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The wall colors primed to take over next year

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Scientists discover hairy-legged, red-eyed "nightmare fuel" sea spiders

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The senators spending the most on flights

Politics & Policy

A letter to our kids: It's your time

AI 101: Explaining AI to anyone

More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland

Las Vegas has historically been one of Hopkins' most popular nonstop destinations.

Travel

Northeast Ohio travelers will have more ways to reach Las Vegas when United Airlines <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandairport.com/about-cle/news-press/united-expands-cle-service-las-vegas-and-miami" data-vars-content-id="ef5b6e5d-8410-4ce8-aae6-d770ff245f39" data-vars-headline="More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandairport.com/about-cle/news-press/united-expands-cle-service-las-vegas-and-miami" target="_blank">launches</a> year-round nonstop service Thursday between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleveland Hopkins International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/17/hopkins-jdpower-2026-ranking-airport" data-vars-content-id="ef5b6e5d-8410-4ce8-aae6-d770ff245f39" data-vars-headline="More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/17/hopkins-jdpower-2026-ranking-airport" target="_self">Cleveland Hopkins International Airport</a> and Sin City.Why it matters: The addition fills a gap left by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spirit Airlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/02/spirit-airlines-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="ef5b6e5d-8410-4ce8-aae6-d770ff245f39" data-vars-headline="More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/02/spirit-airlines-shutdown" target="_self">Spirit Airlines</a>, which long provided cheap Cleveland-to-Vegas flights before the carrier ceased operations in May.

Bidding Cleveland's Sachsenheim adieu 

The cultural hall in the Stockyards neighborhood is shutting down Sept. 27 due to mounting repair costs

Food and Drink

The best thing I drank this week was a liter of Warsteiner at Sachsenheim. Why it matters: In all likelihood, it&#x27;ll be the last big mug of German beer I&#x27;ll enjoy at the cultural hall in the Stockyards neighborhood.

Chef Rocco Whalen's Cleveland picks for Panthers fans

The Fahrenheit chef dishes on his favorite local haunts ahead of Sunday's matchup with Carolina.

Carolina Panthers fans descending on Cleveland for Sunday&#x27;s Browns game have a hometown connection to help plan their weekend.State of play: Chef Rocco Whalen, who operates Fahrenheit restaurants in both Cleveland and Charlotte, shared his favorite Cleveland haunts with Axios.

Cleveland's restaurant renaissance spreads

National recognition is increasingly landing beyond downtown's restaurant core.

Cleveland continues to earn a seat at the national dining table — with the praise being passed around.Why it matters: National recognition from the James Beard Foundation, New York Times, Bon Appétit and others is increasingly landing beyond downtown&#x27;s restaurant core.<ul><li>That wider spotlight can draw diners — and their dollars — into more neighborhoods.</li></ul>

What Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's $5.3M buys in Cleveland vs. America

Roughly $5 million buys luxury almost anywhere. Around Cleveland, it can buy an estate.

Real Estate

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northeast Ohio mansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/02/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-bratenahl-estate" data-vars-content-id="ff2ee422-b3ea-4c3a-9aa5-8c00fbdcc5aa" data-vars-headline="What Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce&#x27;s $5.3M buys in Cleveland vs. America" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/02/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-bratenahl-estate" target="_self">Northeast Ohio mansion</a> comes with something even their massive fortune can&#x27;t easily buy elsewhere — a whole lot of house.Why it matters: The couple&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$5.35 million Bratenahl estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/travis-kelce-ohio-home-550ef5fc?st=7AbJiL&amp;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" data-vars-content-id="ff2ee422-b3ea-4c3a-9aa5-8c00fbdcc5aa" data-vars-headline="What Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce&#x27;s $5.3M buys in Cleveland vs. America" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/travis-kelce-ohio-home-550ef5fc?st=7AbJiL&amp;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" target="_blank">$5.35 million Bratenahl estate</a> shows how much further <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="luxury home dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/10/luxury-homes-northeast-ohio-metro-sale" data-vars-content-id="ff2ee422-b3ea-4c3a-9aa5-8c00fbdcc5aa" data-vars-headline="What Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce&#x27;s $5.3M buys in Cleveland vs. America" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/10/luxury-homes-northeast-ohio-metro-sale" target="_self">luxury home dollars</a> stretch in Cleveland than in some of America&#x27;s priciest cities.

Cleveland home prices keep climbing

The area's median home sale price hit $279,000 in July, up 4.1% from a year ago.

Buying a house in Cleveland isn&#x27;t as cheap as it used to be.Why it matters: Cleveland remains one of the country&#x27;s most affordable big housing markets, but years of steady price increases are chipping away at that advantage.

Guards-White Sox is September baseball at its finest

Chicago comes to Progressive Field Monday for a pivotal three-game homestand.

Sports

The Guardians&#x27; biggest series of the season begins Monday, when the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox arrive at Progressive Field for a three-game homestand. Why it matters: September baseball is electric in Cleveland once again! <ul><li>The Guards have been nipping at the Sox&#x27;s heels for weeks and still hold the American League&#x27;s final wild-card spot, so the series has implications on two playoff fronts.</li></ul>

Build your own Browns season

How will the Browns' 2026 season play out?

The Browns have tried <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="just about everything" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/08/24/cleveland-browns-deshaun-watson-starter-quarterback" data-vars-content-id="866332ed-245c-467e-9ec5-365db0171e2a" data-vars-headline="Build your own Browns season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/08/24/cleveland-browns-deshaun-watson-starter-quarterback" target="_self">just about everything</a> to build a winner — now it&#x27;s your turn.State of play: Cleveland heads to Jacksonville for Sunday&#x27;s season opener with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new head coach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/28/browns-hire-todd-monken-head-coach" data-vars-content-id="866332ed-245c-467e-9ec5-365db0171e2a" data-vars-headline="Build your own Browns season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/28/browns-hire-todd-monken-head-coach" target="_self">new head coach</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new-look roster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/01/myles-garrett-trade-browns-los-angeles-rams" data-vars-content-id="866332ed-245c-467e-9ec5-365db0171e2a" data-vars-headline="Build your own Browns season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/01/myles-garrett-trade-browns-los-angeles-rams" target="_self">new-look roster</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quarterback controversy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/08/05/browns-quarterback-decision-sanders-watson" data-vars-content-id="866332ed-245c-467e-9ec5-365db0171e2a" data-vars-headline="Build your own Browns season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/08/05/browns-quarterback-decision-sanders-watson" target="_self">quarterback controversy</a>.

From New York to London: Ranking Taylor Swift's city songs

Her new song "Cleveland!" arrives on the expanded "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore."

Music

Taylor Swift is about to put <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleveland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/02/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-bratenahl-estate" data-vars-content-id="98cdf127-29ce-488c-a9b3-ef2262fc3f11" data-vars-headline="From New York to London: Ranking Taylor Swift&#x27;s city songs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/02/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-bratenahl-estate" target="_self">Cleveland</a> on her musical map.State of play: Swift will debut the song &quot;Cleveland!&quot; as a bonus track on the expanded &quot;The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore&quot; on Friday.

How Cleveland helped launch Rush's legendary career

Rush returns to Cleveland for shows Rocket Arena.

Before &quot;Tom Sawyer,&quot; &quot;2112,&quot; arena shows and the Rock Hall, Rush was a little-known Canadian band playing a $3 show at the Agora.Why it matters: Legendary Cleveland radio station WMMS helped launch the band&#x27;s American career — a relationship immortalized in a remarkable concert broadcast from Aug. 26, 1974.

RTA sales tax increase may head to the ballot box

Board members will decide whether to seek the agency's first sales tax increase since 1975.

Transit

The RTA board is expected to decide Tuesday whether to ask Cuyahoga County voters for the agency&#x27;s first sales tax increase in more than 50 years.Why it matters: Without new revenue, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transit officials say RTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/25/rta-service-cuts-tax-2026" data-vars-content-id="20807b59-5886-4e2b-992e-fc83f6beec84" data-vars-headline="RTA sales tax increase may head to the ballot box" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/25/rta-service-cuts-tax-2026" target="_self">transit officials say RTA</a> will have to begin incrementally cutting service. <ul><li>With it, the agency says it can expand bus and rail service while avoiding a looming fiscal cliff.</li></ul>

Ohio Democrats challenge FBI over Cleveland raid

A new letter seeks records and an explanation for the investigation into the Ohio Organizing Collaborative.

News

U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown and four other Democratic members of Ohio&#x27;s congressional delegation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sent a letter Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://shontelbrown.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/shontelbrown.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/oh-dem-delegation-to-fbi-re-ohio-organizing-collaborative.pdf" data-vars-content-id="51fa6619-e8a0-4fb6-aa0b-11117321e66d" data-vars-headline="Ohio Democrats challenge FBI over Cleveland raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shontelbrown.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/shontelbrown.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/oh-dem-delegation-to-fbi-re-ohio-organizing-collaborative.pdf" target="_blank">sent a letter Wednesday</a> to FBI leaders demanding details about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week&#x27;s raid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/fbi-raid-voter-id-ohio" data-vars-content-id="51fa6619-e8a0-4fb6-aa0b-11117321e66d" data-vars-headline="Ohio Democrats challenge FBI over Cleveland raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/fbi-raid-voter-id-ohio" target="_self">last week&#x27;s raid</a> of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative.Why it matters: Brown and her colleagues are concerned that the still-unexplained federal investigation could chill voter registration and civic engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Cleveland Orchestra musicians go on strike

The walkout has canceled two concerts and puts an upcoming European tour in jeopardy as negotiations continue.

Culture

The musicians at one of the world&#x27;s preeminent orchestras are now on strike.Why it matters: The Cleveland Orchestra musicians&#x27; walkout after a performance Thursday night imperils the start of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026–27 season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/16/orchestra-opens-final-welser-most-season-strike" data-vars-content-id="1bb0368d-62bf-485c-89e4-3e020ae1cd6e" data-vars-headline="Cleveland Orchestra musicians go on strike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/16/orchestra-opens-final-welser-most-season-strike" target="_self">2026–27 season</a>, including an upcoming European tour.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Cleveland

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="4d62396c-9972-4285-96f6-21906a355413" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Cleveland&#x27;s Ohio City neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Browns home opener: An emotional timeline

Predicting your unofficial itinerary for Sunday's home game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Dawg Pound is gearing up once again for the most exhausting four hours of the week.Why it matters: Cleveland plays its home opener at 1pm Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, meaning the emotional roller coaster known as Browns fandom is back in town for another season.

Navigating Ohio's political ad overload

Six more weeks of this? Just let me watch football.

Politics

We&#x27;re in the midst of the September <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political ads spending spree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/29/ohio-political-ads-brown-husted-acton-ramaswamy-2026" data-vars-content-id="8186cd0e-7221-4058-a0e1-24c57b1e00f8" data-vars-headline="Navigating Ohio&#x27;s political ad overload" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/29/ohio-political-ads-brown-husted-acton-ramaswamy-2026" target="_self">political ads spending spree</a> — and it&#x27;s driving me insane.State of play: I can&#x27;t watch my favorite shows without hearing claims about former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown&#x27;s age or Republican Sen. Jon Husted&#x27;s relationship with data centers.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's new sign is ready for selfies

It replaces the popular, red "Long Live Rock" sign that was removed in May.

The Rock Hall has unveiled new signage, with the words &quot;Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame&quot; now stretching across the museum&#x27;s outdoor, front plaza in big block letters.It replaces the popular, red &quot;Long Live Rock&quot; sign <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="removed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/16/rock-hall-expansion-three-year-cycle-inductions" data-vars-content-id="10886f70-fbb1-4476-8333-192aaeb04fbc" data-vars-headline="Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame&#x27;s new sign is ready for selfies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/16/rock-hall-expansion-three-year-cycle-inductions" target="_self">removed</a> in May.

CMSD's top academic officer is leaving

Selena Florence will depart at the end of September amid the district's Building Brighter Futures overhaul.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CMSD&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/21/cmsd-2026-report-card" data-vars-content-id="48d34d99-5478-44d7-911d-984056fc2fbe" data-vars-headline="CMSD&#x27;s top academic officer is leaving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/21/cmsd-2026-report-card" target="_self">CMSD&#x27;s</a> top academic officer is leaving the district just weeks into the first school year of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping consolidation." data-vars-click-url="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cmsd-board-approves-restructuring-plan-for-2026-2027-school-year" data-vars-content-id="48d34d99-5478-44d7-911d-984056fc2fbe" data-vars-headline="CMSD&#x27;s top academic officer is leaving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cmsd-board-approves-restructuring-plan-for-2026-2027-school-year" target="_blank">sweeping consolidation.</a>Why it matters: Selena Florence oversees CMSD&#x27;s academic division, including teaching and learning, schools and student services. She has been a key architect of the district&#x27;s academic strategy since joining CEO Warren Morgan&#x27;s administration in 2023.

My 2012 Ford Focus is on life support

Keeping an old car alive is getting harder — but more common — amid rising vehicle prices.

My 2012 Ford Focus — a notorious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;PowerShift&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27438193/ford-powershift-transmission-problems/" data-vars-content-id="3686a758-2a4f-4d62-8854-8d9160c064da" data-vars-headline="My 2012 Ford Focus is on life support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27438193/ford-powershift-transmission-problems/" target="_blank">&quot;PowerShift&quot;</a> model that feels like it&#x27;s been in decline since I bought it from a friend in 2019 — is now approaching hospice territory.Why it matters: Like the rest of the economy, the car market right now is a hellscape for budget-conscious consumers.

Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts

Residents checked out more than 13 items per person in fiscal 2024.

Ohio leads the nation in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public library borrowing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" data-vars-content-id="682eaa48-82fa-4c1d-93b1-c2d49119652f" data-vars-headline="Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" target="_self">public library borrowing</a>, with residents having checked out more than 13 items per person in FY 2024, according to newly released federal data.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s library habit isn&#x27;t new. The state has consistently ranked near the top nationally for circulation, including ranking No. 1 in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2015" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/plsfy2015.pdf" data-vars-content-id="682eaa48-82fa-4c1d-93b1-c2d49119652f" data-vars-headline="Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/plsfy2015.pdf" target="_blank">2015</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2016" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/public-libraries-united-states-survey-fiscal-year-2016.pdf" data-vars-content-id="682eaa48-82fa-4c1d-93b1-c2d49119652f" data-vars-headline="Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/public-libraries-united-states-survey-fiscal-year-2016.pdf" target="_blank">2016</a> and No. 2 in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2017" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/plsfy17volume2.pdf" data-vars-content-id="682eaa48-82fa-4c1d-93b1-c2d49119652f" data-vars-headline="Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/plsfy17volume2.pdf" target="_blank">2017</a>.

Hopkins is back to the bottom of the barrel

JD Power places CLE 14th among 14 midsize airports nationwide.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has been ranked last among midsize airports in JD Power&#x27;s annual customer satisfaction survey.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Familiar territory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/09/18/cleveland-hopkins-ranks-last-among-midsize-airports-jd-power" data-vars-content-id="20880658-207e-4426-aa5b-3e5edf72e1b5" data-vars-headline="Hopkins is back to the bottom of the barrel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/09/18/cleveland-hopkins-ranks-last-among-midsize-airports-jd-power" target="_self">Familiar territory</a>, in other words. </li></ul>Why it matters: Cleveland&#x27;s woeful standings in passenger surveys like this one, which measure traveler satisfaction with facilities, personnel, retail offerings and ease of travel, illustrate the urgency of its comprehensive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.6 billion overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/01/hopkins-airport-project-clevolution-gold-lot" data-vars-content-id="20880658-207e-4426-aa5b-3e5edf72e1b5" data-vars-headline="Hopkins is back to the bottom of the barrel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/01/hopkins-airport-project-clevolution-gold-lot" target="_self">$1.6 billion overhaul</a>.

Northeast Ohio haunted houses to visit this fall

Several of the region's scariest sites open this weekend.

It may not be October yet, but scary season has arrived.State of play: Several of Northeast Ohio&#x27;s most popular haunted houses open this weekend.

Three sports alternatives to the Browns this weekend 

Live events in Cleveland without the emotional angst

If you prefer to consume Cleveland sports without psychic trauma or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deshaun Watson storylines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/08/24/cleveland-browns-deshaun-watson-starter-quarterback" data-vars-content-id="2913d8eb-205e-44b9-acc1-be4bffd546ae" data-vars-headline="Three sports alternatives to the Browns this weekend " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/08/24/cleveland-browns-deshaun-watson-starter-quarterback" target="_self">Deshaun Watson storylines</a>, this weekend offers a bounty of options. 🥊 Go ringside: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="USA Boxing National Open" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usaboxing.org/2026-usa-boxing-national-open" data-vars-content-id="2913d8eb-205e-44b9-acc1-be4bffd546ae" data-vars-headline="Three sports alternatives to the Browns this weekend " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usaboxing.org/2026-usa-boxing-national-open" target="_blank">USA Boxing National Open</a> begins at Public Auditorium Saturday, bringing Olympic-style boxers of all ages to Cleveland for a national ranking tournament running through Oct. 3.

The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards return Friday

Nonfiction winner Bench Ansfield tells us winning the prestigious Cleveland literary prize feels "completely surreal."

The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards return to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maltz Performing Arts Center" data-vars-click-url="https://case.edu/maltzcenter/calendar-events/concerts-events-silver-hall/anisfield-wolf-book-awards-2026" data-vars-content-id="fcec37c7-b32a-465b-8c76-bdf129b8983c" data-vars-headline="The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards return Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://case.edu/maltzcenter/calendar-events/concerts-events-silver-hall/anisfield-wolf-book-awards-2026" target="_blank">Maltz Performing Arts Center</a> Friday for the annual celebration of literature confronting racism and diversity.Driving the news: This year&#x27;s winners include poet Gbenga Adesina, memoirist Sarah Aziza, fiction writer Carrie R. Moore and historian Nell Irvin Painter, who&#x27;s receiving a lifetime achievement award.

Cleveland Orchestra opens final Welser-Möst season amid strike threat

The orchestra opens the season with Richard Strauss' "Four Last Songs."

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Cleveland Orchestra" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/23/new-york-times-cleveland-orchestra" data-vars-content-id="836ac124-ad46-4c8d-9641-5c58c439cfc0" data-vars-headline="Cleveland Orchestra opens final Welser-Möst season amid strike threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/23/new-york-times-cleveland-orchestra" target="_self">The Cleveland Orchestra</a> opens one of the most consequential seasons in its history this week — celebrating the end of an era while navigating a labor dispute that could interrupt it.Why it matters: The 2026-27 season is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Franz Welser-Möst&#x27;s 25th and final year" data-vars-click-url="https://clevelandmagazine.com/articles/franz-welser-moest-s-finale-the-cleveland-orchestra-s-longest-serving-music-director-begins-his-farewell-season/" data-vars-content-id="836ac124-ad46-4c8d-9641-5c58c439cfc0" data-vars-headline="Cleveland Orchestra opens final Welser-Möst season amid strike threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clevelandmagazine.com/articles/franz-welser-moest-s-finale-the-cleveland-orchestra-s-longest-serving-music-director-begins-his-farewell-season/" target="_blank">Franz Welser-Möst&#x27;s 25th and final year</a> as music director, capping the longest tenure by a conductor in the orchestra&#x27;s history.

Cleveland's growing mural scene takes over downtown

Murals have become a bigger piece of Cleveland's placemaking strategy.

Downtown is getting a serious splash of color, with two massive murals adding to the city&#x27;s growing collection of public art.Why it matters: Cleveland has increasingly embraced murals as more than decoration — using them to enliven streets, create destinations and, in one case, even make downtown safer.

Downtown's grocery problem is complicated

Residents mourn Heinen's while acknowledging many traveled elsewhere for shopping trips.

Downtown Cleveland residents are distraught after the recent closure of the world&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most beautiful grocery store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/20/heinens-downtown-grocery-store-closure" data-vars-content-id="dd361c13-b79c-47f2-90dc-52714ca11cdc" data-vars-headline="Downtown&#x27;s grocery problem is complicated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/20/heinens-downtown-grocery-store-closure" target="_self">most beautiful grocery store</a>. Why it matters: Heinen&#x27;s departure exposes a tension in downtown living. Residents desperately want a full-service supermarket, but many admit they travel to the West Side Market or the suburbs for their primary weekly shopping, due to parking and accessibility.

Nearly 1 in 6 Northeast Ohioans faces food insecurity as SNAP changes loom

Greater Cleveland Food Bank plans to build a new resource center on Cleveland's west side.

Health

Nearly 300,000 residents in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greater Cleveland Food Bank&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/" data-vars-content-id="df8b2dc0-81d4-40df-ab63-f7ea093f37ae" data-vars-headline="Nearly 1 in 6 Northeast Ohioans faces food insecurity as SNAP changes loom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/" target="_blank">Greater Cleveland Food Bank&#x27;s</a> service area struggled to consistently access enough food in 2024, a new report shows.Why it matters: Rising <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food insecurity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/06/food-insecurity-united-states" data-vars-content-id="df8b2dc0-81d4-40df-ab63-f7ea093f37ae" data-vars-headline="Nearly 1 in 6 Northeast Ohioans faces food insecurity as SNAP changes loom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/06/food-insecurity-united-states" target="_self">food insecurity</a> is putting more pressure on Northeast Ohio&#x27;s safety net just as looming federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program changes could shift millions in new costs to the state.

Great Lakes Brewing Co. heading to Pittsburgh airport

Cleveland's hometown brewery is bringing its beers and brewpub-inspired menu to PA travelers this fall.

Cleveland&#x27;s Great Lakes Brewing Co. plans to open a bar at Pittsburgh International Airport later this year.Why it matters: The location marks the brewery&#x27;s first airport location in Pennsylvania, where Great Lakes has distributed its beer since 1999.

Bidding Cleveland's most beautiful grocery store adieu

After 11 years and $18 million in losses, the downtown Heinen's era draws to a close.

We visited the downtown Heinen&#x27;s last week to pay our respects. Why it matters: The announced closure of Cleveland&#x27;s most beautiful and architecturally significant supermarket has rocked downtown residents and office workers. <ul><li>And it underscores the financial challenges of the grocery business in the urban core.</li></ul>

Cleveland councilman targets TownHall liquor license

Austin Davis says owner Bobby George's felony conviction should disqualify permit at one of Ohio City's most polarizing destinations.

Cleveland City Councilman Austin Davis is asking the state to reject TownHall&#x27;s liquor license renewal, citing owner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bobby George&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/08/14/bobby-george-bond-set-at-200000-charges-attempted-murder-rape-kidnapping" data-vars-content-id="d8a84d40-6438-448c-94b8-8e19de93f295" data-vars-headline="Cleveland councilman targets TownHall liquor license" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/08/14/bobby-george-bond-set-at-200000-charges-attempted-murder-rape-kidnapping" target="_self">Bobby George&#x27;s</a> recent felony conviction.Why it matters: Under Ohio law, the Division of Liquor Control may deny a permit renewal if a felony conviction is reasonably related to a business owner&#x27;s fitness to hold a liquor license.

Cleveland launches crisis response bureau

The new EMS unit will send health professionals to some behavioral health emergencies instead of police.

Cleveland is launching a new bureau designed to send unarmed health professionals instead of police to behavioral health and substance-use emergencies.Why it matters: Creating the Community Crisis Response Bureau, housed within EMS, was the primary aim of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tanisha&#x27;s Law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/12/11/tanishas-law-city-council-mayor-bibb" data-vars-content-id="6f6d2016-7891-4a67-97fc-2514a5b6e71a" data-vars-headline="Cleveland launches crisis response bureau" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/12/11/tanishas-law-city-council-mayor-bibb" target="_self">Tanisha&#x27;s Law</a> that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passed in February" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-02-02/cleveland-city-council-passes-tanishas-law-expanding-nonpolice-response-to-mental-health-crises" data-vars-content-id="6f6d2016-7891-4a67-97fc-2514a5b6e71a" data-vars-headline="Cleveland launches crisis response bureau" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-02-02/cleveland-city-council-passes-tanishas-law-expanding-nonpolice-response-to-mental-health-crises" target="_blank">passed in February</a>.<ul><li>It represents a big shift in how Cleveland handles nonviolent crisis calls.</li></ul>

Cleveland seeks public input on data centers

Three hearings will help shape new regulations as a temporary moratorium on development nears expiration.

Cleveland City Council will hold three upcoming public hearings to solicit resident feedback on future data center development.State of play: The council passed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three-month moratorium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/29/cleveland-data-center-moratorium" data-vars-content-id="6e54f455-896d-4bf1-86cb-cae9e1a88522" data-vars-headline="Cleveland seeks public input on data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/29/cleveland-data-center-moratorium" target="_self">three-month moratorium</a> on new data center permits in July. That expires Oct. 20, but could be extended if regulations aren&#x27;t in place by then.

Cleveland wins $2 million grant for 200 East Side homes

State funding is part of Mayor Justin Bibb's broader push for development on the East Side

Cleveland will receive a $2 million state grant to help build 200 homes in a new East Side housing district.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Justin Bibb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/09/cleveland-housing-innovation-district-east-side" data-vars-content-id="5da7ab7a-433f-47ed-82d9-e61b0323fb7c" data-vars-headline="Cleveland wins $2 million grant for 200 East Side homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/09/cleveland-housing-innovation-district-east-side" target="_self">Mayor Justin Bibb</a>&#x27;s administration is trying to jump-start investment in parts of the Hough, St. Clair-Superior and Central neighborhoods, where decades of population loss and blight have made conventional development a dicey proposition.

Columbus

Amy Acton incident spotlights threats public officials, candidates face

Hostility is changing how local leaders engage with civic life.

The recent confrontation involving an armed man and governor candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amy Acton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/07/amy-acton-ohio-governor-run-campaign" data-vars-content-id="3c2a1f63-d840-4cde-8532-5f40c9edc63c" data-vars-headline="Amy Acton incident spotlights threats public officials, candidates face" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/07/amy-acton-ohio-governor-run-campaign" target="_self">Amy Acton</a> at a campaign stop illustrates a broader climate of threats and harassment facing public officials nationwide.Why it matters: Physical violence is much less common, but research suggests concerns about hostility are having a chilling effect on how elected officials interact with the public.

Ronayne sets stage for second term as county executive

The Cuyahoga County official acknowledged a tougher fiscal environment is on the horizon.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Ronayne" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/16/ronayne-state-of-cuyahoga-county-2025-speech" data-vars-content-id="5bbacfd6-7218-4243-a203-b17796042f94" data-vars-headline="Ronayne sets stage for second term as county executive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/16/ronayne-state-of-cuyahoga-county-2025-speech" target="_self">Chris Ronayne</a> sounded like a politician with zero electoral pressure during his fourth State of the County address.<ul><li>That&#x27;s because he is.</li></ul>Why it matters: Running unopposed in November, the Cuyahoga County executive didn&#x27;t have to use Thursday&#x27;s speech to defend his record or score political points.<ul><li>Yes, but: He did acknowledge a tougher fiscal environment is on the horizon.</li></ul>

Trump tariffs take $11 billion toll on Ohio

Ohio's estimated tariff tab amounts to about $2,274 per household.

Ohio has shouldered an estimated $11 billion in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" data-vars-content-id="bbe1f414-0c9a-41b6-a005-3e46b15f9a17" data-vars-headline="Trump tariffs take $11 billion toll on Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" target="_self">tariff</a> costs from President Trump&#x27;s trade actions since the start of 2025, the ninth-highest state.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s auto-heavy economy has put the state among those facing billions of dollars in tariff costs.

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