Former Ohio State football player Rory Nicol has launched “Hold Your Rope,” a new initiative aimed at helping people facing adversity through messages of resilience, accountability and community support. Nicol says the mission grew from personal struggle after his football career and a symbolic gift from 2008 now tied to his message.

Cold air doesn’t directly cause the common cold, a Cleveland Clinic physician says. Dr. Neha Vyas explains that winter’s dry air can affect the nose and throat, while more time spent indoors brings people closer together, increasing viral transmission. Hand washing, hydration and staying current on winter vaccinations can help reduce risk.

A$AP Rocky has announced his 2026 Don’t Be Dumb World Tour, including a May 29 stop at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena. Promoted by Live Nation, the 42-date global run supports Rocky’s first full-length album in eight years. Tickets go on sale to the public Jan. 27, with presales starting as early as Jan. 21 via Cash App and artist platforms.

A DowntownCleveland.com roundup says 21 new storefront businesses opened in downtown Cleveland last year, from coffee and ice cream to pizza, entertainment and retail. The list spans Euclid Avenue, East 4th Street, Public Square and more, offering a look at new spots now open across the city’s urban core.

Local founders Alexis Fender, Gabrielle Fender, and Tabitha Miner are launching Date Unscripted at Great Lakes Brewing Company on Feb. 6. The live, interactive dating show seeks to replace dating apps with real-world connection. Backed by health insights from the Cleveland Clinic, the event addresses rising rates of loneliness. Pre-selected singles will compete on stage in a series of games and challenges for a chance at a sponsored local date. The event is for adults 21 and

The hit musical “Mrs. Doubtfire,” based on the beloved film, is coming to Akron for two nights. Performances are set for Tuesday, Jan. 20, and Wednesday, Jan. 21, both at 7:30 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Find details and tickets through Playhouse Square.

Looking for a way to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day? On Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, families can take advantage of free admission and special programming at destinations across Northeast Ohio, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Museum of Art, and more. Check each venue for tickets and updates before you go.

Burt “Burt” Saltzman, the longtime chairman and leader of Dave’s Markets, died Jan. 13, 2026, at 88. Local nonprofits and community members credited him with years of support for hunger relief and other civic efforts, including the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which recently named a space in his honor.

Ohio Rep. Steve Demetriou has introduced HB 642, a bill that would remove the five-year limit on carrying forward net operating losses for municipal income taxes. Supporters say it would better match long business recovery cycles and align municipal rules more closely with federal treatment, while municipalities could see tax revenue delayed as losses are used over longer periods.

A new American Cancer Society report says U.S. five-year cancer survival has reached 70% for patients diagnosed from 2015 to 2021. Cleveland Clinic oncologist Dr. Dale Shepard says outcomes are improving even for cancers like lung and liver, while breast and prostate cancer incidence is rising. The report underscores the role of screening in catching cancers earlier.

The Cleveland Cavaliers plan to hold Mental Health Awareness Night during the Jan. 12, 2026, home game vs. the Utah Jazz at Rocket Arena. A Cavs release says the night will feature a pregame fireside chat for invited student-athletes with Cleveland Clinic experts and concourse activations connecting fans with local mental health organizations.

Sheetz says former President, CEO and Board Chairman Steve Sheetz died the night of Jan. 4, 2026, at 77. The company credited him with helping launch Made-to-Order food, entering fuel sales and driving multi-state expansion, and noted philanthropic work with Penn State Altoona. Funeral arrangements were not included in the release.

J&J Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric says thieves broke into its locked lot overnight before Jan. 8, stealing a trailer tied to a youth soccer team and later forcing open a truck to take tools. Police are investigating, and the company is asking witnesses to contact officers while offering a free furnace tune-up for information that helps identify suspects.

A viral Reddit post accused food delivery companies of secretly manipulating delivery times and using hidden driver “desperation” scores. Independent reporting later found the supposed proof — including an employee badge image and internal document — was fabricated, with signs of AI generation. DoorDash and Uber denied the claims as the post spread across TikTok and X.

Fire Iron Golf in Shaker Heights has opened a new entertainment venue blending high-tech golf simulation with casual dining and family-friendly fun. Located at 20040 Van Aken Blvd., the facility offers Trackman golf simulator bays, high-speed swing cameras, and access to over 200 virtual golf courses.

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

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Communities across Northeast Ohio observed Veterans Day on Tuesday with meaningful displays of remembrance and gratitude, as public institutions, local schools, and businesses took visible steps to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In several Cleveland-area Meijer grocery stores, a “Missing Man Table” stood prominently, offering shoppers a solemn reminder of service members who never returned home. Set up near the produce section, the tab

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.

Unable to perform for live audiences during the early pandemic, Sinkovic brought together a diverse group of seasoned local musicians and began posting performance videos to YouTube. The videos quickly resonated, drawing over a million views and building a loyal international following, including a strong fan base in Manila, Philippines. “This group should be playing theatres all over Ohio. We are very big in Manila Philippines trying to tour there in 2026,” he said.

Based in Cleveland, Glover has built his label and presence in the local fashion scene, contributing to regional visibility for menswear and inclusive runway representation. He was recognized in 2019 at the Ohio Fashion Awards with a Rising Star honor. His work has featured on platforms promoting African-American designers and models, and he has leveraged social media channels such as @xalterzaughn to share his vision with a broader audience.