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.

A Brush High School junior traded the track for a patrol car this week, joining South Euclid police for a ride-along after a medal-winning weekend in track and field. Paige Walker also met with a Lyndhurst K-9 handler and her partner, Sonic, for a closer look at the path she hopes to pursue.

Firefighters from Parma Heights and neighboring departments responded to a house fire on Parkhill Drive, working quickly to keep flames from spreading to nearby homes. Officials said the fire was brought under control rapidly, with no injuries reported. The cause has not been released as investigators work to determine the origin.

Emergency sirens will sound across Northeast Ohio at 9:50 a.m. March 18 as the state conducts its annual Statewide Tornado Drill. Officials urge residents to treat it like the real thing, review tornado watch vs. warning guidance, and identify safe shelter options at home, work and school before severe weather strikes.

Seven Hills has reopened its renovated fire station, featuring specialized sleeping quarters designed with University Hospitals Parma Sleep Medicine Center standards. City leaders say the upgrades, including expanded locker rooms, a new training room and remodeled kitchen, will modernize the aging facility and support the department’s ability to retain staff while serving roughly 11,000 residents.

Federal health officials are warning families not to reach for suction-based anti-choking devices first in an emergency. The FDA says standard Red Cross and American Heart Association protocols remain the most effective, and device setup can cost crucial seconds. The agency has authorized only one such device for U.S. marketing and cites reports of failures and injuries.

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.

Ohio is rolling out a first-of-its-kind Drone First Responder pilot, using “drone-in-a-box” technology to launch autonomous aircraft after emergency calls. The program aims to cut response times, stream real-time video to command centers and even deliver medical supplies. Flights are set to begin in spring 2026 as the state tests whether the system should expand statewide.

Police in North Olmsted say a 61-year-old man found dead in a residential driveway likely died in a tragic accident in which alcohol was a factor. Investigators believe he fell while trying to help another man who slipped and lost consciousness. Early concerns about an altercation have shifted as police say injuries appear consistent with a fall.

Pepper Pike Police have identified a suspect and issued arrest warrants following a road rage incident that began on I-480. Authorities say the suspect followed another driver onto I-271 and Cedar Road, eventually exiting his vehicle to attack the victim's car. The encounter was captured on a dash camera, which investigators used to identify the individual involved. No injuries were reported, but police are urging drivers to remain calm and avoid engaging with aggressive moto

This move has raised sharp concerns from lawmakers, transparency advocates, and legal experts who question whether the timing and purpose of

A Hillside Middle School student was struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning while crossing Pleasant Valley Road in front of Normandy High School, according to Normandy Principal Rachel Urban. The student was able to walk to the ambulance and communicate with staff following the incident, according to the statement sent to parents. School officials expressed gratitude for the actions of those who responded at the scene.

Flames were seen coming from the attic, and firefighters quickly brought the situation under control. The estimated damage is $500,000. No injuries were reported, though the American Red Cross was called to assist one adult male.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is the federal program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase groceries. The average benefit in 2024 was approximately $190 per month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA has now warned that it is running out of funds to continue issuing those benefits due to the budget impasse in Congress.

Authorities said they intend to charge the individuals involved with aggravated armed robbery, attempted child abduction, and felonious assault. The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor Jim Flaiz are expected to release more details during a scheduled press conference.

One American living in France, who documented her experience on TikTok, said she was turned away at two separate La Poste locations when trying to send Halloween cards to her family in the United States. Both offices told her all mail, including letters, was barred from being sent due to new tariffs and customs rules. “They were so confident,” she said in a video posted on October 13. “They told me there was absolutely no way.”

The investigation, initiated by Third District detectives and supported by intelligence from the Second District, revealed that suspects were using at least two stolen vehicles to carry out the crimes. By early afternoon, detectives, aided by the Real Time Crime Center and FLOCK license plate readers, tracked the movement of the stolen vehicles across Cleveland.

According to court filings, the pair are charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The criminal complaint alleges they collected cash in person from elderly victims after scammers, operating mostly remotely, convinced those victims they owed money to government agencies or needed to “correct” fraudulent charges or refund errors.

According to the Mayfield Heights Police Department, officers responded to a report of a robbery at approximately 11:56 a.m. The victim, a 2

Among those killed, 95 were victims and 62 were perpetrators. The total count included 82 male and 75 female decedents. Children were frequently caught in the crossfire. Eleven minors were killed and at least 92 children lost a parent to domestic violence during the reporting period. In addition, 38 percent of the cases involving children included custody disputes, and 36 percent of perpetrators were subject to a current or previous protection order at the time of the homicid