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Browns' Brook Park stadium gets $200 million pricier

Despite the Haslams' larger contribution, taxpayers are still helping to fund a private stadium district.

Sports

The Browns&#x27; new stadium in Brook Park just got more expensive, and the Haslams want credit for taking on an increased slice of the funding pie.Driving the news: The price tag for the domed facility and its surrounding development has climbed to $2.6 billion, up from $2.4 billion. The Haslams said last week these increases are tied to roofing upgrades that will enhance the natural light.

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.

News

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.

What Cleveland can learn from Chicago's lakefront airport gamble

The demolition of Meigs Field offers a preview — and a warning — for Burke's future.

Cleveland can learn a lot about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redevelopment of a lakefront airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/30/burke-airport-redevelopment-concepts-golf" data-vars-content-id="35f93756-481c-4082-b613-078567a3a1ae" data-vars-headline="What Cleveland can learn from Chicago&#x27;s lakefront airport gamble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/30/burke-airport-redevelopment-concepts-golf" target="_self">redevelopment of a lakefront airport</a> from Chicago.Flashback: On March 30, 2003, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley sent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overnight bulldozers" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/3/31/23662485/miegs-field-airport-mayor-richard-daley-bulldozed-notherly-island-plane-march-2003" data-vars-content-id="35f93756-481c-4082-b613-078567a3a1ae" data-vars-headline="What Cleveland can learn from Chicago&#x27;s lakefront airport gamble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/3/31/23662485/miegs-field-airport-mayor-richard-daley-bulldozed-notherly-island-plane-march-2003" target="_blank">overnight bulldozers</a> to destroy the landing strip at the city&#x27;s small downtown Meigs Field Airport.

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

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

Transit

👋 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>

Anti-Trump "No Kings" protest in Cleveland: What to know

Organizers expect more attendees than last year's rallies.

Clevelanders will rally Saturday alongside millions of Americans in a new wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;No Kings&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="d99283f2-575a-49d3-8ffb-7a4b3c303264" data-vars-headline="Anti-Trump &quot;No Kings&quot; protest in Cleveland: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" target="_self">&quot;No Kings&quot;</a> protests.Why it matters: Thousands are expected to take to the streets to denounce the Trump administration&#x27;s policies, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/02/hundreds-rally-against-ice-in-downtown-cleveland" data-vars-content-id="d99283f2-575a-49d3-8ffb-7a4b3c303264" data-vars-headline="Anti-Trump &quot;No Kings&quot; protest in Cleveland: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/02/hundreds-rally-against-ice-in-downtown-cleveland" target="_self">ICE&#x27;s</a> growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="presence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/23/ice-agents-hopkins-cleveland-international-airport-trump" data-vars-content-id="d99283f2-575a-49d3-8ffb-7a4b3c303264" data-vars-headline="Anti-Trump &quot;No Kings&quot; protest in Cleveland: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/23/ice-agents-hopkins-cleveland-international-airport-trump" target="_self">presence</a> to concerns about the Iran war and its effect on gas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/25/gas-4-dollars-cleveland-iran-war" data-vars-content-id="d99283f2-575a-49d3-8ffb-7a4b3c303264" data-vars-headline="Anti-Trump &quot;No Kings&quot; protest in Cleveland: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/25/gas-4-dollars-cleveland-iran-war" target="_self">prices</a>.

Cleveland passes $2.3 billion budget for 2026

With surplus funds from 2025, Cleveland adds millions for streets and personnel

Politics

Cleveland City Council approved the city&#x27;s $2.3 billion budget at its meeting this week, including about $920 million in General Fund spending for core services.Driving the news: The plan passed 11-3 — with Stephanie Howse-Jones, Tanmay Shah and Richard Starr voting against — after weeks of negotiations with Mayor Justin Bibb&#x27;s administration.

Moreno calls on data center owner to reject $4.5M Ohio subsidy

In a letter obtained by Axios, the senator called the tax break for a Northeast Ohio expansion creating 10 jobs a "sweetheart deal."

U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) is blasting a new tax break for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northeast Ohio data center expansion project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/06/ohio-data-center-akron-independence-laws" data-vars-content-id="6ec2a2af-9d34-4bce-83ef-be9d26148c08" data-vars-headline="Moreno calls on data center owner to reject $4.5M Ohio subsidy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/06/ohio-data-center-akron-independence-laws" target="_self">Northeast Ohio data center expansion project</a> and calling on the company behind it to reject it.Why it matters: The deal has become a flashpoint in Ohio&#x27;s growing debate over whether data centers deserve taxpayer incentives when they consume massive quantities of energy but create relatively few permanent jobs.

Bibb and Buttigieg make case for a "militant Midwestern" revival

The Cleveland mayor and former transportation secretary say the industrial Midwest could power America's future.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took the stage Thursday to tout the Midwest as a region uniquely positioned to lead a new era of American manufacturing and innovation.Why it matters: The invite-only event at Cleveland&#x27;s Karamu House doubled as a showcase for two rising figures in the Democratic party, both of whom are &quot;elder millennials&quot; with heartland roots.

Maurer joins Bibb administration as senior lead safety adviser

The former councilwoman will coordinate Cleveland's lead safety efforts amid scrutiny over enforcement and remediation.

Former Cleveland City Councilwoman <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rebecca Maurer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/11/26/cleveland-city-council-redistricting-rebecca-maurer-blaine-griffin-ward-maps" data-vars-content-id="d86a880b-5f03-4723-a39c-001924c7f6e4" data-vars-headline="Maurer joins Bibb administration as senior lead safety adviser" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/11/26/cleveland-city-council-redistricting-rebecca-maurer-blaine-griffin-ward-maps" target="_self">Rebecca Maurer</a> is joining Mayor Justin Bibb&#x27;s administration as a senior adviser for lead accountability.Why it matters: Cleveland continues to grapple with childhood lead poisoning rates. City Hall is under pressure to better coordinate enforcement, remediation and prevention efforts after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a series" data-vars-click-url="https://signalcleveland.org/cleveland-loses-3-million-state-lead-paint-grant/" data-vars-content-id="d86a880b-5f03-4723-a39c-001924c7f6e4" data-vars-headline="Maurer joins Bibb administration as senior lead safety adviser" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://signalcleveland.org/cleveland-loses-3-million-state-lead-paint-grant/" target="_blank">a series</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="embarrassing headlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/10/councilman-kevin-bishop-lead-safe-law" data-vars-content-id="d86a880b-5f03-4723-a39c-001924c7f6e4" data-vars-headline="Maurer joins Bibb administration as senior lead safety adviser" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/10/councilman-kevin-bishop-lead-safe-law" target="_self">embarrassing headlines</a> in recent weeks exposed cracks in the system.

Ohio lawmakers use AI, but are unsure how to regulate it

A new legislative poll shows widespread adoption, alongside deep divisions over oversight.

The majority of Ohio General Assembly members who responded to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent poll on artificial intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://gongwerwerthpoll.com/results#/view/cmma3v4fn01sp1146p7mryikx" data-vars-content-id="1b0a3745-cf35-4927-a539-8db3a367fa99" data-vars-headline="Ohio lawmakers use AI, but are unsure how to regulate it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gongwerwerthpoll.com/results#/view/cmma3v4fn01sp1146p7mryikx" target="_blank">recent poll on artificial intelligence</a> report using AI in their work as legislators and believe the technology allows them to work more efficiently.Why it matters: Confusion and indecision persist on how AI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="should be regulated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-3f925d20-d9da-11f0-87c3-ebe17279ed99.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare#story2" data-vars-content-id="1b0a3745-cf35-4927-a539-8db3a367fa99" data-vars-headline="Ohio lawmakers use AI, but are unsure how to regulate it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-3f925d20-d9da-11f0-87c3-ebe17279ed99.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare#story2" target="_self">should be regulated</a>, and who should do the regulating.

Ohio House votes to ban ranked choice voting statewide

The measure blocks Lakewood and Cleveland Heights from putting the question before voters.

Ohio House lawmakers have voted to ban ranked choice voting statewide before any city has implemented it.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Home Rule&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lsc.ohio.gov/assets/organizations/legislative-service-commission/files/municipal-home-rule.pdf" data-vars-content-id="92de5944-2af8-4ce4-b8ad-1962a8e51f3e" data-vars-headline="Ohio House votes to ban ranked choice voting statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lsc.ohio.gov/assets/organizations/legislative-service-commission/files/municipal-home-rule.pdf" target="_blank">&quot;Home Rule&quot;</a> — the self-government authority granted to local municipalities by the Ohio constitution — has once again been flouted with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preemptive legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/06/21/city-leaders-preemption-laws" data-vars-content-id="92de5944-2af8-4ce4-b8ad-1962a8e51f3e" data-vars-headline="Ohio House votes to ban ranked choice voting statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/06/21/city-leaders-preemption-laws" target="_self">preemptive legislation</a>.

Supreme Court voids tariffs, leaving $4.2 billion question for Ohio

No one has any idea just yet who will get that money or when they might see it.

With the Supreme Court striking down many of President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="65539070-e056-4751-bb39-180b857a77c0" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court voids tariffs, leaving $4.2 billion question for Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">tariffs</a>, the question in Ohio and around the country is who — if anyone — gets the money back.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trade Partnership Worldwide" data-vars-click-url="https://tradepartnership.com/" data-vars-content-id="65539070-e056-4751-bb39-180b857a77c0" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court voids tariffs, leaving $4.2 billion question for Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tradepartnership.com/" target="_blank">Trade Partnership Worldwide</a> estimates $126 billion is at stake.

Documentary revisits Carl Stokes' groundbreaking political legacy

"Stokes' Dilemma" showcases his campaign to become the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city.

Perhaps the most definitive documentary yet detailing the impact of Cleveland political trailblazer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carl Stokes" data-vars-click-url="https://clevelandcivilrightstrail.org/explore-the-trail/carl-stokes/" data-vars-content-id="b19bc9f3-77be-4e14-9ca8-cd32142c6f75" data-vars-headline="Documentary revisits Carl Stokes&#x27; groundbreaking political legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clevelandcivilrightstrail.org/explore-the-trail/carl-stokes/" target="_blank">Carl Stokes</a> could hit screens later this year.Why it matters: Stokes became the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city when he was elected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayor of Cleveland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/02/18/photos-100-years-of-black-history-in-cleveland" data-vars-content-id="b19bc9f3-77be-4e14-9ca8-cd32142c6f75" data-vars-headline="Documentary revisits Carl Stokes&#x27; groundbreaking political legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/02/18/photos-100-years-of-black-history-in-cleveland" target="_self">mayor of Cleveland</a> in 1967.

U.S. Rep. Brown to skip State of the Union

The Cleveland Democrat says attending would signal respect for conduct she believes harms democracy.

U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) said she will not attend President Trump&#x27;s State of the Union address Tuesday.Why it matters: Brown has shown up for every SOTU speech since taking office in 2021, but says this year is different.

Politics 🇺🇸

Anti-Trump "No Kings" protest in Cleveland: What to know

Cleveland passes $2.3 billion budget for 2026

Moreno calls on data center owner to reject $4.5M Ohio subsidy

Bibb and Buttigieg make case for a "militant Midwestern" revival

Maurer joins Bibb administration as senior lead safety adviser