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Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: The vibes are off, the effort’s missing, and everyone feels it 😬🏀📉

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The economy’s weak, so are the job numbers. Yet Cuyahoga County has hung tough on both counts relative to the country.

There’s a reason you never hear about… Independent clubs filled with bands and music lovers.

“It’s time to create a music commission to give this industry a seat at the table,” says Happy Dog owner and National Independent Venue Association board member Sean Watterson. “We should have a voice when it comes to lakefront development and marketing Cleveland as a music destination.”

County Executive Chris Ronayne supports the idea and has created a taskforce to help artists and venues.

A just released report by NIVA chronicles the economic contributions of the sector. The group is also calling on Ohio legislatures to back bills that would give clubs tax rebates on beer and wine and provide production credits.

Ohio is only one of only six states to offer tax abatement for data centers – yet indie clubs employ more people per square footage.

Even better, the guitars they power don’t jack up your electricity bill.

The Federal Reserve just slashed rates again and three more cuts could be coming in 2026.

Mortgage is getting cheaper and lower rates will unlock inventory and opportunity.

At The Conrad Team, we won’t rush you into a home that you’ll regret a year later. We’'ll help you find one at the right price, by providing the best rates and flexible loan options.

Our market has stayed strong, because it’s more affordable than the rest of the country. We believe affordability and opportunity are key for homebuyers – and we’re happy to guide you on your journey. Give us a call today.

Visit us at 13593 Pearl Road, Strongsville, or call 440.225.9297 to start your journey.

For 100 years and generations of Clevelanders, the twinkling spectacle at Nela Park has been a cornerstone of the season, luring families to marvel at a dazzling array of lights.

Alas, the holiday display has gone dim and the tradition is over – and the loss of the beloved tradition has left a big black him in celebrations.

GE Lighting has pulled the plug on the sprawling 92-acre show a year after its centennial.

Instead, the company has donated the lights to area groups and neighborhoods – including Ohio City, which has created what makes for a charming walkable tour (if it isn’t too cold):

After two disappointing playoff exits, the regular season wasn’t supposed to matter. Until it did.

The Cavs’ lethargic 14-10 start -- in which Evan Mobley was anything but the superstar the team had hoped for, and Darius Garland was a negative on both ends of the floor – things hit a boiling point.

On Monday, coach Kenny Atkinson called out the team’s lack of intensity and identity. It was followed-up by a players-only meeting.

“He broke down exactly what we haven’t been good at,” said De’Andre Hunter. “There’s not really much X’s and O’s. It’s really just our energy.”

An embarrassing 99-94 home loss to the Warriors’ G-Leaguers capped off a three-game skid in which they were run out of the gym.

Three-point defense, an Achilles’ heel against the Pacers in the playoffs, lingers as a ghost. So has the ball movement.

But the effort that has been most glaring.

After a five-day break, the Cavs take on the Wizards in D.C. at 7 tonight – the first of six games against also-rans, leading up to a highly-anticipated Christmas Day game against the Knicks.

Suddenly, the regular season matters

“A Christmas Story”: Wait, a buck? It was more expensive to see the holiday classic when it came out in 1983. Phoenix Theaters in Great Northern Mall will screen it for the low price today through Thursday. Info.

Happy Cole: His cadence and pacing are among the best in comedy. He can go from firing off lines like a howitzer to deadpan observations about life’s absurdities. Info. 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. tonight and Saturday at Hilarities at Pickwick and Frolic. Info.

Polka Night Before Christmas: The Chardon Polka Band will roll out a barrel of accordions and kickin’ Christmas cheer. 7:30 tonight at Music Box. Info.

Nocturnal: Naughty or Nice: Goths like Christmas, too – and will no doubt don black when the Foundry celebrates Yuletide with darkwave, synth-pop, industrial and, yup, Goth. 9 p.m. Saturday. Info.

CLE Mosh Fest 2025: The 4^th annual marathon of metalcore, hardcore and deathcore will pulverize both stages at the Beachland with sonic aggression. 3 p.m. Saturday. Info.

Christkindlmarkt at Mahall’s: This Bavarian shopping spree features 40+ vendors, music, cosmic bowling and European treats. 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Ladies and Gentle, freaks and geeks: Step right up to enchantingly devilish theater by Cleveland Power Couple of Entertainment. Yes, Danielle and Jason Tilk. In five years, the owners of Wizbang Circus Theater and Spirit Room have hosted outrageous circus demons, drag monsters and a menagerie of irreverent, outrageous performers. At 8 tonight, they’ll keep it going with the Accordion Variety Hour – an evening of antics and music. Info.

For decades, downtown was the destination for Christmas shoppers — and Santa was there to great them when they came to Higbee’s in 1955.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

34 °F 🌡️ 22 °F | 🌧️ → 🌨️ (rain changing to snow) | 90% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 22 mph (≈ 19 knots)

30 °F 🌡️ 17 °F | 🌨️ (light snow / overcast) | 40% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 18 mph (≈ 16 knots)

32 °F 🌡️ 18 °F | 🌨️ (snow showers / cloudy) | 20% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 8 mph (≈ 7 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Wizards, 7:00 PM December 12 (Friday)

Home vs. Hornets, 3:30 PM December 14 (Sunday)

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