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Recall effort launched against Mayor Justin Bibb

Activists cite spending and transparency concerns, but history is on Bibb's side.

Politics

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb is facing a formal recall effort, though if history is any indication, he shouldn&#x27;t be sweating.Why it matters: Recall attempts are rare in the city of Cleveland and have never succeeded, but they can signal political dissatisfaction.

From Oberlin to CIFF: Dickler's "Big Bass" hooks a personal story

The documentary short screens April 14 and 15 at the Cleveland International Film Festival.

News

Filmmaker Drew Dickler&#x27;s short documentary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Big Bass&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandfilm.org/films/big-bass-2026/" data-vars-content-id="76bb56fe-fc5d-4dc1-8add-75e61b5ea1c7" data-vars-headline="From Oberlin to CIFF: Dickler&#x27;s &quot;Big Bass&quot; hooks a personal story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandfilm.org/films/big-bass-2026/" target="_blank">&quot;Big Bass&quot;</a> starts with a striking, yet hilarious declaration about her childhood — &quot;I was so gay, my parents took one look at me and named me Drew.&quot;State of play: &quot;Big Bass&quot; recounts a formative moment in Dickler&#x27;s youth, involving a large plastic fish and the gym teacher who changed her life.

Cleveland joins Michelin restaurant guide

Starred restaurants for the new Great Lakes region will be revealed in 2027.

The world&#x27;s preeminent food reviewer is adding Cleveland to its guide. Why it matters: Cleveland&#x27;s food scene continues to turn heads and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="notch accolades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/31/vinnie-cimino-james-beard-finalist-2026-cordelia-rosy" data-vars-content-id="e861e0b9-fea7-48b9-8c31-a389fa5e1207" data-vars-headline="Cleveland joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/31/vinnie-cimino-james-beard-finalist-2026-cordelia-rosy" target="_self">notch accolades</a>, and a Michelin star would fully legitimize it.

Yost calls for ending Ohio's death penalty moratorium

The state AG criticized a "mockery of the justice system" as critics sound the alarm on systemic risks.

Attorney General Dave Yost has made a strenuous case for Ohio to restart executions in his eighth and final <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="capital crimes report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Reports/Capital-Crimes-Annual-Reports/2025-Cap-Crimes-Annual-Report_WEB.aspx" data-vars-content-id="3e3b9a62-5768-4b0f-aca2-3faf428b4e88" data-vars-headline="Yost calls for ending Ohio&#x27;s death penalty moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Reports/Capital-Crimes-Annual-Reports/2025-Cap-Crimes-Annual-Report_WEB.aspx" target="_blank">capital crimes report</a>.Why it matters: Ohio hasn&#x27;t carried out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an execution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/04/22/ohio-death-penalty-machine-repeal-yost" data-vars-content-id="3e3b9a62-5768-4b0f-aca2-3faf428b4e88" data-vars-headline="Yost calls for ending Ohio&#x27;s death penalty moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/04/22/ohio-death-penalty-machine-repeal-yost" target="_self">an execution</a> since 2018, under a de facto moratorium by Gov. Mike DeWine tied largely to the state&#x27;s inability to secure lethal injection drugs.

Rock Hall's next milestone: A 21st-century artist

Pink could become the first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee to have made their debut in 2000 or later.

The Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="class of 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/12/rock-hall-predictions-2026-phil-collins-mariah-carey" data-vars-content-id="bdd21d78-cd2d-40f3-b159-af20c9d88748" data-vars-headline="Rock Hall&#x27;s next milestone: A 21st-century artist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/12/rock-hall-predictions-2026-phil-collins-mariah-carey" target="_self">class of 2026</a> will be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detpress.com/abc/pressrelease/american-idol-912-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-4-13/" data-vars-content-id="bdd21d78-cd2d-40f3-b159-af20c9d88748" data-vars-headline="Rock Hall&#x27;s next milestone: A 21st-century artist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detpress.com/abc/pressrelease/american-idol-912-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-4-13/" target="_blank">announced</a> on April 13, but it&#x27;s not too early to take a look further down the road.Why it matters: The Rock Hall has yet to induct an artist who made their debut in the 21st century.

New Edition is hoping for its Rock & Roll Hall of Fame moment

The Boston-born R&B act currently leads the Rock Hall's Fan Vote by a solid margin.

Few artists in recent memory have embraced their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/25/rock-hall-2026-nominees-ballot" data-vars-content-id="7c325f17-894e-438a-ae87-62ba0b720f10" data-vars-headline="New Edition is hoping for its Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/25/rock-hall-2026-nominees-ballot" target="_self">Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame</a> nomination as much as New Edition.The intrigue: Each member of the group — Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant — has feverishly promoted the Rock Hall&#x27;s Fan Vote on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/newedition/" data-vars-content-id="7c325f17-894e-438a-ae87-62ba0b720f10" data-vars-headline="New Edition is hoping for its Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/newedition/" target="_blank">social media</a>.

Shakira surprised by Rock Hall nomination

She is the first native Colombian to be nominated for induction.

Music

<blockquote>&quot;I thought someone was joking with me.&quot; </blockquote><cite>— Shakira, on her Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame nomination, to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Billboard Español" data-vars-click-url="https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/shakira-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-nomination-2026-1236201642/" data-vars-content-id="010932c9-de11-4707-a19a-6b58944d1484" data-vars-headline="Shakira surprised by Rock Hall nomination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/shakira-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-nomination-2026-1236201642/" target="_blank">Billboard Español</a>.</cite>Count Shakira among those who were surprised by her Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/25/rock-hall-2026-nominees-ballot" data-vars-content-id="010932c9-de11-4707-a19a-6b58944d1484" data-vars-headline="Shakira surprised by Rock Hall nomination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/25/rock-hall-2026-nominees-ballot" target="_self">nomination</a> last month.

Wu-Tang Clan bringing final tour to Blossom in September

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominated group will be joined by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Hip-hop royalty will descend upon Cuyahoga Falls this summer.Driving the news: The Wu-Tang Clan is bringing its &quot;Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber&quot; tour to Blossom Music Center on Sept. 9.

Don't bet on Ohio for Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce wedding

The prediction markets favor New York or Rhode Island as the location for the couple's nuptials.

Culture

Could one of the biggest pop culture events of 2026 take place in Ohio? Don&#x27;t bet on it.The intrigue: You can pretty much bet on anything these days, including where Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will get married.

Ohio among states refusing to let Live Nation off the hook

Attorney General Dave Yost has been critical of Live Nation's stranglehold on the concert industry.

Business

Ohio is among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/live-nation-ticketmaster-state-antitrust" data-vars-content-id="d7537b03-05d0-4bd2-b272-d923b57a32ef" data-vars-headline="Ohio among states refusing to let Live Nation off the hook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/live-nation-ticketmaster-state-antitrust" target="_self">the states</a> refusing to let Live Nation off the hook, despite the U.S. government reaching a tentative settlement in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="antitrust lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/ticketmaster-live-nation-settlement" data-vars-content-id="d7537b03-05d0-4bd2-b272-d923b57a32ef" data-vars-headline="Ohio among states refusing to let Live Nation off the hook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/ticketmaster-live-nation-settlement" target="_self">antitrust lawsuit</a> against the concert titan last week.Why it matters: Live Nation has long been the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dominant concert force" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/02/new-amphitheater-live-nation-aeg" data-vars-content-id="d7537b03-05d0-4bd2-b272-d923b57a32ef" data-vars-headline="Ohio among states refusing to let Live Nation off the hook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/02/new-amphitheater-live-nation-aeg" target="_self">dominant concert force</a> in Northeast Ohio, operating venues like Blossom Music Center, House of Blues and the recently proposed amphitheater along downtown&#x27;s riverfront.

Blossom Music Festival returns with Idina Menzel and film favorites

The Cleveland Orchestra's summer in Cuyahoga Falls features more than a dozen concerts.

It&#x27;s going to be a wicked hot summer at Blossom Music Center.State of play: The Cleveland Orchestra has unveiled its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 Blossom Music Festival lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/tickets/calendar/2026-blossom-season" data-vars-content-id="b23cbc5e-7474-4de9-b3da-3e804d85bff5" data-vars-headline="Blossom Music Festival returns with Idina Menzel and film favorites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/tickets/calendar/2026-blossom-season" target="_blank">2026 Blossom Music Festival lineup</a>, headlined by a night with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Idina Menzel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/events/an-evening-with-idina-menzel" data-vars-content-id="b23cbc5e-7474-4de9-b3da-3e804d85bff5" data-vars-headline="Blossom Music Festival returns with Idina Menzel and film favorites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/events/an-evening-with-idina-menzel" target="_blank">Idina Menzel</a> on July 26.

Against all odds: Predicting the Rock Hall's 2026 class

This year's ballot is a wild one, which should make for an eventful 2026 class.

We&#x27;re a month away from the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame announcing potentially one of its most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mind-boggling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/25/rock-hall-2026-nominees-ballot" data-vars-content-id="9242f243-68b5-44b3-b6ba-f7cbf616e5a3" data-vars-headline="Against all odds: Predicting the Rock Hall&#x27;s 2026 class" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/25/rock-hall-2026-nominees-ballot" target="_self">mind-boggling</a> inductee classes.Why it matters: This year&#x27;s bonkers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot" data-vars-click-url="https://rockhall.com/2026-nominees/" data-vars-content-id="9242f243-68b5-44b3-b6ba-f7cbf616e5a3" data-vars-headline="Against all odds: Predicting the Rock Hall&#x27;s 2026 class" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rockhall.com/2026-nominees/" target="_blank">ballot</a> is loaded with first-time nominees, long-time snubs, and surprises from all over the genre map.

McCartney's Rock Hall grievance resurfaces ahead of new exhibition, documentary

An 2015 interview published by Vanity Fair recalls a tiff between Paul McCartney and the Rock Hall.

Paul McCartney is set to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="take over" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/18/paul-mccartney-wings-rock-hall-exhibit-may" data-vars-content-id="c9b09a1d-6c4b-4fb8-b7bb-22f7c514c8d2" data-vars-headline="McCartney&#x27;s Rock Hall grievance resurfaces ahead of new exhibition, documentary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/18/paul-mccartney-wings-rock-hall-exhibit-may" target="_self">take over</a> the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in two months, but he may still have a bone to pick with the institution.Driving the news: McCartney is making headlines for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2015 interview" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/story/paul-mccartney-interview-part-two" data-vars-content-id="c9b09a1d-6c4b-4fb8-b7bb-22f7c514c8d2" data-vars-headline="McCartney&#x27;s Rock Hall grievance resurfaces ahead of new exhibition, documentary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/story/paul-mccartney-interview-part-two" target="_blank">2015 interview</a> that Vanity Fair just published in late February.

5 classic Cleveland albums every vinyl collector should own

Vintage albums from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Pere Ubu and more.

There is no shortage of Cleveland-related records for vinyl lovers to add to their collections.Here are five albums every local music fan should look to get their hands on: