President Donald Trump delivered a 1 hour and 48 minute State of the Union, the longest on record, using the address to roll out aggressive proposals ahead of the midterm elections. Plans included forcing major tech firms to generate power for AI data centers, banning corporations from buying single-family homes, creating matched retirement-style accounts, and backing a ban on lawmaker insider trading.

Mentor has finalized the 2026 Mentor Rocks summer concert schedule, bringing national acts like Phillip Phillips and Night Ranger to the Mentor Civic Amphitheater. The free Tuesday night series runs June 2 through Aug. 25, with weekly food trucks, a beer garden and festival-style amenities for crowds across Northeast Ohio.

The latest weekly update of “What in the World w/ Paul Seaburn,” produced in conjunction with Cleveland 13 News, delivered another roundup of odd, bizarre and quirky headlines from around the globe, continuing its mission to present unusual news stories in fun and relatable ways. The broadcast opened with host Paul Seaburn setting the tone for the long running program. “Real news, sometimes strange, always funny. That's our motto,” he said, describing the show’s focus on offb

Cleveland’s original Mac ’n’ Cheese Throwdown is back for its 10th anniversary, bringing veteran champions and new challengers together for an all-access afternoon of unlimited tastings, live music, interactive activities, and People’s Choice voting. Proceeds benefit W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, which provides service dogs to children with disabilities.

The Geauga County Maple Festival is gearing up for its 2026 centennial and is calling on local bakers to enter its annual baking contest. Entries must be made from scratch and use real maple syrup, not extract, with drop-off set for April 23 at the Chardon VFW. Organizers say newly uncovered historical footage from early festivals will be featured during the anniversary weekend.

Two Medina teens turned after-school window washing into KDM Outdoor Services, now serving five counties and more than 300 clients across Northeast Ohio. As the founders graduate, they are moving into a fully licensed, insured operation, expanding into commercial work and snow plowing, and pledging 5% of annual profits to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 10% global tariff on all imported goods after the Supreme Court ruled his earlier tariff strategy was illegal. The order invokes Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the duties for 150 days unless Congress approves an extension. Trump criticized the court and alleged foreign influence without evidence.

The Akron Art Museum is hosting an adults-only twist on a spring classic: Sip & Search, an egg hunt with sweets, prize tickets, and even bottles of wine. One hidden golden egg comes with a signed and numbered print by Devo co-founder and Akron native Mark Mothersbaugh. The event runs 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28, with limited capacity and tickets expected to sell out.

More than 1,000 Cedar Point fans packed the Lake Erie shoreline for the park’s annual Winter Chill Out, raising $120,000 for A Kid Again. Park leaders previewed several 2026 updates, including a July 4 celebration and a new Regional Gold Pass, while crews prepare Siren’s Curse and Top Thrill 2 for the season ahead.

Ray R. Lautenschlager, president of Ohio Family Rights and a prominent family law reform advocate, died at home Feb. 9, according to friends and colleagues. Supporters say he was a relentless voice for parental rights and helped families navigate difficult custody battles. Online memorials are scheduled for Feb. 19 and Feb. 26.

More than 120 ice sculptures will take over Medina Square and the South Town district as the 32nd Annual Medina Ice Festival returns Feb. 20-23, 2026. Speed-carving rounds begin Friday evening, followed by individual and team carving competitions Saturday and Sunday. Organizers say the free event offers a full weekend of winter art if temperatures hold.

Cleveland artists have one week left to submit qualifications for a major asphalt art installation in the Gateway District, turning 20,000 square feet of downtown pavement into a permanent outdoor gallery. Backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the project aims to boost walkability and create a new visual landmark near Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Subway is retiring its “Fourth Footlong Free” reward and switching fully to a points-based system. Under updated Sub Club terms taking effect April 1, 2026, any accumulated stamps toward a free sandwich will be forfeited, resetting progress for customers who have not yet earned a free footlong coupon. Here is what the changes mean for rewards and redemption rules.

President Donald Trump and the EPA have rescinded the 2009 Endangerment Finding that underpinned federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions. The administration says the move will cut costs and save the economy $1.3 trillion, while health and environmental advocates warn it could worsen air quality and respiratory illness. Legal experts expect years of litigation.

A Beachwood startup has launched an autonomous property-maintenance system designed for Northeast Ohio’s extremes, from thick summer grass to lake-effect snow. Lawncare Robotics says it is focused on residents 50 and older, aiming to reduce the risks of falls and cardiac events tied to driveway clearing. Rollouts are expected to start in the greater Cleveland area.

A growing petition drive is pushing back on a proposal to turn Brook Park’s historic IX Center into a large-scale AI data center. Organizers cite worries about power and water use, potential noise and utility price increases, and the loss of a major regional venue. City leaders face mounting pressure as land-use talks continue.

Attorney General Pam Bondi told the House Judiciary Committee that active investigations into the Jeffrey Epstein case are still underway, challenging earlier signals that the probe had stalled. Lawmakers pressed for answers on why more associates have not been charged, as survivors in the room said they have offered evidence and interviews but were never contacted by the Justice Department.

A sold-out McNugget “caviar” kit, a Matchbox car that fetched more than $30,000, and a 90-year-old teacher setting a Guinness record were among the stories featured on “What in the World,” a podcast produced by NewClevelandRadio.net with Cleveland 13 News WCTU. The episode also touched on Rome art controversy, England’s cheese rolling and rising “wellness drinks” in Cleveland.

University Hospitals has been awarded the International Cardio-Oncology Society’s Gold Status Center of Excellence designation for 2025-2028, recognizing its work treating cancer patients whose therapies can cause heart complications. The announcement highlights Shaker Heights resident Mia Pruzin’s treatment for Stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma while pregnant and the program’s multidisciplinary approach.

Letter carriers across Northeast Ohio plan a Feb. 22 rally outside Akron’s West Market Post Office, citing contract concerns over pay for new hires, a staffing crunch and mandatory overtime. Union leaders also point to safety risks, including crimes targeting carriers and thefts of arrow keys, and are calling for stronger security measures.