Nick Castele
@nickcastele.bsky.social
Reporting on your government for Signal Cleveland.
Read the news: signalcleveland.org.
Make the news: [email protected].
Read the news: signalcleveland.org.
Make the news: [email protected].
One theme that emerged from this round of Cleveland elections: candidates are talking more about affordability. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ca...
Make Cleveland cheap again? Candidates are talking affordability
Affordability could be the new big political issue as candidates take on the costs of groceries, housing, utilities and more.
signalcleveland.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:20 PM
One theme that emerged from this round of Cleveland elections: candidates are talking more about affordability. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ca...
Ohio is floating two restructuring/bankruptcy consultants as possible receivers for financially strapped East Cleveland. signalcleveland.org/east-clevela...
Restructuring experts floated as possible East Cleveland receivers
The state is moving to make East Cleveland the first Ohio city taken into receivership under a new law. The city is in fiscal emergency.
signalcleveland.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Ohio is floating two restructuring/bankruptcy consultants as possible receivers for financially strapped East Cleveland. signalcleveland.org/east-clevela...
The election over, another campaign begins: Bibb’s push to win public support for CMSD’s school mergers.
Council’s Mike Polensek sounds ready to go to the mat (again) for Collinwood High School.
Council’s Mike Polensek sounds ready to go to the mat (again) for Collinwood High School.
Cleveland leaders seek public support for CMSD mergers
Mayor Justin Bibb and a group of pastors argued their case for CMSD's plans to merge 39 schools at a news conference.
signalcleveland.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:43 PM
The election over, another campaign begins: Bibb’s push to win public support for CMSD’s school mergers.
Council’s Mike Polensek sounds ready to go to the mat (again) for Collinwood High School.
Council’s Mike Polensek sounds ready to go to the mat (again) for Collinwood High School.
More news tonight: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a petition tonight to appoint a receiver over East Cleveland's finances.
AG suggests restructuring consultants as possible receivers.
Background: signalcleveland.org/ohio-auditor...
AG suggests restructuring consultants as possible receivers.
Background: signalcleveland.org/ohio-auditor...
November 6, 2025 at 2:09 AM
More news tonight: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a petition tonight to appoint a receiver over East Cleveland's finances.
AG suggests restructuring consultants as possible receivers.
Background: signalcleveland.org/ohio-auditor...
AG suggests restructuring consultants as possible receivers.
Background: signalcleveland.org/ohio-auditor...
Cleveland Metropolitan School District announces plans to merge 39 schools. Follow our coverage here:
CMSD announces the schools it plans to close
CMSD is announcing the sweeping changes intended to address declining enrollment and financial troubles at the school board meeting.
signalcleveland.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Cleveland Metropolitan School District announces plans to merge 39 schools. Follow our coverage here:
Update in Cleveland Ward 12, where Tanmay Shah leads Danny Kelly by 7 votes.
There are 29 provisional ballots and appear to be 56 outstanding vote-by-mail ballots.
Depends on how many provisionals are valid and how many VBM arrive on time, but this race could go either way.
There are 29 provisional ballots and appear to be 56 outstanding vote-by-mail ballots.
Depends on how many provisionals are valid and how many VBM arrive on time, but this race could go either way.
Tanmay Shah leads Danny Kelly in Ward 12: What happens now?
It will be weeks before it's officially clear whether Shah upset Kelly in the race for Cleveland City Council Ward 12.
signalcleveland.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Update in Cleveland Ward 12, where Tanmay Shah leads Danny Kelly by 7 votes.
There are 29 provisional ballots and appear to be 56 outstanding vote-by-mail ballots.
Depends on how many provisionals are valid and how many VBM arrive on time, but this race could go either way.
There are 29 provisional ballots and appear to be 56 outstanding vote-by-mail ballots.
Depends on how many provisionals are valid and how many VBM arrive on time, but this race could go either way.
Artificial intelligence can't do it, but we can: An on-the-ground recap of Election Night in Cleveland: the incumbent battles and a possible City Council upset, from Collinwood to the Near West Side. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-el...
Cleveland election results 2025: Mayor Justin Bibb wins reelection
Justin Bibb won a second term as mayor and new faces are poised to join City Council. See the 2025 Cleveland election results here.
signalcleveland.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Artificial intelligence can't do it, but we can: An on-the-ground recap of Election Night in Cleveland: the incumbent battles and a possible City Council upset, from Collinwood to the Near West Side. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-el...
Turnout as of 9:25 this morning. In Cleveland, it's at 7%.
Ignore the East/West division, it hasn't been updated to reflect the new redistricted numbers. (Wards 7, 12 and 4 are West Side, Ward 3 is East Side.)
Ignore the East/West division, it hasn't been updated to reflect the new redistricted numbers. (Wards 7, 12 and 4 are West Side, Ward 3 is East Side.)
November 4, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Turnout as of 9:25 this morning. In Cleveland, it's at 7%.
Ignore the East/West division, it hasn't been updated to reflect the new redistricted numbers. (Wards 7, 12 and 4 are West Side, Ward 3 is East Side.)
Ignore the East/West division, it hasn't been updated to reflect the new redistricted numbers. (Wards 7, 12 and 4 are West Side, Ward 3 is East Side.)
In Cleveland this morning, Gov. Mike DeWine and Mayor Justin Bibb say they've been zeroing in on repeat perpetrators of violent crime — and that calling in the National Guard isn't necessary. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-vi...
Bibb and DeWine tout efforts against violent crime in Cleveland
Mayor Justin Bibb and Gov. Mike DeWine said they were zeroing in on violent crime and a National Guard callup was unnecessary.
signalcleveland.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:15 PM
In Cleveland this morning, Gov. Mike DeWine and Mayor Justin Bibb say they've been zeroing in on repeat perpetrators of violent crime — and that calling in the National Guard isn't necessary. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-vi...
Heading into Election Day, here are the most expensive contested Cleveland City Council races:
Ward 5 (Starr v. Maurer): $188k spent between the two
Ward 7 (Davis v. Faraj): $107k
Ward 10 (Hairston v. Polensek): $91k
Ward 12 (Shah v. Kelly): $90k signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
Ward 5 (Starr v. Maurer): $188k spent between the two
Ward 7 (Davis v. Faraj): $107k
Ward 10 (Hairston v. Polensek): $91k
Ward 12 (Shah v. Kelly): $90k signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
See the top spenders among Cleveland City Council candidates
The Ward 5 race between Council Members Richard Starr and Rebecca Maurer is the most expensive in the city this year.
signalcleveland.org
November 3, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Heading into Election Day, here are the most expensive contested Cleveland City Council races:
Ward 5 (Starr v. Maurer): $188k spent between the two
Ward 7 (Davis v. Faraj): $107k
Ward 10 (Hairston v. Polensek): $91k
Ward 12 (Shah v. Kelly): $90k signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
Ward 5 (Starr v. Maurer): $188k spent between the two
Ward 7 (Davis v. Faraj): $107k
Ward 10 (Hairston v. Polensek): $91k
Ward 12 (Shah v. Kelly): $90k signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
Four years ago, candidate Justin Bibb proposed using money from smart parking meters for public transit. Now that he's mayor and Cleveland has its new parking meters, the idea has morphed. From Weekly Chatter: signalcleveland.org/bibb-campaig...
Checking in on a 2021 Justin Bibb campaign idea for funding transit
Four years ago, candidate Justin Bibb floated a way to raise more money for public transit: smart parking meters.
signalcleveland.org
November 3, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Four years ago, candidate Justin Bibb proposed using money from smart parking meters for public transit. Now that he's mayor and Cleveland has its new parking meters, the idea has morphed. From Weekly Chatter: signalcleveland.org/bibb-campaig...
Big news in Cleveland coming this week, and it's not Tuesday's election results.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District is expected to announce its recommendations for school closures Wednesday. signalcleveland.org/cmsd-to-anno...
Cleveland Metropolitan School District is expected to announce its recommendations for school closures Wednesday. signalcleveland.org/cmsd-to-anno...
CMSD expected to announce school closures Wednesday
The district is expected to announce its full list of closures and consolidations at the Board of Education meeting Nov. 5.
signalcleveland.org
November 3, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Big news in Cleveland coming this week, and it's not Tuesday's election results.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District is expected to announce its recommendations for school closures Wednesday. signalcleveland.org/cmsd-to-anno...
Cleveland Metropolitan School District is expected to announce its recommendations for school closures Wednesday. signalcleveland.org/cmsd-to-anno...
Here's your election eve Cleveland City Council candidate spending leaderboard. The Ward 5 race is the most expensive in the city, with both Rebecca Maurer and Richard Starr spending close to $100k each.
More from Weekly Chatter: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
More from Weekly Chatter: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
November 1, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Here's your election eve Cleveland City Council candidate spending leaderboard. The Ward 5 race is the most expensive in the city, with both Rebecca Maurer and Richard Starr spending close to $100k each.
More from Weekly Chatter: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
More from Weekly Chatter: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
Scenes from the Cleveland campaign trail with Laverne Gore, who is running against a mayor she refers to as "the toddler." signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ma...
Laverne Gore says she couldn't let Bibb run unopposed for mayor
Laverne Gore is challenging Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb this fall. Signal Cleveland followed her on the campaign trail.
signalcleveland.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Scenes from the Cleveland campaign trail with Laverne Gore, who is running against a mayor she refers to as "the toddler." signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ma...
A bit of news in our election-eve look at Bibb 2025. Mayor indicates he’s moving closer toward shaking up the police oversight system created by Issue 24:
“It’s really about how do we make sure all of these regulatory bodies can work more seamlessly.” signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ma...
“It’s really about how do we make sure all of these regulatory bodies can work more seamlessly.” signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ma...
'You got to be agile and adapt': Mayor Justin Bibb seeks reelection
As he runs for reelection, Justin Bibb talked with Signal Cleveland about what he's learned over four years as Cleveland mayor.
signalcleveland.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:45 PM
A bit of news in our election-eve look at Bibb 2025. Mayor indicates he’s moving closer toward shaking up the police oversight system created by Issue 24:
“It’s really about how do we make sure all of these regulatory bodies can work more seamlessly.” signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ma...
“It’s really about how do we make sure all of these regulatory bodies can work more seamlessly.” signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ma...
Primer on one Cleveland race to watch on Election Night: the contest for housing court between Judge W. Moná Scott and challenger Cheryl Wiltshire. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ho...
Inside the race for Cleveland Housing Court
Judge W. Moná Scott faces a challenge from Cheryl Wiltshire in the court that oversees evictions and housing code violations.
signalcleveland.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Primer on one Cleveland race to watch on Election Night: the contest for housing court between Judge W. Moná Scott and challenger Cheryl Wiltshire. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ho...
A quick look at the spending and fundraising from the Council Leadership Fund, the Cleveland City Council president’s PAC:
$115,000 spent since mid-year, with about $230,000 on hand for the final push before Election Day. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
$115,000 spent since mid-year, with about $230,000 on hand for the final push before Election Day. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
Council Leadership Fund boosts Cleveland City Council members
The council president's political action committee, the Council Leadership Fund, is backing several sitting council members.
signalcleveland.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A quick look at the spending and fundraising from the Council Leadership Fund, the Cleveland City Council president’s PAC:
$115,000 spent since mid-year, with about $230,000 on hand for the final push before Election Day. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
$115,000 spent since mid-year, with about $230,000 on hand for the final push before Election Day. signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
Elected 48 years ago, Mike Polensek says he’ll go if voters pick colleague Anthony Hairston over him in the Ward 10 Cleveland City Council race:
“If that’s their decision, on Jan. 6, there won’t be an insurrection, OK?” signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
“If that’s their decision, on Jan. 6, there won’t be an insurrection, OK?” signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
Cleveland Ward 10 race: Mike Polensek vs. Anthony Hairston
The choice between Polensek and Hairston is up to voters in City Council's new Ward 10, which links North and South Collinwood in Cleveland.
signalcleveland.org
October 27, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Elected 48 years ago, Mike Polensek says he’ll go if voters pick colleague Anthony Hairston over him in the Ward 10 Cleveland City Council race:
“If that’s their decision, on Jan. 6, there won’t be an insurrection, OK?” signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
“If that’s their decision, on Jan. 6, there won’t be an insurrection, OK?” signalcleveland.org/cleveland-ci...
This walk through Detroit-Shoreway/Gordon Square is great. Captures a view of the neighborhood besides the usual sights: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-go...
A walk through the gathering spaces of Gordon Square
Makela Hayford’s Gordon Square is not just the corner of W. 65th Street and Detroit Avenue — it’s the joyful moments at parks and gardens.
signalcleveland.org
October 14, 2025 at 1:12 PM
This walk through Detroit-Shoreway/Gordon Square is great. Captures a view of the neighborhood besides the usual sights: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-go...
Two Cokes, “fleas” (!) and $100 million: recap from yesterday’s afternoon of Browns news at Cleveland City Hall: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-br...
Browns to pay Cleveland $100 million as part of Brook Park move
The deal brings the Cleveland Browns another step closer to leaving its lakefront home since 1999 for a new, roofed stadium.
signalcleveland.org
October 14, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Two Cokes, “fleas” (!) and $100 million: recap from yesterday’s afternoon of Browns news at Cleveland City Hall: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-br...
Cleveland Metroparks and NOACA have reworked their diversity, equity and inclusion policies and other documents to conform to the Trump administration's push against DEI.
From Signal Cleveland's Weekly Chatter newsletter: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-me...
From Signal Cleveland's Weekly Chatter newsletter: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-me...
Metroparks, NOACA alter diversity language amid Trump DEI push
Two public agencies have joined the wave of amendments to "diversity, equity and inclusion" policies as the White House pushes against DEI.
signalcleveland.org
October 6, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Cleveland Metroparks and NOACA have reworked their diversity, equity and inclusion policies and other documents to conform to the Trump administration's push against DEI.
From Signal Cleveland's Weekly Chatter newsletter: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-me...
From Signal Cleveland's Weekly Chatter newsletter: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-me...
Check out Cleveland's Municipal Court candidates right here: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-mu...
Voting? Here's what Cleveland Municipal Court candidates said
Voters on Nov. 4 will pick judges to serve on the Cleveland Municipal Court. Candidates answered these questions gathered from the community.
signalcleveland.org
October 6, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Check out Cleveland's Municipal Court candidates right here: signalcleveland.org/cleveland-mu...
After 30 years of fiscal emergency — and five weeks before a mayoral election — the Ohio auditor moves to place a receiver over East Cleveland's finances.
Faber: "The time is now to stop kicking the can down the road." signalcleveland.org/ohio-auditor...
Faber: "The time is now to stop kicking the can down the road." signalcleveland.org/ohio-auditor...
Ohio moves to send East Cleveland to financial receivership
Auditor Keith Faber said he would ask for a receiver to step in after East Cleveland spent decades in fiscal emergency.
signalcleveland.org
September 29, 2025 at 7:37 PM
After 30 years of fiscal emergency — and five weeks before a mayoral election — the Ohio auditor moves to place a receiver over East Cleveland's finances.
Faber: "The time is now to stop kicking the can down the road." signalcleveland.org/ohio-auditor...
Faber: "The time is now to stop kicking the can down the road." signalcleveland.org/ohio-auditor...
Signal Cleveland opened shop almost three years ago to bring a new perspective and more reporting power to Cleveland’s news scene.
Help us keep the work going by giving here: signalcleveland.org?form=fall202...
Help us keep the work going by giving here: signalcleveland.org?form=fall202...
Greater Cleveland news prioritizing Clevelanders, Signal Cleveland
Greater Cleveland news — from local government to your child’s school and community events — we break down what matters.
signalcleveland.org
September 22, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Signal Cleveland opened shop almost three years ago to bring a new perspective and more reporting power to Cleveland’s news scene.
Help us keep the work going by giving here: signalcleveland.org?form=fall202...
Help us keep the work going by giving here: signalcleveland.org?form=fall202...
A year ago, the Cuyahoga Land Bank announced a splashy new project in East Cleveland: a $12 million, 100-job biotech lab. The deal was slated to close in the fall of 2024.
But it didn't.
A closer look at a big promise to a city in trouble:
But it didn't.
A closer look at a big promise to a city in trouble:
What's happening with the lab project in East Cleveland?
Financing for the anchor project in East Cleveland's Circle East hasn't finalized. The developer faces lawsuits from a Massachusetts project.
signalcleveland.org
August 4, 2025 at 11:59 AM
A year ago, the Cuyahoga Land Bank announced a splashy new project in East Cleveland: a $12 million, 100-job biotech lab. The deal was slated to close in the fall of 2024.
But it didn't.
A closer look at a big promise to a city in trouble:
But it didn't.
A closer look at a big promise to a city in trouble: