CLEVELAND -- The 25th anniversary of the Cleveland Pride Festival had something extra to celebrate Saturday.
Just days after two historic rulings on same-sex marriage, local activists also say that their fight is far from over.
"Everyone is so happy. It's amazing!," said Todd Saporito the CEO of Cleveland Pride.
Whether people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or a supporter of diversity, Voinovich Park was took main stage for Cleveland Pride.
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PAINESVILLE -- Police are investigating the death of a man found floating in the Grand River Saturday.
A fisherman and his son went fishing Saturday but the two found the man floating in the Grand River.
The discovery was made near the N. St. Clair St. Bridge.
Leuitenant Toby Burgett says that police are working to identify the man.
If you have any information about this case, you are asked to contact the Painesville Police Department at 440.392.5840.
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Sunday: Morning Clouds, followed by scattered afternoon showers & storms. High: 77. Wind: NE 5-10 mph.
Sunday Night: Scattered evening storms, then Cloudy. Low: 64. Wind: NE 5-10 mph.
Monday: A Cloudy morning, followed by scattered afternoon Rain & Storms. High: 78. Wind: NE 5-10 mph.
Monday Night: Evening Storms, then Cloudy. Low: 66. Wind: NE 5-10 mph
Tuesday: Scattered Showers & Storms. High: 80.
Wednesday: Partly Sunny with scattered Rain & Storms. High: 82.
Thursday (July 4th): Partly Sunny with a few scattered showers & storms. High: 82.
Friday: Partly Sunny with a few scattered showers. High: 83.
Saturday: Partly Sunny with a few scattered showers. High: 83.
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CLEVELAND -- Patrons planning to spend a Friday evening at Lounge 75, a nightclub just off Public Square, were greeted by signs announcing the club's out of business there.
Last Saturday morning after closing time, 23-year-old Demario Warren was gunned down and killed near a parking lot close to the club. A 21-year-old girl was shot in the ankle.
Early this week, a memorial of stuffed animals and artificial flowers seemed out of place on a downtown sidewalk.
Police claimed trouble that started inside the club exploded outside.
Landlord Dan Dzina decided to cancel the club's lease.
He told Channel 3 News that while the club may not have been directly responsible for the shooting, it was drawing a young trouble-making crowd.
Dzina claimed the club had an off-duty policeman working outside and security guards inside the night of the shooting.
He says security cameras inside and outside the club showed no fights or violence.
There was a shooting near the same location two years ago.
It was a different club with a different name. Three men were wounded.
The club closed down last weekend after the shootings because of water problems.
City Councilman Joe Cimperman had vowed to go after the club's liquor license and use whatever means necessary to close it down.
City officials and downtown businesses have bad memories of violence in the Flats and other Warehouse District locations and wanted to clamp down on trouble before it got out of hand.
They know one nasty incident can do great damage to downtown's image despite the fact that crime statistics show it's a safe place.
Police have made no arrests in Warren's killing.
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SOLON - A section of Miles Road in Solon is closed after a water main ruptured Friday afternoon.
It happened right in front of Miles Market at 2:30 p.m.
Police tell WKYC that they have blocked the area off beginning at Harper Road all the way to Brainard Road.
The Cleveland Division of Water's John Goersmeyer says the a 12-inch water main has been repaired and water will soon be restored to nearby Solon and Orange Village businesses and part of a condominium complex in Orange Village without water.
There is NO boil alert for the area but when the water is turned back on, it may be discolored. Residents and businesses should let their water run when it is turned back on.
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GENEVA -- As the rain continues to fall in some areas this morning, Geneva is one area is experiencing significant flooding.
This is the Deerfield Apartments on Route 20 in Geneva.
Residents tell us they woke up to water in their apartments. They believe there is about two feet of water outside of their doors.
One resident says some of the contents of his apartment are completely underwater.
It is unclear what the source of the water is at this time.
We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you updates.
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Anthony Bennett. Photo by Joe Camporeale, USA Today Sports.
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Cavs select Anthony Bennett with the number one overall pick.
Bennett, a forward from UNLV, is 20 years old, 6 foot 7 inches tall and weighs 239 pounds.
PHOTOS | First NBA Draft pick Anthony Bennett
Bennett is a very athletic power forward.
He averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds a game his freshman season.
He's from the same hometown in Canada -- Brampton -- as Tristan Thompson. He's the highest drafted Canadian player in the NBA ever.
He credits his mom, Edith, as his biggest influence in life because she is a hardworking single mom who works two jobs.
LIST | 2013 NBA Draft pick-by-pick analysis
There's an obstacle for the Cavs right now with Bennett. He is recovering from a torn rotator cuff. He is expected to be able to begin practice in August.
The 6-foot-7 Bennett, the highest drafted Canadian ever, averaged a team- leading 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds while being named the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year last season.
The selection of Bennett comes as a bit of a shock, as Kentucky's Nerlens Noel was considered the favorite to be the No. 1 pick when the draft began Thursday night at the Barclays Center.
Bennett, who was born in Toronto, is the second UNLV player to be chosen No. 1. The Charlotte Hornets took Larry Johnson first overall in 1991.
Bennett will try to help the Cavaliers get back to their winning ways for the first time since LeBron James left the franchise and went to the Miami Heat following the 2010 season. The Cavs were a playoff team for six straight years with James, but have missed the postseason the last three.
Last season, the Cavs went 24-58 and fired head coach Byron Scott, then hired back Mike Brown, who previously served as the team's head coach from 2005-10.
This marks the 30th and last time David Stern announcing the top overall pick. He will step down as commissioner Feb. 1 and will be replaced by Adam Silver.
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Anthony Bennett may have been the first-round pick selected by the Cavs, but what else went down during the NBA Draft on Thursday night?
USA TODAY Sports' Adi Joseph has an in-depth pick-by-pick analysis with grades.
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FIRST ROUND
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1. Cleveland Cavaliers: PF Anthony Bennett, UNLV
The draft's first stunner came ... on the draft's first pick. No one expected Bennett to go first. But he's a great fit for the Cavaliers, if he can get his weight down. Though Bennett is a power forward, he should fit well next to Tristan Thompson because they're both athletic and slightly undersized. Together they will rebound well. Bennett has as much upside as anyone in this class, though his weight and defense are concerns. Still, if he was going to be the target, the Cavaliers might have tried to trade down. Grade: B-
- PHOTOS | First NBA Draft pick Anthony Bennett
2. Orlando Magic: SG Victor Oladipo, Indiana
The Magic reportedly were targeting a shooting guard for most of the draft process. Oladipo isn't as skilled as Ben McLemore, but he has unending energy and plays tough defense. He's the kind of player who could be an asset for a rebuilding team, as long as he's not expected to be its best player on offense. This pick echoes last year's No. 2, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. With Nerlens Noel still on the board, though, there's definitely a sense of surprise. Noel might have been a better fit and has more upside. Grade: B
3. Washington Wizards: SF Otto Porter Jr., Georgetown
Everyone has been suggesting this pick, of the local kid, since the Wizards slid up in the draft lottery. He's the perfect fit next to John Wall and Bradley Beal, but the Wizards still have big holes down low to fill. Again, Noel would have been a solid choice here. But Porter may be the most put-together player in this draft, ready to contend for rookie of the year. This was the right pick for the Wizards to improve now and contend later. Grade: A-
4. Charlotte Bobcats: C Cody Zeller, Indiana
Zeller was the presumed top pick entering this season. Then he got picked to shreds by analysts. He's a terrific athlete with a 7-foot frame and great skill. Still, Zeller will have to improve his toughness a lot if he expects to man the center position. He may be a better fit at power forward initially as a result. Zeller is the best offensive center in this draft, but he doesn't have as much upside as Noel or Alex Len, making this a surprise. That's not necessarily a bad thing, particularly in a draft without guaranteed stars. Grade: B
5. Phoenix Suns: C Alex Len, Maryland
The Ukrainian big man has tremendous potential because of his great touch around the basket and his defensive awareness despite not playing basketball for very long. His upside hinges on that point, that as he learns the game he might become dominant. The Suns were able to take the best available player here, and they graded Len above Noel. McLemore's scoring ability could have been valuable, but the centers had too much potential. Did Phoenix take the wrong one? Grade: B-
6. Philadelphia 76ers (via New Orleans Pelicans): C Nerlens Noel, Kentucky
UPDATE: The Philadelphia 76ers are getting Noel and a 2014 first-round pick in exchange for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday and the 42nd pick, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt report. The 76ers may be overpaying for Noel, but they obviously are prioritizing getting a center in place after their Andrew Bynum trade failed last season. Of course, knee injuries were the problem for Bynum, and Noel has the same issue lingering. Holiday was the best player on the 76ers last season, and now he's a Pelican. Grade: C- (because of the trade)
7. Sacramento Kings: SG Ben McLemore, Kansas
McLemore may be the best prospect in this draft based on natural talent. He fills an often overlooked role as a shooter, and his quiet personality and occasional disappearing acts led some to question his future. But McLemore's upside is way too high to pass up at this point. The Kings are a bit of a mess right now, with new owners, a new front office and a new coach. But McLemore is an important building block, albeit one in need of more stability around him. Grade: A
8. Detroit Pistons: SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia
Caldwell-Pope is a prototype shooting guard. He is a marksman from deep and can drive well enough to keep defenders honest. He also has the size to play the position and is really smooth with and without the ball. He's the replacement for Richard Hamilton the Pistons have needed for years. But an even bigger need was at point guard, where the local kid who was the best college player in the country, Michigan's Trey Burke, would have been a great fit. Caldwell-Pope should be a good player, but he doesn't have the upside of Burke and doesn't fit the team's biggest need. Grade: B
9. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves): PG Trey Burke, Michigan
UPDATE: The Timberwolves traded this pick to the Utah Jazz for the Nos. 14 and 21 picks, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. Burke is the best playmaker in this draft, but his size made teams hedge. He's a great fit for a team that desperately needed to improve at point guard and has a stable frontcourt. Is he worth two first-round picks? In a draft like this one, he may be. Burke could have gone in the top five without any fuss. Here, he'll get a lower starting salary and a chance to start. Grade: A
10. Portland Trail Blazers: SG C.J. McCollum, Lehigh
McCollum now pairs with the player some expect him to follow, Damian Lillard. Like Lillard, McCollum is a high-scoring guard from a very small school who missed some time because of injury in college. Unlike Lillard, a point guard, McCollum plays shooting guard and relies on his deep shooting and quick handles. McCollum could be an asset off the bench for the Blazers or free them up to trade Wesley Matthews. Grade: B+
11. Philadelphia 76ers: PG Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse
Given that they just traded Holiday for Noel, the 76ers needed a point guard. Now they take a young, talented passer. Carter-Williams is 6-5 and long and can guard shooting guards, but his primary skill is passing. He has wonderful court vision but does not shoot or score very well and often forced it last season for Syracuse. That must change at the NBA level. Carter-Williams and swingman Evan Turner are similar players, so the Sixers may want to add a quicker guard to the mix. Still, he is a good value here and fits a new need. Grade: B+
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: C Steven Adams, Pittsburgh
The New Zealander didn't do much in his one season at Pitt, but he has tremendous potential because of his 7-foot frame and athleticism. He's very raw but shows tremendous enthusiasm on the court and is a charismatic person off it, meaning he aced the interview process. Adams needs a few years, which makes him a strange pick for a team that needs to win now (and needs help inside now). His potential is tough not to like. Grade: B-
13. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks): C Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga
UPDATE: The Mavericks traded their pick to the Boston Celtics for the No. 16 pick and two second-round picks in 2014, USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt reports. The Celtics needed a big man desperately, so the move makes sense in some ways. But Olynyk might have been available later. Olynyk is the best-shooting big man in the draft and has great height but lacks athleticism and toughness. Grade: C+
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): SF Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA
Muhammad is an excellent natural scorer but has a few big question marks, specifically surrounding college controversies along with his upside. He is not an elite athlete and doesn't do much of anything besides score at a high level, but he should be a really nice player off the bench. Being picked this low will help him, as Muhammad has been faced with huge expectations for most of his life. He's one of the 10 best talents in the draft, and with the right fire lit under him, he could be a steal. Grade: B+
15. Milwaukee Bucks: SF Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece
The youngest player in the draft has tremendous potential. But there's not a lot known about him. Antetokounmpo may stay in Greece, as is typical for Greek players, for a few years. He has a great wingspan and is a very smooth athlete. He already has shown great handles and reminds scouts of Nicolas Batum. The Bucks could use help on the wings, but this pick is one for the future, possibly even three or four years down the road. Grade: B
16. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics): C Lucas Nogueira, Brazil
UPDATE: The Mavericks turned around and traded this pick to the Hawks for the No. 18 pick along with Jared Cunningham. Nogueira has a huge afro that quickly overtook any discussions of his game on draft night. That's a shame because he has a great skill set and fits the modern NBA very well. The Brazilian 7-footer is an athletic, active rebounder, shot-blocker and scorer with decent handles for his size. He's a great fit for the Hawks, who can pair him with Al Horford, who will be reminded of former college teammate Joakim Noah. Grade: A
17. Atlanta Hawks: PG Dennis Schroeder, Germany
Schroeder is a hot prospect because of his remarkable speed and athleticism. He is a well-rounded point guard but doesn't have ideal size. He's a perfect fit for the Hawks, though, because Jeff Teague is a restricted free agent. Schroeder could be a perfect backup for Teague or replace him, should Teague end up elsewhere. Grade: A-
18. Dallas Mavericks (via Atlanta Hawks): PG Shane Larkin, Miami (Fla.)
The Mavericks slid down the draft twice to save money, but Larkin should be a keeper. He's a perfect fit for this team, a strong and athletic replacement or backup for point guard Darren Collison. Larkin, whose father is Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, was one of the best players in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season after being relatively unknown as a freshman. He's short at 5-11 but makes up for it with that athleticism and quickness. He and Schroeder are similar-level prospects at the same position, and they draw similar grades. Grade: A-
19. Cleveland Cavaliers: SF Sergey Karasev, Russia
Karasev may be the best shooter in this draft. He's a good but not great fit for the Cavaliers, who probably could have used a defensive-oriented wing at this spot. Karasev may not play in the NBA next season, but his shot is ready for that level. Bennett and Karasev are two very offense-first picks for a young team that already had one of the most dynamic young offensive players in the NBA in Kyrie Irving. Grade: C+
20. Chicago Bulls: SG Tony Snell, New Mexico
Snell fits a mold that's en vogue right now: He's an excellent shooter who can defend either wing position. The Bulls already have a player like that in Jimmy Butler, but Snell will give them even more depth. He should play well off Derrick Rose and may be a hidden gem in this draft. He needs to improve his efficiency, but a smaller role at the NBA level will force him to do so. Grade: B+
21. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): C Gorgui Dieng, Louisville
Dieng is a ready-to-play center who also has some potential on the offensive end. He's a step down from Noel as a shot-blocker, but he take over on that end from time to time. Mason Plumlee was still available and is more polished, but the Timberwolves don't need polish as much as they need defense. Dieng offers them that, making this a solid pick. Grade: B
22. Brooklyn Nets: C Mason Plumlee, Duke
Plumlee was the best available player at this point, a great athlete and hard worker who should earn his role in the NBA. He will be a good backup for Brook Lopez because he contrasts with him, all effort and intensity. He also can play power forward. There's nothing flashy, but the Nets didn't need to go big. Plumlee is ready to play now. Grade: B+
23. Indiana Pacers: SF Solomon Hill, Arizona
Hill rose into the first round despite few expecting him to go so high. There were a lot of better-publicized players available, but the Wildcats senior is no slouch. He is tough and versatile. But his skill set would fit better at power forward, and his athleticism is a step below the elite level of a similar player, Jamaal Franklin. There were a lot of wing players who could have been drafted here. Hill might end up better than them, but he probably would have been available 10 to 15 spots lower. Grade: C+
24. New York Knicks: SG Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan
The son of former All-Star point guard Tim Hardaway, Hardaway Jr. is nothing like his father as a player. He's a long, tall and athletic swingman whose handle is nowhere near his father's legendary dribble. Hardaway needs to improve his shot selection, but that often happens when a player reaches the NBA. The question here is whether he will fit for the Knicks. This draft pick may mean New York has decided against bringing back Sixth Man of the Year Award winner J.R. Smith. He's a good value here, though. Grade: B
25. Los Angeles Clippers: SF Reggie Bullock, North Carolina
Bullock wasn't a star in college, but coming out of North Carolina, that doesn't mean he won't be a fine NBA player. He has a very good jump shot but is mostly limited to catch-and-shoot offense. That would be fine if the Clippers can keep Chris Paul, the NBA's best playmaker off the dribble. But Bullock doesn't have as much upside as similar players still available, such as Glen Rice Jr. and Allen Crabbe. Grade: C+
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves): SF Andre Roberson, Colorado
This pick was dealt through two teams before it landed in the Thunder's hands, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. Roberson is a tremendous rebounder for his size but doesn't have much else in his game. His energy makes him a good defender, but he is a better fit at power forward. Roberson's upside could lead him to being similar to Shawn Marion, but he will need to improve tremendously on offense. Grade: C+
27. Utah Jazz (via Denver Nuggets): C Rudy Gobert, France
UPDATE: The Jazz acquired this pick for the No. 46 pick, Erick Green, and cash. That's a steal. The biggest player in the draft also is one of the most raw. Gobert has a record-breaking 7-9 wingspan and was the only barefoot 7-footer in the draft. But he's incredibly skinny and lacks developed skills. The Jazz can afford to take a flier on a project, though, because they have an excellent frontcourt already. Gobert definitely could be a steal. Or he could be forgotten. At No. 27, that's a good gamble. Grade: A (factoring in the trade)
28. San Antonio Spurs: SF Livio Jean-Charles, French Guiana
It's even tougher to grade a pick like this because Jean-Charles is a long-term prospect. He likely won't be playing in the NBA in the next three seasons. Jean-Charles has some potential but is not as touted as Antetokounmpo, the Bucks' pick at No. 15. San Antonio rarely makes mistakes with these types of picks, though, and there's little downside. Grade: B+
29. Phoenix Suns (via Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder): SG Archie Goodwin, Kentucky
The Warriors moved into the draft with the No. 26 pick, then moved back twice, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick reports. The Suns probably didn't need to move up a spot to get Goodwin, who almost assuredly was not a target of the Warriors given their team strengths. The combo guard was an underachiever in his one season at Kentucky, but he was a good recruit. There were more polished players who were more ready to contribute, but the Suns are eyeing the future. Grade: B-
30. Golden State Warriors (via Phoenix Suns): PG Nemanja Nedovic, Serbia
Nedovic made his name as one of Eastern Europe's most athletic guards, but that may not translate to the NBA level. Instead, he'll have to rely on his developing skills. Nedovic plays both guard positions but is a better fit at point guard. At 22, Nedovic should be ready to contribute soon, so he may step in if Jarrett Jack lands elsewhere in free agency. He's an OK pick but might have been available 10 picks later. Grade: C
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SECOND ROUND
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31. Portland Trail Blazers (via Cleveland Cavaliers): SG Allen Crabbe, California
The Trail Blazers added Crabbe for two future second-round picks. Crabbe might have been the best player available. He's a ready-to-play shooter who should come off the bench often next year, though he clashes a bit with McCollum. Grade: A-
32. Oklahoma City Thunder: SG Alex Abrines, Spain
Satisfied with their two first-round picks, the Thunder were able to stow one away for the future. Abrines is one of the brightest prospects in Europe, but he's probably three years away from reaching the NBA. He's an excellent shooter who could one day pair well with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Grade: B+
33. Cleveland Cavaliers: SG Carrick Felix, Arizona State
Felix is a fantastic defender but doesn't do much else. He's a four-year college player, and he can play either wing spot. But the Cavaliers now have drafted two wings and one combo forward. Felix may have the biggest impact. Grade: B-
34. Houston Rockets: PG Isaiah Canaan, Murray State
Canaan is the perfect fit for the Rockets, who needed a backup for Jeremy Lin and could use another shooter. Grade: A-
35. Washington Wizards (via Philadelphia 76ers): SF Glen Rice Jr., NBA Development League
The Wizards got this pick from the 76ers for the Nos. 38 and 54 picks, USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt reports. Rice slipped likely because of off the court issues that led to his dismissal at Georgia Tech. But he was dominant in the D-League, where he led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to the championship, and he can play both wing spots. He could be the steal of the draft. Grade: A
36. Sacramento Kings: PG Ray McCallum, Detroit Mercy
McCallum has tremendous athleticism but isn't much of a passer, which the Kings desperately needed. Still, he fits a positional need and should be a good backup. Grade: B
37. Detroit Pistons: F Tony Mitchell, North Texas
Mitchell, like Rice, had some off the court issues, specifically struggling to get eligible at Missouri before transferring to North Texas. He's a freakish athlete but doesn't have polished skills. He can play either forward spot and should be a great fit for the Pistons off the bench. Grade: A-
38. Philadelphia 76ers (via Washington Wizards): PG Nate Wolters, South Dakota State
Wolters is a big point guard with a great shot, but he will have trouble keeping up with the pace of the NBA. He may be able to play shooting guard at times, too, which could be good off the bench. Grade: B
39. Portland Trail Blazers: C Jeff Withey, Kansas
Withey is a shot-blocker but not much else. Still, he has good defensive instincts and could play in the NBA. Grade: C+
40. Portland Trail Blazers: PF Grant Jerrett, Arizona
Jerrett has a big frame and a great jump shot, but he left college after one season and will require patience. Still, in five years, he could be a starter if everything breaks right. Grade: B
41. Memphis Grizzlies: SG Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State
Franklin widely was expected to be picked in the first round because of his remarkable athleticism. But he plays like a power forward with the body of a shooting guard. He'll have to improve his perimeter skills, but his defense and rebounding could really help a team. Grade: A-
42. New Orleans Pelicans (via Philadelphia 76ers): PG Pierre Jackson, Baylor
Jackson is a little ball of energy who goes for points on every possession. He's similar to Pistons guard Will Bynum because of his relentlessness, and like Bynum, he could be the type of player who dominates the D-League before cracking an NBA roster. Grade: B-
43. Milwaukee Bucks: SG Ricky Ledo, Providence
Ledo was a big question mark because he never played at Providence thanks to eligibility issues. He may have more potential than anyone in the second round. But it's upside at the moment. Grade: B+
44. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks): C Mike Muscala, Bucknell
Muscala is one of the most skilled post scorers in the draft, and he's an underrated athlete. Grade: B
45. Portland Trail Blazers: PF Marko Todorovic, Montenegro
Todorovic is the type of player whom NBA teams draft with the intent of leaving in Europe for years and possibly never bringing over. Grade: C
46. Denver Nuggets (via Utah Jazz): PG Erick Green, Virginia Tech
Green was the ACC player of the year despite playing for the worst team in the league. He scored a lot out of necessity but may branch out if given a shot in the NBA. Grade: B+
47. Atlanta Hawks: PG Raul Neto, Brazil
Neto already plays at the top level in Spain and could be a steal when he gets to the NBA. Grade: A-
48. Los Angeles Lakers: PF Ryan Kelly, Duke
49. Chicago Bulls: PF Erik Murphy, Florida
Kelly and Murphy are very similar players, both three-point shooting power forwards who can rebound inside but prefer to hang out in the corner on offense. Murphy is more physical, but Kelly is perhaps better suited for the NBA as a better athlete capable of playing small forward at times. Both were good picks. Grades: B+
50. Miami Heat (via Atlanta Hawks): SF James Ennis, Long Beach State
Ennis has a tremendous wingspan and good athleticism and could make a team, which is all you can ask. Grade: B
51. Orlando Magic: PF Romero Osby, Oklahoma
Osby was the best player on an NCAA tournament team and has aptitude on defense. Grade: B-
52. Minnesota Timberwolves: PG Lorenzo Brown, North Carolina State
Brown has first-round talent but didn't always give it his all. He's a big, skilled point guard who is actually similar to No. 11 pick Michael Carter-Williams. This low, he's a steal. Grade: A
53. Boston Celtics (via Indiana Pacers): C Colton Iverson, Colorado State
Iverson is a banger who improved tremendously in his one year at Colorado State after two at Minnesota. Grade: B
54. Philadelphia 76ers (via Washington Wizards): PF Arsalan Kazemi, Oregon
Kazemi will struggle to fit in the NBA because his main skill is rebounding and he's 6-7. Grade: C-
55. Denver Nuggets (via Memphis Grizzlies): PF Joffrey Lauvergne, France
UPDATE: The Nuggets traded center Kosta Koufos for this pick and power forward Darrell Arthur. Lauvergne may be most notable because he broke ties with his French team midseason. He's a big but unproven post player. The trade seems strange for both teams. Grade: C-
56. Detroit Pistons: PG Peyton Siva, Louisville
Siva was the starting point guard on the national champion. That alone merits being picked. Grade: B+
57. Phoenix Suns: C Alex Oriakhi, Missouri
Oriakhi transferred from Connecticut, where he won the 2011 national championship. He's big and tough and physical but not very skilled. Grade: B
58. San Antonio Spurs: SF Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State
Thomas was the best player left on the board. He is very skilled and an elite scorer, not unlike No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett, but he's smaller and doesn't fit either forward spot ideally. Still, he's a terrific, proven value pick here. Grade: A
59. Minnesota Timberwolves: PF Bojan Dubljevic, Montenegro
Dubljevic, a skilled big man, is a surprisingly good foreign prospect for a player who lasted this late in the second round. He could have gone 15-20 spots higher without much question. He may never play in the NBA, but he's worth the gamble. Grade: B+
60. Memphis Grizzlies: SF Janis Timma, Latvia
There's very little chance Timma makes the NBA, as he wasn't very productive in Latvia. But hey, it's the last pick? Goodnight, Brooklyn, as deputy commissioner Adam Silver said. Grade: C-
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By Adi Joseph, USA Today Sports
Gannett / USA Today
Photo by Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office via Getty Images).
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DENVER -- Colorado theater shooting suspect James Holmes will be restrained during his trial by wearing a harness under his clothes that will be anchored to the floor.
A judge ruled Thursday that Holmes must be restrained because he's charged with violent crimes.
Defense lawyers asked that Holmes not be shackled because it would make him look like a criminal to the jurors.
The judge said jurors won't see the harness, and the anchoring cable will blend in with computer cables at the defense table.
The judge ruled earlier that Holmes can wear civilian clothing at his trial.
Holmes is accused of killing 12 people and injuring 70 others at a movie theater last July. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder and attempted murder charges.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
A trial expert says the 5,000 people expected to get a jury summons would be among the highest number in the nation's history.
The judge has ruled the jury won't be sequestered for the trial and will be able to use phones and computers outside of court, but not during deliberations.
Holmes is scheduled for trial in February.
Associated Press
Flood Watch in place for all of Northeast Ohio through this afternoon
Today: Mostly cloudy with periodic showers and storms. Low 80s
Friday: Mostly cloudy with periodic rain and storms. Near 80
Saturday: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and storms. Around 80
Sunday: Partly sunny with scattered shower/storm chances. Upper 70s
Monday: Partly sunny with isolated showers/storms in the afternoon. Upper 70s/low80s
Tuesday: Partly sunny with scattered rain and storms during the afternoon. Low 80s
Wednesday: Partly cloudy with isolated rain and storms. Low 80s
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Goodbye doughnuts, candy bars, high-fat chips, full-calorie soft drinks and chocolate sandwich cookies. Those kinds of foods and beverages will no longer be allowed to be sold in school a la carte lines, vending machines and snack bars during the school day, beginning in the 2014-2015 school year.
Hello granola bars, peanuts, fruit cups, light popcorn, low-fat chips and no-calorie flavored water. Those types of foods will be offered.
The government is announcing Thursday its "Smart Snacks in Schools" nutrition standards for "competitive foods," the name given to foods that are not part of the regular school meals. The standards set limits for calories, fat, sugar and sodium.
These interim final rules do not apply to foods sold at after-school fundraisers, concession stands at sporting events and other after-school activities. They also don't affect the foods kids bring in their lunches or what's served at birthday parties, holidays and other celebrations at school.
Updated nutrition guidelines for school lunch went into effect this past school year.
"Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children," U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.
"It's great to be one step closer to getting junk food out of schools," says Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy for the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
The nutritional quality of food served at schools has been a hot-button issue for years because a third of U.S. kids are overweight or obese. Extra pounds put kids at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other health problems. The 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to update nutrition standards for all food served in schools.
Under the new nutrition standards, all competitive foods must:
-- Have no more than 200 calories for snacks and side dishes; and no more than 350 calories for entrees that are not part of the school-meal program.
-- Meet requirements for fat, saturated fat and sugar. They can contain no trans fat. Some exceptions on the fat limits will be allowed for foods such as reduced-fat cheese and nuts.
-- Be either a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, a protein food, a whole-grain-rich grain product or a combination food that contains at least ¼ cup of fruit or vegetable. For the first two years after the standards go into effect, foods can qualify as a competitive food if they contain at least 10% of a nutrient that's been designated as public health concern for children such as calcium, potassium, vitamin D or fiber.
There are special exemptions being made for entrees sold in the a la carte lines that are also part of the school meal. For instance, a food such as a hamburger or turkey taco might be able to be sold in the a la carte line on the same day it's served on the lunch line or the day after.
In practical terms, these standards mean that schools won't be able to sell high-fat chips and high-fat cookies but might sell low-fat chips chips or granola bars. They can also sell sugar-free gum.
When it comes to beverages, all schools may sell water or carbonated water; unflavored low-fat milk; flavored or unflavored fat-free milk and soy alternatives; 100% fruit or vegetable juice. Portion sizes of milk and juice vary by the age of students.
There are additional beverage options for high school students including lower or calorie-free beverages. But schools can't sell regular-calorie sports drinks.
"Eventually all school foods will have to contain real food -- fruit, vegetable or other healthy food component," Wootan says. "Companies won't be able to just fortify snacks with cheap nutrients and then sell them in schools as healthy."
Sandra Ford, president of the School Nutrition Association, a non-profit group representing school food-service professionals, says, "School cafeterias are still in the midst of making school lunch changes. Breakfast regulations go into effect this fall, and new sodium limits will phase in at the same time as the competitive food rule.
"We need time to evaluate the impact of these changes on school meal programs and to encourage students to accept these healthier choices."
She says the group asked that the regulations be an "interim final rule" so that the standards could be tweaked if necessary.
Nanci Hellmich, USA TODAY
Gannett / USA Today
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has put Ohio under a "slight" risk for severe weather today. Any storms that develop will likely do so in the afternoon and evening hours and could produce heavy rain, strong winds, hail. Even Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out of the question. Greatest will be strong damaging winds.
Stay weather ready!
Today: Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mid/Upper 80s.
Thursday: Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and storms. Low/Mid 80s.
Friday: Partly sunny with a few scattered showers/thunder. High: 80.
Saturday: Partly sunny, less humid. Small chance of a shower. Upper 70s.
Sunday: Partly sunny with isolated showers. Upper 70s/near 80.
Monday: Partly sunny. Shower and thunder chances. Near 83.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Isolated shower/thunder. Near 82
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Paula Deen. Photo by Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images.
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Looking a little worn out and speaking with emotion, Paula Deen showed up Wednesday at the appointed early hour for her Today show interview, the latest mea culpa to come from the celeb chef who has been under fire for uttering racial slurs.
And it was a teary mea culpa.
Appearing in the 7:30 a.m. half-hour, she started out telling Matt Lauer the last week has left her "overwhelmed. I was in a state of shock."
Still?
"Somewhat, yes, because there's been some very very hurtful lies said about me."
RELATED | Paula Deen fans vent their outrage at Food Network
Lauer tried to bring up the business side of what has happened.
"Let me say this before we even get into that," Deen said. "The main reason I am here today, Matt, is it's important to me to tell you and everyone out there what I believe. ... I believe that every creature on this earth was created equal, no matter who you choose to go to bed with at night, what church you go to to pray ... that's the way I was raised."
He interrupted her to ask if she was really doing the interview because "millions of dollars" are at stake from endorsement deals.
WATCH | Paula Deen visits the WKYC studios (from Oct. 2012)
"I am here today because I want people to know who I am. People that have worked beside me, have walked beside me, know what kind of person I am. I am so distressed that people I have never heard of are all of a sudden experts on who I am."
She began to choke up. "Their words are being given weight."
Deen, 66, thanked those who have stood by her, saying, "I'm so fortunate that so many of my partners that know who I am have decided to stand by me. QVC has not dropped me. There's only two that has dropped me. I'm so very thankful for the partners that I have that believe in me."
When Lauer asked her, "Is Paula Deen a racist?" she replied, "No. No, as a child, I was raised in a home that my father tolerated bad grades. He would tolerate me maybe breaking a curfew, but he told me, girl, if I ever find out that you have behaved in a way that you think you're better than others, your butt is going to be mine."
But she did say the n-word, Lauer pointed out, as came out in the deposition for the lawsuit she's facing from a restaurant employee.
"The day I used that word it was a world ago. It was 30 years ago. I had had a gun put to my head because the man that had the gun to my head was my customer at the main office ..."
Lauer interrupted her to ask, "Only that one time in the bank with a robber?"
Yes, replied Deen. "I have never ... They asked me in all of my 66 years on earth had I used it. ... I answered it truthfully. It's just not a part of who we are."
Lauer then asked if she had any doubt that African Americans are offended by the n-word.
"I don't know, Matt, I have asked myself that so many times. It's very distressing for me to go into my kitchens and hear what people are calling each other. ... It's very distressing for me. I think that for this problem to be worked on that these young people are going to have to take control and start showing respect for each other and not throw that word at each other. It makes my skin crawl."
When Lauer asked if maybe she wished she hadn't told the truth, she said, "No. Because there's a couple of kinds of people I don't like that I'm prejudiced against - that's thieves and liars."
As the lengthy interview drew to a close, Deen began crying. "I know how I treat people. I know my love for people. I'm not going to sit here and tell everything I have done for people of color. Somebody else can do that. ... I have apologized. And I have never with any intention hurt anybody and I never would."
She added that there is no separate side from the sugary, sassy Southerner we've seen countless times in the kitchen. "What you see is what you get. I'm heartbroken."
And finally, after mentioning support she had gotten from civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, she said, "If there's anyone out there that has never said something that they wished they could take back. If you're out there, please pick up that stone and throw it so hard at my head that it kills me. Please. I want to meet you. I is what I is and I'm not changing."
Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY
Gannett / USA Today
Photo by Ryan Haidet, WKYC-TV.
PASSAIC, N.J. (AP) - A Cleveland Browns rookie is charged with attempted murder for allegedly punching a man outside a club in northern New Jersey.
Ausar Walcott turned himself in to Passaic police Tuesday after he was identified as a suspect in the incident that happened around 3 a.m. Sunday.
Authorities tell The Record (http://bit.ly/19t3uSU ) newspaper the 23-year-old Hackensack native and former University of Virginia player punched 24-year-old Derrick Jones in the head just after The Palace Gentlemen's Club closed. Police say Jones, who is from New York City, is in critical condition.
Walcott is held on $500,000 bail. It's not clear if he has a defense lawyer.
The linebacker was signed by the Browns last month. In a statement, the team says it is "aware of the situation."
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS -- Cleveland Heights Police are searching for a man who is reportedly driving around and making obscene, lewd gestures at children.
The first incident happened late last week, in the vicinity of Taylor Road and Severance Town Center.
Officers have received several calls of the incident happening again in other parts of town, including Sunday evening on Bendemeer Road.
Since the first report last week, many rumors about what's happening have begun to circulate on Facebook and social media.
In fact, Channel 3 received phone calls and emails from concerned neighbors on Monday of an attempted child luring or abduction.
Police say so far, there have been no reports of luring, or of someone physically trying to grab a child.
But the Cleveland Heights Police Department is looking for a white man with dark hair, driving a silver crossover or small SUV, with temporary tags.
Police have not gone into detail as to the kind of lewd gestures the suspect is making.
Neighbors in one community say they've seen more police cars patrolling the streets.
"If something happens in this neighborhood, everybody knows. Everybody watches," says Rabbi Sruly Wolf.
Rabbi Wolf often acts as a community liaison between the police and the Orthodox Jewish community in Cleveland Heights.
He says the goal is not to create panic; in fact the area where the sightings have happened is generally a safe, family-oriented neighborhood.
"Our main emphasis is to spread around the community that if something happens, call the police. The police response time is literally two minutes or sooner," said Rabbi Wolf.
Rabbi Wolf says announcements were made in synagogues over the weekend, as a precaution for people to look out for their children.
Especially right now, when so many children are playing outside during the summertime.
"The children should be safe. That's all of our concern. A stranger shouldn't be stopping and talking to children," said Rabbi Wolf.
Anyone with information on the suspect or vehicle is asked to call Cleveland Heights Police.
WKYC-TV
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AKRON, Ohio -- Two people died in a crash involving a pair of semi trucks on I-76 East near Grant Street Monday night.
According to the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office, the crash happened around 7:45 p.m. as a semi was traveling eastbound on I-76.
Authorities say the driver failed to notice slower traffic and collided with another semi's rear-end although attempting to swerve around it.
The driver and his passenger were both pronounced dead at the scene at 8:28 p.m.
Their names have not yet been released pending identification and notification of family.
Hazmat crews were also called to the scene, likely because of fuel spilled from the trucks. It is not clear what type of cargo the trucks were carrying.
The left lanes were closed overnight and reopened after 3 a.m.
No further information is available.
WKYC-TV
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RICHFIELD -- Police say 911 lines are down in Richfield and calls are being re-routed to Bath Police until further notice.
Making the announcement via Twitter, Richfield Police also indicate that business lines are still working.
No further information was provided.
WKYC-TV
Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
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LITTLE COLORADO RIVER GORGE, Ariz. -- Daredevil Nik Wallenda, the seventh-generation high-wire artist, on Sunday successfully walked a two-inch thick cable across the Little Colorado River Gorge near the Grand Canyon.
PHOTOS | Wallenda tightrope walk near Grand Canyon
He completed the walk in just under 23 minutes.
His tightrope was stretched 1,500 feet above the gorge floor, and he made the 1,400-foot long televised walk without a net or safety harness.
Wallenda began his walk a bit before 9:40 p.m. ET, as the sun was setting at the site in Arizona. His ground crew reported he had passed the half-way point about 11 minutes or so into the walk.
"Thank you, Jesus,'' he could be heard saying repeatedly as he walked.
At one point, 13 minutes into the walk, he stopped and knelt in an effort to slow the cable's movement.
When he reached the other side of the gorge, he said he had made that move to stop a rhythmic movement of the wire.
"I had to just sit down to get that rhythm out,'' he said.
Wallenda told reporters after the walk that he hoped his next stunt would be a tightrope walk between the Empire State building and the Chrysler building in New York.
Wallenda, 34, of Sarasota, Fla., is part of the famous "Flying Wallendas,'' a circus family whose acts have brought it tragedy in the past. A year ago he made a similar walk on a cable across Niagara Falls.
He told reporters two days before making the gorge attempt that he would say a prayer, then "I give my wife and kids a hug and a kiss and tell them I'll see them in a bit.''
The location of his crossing attempt was at a site in the Navajo Nation, 10 miles southeast of the Grand Canyon in northwest Arizona.
Wallenda's great-grandfather, Karl Wallenda, died at 73 when he fell during a performance in Puerto Rico. Several other family members have died performing on the high wire.
His gorge walk was being telecast by the Discovery Channel, with a 10-second delay.
He was wired with cameras and a microphone, and his voice could be heard saying prayers as he walked the rope.
"Winds are way worse than I expected,'' he could be heard to say, about 6 minutes into his walk.
Wallenda was walking with shoes that have an elk-skin sole to help him grip the steel cable.
By William M. Welch, USA TODAY
USA Today / Gannett
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SANFORD, Fla. -- The jury deciding George Zimmerman's fate will hear two starkly different stories Monday as lawyers make opening statements in the closely watched case.
During two weeks of jury selection, prosecutors and defense attorneys have hinted at their trial tactics, saying Zimmerman either profiled and murdered Trayvon Martin or shot the teen in self-defense. Now, both sides will try to convince a jury of six women and four alternates to believe their version of what happened Feb. 26, 2012.
"A really good opening is a really good story," said Jules Epstein, a Widener University law professor who directs an institute to teach students how to argue cases effectively. "The prosecutor has to show that Zimmerman was way over the top -- confrontational and provocative. The defense wants to talk about fear, the injuries to George Zimmerman's head and how quickly things can spiral out of control."
Epstein added that an opening sets the tone and perspective of a trial. In doing so, the prosecution is likely to focus on Trayvon, 17, being a young, unarmed man killed in his prime. Defense attorneys will most likely quickly concede that Zimmerman, 29, shot Trayvon and then try to make jurors relate to Zimmerman's viewpoint the night of the shooting.
"We're all neighbors, and when we see something that looks out of place in our neighborhood, it's OK to walk over and see what's going on," Epstein said they may argue.
Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. The former neighborhood watch volunteer says he shot Trayvon in self-defense after being attacked. Prosecutors say Zimmerman acted "imminently dangerous" and demonstrated a "depraved mind without regard for human life" -- Florida's definition of second-degree murder.
A 911 call that recorded screaming and the gunshot will be a key part of the trial. However, Circuit Judge Debra Nelson ruled Saturday that prosecution experts who said the voice screaming was Trayvon's will not be allowed to testify. Witnesses familiar with the voices of Zimmerman and Trayvon can testify to whom they believe is screaming, the judge ruled. That means Trayvon's and Zimmerman's families may testify.
"It's a very significant piece of evidence," said Mark O'Mara, an attorney for Zimmerman. "What we need to do is play it and let the jury make a decision."
The list of potential witnesses numbers 200, including a young woman, "witness eight," who says she was on the phone with Trayvon right before he was killed.
The jury is likely to hear Zimmerman's call to police in which he says Trayvon looked suspicious, that Zimmerman is following him for a moment and later that police should call Zimmerman when they arrive.
Photos of Zimmerman's injuries, including a bloody nose and several cuts to his head, will most likely be seen along with pictures of Trayvon's body, killed by a single shot to his chest.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys have foreshadowed what they will argue happened on the dark, rainy night that Zimmerman and Trayvon met.
"The facts are that he was told not to follow anyone," Assistant State Attorney John Guy said in court last week.
Later Guy said the state may talk about race and the ways people can be profiled, including race, age, dress and even being somewhere at a certain time or place. Five of the six jurors are white.
Zimmerman has maintained that he acted within Florida's self-defense law and protected himself from Trayvon who pummeled him.
"George said within a minute after the shooting, 'I was screaming for help and nobody came,'" O'Mara said. "There is no evidence to contest that."
The jurors:
B29. She is a young woman who recently moved with her husband and eight children to Central Florida from Chicago. The juror, who has has been married for 10 years, once worked as a certified nursing assistant. She learned of the shooting in the news and first assumed Trayvon was 12 or 13 based on photos. A lot of people in her family took "the child's side," but she didn't form an opinion, she said. She said that when she lived in Chicago, there were reports of many shootings, so she didn't pay special attention to Trayvon's death. She likes watching Bravo, episodes of the Real Housewives series, and is still adjusting to a calmer life in Florida.
B76. The middle-age woman has lived in Seminole County since 1995. She has two children, one of whom is an attorney. She's heard about the case only three or four times, she said. She thought Zimmerman was a security guard. During questioning about her exposure to news reports, she turned toward Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, and asked, "Is that his mom?" Prosecutors tried to get her dismissed for that moment. B76 said it's natural to be sympathetic but that shouldn't affect deliberations. A pet lover, she manages rental properties.
B37. The middle-age woman is the daughter of an Air Force captain and has been married to a space attorney for 20 years. She has two children, 24 and 27, and works in a management position. She told lawyers she knew several names in the case but has not kept up with it. "Newspapers are usually in the parrot's cage," she said. She told O'Mara she had a problem with what kinds of guns people can own, that someone obtaining a concealed-weapons permit doesn't mean they will act responsibly and that more training is needed for concealed permit holders. She has three dogs, four cats and "a couple of lizards" and has been called to jury duty four times before this case.
B51. She is an older woman who has lived in Seminole County for nine years. She retired from a job in real estate five years ago, has no children and often visits her elderly parents and siblings in north Florida. She told lawyers she thought Zimmerman may have done something wrong because he was arrested. She said she heard hat the police investigation may not have been carried out properly.
E6. The middle-age woman is married and has two children, 11 and 13. After the shooting, she talked about "appearance" and "safety" with her kids. She got emotional when talking about being a victim of domestic violence. One of the most talkative people during the group questioning, she often spoke up when lawyers questioned potential jurors. She asked how jurors would deal with "paranoid" and "anxious" people who claim self-defense. Prosecutors tried at least twice to get her stricken from the jury for recognizing four names on the potential witness list. E6 is a churchgoer who used to volunteer at a school and likes gardening and babysitting.
E40. The middle-age woman moved to Seminole County in November from Iowa and worked around the country as a safety officer. She is married to a chemical engineer, has a 28-year-old son and does not have a Facebook account. She remembered little about the shooting, summing up her knowledge for lawyers as, "I recall the phrase 'gated community,' 'teenager' -- that's about it." She likes to travel, read and watch sports, especially football.
Yamiche Alcindor, USA TODAY
USA Today / Gannett
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SOUTH EUCLID -- South Euclid City Council will be holding a meeting Monday night at 8 p.m. to discuss proposed layoffs to the city's police and fire departments.
According to the fire department, South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo put out a memo after the two departments were unable to trim $350,000 off their budget.
The memo also stated that five firefighters and two police officers would be laid off effective June 29.
Firefighters have been picketing and going door-to-door to try to drum up community support.
They say the cuts would threaten public safety as they would only be staffed enough to operate a one-squad unit. City council has discussed a possibly safety levy or perhaps charging for garbage removal to prevent the cuts.
City officials say the cuts are necessary after losing funding from the state and county.
---
Follow Pamela Osborne on Twitter @PamelaOsborne
WKYC-TV
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The hot and humid weekend will continue across Northeast Ohio. This is due to an area of high pressure to our southeast pumping in hot and humid air from the south and southwest. Temperatures today will once again reach into the upper 80s and even low 90s.
Stay cool if you can.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, hot & humid with scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Upper 80s/low 90s. Winds: SW 5-10 mph.
Sunday Night: Scattered evening storms, then warm and muggy. Upper 60s/low 70s. Winds: SW 5-10 mph.
Monday: Partly cloudy, still hot and humid. Scattered thunderstorms. Upper 80s. Winds: SW 5-10 mph.
Monday Night: Scattered evening thunderstorms, otherwise, Warm and muggy. Upper 60s, low 70s. Winds: SW 5-10 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny with scattered showers and storms. Upper 80s.
Wednesday: Steamy and stormy. Upper 80s.
Thursday: Partly sunny with scattered showers and storms. Mid 80s.
Friday: Scattered showers and storms. Low 80s.
Saturday: Partly sunny and cooler with a few widely-scattered showers. Upper 70s.
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Betsy Kling: @BetsyKling on Twitter or Betsy's Facebook Page
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WKYC-TV
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS -- Police are actively investigating a murder that happened on Saturday.
The incident happened at a home near in the 3400 block of Woodridge Road.
Police received a call just before 3 p.m. to check on a woman who lived at that location.
When they arrived, the son of the victim reported his mother had been assaulted. Police found the woman, an apparent homicide victim, upstairs in the home.
A short time later, police arrested the victim's 21-year-old grandson following a short foot pursuit near the home.
He is currently being held at the Cleveland Heights city jail.
Police continue their investigation to determine the events preceding the woman's death.
WKYC -TV
CLEVELAND -- One man was shot and taken to MetroHealth Medical Center Sunday morning.
Police tell Channel 3 the man was driving down a closed street at 2:30 a.m. The officer tried to confront the man but a confrontation occured.
The officer then used his service weapon to shoot the man in the chest.
The man was treated and release. Police are calling him a "Named Suspect."
Police say the officer involved in the shooting is a 5-year veteran and was not hurt.
The shooting happened in the area of W.6th and St. Clair Avenue.
The Cleveland Division of Police Use of Deadly Force Investigation Team is investigating the incident.
This is the second shooting in downtown Cleveland this weekend.
Saturday, officers responded to Lounge 75 Nightclub after a fight broke out and moved outside. One man was shot and killed and a woman was treated for a gunshot wound to her foot.
Police are looking for two suspects in that case described as African American men in their 20's. One was wearing a green shirt and tan shorts. The other was wearing a light colored blue jeans with no shirt.
The Cleveland Division of Police is asking that anyone with information in c/w this incident to contact the Homicide Unit at 216.623.5464. Anonymous information can be given to Crime Stoppers by calling 216.252.7463 or Text messaging to Text TIP657 plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Stay with Channel 3 News as this story develops.
WKYC-TV
CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Police are investigating a downtown shooting that left one man dead and woman injured early Saturday.
The shooting happened at the intersection of West 3rd street and Frankfort Avenue near Public Square.
According to police a large fight broke out inside Club 55 Nightclub at 55 Public Square. The fight moved outside and thats when several shots were fired.
Police say one man was shot in his back and a woman was shot in the ankle. Both were taken to MetroHealth Medical Center shortly after 2:30 a.m.
Police stopped cars, including a party bus and individuals finding multiple weapons.
Homicide Detectives are currently interviewing those people.
The Cleveland Division of Police is asking that anyone with information in c/w this incident to contact the Homicide Unit at 216.623.5464. Anonymous information can be given to Crime Stoppers by calling 216.252.7463 or Text messaging to Text TIP657 plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Stay with Channel 3 News and wkyc.com for updates.
WKYC-TV
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It will be a warm and humid weekend, with temperatures in the upper 80s to near 90s degrees. It will also be a relatively dry weekend, with very low rain chances. This is all due to a large area of high pressure centered to our south and east. It is helping to keep the atmosphere stable while pumping warm and humid air across our area. For the first weekend of summer, it sure feels like it.
Enjoy it.
Saturday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, hot and humid. Upper 80s. Winds: S 5-10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, Warm & Muggy. Upper 60s. Winds: S 5-10 mph.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, hot & humid. Upper 80s, near 90. Winds: SW 5-10 mph.
Monday: Partly cloudy, hot & Humid. Near 90.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy, hot and humid. Isolated showers and Thunderstorms. Upper 80s.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy, hot and humid with scattered thunderstorms. High: 89.
Thursday: Partly sunny and still warm. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Upper 80s.
Friday: Partly sunny with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Upper 70s/low 80s.
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Betsy Kling: @BetsyKling on Twitter or Betsy's Facebook Page
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Pilot Flying J executive Jay Stinnett began cooperating with the federal investigation into the nation's largest truck stop chain the same day federal agents raided the company's corporate headquarters, according to a plea agreement recently unsealed.
Stinnett, who worked as a senior sales director for the Knoxville-based chain, told investigators he knew he was being dishonest when he directed staff to fraudulently reduce fuel rebates due Pilot's trucking customers.
Stinnett also pointed the finger at members of Pilot's senior management, telling investigators they were aware of the rebate scheme.
He admitted to his own role in the fraud scheme on April 15, the same day FBI and IRS agents conducted a raid of Pilot's headquarters. On Monday, Stinnett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $150,000 plus restitution.
As part of the plea, he agreed to cooperate with federal investigators and testify at any court proceeding and turn over any documents or evidence that could be used in the case.
Stinnett, previously a regional sales manager in the southeastern region for Pilot, had been promoted in 2011 to a new position to advise senior management on operations of the direct sales division, according to the plea agreement.
Stinnett's claim that senior management, who were not named individually, knew of the scheme is the latest evidence that crimes might have been committed at the top levels of the company. A warrant affidavit filed in the days after the raid showed Vice President of Sales John Freeman talking openly about how to carry out the scheme and placed President Mark Hazelwood in the middle of such conversations.
"(Stinnett) knew his actions were dishonest, his actions were done out of loyalty to Pilot for the purpose of increasing the company's profitability and members of Pilot senior management were aware of the rebate reduction scheme," the plea agreement states.
Stinnett is not the first sales manager to reach a plea agreement. Earlier this month, Arnold Ralenkotter, in charge of direct sales for Pilot in the northeast region, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. Three other sales staff have also reached plea deals.
The Tennessean
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MIAMI -- The moment arrived. Players were spent, the emotional and physical toll zapping them of almost everything they had.
LeBron James had the ball at the top of the key. He drove right and with San Antonio Spurs guard Kawhi Leonard guarding him, James pulled up and drilled a 19-foot jump shot with 27.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter. He pumped his fists and the crowd went crazy.
With that shot of adrenaline, James stole the ball on the next possession, made the free throws and secured the victory.
These are his kind of moments.
"He probably lost 12-15 pounds in this playoff run, expending so much energy," said his coach Erik Spoelstra.
James finished with a game-high 37 points and led the Miami Heat to a 95-88 victory vs. the Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, giving Miami its second consecutive NBA championship.
James, the four-time MVP, was named Finals MVP for the second consecutive season.
The game was back and forth throughout. The Spurs' biggest lead was seven at 11-4 and the Heat's was six on a couple of occasions until the final seconds. This was the kind of game you expect in a Game 7, and the third competitive game of the series.
Tim Duncan of the Spurs had 24 points, 12 rebounds and four steals.
"Tim Duncan is one of the greatest players of all time," Wade said. "If I'm able to do what Tim Duncan did at 37 years old, I'm happy. That guy is a warrior."
It was Miami 72, San Antonio 71 at the start of the fourth quarter. What more could you ask after 27 quarters and one overtime in the Finals? It was 90-88 Heat with under a minute to play and the Spurs had the ball.
Best-of-nine anyone? Two proud, fatigued champions went at it with effort and skill that got them this far. Miami had more - not by a lot - but more.
"Everything. It took everything we had as a team," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "We're a resilient team. We did whatever it took."
Throughout the series, the Spurs dared James to shoot three-pointers. James revealed a truth in what he called the biggest game of his life. He shot a career-high 40.6% on three-pointers this season and buried the Spurs with five threes on Thursday.
The Heat finally won back-to-back games in the playoffs - something they hadn't done since the end of the Chicago Bulls series and start of the Indiana Pacers series - and overcame a 3-2 deficit. With Miami winning the series 4-3, it was also the first time the Spurs trailed in any of their five Finals appearances.
The season started off fine enough for the Heat. It wasn't exactly a championship hangover, but the Heat meandered through the first three months of the season with a decent 29-14 record.
Coach Erik Spoelstra was not happy with the team's road record - just 11-11 three months into season.
The January signing of forward Chris Andersen began to yield results as the season moved to February, and the Heat rattled off 27 consecutive victories, the second longest winning streak in NBA history.
Miami punctuated the streak with excellent victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers and improbable comebacks against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.
During the streak, Miami scored 113.1 points per 100 possessions and allowed 99 points per 100 possessions. The Heat were an offensive and defensive power, and when they stopped teams fro scoring, they were difficult to stop in transition.
The streak ended with a loss at Chicago on March 27. Miami still finished the season strong wins against the Spurs and Bulls and earned the No. 1 overall season and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs with a 66-16 record. They also finished with the league's best road record, a source of pride for Spoelstra after the 11-11 road start.
The Big 3 put together outstanding seasons - James, Wade and Bosh all shot career-highs from the field. Wade was one of four players this season to average at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists and was named to the All-NBA third team.
Of course, James was also one of the four: 26.8 points, eight rebounds and 7.3 assists - just one of four players in NBA history to average at least those totals. Combined with his defense, James earned league MVP for the second consecutive season.
But it was just wasn't James, Wade and Chris Bosh producing. Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole were more than capable point guards, Ray Allen provided Hall of Fame shooting off the bench, and Shane Battier gave the Heat solid defense and three-point shooting. Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller and Andersen were part of a deep rotation.
The Heat rolled over the Milwaukee Bucks in four games in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs and even though their conference semifinals series against the Bulls was competitive at times, the Heat won in five games.
But Wade's bruised right knee began to take a toll on his production in the postseason, and throughout, he has had to muster up what he could - sometimes it was a lot, sometimes it wasn't - to help.
"It's what it's all about," Wade said. "Everything that people had to say about my individual self, other guys on the team. This is why we came together. We're a team."
Fissures in the Heat's structure began to appear against the beat-up Bulls, and the Indiana Pacers had big and healthy players to give the Heat trouble.
The Heat finally won back-to-back games in the playoffs - something they hadn't done since the end of the Chicago Bulls series and start of the Indiana Pacers series - and overcame a 3-2 deficit. With Miami winning the series 4-3, it was also the first time the Spurs trailed in any of their five Finals appearances.
Amazingly, the Heat beat the Spurs in Game 7 with Bosh scoring no points. But he played solid defense, and Miami's decision to assemble a Big 3 paid off again.
Dwyane Wade had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Shane Battier 18 and Mario Chalmers 14 for the Heat.
Battier was having a bad series, even had a did not play. Coming back in Game 7 with 6 of 8 from three-point range was big.
"Reports of my demise were premature," Battier said.
Entering Game 7, James was plus-48 points with Wade on the bench. With Wade and James in the game at the same time, James was minus-56. A proponent advanced statistics, Spoelstra dismissed the James-Wade numbers.
"We're going as far as they take us, along with the other guys," Spoelstra said. "You can't win this series or the last game with a statistic."
It is old school, but Spoelstra danced with the players who brought him this far. That included Heat forward Shane Battier. He had made just 25% of his three-pointers in the playoffs prior to Game 7, but Spoelstra's confidence in Battier never dropped even as Battier's minutes dropped at the start of the series.
Battier made his first five three-pointers.
The championship caps a fantastic two-season run for Miami. The Heat played in back-to-back seven-game series in the conference finals (Boston last season, Indiana this season) and defeated one of the most successful franchises in the past 15 seasons for the 2012-13 title.
Then, there's James. He joins Bill Russell and Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to win consecutive regular-season MVPs and championships. Add James' 2012 Olympic gold medal, and it's been an impressive redemption story since the end of Miami's 2011 Finals loss against the Dallas Mavericks.
James entered the game averaging 31.5 points, 10 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 11 previous elimination games.
On Wednesday, James called Game 7: "It's probably going to be one of the biggest games, if not the biggest game, of my life. But I'm going to just keep it the same way I've been doing."
Usually, that's good enough, and it was.
No team led by more than seven points, and every time the Heat sniffed a small run, the Spurs snuffed it out. Kawhi Leonard was fantastic in the third quarter with nine points.
But he had the league's toughest assignment on the other end of the court: guarding James, who 13 points and made three three-pointers in the third.
It was Miami 72, San Antonio 71 at the start of the fourth quarter. What more could you ask after 27 quarters and one overtime in the Finals.
James started 1-for-5 from the field, but started to find his offense as the half unfolded and finished with 15 points in the opening 24 minutes.
With Bosh scoreless and in foul trouble in the first half, Wade picked up the offense with 14 points on 7-for-12 shooting, and Chris Andersen played physical defense on Spurs forward Tim Duncan.
Neither team was sharp in the first quarter - perhaps a carryover from the emotionally and physically demanding Game 6 overtime thriller won by the Heat. Miami started out just 2-for-8 shooting and was on the verge of falling behind by double figures midway through the quarter.
But with Wade and Bosh on the bench, Miami finished the quarter on an 8-1 run and led 18-16 headed into the second quarter.
The Heat had chances to extend their lead to eight points in the second quarter, but sloppy play - eight turnovers in the first half - allowed San Antonio to stay close.
Battier, who delivered fantastic one-liners in news conferences, made his first three three-point attempt.
The Heat followed their Game 6 gameplan and prevented Spurs guard Danny Green from destroying them on three-pointers. That came at a cost. Duncan had 13 points in the first half.
Wade closed out the half with a mid-range jumper and gave Miami a 46-44 lead. Wade and James had 21 of Miami's final 23 points of the half.
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY Sports
USA Today / Gannett
LeBron James. Photo: Getty Images.
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CLEVELAND -- LeBron James has done it again.
Just a few years after leaving the Cleveland Cavs to join the Miami Heat, the Akron-born basketball star is now a two-time NBA champ.
On Thursday night, James and the Heat topped the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals 95-88.
While Heat fans are happy, many Cavs aficionados turned to social media to vent their frustrations. Some, however, did offer a bit of praise.
PHOTOS | 2013 NBA Finals, Game 7
Here are some of the comments left on the WKYC Facebook page:
Sarah: After the way he did the Cavs and the city of Cleveland, he needs to shut up and never utter another syllable about Ohio. OHIO is over him.
Zak: I hate him more than anyone in the world. When he took his "talents to South Beach" he could have taken them straight to hell!
David: I just like how Lebron mentions Akron Ohio in his MVP speech when he sold out the entire area to go buy his two rings in Miami...He's the best in the World no doubt, but he'll never be Michael Jordan
John: Money can buy you anything.
Chris: Any Clevelander that is a fan of LeBron is a brain dead idiot!!!!
Margaret: How come he didn't lay down like he did when he played forCleveland? Care about your hometown much, LBJ?
Linda: Miami Heat and LeBron deserved to win! God put him right where he was suppose to be! Get over it Cleveland! And I am from OHIO!
Joan: I'm a Clevelander and a fan of Lebron, so we Clevelanders need to be more concerned about the Cavaliers and their new season. We can't really talk about others.
Shawn: And everyone continues to hate yall want some cheese with your whine bahahahahaha!!!!!
Tammy: Once again...I will AMPUTATE 2 FINGERS...any two...if it guaranteed that the FOOL wouldn't win another NBA Championship!!! LeBogus will NEVER...NEVER amount to Michael Jordan!! Jordan has class....something Loser James will NEVER have!!!
Delores: He will never be a King. Wishful thinking.
Jennifer: Whooohoooo! King James. Choke on it, haters!
---
What are your thoughts on LeBron's big win? Are you upset he left Cleveland for Miami or do you think it's time to move on? Tell us your thoughts by leaving a comment below, tweet us your thoughts @wkyc or leave your own opinion on the WKYC Facebook page.
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Today: Sunny & Warmer. There will be an afternoon Lake Breeze. High: 85. Wind: S-NW 5-10 mph.
Tonight: Clear & Warm. Low: 65. Wind: SE 5 mph.
Saturday: Partly Cloudy, Hot & more Humid. High: 88. Wind: SW 5-10 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly Cloudy, Warm & Muggy. Low: 68. Wind: South 5-10 mph.
Sunday: Partly Sunny, Hot & Humid. High: 90.
Monday: Partly Cloudy, Hot & Humid. High: 88.
Tuesday: Partly Cloudy. Hot and humid, with Isolated Thunderstorms. High: 87.
Wednesday: Partly Cloudy. Hot and humid, with scattered Thunderstorms. High: 87.
Thursday: Partly Sunny, Hot & Humid with scattered Showers & Thunderstorms. High: 86.
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CLEVELAND -- You know him as the saxophone guy. Maurice Reedus, Jr. has been filling Cleveland's evening air with enchanting tunes and melodies for 18 years.
He says a few local police officers know him as trouble and have been harassing him.
"Two policemen, which are young guys, rookies, just totally disrespect me on the street. They handcuffed me in front of kids," Reedus said.
The charges were thrown out in court and Maurice says the police commander even gave him his home phone number in case it happens again.
That probably won't happen for awhile.
After he finishes shooting the documentary based on his life, he plans on taking his talents to South Beach. Reedus will be playing with a band and plans to stick around Miami for a while.
He says he gets treated much better on the road, but he'll be back because there really is no place like home.
"This is home, born and raised," said Reedus.
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The Facebook page, Save the Plain Dealer, has posted that an "unspecified number of workers" in advertising, marketing, information technology and finance will be laid off beginning Wednesday night.
A source inside the paper confirmed the posting to WKYC.
The posting says that similar layoffs in the newsroom will happen "at a later date."
Employees were told to go home and wait for a phone call telling them if their jobs have been eliminated.
Last year the parent company of the paper announced plans to layoff 58 employees in the newsroom in 2013. The figure will increase company-wide.
The company has also announced a reduction in home delivery to three days a week beginning later this year as part of cost cutting moves. The paper itself will still publish seven days a week and will be available at retail locations.
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James Gandolfini. Photo by Paul A. Hebert, Getty Images.
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Nothing shocks Hollywood like a beloved star dying too young. So it was with the news of the sudden death of actor James Gandolfini. His many admirers rushed to Twitter and elsewhere to mourn:
"Sopranos" creator David Chase, in a statement: "He was a genius. Anyone who saw him even in the smallest of his performances knows that. He is one of the greatest actors of this or any time. A great deal of that genius resided in those sad eyes. ... For Deborah and Michael and Liliana (his wife and children), this is crushing. And it's bad for the rest of the world. He wasn't easy sometimes. But he was my partner, he was my brother in ways I can't explain and never will be able to explain."
"Sopranos" co-star Steven Van Zandt: "I have lost a brother and a best friend. The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time."
"Sopranos" co-star Lorraine Bracco: "We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken."
"God of Carnage" co-star Jeff Daniels: "If Broadway has a version of a guy you want in your foxhole, Jim Gandolfini was mine. During our time together in God of Carnage, we played 320 performances together. He didn't miss one. Sadly, I now miss him like a brother."
Jimmy Kimmel: "I'm sadder about James Gandolfini than everyone else."
Octavia Spencer: "RIP James Gandolfini. So sad!!"
U.S. Sen. John McCain: "RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I've ever met"
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie: "James Gandolfini's passing is an awful shock. He was a fine actor, a Rutgers alum and a true Jersey guy."
Olivia Wilde: "James Gandolfini was a kind, funny, wonderful guy. I'm so lucky to have worked with him. Sending love to his family. Such a sad, sad day."
Nia Vardalos: "Oh James Gandolfini, you left us much too soon."
Kristin Chenoweth: "NO. Not James Gandolfini. He was in my top 5 favorite actors EVER. "
Christina Applegate: "I am so deeply saddened by the untimely passing of sweet James Gandolfini! My heart is broken for his family!! I'm in shock"
Ricky Gervais: "Damn. RIP James Gandofini. An amazing actor that made arguably the greatest drama of all time, & a funny, sweet, gentle giant off screen."
Russell Simmons: "Not tony soprano! Damn. Such a good guy and a great actor. James, rest in peace..."
Mia Farrow: "awful awful news. James Gandolfini will be missed. He was a great actor. Just great."
Bette Midler: "The great James Gandolfini passed away today. Only 51. I can't believe it."
Michael Chiklis: "James Gandolfini. This is a tremendous loss. A brilliant actor and a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Devastating."
Susan Sarandon: "So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I've ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family."
Will Arnett: "So saddened by news of James Gandolfini's death. What talent. He shall be missed."
Rob Thomas: "R.I.P. James Gandolfini. Such a great actor. More than just tony soprano and that would have been a lot on its own.
Rainn Wilson: "Arrivederci, James Gandolfini. You were one of the great greats. We'll miss your dangerous, big heart."
Steve Carell: "James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man."
Wes Craven: "Farewell to the great American actor James Gandolfini. I was a huge fan. My condolences to his family and his many fans."
Lance Bass: "So so so sad about James Gandolfini - 51 is way too young."
Josh Groban: "Thank you James Gandolfini for some of the most brilliant tv moments of all time. So sad!!!"
Jon Lovitz: "Very sad about James Gandolfini. Met him briefly. Very nice and shy. Loved him in "Get Shorty" besides the Sopranos. RIP."
Russell Crowe: "Sad to hear about James Gandolfini . First met Jimmy back in '94.He was roommates in NY with Lenny Loftin. Lovely man. RIP Jimmy"
Minnie Driver: "So incredibly sad to hear about James Gandolfini. He was magic."
Rob Lowe: "James Gandoldini gave the greatest performance in the history of television. He was also a kind man. Condolences to his family."
Maria Puente, USA TODAY
USA Today / Gannett
Danielle Bradbery wins 'The Voice' season 4 on NBC. Photo: NBC.
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LOS ANGELES -- Danielle Bradbery is The Voice.
The 16-year-old country singer from Cypress, Texas, triumphed in the fourth season finale of the NBC singing competition, winning the viewer vote Tuesday over the other two finalists: 26-year-old Michelle Chamuel and the Swon Brothers, Colton, 24, and Zach, 27. Chamuel finished second and the Swon Brothers came in third.
(Watch the moment she won below)
After her name was announced, Bradbery told host Carson Daly that she was thankful but speechless before closing the show with Sara Evans' "Born to Fly." She had performed that song in Monday's competition finale.
More than an hour later, Bradbery described her moment of victory.
"Me and Michelle were holding onto each other, shaking," she said on the post-finale red carpet. "When I heard my name, I could not believe it. It's going to take a while to sink in, but I'm just embracing the moment while it's here."
Bradbery said fans "were all so supportive and hopefully I touched a lot of hearts out there to vote for me and keep supporting me. Hopefully, that worked. They've been sticking by my side forever and hopefully will continue to."
The victory by Bradbery, the second female and the youngest singer to win "The Voice," represents the third triumph in four seasons for a member of coach Blake Shelton's team.
"I wanted to make sure that Nashville respected her as much as they could," country singer Shelton said after the show. "Obviously, she's an incredible vocalist, but I wanted them to know that she respects country music and that's why we kept throwing it back to artists from 10-20 years ago ... showing Nashville that she can do that stuff, she can do new stuff. She can perform with Hunter Hayes, she can sing with me. Whatever it is you throw at her she's capable of doing."
He thinks Bradbery has a big career ahead of her. Bradbery said she would like to work with Shelton in the future.
"I see us standing here talking about her 20 years from now," Shelton said. "And I wouldn't say that with this confidence about anybody else that's ever been on this show. Danielle Bradbery is a gift to the music industry and definitely a gift to The Voice."
Shelton said it has been his goal "since day one" to have a country singer win. That genre was strong in this season's finale, represented by Bradbery and the Swon Brothers, the show's most successful duo to date. Both finalists were under the tutelage of Shelton.
"Country fans are loyal, they are amazing and they like to stick by you through everything. I love it," Bradbery said.
The two-hour finale featured a range of musical stars, including Cher, who sang "Woman's World," the first single of her upcoming album, "Closer to the Truth." She recorded her performance in front of The Voice studio audience just before Tuesday's live broadcast.
After the show, the legendary singer said her first performance before a TV audience in more than five years was "very exciting and it makes you feel elated but it's also kind of scary. And I'm a big chicken anyway. I like being on it. I just don't like going on it."
She said a show like "The Voice" can help young performers.
"I think shows like this might help you skirt a lot of the bad stuff that could be waiting for you. It's a great place to go and be seen by everybody and have that feeling that you can actually can do it," she said. "Sonny (Bono) and I used to play bowling alleys and roller skating rinks. And that was hard to keep telling ourselves, 'We were good, we were good, we were good.' "
Pitbull and Christina Aguilera opened the show with a duet and country's "Florida Georgia Line" and hip-hop's Nelly performed together. Bruno Mars sang his newest single, "Treasure," which was taped before the recent death of his mother.
The finalists got their chance to perform with the stars, too. Bob Seger, joined by the Swon Brothers, performed his hit "Night Moves." Hayes and Bradbery sang a duet of "I Want Crazy" and Chamuel and OneRepublic performed "Counting Stars."
"The Voice" switched coaching gears this season, with Usher and Shakira taking over for original coaches Aguilera and CeeLo Green. The two were well received.
Aguilera and Green, who appeared in the first three seasons, will rejoin the show for its fifth cycle this fall, with Usher and Shakira trading off with them for the sixth edition. Coaches Shelton and Adam Levine have been with the show from the start.
"The Voice" audience is down 1% for Season 4, with an average of 12.4 million viewers, but it beat Fox's longtime juggernaut "American Idol" among advertiser-coveted young adults. "Idol" still draws more viewers, but it has experienced sharp erosion over the past two seasons.
The singing competition, which stands out for its blind auditions and spinning red chairs, is produced by Mark Burnett.
Bill Keveney, USA TODAY
USA Today / Gannett
