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On the final day of June, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a two-year state budget that provided $600 million from the state’s unclaimed property fund for the Browns’ proposed $2.4 billion covered stadium in Brook Park.
The budget also cleared other big roadblocks for the Browns, including gutting the state’s “Art Modell Law” and guaranteeing the Browns can keep their share of Cuyahoga County sin tax money.
But the budget didn’t dictate ODOT approval for the stadium project. The state agency this month denied a permit because of the proposed stadium’s height, which is located near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
The city – which owns the airport – has been filing objections since March.
Mayor Justin Bibb in July summed up his problems with the project:
Relocating the Browns will divert economic activity from downtown, create a competing entertainment district and disrupt the momentum of the city’s lakefront redevelopment. It also will trigger substantial taxpayer-funded infrastructure upgrades — including highway reconfigurations and public safety enhancements — adding significant public costs on top of the stadium itself.
What once seemed like a done deal is not quite so finished.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Guardians at Arizona Diamondbacks: Diamondbacks edge Guardians as Cleveland slips to 3rd in AL Central Division
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: More showers, thunderstorms possible
Top Stories
Stadium rejection: The city of Cleveland has been filing objections for months to the Browns’ plan to build a $2.4 billion stadium next to the airport, citing concerns that the stadium’s proposed height would interfere with air traffic, report Sean McDonnell and Rich Exner.
TV buy: Nexstar Media Group is planning to purchase Tegna for $6.2 billion. Joey Morona reports that if the deal goes through, it could significantly reshape local television in Cleveland, where Nexstar owns FOX affiliate WJW Channel 8 and Tegna owns NBC affiliate WKYC Channel 3.
Today in Ohio
Today in Ohio, the daily news podcast of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
Today in Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine is not judging President Trump’s push for National Guard soldiers patrolling Washington, D.C. On Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast, we’re talking about how DeWine says he’d honor any request.
Statehouse and Politics
Democratic ticket: The Democratic ticket for Ohio’s 2026 elections is sparse, with only a few candidates having filed for statewide offices so far, Jeremy Pelzer reports.
Sherrod Brown: Sherrod Brown’s nascent U.S. Senate campaign has wasted little time raising money, announcing Tuesday it’s hauled in a total of $3.6 million in the first 24 hours since the Columbus-area Democrat announced his candidacy, Jeremy Pelzer reports.
Pat Fischer: Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat Fischer has ended his unprecedented bid to switch seats midterm after the GOP screening committee recommended another candidate. Anna Staver reports on the internal party resistance to Fischer’s attempt to extend his judicial tenure.
Social media: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is asking a federal appeals court to reinstate a law requiring parental consent for children under 16 to use social media, arguing that tech companies are putting profits ahead of child safety.
ZIP code: Green, Ohio is joining 73 communities nationwide seeking unique ZIP codes, challenging U.S. Postal Service opposition, reports Sabrina Eaton.
Education funding: Ohio schools and nonprofits will receive $169.8 million in previously frozen federal funding, supporting various educational programs across the state. Laura Hancock reports on the distribution of funds to school districts and community organizations.
Northeast Ohio News
Gas signs
Storage tanks used in the fracking process, seen from the roadside in Scio, Ohio, a few miles from Tappan Lake. (Jake Zuckerman, cleveland.com file photo)
Protecting polluters: For years, Ohio’s leaders haven’t just avoided climate responsibility — they’ve actively tilted the playing field in favor of polluters, columnist Leila Atassi writes.
Lake Erie drownings: Cleveland officials on Tuesday recovered a body while searching Lake Erie for the three people who went missing in the water over the weekend, Lucas Daprile reports. Officials are continuing to search for two brothers, Trent Sanchez, 19, and Austin Labbe, 22, who were waist-deep at Huntington Beach when officials believe the undertow dragged them away.
Uranus new moon
This image, taken with the James Webb Space Telescope's near-infrared camera during observations in February, shows a newly discovered moon of Uranus, designated S/2025 U1, as well as 13 of the 28 other known moons orbiting the planet.Courtesy NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, M. El Moutamid (SwRI), M. Hedman (University of Idaho)
Uranus moon: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has discovered a new, small moon orbiting Uranus, expanding the planet’s known satellite family to 29. Ryan Cohick reports that the 6-mile-wide moon was spotted during February observations, adding to our understanding of the solar system.
Flats development: Cleveland Metroparks is exploring a mixed-use development in the Flats, potentially using state historic tax credits to preserve existing buildings on a 4.29-acre site. Rich Exner reports on the park system’s plans for transforming the riverfront property.
Benefits changes: Cuyahoga County is hosting an information session about upcoming changes to Medicaid and SNAP benefits that could impact thousands of residents, reports Kaitlin Durbin.
Teachers deaths: Cleveland schools opened with sadness following the tragic deaths of two longtime teachers, Don and Maria Nunney, in a car crash while taking their son to college. The couple, who taught at Cleveland schools, left behind four children and a community mourning their loss.
Video visitation: Cuyahoga County Jail is suspending video visitation through Thursday for system updates. Olivia Mitchell reports the facility will make special accommodations for attorneys needing to meet with clients and advises checking the jail’s website for current visitation information.
Unemployment: Lake and Geauga counties saw higher unemployment rates in July, with Lake County rising to 4.7% and Geauga County to 4.4%. Molly Walsh reports that Cuyahoga County experienced the highest regional rate at 5.4%, reflecting a broader trend of increasing joblessness across Ohio.
Geauga building: Geauga County’s new office building faces parking challenges, with fewer than 80 public spaces potentially causing issues during major elections. Molly Walsh reports on concerns raised by Board of Elections Chairperson Dennis Pavella about voter accessibility.
Adoption discount: Geauga County is launching a half-price dog adoption event through August, featuring shelter dog Tiramisu to help promote the “Clear the Shelters” campaign. Molly Walsh highlights the county’s efforts to find homes for shelter animals at reduced rates.
Communications system: Lorain County is ending its lease with Cleveland Communications Inc., sparking concerns among first responders about communication systems. Hannah Drown reports on the county’s transition to the Ohio MARCS radio system and the potential impact on local emergency services.
Zoo admission: The Akron Zoo will offer free admission to Summit County residents in September as part of its annual Community Days initiative. Megan Becka reports residents can obtain up to four free tickets by reserving them online and providing a valid Summit County address.
Free garden help: Northeast Ohio residents can receive free in-person garden advice through the Nature in My Backyard program, which helps transform yards into native wildlife-friendly spaces. Susan Brownstein reports that trained master gardener volunteers will visit homes to offer personalized guidance on creating biodiversity-friendly gardens.
Business and Health
Alzheimer’s diagnosis: The Cleveland Clinic is participating in a worldwide effort to improve Alzheimer’s diagnosis through blood-based biomarker testing. Julie Washington reports the 18-month study will involve 1,200 patients 55 and older to integrate more accurate clinical and biological diagnostic methods.
Crime and Courts
Natalie McDaniel sits in court
Natalie McDaniel sits in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on Aug. 18, 2025, awaiting her arraignment on felony and misdemeanor trespassing charges that accuse her of entering the home of a Cleveland Heights mansion with that had a sign in the front yard supporting the recall of her husband, Mayor Kahlil Seren.Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com
Heights controversy: The wife of Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren pleaded not guilty to felony and misdemeanor trespassing charges related to entering a home with a “Recall Seren” sign. Cory Shaffer reports that Natalie McDaniel’s attorney claims the investigation is retaliatory and plans to prove her innocence.
Lawsuit tossed: A federal judge on Tuesday tossed out a lawsuit over the firing of a former president of the Black Shield Association. Adam Ferrise reports U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko sided with the city against then-Cleveland police Sgt. Vincent Montague, who accused city officials of racism, retaliation and wrongfully firing him in December 2021 after he went on military leave.
Road rage: A Twinsburg man, Shannon Liccardo, was found guilty of murder in a fatal road rage shooting from June 2023. David Gambino reports on the conviction related to the killing of Patrick Wilkinson following a minor traffic collision.
Fatal shooting: A Cuyahoga County grand jury Tuesday indicted an East Cleveland man on several charges involving the shooting that left two relatives dead and two police officers wounded, David Gambino reports.
Arts and Entertainment
The Black Keys
The Black Keys perform Friday at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls.Corbis via Getty Images
Black Keys: The Black Keys return with a new album and a hometown concert at Blossom Music Center, reflecting on their career and the challenges of the music industry. Malcolm X Abram writes about the Akron natives’ latest musical journey.
Miranda Lambert: Country music star Miranda Lambert visited City Dogs Cleveland to support the “Clear the Shelters” pet adoption campaign. Paris Wolffe reports on Lambert’s efforts to promote shelter dog adoptions and her nonprofit’s mission.
Ask Yadi: A reader seeks guidance on whether her husband is being taken advantage of by friends who constantly request his handyman skills. Yadi Rodriguez offers advice on setting boundaries and finding ways to appreciate his generosity.
Hollie Strano: Meteorologist Hollie Strano is back on the air, delivering hourly forecasts on WHBC FM/94.1 in Canton. Joey Morona reports on her return to local media after leaving WKYC Channel 3 last year.
New books: A collection of new books explores local themes, including Great Lakes history, Cleveland nostalgia, and Boomer adventures. Peter Chakerian highlights five compelling reads for book lovers.
Saffron Patch: Saffron Patch, an upscale Indian restaurant, is set to open at Legacy Village in mid-October. Paris Wolfe reports the restaurant plans to offer progressive cuisine with fresh, made-to-order dishes and exotic cocktails.
Rosé wines: Local wineries in Northeast Ohio are showcasing the growing popularity of rosé wines. Alex Darus explores the diverse and refreshing world of rosé, highlighting local and national wine selections perfect for summer.
Lorain fair: The 179th Lorain County Fair continues through Sunday, offering five more days of entertainment, reports Hannah Drown.
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 by Cliff Pinckard.
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