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You can buy a castle in Cleveland for under $600,000

Originally built in 1924, this one-of-a-kind Medieval residence was fully renovated in 2024.

Real Estate

A legit Cleveland castle is on the market for just $575,000.Driving the news: The unusual stone home <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="listed for sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3860-W-44th-St-Cleveland-OH-44109/33349250_zpid/" data-vars-content-id="b849d371-6c8e-41e7-9b10-35b328a88546" data-vars-headline="You can buy a castle in Cleveland for under $600,000" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3860-W-44th-St-Cleveland-OH-44109/33349250_zpid/" target="_blank">listed for sale</a> in the Brooklyn Centre neighborhood has everything a medieval lord or lady could want — battlements, a turret, and extremely Christian stained glass windows.

Failed Tennessee execution puts Ohio death penalty back in focus

More than 100 people remain on Ohio's death row.

Politics

Tennessee&#x27;s failed attempt to execute Christa Pike is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renewing scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/christa-pike-lethal-injections-drugs-pentobarbital" data-vars-content-id="fe43fc4f-99e5-496a-a057-6c0314c59e2d" data-vars-headline="Failed Tennessee execution puts Ohio death penalty back in focus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/christa-pike-lethal-injections-drugs-pentobarbital" target="_self">renewing scrutiny</a> of lethal injection — an issue with a troubled history in Ohio.Why it matters: Ohio still has the death penalty, but hasn&#x27;t carried out an execution in more than eight years.<ul><li>Gov. Mike DeWine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has cited" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/governor-mike-dewine-ohio-abolish-death-penalty" data-vars-content-id="fe43fc4f-99e5-496a-a057-6c0314c59e2d" data-vars-headline="Failed Tennessee execution puts Ohio death penalty back in focus" 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/governor-mike-dewine-ohio-abolish-death-penalty" target="_self">has cited</a> Ohio&#x27;s persistent problems obtaining lethal injection drugs, and now says the death penalty should be abolished.</li></ul>

Ohio blogger on trial over explicit Shrek image

D.J. Byrnes faces a criminal charge in a case testing the boundaries of political speech.

News

Ohio political blogger D.J. Byrnes is on trial for texting a state senator an explicit image of the cartoon character Shrek.Why it matters: The case has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attracted national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.org/news/ohio-man-jailed-texting-shreks-penis-state-senator-your-questions-about-shrexting-answered" data-vars-content-id="edfbe4c2-475a-43d7-9b82-1dc0a426dd27" data-vars-headline="Ohio blogger on trial over explicit Shrek image" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.org/news/ohio-man-jailed-texting-shreks-penis-state-senator-your-questions-about-shrexting-answered" target="_blank">attracted national attention</a> from free speech advocates who argue that even vulgar criticism of elected officials is protected by the First Amendment.

How Cleveland helped launch the automobile age

Cleveland's Winton Motor Carriage Co. was a pioneer of America's fledgling auto industry.

One of the most significant remnants of Cleveland&#x27;s early automotive history has been saved from demolition.Why it matters: Before Detroit became synonymous with cars, Cleveland was a center of America&#x27;s fledgling auto industry — and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winton Motor Carriage Co." data-vars-click-url="https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/267" data-vars-content-id="dad115e0-4477-4c04-8dab-1b4927f03059" data-vars-headline="How Cleveland helped launch the automobile age" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/267" target="_blank">Winton Motor Carriage Co.</a> was one of its pioneers.

Your favorite Cleveland auto garages 

From Westlake to Aurora, readers value honesty, transparency and quality work.

Transit

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/18/used-new-car-prices-auto-repair-ohio" data-vars-content-id="faa303af-d0b2-4c61-82a7-11a9ec56c29a" data-vars-headline="Your favorite Cleveland auto garages " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/18/used-new-car-prices-auto-repair-ohio" target="_self">we asked</a> Axios Cleveland readers last week about their favorite local garages and mechanics, we received an outpouring of responses almost immediately. Why it matters: In an era of scams, slop and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enshittification" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/the-age-of-enshittification" data-vars-content-id="faa303af-d0b2-4c61-82a7-11a9ec56c29a" data-vars-headline="Your favorite Cleveland auto garages " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/the-age-of-enshittification" target="_blank">enshittification</a>, people sure seem to value their relationships with neighborhood mom-and-pop businesses more than ever.

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.

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>.

RTA wins $20 million for Green Line station upgrades

Once work is complete, every station in RTA network will be ADA accessible.

The Federal Transit Administration has awarded the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/22/rta-ceo-frames-transit-levy-as-civic-investment" data-vars-content-id="64485051-6dc1-4bb3-8590-c2e1c2c7e105" data-vars-headline="RTA wins $20 million for Green Line station upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/22/rta-ceo-frames-transit-levy-as-civic-investment" target="_self">Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority</a> (RTA) $20 million to upgrade stations along the Green Line Rapid. Why it matters: Once the work is complete, every rail station in RTA&#x27;s system will be accessible to riders with disabilities.

RTA may postpone service cuts until after levy vote

Deeper reductions loom if voters reject a tax increase next year.

RTA riders may get an eight-month reprieve from service cuts previously scheduled to begin in December.Why it matters: The proposed delay would push reductions until August 2027, after Cuyahoga County voters decide in May whether to increase the sales tax funding the transit system.

RTA's first new Rapid railcar arrives in Cleveland

The Siemens train is the first step in a $435 million replacement of RTA's 40-year-old rail fleet.

RTA&#x27;s first new Rapid Transit railcar in more than 40 years has arrived in Cleveland, kicking off a years-long process of replacing the transit agency&#x27;s aging fleet.Why it matters: RTA&#x27;s existing Red, Blue and Green Line cars are roughly four decades old, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent breakdowns" data-vars-click-url="https://clevelandmagazine.com/articles/greater-cleveland-rta-s-first-new-light-rail-train-has-been-delivered/" data-vars-content-id="7b5656eb-cd49-49b5-8214-2f213a5663b1" data-vars-headline="RTA&#x27;s first new Rapid railcar arrives in Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clevelandmagazine.com/articles/greater-cleveland-rta-s-first-new-light-rail-train-has-been-delivered/" target="_blank">recent breakdowns</a> underscoring the urgency of the $435 million replacement program.

Cleveland launches e-bike rebate program

Up to 100 city residents will be selected for rebates of up to $1,500 as part of a new transportation pilot.

Cleveland is offering residents up to $1,500 toward a new e-bike as part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pilot program" data-vars-click-url="https://ebikecleveland.com/about-program" data-vars-content-id="17520bc0-578f-49b3-a2a7-d7afd4d40c4f" data-vars-headline="Cleveland launches e-bike rebate program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ebikecleveland.com/about-program" target="_blank">pilot program</a> launching Tuesday.Why it matters: E-bikes are faster and easier to ride than regular bikes and more environmentally friendly than cars, but their upfront cost puts them out of reach for many residents.

FAA throws cold water on Burke closure

The agency's stance deals a major blow to a local campaign to reclaim 450 acres of Cleveland lakefront.

The federal government has erected an unwieldy roadblock in front of Cleveland&#x27;s effort to close Burke Lakefront Airport.Why it matters: Federal opposition effectively forecloses the city&#x27;s clearest path <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to redeveloping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/23/cleveland-waterfront-status-update" data-vars-content-id="d78b5bb3-570a-4aef-a1b7-923030cf219e" data-vars-headline="FAA throws cold water on Burke closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/23/cleveland-waterfront-status-update" target="_self">to redeveloping</a> the 450-acre lakefront property, at least in the near future.

Readers: Don't close Burke just yet

Most favor keeping the lakefront airport open, at least until the city has a concrete alternative.

Axios Cleveland readers who responded to our recent coverage of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Burke Lakefront Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/08/11/burke-airport-supporters-letters-plan" data-vars-content-id="20b9987c-78d1-49d9-a608-3fc1c8499a9d" data-vars-headline="Readers: Don&#x27;t close Burke just yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/08/11/burke-airport-supporters-letters-plan" target="_self">Burke Lakefront Airport</a> lean strongly toward keeping the airport open. Why it matters: The responses surprised us. For years, we&#x27;ve seen public sentiment overwhelmingly in the other direction.

Burke supporters want equal airtime

Aviation professionals and student pilots want Council to hold a hearing with the airport's champions.

Aviation industry leaders and student pilots are pressing Cleveland City Council for equal time to advocate for keeping Burke Lakefront Airport open.Why it matters: Mayor Justin Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne have spent months <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="building the case" 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="1483fc8c-4e59-480c-b328-eefcb0d37753" data-vars-headline="Burke supporters want equal airtime" 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">building the case</a> for closing Burke and redeveloping its 450 acres.

Transit 🚗

Your favorite Cleveland auto garages

My 2012 Ford Focus is on life support

Hopkins is back to the bottom of the barrel

RTA wins $20 million for Green Line station upgrades

RTA may postpone service cuts until after levy vote