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"Union County" brings rural Ohio to the big screen

The new drama starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo is playing at the Cedar Lee this week.

Culture

A new movie filmed and set in Ohio starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo is playing at the Cedar Lee this week. The big picture: &quot;Union County,&quot; directed by Ohio filmmaker Adam Meeks, follows two foster brothers (Poulter and Centineo) as they navigate a court-mandated drug rehabilitation program while attempting to rebuild their lives amid the opioid epidemic.

Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year

The freestyle wrestling promotion founded by Cleveland native Chad Bronstein has its next event Saturday.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="freestyle wrestling promotion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realamericanfreestyle.com/" data-vars-content-id="f2b5a724-4340-4bde-b38d-8c748e1b356a" data-vars-headline="Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realamericanfreestyle.com/" target="_blank">freestyle wrestling promotion</a> founded by Cleveland native Chad Bronstein has grown significantly since making its global debut at the Wolstein Center in August 2025.Driving the news: Real American Freestyle (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RAF" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/08/29/real-american-freestyle-wresting-debut-hulk-hogan" data-vars-content-id="f2b5a724-4340-4bde-b38d-8c748e1b356a" data-vars-headline="Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/08/29/real-american-freestyle-wresting-debut-hulk-hogan" target="_self">RAF</a>) will celebrate its first anniversary at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8pm Saturday at Rocket Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rocketarena.com/events/detail/raf-260822" data-vars-content-id="f2b5a724-4340-4bde-b38d-8c748e1b356a" data-vars-headline="Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rocketarena.com/events/detail/raf-260822" target="_blank">8pm Saturday at Rocket Arena</a>.

Cleveland synagogues join national push to train congregants on security

Cleveland has something many Jewish communities don't: its own security force.

News

Synagogues across the U.S., including some in Northeast Ohio, are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="training congregants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/synagogues-security-teams-jews" data-vars-content-id="e0c27b25-1784-4427-bca7-5fd47ad0b935" data-vars-headline="Cleveland synagogues join national push to train congregants on security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/synagogues-security-teams-jews" target="_self">training congregants</a> to serve on volunteer security teams, as antisemitic assaults hit record levels nationwide.Why it matters: The push for hyper-vigilance comes as physical assaults against Jews in the U.S. hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="46-year high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/06/antisemitic-assaults-jews-2025" data-vars-content-id="e0c27b25-1784-4427-bca7-5fd47ad0b935" data-vars-headline="Cleveland synagogues join national push to train congregants on security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/06/antisemitic-assaults-jews-2025" target="_self">46-year high</a> in 2025.

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.

The most expensive home on the market in Cleveland

"South Farm" in Waite Hill is a woodland oasis once built for a prominent Cleveland banker.

Real Estate

The priciest home currently on the local market is a nearly century-old Waite Hill estate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="listed for $3.85 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theagencyre.com/single-family/yes/1177168274/9498-smith-road-waite-hill-oh-44094" data-vars-content-id="fd15138b-255e-4fa6-a3e8-a8b81851d615" data-vars-headline="The most expensive home on the market in Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theagencyre.com/single-family/yes/1177168274/9498-smith-road-waite-hill-oh-44094" target="_blank">listed for $3.85 million</a>.State of play: Known as South Farm, the 9,500-square-foot home sits on more than 11 acres and was built for prominent Cleveland banker John Sherwin Sr. between 1918 and 1926.

Cleveland's luxury homes are still a bargain

The city remains one of just 5 U.S. metros where high-end homes typically sell for under $1 million.

Cleveland is one of only five metros in the United States where you can still purchase a luxury home for under $1 million.State of play: Cleveland&#x27;s home prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have risen faster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/06/17/ohio-home-prices-2025-sale" data-vars-content-id="8118da5b-39d2-4151-9ecf-ffdbaa9b05f6" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s luxury homes are still a bargain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/06/17/ohio-home-prices-2025-sale" target="_self">have risen faster</a> than almost anywhere else in the country, but are still more affordable than peer cities in the region — to say nothing of the coasts.

Cleveland faith communities step into housing

Grants and technical assistance could help congregations create up to 100 affordable homes.

Six congregations on Cleveland&#x27;s East Side are getting seed money to help turn church land into affordable housing.Why it matters: Churches have long been among Cleveland&#x27;s most durable neighborhood anchors, and many of them own vacant or underused properties in communities where affordable housing is scarce.

Cleveland bets on housing to revive East Side

The new Housing Innovation District aims to spur development in areas shaped by redlining and disinvestment.

Some of Cleveland&#x27;s most historically disinvested neighborhoods are getting a boost.Driving the news: Cleveland City Council last week approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Justin Bibb&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/07/mayor-justin-bibb-housing-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="b90f8aae-3bd9-4897-885b-1b6eb7752ee9" data-vars-headline="Cleveland bets on housing to revive East Side" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/07/mayor-justin-bibb-housing-election-2025" target="_self">Mayor Justin Bibb&#x27;s</a> Housing Innovation District, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-05-27/cleveland-proposes-sweeping-investment-in-east-side-housing-waived-permit-costs-new-builds-tax-tools" data-vars-content-id="b90f8aae-3bd9-4897-885b-1b6eb7752ee9" data-vars-headline="Cleveland bets on housing to revive East Side" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-05-27/cleveland-proposes-sweeping-investment-in-east-side-housing-waived-permit-costs-new-builds-tax-tools" target="_blank">a plan</a> to combine zoning reform, tax incentives and new construction in East Side communities shaped by redlining and scarred by the housing crisis.

Former Notre Dame College heads to the auction block

South Euclid has submitted a $7.9M bid to help shape the future of the prime 50-acre site

The former Notre Dame College campus is heading to auction Thursday, and the city of South Euclid wants in on the action. Why it matters: The lush, 50-acre site is a prime redevelopment opportunity in the eastern suburbs, with potential for housing, parks and senior living facilities.

Clifton Cleaners building to be reimagined as dual storefront

The property is now for lease, with two 1,100-square-foot spaces and an event venue in the back.

The former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clifton Cleaners Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/19/clifton-cleaners-building-is-getting-gutted" data-vars-content-id="26608b4d-1052-4e9c-b9fd-f2ae6790b67d" data-vars-headline="Clifton Cleaners building to be reimagined as dual storefront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/19/clifton-cleaners-building-is-getting-gutted" target="_self">Clifton Cleaners Building</a> (11034 Clifton Blvd.) will no longer be a laundromat and dry cleaner, the building&#x27;s property manager tells Axios. State of play: Designer and realtor Liz McIlwee says it is now being marketed as a dual storefront, with two customizable spaces of about 1,100 square feet each and a larger event venue in the back.

Cleveland rents dip slightly, still well below U.S. median

Rent in Cleveland's metro area is down just 0.2% year over year, to $1,111.

Cleveland&#x27;s median rent is down slightly in 2026 compared to last year, as it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/11/20/cost-of-living" data-vars-content-id="e680d558-e8ed-4ee2-a1d8-45d6316998a4" data-vars-headline="Cleveland rents dip slightly, still well below U.S. median" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/11/20/cost-of-living" target="_self">remains</a> one of the country&#x27;s least expensive major metros.Why it matters: Housing remains unaffordable for many.

California investors eye Cleveland's historic Variety Theater

They want to restore the 1927 complex, including the 12 apartments above it, "the way it was."

California investors are in talks to buy Cleveland&#x27;s long-dormant Variety Theater, offering a new path forward for the historic venue on Lorain Avenue.Why it matters: The Variety has cycled through owners for decades, but the cost and complexity of restoration has handicapped recent efforts to bring it back to life.

Shaker Blvd. buildings at center of 2023 controversy sold for $11.7M

The new owner has pledged $5M+ in repairs to properties emblematic of Cleveland's fight with absentee landlords.

A trio of distressed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shaker Boulevard apartment buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/02/03/buckeye-shaker-tenants-investors" data-vars-content-id="4fa66fe3-8cb4-4d46-b9fb-4961c43e9673" data-vars-headline="Shaker Blvd. buildings at center of 2023 controversy sold for $11.7M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/02/03/buckeye-shaker-tenants-investors" target="_self">Shaker Boulevard apartment buildings</a> has a new owner and a promised infusion of cash.Why it matters: The buildings were a flashpoint in Cleveland&#x27;s fight with out-of-town landlords in 2023. <ul><li>After reports of mold, water damage and years without heat, tenants allied with City Hall to pressure the building&#x27;s owners.</li></ul>

A new era for Cleveland real estate development

City restructures its economic development department to streamline permits, manage land smarter and spur growth.

Would a Department of Economic Development by any other name smell as sweet?Cleveland thinks so. City Council has passed legislation rechristening the department the Department of Development and centralizing the city&#x27;s real estate operations within it.Why it matters: City Hall&#x27;s development functions are scattered across multiple departments, creating delays, backlogs and confusion for residents and builders.

Real Estate 🏠

The most expensive home on the market in Cleveland

Cleveland's luxury homes are still a bargain

Cleveland faith communities step into housing

Cleveland bets on housing to revive East Side

Cleveland lands just outside hottest rental markets list