Port Chairman Dave Wondolowski, a Cuyahoga County appointee to the authority’s board, asked Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb on Thursday to withdraw his nomination for a city-appointed seat on the same board.
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/03...

As Lakewood and CLE Heights decide on ranked-choice voting, lawmakers decide to ban it. Why? As Lakewood and Cleveland Heights decide whether to put ranked-choice voting on the November ballot, lawmakers have agreed to ban the concept statewide due to it being "pretty confusing."

As Lakewood and CLE Heights decide on ranked-choice voting, lawmakers decide to ban it. Why?
www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-n...

How long does pollution stay in Lake Erie?
It's estimated that water traverses Lake Erie in about 2.6 years, but the pollutants floating in it will take much longer.
by Peter Krouse
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/03...

‘Not Fair’: Councilwoman says Cleveland struggles to serve its Spanish-speaking residents
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

Northeast Ohio schools grapple with state and federal funding cuts Lorain City Schools, CMSD leadership ask community to speak with state lawmakers.

Northeast Ohio schools grapple with state and federal funding cuts
by Siobhan Harms
spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/...

As Ohio’s populations ages, hundreds of thousands will need long term care
A study warns that an increase in the number of people who need heightened and costly care could put a strain on state finances.
by Mary Frances McGowan
www.cleveland.com/open/2026/02...

Are you—or someone you know—turning 18 on or before Election Day, November 3, 2026 this year?
17-year-olds can register to vote now and vote in Ohio's 2026 spring primary.
Register by April 6 to be heard in the primary—go to VOTE411.org

Cuyahoga County leaders championed a new downtown crisis center as a regional game-changer, but the money was never there — and now 70 addiction and mental health providers face devastating cuts
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

Reusing closed CMSD schools won’t be easy. Just ask Chicago Chicago closed dozens of schools a decade ago. What happened next offers lessons for Cleveland as it prepares to close 18 CMSD schools.

Transforming closed Cleveland schools won’t be easy. Just ask Chicago
In 2013, Chicago closed 50 schools and struggled to reuse the buildings. Cleveland now faces the same test.
by Franziska Wild
signalcleveland.org/transforming...

No ruling from surprised federal judge on Cleveland consent decree Judge Solomon Oliver said he would give the motion to leave the police decree “careful thought” and seek “additional input.”

Federal judge surprised by Cleveland and Justice Department move to end police consent decree, won’t rule on it yet
Judge Solomon Oliver said he would give motion to leave the consent decree “careful thought” and seek “additional input.”
signalcleveland.org/cleveland-co...

Did you change your name when you got married? This proposed voting law could affect you The SAVE America Act has prompted warnings that its proof of citizenship rules could keep millions of Americans, particularly married women, from voting. All Ohio Republicans voted for it. Ohio Democr...

The SAVE America Act has prompted warnings that its proof of citizenship rules could keep millions of Americans, particularly married women, from voting.
by Sabrina Eaton
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

Make sure to register to vote Editorial 2-18-26

Opinion from Ogden Newspapers:
Make sure to register to vote
Do not miss your opportunity to add your voice to the decisions being made in May. It’s a good idea now to be sure you are registered and know your polling place.
norwalkreflector.com/news/770593/...

Cleveland to request 'local leadership' after a decade of federal consent decree Law director said the city has satisfied the goals set forth by Department of Justice after use of force violations.

Cleveland’s law director said it's time for the city to be released from its federal consent decree related to policing.
by Abbey Marshall, Matthew Richmond
www.ideastream.org/government-p...

Cleveland mayor: 2026 budget prioritizes public safety, core city services Mayor Justin Bibb has proposed a $14 million increase in public safety over last year. That budget includes recent pay bumps for police and fire — and a goal to fill all 1,350 budget officer positions...

Mayor Justin Bibb has proposed a $14 million increase in public safety over last year. That budget includes recent pay bumps for police and fire — and a goal to fill all 1,350 budget officer positions for the first time in years.
by Abbey Marshall
www.ideastream.org/government-p...

Cuyahoga County Sherrif sues Executive Ronayne over independence Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel has filed a civil lawsuit against Chris Ronayne, alleging the executive overstepped his authority in trying to take control of sheriff responsibilities, including...

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel is suing Executive Chris Ronayne for his independence, following weeks of disputes over the sheriff’s authority to manage his own fiscal office.
by Kaitlin Durbin
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

Check your voter registration: 11,000 Cuyahoga County voters flagged for mismatched info 11,000 Cuyahoga County voters have been flagged for having missing or mismatched registration information and will have to vote provisionally if they do not update their information ahead of the next ...

Check your voter registration: 11,000 Cuyahoga County voters flagged for mismatched info
by Kaitlin Durbin
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

As Cleveland schools close, families weigh where students will go Thousands of Cleveland students have to pick a new school for next year as the district closes and merges schools.

As schools close, thousands of Cleveland families are trying to figure out what’s next
So far, around 37% of the students who will be uprooted by the district’s school closure plan have chosen a Cleveland public school for next year.
by Franziska Wild
signalcleveland.org/cleveland-sc...

Voting rights groups sue Ohio over law cancelling registrations without notice • Ohio Capital Journal Voting rights groups contend an Ohio law signed late last year relies on shaky data to remove voters from the rolls when federal law doesn’t allow it — all without providing notice to the voters facin...

Voting rights groups sue Ohio over law cancelling registrations without notice
The League of Women Voters and Council on American-Islamic Relations are asking the court to block portions of the law from taking effect.
by Nick Evans
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/17/v...

Changes to Ohio's absentee voting rules mean getting your ballot in early is really important. The good news? You can request your absentee ballot for the spring primary now before Ohio's early voting period starts on April 7.
📲Start by going to ohiosos.gov or your county Board of Election’s site

Reminder: What is Cuyahoga County’s sin tax and what does it pay for? Cuyahoga County officials are talking about increasing the so-called sin tax to raise more money for repairs at Cleveland's three professional sports stadiums. But what is the sin tax? Catch up here.

Reminder: What is Cuyahoga County’s sin tax and what does it pay for?
The tax has financed the construction of the county’s three major professional sports venues and was supposed to cover the long-term upkeep, at least through 2034.
by Kaitlin Durbin
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

Lawsuit challenges Ohio voter removal law over citizenship checks A lawsuit filed Friday in federal court claims Ohio's new election law could wrongly remove eligible voters in violation of the National Voter Registration Act and Fourteenth Amendment due process pro...

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Voting rights organizations have filed a federal lawsuit challenging parts of Ohio’s new election law, saying it could wrongly remove eligible voters — especially naturalized citizens — from the voter rolls.
by Anna Staver
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

Cleveland to blame for spending limit in lead paint grant, Ohio says City Hall created hurdles for itself that it says contributed to the loss of $3.3 million in grant dollars for lead removal.

Cleveland to blame for spending limit in fumbled lead paint grant, state says
City Hall created hurdles for itself that it says contributed to the loss of $3.3 million in grant dollars for lead removal.
by Nick Castele
signalcleveland.org/cleveland-lo...

School walk out to protest ICE policies, support immigrant families Several hundred Cleveland Heights High School students walked out of class Thursday afternoon for a peaceful, student‑organized rally calling attention to immigration enforcement and showing support f...

Several hundred Cleveland Heights High School students walked out of class Thursday afternoon for a peaceful, student‑organized rally calling attention to immigration enforcement and showing support for families affected by recent ICE actions
by David Petkiewicz
www.cleveland.com/metro/2026/0...

Amid national DEI pushback, conservative think tank targets Cleveland’s diversity goals in city contracts A conservative-leaning think tank is challenging Cleveland’s efforts to ensure city contracts include minority-owned and female-owned businesses

A conservative-leaning think tank is challenging Cleveland’s efforts to ensure city contracts include minority-owned and female-owned businesses
by Sean McDonnell
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

Cuyahoga County executive vows to keep Northeast Ohio welcoming amid immigration crackdown fears Chris Ronayne says immigrants built Cleveland and are responsible for the county's continued growth, pushing back against false narratives of rampant crime as unconfirmed ICE sightings put the communi...

Cuyahoga County executive vows to keep Northeast Ohio welcoming amid immigration crackdown fears
by Kaitlin Durbin
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02...

Northeast Ohio school districts face millions in budget cuts amid funding shortfalls Several school district leaders across Northeast Ohio say lost state funding, property tax reform and failed levies are putting pressure on already strained budgets.

Northeast Ohio school districts face millions in budget cuts amid funding shortfalls
Several school district leaders across Northeast Ohio say lost state funding, property tax reform and failed levies are putting pressure on already strained budgets.
by Danielle Wiggins
www.wkyc.com/article/news...

What we can learn from the Dayton, Ohio incident and why elections must follow the U.S. Constitution • Ohio Capital Journal A recent incident at a Dayton, Ohio, school sheds light on Trump's desire to nationalize elections. Support for the U.S. Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances, and local control over...

Commentary
What we can learn from the Dayton, Ohio incident
Support for the U.S. Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances, and local control over elections in Ohio must be unequivocal and unyielding.
by Marilou Johanek
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/11/w...

On Feb 11 at 6pm at our next Fair Districts All Volunteer Huddle, we will welcome Professor Justin Levitt from Loyola Law School, a national expert on redistricting. He’ll join us to discuss the latest updates on mid-cycle redistricting war
Register HERE:
commoncause-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...