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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.

RTA's proposed cuts include B Line trolley, Waterfront Line

Hearings next week will shape a plan with only modest cuts, compared to the 12% reduction proposed last year.

Transit

Three underutilized transit routes are set to be discontinued under RTA&#x27;s proposed cuts to bus and rail service, though the public can give its say at hearings next week.Why it matters: Public transit is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="critical" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/08/20/cleveland-rta-net-promoter-score" data-vars-content-id="473412b7-7230-41f2-ab6d-e1980b872a5d" data-vars-headline="RTA&#x27;s proposed cuts include B Line trolley, Waterfront Line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/08/20/cleveland-rta-net-promoter-score" target="_self">critical</a> in Cleveland, where more than 20% of households lack access to a car and need RTA to get to work, school and other needs.

Amtrak is exclusively a middle-of-the-night affair in Cleveland

All four daily departures are between 1:54am and 5:50am.

👋 Sam here — bona fide train enthusiast! <ul><li>I took the Amtrak to Chicago this week and was reminded what a pleasant way it is to travel. Who can deny the pleasures of generous legroom, low-cost tickets and up-close views of the United States? </li><li>Anyone who values a good night&#x27;s sleep, that&#x27;s who! </li></ul>

Cleveland's confusing downtown parking odyssey continues

In January, the city raised street parking costs to $1.50 per hour — up from $1.

Cleveland&#x27;s new downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parking system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/28/parkmobile-parking-downtown-rates-2026" data-vars-content-id="c4727c70-c432-4c8a-a01e-1603c749544e" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s confusing downtown parking odyssey continues" 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/parkmobile-parking-downtown-rates-2026" target="_self">parking system</a> existed for less than three months before changing again.Why it matters: City residents and business owners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expressed concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-02-05/some-cleveland-business-owners-say-new-parking-rates-will-drive-money-away-from-the-city" data-vars-content-id="c4727c70-c432-4c8a-a01e-1603c749544e" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s confusing downtown parking odyssey continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2026-02-05/some-cleveland-business-owners-say-new-parking-rates-will-drive-money-away-from-the-city" target="_blank">expressed concerns</a> that the new street rules, which increased prices and eliminated free weekend/evening parking, would discourage people from visiting downtown.

ICE agents arrive at Cleveland airport

ICE is supporting TSA operations in a non-screening role, an airport spokesperson says.

ICE agents arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Monday morning, a day after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="9058f078-d621-4d60-a35d-58240a885dc2" data-vars-headline="ICE agents arrive at Cleveland airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">President Trump said</a> he&#x27;s sending ICE to U.S. airports to assist the Transportation Security Administration.Why it matters: TSA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="officers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" data-vars-content-id="9058f078-d621-4d60-a35d-58240a885dc2" data-vars-headline="ICE agents arrive at Cleveland airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" target="_self">officers</a> have been working without pay for more than five weeks during the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

Cleveland launches public survey on future of Burke

Ferris wheel? Golf course? Officials are seeking input on potential new uses for the 450-acre lakefront site.

Cleveland is asking residents to weigh in on the future of the city-owned Burke Lakefront Airport.Why it matters: The 450-acre swath of prime lakefront land is the biggest piece of Mayor Justin Bibb&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="waterfront development pie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/14/justin-bibb-waterfront-bets" data-vars-content-id="2381ec22-ed0e-42bc-8add-110764b8be5e" data-vars-headline="Cleveland launches public survey on future of Burke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/14/justin-bibb-waterfront-bets" target="_self">waterfront development pie</a>.

Say goodbye to free evening and weekend parking in Cleveland

New, higher rates are now in effect 7am-10pm, seven days a week.

Downtown Cleveland street parking now costs $1.50 per hour — up from $1 — as Cleveland phases in higher rates tied to its switch to the ParkMobile coinless meters.Why it matters: With enforcement also expanding from 7am-10pm, seven days a week, the longstanding expectation of free evening and weekend parking downtown is now kaput.

Why RTA won't budge on W. 25th Street bus lanes

Despite opposition from Ohio City business owners, a $20.5M federal grant hangs in the balance.

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is moving forward with plans for dedicated bus lanes on West 25th Street despite vocal opposition from some Ohio City business owners worried about the loss of on-street parking.Why it matters: The contested stretch of West 25th, near the West Side Market, is the most congested section of one of RTA&#x27;s busiest corridors.

Cleveland drivers spent a full day in rush hour traffic in 2025

But Northeast Ohio congestion pales in comparison to the country's major cities.

Cleveland drivers wasted just over 24 hours stuck in rush-hour traffic last year, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TomTom Traffic Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tomtom.com/traffic-index/" data-vars-content-id="d3f9064b-03cf-44b1-9cbd-ad26a8a1d87e" data-vars-headline="Cleveland drivers spent a full day in rush hour traffic in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tomtom.com/traffic-index/" target="_blank">TomTom Traffic Index</a>, a four-hour bump from 2024.Why it matters: That&#x27;s a full day staring at somebody else&#x27;s license plate, tail lights and — if you&#x27;re lucky — the occasional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quippy highway sign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/20/ohio-funny-highway-signs-federal-guidelines" data-vars-content-id="d3f9064b-03cf-44b1-9cbd-ad26a8a1d87e" data-vars-headline="Cleveland drivers spent a full day in rush hour traffic in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/20/ohio-funny-highway-signs-federal-guidelines" target="_self">quippy highway sign</a>.

Cleveland's new Greyhound station to open next month

Local riders will now have to venture 14 miles southwest of downtown to this outpost in an RTA overflow parking lot.

Cleveland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greyhound" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/04/09/playhouse-square-cleveland-greyhound-station" data-vars-content-id="6c3849b0-eb87-4014-bc44-934dbdfb7422" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s new Greyhound station to open next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/04/09/playhouse-square-cleveland-greyhound-station" target="_self">Greyhound</a> and Barons Bus operations are preparing to relocate next month from their longtime downtown terminal to a new station at the RTA Brookpark Rapid stop.Why it matters: Built in the 1940s, the historic Greyhound terminal on Chester Avenue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has long served as the city&#x27;s primary intercity bus hub.

Cleveland City Council pumps brakes on the "Close Burke" hype train

A Cleveland City Council leader is pumping the brakes on the "Close Burke" hype train.

Cleveland City Council begins a series of public hearings Wednesday on whether to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="close Burke Lakefront Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/30/bibb-ronayne-close-burke-airport-lake-erie" data-vars-content-id="e7548765-5bcb-49a9-a789-0f4a9f7c32fe" data-vars-headline="Cleveland City Council pumps brakes on the &quot;Close Burke&quot; hype train" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/30/bibb-ronayne-close-burke-airport-lake-erie" target="_self">close Burke Lakefront Airport</a>, and one of its leaders says the decision is more complicated than local rhetoric suggests.Why it matters: Mayor Justin Bibb <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wants Burke closed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01/cleveland-mayor-wants-burke-airport-closed-during-his-second-term-if-congress-and-council-agree.html" data-vars-content-id="e7548765-5bcb-49a9-a789-0f4a9f7c32fe" data-vars-headline="Cleveland City Council pumps brakes on the &quot;Close Burke&quot; hype train" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01/cleveland-mayor-wants-burke-airport-closed-during-his-second-term-if-congress-and-council-agree.html" target="_blank">wants Burke closed</a> as soon as the end of this year.

Transit 🚗

RTA's proposed cuts include B Line trolley, Waterfront Line

Amtrak is exclusively a middle-of-the-night affair in Cleveland

Cleveland's confusing downtown parking odyssey continues

ICE agents arrive at Cleveland airport

Cleveland road safety