Subscribe to the Wake Up, cleveland.com’s free morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5:30 a.m.
The Browns began construction Thursday on their $2.4 billion covered stadium.
Bulldozers began moving dirt while the team continues to negotiate with Brook Park over a special community authority to own the stadium, manage the lease and oversee broader site development. And while the team fights lawsuits from Cleveland and two former Democratic state officials.
The Browns have hired AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction as construction managers of the new Huntington Bank Field. AECOM’s stadium portfolio includes Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and SoFi Stadium outside Los Angeles. Turner has done stadium work for at least 17 NFL franchises.
Local partners on the project include the DiGeronimo Companies and Independence Excavating.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers: Guardians rally to beat Tigers, 6-1, force deciding Game 3 in wild card series
Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. TV: WEWS Channel 5, NFL Network. Radio: WKRK FM/92.3, WNCX FM/98.5, WKNR AM/850.
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Summerlike warmup this weekend
Top Stories
Stadium construction: The Browns announced they have selected AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction to build their new $2.4 billion stadium in Brook Park, with construction starting in 2026, reports Rich Exner. Bulldozers began moving dirt on the site Wednesday and the project aims to open in time for the 2029 NFL season.
Space X-ray: NASA Glenn, Cuyahoga Community College and University Hospitals are collaborating to test portable, handheld X-ray systems that could be used on spacecraft for both medical and nonmedical uses. Julie Washington reports NASA aims to boost astronaut health and safety during long-duration spaceflight, where medical support is limited.
Tax liens: A House bill would ban counties from selling property tax debts to private companies, arguing the practice is predatory. Anna Staver reports the proposed legislation aims to protect homeowners from aggressive foreclosure tactics by private debt collectors.
Today in Ohio: The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open, but visitor centers are closed, volunteer and public programs are canceled and trail maintenance is paused. We’re talking about the ramifications of the federal government shutdown on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.
Statehouse and Politics
Government shutdown: U.S. lawmakers are pushing to suspend congressional pay during the federal shutdown. Sabrina Eaton reports that Ohio senators like Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno are introducing bills to prevent lawmakers from receiving salaries while federal employees work without pay.
Fentanyl tests: Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order decriminalizing fentanyl test strips to combat overdoses. Mary Frances McGowan reports on the Ohio Board of Pharmacy’s new rule to exempt drug testing tools from paraphernalia laws.
Unemployment benefits: Approximately 83,000 Ohio federal employees could be eligible for unemployment benefits during the government shutdown, with specific guidelines for application and potential repayment, reports Mary Frances McGowan.
School overdoses: A Senate bill would allow schools to carry overdose reversal medicines, which became controversial after Senate Republicans added provisions for expanded religious release time, Laura Hancock reports.
Redistricting: Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman defended the delay in drawing congressional maps, claiming public input was gathered in grocery stores and Rotary Club meetings. Today in Ohio podcast hosts discuss Huffman’s dismissal of criticism and refusal to create a transparent redistricting process.
Northeast Ohio News
Family leave: Cleveland’s chief city planner Kim Scott was arrested and charged with felony theft for allegedly forging marriage and death certificates to claim paid family leave, reports Sean McDonnell. She is on unpaid leave pending the case outcome.
Heights hires: Cleveland Heights interim mayor Tony Cuda rehired law director Bill Hanna and communications director Jessica Schantz, reversing recent dismissals by former Mayor Kahlil Seren, reports Cory Shaffer. The moves follow Seren’s recall and mark Cuda’s first day in office.
Drought: With little rain in the past week, drought conditions remain entrenched across Northeast Ohio, according to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, Ryan Cohick reports.
Jail visits: For the first time since the start of the pandemic five years ago, persons held in the Cuyahoga County jail will be able to speak face-to-face with their loved ones, Kaitlin Durbin reports. The county announced Thursday that it is restoring in-person visitation in the jail, allowing inmates to be closer with their families, friends or clergy, though still separated by glass.
St. Clair fires: Two fires in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood caused damage, but no injuries were reported, reports Olivia Mitchell.
Sturgeon stocking: Saturday will be a big day for a once-thriving resident of Lake Erie, reports Peter Krouse. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will release 2,000 fingerling sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River, hoping that in 15 to 20 years they will come back to reproduce.
Neighborhood partnership: Akron’s City Council launched the 2025-26 Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program, investing $150,000 into community projects, reports Megan Becka. Grants range from $3,000 to $15,000 and aim to support local initiatives.
Business and Health
Aer Lingus: Aer Lingus has extended its six-times weekly route between Cleveland and Dublin into 2026, which will include a Saturday flight next year. Contrary to recent published reports, however, the flight will not run daily, Susan Glaser reports.
Abortions decline: The number of induced abortions dropped slightly in Ohio last year, according to new data from the Ohio Department of Health. Meanwhile, the share of the procedures going to women who were out-of-state residents climbed, Mary Frances McGowan reports.
Healthcare foundations: Sales of hospitals have funded community projects like new schools and housing in Northeast Ohio, reports Julie Washington. Trailhead Community Health Foundation is expected to receive “in the hundreds of millions of dollars” from the $515 million sale of Summa Health to the for-profit Health Assurance Transformation Co.
Crime and Courts
Federal courts: Federal courts in northern Ohio have frozen most civil cases during the government shutdown, including a significant lawsuit against ex-FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones related to the House Bill 6 bribery scandal, reports Jeremy Pelzer.
Immigration courts: Local attorneys note differences from previous federal shutdowns as both detained and non-detained immigration cases in Cleveland are moving forward. David Gambino reports that immigration courts remain operational and deportations continue.
Jazmir Tucker: A Summit County grand jury Thursday declined to charge an Akron police officer who fatally shot Jazmir Tucker, a 15-year-old freshman at North High School, on Thanksgiving. Lucas Daprile reports that activists decried the decision.
Police chase: An innocent bystander was killed early Thursday after suspects in a stolen car fled from Euclid police and crashed following a brief chase, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Fatal shooting: Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old at an Airbnb party on Cleveland’s West Side over the weekend, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Arts and Entertainment
‘Showgirl’: Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” sparked multiple celebration events across Northeast Ohio. Alex Darus details themed parties, listening events, and fan gatherings happening in Cleveland and surrounding areas.
Winery advice: The Ohio Wine Producers Association is hosting a one-day workshop for aspiring winery owners at Three Oaks Vineyard in Granville. Paris Wolfe reports that the event will provide expert advice, resources, and networking opportunities for those interested in starting a winery.
Mentor Brewing: Mentor Brewing Co. has announced its closure on Jan. 1, with co-owner Brian Seelinger citing family reasons, reports Marc Bona.
Ask Yadi and Lucas: A reader seeks guidance on handling a friend’s expensive theme party expectations. Yadi Rodriguez offers strategies for managing party costs and maintaining friendship. Lucas Daprile’s take is a little more creative.
Things to do: Northeast Ohio offers a diverse weekend of events, including comedy shows, music performances and seasonal activities. Alex Darus highlights 29 things to do in Greater Cleveland.
Chestnut picking: Northridge Chestnuts in Conneaut offers a local, organic chestnut-picking experience this fall. Paris Wolfe writes about the farm’s you-pick season and provides tips for harvesting and preparing chestnuts.
Acadia Park: A first-time visitor explores Acadia National Park, navigating crowds and discovering scenic hiking trails. Susan Glaser shares insights on must-see attractions like Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.
Maine destinations: A journey from Boston to Bar Harbor includes stops in Salem, Kennebunkport and Freeport. Susan Glaser explores historical sites, local cuisine, and iconic shopping destinations along the route.
Jeff Daniels: Actor Jeff Daniels discusses his parallel career as a singer-songwriter, sharing insights into his musical journey. Peter Chakerian highlights Daniels’ passion for intimate performances and storytelling through music.
Kulas Hall: Cleveland Institute of Music celebrates the grand reopening of Kulas Hall with a weekend of performances and events. Peter Chakerian details the $22 million renovation and upcoming musical showcases.
Mosaic Brewing: Mosaic Brewing Co. prepares to open in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood with a unique city view. Marc Bona reports on the brewery’s upcoming launch and distinctive features.
House of the Week: A Tudor-style home in Pepper Pike, built in 1975, offers unique architectural features and stunning views. Joey Morona details the six-bedroom property’s distinctive design and amenities.
You’re all caught up
Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.
— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
Other Top Stories
Former Ohio State, NFL star Ted Ginn, Jr. visits South Euclid-Lyndhurst schools to encourage physical fitness Read more
Bay High’s Cameryn Williams is honored to be a member of the Ohio Attorney General’s ‘Teen Ambassador Board’ Read more
From rescue to recovery: APL gala helps animals get their second chance Read more
Geauga County’s Apple Butter Festival returns Read more
Lorain County Commissioners approve $100,000 to support pregnant and new mothers Read more
South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools face funding challenge with Issue 52 Read more
North Olmsted prepares for deer culling season with new resident survey Read more
Parma trail construction advances West Creek Greenway connecting four communities Read more