Midwest
Cleveland Browns mourn death of bullmastiff mascot, PETA implores team to rescue dog from local animal shelter
The Cleveland Browns announced via social media last week that their beloved live mascot SJ passed away at the young age of 5.
The team did not reveal the cause of death.
The Browns’ official Instagram page posted a black and white photograph of SJ, a bullmastiff, on Tuesday with the caption, “We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mascot, SJ. We are so grateful for his many years of loyal support and cherish all of the wonderful memories he helped create for fans young and old.”
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SJ, the Cleveland Browns mascot, passed away in early July 2024. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Milkbone, a snack company for dogs, replied to the post, “a true dawg RIP, SJ!” Many Cleveland fans expressed their condolences in the comment section.
On Nov. 10, 2019, at 11-months-old, SJ led the Browns out onto the field at his first official game as a live mascot. The Browns beat the Buffalo Bills at home that day, 19-16.
In a video posted to X the day before his debut, the team hyped up fans with clips of SJ preparing for game day as he sported a gray sweatshirt and warmed up to the “Rocky” theme song. The caption read, “He’s been training for WEEKS for this moment.”
Erin Andrews, NFL sideline reporter for FOX Sports, commented on the post “Awwwww ya!!!”
SJ, one of three live mascots for the team, enjoyed a Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towel as a preferred chew toy, according to the Brown’s website.
Though gone too soon, SJ is not the first bullmastiff mascot of the Cleveland Browns to pass away at a young age.
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The Cleveland Browns have two other live dog mascots, Muni and Stripes. Stripes is named after the lines on the Browns’ helmets. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
In 2020, Swagger, SJ’s dad, unexpectedly died from a stroke following a yearlong battle with cancer. At the time, Swagger’s handler, Justin McLaughlin, posted to his Facebook account with the sad news of the dog’s passing on Feb, 7, 2020.
Fans bid farewell to Swagger, a 145-pound good boy, on Oct. 13, 2019 during his final game day appearance against the Seattle Seahawks. The Browns were defeated 32-28 at home.
An open casket funeral was held for Swagger and live-streamed in a suburb outside of Cleveland on Feb, 22, 2020. SJ was present at the service and his final goodbye was documented on X. A Cleveland mourner posted to social media that SJ even tried to get into the casket with his dad.
Both Swagger and SJ hailed from FD Farms in Rootstown Township in Ohio. The farm owns, shows and breeds bullmastiffs, French bulldogs and Dogue de Bordeauxs, according to their website.
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In February 2020, the Cleveland Browns said goodbye to their previous mascot, Swagger, who died of a stroke at 5-years-old following a battle with cancer. Swagger was SJ’s dad. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
In a statement, Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of PETA, called for the Browns to reimagine their mascot and “adopt a logo featuring a brown mixed-breed dog from an undoubtedly overwhelmed local animal shelter,” according to TMZ Sports.
She added that “generations of breeding for a certain look have left bullmastiffs prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, and life-threatening heart issues, among other painful conditions.” She added that she believed Swagger Jr.’s death “should be seen as a damning indictment of an industry that deliberately churns out these doomed breathing-impaired breeds.”
It is unclear if the Browns will recruit a new bullmastiff as mascot or host a memorial service for SJ at this time.
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Detroit, MI
4Warn Weather Alert issued for Wednesday morning in Metro Detroit — What this means
A 4Warn Weather Alert has been issued for Wednesday morning in Metro Detroit following overnight thunderstorms.
A Flood Watch is in effect for most of Southeast Michigan through 2 p.m. on March 11, prompting a 4Warn Weather Alert as rounds of rain and storms move across the region during the morning commute and through midday.
Full forecast –> Wild weather: Heavy rain leading to flood concerns in Metro Detroit
What is a 4Warn Weather Alert?
We issue a 4Warn Weather Alert when we’re expecting weather conditions that will be inconvenient to our viewers.
Why did we issue an alert for Wednesday morning?
Early Wednesday morning, thunderstorms were rolling through Metro Detroit. While severe weather was a possibility overnight, most storms in Southeast Michigan remained below severe limits. Stronger storms developed across West Michigan earlier, and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for the Saginaw area.
Meanwhile, parts of the Thumb and Mid-Michigan are dealing with freezing rain and icy conditions, while Northern Michigan is under Ice Storm Warnings, including Alpena.
The biggest concern in Southeast Michigan Wednesday morning is heavy rainfall.
Several rounds of rain could produce localized flooding, especially in areas that typically collect water, such as low-lying neighborhoods, underpasses and roads with poor drainage.
Flood safety tips
Drivers should be cautious of standing water on roadways. Even shallow water can hide hazards or stall vehicles Here is an important rule during flood events: Turn around, don’t drown.
Just a foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways and should seek alternate routes if water covers the road.
Heavy rain can also lead to basement flooding in some homes. Residents are encouraged to check sump pumps, clear nearby drains if possible and monitor lower levels of their homes for water intrusion during prolonged rainfall.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Milwaukee, WI
Forest Home Avenue construction to resume in Milwaukee County
Drone view of the data center under construction in Port Washington
Check out a drone view of the Vantage Data Center under construction in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
Construction on a stretch of Forest Home Avenue in Milwaukee County is set to resume as part of a Wisconsin Department of Transportation resurfacing project, according to WisDOT.
The project affects Highway 24 — also known as Forest Home Avenue — between Janesville Road in Hales Corners and 45th Street in Milwaukee. The project started in early 2025 and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
Here’s what to know about the latest construction update.
When will Forest Home Avenue construction resume?
Preparation work for construction along Forest Home Avenue is expected to begin the week of March 16, according to WisDOT.
Active construction work is scheduled to begin the week of March 23, weather permitting.
Where will construction be?
Construction work will take place in two segments along the corridor. The segment between 45th Street and Howard Avenue is already largely complete and will include minor lighting work and restoration.
The segment between Howard Avenue and Janesville Road will include resurfacing, permanent pavement markings, guardrail installation and improvements at several intersections.
What work will be done during construction?
The Highway 24 project will improve about 5 miles of roadway. The work includes resurfacing pavement, replacing traffic signals and lighting at numerous locations, making improvements to the bridge at 76th Street and upgrading sidewalks and curb ramps.
Traffic impacts during Forest Home Avenue construction in Milwaukee County
During construction, Highway 24 will be reduced to one lane in each direction in active work zones. Drivers may also encounter parking lane restrictions, overnight or short-term closures at ramps and intersections, and temporary pedestrian detours.
Access to businesses and residences along the corridor will be maintained during construction.
When will the project be completed?
The project is currently scheduled to be completed in early summer, though WisDOT says the timeline may change depending on weather conditions.
Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.
Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota snow causing slick spots on roads
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Winter weather is back, with flakes falling across the area Tuesday night and early Wednesday. Snow has led to slush on the roads in the Twin Cities metro, which is creating slick spots on roadways – especially on bridges and overpasses, as well as side streets and parking lots.
The slick spots are patchy because the ground has been so warm over the past few days. The warm ground has also helped keep snow totals lower. However, there are minor accumulations in the Twin Cities, especially north of the metro, where there is a winter weather advisory in effect until Wednesday afternoon.
Snow is expected to wind down by around sunrise Wednesday. Skies will then clear, making way for afternoon sun and a high of around 39 degrees. Any snow that did fall is expected to melt pretty quickly.
Find live updates on weather and road conditions below, and watch FOX 9 live in the player above.
7:10 a.m. – Icy roadways
MnDOT is reporting roads in the Twin Cities being partially covered or completely covered in ice for the morning commute. This is causing crashes and backups across the metro.
You can find the latest road conditions from MnDOT here.
6:40 a.m. – Crashes reported
A couple of crashes have been reported in the Twin Cities metro, including on Highway 169 in Shakopee, which is slowing down traffic for the morning commute.
This comes as slippery conditions have been reported across the Twin Cities metro.
You can find the latest road conditions from MnDOT here.
6 a.m. – Plows out salting
Plows are out in the Twin Cities metro area clearing up the slushy roadways and dropping salt, as temperatures hover around the freezing mark Wednesday morning.
MnDOT is reporting partially covered roads in the Twin Cities, with a couple completely covered roadways in the southwest metro and north of the Twin Cities.
You can find the latest road conditions from MnDOT here.
5:30 a.m. – Slushy spots on Twin Cities roadways
Minnesota snow causing slick spots on roads
Winter weather is back, with flakes falling across the area Tuesday night and early Wednesday. Snow has led to slush on the roads in the Twin Cities metro, which is creating slick spots on roadways – especially on bridges and overpasses, as well as side streets and parking lots.
There are some slick spots on Twin Cities roadways, with MnDOT reporting most roads are partially covered in snow or slush.
You can find the latest road conditions from MnDOT here.
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