Ohio legislators paved the way for a new Browns stadium — but ODOT didn’t approve a permit: The Wake Up for Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025

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The Browns’ proposed $2.4 billion covered stadium in Brook Park received $600 million from the state’s unclaimed property fund when Governor Mike DeWine signed a two-year state budget on the last day of June.

Along with removing the state’s Art Modell Law and ensuring the Browns would retain their portion of Cuyahoga County’s sin tax revenue, the budget also removed other significant obstacles for the team.

However, ODOT’s approval of the stadium project was not based on the budget. This month, the state body rejected a permit due to the height of the proposed stadium, which is situated close to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Since March, the airport’s owner, the city, has been raising objections.

In July, Mayor Justin Bibb summed up his issues with the project as follows:

The Browns’ relocation will disrupt the city’s lakefront redevelopment momentum, divert economic activity from downtown, and create a rival entertainment center. In addition to the stadium itself, it will result in considerable public costs for taxpayer-funded infrastructure upgrades, such as improvements to public safety and highway reconfigurations.

What appeared to be a final agreement is not quite so.

Laura

Overnight Scores and Weather

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Guardians: Diamondbacks win Cleveland drops to third place in the AL Central Division, Guardiansas

Weather forecast for northeast Ohio: More showers and thunderstorms are probable

Top Stories

Rejecting the stadium: According to Sean McDonnell and Rich Exner, the city of Cleveland has been objecting to the Browns’ plan to construct a $2.4 billion stadium near to the airport for months, claiming that the stadium’s height will impede air traffic.

TV buy: Nexstar Media Group intends to pay $6.2 billion to acquire Tegna.In Cleveland, where Tegna owns NBC affiliate WKYC Channel 3 and Nexstar owns FOX affiliate WJW Channel 8, the acquisition could drastically change local television, according to Joey Morona.

Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio is not criticizing President Trump’s proposal to have National Guard members guard Washington, D.C., today. We’re discussing how DeWine claims he would comply with any request on Today in Ohio, the daily half-hour news podcast on Cleveland.com.

Statehouse and Politics

Democratic ticket: According to Jeremy Pelzer, there aren’t many Democratic candidates running for statewide posts in Ohio as of now, making the Democratic ticket for the 2026 elections weak.

According to Jeremy Pelzer, Sherrod Brown’s fledgling U.S. Senate campaign has not wasted any time in generating funds, declaring on Tuesday that it has raised a total of $3.6 million in the first 24 hours since the Democrat from the Columbus area declared his intention to run.

Pat Fischer: Following the GOP screening committee’s recommendation of a different candidate, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat Fischer has withdrawn his historic midterm seat flip attempt.The internal party opposition to Fischer’s proposal to prolong his judicial term is covered by Anna Staver.

Social media: Claiming that tech corporations are prioritizing profits over child safety, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is requesting that a federal appeals court reinstate a rule requiring parental authorization for minors under 16 to access social media.

ZIP code: According to Sabrina Eaton, Green, Ohio is joining 73 other cities throughout the country in pursuing unique ZIP numbers, despite resistance from the US Postal Service.

Education funding: $169.8 million in previously frozen federal funds will be distributed to Ohio organizations and schools to support a range of educational initiatives around the state.Laura Hancock provides updates on the allocation of monies to community organizations and school districts.

Northeast Ohio News

Protecting polluters: Columnist Leila Atassi claims that Ohio’s officials have been purposefully tilting the playing field in favor of polluters for years, in addition to avoiding climate duty.

Drownings in Lake Erie: According to Lucas Daprile, Cleveland officials on Tuesday found a body while searching Lake Erie for the three individuals who vanished in the water over the weekend. Authorities are still looking for two brothers, Austin Labbe, 22, and Trent Sanchez, 19, who were waist deep at Huntington Beach when they were reportedly swept away by an undertow.

moon of Uranus: The James Webb Space Telescope of NASA has found a new, tiny moon around Uranus, bringing the total number of satellites in the planet’s family to 29.According to Ryan Cohick, measurements in February revealed the 6-mile-wide moon, which advances our knowledge of the solar system.

Flats development: On a 4.29-acre plot of land, Cleveland Metroparks is considering a mixed-use development in the Flats, possibly utilizing state historic tax credits to save existing structures.The park system’s intentions to renovate the riverfront site are covered by Rich Exner.

Benefits adjustments: According to Kaitlin Durbin, Cuyahoga County is holding an information session regarding impending changes to SNAP and Medicaid benefits that may have an effect on thousands of citizens.

Deaths of Teachers: After the tragic deaths of two lifelong teachers, Don and Maria Nunney, in a vehicle accident while driving their son to college, Cleveland schools reopened with mourning. Four children and a community in mourning were left behind by the couple, who were educators at Cleveland schools.

Video visitation will not be available until Thursday at Cuyahoga County Jail due to system upgrades.According to Olivia Mitchell, the institution will provide special arrangements for lawyers who must meet with clients. She also suggests visiting the jail’s website to find out the most recent visitation schedule.

Unemployment: In July, the unemployment rates in Geauga and Lake counties increased to 4.4% and 4.7%, respectively.Cuyahoga County had the highest regional rate, at 5.4%, according to Molly Walsh, which is consistent with a larger trend of rising unemployment in Ohio.

Geauga building: With less than 80 public spots, parking at Geauga County’s new office building could be problematic during important elections.Dennis Pavella, the chairperson of the Board of Elections, had worries regarding voter accessibility, which Molly Walsh reports on.

Adoption discount: To support the Clear the Shelters initiative, Geauga County is holding a half-price dog adoption event through August that will feature the shelter dog Tiramisu.Molly Walsh draws attention to the county’s initiatives to find shelter animals lower-cost homes.

First responders are worried about communication systems since Lorain County is terminating its contract with Cleveland Communications Inc.The county’s switch to the Ohio MARCS radio system and its possible effects on nearby emergency services are covered by Hannah Drown.

Zoo entrance: As part of its yearly Community Days program, the Akron Zoo will grant free admission to Summit County residents in September.According to Megan Becka, people who make an online reservation and provide a verified Summit County address can receive up to four complimentary tickets.

Free garden assistance: The Nature in My Backyard initiative, which helps turn yards into natural areas that are wildlife-friendly, offers free in-person garden guidance to homeowners of Northeast Ohio.According to Susan Brownstein, volunteers who have been educated as master gardeners will come to houses to provide one-on-one advice on how to design gardens that support biodiversity.

Business and Health

Alzheimer’s diagnosis: The Cleveland Clinic is taking part in a global initiative to use blood-based biomarker testing to improve Alzheimer’s diagnosis.Julie Washington reportsthe 18-month study will involve 1,200 patients 55 and older to integrate more accurate clinical and biological diagnostic methods.

Crime and Courts

Heights controversy: Kahlil Seren’s wife entered a not guilty plea to felony and misdemeanor trespassing charges after entering a residence bearing a Recall Seren banner.According to Cory Shaffer, Natalie McDaniel’s lawyer says the probe is retaliatory and intends to establish her innocence.

A federal judge dismissed a complaint on Tuesday regarding the dismissal of a former Black Shield Association president.According to Adam Ferrise,When then-Cleveland police Sgt. Vincent Montague accused city authorities of bigotry, retribution, and illegally terminating him in December 2021 after he went on military leave, U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko agreed with the city.

Road rage: In a June 2023 shooting death, Shannon Liccardo, a Twinsburg resident, was convicted of homicide.David Gambino details the conviction in connection with Patrick Wilkinson’s death after a minor traffic accident.

Fatal shooting: A Cuyahoga County grand jury Tuesday indicted an East Cleveland man on several charges involving the shooting that left two relatives dead and two police officers wounded,David Gambino reports.

Arts and Entertainment

Black Keys: The Black Keys return with a new album and a hometown concert at Blossom Music Center, reflecting on their career and the challenges of the music industry.Malcolm X. Abram discusses the Akron natives’ most recent musical endeavors.

Miranda Lambert: Country music star Miranda Lambert visited City Dogs Cleveland to support the Clear the Shelters pet adoption campaign.Paris Wolffe reportson Lambert s efforts to promote shelter dog adoptions and her nonprofit s mission.

Ask Yadi: A reader seeks guidance on whether her husband is being taken advantage of by friends who constantly request his handyman skills.Yadi Rodriguez offers adviceon setting boundaries and finding ways to appreciate his generosity.

Hollie Strano: Meteorologist Hollie Strano is back on the air, delivering hourly forecasts on WHBC FM/94.1 in Canton.Joey Morona reportson her return to local media after leaving WKYC Channel 3 last year.

New books: A collection of new books explores local themes, including Great Lakes history, Cleveland nostalgia, and Boomer adventures.Peter Chakerian highlightsfive compelling reads for book lovers.

Saffron Patch: Saffron Patch, an upscale Indian restaurant, is set to open at Legacy Village in mid-October.Paris Wolfe reportsthe restaurant plans to offer progressive cuisine with fresh, made-to-order dishes and exotic cocktails.

Ros wines: Local wineries in Northeast Ohio are showcasing the growing popularity of ros wines.Alex Darus exploresthe diverse and refreshing world of ros , highlighting local and national wine selections perfect for summer.

Lorain fair: The 179th Lorain County Fair continues through Sunday, offering five more days of entertainment,reports Hannah Drown.

You re all caught up

Don t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visitingcleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists,consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.

Curated by content directorLaura Johnstonwith contributions by byCliff Pinckard.

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