a different Cleveland school, George Washington Carver Pre-K-8, as they tested the new policy. Watch below:
Cleveland schools making moves to go cell phone-free in classrooms
“It really brought academics to a focus,” said Principal Susan Harvey in May of 2024. “It brought up that school is about school.
Now, a year later, after its gone district-wide, we are hearing similar reviews at Garrett Morgan.
Nia Sims and Jalen Burford gave the new cellphone-free policy a thumbs up.
They said that while not all the nearly 430 students at their school feel the same, and they too miss their phones at times, they think the pros outweigh the cons.
“Last year, I always used to be on my phone,” said Jalen. “So, my grades were kind of not good. But this year, since I dont have it, I dont have many distractions, and my grades have improved a lot from not having my phone.
It is not just academics.
“People have interacted with each other more,” Jalen said.
You see it at lunch. Or, rather, hear it from administrators. Its loud. Different than before.
“We’re not just sending texts every day or all throughout the day,” said Nia. “Were actually having conversations and laughing a lot more.”
“They’re being kids again and thats what I appreciate, Principal Quenton Davis said.
Davis said he believes that the ban on cell phones in school has contributed to an increase in state testing scores this year, fewer failed courses, fewer conflicts between students, and more positive outcomes.
Our referrals for discipline and behavior are down because a lot of that was being compliant with not bringing out the phone, not being on the phone,” he explained.
The previous rule for cellphones was that they weren’t allowed during class, but that wasnt always followed, the kids and educators said.
Now, every morning, students at Garrett Morgan go through security and then place their phone, along with a name card, into a zip-up pouch, which is then placed into a bin corresponding to their final period. The pouch is returned before dismissal.
Nia and Jalen said some of the cons include having to go down to the office to call your parents if you forget something at home. Where before you could just text them.
Davis showed us the secret, locked room where they keep upwards of 315 phones a day.
He said they pivoted from the popular Yondr pouches at the start of the school year because kids found ways around the magnetic locks.
He said the phone collection process took a few weeks to work out, but it is now second nature.
While he said kids have tried using burner phones or hiding their phones in food, for the most part, everyone, including parents, understands the system and is on board.
Davis said that, in the event of an emergency, they have a procedure in place to retrieve children’s phones, and the district has a method for quickly contacting parents.
“As long as the district and the schools are on the same page its something that can be implemented very well, and were an example of that,” he said.
But kids are smart.
“And our kids are innovators,” said Davis. “So, they find ways.”
Students have their school-issued tablets for learning, on which they can also listen to music. But some are now finding ways to download social apps, which is not allowed.
“We just have to stay a step ahead of them,” said Davis. “When they find a way I gotta find two other ways!
While this generation is always connected, Nia said going phone-free at school has taught her something.
“I feel like Ive learned the beauty of not having it because I feel like Im reading more and other things and finding more ways to pass the time instead of just being on my phone all day, Nia said.
And for Kraker, classrooms minus cellphone distractions equals success.
I feel that the students, that were going back to the older days where the learning is just really improving, she said.
Going cellphone-free was part of the CMSD teacher contracts ratified in 2024.
The district was considering moving in that direction when the legislature required schools to have a policy in place by July 2025 to limit the use of phones in schools.
Now, should Senate Bill 158 become law, it would build upon House Bill 250 and ban the use of cellphones in all Ohio public schools starting this fall.
There would be exceptions, including those determined appropriate by the district board or those included in a students individualized education program, for student learning, or to monitor a health concern. Also, if permitted under the buildings comprehensive emergency management plan.
The measure has passed the Ohio Senate, its now in the Ohio House, and DeWine has already voiced his support.
Proponents argue its beneficial to student concentration, learning, performance, and mental health. Opponent testimony thats been submitted includes a superintendent warning against one-size-fits-all provisions.
Two Northeast Ohio moms also submitted written testimony against banning cellphones during school hours.
One woman mentioned concerns about students with anxiety, sensory processing disorder, or learning differences whose parents would prefer to keep grounded in communication during the day. She also urged lawmakers to leave the issue of cellphone use in school up to local school boards, who know their student populations best.
Another mother was critical of lawmakers focusing on the use of cellphones in school instead of focusing on preventing gun violence.
In a statement, Cleveland Metropolitan School District officials said:
One school year into the implementation of our Cellphone-Free policy, were very happy to say that it has been a success. The policy has been clearly communicated to students and families, and weve seen very few instances of scholars trying to get around the policy. Most importantly, the reduction of phone-related distractions in the classroom has been a clear benefit to both teachers and scholars. This policy will continue, and we expect it to only become more effective as it becomes the norm each school year.
The Cleveland Clinic released an update on Wednesday to a policy that previously stated it would start collecting copays upfront for non-emergency and outpatient visits.
Earlier this month, the clinic announced that it would start requiring patients for non-emergency services to pay their copays upfront, or their visit would be rescheduled or canceled.
Cleveland Clinic to require payment of copays before outpatient visits or appointments will be rescheduled
Now, the clinic is stating that the copay would still be due, but patients who cannot pay the bill will be set up on a 0% interest plan, and their appointment will not be cancelled.
“Over the past decade, we have observed the growth in out-of-pocket costs for patients through their insurance plans. Copays are a standard part of most plans a fixed amount determined by insurers, not by healthcare providers, which is to be paid up front before services are provided. In 2024, more than half of copays were not paid when Cleveland Clinic provided services,” Cleveland Clinic said in a statement Wednesday.
The clinic said the following is included for non-emergency services:
Scheduled office visits (primary care and specialists). Therapy services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, etc.). Outpatient diagnostic testing (imaging, scheduled labs, etc.). Outpatient procedural visits and in-office procedures.
Cleveland Clinic added that the new copay process does not apply to the following patients who have:
Medicaid or traditional Medicare Emergency department visits Urgent/express care visits Surgeries Cancer treatments Inpatient hospital stays
According to the clinic, copays are still expected for those services, but will not be required at the time that care is provided.
Grocery prices continue to strain household budgetsand that’s exactly why we have launched a weekly price tracker to help you save before you shop.
Each week, well visit Meijer, Giant Eagle, Aldi, Walmart, Heinen’s and Dave’s Market checking prices on everyday essentials.
Those include: 2% milk, a loaf of wheat bread, chicken price per pound, ground beef tray or patty per pound (80% lean 20% fat), 12 dozen white eggs, and toasted oats cereal.
This week, Meijer came out on top with the lowest total for the second consecutive week, at $16.38, for our six staple items.
If you’re willing to shop around, you can snag even deeper discounts on meat, dairy, and pantry goodsespecially when you factor in this weeks bonus deals.
From buy-one-get-one-free meat deals to cereal under $2, our Dont Waste Your Money team will be keeping an eye on store shelves and sharing what we find.
Find a better deal? We want to hear from you! Submit your finds through the form below. If you beat our prices, well feature them.
And if youre a savvy shopper, always chasing the best deals, we may even join you on your next grocery run.
After City Dogs took in 20 dogs on Tuesday, the shelter is now very full and is looking for owners to reclaim their dogs or adopt one of the available dogs.
The shelter is lowering adoption fees to $21.
The shelter has dogs of various ages and personalities.
The adoption fee includes a microchip, county license, basic vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery.
If you lost your dog and are looking to reclaim it, you can call 216-664-3069.
Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami has never been limited to one medium, creating paintings, sculptures, luxury goods with fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, album covers and an exclusive merchandising collection with Major League Baseball.
Now, he has filled a U.S. museum hall with portraits in every color as part of an exhibit opening Sunday at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow, an update of an exhibit first shown in Los Angeles, features more than 100 works.
Murakami, known for his smiling rainbow-colored flower icon, intentionally layered light-hearted themes with historical events linked to trauma, he told The Associated Press.
The art explores the impact of trauma on people and culture, said Ed Schad, curator and publications manager at the contemporary art museum The Broad in Los Angeles.
The portraits “have historical roots and that they could actually tell you a lot about what a society is doing, how healthy a society is, what a society is responding to, Schad said. What society is responding to most often in this exhibition is the idea of trauma.
One sculpture depicts Murakami and his dog with half of their bodies in anatomical form, showing their bones and organs, while the other half is their outward appearances. The sculpture, Pom and Me, is described as Murakamis interpretation of his experience in the West through the lens of his Japanese identity.
Square portraits featuring cartoonish flowers with facial expressions cover one wall of the exhibit, organized by background color to create a rainbow effect. One flower is wiping a tear from its eye, while another appears to be a zombie. One has blood dripping from its mouth. One appears to be in awe, watching fireworks.
Though there are no obviously direct visual references to historical events, the museum said the art can be seen through the lens of three events in Japanese history: the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States during World War II, the 2011 Thoku earthquake and tsunami, leading to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Murakami said it’s a bit of a misunderstanding that his work is very easy and very popular.”
“But this is okay because this is one of my tricks, he said.
What someone might admire about his art as a child, Murakami said, would likely not be what is admired by an adult.
Before entering the exhibit on the lower floor of the museum, visitors can walk through a version of the Yumedono, the octagonal-shaped building at Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan. Murakami said he was inspired to create the structure after viewing the 2024 television series Shgun.
Inside the structure are four new paintings Blue Dragon Kyoto, Vermillion Bird Kyoto, White Tiger Kyoto, and Black Tortoise Kyoto created between 2023 and 2025.