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Gov. DeWine names his biggest mistake: The Wake Up for Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

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At the start of each year, cleveland.com’s Editorial Board sits down with the governor to discuss priorities and ask questions.

It’s the final year in office for Gov. Mike DeWine, 79, the folksy Republican who talks fondly of his family and has been a fixture of Ohio politics since 1983. (He served in the U.S. House from 1983 to 1991, the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007, and as Ohio attorney general from 2011 to 2019.)

On Wednesday, DeWine touted the success of Ohio’s partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Governor’s Merit Scholarship before addressing some of the newsiest issues of 2026 so far: THC drinks, sports gambling, Browns stadium financing and ICE enforcement. (It’s been a big month in news.)

As for ICE, there’s no indication federal agents are heading to Ohio. But like many, DeWine said “I’m concerned the whole thing moves from Minneapolis to here.”

— Laura

Overnight Scores and Weather

Cavs vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Cavs spoil LeBron James’ teary-eyed homecoming in 129-99 blowout win over Lakers

Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Partly sunny and cold

Top Stories

Sports gambling: Gov. Mike DeWine says allowing sports gambling in Ohio was his biggest mistake, reports Jeremy Pelzer.

THC: Gov. Mike DeWine acknowledged Wednesday that Ohio businesses selling popular hemp-based THC beverages may take a hit this year when the state’s cannabis regulations take effect. Mary Frances McGowan reports the governor said these business owners knew the risks involved in selling products that were always on precarious legal footing.

Today in Ohio: No one likes a parking ticket. And no one likes paying late penalties on a parking ticket. So a state lawmaker has introduced a bill to cap penalties and standardize grace periods across the state. We’re talking about fairness on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.

Statehouse and Politics

Senate shutdown: The U.S. Senate is approaching a Friday deadline for funding the Department of Homeland Security, with tensions high after federal immigration agents killed Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti. Sabrina Eaton reports the potential shutdown could disrupt government services like tax refunds and air travel.

Energy demands: Gov. Mike DeWine acknowledged Wednesday that Ohio is facing an energy crunch as demand for electricity soars from data-center construction. However, DeWine didn’t offer any specific proposals his administration will pursue to promote more energy development during his final 11 months in office, Jeremy Pelzer reports.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman at NASA Glenn Research Center on January 27, 2026.Photo courtesy of NASA

NASA visit: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman toured the NASA Glenn Research Center, where he met with employees and discussed nuclear power and propulsion research, reports Sabrina Eaton.

Northeast Ohio News

ICE fears: Cleveland-area protesters and immigrant communities are on high alert following recent ICE violence in Minneapolis, with local religious leaders and activists planning demonstrations. Lucas Daprile reports about the growing tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement.

Bus terminal: Cleveland’s new Greyhound, Barons Bus Lines and GoBus terminals are opening in Brook Park. Susan Glaser describes the move from downtown, the amenities offered, and the reasons behind the relocation.

Lead Safe: Cleveland’s Lead Safe Coalition is ending its program paying landlords to certify rental units as lead-safe, having spent $8.9 million since 2020, reports Sean McDonnell.

Bedrock, Tower City, Terminal Tower, 2026

Bedrock is redesigning space in Tower City to be flexible for more types of events.Bedrock

Tower City fountain: The once-iconic fountain area in Tower City that was transformed four years ago into an indoor park setting is undergoing another transformation, reports Rich Exner. Property owner Bedrock announced plans Wednesday to remove what had been called Skylight Park — plus the fountain infrastructure beneath it — to create large, flexible space for downtown events and gatherings.

Port of Cleveland: The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority has secured $4.2 million in state funding to upgrade maritime infrastructure and improve the Cleveland shoreline.

Infrastructure projects: Cuyahoga County residents can track local infrastructure projects through the county’s public works website, which provides details on construction timelines, Kaitlin Durbin reports.

Apartment fire: A fire in a Willoughby Hills high-rise injured four residents and caused a power outage to 90 apartments, reports Molly Walsh.

Mentor unemployment: Mentor’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.0% in December but remains among Ohio’s lowest, reports Molly Walsh.

Roof collapse: A partial roof collapse occurred inside Mayfield Heights City Hall’s building department because of the recent winter storm, reports Olivia Mitchell.

Chromebooks: Avon Lake is considering a pilot program where elementary students will keep Chromebooks at school to reduce screen time and costs, reports Hannah Drown.

Health Care and Business

![A major milestone was achieved Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in the construction of a $1.1 billion state-of-the-art building for Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute: the final steel beam was hoisted into place.

The final beam was signed by caregivers, patients and visitors at the event and during the preceding days when it was on display in Cleveland Clinic’s J building lobby.

The 1-million-square-foot building will dramatically expand the physical infrastructure dedicated to neurological care at Cleveland Clinic and consolidate inpatient and outpatient care services under one roof. It also will include many advanced technological design features that will better meet the needs of patients with neurological diseases.](https://www.cleveland.com/resizer/v2/W65IGWXTD5GPLD5X4IRUQKZ4AE.jpg?auth=663c60b1743198291d3e77b95dfb539d437cd0aa08d831a9750d733398df6fc2&width=1280&smart=true&quality=90)

The Cleveland Clinic's Neurological Building had its topping out ceremony in January 2025. The Clinic says it will finish new construction before undertaking a redesign of its main campus. Cleveland Clinic

Clinic campus: Cleveland Clinic plans to expand and modernize its main campus, reports Julie Washington. That includes building new trauma centers by 2028, with the $1.1 billion Neurological Institute opening early next year.

Outpatient: MetroHealth System has moved back the opening date for its new Outpatient Health Center from April 20 to June 1, reports Julie Washington. The date change was made to ensure that construction milestones were met and there was enough time for training and move-in activities, according to board records.

Health merger: Ravenwood Health, Geauga County’s largest behavioral health provider, will merge with Community Counseling Center of Ashtabula County next month, Molly Walsh reports, expanding services across Northeast Ohio.

Business projects: Six new business projects proposed by JobsOhio have received approval from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, including two in Cuyahoga County, with officials promising the creation of nearly 350 new jobs and the retention of more than 250 statewide, Cliff Pinckard reports.

Crime and Courts

Bribery scam: A jury found three people guilty on multiple charges after prosecutors said two brothers bribed a former East Cleveland official to facilitate a $10 million scam, Lucas Daprile reports.

Suspect arrested: A U.S. Marshal task force on Wednesday arrested a second suspect wanted for a killing that occurred at a downtown Cleveland nightclub last month, Olivia Mitchell reports.

Arts and Entertainment

Amici Italian Restaurant & Bar Valentine's Day pop up

Amici Italian Restaurant & Bar in North Royalton hosts "That's Amore," a Valentine's Day pop-up bar complete with themed cocktails and special decor. The restaurant also offers Italian cuisine.Josh Duke, cleveland.com

Valentine’s events: Valentine’s Day 2026 in Cleveland offers numerous events, including romantic dinners, Galentine’s parties and festive markets. Alex Darus showcases more than 20 local celebrations.

MOCA exhibits: Four contemporary art exhibitions are opening at MOCA Cleveland, exploring themes of survival, climate change and cultural expression, reports Peter Chakerian.

Chip dip ice cream: Pav’s Creamery is bringing back its popular Lawson’s Chip Dip Ice Cream for the 2026 Super Bowl, alongside a new Winking Lizard Hot Honey Peach flavor collaboration, Alex Darus reports.

CWRU gift: James S. “Great Neck” Richman and his wife, Elissa, have endowed Case Western Reserve University with a $2 million gift to establish a professorship in Popular Music Studies. Peter Chakerian reports the gift will support teaching and scholarship exploring the cultural significance of popular music.

Limoncello: Felisa Limoncello focuses on natural ingredients and versatile uses, with the product now available in about 50 Northeast Ohio stores, reports Marc Bona.

Shopping guide: In The Loop, a new shopping guide, looks to help consumers find deals and perks efficiently, with coverage including major retailers and streaming services.

Chuck Kyle: A new Prime Video docuseries, “The Object of the Game,” chronicles Chuck Kyle’s final football season at St. Ignatius High School and explores values like discipline and perseverance, reports Joey Morona.

Indian fusion restaurant: Safar, a modern Indian fusion restaurant, is opening in Cleveland’s former Tick Tock Tavern. Paris Wolfe reports it will feature authentic cuisine and craft cocktails.

Black Crowes, Whiskey Myers: The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers are co-headlining a tour at Blossom Music Center in June. Malcolm X Abram reports on the bands’ recent albums and their rising profile.

Puerto Rico: Susan Glaser provides a guide to Puerto Rico, describing her trip to San Juan, El Yunque, Rincon, and more.

You’re all caught up

Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.

— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.