For years, Cuyahoga County has been grappling with how to pay for repairs at the decades-old Rocket Arena and Progressive Field. That’s in addition to the tens of millions in public subsidies that taxpayers already have provided for major renovations at the pro sports facilities. “There’s 30-year-old pipes that are just failing left and right,” said one Gateway manager. Under leases with the Cavs and Guardians, Gateway Economic Development Corp. is contractually obligated to pay for most, if not all, capital repairs, using sin taxes collected on cigarettes and alcohol sold within Cuyahoga County. But taxes aren’t covering the bills, so Gateway has been writing IOUs and shuffling accounts. Cleveland and the county bailed out Gateway with $40 million last year, but there’s no permanent solution on the horizon, even as Gateway wants to increase pay for its staff. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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Gateway Economic Development Corp., which serves as landlord for Rocket Arena and Progressive Field, doesn't have any money. It's board shuffled funds and issued IOUs this week to squeak by on repair expenses while it waits more sustainable funding solutions — ideally before a new facilities condition report outlines the next round of expenses. (John Pana, cleveland.com file photo) |
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Gateway budget: How will Gateway pay the bills? Kaitlin Durbin reports on the organization's financial challenges and potential staff pay raises. HALT: President Donald Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act, imposing a 10-year minimum sentence for fentanyl traffickers. Sabrina Eaton reports the bill, co-authored by U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, aims to combat the drug epidemic that has caused over 324,000 deaths in five years. Today in Ohio: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security agreed to rescind an emergency deportation order against a Cleveland man who had been arrested twice by immigration agents and who had been granted a bond by an immigration judge. We’re talking about the rare case for justice on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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Drunken-driving tech: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno criticized anti-drunken-driving technology as an "insane regulation" during a Capitol Hill hearing. Sabrina Eaton reports that New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan strongly rebuked Moreno, sharing his personal experience with a drunken-driving accident. Phonics: Two Cuyahoga County schools — Euclid City Schools and Orchard Park Academy — are among 33 across Ohio receiving new state funding to support how children learn to read, Anna Staver reports. The grants are part of a nearly $46 million pot Ohio received from the U.S. Department of Education to improve literacy outcomes. Vehicle fees: Ohio Republicans raised vehicle-related fees while simultaneously cutting income taxes for wealthy residents. Today in Ohio podcast hosts discuss how these increases disproportionately impact middle- and working-class Ohioans, with fees rising for vehicle registrations, titles and BMV services. Browns negotiations: The Browns claim they're willing to work with the city on stadium financing, but Today in Ohio podcast hosts are skeptical of their transparency. |
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East Cleveland: The 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals declared East Cleveland’s Council president, Lateek Shabazz, the city’s new mayor Thursday. David Gambino reports the 2-1 ruling came amid a vacuum left by former Mayor Brandon King’s conviction on corruption charges in May, which barred him from public office. 'Good Trouble' rally: Hundreds of protesters gathered Thursday at Cleveland’s Market Square for “Good Trouble Lives On” Day of Action, Joshua Gunter reports. Cleveland joined more than 1,500 other cities across the U.S. in the “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action, as part of a broader push against President Trump’s policies. Sewer overflow: The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District issued a public advisory for Edgewater Beach after a sewage overflow discharged untreated waste into Lake Erie. Ryan Cohick reports officials are collecting water samples and urging visitors to avoid contact with the water due to potential health risks. Parma schools: Parma schools are considering another levy attempt after three previous failures since 2017, seeking a 10-year levy to raise $23 million annually. Cory Shaffer reports the school board will introduce an ordinance for the November ballot, hoping to address a projected $22 million deficit by 2028. Fundraiser: A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support a 10-year-old girl who witnessed her mother's fatal shooting in Vermilion, reports Olivia Mitchell. 'Thank You Machines': KeyBank is launching mobile Automated Thank You Machines across Cleveland, dispensing treats like cookies and toys instead of cash at community events. Alex Darus reports on the initiative, which will be at three major events in the city. Lorain issues: Lorain County Commissioners will consider a $480,000 watershed project amendment and a K-9 training agreement for the sheriff's office at today's meeting. Hannah Drown writes about the agenda, which includes various service contract updates and infrastructure improvements. |
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Pediatric care: Cleveland Clinic has opened its first standalone pediatric medical center in Rocky River, featuring 26 exam rooms and specialized services for children. Julie Washington reports that the 21,380-square-foot facility offers comprehensive pediatric care, including autism services and the Be Well Clinic for childhood obesity. Trump diagnosis: President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following a medical workup for mild swelling in his legs, the White House said Thursday. Julie Washington reports on what to know about chronic venous insufficiency. |
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Medicare fraud: A Lorain husband and wife, Mark and Denice Walker, are accused of orchestrating a $1.8 million Medicare fraud scheme involving fake doctor's orders for unnecessary medical braces. Adam Ferrise reports on their indictment on 16 counts of healthcare and wire fraud. Court punch: A Cleveland man, facing charges of attempted murder, became enraged and punched an assistant county prosecutor Thursday in front of jurors, according to testimony. David Gambino reports Dajuan Burns, 39, is accused of striking the lawyer in the face. Euclid Beach shooting: Christopher Manning, 25, has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in the fatal shooting of Jarvis Perryman at Euclid Beach Park on July 3. Olivia Mitchell reports the shooting occurred after a group gathered at the closed park, with Perryman, 20, dying at the hospital. |
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Rockefeller treasures: A new exhibit at the Medici Museum of Art in Warren showcases Rockefeller family treasures, featuring artifacts and art from John D. Rockefeller's life. Susan Glaser highlights the collection's 200 pieces, including early Standard Oil documents and personal items from the oil tycoon's Cleveland years. Ask Yadi: A reader seeks guidance on accepting free event tickets from a friend who works for a major company. Yadi Rodriguez writes about the etiquette of receiving complimentary tickets, suggesting gratitude and occasional gestures of appreciation like paying for parking or bringing a small gift. Kimberly Akimbo: The Tony Award-winning musical "Kimberly Akimbo” is coming to Playhouse Square, with intimate storytelling about a teenager with a rare aging disorder. Joey Morona writes that the show offers a heartfelt and quirky exploration of life's challenges. Boardwalk Nights: Cedar Point's Boardwalk Nights festival returns, offering nightly entertainment with parades, music, games and specialty food from today through Aug. 17. Susan Glaser highlights the event's features, including synchronized kite shows, circus performers and a fireworks finale. Alan Watts: Peter Chakerian writes that “Trust the Universe: The Philosophy of Alan Watts” is a 360-degree audiovisual trip that blends Watts’ spoken-word wisdom with hypnotic sound design and expansive, mind-bending visuals projected across a full-dome canvas. The show lands at the Great Lakes Science Center on July 25-26 for six performances. Weekend activities: Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Greater Cleveland is full of ways to make the most of your summer, including outdoor cultural festivals, theater performances, concerts, comedy shows — even a frog-jumping contest. Joey Morona lists 26 events to check out. |
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Brunswick man arrested after nine-hour standoff with police Read more Driver smiles and waves at police during chase from Berea into Cleveland Read more Drunk woman kicks officers, injures herself during arrest in Berea Read more Midwest’s largest outdoor recreational show is this weekend in Lorain Read more Lorain County Metro Parks to host summer beach celebration with free paddling, live music Read more Run, walk, give back: Lorain race supports children’s winter needs Read more Akron African American Festival to offer free entertainment, wellness screenings soon Read more Fairview Park begins Woodstock Avenue sewer project Read more Social workers to join Parma and Parma Heights police on mental health emergency calls Read more Ohio budget impact: Will Lakewood Schools gain $800K or lose $12M? Read more |
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