How can the Browns build a new domed stadium – without bilking the public for hundreds of millions of dollars? Both Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne took strong stands against the team’s owners, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, when the Haslams announced they wanted to build a $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park. Bibb and Ronayne said they would not provide public money. “So to announce you’re leaving and hope everybody just comes with you upon that announcement is a fantasy,” Ronayne said in October. On Thursday, the Browns unveiled their funding plan, which essentially diverts future tax dollars expected from the development in order to cover the current cost. The plan relies on new sources of tax money: increased fees for renting cars or hotel rooms to admission taxes and income taxes generated on the site. Key to making it happen? Buy-in from the state. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Rain and snow this weekend |
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The Browns would like to have a domed stadium in Brook Park ready for the start of the 2029 NFL season. (Courtesy Cleveland Browns) |
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Browns dome: The Browns' plan to build a domed stadium in Brook Park would require a variety of local and state taxes – from increased fees for renting cars or hotel rooms to admission taxes and income taxes generated on the site – with support from government leaders at all levels, reports Rich Exner. Copyright: A host of news outlets and magazine publishers, including The Plain Dealer Publishing Co., filed a lawsuit Thursday in federal court alleging AI company Cohere has engaged in widespread unauthorized use of news articles. David Gambino reports that in a 64-page lawsuit the media outlets accused Cohere of “massive, systemic” copyright and trademark infringement. Today in Ohio: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno’s “English Language Unity Act” would call for U.S. government functions to be conducted in English and require U.S. citizenship applicants to understand and read the language. We’re talking about the idea of an official American language on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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Federal unemployment: Gov. Mike DeWine turned down $900 million in federal unemployment during the pandemic. Now, a judge is ordering him to go get it, Anna Staver reports. Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Holbrook said DeWine and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services violated a statute from the Great Depression requiring him to take unemployment funds when offered. Drone sightings: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno wants the U.S. departments of transportation and homeland security to probe a series of unexplained drone sightings in Ohio, reports Sabrina Eaton. The Westlake Republican sent a letter Thursday asking U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for information on an “alarming number of drone sightings” constituents have reported, particularly in Mercer, Darke, and Van Wert counties. Anti-discrimination: U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown has introduced legislation that would codify civil rights era anti-discrimination protections that President Donald Trump revoked last month as part of his campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Sabrina Eaton reports the Warrensville Heights Democrat’s bill would turn an executive order that President Lyndon Johnson first issued in 1965 into federal law. Treasurer’s race: State Sen. Kristina Roegner announced Thursday she is running for Ohio treasurer, reports Laura Hancock. Roegner, a Hudson Republican, has served in the General Assembly for 14 years. During her tenure, she’s served on the Ways and Means committee, which examines legislation having to do with taxes, tax credits and programs to help Ohioans save money for future expenses, such as education. Energy legislation: Natural gas, nuclear, and chemical manufacturing lobbyists, plus a key ratepayer advocacy agency, said that sweeping energy legislation proposed at the Statehouse will restore competition to power markets in Ohio, a force that will drive down electricity bills. Jake Zuckerman reports that with a committee hearing Wednesday, battle lines on legislation that could fundamentally shift the complicated market machinery of power sales and distribution began to emerge. |
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Replacement bins: Clevelanders with a broken trash cart or recycling bin may have some good news delivered to their curb soon, reports Sean McDonnell. Cleveland’s Division of Waste Collection and Disposal has received a large shipment of new black trash carts and blue recycling bins and has started to assemble and deliver them to residents. Euclid trees: The city of Euclid on Saturday will hold the first public meeting to create a long-term vision for how to manage the city’s urban forest, reports Cory Shaffer. Tree experts from Davey Resource Group, with whom the city contracted to spearhead the process, will present information about the project and gather input from the community from 10 a.m. to noon at Euclid High School cafeteria. Swim lessons: In an effort to address the high number of drownings disproportionately impacting the county’s Black population, Cuyahoga County is expanding access to free swimming lessons for youths and adults. Kaitlin Durbin reports that County Council recently approved $18,000 in stimulus funds to support Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s Swim 1922 program, which puts on a free swim clinic for children and adults – including seniors – every summer. |
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Pinecrest: Pinecrest has been acquired by Tanger Inc., a Greensboro, North Carolina-based retail owner and operator, reports Megan Sims. On Thursday, Tanger announced it had purchased the trendy shopping district in Orange Village for $167 million. The sale agreement is for the entire property, including onsite residences and offices. Beachwood building: Enterprise Place, a five-story office building off of Chagrin Boulevard and near Interstate 271, sold on Monday, reports Megan Sims. Though Cuyahoga County records do not show the sale price, Dan Cooper, broker and president of Cooper Investment Group, said it sold for $15.3 million, just over its $15 million asking price. COVID cases: The number of new COVID-19 cases in Ohio took a small step downward, moving from 5,559 last week to 5,422 this week, reports Julie Washington. Case numbers have bounced up and down in January and February, staying mostly steady at around 5,500 cases since mid-January. |
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Hit-and-run: Police on Thursday arrested a 61-year-old man in connection with a hit-and-run of two Cleveland Water Department employees, officials said. The crash left a 55-year-old employee in critical condition. A 21-year-old employee suffered minor injuries, Olivia Mitchell reports. Marshals arrest: U.S. marshals on Thursday arrested a man charged in connection with a fatal shooting outside a bar in downtown Cleveland, reports Lucas Daprile. |
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Ask Yadi: How can you get your partner to let go of clothing that is no longer flattering or out-of-date? Yadi Rodriguez advises to try embracing some of their choices while introducing new items into their existing wardrobe. Valentine’s Day: Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday for the first time since 2020, and Greater Cleveland’s most romantic restaurants are preparing for a busy holiday weekend. Upscale restaurants like Lockkeepers in Independence or Il Venetian downtown have had reservations for Valentine’s Day a year in advance, reports Alex Darus. Orchid show: One of the best date night events in Northeast Ohio opens on Valentine's Day. The all-new “Orchids: Love in Bloom” show at the Cleveland Botanical Garden starts today and continues through March 30. Paris Wolfe reports show coordinator Ryan Sandy and his team have created a retro carnival vibe with soft colors and playful touches like a Tunnel of Love, sniffing booths, a swan boat, flying cupids and more. Best hotels: Northeast Ohio is well-represented on U.S. News & World Report’s list of top hotels in the state. But the best place to spend the night in Ohio is, once again, in Cincinnati, Susan Glaser reports. Things to do: From Monster Jam’s large trucks rumbling through Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to the Cleveland Golf Show, comedians and concerts, hoops and history, Marc Bona lists 34 things to do this weekend. |
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South Euclid Dollar General robbed at gunpoint Read more Bullet fired from Cleveland Metroparks hits Berea home Read more John Carroll University to hold weeklong summer program for high schoolers looking ahead to careers Read more Orange treasurer: Finance department seeks better process for management of contracts Read more Lorain County Joint Vocational School launches business partnership initiative to address local workforce needs Read more Orange mayor reflects on 2024, looks ahead in first State of the Village address Read more Euclid developing long-term plan for tree canopy - how to weigh in Read more Parma Schools reevaluating communication after threat at Greenbriar Middle School Read more North Olmsted boosts road repair budget by $500K for 2025 Read more |
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