This week, Ohio lawmakers quietly rewrote the rules of the game — and in doing so, handed the Cleveland Browns a legal shortcut out of their lakefront lease. A last-minute tweak to the state budget would gut the “Art Modell Law,” the very statute the city of Cleveland is relying on in court to block the team’s move to Brook Park. The new language says the law only applies when teams try to leave Ohio, not just their home city. It also redefines a team’s expiring lease as official permission to bolt. In other words: Sorry, Cleveland — your fight might be over before the judge gets to rule. It’s a power move, and it was made without public debate. City and county leaders are furious. And whether or not you support the Browns’ relocation, you’ve got to ask: What’s the point of having laws if lawmakers can quietly rewrite them in the dead of night to help one side win? — Leila Atassi |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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The Modell Law blocks professional sports teams from leaving taxpayer-supported stadiums unless city officials OK the move or team owners give locals a chance to buy the team. (Courtesy HKS) |
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Browns Stadium: Ohio lawmakers have quietly modified the "Art Modell Law" to help the Browns potentially relocate to a new stadium in Brook Park. Jeremy Pelzer reports the new budget language would only impose limitations on teams leaving the state entirely, effectively clearing the way for the Browns' move. Lawsuit brewing: Two Democratic former state officials are preparing a class-action lawsuit against Ohio lawmakers' plan to use $600 million from the unclaimed property fund for a new Browns stadium, Jeremy Pelzer reports. The proposed lawsuit claims the move violates constitutional protections of private property. Hospital expansion: The Cleveland Clinic announced a $340 million building project that will nearly double the size of its Avon Hospital campus. Avon Hospital and the adjacent Richard E. Jacobs Family Health Center will expand and a parking garage will be added to the campus, with construction beginning next year, Julie Washington reports. Today in Ohio: A judge just threw a grenade into Ohio’s school voucher system, ruling EdChoice unconstitutional and arguing that it creates a separate, unequal system that siphons money from public schools. On Today in Ohio, we’re talking about the explosive decision out of Franklin County court and what happens next. |
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State budget: Major tax cuts and policy changes, including a flat 2.75% income tax rate and $1 billion in private school funding, are part of Ohio’s new state budget, Anna Staver reports. The budget is headed to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk after clearing the legislature Wednesday with only Republican support, Staver reports. School board: Ohio lawmakers have proposed reducing the state school board from 19 to five governor-appointed members, eliminating elected positions and geographic districts. Laura Hancock reports this change completes a state takeover of educational policy that began two years ago. Red Ohio: Ohio is no longer a swing state, according to Vice President JD Vance. He declared Ohio a solidly Republican state during a fundraising dinner, crediting grassroots activists for turning the state "red," Sabrina Eaton reports. Amy Acton: Dr. Amy Acton painted a stark picture of Ohio’s challenges while positioning herself as the “lifelong public servant” prepared to tackle them Wednesday as she made her case for governor to the City Club of Cleveland, Mary Frances McGowan reports. Peace Prize: Sabrina Eaton reports that U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno wants the Senate to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. The resolution comes after Trump's bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities and his apparent obsession with winning the award. |
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Justice Center: The cooling system at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center began working again, with temperatures stabilizing throughout the building, Olivia Mitchell reports. E-bike rules: Avon Lake City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance updating the city’s bicycle regulations to include e-bikes, addressing safety concerns as e-bikes become increasingly popular in the community. Hannah Drown reports the legislation was fast-tracked due to safety concerns and complaints from residents about improper e-bike usage. Summer gardening tips: Susan Brownstein writes about helping raised bed gardens survive extreme summer weather in Northeast Ohio, offering advice on watering, mulching and plant care during unpredictable conditions. |
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Lawsuit settlement: DialAmerica will pay $85,000 to settle an EEOC lawsuit after allegedly firing a Black woman under false pretenses. Adam Ferrise reports the company's settlement includes back pay and damages for wrongful termination. Frontier Airlines: Has the new Frontier Airlines crew base at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport improved overall service for the carrier? Susan Glaser reports there are signs the carrier is starting to turn things around – both nationally and in Cleveland. Senior housing: Wallick Communities seeks Cleveland Planning Commission approval for Wade Park Station, a three-story, 40-unit senior housing development in Glenville. Megan Sims reports the project will offer modern amenities and has secured nearly $2.75 million in state funding. |
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Murder-suicide: Two individuals were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at a Maple Heights residence. Pauline Lucky was discovered with a single gunshot wound to the chest while Derrick Maynard appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Murder plea: A man already serving a prison sentence for rape, kidnapping and other charges pleaded guilty Wednesday to the 2016 murder of an Akron resident outside a barbershop, Cliff Pinckard reports. Legal battle: The Ohio Supreme Court will decide whether Leander Bissell's actions constitute murder or involuntary manslaughter in the 2022 death of firefighter Johnny Tetrick. David Gambino reports that the case hinges on whether Bissell acted "knowingly" versus "recklessly" when he sped through an accident scene. Fatal standoff: A suspect was shot to death after a four-hour standoff at Interstate 480 and Tiedeman Road on Tuesday, authorities said. An innocent bystander in the incident, a 62-year-old Westlake man, died in a crash that occurred during a chase prior to the standoff, Lucas Daprile reports. |
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Film festival: The Cleveland International Film Festival held its 49th edition in March, but a recent report portrayed an organization in crisis and raised doubts about whether the event will make it to its 50th anniversary next year, Joey Morona reports. A cool location: Looking for a place to stay cool during summer's heat? Susan Glaser writes about her visit to Seneca Caverns in nearby Bellevue, Ohio, where the temperature is 54 degrees all year round. James Taylor: James Taylor and fans braved a heatwave Tuesday for a night of classic folk, pop and gentle rock music at Blossom Music Center, Malcolm X Abram reports. The 2000 Rock Hall inductee entered the stage with no fanfare, resplendent in a blue sport coat, blue golf shirt, gray slacks and a hat, making him look like the cool, beloved administrator every student wants their parents to meet at school functions. Rider's Inn: After a conflict-ridden relationship between the landlord and tenant, Rider’s Inn in Painesville is completely in the hands of owner Elaine Crane. Crane, who has owned the inn since 1989, is now searching for new tenants for the 213-year-old stagecoach stop, Paris Wolfe reports. Bourbon collaboration: Maker’s Mark has released an exclusive line of custom craft bourbon blends inspired by three James Beard-nominated chefs from Ohio, including Cordelia’s Vinnie Cimino. The three limited-edition expressions were created by Cimino, Chef Avishar Barua from Columbus and Chef José Salazar from Cincinnati, reports Alex Darus. |
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County Board of Elections verifies voter petitions for mayoral recall in Cleveland Heights Read more Billy Sullivan: From Brook Park garage bands to touring with rock legends Read more Parma flamingo thieves sentenced in most recent statue theft Read more Avon Lake considers freeze on new short-term rentals amid housing, noise concerns Read more Medina approves design services for uptown loop path, road project Read more Medina City Council donates $12K to Medina County SPCA Read more It will cost you more this fall to spend a day at the Medina Community Recreation Center Read more Blowing off fireworks in Brooklyn this July 4? Be ready to clean up your mess Read more |
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