Stephanie Czekalinski

Cleveland

Digital Producer at Ideastream

Journalist's journalist. Unpublished novelist. Undercover poet. Long live kitchen anarchy!

Articles

Telling the truth to future truth tellers: Doing journalism right is not easy

2 weeks ago | ideastream.org | Stephanie Czekalinski

In April, a group of students and career journalists in town for the Society of Professional Journalists conference visited Ideastream Public Media’s offices in Downtown Cleveland. We had dinner and talked about all the wonderful things you can do if you choose a career in journalism: At Ideastream, we produce TV, radio, news, social media, arts, entertainment and engaged journalism. That means reporters and producers shoot video, fly drones, cut audio and make documentaries.
First head of Cleveland's Gateway project, former Hiram College president, dies

2 months ago | wosu.org | Stephanie Czekalinski

Thomas Chema, who led the Gateway Project which oversaw the construction of what was then known as Jacobs Field and Gund Arena, has died. Chema served as Gateway's executive director from 1990 to 1995 at a time when controversy over the project swirled around the region: The debate raged over whether the project, which called for the construction of a new baseball stadium and new basketball arena in Cleveland, would spur economic development or was a subsidy for professional sports teams.
Cleveland Browns pitch financing plan for Brook Park stadium

Feb 13, 2025 | wosu.org | Stephanie Czekalinski

The owners of the Cleveland Browns football team released a plan to pay for a new $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park. The plan includes a $1.2 billion contribution from the public, which private funders would match, according to a Haslam Sports Group media release issued Thursday. Private funders would also cover any cost overruns. "We are working on a new domed stadium, but we're also putting in a pretty substantial mixed-use development.
Cleveland police will not enforce federal immigration law, mayor says

Jan 28, 2025 | ideastream.org | Stephanie Czekalinski

Cleveland police will not enforce federal immigration law, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced Tuesday. "My administration will not engage in the deportation of individuals who have not committed violent crimes. No law requires that we do so," Bibb wrote in a statement. "Cleveland police are tasked with protecting public safety, and while we will take action against anybody who commits violent crimes, we are not enforcing general federal immigration law.
East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King indicted for theft in office, criminal ethics violations

Oct 10, 2024 | ideastream.org | Stephanie Czekalinski

East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King, 56, was indicted Thursday in Cuyahoga County on 12 counts, including theft in office, having an unlawful interest in a public contract and criminal ethics violations. Former East Cleveland Councilmember Earnest Smith, 49, was also indicted. “Mayor Brandon King demonstrated a complete disregard and disdain for the rule of law,” Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley said in a media release.
Northeast Ohio media outlets partner to improve civil discourse, find solutions to problems

Jul 22, 2024 | ideastream.org | Stephanie Czekalinski

On Monday, a group of media outlets and civic nonprofits announced a partnership designed to help encourage constructive political dialogue and find solutions to issues important to Northeast Ohioans. The project, called "We Can Disagree," will consist of conversations on the app Polis and at least one in-person event moderated by Fighting to Understand, a Northeast Ohio nonprofit with experience designing and holding difficult conversations.
Cleveland to reopen City Hall Thursday after ransomware attack

Jun 19, 2024 | ideastream.org | Stephanie Czekalinski |Abbey Marshall

The city of Cleveland will resume some services on Thursday beginning at noon after a ransomware attack shuttered City Hall and crippled services for nearly two weeks. The Building and Housing department, assessments or licenses and vital statistics are among the services that will reopen, according to a city media release. Civil Service examinations and regular meetings are operating normally, the city said.
Cleveland mayor's vehicle struck after running red light with emergency lights on

Jun 13, 2024 | ideastream.org | Stephanie Czekalinski

On Thursday morning, a city of Cleveland vehicle carrying the mayor was involved in a crash Downtown shortly before 9 a.m. after apparently running a red light with its emergency lights flashing. The mayor, his driver, who is a Cleveland police officer, and the other party involved in the crash were "fine," said city spokesperson Sarah Johnson in a statement. The crash happened at the intersection of East 12th Street and Superior Avenue.
Cleveland officials close off area around historic church after report of dome swaying

May 31, 2024 | wvxu.org | Kelly Krabill |Stephanie Czekalinski

The city of Cleveland has cordoned off the area around St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral on Starkweather Avenue after a member of the church told the city one of the domes was swaying. The historic church on the city's West Side was damaged in a fire on Tuesday. The church and some adjacent properties were evacuated "out of an abundance of caution," according to a statement from a city spokesperson.
What's the future of Browns stadium? Some say voters should weigh in

May 15, 2024 | ideastream.org | Stephanie Czekalinski

First came the rumblings that the Cleveland Browns had met with city leaders to discuss $1 billion in stadium renovations. Then news broke that the Haslams, the team's billionaire owners, had purchased nearly 200 acres in Brook Park, Ohio.