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Usher, Chris Brown bring R&B party of the summer to Cleveland

The two stars performed more than 50 songs over 2 1/2 hours.

Music

Usher and Chris Brown&#x27;s concert at Huntington Bank Field featured an abundance of hit anthems, flashy dance moves and more screams than a roller coaster drop at Cedar Point.The big picture: The duo&#x27;s co-headlining show Tuesday was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the biggest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/05/30/greatest-concerts-cleveland" data-vars-content-id="fcce8915-024e-42eb-830b-a28c39dbf91f" data-vars-headline="Usher, Chris Brown bring R&amp;B party of the summer to Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/05/30/greatest-concerts-cleveland" target="_self">one of the biggest</a> R&amp;B concerts to ever hit Northeast Ohio.

New bike path will connect Edgewater to Cudell

Cleveland has secured $100,000 to begin planning the route in Wards 11 and 12.

Transit

Cleveland has secured $100,000 from the state to begin planning a shared-use path along West Boulevard connecting Cudell to Edgewater Park.Why it matters: The project aims to calm traffic while making it safer and easier for people to reach the lakefront without driving.

Ohio among states reporting stomach parasite infections

The Ohio Department of Health's data lists more than 30 cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1.

Health

Ohio is one of 17 states with reported cases of a gut-wrecking parasite that&#x27;s plaguing the U.S. as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health" data-vars-content-id="5317b579-6365-48ba-8be5-3af75ce3f329" data-vars-headline="Ohio among states reporting stomach parasite infections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health" target="_self">health</a> officials investigate what&#x27;s driving an increase in cases.The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food.

Participatory budgeting for Columbus, but not Cleveland

Columbus is launching a pilot program three years after Cleveland quashed one.

Politics

Columbus begins a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial experiment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" data-vars-content-id="f2e46736-f732-445d-891a-739c8d1eb796" data-vars-headline="Participatory budgeting for Columbus, but not Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" target="_self">financial experiment</a> this week, handing over the keys to a portion of the city&#x27;s budget to the public for the first time.Why it matters: Clevelanders might be jealous.

Hopkins expands Central security checkpoint

The $4.8M upgrade should help travelers move faster — but only if they're enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

Travel

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport this week unveiled a $4.8 million expansion of the Central security checkpoint, doubling the number of screening lanes from two to four.Why it matters: Long security lines are a constant headache at Hopkins, especially during the early-morning rush and peak travel periods.

Destination Cleveland launches "Brag Movement"

A new campaign from the tourism organization turns locals into marketers.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Destination Cleveland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/09/16/cleveland-ohio-tourism-spending-record-travel" data-vars-content-id="8b86b53b-d180-47a9-ad12-ece7a7ac18fe" data-vars-headline="Destination Cleveland launches &quot;Brag Movement&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/09/16/cleveland-ohio-tourism-spending-record-travel" target="_self">Destination Cleveland</a> wants residents to become a little more braggadocious.Why it matters: Tourism officials increasingly believe that word-of-mouth recommendations from locals shape travel decisions more effectively than traditional advertising.

Cleveland Hopkins launches direct flight to Montreal

Daily service will connect Northeast Ohio travelers with more of Canada and more of the world

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is adding Montreal to its roster of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="direct international connections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/10/05/map-nonstop-international-flights-cle" data-vars-content-id="132042c2-4743-4620-830f-bd602b146d3f" data-vars-headline="Cleveland Hopkins launches direct flight to Montreal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/10/05/map-nonstop-international-flights-cle" target="_self">direct international connections</a>. Why it matters: Direct flights mean faster trips, fewer headaches and fewer opportunities to lose luggage.

Middle East turmoil sends Cleveland gas prices soaring

Average gas prices in the Cleveland metro area hit $3.43 this week.

News

Cleveland&#x27;s gas prices are surging following the U.S. and Israel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strikes on Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" data-vars-content-id="7aa923e4-1711-4b71-b591-5ed04df6e2d8" data-vars-headline="Middle East turmoil sends Cleveland gas prices soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" target="_self">strikes on Iran</a> and oil market fears of extended geopolitical upheaval.Why it matters: The increases have an immediate effect on motorists&#x27; pocketbooks and their mood about the economy.

Cleveland Hopkins braces for busy holiday travel stretch

The airport expects more than 550,000 passengers through Jan. 6.

Winter holiday travel is underway at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleveland Hopkins International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/12/16/cleveland-flagged-as-possible-united-hub-again" data-vars-content-id="8f1a3a07-c29e-4209-a75d-305f071adbe8" data-vars-headline="Cleveland Hopkins braces for busy holiday travel stretch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/12/16/cleveland-flagged-as-possible-united-hub-again" target="_self">Cleveland Hopkins International Airport</a> and will run through Jan. 6, 2026.Why it matters: The last thing you want is to miss your flight and be stuck at an airport during the holidays.

Polar vortex to hit Northeast Ohio during holiday travel rush

Temperatures in Northeast Ohio have a 40%-50% chance of being below normal through Sunday.

The National Weather Service warns the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="polar vortex" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/thanksgiving-weather-forecast-cold-polar-vortex" data-vars-content-id="ecb3e9b7-884e-46c0-8d4d-9488ad072faf" data-vars-headline="Polar vortex to hit Northeast Ohio during holiday travel rush" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/thanksgiving-weather-forecast-cold-polar-vortex" target="_self">polar vortex</a>&quot; could bring &quot;cooler than normal temperatures&quot; across the Midwest the rest of this week.Why it matters: Frigid temperatures are set to coincide with a record number of Americans expected to embark on Thanksgiving holiday travel.

Long lines, canceled flights at CLE

At least 15 flights were canceled out of Hopkins Friday amid the FAA slowdown.

Airlines began canceling flights Friday out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport due to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/flights-delays-airports-cancellations-faa" data-vars-content-id="74963fd0-0311-4aef-9478-bdb173811f58" data-vars-headline="Long lines, canceled flights at CLE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/flights-delays-airports-cancellations-faa" target="_self">Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decision</a> to reduce air traffic as the government shutdown drags on. Why it matters: Though CLE isn&#x27;t on the FAA list of 40 impacted airports, it has connecting flights to many of those destinations.

Cleveland and county leaders ask feds to help close Burke

They say shuttering the airport would open prime downtown real estate for housing, parks and jobs.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne are formally asking Washington to help them close <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Burke Lakefront Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/09/16/burke-lakefront-airport-lake-erie-closure-study-mayor-bibb" data-vars-content-id="f7ceca88-1ec2-4441-9f80-5d4db0da6b06" data-vars-headline="Cleveland and county leaders ask feds to help close Burke" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/09/16/burke-lakefront-airport-lake-erie-closure-study-mayor-bibb" target="_self">Burke Lakefront Airport</a>.Why it matters: With federal approval, Cleveland could bypass years of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) red tape and move quickly to repurpose the 450 acres of prime downtown real estate as housing, parks and job-creating development.

Cleveland's biggest cruise season ever sails to a close

53 ships and 8,700 passengers docked downtown this year, with two new itineraries launching in 2026.

Cleveland will wrap up its busiest cruise season ever Sunday when the final ship of 2025 docks at the Port of Cleveland. Why it matters: The milestone caps a year of 53 cruise ship calls and 8,700 passengers, solidifying Cleveland&#x27;s status as a premier Great Lakes cruise destination.

We found the perfect, low-key autumn stroll 45 minutes from Cleveland

Lorain County Metro Parks' Schoepfle Garden is a hidden gem off the beaten path.

Things to Do

👋 Sam here. The best place I went this week was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Schoepfle Garden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/schoepfle-garden-info" data-vars-content-id="3e87a868-0617-450f-ae03-bdf129676707" data-vars-headline="We found the perfect, low-key autumn stroll 45 minutes from Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/schoepfle-garden-info" target="_blank">Schoepfle Garden</a> — a 77-acre botanical garden and natural woodland in the Vermilion River valley. State of play: I spent two nights at a cozy Airbnb in Lorain County to work on a personal writing project.

🚙 Best and worst times to drive for July Fourth

Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to drive in Northeast Ohio

A table lists best and worst driving times for the nine-day July 4 holiday period, from June 27 to July 5. Worst traffic usually falls from noon to evening, longest on July 1 at noon-9 p.m. Best travel is generally before late morning or noon, except July 4 after 3 p.m.

Travel

Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to drive in Northeast Ohio

Capturing Cleveland: Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve

Hopkins expands Central security checkpoint

Destination Cleveland launches "Brag Movement"

Cleveland Hopkins launches direct flight to Montreal