Cleveland boasted one of the original eight WNBA teams when the league began in 1997. In their seven-year existence, the Rockers had four winning seasons, two losing ones and one .500 year. They made the playoffs four times and won a conference title in 1998. But the team folded after the 2003 season when Gordon Gund, also the then-owner of the Cavs, could not find a new owner. Twenty-two years later, the current Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, is investing in an expansion team, just as the league is experiencing a confluence of increased popularity and revenue. WBNA teams are jumping in value. Talented young stars like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have become celebrities, attracting fans to women’s basketball overall. There’s also an 11-year media rights deal for the WNBA that will feature partnerships with Disney, Amazon Prime Video and NBCUniversal. "Right now,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told Ashley Bastock, “the demand is insatiable.” — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Partly sunny |
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, center, stands on stage with the draftees during the 2025 WNBA Draft. Cleveland was awarded the league's 16th team Monday. (AFP via Getty Images) |
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WNBA: The WNBA announced Monday that it is awarding Cleveland the league’s 16th franchise. Ashley Bastock reports the team will begin playing in the 2028 season, nearly 25 years after the last game was played by the Cleveland Rockers. DeWine signs budget: More than $1 billion in income tax cuts are headed to Ohioans, but whether you see any of that money will depend on how much you earn. Anna Staver reports the tax cut was included in the state’s two-year operating budget signed by Gov. Mike DeWine at 11:15 p.m. Monday. The budget also includes $600 million for a new Browns stadium in Brook Park, Jeremy Pelzer reports. Today in Ohio: At 1:30 a.m., with zero public discussion, state legislators added provisions to keep their communication secret and give political appointees more power over teachers pensions. We’re talking about sleazy lawmaking — illegal under Ohio’s one-subject rule for legislation — on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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Unemployment ruling: An Ohio appeals court panel has upheld a lower-court ruling requiring Gov. Mike DeWine to seek and distribute $900 million in special federal coronavirus unemployment benefits that he declined in 2021. Jeremy Pelzer reports Monday’s ruling by the 10th District Court of Appeals sided with plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit demanding that DeWine take and distribute the money to about 320,000 Ohioans eligible for the $300-per-week payments. Labor appointment: Jeremiah Workman, a decorated Marine veteran, has been nominated by a Senate committee to serve as the Department of Labor's assistant secretary for veterans employment and training. Sabrina Eaton reports the nomination, which passed, 13-10, would put Workman in charge of administering over $300 million in veteran support programs. Reproductive rights: House Bill 370 seeks to define legal personhood at fertilization and potentially criminalize abortion despite the 2023 constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights. Mary Frances McGowan reports the legislation could threaten access to IVF and contraceptive care, challenging the will of Ohio voters. Stadium deals: While the Browns pursue a $2.4 billion "luxury" venue, Today in Ohio podcast hosts highlight the stark contrast between Cleveland and Cincinnati's stadium financing approaches. The podcast reveals the Bengals' more modest $470 million renovation plan. Hidden communication: Ohio lawmakers secretly inserted provisions into the budget to keep their communications hidden to exempt text messages and emails from public records laws. The Today in Ohio podcast hosts say the late-night addition circumvents transparency and public oversight. |
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I-X Center: The I-X Center's signature events will host one final appearance before potentially closing, with uncertainty surrounding the facility's future. Sean McDonnell reports that a Fortune 100 company is interested in the building, potentially ending the event space's operations. Training fraud: A job training provider, By Leaps and Bounds, is accused of defrauding Cuyahoga County's workforce program and might face criminal charges. Kaitlin Durbin reports the company charged maximum reimbursements for training services it allegedly never provided. Victims assistance: Cleveland residents are rallying to support dozens of families affected by last week’s explosion at Garden Valley Apartments through a community giveaway event today, Olivia Mitchell reports. The free distribution will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the Rainbow Terrace Head Start, a daycare located at 7255 Garden Valley Ave. Hopkins anniversary: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will celebrate its 100th anniversary at 10:30 a.m. today with a World War II-era C-47 aircraft flyby. Susan Glaser reports on the historic aircraft's significance and the week-long centennial festivities. Lorain traffic: Hannah Drown highlights the Lorain County Sheriff's Office launching a Fourth of July traffic safety campaign to reduce crashes, focusing on curbing dangerous driving behaviors from Thursday to Sunday. |
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Fireworks safety: Eight Americans died and nearly 10,000 were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2023, with children under 15 accounting for 31% of cases. Julie Washington highlights safety tips and statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report. Housing project: KeyBank is providing $33.7 million toward a planned Glenville affordable housing project, Megan Sims reports. Churchill Gateway II is phase two of an anchor development along the East 105th Street corridor headed by NRP Group. The project will feature 70 one-, two- and three-bedroom units located at 10700 Churchill Avenue. |
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Cleveland shooting: A 46-year-old woman was killed and a 15-year-old girl injured in a shooting on Cleveland's East Side. Olivia Mitchell reports police are investigating the incident, with no arrests made and details about the victims' relationship still unknown. Police chase: A police chase that began early Saturday morning in Parma Heights ended in a crash in Cleveland, as a driver attempted to evade officers through several suburbs, Olivia Mitchell reports. Life sentence: A man who lured a 74-year-old man to a Strongsville park and killed him was sentenced Monday to life in prison. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge William Vodrey said Viktor Marie Vendler of Maple Heights will get a first chance at parole in 21 years. Barbershop shooting: A man already being held in prison for other crimes was sentenced Monday to at least an additional 24 years for a fatal shooting outside an Akron barbershop in 2016, Cliff Pinckard reports. |
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National anthem: For nearly every year since 2010 or so, Lucas Daprile has been a fixture at the Fourth of July parade in Lakeside, playing the national anthem on his guitar from the back of his father's truck. But Daprile admits that this year he has has mixed feelings about playing the song and what it now means. Unique weddings: Akron Municipal Court offers a unique wedding experience with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile as a backdrop, Megan Becka reports, providing couples a chance to tie the knot with free hot dogs and a memorable photo opportunity. Akron celebration: Akron prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary with a three-day festival, fireworks and a downtown parade. Megan Becka writes about the city's bicentennial festivities. Flower Barn: Hixson's Flower Barn collection, featuring 25,000 Christmas ornaments and White House decorations, will be auctioned on July 19. Paris Wolfe reports the sale includes Bill Hixson's personal collection and legacy from his renowned holiday business. CLE Opera: Cleveland's Italian Cultural Garden will host a free summer opera event on July 27, featuring Cleveland Opera and ballet dancers, reports Paris Wolfe. Pope performance: Cleveland Institute of Music pianist Gabriela Montero was invited to perform for Pope Leo XIV in Rome during a special concert. Peter Chakerian reports on her unique musical experience and audience with the pontiff. Laughing Bomb: John Christ Winery in Avon Lake is undergoing a transformation with the launch of Laughing Bomb Brewery by new owners Zech and Brittney Laughbaum. Rodger Roeser writes about the winery's reimagining and family-focused approach. KRS-One: Hip hop icon KRS-One will perform at Akron's Lock 3 Park on July 26, bringing his influential music to the stage. Malcolm X Abram highlights the show featuring the legendary MC and special guests. Coffee shop: Ebreeq, a new Yemeni coffee shop, opens in Cleveland's Public Square, bringing traditional coffee preparation and cultural heritage. Paris Wolfe reports on the shop's unique approach to serving premium, hand-picked coffee. |
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Open-air market coming to The Bank in Rocky River Read more Shaker City Council donates $102,000 for community playground at Ludlow Pre-K Read more Medina Library hosts watercolor exhibit featuring artist’s sketch-to-finish process Read more Solon’s new fire chief aims to build trust, boost wellness and plan for the future Read more North Olmsted to add Flock cameras at Community Park Read more Jams of all kinds: Seven Hills Farmers Market opens July 10 Read more 15-love: Mother Nature takes lead at recently wind-damaged Parma Heights tennis courts Read more |
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