In the 1990s, when Cleveland built the Browns stadium, City Hall took out loans to cover the $311 million upfront cost. Over time, contributions from the team, the NFL and the state amounted to $112 million, which the city used to help make regular debt payments. That’s similar to paying off a mortgage. But that’s very different from the deal Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb offered Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam in what has become a very public negotiation over the home of the football team. The Haslams want taxpayers to cover half the cost of either a new $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park or a $1 billion renovation. While Bibb’s offer is among the biggest stadium subsidies in Cleveland history, it amounts to about one-fifth of the total price tag. The offer might be a first step, as City Hall and the Browns debate the final taxpayer tab. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Rainy weekend ahead |
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Despite the illusion that Bibb’s recent offer of $461 million for the lakefront Browns stadium renovation satisfies the Haslams’ demand for an even split with taxpayers, further scrutiny reveals that it doesn’t even come close. (John Pana, Associated Press) |
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Stadium financing: Mayor Justin Bibb’s proposed financing plan for renovations at city-owned Cleveland Browns stadium isn’t what it appears to be, Courtney Astolfi reports. Redistricting: Backers of a ballot issue that would change how state legislative and congressional districts are drawn in Ohio say ballot language written by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is illegally manipulative. Laura Hancock reports the charge by the Citizens Not Politicians campaign comes after it received the proposed language from LaRose, a Republican. Today in Ohio: Austin James Texford Fischer was appointed to the Ohio House earlier this year and introduced to the public as “Tex” Fischer, which is how he wants his name to appear for the first time on the ballot in November. But the chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party filed a complaint with local election officials Tuesday based on his former names and a law Republicans used to keep a transgender candidate off the ballot. We’re talking about the law on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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Rec marijuana: Ohio dispensaries sold just over $11.5 million in flower, vape pods, edibles and other cannabis products in the first five days of recreational sales last week, reports Laura Hancock. The dispensaries counted 138,466 receipts from Aug. 6, when sales began, until the end of Aug. 10, and medical patients also came in and purchased $1.9 million in product. VP debate: It’s on. U.S. Sen. JD Vance has agreed to a CBS debate with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Oct. 1 and said in a Thursday social media post that he’d also be willing to do a Sept. 18 debate that CNN has proposed. Sabrina Eaton reports the pair have already taken potshots at each other over issues such as their public service and military records. Now they’ll meet in person. Post-menopausal women: Remarks made during a 2020 podcast featuring JD Vance had media abuzz Thursday, with many convinced the Republican vice presidential candidate believes “the whole purpose of the post-menopausal female” in American society is to help care for children. Robert Higgs reports the comment originated from podcast host Eric Weinstein during an April 2020 edition of “The Portal.” JobsOhio: A low-profile effort to extend JobsOhio for an additional 15 years appears to be on hold for now, as state lawmakers from both parties want to question the state’s private economic development arm about a range of concerns. Officials with Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration had been planning to seek approval for the extension at next Monday’s meeting of the Ohio Controlling Board, reports Jeremy Pelzer. |
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Reader response: Kids from across Ohio and the rest of the country participate in youth sports, affecting families everywhere and even influencing a child’s future. After the initial launch of our series, How to win at youth sports with WKYC Channel 3, readers weighed in with their thoughts about the matter. Rainforest shutdown: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced that its RainForest – which has been open for more than 30 years and offers hundreds of animals, species and flora – will close in September and eventually reopen as the Primate Forest. Marc Bona reports the last day for visitors is Sept. 9. Public Square: Public Square is under new management. Megan Sims reports the city of Cleveland recently signed off on transferring operation of Public Square to Downtown Cleveland Inc., a nonprofit development organization. The Group Plan Commission, which was jointly formed by the city and Cuyahoga County to lead the design and management of downtown civic spaces, previously managed the space. Lorain windmill: A Lorain County couple has spent the past three years quietly reinventing the historic windmill that has captured the imaginations of countless passersby, about a mile south of Lake Erie. Cory Shaffer reports the windmill was built with European plans, with the intent to function as a grain mill and a power source for saws and water pumps. College Now: Of the 774 Cuyahoga County students who have participated in College Now, more than 70% have graduated with a degree, reports Kaitlin Durbin. That’s well-above the national average of 46% among federal Pell Grant recipients – a requirement to participate in the county’s program. Drought: The good news is that Northeast Ohio, which has been in a moderate drought for seven weeks, has finally emerged from its drought, reports Zachary Smith. The bad news is that the rest of the state is not as lucky, with one county experiencing the first extreme drought in Ohio in over a decade. Home lottery: Cleveland homeowners now have two more weeks to submit their names for a chance at winning the city’s home-repair lottery, reports Courtney Astolfi. City Hall on Thursday moved back the deadline from Aug. 21 to Aug. 28 so Clevelanders who were without power after last week’s storm would have more time to apply. Summer camp: After learning to cast a fly on dry land, Paris Wolfe went to the water to catch fish. Wolfe liked Flyfishing 101 so much that she followed up with Flyfishing 102 as part of our Summer Camp for Grown-ups series. |
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COVID numbers: The number of new COVID-19 cases in Ohio rose again this week, climbing from 6,660 last week to 7,347, reports Julie Washington. It was the 11th straight week that the case number has moved upward, continuing a trend that began in early June. Uterine cancer: Uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the United States, a form that begins in the cells of the uterus. Incidence rates of uterine cancer in Ohio increased 65% among Black women and 20% among white women from 1996 to 2019. Olivia Mitchell reports Ohio women have a 13% higher risk of uterine cancer compared to those across the country. The Cherlynn R. Webb Fund is seeking to raise money for endometrial cancer research at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute at Ohio State University. Marijuana quality: How do recreational marijuana buyers know they’re getting quality products? Just like any products put on shelves for customer consumption, there are strict regulations. The Ohio Department of Cannabis Control provides oversight on this budding industry. Megan Sims reports that like other industries, there are also recalls, which even Ohio’s young recreational marijuana industry has already seen. Plant expansion: A company in Lorain that makes vehicle parts has plans to expand and create jobs, reports Sean McDonnell. Camaco won a state tax credit Thursday worth $540,000 from Ohio’s Tax Credit Authority. The company manufactures the frames of the seats in vehicles and has a plant in Lorain that employs about 270 people. |
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Taco Bell shooting: Police are still searching for a motive in a suspected murder-suicide in the drive-thru of a Taco Bell in Stow, reports Lucas Daprile. Officials said that both were in line at the drive-thru when the man got out of his car, walked up to the woman’s car and opened fire, then died by suicide. Wife murder: A Cleveland man was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for murdering his wife and dragging her corpse in front of their 7-year-old daughter. John Tucker reports Joshua Lynch, 36, will have his first chance at parole after 28.5 years in prison. |
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Ask Yadi: Do we have the right to question people who pull into designated parking spots? Yadi Rodriguez feels that at times, as a society, we are a little too worried about those around us instead of focusing on ourselves. Missy Elliott: Missy Elliott doesn’t do anything small. Despite a career covering 2½ decades, the Class of 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has inexplicably never headlined an arena tour until now, with “Out of This World: The Experience,” which stopped at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday, Malcolm X Abram reports. Spangler Candy: There may be no sweeter tale of corporate success in Ohio than the story of the Spangler Candy Co. The company’s Ohio roots date back to 1906, when Arthur Spangler bought the Gold Leaf Baking Powder Co. in Defiance, moved it to Bryan, renamed it the Spangler Manufacturing Co. and expanded its product line to candy, reports Susan Glaser. Sauder Village: Erie Sauder’s original plan was to erect a simple exhibit showcasing his grandfather’s old woodworking tools, but his historic village now totals 110 buildings across 239 acres. Susan Glaser reports Sauder Village, in Northwest Ohio, is a history lesson masked as an tourist attraction, where visitors come face-to-face with broom makers and blacksmiths, glass blowers and 1920s-era bankers. Rum drinks: Today is National Rum Day and the holiday is even more of a reason to enjoy tropical rum-based cocktails before Labor Day weekend rolls around. To provide some inspiration, Alex Darus lists 10 different rum cocktails from various booze brands to try before the end of summer. Savvy Sliders: What’s happening in that old Burger King on Snow Road in Brook Park? A Great Lakes-based microchain making its way into Ohio with delicious sliders (burgers, chicken, fish, ribeye steak, falafel) as well as chicken fingers and custard shakes, that’s what. Peter Chakerian reports that Savvy Sliders, the fast-growing restaurant brand based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, is quickly gaining a national presence. Things to do: Kids are starting to head back to school, meaning the carefree days of summer are coming to an end. Joey Morona wants you to savor what’s left of it with 17 events and activities to choose from this weekend, including festivals, concerts, theater and more. |
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Man steals car with 2-year-old in back, leads officers on chase, police say Read more Northeast Ohio road construction: New detours and delays keep popping up Read more The show must go on at Cain Park as Cleveland Heights OKs ARPA spending for amphitheater Read more Orange councilwoman proposes amendment to law related to electronic attendance at meetings Read more Seven Hills teaming up with Meijer for emergency food distribution Read more Twinsburg’s Glen Chamberlin Park reopens after major renovation Read more Lorain City Schools to receive large grant for arts instruction Read more |
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