Weighted blankets are everywhere online, with bold claims about better sleep and lower anxiety. In this episode of Viral vs. Verified, the science gets a closer look. Some studies show promising results, but the full picture is more complicated than the hype suggests.

A longtime Fairmount Circle favorite is shutting its doors. After more than 24 years, the locally operated Ben & Jerry’s in University Heights is closing, leaving behind decades of birthday parties, student traditions and family memories that turned a neighborhood ice cream shop into something much bigger.

Ice water, humming and cold plunges are all over social media as instant fixes for stress, but the science tells a more complicated story. While slow breathing can help regulate the body’s stress response, experts say many so-called vagus nerve hacks are being oversold online.

Whole-body vibration machines are exploding across social media with promises of fat loss, detox benefits and gym-free results. A closer look at the science shows a far more limited reality, with some benefits for balance and mobility but serious warnings for certain users. Here is what the evidence actually says before you step on a plate.

A graduation ceremony at Cleveland’s Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center will spotlight men who completed a demanding residential program aimed at breaking homelessness. After months of sobriety, job training and mental health support, each graduate is leaving with a plan for housing and employment, turning a moment of crisis into a shot at lasting stability.

A Northeast Ohio couple is turning their wedding into a major fundraising mission. Instead of traditional gifts, Jon Kozesky and Amber Toth hope to raise $100,000 for local families facing pediatric cancer, with young survivors standing beside them on their big day. The effort shines a spotlight on the crushing financial toll of childhood cancer and the charity now central to their lives.

About 500 motorcycles were registered in downtown Cleveland on Sunday, Sept. 13, for the 18th annual Cops Ride, bringing law enforcement officers, retirees, motorcycle groups and supporters together to honor four Ohio officers who died in the line of duty and to support the families they left behind. "It's a brotherhood. It's a camaraderie. We're here to support all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," Rick, a retired Solon police officer who served fo

A giant new mural is transforming Cleveland’s Warehouse District as globally known artist Eduardo Kobra creates an 11,000-square-foot tribute to rock and roll history. Backed by major arts and civic partners, the project is being hailed as a bold move to elevate the city’s street art scene and draw fresh attention downtown.

A Cleveland-rooted nonprofit is launching a major new support push for Ohio families facing a Down syndrome diagnosis. Awakening Angels plans to distribute $1.25 million through its Life Grant Program, offering $5,000 to each of 250 families to help cover urgent needs during a life-changing transition.

Creatine has long been tied to bodybuilding, but local experts say its role is expanding fast. From healthy aging and menopause to brain function and muscle preservation, new research is pushing the supplement into the mainstream. Doctors say the science is promising, but they also warn against hype and costly gimmicks.

What was once tossed aside from Great Lakes fishing is now generating millions. A new report shows fish scales, skin and organs are being turned into pet treats, fertilizer and leather, while cutting emissions across the region. With commercial fleets leading the charge and recreational fishing still largely untapped, the next big opportunity could be unfolding along Lake Erie.

Alliance High School alum Quintin Banks scored a hometown win in a creator basketball showcase that packed the Friga Facility and pulled more than 100,000 live pay-per-view viewers. The night also brought a surprise twist when a highly anticipated matchup with streetball icon The Professor was called off after an injury, but not before Banks earned major praise.

A Cleveland startup is changing fire safety with NASA-inspired sound wave technology that extinguishes flames in seconds—without water or chemicals. By using inaudible infrasonic waves, Sonic Fire Tech aims to make fire suppression safer and more efficient, with systems being tested for everything from homes to wildfire zones. Major utilities are already exploring the tech for grid protection.

Porsha Renae Hall, newly crowned Miss Ohio for America Strong, is preparing to represent Ohio at the national competition. With a focus on authenticity and advocacy for women’s health and addiction awareness, Hall draws on her deep Cleveland roots and personal story to inspire others. Her journey highlights the importance of representation and intentional leadership, especially for young Black women.

Rahim Mason, known as S.T. Maverick, is redefining Cleveland’s literary scene by crafting children’s stories in the rare moments between two jobs and fatherhood. With grassroots marketing and a commitment to youth education, Mason’s works blend fantasy, suspense, and cultural lessons. Discover how his journey from childhood storytelling to published author inspires the next generation to value their creative skills.

Cleveland’s local businesses are thriving as a new wave of digital creators, led by Cidney Moorer of CiddyLand and Herbalciddy, spotlight unique experiences and fresh destinations across Northeast Ohio. By documenting events and supporting fellow entrepreneurs, these influencers turn social media buzz into real-world foot traffic—changing the way residents discover the region’s hidden gems.

The passenger identified herself as an aviation enthusiast and described watching a technician work on the aircraft while it was at the gate. According to the Reddit post, she noticed the maintenance worker appearing to injure himself during the repair. She wrote that she wanted to give him her number while he stood next to her seat, but he looked too busy at the time. She also noted that she didn’t see a wedding ring on his finger.

Eighteen-year-old Kent native Ian Maynhart is preparing to shatter records with a 5.6-mile runway show through Manhattan—five times longer than the current world record. Inspired by Northeast Ohio’s industrial grit, his designs also support the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The event, set for June 28, could be a career-defining first for the young designer. Find out how Maynhart is using fashion for a cause.

In Cleveland’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood, Trey Williams has transformed vacant lots into Hood Honey, an urban farm and apiary supporting Black-owned businesses and community development. The farm, rooted in personal family history, offers honey, vegetables, and bee therapy while educating local youth. With ambitious plans for expansion and a growing impact, Hood Honey is redefining what’s possible in urban agriculture.

Northeast Ohio’s Bigfoot obsession hits the big leagues as the Mahoning Valley Scrappers become the Grassmen for a special game, blending baseball and cryptid folklore. The latest Cleveland 13 roundup features world record Slinky runs, helicopter saws, and oddities from banana synthesizers to wasp cookies. Don’t miss the wildest stories and local legends—watch the full podcast at Cleveland13.com.