If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a summer day on the water in Cleveland’s Flats, you’ve probably encountered the Iron Curtain — that stubborn Norfolk Southern lift bridge that just won’t budge. It’s supposed to rise for boats. But more often than not, it’s stuck down, backing up vessels from kayaks to freighters. Boaters say they’re fed up. So is the Coast Guard, which has tried (and mostly failed) to hold the railroad accountable for delays that stretch for hours. Out of nearly $4 million in proposed fines, barely $50,000 has actually stuck. The rest? Tossed out, reduced or simply never finalized — often on technicalities. It’s more than an inconvenience. It’s a hit to Cleveland’s riverfront economy — and a safety concern when giant freighters are forced to idle in tight quarters. Everyone agrees trains need to run. But so does the river. Is it really too much to ask that a city with a waterway at its heart actually be able to use it? — Leila Atassi |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Guardians vs. St. Louis Cardinals: Guardians’ disastrous June ends with 7-0 loss, historic sweep by Cardinals Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Hot, humid and stormy |
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Boaters on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland have been complaining about delays they experience at the Norfolk Southern lift bridge near the mouth of the river. (David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com) |
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Annoying bridge: For years, boaters and commercial freighters have complained that Norfolk Southern’s lift bridge over the Cuyahoga River causes long, unpredictable delays that choke off access to the Flats. Peter Krouse reports that despite more than $3.8 million in proposed Coast Guard fines, most have been dismissed or reduced, and frustrations with the so-called "Iron Curtain" persist. State budget: Ohio’s new two-year budget is headed to Gov. Mike DeWine, who has until June 30 to issue line-item vetoes on a plan that touches everything from taxes to schools to social services. Anna Staver tells us which key issues to watch for as DeWine readies his pen. Lawmakers' communication: Ohio legislators propose changes to public records law that would exempt text messages and emails between lawmakers from immediate public disclosure until the next legislative session. Jeremy Pelzer reports on concerns from transparency advocates who argue the move could hide important information about the legislative process. Airline refunds: Sabrina Eaton reports on U.S. Rep. Max Miller's proposed "Time is Money Act" that would reduce the threshold for airline refunds from three to two hours for domestic flights. The legislation aims to provide more consumer protection and hold airlines accountable for significant delays. |
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Unconstitutional vouchers: A Franklin County judge has ruled Ohio’s EdChoice voucher program unconstitutional, finding that it diverts public funds to private, often religious, schools in violation of the state constitution. Laura Hancock breaks down the decision's key findings. AI fraud: Sabrina Eaton reports on Sen. Jon Husted's bipartisan legislation to establish a task force examining fraud risks from artificial intelligence, particularly targeting scams that use deep-fake technology to exploit vulnerable populations. The bill seeks to protect consumers from increasingly sophisticated financial fraud schemes. Teachers pensions: A last-minute budget amendment would dramatically reshape the State Teachers Retirement System board, shifting control from educators to political appointees. Anna Staver reports on the controversial move that reduces educator representation from seven to three board seats. Private emails: A recent Ohio Supreme Court decision suggests public officials' private emails might not be subject to public records laws. Mary Frances McGowan reports on concerns from legal experts about potential transparency issues and the need for clarification in the ruling. Higher education: Opponents of Senate Bill 1 failed to collect enough signatures to challenge Ohio's controversial higher education reform law. Jeremy Pelzer reports the bill will now move forward, introducing new restrictions on campus labor unions and addressing perceived liberal bias in public colleges. BMV: Technology upgrades have eliminated more than 10 million trips to local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices since 2019, state officials said this month. The digital changes include online driver’s license renewals, self-service kiosks, remote knowledge testing and expanded online services for titles and registrations, Mary Frances McGowan reports. |
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Embattled mayor: Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren is under fire for mischaracterizing the findings of a city-commissioned investigation into a complaint against his wife, Natalie McDaniel, during a recent town hall. Cory Shaffer reports on the latest scandal embroiling Seren. Browns Stadium Land: The Browns have purchased 175 acres in Brook Park for $76 million for the team's new stadium project, following Ohio lawmakers' inclusion of $600 million for the project in the state budget. Sean McDonnell reports the team plans to build a $2.4 billion domed stadium with surrounding private investments. Stadium deals: How does the renovation plan reached last week for Paycor Stadium, home of the Bengals in Cincinnati, compare with the Browns’ ambitions for a new indoor stadium in suburban Brook Park? Rich Exner takes a look. Apartment fire: Lucas Daprile reports on the ongoing aftermath of a fire at Rainbow Terrace Apartments, where three residents remain hospitalized and approximately 50 people are still displaced after a blaze that destroyed 44 apartments and caused $3.5 million in damage. Wrongful imprisonment: The city of Cleveland has agreed to pay $7.9 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the estate of a man who spent 45 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Here are five takeaways from Adam Ferrise’s story Thursday in cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer about the settlement. Highway construction: The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced several new road projects affecting Northeast Ohio, including lane restrictions and closures in Cuyahoga, Summit and Ashtabula counties. Rich Exner highlights upcoming highway work that could impact travelers. Housing code: Cleveland Councilman Kris Harsh conducted a comprehensive survey of 8,507 homes, revealing that out-of-area landlords are more likely to violate housing codes. Sean McDonnell reports on the findings that show these landlords own 6.3% of homes but account for 13% of major violations. School funding: Midview Local Schools Superintendent Frank Major warns that House Bill 335 could force significant cuts to school budgets, potentially eliminating $3.6 million from their annual funding. Hannah Drown reports on Major's concerns regarding the proposed legislation's impact on public education. |
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Water quality: The Ohio legislature has approved steep cuts to the H2Ohio water quality program, reducing funding from $270 million to approximately $165 million. Peter Krouse highlights the potential impact on water conservation efforts and algal bloom mitigation. Hopkins traffic: Passenger traffic at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport dropped more than 4% in May as air travel demand softened nationwide. Susan Glaser reports the airport welcomed 894,115 passengers in May, a 4.4% decrease from the same month a year ago. Top Workplaces: For the 16th annual Top Workplaces rankings, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer partnered with Philadelphia-based Energage to rank the best places to work in 11 Northeast Ohio counties. Check out this year's rankings. |
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Teen killed: A 14-year-old boy, Dewayde Stewart, died after an accidental shooting on Cleveland's East Side. Olivia Mitchell reports a 17-year-old was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter after a firearm discharged in a vehicle, striking Stewart in the back. Fatal hit-skip: A woman died Saturday in a hit-and-run accident in Akron and police are seeking help in finding the driver. Police said officers are looking for a silver Chevrolet Malibu and believe the car has front-end damage, particularly to the headlight, hood and possibly the windshield. |
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Siren's Curse: The Siren's Curse – Cedar Point’s 19th roller coaster – opened to the public Saturday following a charity fundraiser Thursday evening and a season passholder preview event Friday. Susan Glaser gets riders' first impressions. Keith Urban: Keith Urban has long had a reputation as a great live act, and Friday night at Blossom, the 57 year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist-talent-competition-judge-Mr.Nicole-Kidman lived up to that rep by giving the seemingly sold-out amphitheater a good old-fashioned country-pop Rock & Roll show. Malcolm X Abram reviews the show. Diana Krall: Diana Krall cast a smoky, sultry and spellbinding glow over University Circle on Thursday night, delivering a sold-out performance at Severance Music Center. Peter Chakerian gives his review of the concert. Hot Dog Derby: The Guardians' Hot Dog Derby has become a beloved tradition at Progressive Field, featuring mascots Ketchup, Mustard, Onion, and Spicy Mustard racing to entertain fans. John Kuntz writes about the race's history, celebrity interactions and its significance beyond baseball games. Cleveland memorabilia: A collection of Cleveland-centric sports memorabilia is up for auction, including a 1925 program, LeBron James game-worn sneakers and signed Browns gear. Marc Bona highlights items spanning nearly 100 years of Cleveland sports history. Flowers and bread: Michael and Amanda Ferrari have created Ferrari Flours, a seasonal flower and bread cart that brings neighbors together in Bay Village. Paris Wolfe reports on how the couple's honor-system stand offers fresh-cut flowers, homemade sourdough, and unique items while fostering local connections. Wine selections: Seventeen Northeast Ohio restaurants have earned Wine Spectator awards for their exceptional wine lists and programs. Marc Bona reports that Ohio landed 43 entries this year, with Tartine Bistro among the notable winners continuing its tradition of excellence. Community: Sérénité Culinary Institute in Medina is restructuring its program, extending training to a full year and partnering with local businesses. Alex Darus highlights the nonprofit's mission to provide culinary training for individuals in recovery, with plans to reopen by late July or early August. Hospital fundraiser: Five Star Sensation, one of Northeast Ohio’s biggest fundraisers, brought together more than 1,100 people to sample the work of more than 50 chefs and vintners and raise more than $1.5 million. The money benefits University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Paris Wolfe reports. Classic CLE Eats: The Humphrey Co.'s popcorn and signature popcorn balls continue to evoke memories of Euclid Beach Park's legacy. Peter Chakerian writes about how these treats connect generations, bringing back sensory memories of Cleveland's beloved lakeside amusement park, which operated from 1895 to 1969. French cuisine: Edwins Restaurant in Cleveland Heights will host its annual La Bastille celebration on July 12, featuring Champagne, live music and French cuisine. Alex Darus reports the event supports the restaurant's culinary training program for formerly incarcerated individuals, with tickets starting at $175. House of the Week: Hemlock Haven, as the three-acre property in Russell Township is known, is tucked into a quiet corner of Geauga County but just minutes from Chagrin Falls, Joey Morona reports. Priced at $1.995 million, the home offers six bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a finished lower level, three-car garage, in-ground pool and even a guest house. |
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Plane crash in Northeast Ohio kills 6 people, reports say Read more Independence students explore Italy and Greece Read more Independence business non-profit calls for end to hustle culture Read more Proposal for 3 condos in Cedar-Fairmount district back on the table in Cleveland Heights Read more Northeast Ohio communities planning plenty of rockets-red-glare Independence Day celebrations Read more |
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