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Ohio political blogger found guilty for sending naked Shrek image

D.J. Byrnes committed telecommunications harassment when he sent image to state senator, a jury ruled.

Politics

A jury in Willoughby found Ohio Statehouse political blogger D.J. Byrnes guilty of telecommunications harassment Friday for sending a sexually explicit image of Shrek to state Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland).Why it matters: The defense failed to persuade the jury that Byrnes&#x27; texts, which mocked Cirino for failing to secure the Ohio Senate presidency, are protected under the First Amendment.

How Cleveland helped launch the automobile age

Cleveland's Winton Motor Carriage Co. was a pioneer of America's fledgling auto industry.

News

One of the most significant remnants of Cleveland&#x27;s early automotive history has been saved from demolition.Why it matters: Before Detroit became synonymous with cars, Cleveland was a center of America&#x27;s fledgling auto industry — and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winton Motor Carriage Co." data-vars-click-url="https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/267" data-vars-content-id="dad115e0-4477-4c04-8dab-1b4927f03059" data-vars-headline="How Cleveland helped launch the automobile age" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/267" target="_blank">Winton Motor Carriage Co.</a> was one of its pioneers.

Ohio blogger on trial over explicit Shrek image

D.J. Byrnes faces a criminal charge in a case testing the boundaries of political speech.

Ohio political blogger D.J. Byrnes is on trial for texting a state senator an explicit image of the cartoon character Shrek.Why it matters: The case has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attracted national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.org/news/ohio-man-jailed-texting-shreks-penis-state-senator-your-questions-about-shrexting-answered" data-vars-content-id="edfbe4c2-475a-43d7-9b82-1dc0a426dd27" data-vars-headline="Ohio blogger on trial over explicit Shrek image" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.org/news/ohio-man-jailed-texting-shreks-penis-state-senator-your-questions-about-shrexting-answered" target="_blank">attracted national attention</a> from free speech advocates who argue that even vulgar criticism of elected officials is protected by the First Amendment.

Judge prohibited First Amendment defense in trial over naked Shrek image

The pretrial ruling prevented jurors from considering whether explicit text to state senator was constitutionally protected political speech.

A judge barred Ohio political blogger D.J. Byrnes from raising a First Amendment defense in his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="telecommunications harassment trial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/08/ohio-blogger-shrek-penis-trial-dj-byrnes-jerry-cirino" data-vars-content-id="2344ed77-e451-47df-8437-483662025763" data-vars-headline="Judge prohibited First Amendment defense in trial over naked Shrek image" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/08/ohio-blogger-shrek-penis-trial-dj-byrnes-jerry-cirino" target="_self">telecommunications harassment trial</a>, which resulted in a conviction last week.Why it matters: The jury found Byrnes guilty of sending a sexually explicit Shrek image to state Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) without weighing what his attorneys argued was the central constitutional defense: that even vulgar, offensive mockery of elected officials is protected speech.

The 10 busiest routes from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

The list is a mix of vacation hot spots and major connecting hubs.

Travel

When Clevelanders fly, they&#x27;re most likely headed south — or to another airline hub.By the numbers: Atlanta was the most popular domestic destination from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport from July 2025 through June 2026, with 454,000 passengers flying between the cities, according to new U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp?20=E&amp;Nv42146=PYR&amp;Nv42146_anzr=Pyr8ryn0q&amp;utm_" data-vars-content-id="a20e0e1c-ed74-4f25-a789-280f53b47461" data-vars-headline="The 10 busiest routes from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp?20=E&amp;Nv42146=PYR&amp;Nv42146_anzr=Pyr8ryn0q&amp;utm_" target="_blank">data</a>.

More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland

Las Vegas has historically been one of Hopkins' most popular nonstop destinations.

Northeast Ohio travelers will have more ways to reach Las Vegas when United Airlines <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandairport.com/about-cle/news-press/united-expands-cle-service-las-vegas-and-miami" data-vars-content-id="ef5b6e5d-8410-4ce8-aae6-d770ff245f39" data-vars-headline="More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandairport.com/about-cle/news-press/united-expands-cle-service-las-vegas-and-miami" target="_blank">launches</a> year-round nonstop service Thursday between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleveland Hopkins International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/17/hopkins-jdpower-2026-ranking-airport" data-vars-content-id="ef5b6e5d-8410-4ce8-aae6-d770ff245f39" data-vars-headline="More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/09/17/hopkins-jdpower-2026-ranking-airport" target="_self">Cleveland Hopkins International Airport</a> and Sin City.Why it matters: The addition fills a gap left by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spirit Airlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/02/spirit-airlines-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="ef5b6e5d-8410-4ce8-aae6-d770ff245f39" data-vars-headline="More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/02/spirit-airlines-shutdown" target="_self">Spirit Airlines</a>, which long provided cheap Cleveland-to-Vegas flights before the carrier ceased operations in May.

Hopkins expands Central security checkpoint

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

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.

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.

A bar chart that ranks Cleveland Hopkinsâ top destination airports for July 2025 through June 2026 by passengers. Atlanta leads at 454,000, followed by Chicago OâHare at 413,000 and Orlando at 324,000. Tampa is lowest among the top 10 at 162,000. Traffic ranges from 162,000 to 454,000.

Top airport destinations from CLE

Data: U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Chart: Tyler Buchanan/Axios

🚙 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

The 10 busiest routes from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

More Vegas flights take off from Cleveland

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