American Rescue Plan

Northeast Ohio has so far avoided the worst as the latest surge in new coronavirus cases slowly wanes; groups suing over Ohio’s new state House and Senate district maps will be allowed to question Gov. Mike DeWine and other members of the Ohio Redistricting Commission; a new report says Cleveland’s $511 million in federal relief funding could be transformational for the city; and more stories.

The council will offer input on how the Cleveland area should use the remaining COVID-19 funds.

Cleveland is drafting an early plan for spending $511 million in COVID-19 relief money and will send the proposal to the U.S. Treasury Department for approval by the end of the month.

Ohio reported 744 COVID cases on Tuesday; Northeast Ohio colleges and universities are getting millions from the American Rescue Plan; Ohio's correctional agency says at least five prison guards used excessive force before an inmate died; and more stories.

The U.S. Senator says the money families receive will be "game changing" as it can reduce poverty and be put toward what the kids need.

Even though it's not in the bipartisan infrastructure deal, Brown continues to advocate for a $400 billion investment in "soft infrastructure" that includes childcare and other care services that Pres. Biden had proposed in his American Jobs Plan. Brown says it would increase wages for workers who provide home care or community care to the sick and elderly.

Gov. Mike DeWine has signed legislation directing about $2.2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief aid with about half going to repay an unemployment loan; Akron City Council passes a new law that requires Akron police to automatically post body cam videos of use-of-force incidents; restaurants, bars, breweries and others can apply for a share of $100 million in state aid; and more stories.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed just about everything for school districts in the last year – including funding. Districts across Ohio and the country have received millions of dollars in federal aid – first, as many switched to virtual instruction and now, as they bring kids back to the classroom and recover from a year of disruptions.

The city's budget, businesses, neighborhood development and internet access are some ideas that could see some of the money.

Cleveland is receiving more than half a billion dollars as part of a federal stimulus package to combat the economic impact of the pandemic. How should that money be spent and who will have input into the decisions?