Experts say three decades’ worth of economic research shows that large government subsidies for professional sports venues are not worth it — and never come close to generating the economic returns that are used to justify the public’s contribution of hundreds of millions of dollars. Yet the Browns released an economic impact study Thursday concluding that a $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park would translate to $1.2 billion in additional economic impact for the region. That number — $1.2 billion — is the exact number that Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam are asking the public to provide for the new entertainment complex. The study claims a new domed facility could attract up to 1.5 million visitors, up from around 670,000 to 770,000 today at the downtown stadium, for big concerts like Taylor Swift and Beyonce, or other events. A Cleveland study last month concluded the exact opposite of the Haslams — that building a new suburban stadium, even one with a dome, would hurt the region overall. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers: 1 p.m. Sunday, Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh. TV: WOIO Channel 19. Radio: WKRK FM/92.3, WNCX FM/98.5, WKNR AM/850. Cavs vs. Denver Nuggets: Cavs bury Denver Nuggets under avalanche of 3-pointers in 126-114 win Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Gradual warming this weekend |
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Above is the proposed site in Brook Park for a domed stadium for the Browns. |
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Dome economics: The Browns on Thursday released findings from an economic impact study that they will use to lobby for a public handout. Courtney Astolfi reports those findings conclude a domed stadium in Brook Park would attract three to seven additional big events to Northeast Ohio each year, beyond what the current open-air stadium on Cleveland’s lakefront already draws in. The Browns still refused to share potential financing plans for construction of its $2.4 billion dream stadium. Nela Park: Just 45 years after Thomas Edison perfected the first incandescent light bulb, the wizards of Cleveland’s Nela Park flipped the switch on a holiday lighting display that would dazzle many thousands of annual visitors for generations to come. This year, Paris Wolfe reports, GE Lighting’s sprawling headquarters in East Cleveland is celebrating 100 years as Northeast Ohio’s boldest holiday lighting destination. Today in Ohio: A 520-page federal GOP report concludes COVID-19 “likely emerged because of a laboratory or research related accident,” but it also concludes masks and vaccine mandates were bad ideas. Democrats are criticizing it and publishing their own report. And Cincinnati Republican Rep. Brad Wenstrup is leading the subcommittee in charge of the whole thing. We’re talking about the coronavirus lessons on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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School phones: A recent report from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce reveals that schools throughout Ohio are adopting policies regulating cellphone use well ahead of the deadline required by a new state law. Gov. Mike DeWine says that school leaders have “already reported an improved focus on academics and, just as importantly, better social connections.” Assassination report: A bipartisan U.S. House of Representatives task force investigating a pair of attempts to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump closed out its probe on Thursday by grilling the acting head of the Secret Service at an emotional hearing and voting to release a report that suggests security fixes, reports Sabrina Eaton. School suspensions: The Ohio House on Wednesday passed a bill that would allow public schools to suspend students for roughly an entire school year for writing threatening manifestos, social media posts or hit lists and other acts of imminent and severe endangerment. Ohio law already gives schools authority to suspend kids for a year when they bring guns or knives to the building or make bomb threats. But House Bill 206 expands the list of offenses that could lead to a yearlong suspension, reports Laura Hancock. Unemployment fraud: A state investigation found that nearly $1.2 million in unemployment assistance was improperly authorized for payment by a contract worker the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services hired during the pandemic, reports Robert Higgs. The improper payments included $49,302 the worker approved for herself, even though she was ineligible for pandemic unemployment assistance while still employed. |
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Lake effect: Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves across Lake Erie’s warm waters, collecting moisture along the way and then dumping it once land is reached. The weather phenomenon ends when Lake Erie freezes over, although the last instance of thr lake freezing by more than 90% was in 2022. Additionally, it’s historically too early for the lake to do so. Zachary Smith reports the water near Cleveland is still in the 40-degree range. Euclid cheer: The Downtown Euclid Improvement Corp. decorated windows of several vacant storefronts along Lakeshore Boulevard with pictures of Santa Claus, reindeer and snowmen, reports Cory Shaffer. |
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HUD lawsuit: Millennia Housing Management has sued U.S. regulators, who accused the Cleveland real-estate company of misappropriating $4.9 million in federal money for low-income housing and later raided the owner’s home, Adam Ferrise reports. Breastfeeding: Confusing messages about who can breastfeed, why nipples hurt, what to consume and whether to give up prescription medications are why so many women give up and go straight to formula. Julie Washington lays out the facts. COVID numbers: The number of new COVID-19 cases in Ohio increased this week, moving from 1,902 last week to 3,081 this week, reports Julie Washington. At this same time last year, the state reported just over 8,000 cases. Scholarship: Melissa Aviles will receive the first Davion Flanagan Memorial Scholarship, which was created in Davion’s memory to help underprivileged students finish school and get their barber’s license, Kaitlin Durbin reports. |
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Police shooting: An Akron police officer shot and killed a 15-year-old boy who was carrying a gun with an extended magazine, according to body-camera video released late Thursday. The city’s mayor raised several concerns about the incident and questioned the officers’ failure to turn on their body cameras, the weapons used and why they waited so long to offer aid to the boy. Bomb threat: Fairview Park City Schools canceled classes Thursday after someone emailed a bomb threat to the district, Lucas Daprile reports. |
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Ask Yadi: Do you have to give holiday presents to everyone who gives you one? Yadi Rodriguez writes that if someone unexpected gives you something for the holidays, it doesn’t mean that they are expecting something in return. Ski guide: Ski season is officially upon us, with numerous regional resorts opening their properties to paying guests in the coming days. Susan Glaser compiles helpful information about more than 14 regional ski resorts, including prices, amenities, new features and more. Alison Krauss: Bluegrass giants Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas will reconvene for their first tour in more than a decade, reports Peter Chakerian. They will perform at Jacobs Pavilion on Sept. 7 as part of the 73-date “2025 Arcadia Tour” of North America. Lonz Mansion: Live the life of an island winemaker – without the winemaking – in the newly restored Lonz Mansion on Middle Bass Island, now accepting reservations for 2025 overnight stays, reports Susan Glaser. The house’s four bedrooms will be rented as one unit, starting May 1 and running through Oct. 15. The price is $800 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. Picasso exhibit: Visitors to the Cleveland Museum of Art are about to get an eyeful of Picasso’s work and an unprecedented view into his creative process. Peter Chakerian reports that “Picasso and Paper,” which delves into the artist’s lengthy tenure working with paper, opens Sunday. Jesus Lizard: The Chicago-bred Jesus Lizard -- coming to the Agora in Cleveland on Sunday -- were often referred to as “noise rock” in the 1990s. Malcolm X Abram reports the band is back with “Rack,” a short collection of mostly new songs that sound like the natural follow-up to “Liar,” with a few subtle musical twists. 'Superman' trailer: Superman fans are still waiting for their first glimpse at the upcoming movie, but director James Gunn has already shown the film to at least two groups of people, reports Joey Morona. 'The Voice': Baldwin Wallace University’s acclaimed music theater program has sent more than 90 graduates to Broadway, but Jeremy Beloate is the first alum to earn a spot in the finals of NBC’s “The Voice.” Joey Morona reports Beloate, a Memphis native who earned his degree from BW in 2021, punched his ticket with a powerful performance of Tom Jones’ “I (Who Have Nothing)” on Monday’s episode. Things to do: There are plenty of holiday-themed events taking place this weekend to get you in a festive mood. Mike Rose lists 50 things to do, featuring a variety of events taking place in Cleveland, Akron and across Northeast Ohio this weekend and beyond. |
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Miracle League asks for extension to ground lease in Medina park Read more Orange High School senior Olivia Ullner earns prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award Read more Solon council has questions, concerns about City Hall security upgrades Read more Avon Lake Regional Water on the hunt for lead in city’s pipes Read more Akron bicentennial celebration to kick off with free opening ceremony Read more Olmsted Falls moving dispatch operations to North Olmsted Police Department Read more Fairview Park’s Gemini Center natatorium work moving along swimmingly Read more Seven Hills extends county’s à la carte sewer maintenance contract Read more |
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