A chemical delivery mix-up at Akron Water Plant caused a dangerous chlorine gas leak, prompting a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents and businesses. Three people were hospitalized, and the facility was evacuated as HazMat teams responded. Officials say the public water supply remains safe, but urge residents to avoid the area and follow emergency guidelines as the situation develops. Stay tuned for official updates.

Mentor Police are stepping up patrols as e-bike traffic surges throughout the city, with both adults and young riders sharing busy roads and sidewalks. Officers will issue reminders and possibly citations to ensure safety, as reports of unsafe riding habits increase. The department urges all riders to follow the rules and reminds the community that e-bike operators have the same legal responsibilities as drivers. Stay informed on the latest city guidelines.

Former Cuyahoga County Judge Leslie Celebrezze was sentenced to 60 days in jail after pleading guilty to felony tampering with public records, ending a sweeping court corruption scandal. The case, driven by whistleblowers and reporters, uncovered abuses of power and triggered new investigations. This dramatic downfall from a storied political family has shaken public trust and raised urgent questions about local judicial accountability.

A century-old Lakewood church is reborn as Birdtown Brewing, blending local history, craft beer, and vibrant eats in a transformed space. With preserved architectural details, a basement bar featuring repurposed gym floors, and Geraci’s Restaurant’s first west side location, this new spot promises memorable vibes, diverse fare, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Governor Mike DeWine has appointed Andy Wilson as Ohio’s new attorney general, filling the vacancy left by Dave Yost’s move to the private sector. Wilson, a seasoned prosecutor and current director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, will serve through the end of the year. His experience includes high-profile cases like the Pike County murders. An election for the next full term is set for November, making this a pivotal moment for Ohio’s top legal office.

Cleveland Heights officials are weighing a proposal to bring a Culver’s restaurant to the long-empty Mayfield Triangle. Supporters tout jobs and revitalization, while critics worry about traffic and the impact of a drive-thru on the city’s urban goals. With Severance Town Center struggling, the stakes are high as the planning commission reviews the plan. Decisions expected by fall could shape the area’s future.

Heart of Avon Outdoor Market hosted a powerful charity event spotlighting mental health awareness, featuring local vendors, advocates, and live performances. Lori Yeager, founder of The Hope for B.E.S.T., shared her personal story and mission to support youth mental health. The event raised crucial funds and fostered open dialogue, underscoring the urgent need for community action during Mental Health Awareness Month.

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.

Cleveland’s National Air Show board is warning the event cannot continue if Burke Lakefront Airport closes. City leaders are studying a $600 million lakefront redevelopment vision and have asked organizers to consider remote or overwater formats, but the board says Cleveland’s geography and the show’s nonprofit finances make that impossible. The 2026 show is still on.

A major stretch of downtown Cleveland is set for a sweeping asphalt art installation aimed at boosting pedestrian safety. Veteran muralist Ryan Jaenke was chosen to transform parts of the Gateway District near East 4th to East 9th streets, with up to 17,000 square feet of hardscape painted through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative. Work is targeted for completion in July 2026.

A Cleveland garden expert says Memorial Day may be too late for some crops. Kelly Crotty of Kelly's Creations in the CLE has opened her Spring Cool Season Plant Reserve, offering starts timed for the region’s unpredictable spring. The reserve includes cool-weather favorites like lettuce, bok choy and herbs, grown locally and ready for outdoor beds or containers.

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.

Sandusky Bay Pancake House is becoming a go-to stop for locals and tourists along Milan Road, serving scratch-made classics alongside vegan and gluten-free options. With a family-friendly dining room, patio seating and steady daily hours, the restaurant is carving out a bigger role in Erie County’s fast-growing breakfast scene.

A loud, low-frequency boom rattled homes across Northeast Ohio Tuesday morning, from the lakeshore west side to areas as far south as Akron. Officials ruled out earthquakes, industrial incidents and supersonic flights. Video and audio evidence, along with reports to the American Meteor Society, pointed to a daylight meteor airburst over Lake Erie.

Euclid’s Shore Cultural Centre is moving ahead with new renovations after landing a $19,327 Ohio History Fund grant. The project will modernize two restrooms near the historic auditorium, a key gathering space for thousands each year. Shore’s proposal was among just 15 selected statewide out of 68 applications, city officials said.

Emma Lyons has a blunt name for the voice that tells so many women they are not enough. It is not intuition, she says. It is not protection. It is not even a misunderstood part of the self asking to be soothed. Lyons calls it the “inner narcissist,” a shame-driven internal voice that keeps women doubting themselves, shrinking themselves and, in many cases, mistaking self-punishment for self-awareness.

A Franklin County magistrate issued a preliminary injunction blocking Ohio from reclassifying unclaimed funds as state property after 10 years. The ruling finds House Bill 96 likely violates Ohio’s takings and due process clauses, halting plans to transfer $1.7B-$1.9B to a sports facilities commission, including $600M tied to a proposed Browns stadium in Brook Park.

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.