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Are the Browns really this stupid?

The Browns are going with Deshaun Watson starting quarterback for Week 1.

Sports

Deshaun Watson has done everything he can to not be a starting quarterback in the NFL, but the Browns will head into Week 1 with him at QB1, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN&#x27;s Adam Schefter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49711613/sources-browns-tab-deshaun-watson-not-shedeur-sanders-qb1" data-vars-content-id="dd0bd2c7-5d14-4169-80e0-20c166031790" data-vars-headline="Are the Browns really this stupid?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49711613/sources-browns-tab-deshaun-watson-not-shedeur-sanders-qb1" target="_blank">ESPN&#x27;s Adam Schefter</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL Network" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-deshaun-watson-starting-qb-week-1-2026-season" data-vars-content-id="dd0bd2c7-5d14-4169-80e0-20c166031790" data-vars-headline="Are the Browns really this stupid?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-deshaun-watson-starting-qb-week-1-2026-season" target="_blank">NFL Network</a>.State of play: The news follows Watson being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booed by fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49695585/browns-watson-calls-fans-boos-personal-not-based-play" data-vars-content-id="dd0bd2c7-5d14-4169-80e0-20c166031790" data-vars-headline="Are the Browns really this stupid?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49695585/browns-watson-calls-fans-boos-personal-not-based-play" target="_blank">booed by fans</a> at Huntington Bank Field during Saturday&#x27;s preseason game after he completed just 5 of 12 passes and threw an interception against the Buffalo Bills.

"Union County" brings rural Ohio to the big screen

The new drama starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo is playing at the Cedar Lee this week.

Culture

A new movie filmed and set in Ohio starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo is playing at the Cedar Lee this week. The big picture: &quot;Union County,&quot; directed by Ohio filmmaker Adam Meeks, follows two foster brothers (Poulter and Centineo) as they navigate a court-mandated drug rehabilitation program while attempting to rebuild their lives amid the opioid epidemic.

Cleveland synagogues join national push to train congregants on security

Cleveland has something many Jewish communities don't: its own security force.

News

Synagogues across the U.S., including some in Northeast Ohio, are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="training congregants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/synagogues-security-teams-jews" data-vars-content-id="e0c27b25-1784-4427-bca7-5fd47ad0b935" data-vars-headline="Cleveland synagogues join national push to train congregants on security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/synagogues-security-teams-jews" target="_self">training congregants</a> to serve on volunteer security teams, as antisemitic assaults hit record levels nationwide.Why it matters: The push for hyper-vigilance comes as physical assaults against Jews in the U.S. hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="46-year high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/06/antisemitic-assaults-jews-2025" data-vars-content-id="e0c27b25-1784-4427-bca7-5fd47ad0b935" data-vars-headline="Cleveland synagogues join national push to train congregants on security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/06/antisemitic-assaults-jews-2025" target="_self">46-year high</a> in 2025.

Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline

Ohio requires K-12 students to be fully protected against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases.

Health

Vaccination rates among Ohio kindergartners fell across all tracked vaccines during the 2025-2026 school year, mirroring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" data-vars-content-id="117a4312-2cd2-4c99-a4db-158fac425fe0" data-vars-headline="Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" target="_self">nationwide decline</a>.Why it matters: The drop-off has coincided with continued efforts by the Trump administration to make controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine policy changes" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47112002.82/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDkvMjYvbW1yLW1tcnYtdmFjY2luZS1zaG90LXNjaGVkdWxlLWNkYy10cnVtcD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/63883f95eb76627b3989208fBf3269c19" data-vars-content-id="117a4312-2cd2-4c99-a4db-158fac425fe0" data-vars-headline="Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47112002.82/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDkvMjYvbW1yLW1tcnYtdmFjY2luZS1zaG90LXNjaGVkdWxlLWNkYy10cnVtcD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/63883f95eb76627b3989208fBf3269c19" target="_self">vaccine policy changes</a> and with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles cases" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47112002.82/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMjIvbWVhc2xlcy1jYXNlcy1zdXJnZS1wYXN0LWxhc3QteWVhcj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/63883f95eb76627b3989208fB4b8c0df8" data-vars-content-id="117a4312-2cd2-4c99-a4db-158fac425fe0" data-vars-headline="Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47112002.82/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMjIvbWVhc2xlcy1jYXNlcy1zdXJnZS1wYXN0LWxhc3QteWVhcj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/63883f95eb76627b3989208fB4b8c0df8" target="_self">measles cases</a> hitting levels not seen in more than three decades.

Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year

The freestyle wrestling promotion founded by Cleveland native Chad Bronstein has its next event Saturday.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="freestyle wrestling promotion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realamericanfreestyle.com/" data-vars-content-id="f2b5a724-4340-4bde-b38d-8c748e1b356a" data-vars-headline="Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realamericanfreestyle.com/" target="_blank">freestyle wrestling promotion</a> founded by Cleveland native Chad Bronstein has grown significantly since making its global debut at the Wolstein Center in August 2025.Driving the news: Real American Freestyle (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RAF" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/08/29/real-american-freestyle-wresting-debut-hulk-hogan" data-vars-content-id="f2b5a724-4340-4bde-b38d-8c748e1b356a" data-vars-headline="Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/08/29/real-american-freestyle-wresting-debut-hulk-hogan" target="_self">RAF</a>) will celebrate its first anniversary at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8pm Saturday at Rocket Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rocketarena.com/events/detail/raf-260822" data-vars-content-id="f2b5a724-4340-4bde-b38d-8c748e1b356a" data-vars-headline="Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rocketarena.com/events/detail/raf-260822" target="_blank">8pm Saturday at Rocket Arena</a>.

Kidventure Chronicles: Squire's Castle is a playground for little explorers

It's part of the Cleveland Metroparks' North Chagrin Reservation in Willoughby Hills.

Things to Do

Here&#x27;s a place to enjoy the summer weather with your kids before the school year begins.The intrigue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Squire&#x27;s Castle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/north-chagrin-reservation/squire-s-castle" data-vars-content-id="3ef88b6f-5c3a-48a6-8132-a5847ac71db9" data-vars-headline="Kidventure Chronicles: Squire&#x27;s Castle is a playground for little explorers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/north-chagrin-reservation/squire-s-castle" target="_blank">Squire&#x27;s Castle</a> is part of the Cleveland Metroparks&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Chagrin Reservation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/north-chagrin-reservation" data-vars-content-id="3ef88b6f-5c3a-48a6-8132-a5847ac71db9" data-vars-headline="Kidventure Chronicles: Squire&#x27;s Castle is a playground for little explorers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/north-chagrin-reservation" target="_blank">North Chagrin Reservation</a> in Willoughby Hills.

Cuyahoga County's hot summer read: "The Odyssey"

If you want to check out an edition of the Homeric epic, get in line.

Christopher Nolan&#x27;s film adaptation of the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Odyssey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/only-25-us-theaters-odyssey-imax-70mm" data-vars-content-id="9be500ed-bde4-4137-9aee-51fe9afb1e26" data-vars-headline="Cuyahoga County&#x27;s hot summer read: &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/only-25-us-theaters-odyssey-imax-70mm" target="_self">The Odyssey</a>&quot; is driving high demand for the ancient Greek epic at the Cuyahoga County Public Library. What we&#x27;re hearing: Requests for Homer&#x27;s roughly 500-page poem have soared this summer, a library system spokesperson tells Axios.

2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement: Everything happening in Canton

The class of 2026 includes Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Adam Vinatieri and more.

The NFL&#x27;s preseason officially gets underway Thursday night when the Carolina Panthers take on the Arizona Cardinals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton at 8pm.Why it matters: Hundreds of thousands of football fans will flock to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Enshrinement Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2026-enshrinement-week-schedule-of-events" data-vars-content-id="ac7c2989-669f-47e6-865e-422c499d6daa" data-vars-headline="2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement: Everything happening in Canton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2026-enshrinement-week-schedule-of-events" target="_blank">Enshrinement Week</a>, which includes one of the most star-studded classes in recent memory.

Writers Center Stage reveals 2026-2027 season

The annual Cuyahoga County Public Library series will bring six bestselling authors to town.

Cuyahoga County Public Library has announced the lineup for the 23rd season of its William N. Skirball Writers Center Stage series at the Maltz Performing Arts Center.Why it matters: The annual series brings the buzziest and most acclaimed contemporary writers to Cleveland for conversations about their newest books and creative lives.

MGK Day 2026 returns to Cleveland with Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent and more

This year's festivities include a festival, skate park contest, motorcycle ride and more.

MGK Day, the annual event celebrating Machine Gun Kelly&#x27;s love for Cleveland and vice versa, keeps getting bigger.State of play: This year&#x27;s festivities include a best trick contest at Crooked River Skate Park at 5pm Friday and a festival at North Coast Yard headlined by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MGK and Wiz Khalifa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/05/21/mgk-wiz-khalifa-blog-era-boyz" data-vars-content-id="e4826369-7458-4065-ae60-dd7c6b4c77f4" data-vars-headline="MGK Day 2026 returns to Cleveland with Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/05/21/mgk-wiz-khalifa-blog-era-boyz" target="_self">MGK and Wiz Khalifa</a> starting at 3pm Saturday.

This Anisfield-Wolf winner will change how you think about cities

"Born in Flames" reframes the urban arson of the 1970s as an epidemic driven by profit.

My book club recently met to discuss Bench Ansfield&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.anisfield-wolf.org/winners/born-in-flames-the-business-of-arson-and-the-remaking-of-an-american-city/" data-vars-content-id="e4d87ccb-1f03-42d0-8781-a962a8288cff" data-vars-headline="This Anisfield-Wolf winner will change how you think about cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.anisfield-wolf.org/winners/born-in-flames-the-business-of-arson-and-the-remaking-of-an-american-city/" target="_blank">&quot;Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City.&quot;</a>Why it matters: The revelatory urban history was the 2026 nonfiction winner of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/03/anisfield-wolf-book-awards-2026-finalists" data-vars-content-id="e4d87ccb-1f03-42d0-8781-a962a8288cff" data-vars-headline="This Anisfield-Wolf winner will change how you think about cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/03/anisfield-wolf-book-awards-2026-finalists" target="_self">Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards</a>.

Great Lakes Brewing Co. heading to Pittsburgh airport

Cleveland's hometown brewery is bringing its beers and brewpub-inspired menu to PA travelers this fall.

Food and Drink

Cleveland&#x27;s Great Lakes Brewing Co. plans to open a bar at Pittsburgh International Airport later this year.Why it matters: The location marks the brewery&#x27;s first airport location in Pennsylvania, where Great Lakes has distributed its beer since 1999.

Spider-Man fever hits Northeast Ohio for "Brand New Day"

The character has history in Cleveland. Parts of 2007's "Spider-Man 3" were filmed downtown.

&quot;Spider-Man: Brand New Day&quot; is swinging all over Northeast Ohio.State of play: Phoenix Theaters Great Northern Mall is rolling out the red carpet with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="36 hours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/GreatNorthernMallOH/posts/are-you-ready-for-36-hours-of-phoenix-theatres-great-northern-mall-spider-man/1488793896616948/" data-vars-content-id="20bbd6ba-d77d-432e-b4f1-f63fbc370601" data-vars-headline="Spider-Man fever hits Northeast Ohio for &quot;Brand New Day&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/GreatNorthernMallOH/posts/are-you-ready-for-36-hours-of-phoenix-theatres-great-northern-mall-spider-man/1488793896616948/" target="_blank">36 hours</a> of nonstop screenings, starting at noon Thursday.

Things to Do 🗓

Real American Freestyle wrestling eyes growth after fast first year

"Union County" brings rural Ohio to the big screen

Kidventure Chronicles: Squire's Castle is a playground for little explorers

Cuyahoga County's hot summer read: "The Odyssey"

2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement: Everything happening in Canton