Cleveland Heights residents lined up May 7 for the city’s third annual equipment exchange, trading gas mowers and, for the first time, leaf blowers for battery-powered DeWalt replacements at no cost. Officials cite small-engine pollution and local asthma concerns, with a NOPEC grant covering 100% of the equipment.

Gas near $6? Giant Eagle and GetGo are rolling out a weekend-only myPerks multiplier that can stack major cents-off-per-gallon discounts based on how much shoppers spend. The rewards can be used immediately and stay valid for 12 months, giving families a potential break at the pump long after the weekend ends.

Little Caesars’ Love Kitchen is pulling into East Cleveland this week to hand out free pizza at the Salvation Army’s Doan Avenue center. The mobile restaurant will begin serving at 12:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, with about 300 slices available. Organizers say the visit will supplement the corps’ ongoing meal programs.

Cleveland’s creative scene packed the Flats for the Threads Streetwear Fashion Show, hosted by media personality Chrissy Cavotta. With more than a dozen independent designers featured, the night blended bold collections, high-energy music and lighting, and a networking vibe many say helps keep local talent from leaving for bigger fashion hubs.

Best Buddies International is launching Eunie’s Buddies in Cleveland, a new program offering mentor-parent support and practical resources for families after an intellectual and developmental disability diagnosis. The initiative focuses on the critical years from pregnancy through age 8 and aims to build lasting community for parents and caregivers across Northeast Ohio.

Northeast Ohio billboard icon Tim Misny is taking his brand to the page with the launch of “The Misny Method.” A two-day tour starts Friday with a West Side Market event billed as a landmark “takeover,” plus multiple Barnes & Noble signings. Organizers say a portion of proceeds will benefit the City Mission of Cleveland.

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, is set to travel through Ohio this summer on a national tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The historic engine will make multiple stops for public viewing, including whistle stops and a free display in Fostoria, with more dates planned in July.

CBD products are now a staple across Northeast Ohio, and a federal push to reclassify cannabis is raising new questions about daily use. This guide explains how CBD works in the body, what the FDA evidence shows, why product quality varies, and the key safety issues shoppers should watch for, including drug interactions, full-spectrum THC and workplace testing.

Tony Award-winning Best Musical “The Outsiders” is headed to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. The acclaimed Broadway hit will play the Connor Palace from April 28 to May 17, 2026, bringing Ponyboy Curtis and the Greasers’ story of friendship, conflict and belonging to Northeast Ohio.

Monster Jam is set to return to Cleveland, taking over Huntington Bank Field on May 2, 2026. Fans can catch free truck displays across the area April 30, then head to the Pit Party and Trackside events before the 5 p.m. main show. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and the stadium box office.

A Saturday afternoon shooting outside the Strongsville Costco left one person dead and a suspect in custody, police said. Shoppers and employees described a chaotic rush to evacuate as officers flooded the busy Royalton Road store. Authorities have not released identities or a motive as the investigation continues.

A 1993 race for Cleveland Heights Municipal Court came down to just six votes, putting 34-year-old Lynn Toler on the bench despite long odds. Years later, she became a familiar face on Divorce Court, drawing on lessons from a turbulent childhood and a career focused on rehabilitation. Her narrow victory survived a mandatory recount before it was finalized.

A major piece of maritime history is coming to Cleveland. Starting May 21, the Great Lakes Science Center will host TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition, featuring more than 200 authentic items recovered from the North Atlantic debris field. The experience includes life-size recreations and an optional virtual reality add-on, with the exhibit scheduled to run through Jan. 18, 2027.

A Cleveland fashion show became something bigger: a celebration of identity, leadership and “Mi Voz” — “My Voice.” Young Latinas in the Latina Image program took the stage in casual wear, interview looks and evening gowns, showing confidence built through months of mentorship and personal development. Supporters filled the room as participants stepped into the spotlight with purpose.

Cleveland event producer Chrissy Cavotta is launching her first full streetwear production, the Threads Streetwear Showcase, after a casting call drew thousands of shares and more than 200 submissions. What began as a smaller plan has doubled, now featuring 55 models and nine designers, with tickets starting at $10.

Kings Island is bringing back Phantom Theater with a reimagined dark ride opening April 18, 2026. Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare puts guests in a supernatural opening-night story, with interactive flashlights to capture “ghost notes” across 26 scenes. Fan-favorite characters return alongside new additions in the five-minute, family-friendly attraction.

Northeast Ohio saw summerlike warmth flip to chaos Wednesday as a powerful line of storms tore through the region, dropping giant hail, damaging winds and heavy rain that flooded roads and knocked out power for thousands. From slushy hail on I-271 to reports of 2.5-inch stones in Warrensville Heights, residents are now assessing damage as crews work to restore service.

Tired of endless swiping? Date Unscripted is bringing romance back to the real world with its “Dirty Thirties” live dating game show at Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Tasting Room. Contestants chat behind a curtain, the crowd plays wingman and winners score sponsored dates. A pop-up market and after-party keep the night going.

A longtime “parking crater” in Cleveland’s Gateway District is finally being replaced. Cosm Cleveland has broken ground on a 64,000-square-foot venue featuring a nearly 100-foot LED dome and “Shared Reality” immersive viewing in 12K. The project is expected to draw about 750,000 visitors a year and create 300 full-time jobs, with a target opening of July 2027.

Holden Forests & Gardens is marking Arbor Day with free admission at the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Holden Arboretum on April 24-25. Visitors can explore the sites and enjoy activities including a seedling giveaway while supplies last, drop-in crafts for all ages and guided tours. No tickets or reservations are required.