Across the country, rising home prices and stagnant wages have pushed homeownership out of reach for many families. For low- and moderate-income Americans, the dream of owning a home is often derailed by steep down payments, high closing costs and limited access to financing. To help, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne is proposing four policy solutions, addressing outdated zoning laws, aging housing stock and a shortage of move-in ready homes priced for working families. The first initiative calls for using $1 million to establish a low-interest loan program encouraging construction on affordable single-family homes in the inner-ring suburbs. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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Cuyahoga County intends to launch several new initiatives following a county housing study. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com file photo) |
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Housing issues: Cuyahoga County intends to launch several new initiatives — including a $1 million loan fund — to address some of the region’s most challenging housing issues, including the ongoing lack of quality affordable homes, reports Megan Sims. County Executive Chris Ronayne announced Friday the new efforts after unveiling the results of the county’s 2025 housing study, which found wide disparities in housing affordability based on location within the county. Browns lawsuit: The city of Cleveland has asked a judge to halt the Browns' $2.4 billion stadium plans in Brook Park, arguing the team violated its current lease. Adam Ferrise reports the city seeks to prevent the Browns from taking any steps toward relocation before their current lease expires in 2028. Unclaimed funds: The $600 million for a new Browns stadium that the state is raiding from Ohio's unclaimed property fund won’t be repaid to the fund, reports Jeremy Pelzer. The state will eventually seize any unclaimed funds held longer than 10 years. Today in Ohio: Eastern Michigan University aims to lure Ohio students with messages that promise “all are welcome” and will be given “freedom to grow.” We’re talking about the cost of SB 1 on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hours news podcast. |
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Ohio State Fair: The Ohio State Fair this year will feature quiet rooms, discounted mobility scooters and a sensory-friendly morning designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, reports Mary Frances McGowan. Federal building: U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown demands transparency regarding the proposed sale of the Celebrezze Federal Building in Cleveland, Sabrina Eaton reports. Brown has concerns about potential taxpayer costs and local economic impact. LGBTQ rights: Ohio's new state budget provision defining sex as binary raises serious concerns for transgender and intersex communities. Mary Frances McGowan reports on advocates' fears about potential discrimination and service restrictions. Bernie Moreno: Sabrina Eaton reported on concerns about U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno's auto industry legislation, questioning potential conflicts of interest as he proposes bills that could benefit his family's car dealership business. The Today in Ohio hosts discuss how Moreno's office responded with aggressive criticism of the reporting. |
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Road closure: Ohio 94 in Hinckley Township will close from July 21 to Aug. 1 for a culvert replacement project. Rich Exner reports that northbound and southbound motorists will need to use alternate routes during the construction. Hot meals: Cuyahoga County Council has rescued 17 hot meal sites by allocating $80,000 in emergency funding, preventing their closure amid federal funding cuts. Kaitlin Durbin writes that the funding will keep these sites operational for at least 10 months, preserving a vital resource that served over 46,000 meals last year. Habitat for Humanity: Cleveland Habitat for Humanity will receive an additional $3 million in COVID-stimulus dollars to expand its critical home repair program after another nonprofit failed to use its allocated funds. Sean McDonnell reports the organization has already repaired 81 homes and plans to continue supporting low-income neighborhoods. Amtrak expansion: Ohio is progressing with Amtrak expansion plans, studying new routes connecting Cleveland, Columbus and other cities despite legislative uncertainties. Susan Glaser reports on the potential for new passenger rail service in the state over the next seven to 10 years. ShotSpotter: Cleveland is spending millions on ShotSpotter, a controversial gunshot detection system, but emerging evidence suggests the technology is not effectively reducing gun violence or solving homicides. Lucas Daprile reports on a growing body of peer-reviewed studies that have come to a similar conclusion, with City Council set to review its contract in November. Charlie’s Wishes: A new Elyria-based nonprofit, Charlie's Wishes for Veterans, is providing practical home repairs and support for aging veterans in the community. The organization aims to grant meaningful wishes to veterans, with projects ranging from bathroom fixture replacements to deck construction, Hannah Drown reports. |
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Lyme disease: Lorain County is experiencing a significant increase in Lyme disease, with blacklegged ticks replacing larger dog ticks. Hannah Drown reports that 19 of 30 Lyme disease cases occurred in 2024, prompting health officials to issue prevention guidelines. HIPAA class: A free class at the Berea library will explain how HIPAA protects personal health information and helps patients control their medical data, reports Julie Washington. Wiencek Meats: For Jeremiah Wiencek, selling meat at the West Side Market goes beyond his Wiencek’s Meats business; it’s a family legacy spanning more than a century. Paris Wolfe reports the names on the sign have changed over the years as different family members operated businesses, but the connections run deep. |
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Giant Eagle stabbing: The case of Bionca Ellis, charged with the fatal stabbing of 3-year-old Julian Wood in a North Olmsted Giant Eagle parking lot, appears headed for trial in October, David Gambino reports. Activist trial: A Cuyahoga County jury will decide whether the leader of a grassroots Cleveland activist group crossed the line into extortion when armed members stood outside a gas station last summer, David Gambino reports. Quinshon Judkins: Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is accused of repeatedly punching a woman during an argument over text messages in South Florida, according to a police report. Judkins, 21, faces misdemeanor charges of battery and domestic violence after allegedly striking the woman multiple times during a heated dispute. Drug charges: A Cleveland man ran a drug stash house where federal agents found more than 21 pounds of drugs and five guns during a raid, court records say. Adam Ferrise reports records show Terrence Lanier, 27, kept about 5.5 pounds of fentanyl, 2.5 pounds of cocaine and 13 pounds of methamphetamine inside a home on Ida Avenue. Fatal shooting: A 16-year-old boy diedafter a shooting on Cleveland’s East Side that also left a 15-year-old injured, Olivia Mitchell reports. |
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Klutch Cannabis: A historic Cleveland building that once housed Record Rendezvous, a legendary music store, is being transformed into a Klutch Cannabis dispensary. Paris Wolfe reports the new space will honor the building's musical heritage while offering a modern retail cannabis experience, preserving original elements like the terrazzo threshold and vinyl-inspired decor. Hollie Strano: Former WKYC Channel 3 meteorologist Hollie Strano has found a new weather-reporting role in Alabama and Georgia radio markets after being fired by WKYC last year. Joey Morona reports Strano will continue to be based in Northeast Ohio and host her podcast while working in southern states. 'Superman': The new "Superman" film, shot partially in Cleveland, has set a franchise record with $125 million in North American ticket sales. Joey Morona reports the movie, directed by James Gunn, earned $220 million globally and received positive reviews for its charming take on the superhero. Macaroni and cheese: Your “Best of Cleveland” team of Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian is back with another ranking. We combed our local grocery stores and found a whopping 55 different varieties of frozen mac and cheese. Glorilla: Rapper Glorilla will headline WENZ FM/107.9's Summer Jam 2025 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Sept. 12. Malcolm X Abram reports the event also will feature Kash Doll, Big Boogie, Jacquees, and Queen Key, with tickets going on sale Wednesday. Fundraiser: Cleveland’s Young Latino Network is teaming up with Dahlia Coffee Co. for an afternoon of coffee, Latin rhythms and community support. From noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dahlia Coffee will host Café con Rumba, a donation-based event on its patio space, Alex Darus reports. Donations will support renovations for YLN’s community gathering space, which is located adjacent to Dahlia Coffee. |
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Girl punches police horse during fight at NE Ohio county fair, report says Read more SUV crashes while rushing shooting victim to hospital Read more Preschoolers deliver gratitude on National Postal Worker Day Read more Parma schools, city eye land-swap involving former Renwood Elementary site Read more Brunswick Hills trustees establish agritourism regulations: What farmers need to know Read more Lakewood entertains City Hall move to former board of education building Read more Going to Seven Hills Home Days this weekend? Maybe you can dunk the mayor Read more Brooklyn gives preliminary approval to first major housing project in decades Read more Olmsted Falls High School students give study hall a cozy makeover Read more |
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