Cleveland ranks among the nation's worst-performing big cities in terms of economic vitality, but improvements could be on the way.

Why it matters: The Greater Cleveland Partnership, Northeast Ohio's leading economic development corporation, in the midst of its All In Plan designed to promote job growth and draw new businesses.

• It seemingly couldn't come at a better time.

Driving the news: The Milken Institute released its yearly list of Best Performing Cities, which maps out economic growth — an essential factor in attracting new residents, visitors and investors to a region.

• Cleveland ranked 185th out of the 200 largest U.S. metro areas.

How it works: The nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank's annual rankings are based on a city's labor market, tech industry growth and access to broadband and affordable housing.

The big picture: Raleigh, North Carolina, Ogden, Utah and Salt Lake City, Utah topped this year's list, while New Orleans came in last at No. 200.

• In Ohio, Cleveland ranked ahead of Toledo (188) and Youngstown (199), but behind Columbus (109), Cincinnati (114), Dayton (122), Akron (146) and Canton (154).

Reality check: The report doesn't explicitly look at other quality-of-life factors people may consider when picking a place to live, like traffic congestion, public transit access, park space and other things that could have improved Cleveland's ranking.

Zoom in: Cleveland has several major projects designed to improve the city's economy over the next decade, including the Bedrock Riverfront Plan, Lakefront Master Plan and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame expansion.

What they're saying: "What has changed in Greater Cleveland over the last two decades is that we are at a moment in time where our large and small businesses are thriving," Greater Cleveland Partnership CEO Baiju Shah told RE Journals last August. "Our biggest issue now is not having enough people living in the region."

• "We are seeing our employers embrace technology. That has led to innovation. We are seeing the positive result of that. Now we just need more people."

Between the lines: After years of decline, Cleveland's population has flattened out recently.

The bottom line: The combination of ambitious development projects and a potential population turnaround could help Cleveland's economic standing.

Harsh Cleveland winters don't just affect your comfort level, they can also hurt your wallet when it comes to heating costs.

Why it matters: Households that use electricity for heat could see bills climb almost 14% compared to last year, per the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

👀 Check the age of your heating/cooling system.

If your unit is more than 15 years old, it might be time to replace it with a new, more energy-efficient option.

• There are federal tax credits that can help save thousands on your new purchase.

🪟 Check your windows.

About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can install weatherstrips yourself to seal gaps.

• You can also take advantage of natural heat by opening your curtains or blinds during the day to let heat in. Just remember to close them at night to keep the heat trapped inside.

💡 Schedule or do your own home energy audit.

A home energy assessment helps uncover energy inefficiencies and problem areas. You can hire a pro or run through this checklist yourself, which includes tasks like locating air leaks, checking insulation levels, and switching to energy-efficient lighting.

🌡️ Turn down your thermostat.

If you set your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its regular temperature for eight hours a day, you can save up to 10% on your bill.

🚘 A car crash involving Mayor Justin Bibb seven months ago has resulted in multiple city investigations, but no discipline for the police officer driving the mayor's vehicle. (Ideastream)

🚧 A two-story building on Detroit Avenue in Ohio City was demolished over the weekend and an apartment complex may be coming. (NEOtrans)

🎓 Tri-C recently notified 2,100 CMSD seniors that they have been automatically admitted to the local community college after graduation.

• Yes, but: Only 70 students have thus far accepted the offer. (Cleveland.com)

The Cavs-Thunder matchup last week was as good as advertised, a thrilling up-and-down slugfest that had fans giddy for a postseason rematch.

Why it matters: They won't have to wait that long. The NBA's top two teams meet again tomorrow in OKC.

Record: (34-5); Last week: (31-4)

Weekly slate: Win vs. Oklahoma City (129-122); Win vs. Toronto (132-126); Loss vs. Indiana (108-93); Win at Indiana (127-117).

The latest: After the signature Thunder victory and a gutsy win against Toronto the next night, the Cavs lost for the first time since Dec. 8.

🤩 Weekly winner: Darius Garland, who's cementing his All-Star case.

• He scored 40 points and dished out nine assists in the Toronto victory and is the NBA player closest to the vaunted 50/40/90 club — shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, 90% from the free throw line.
• He earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for the second time this season, joining only the Celtics' Jayson Tatum as players to have won twice.

🤒 Weekly loser: Donovan Mitchell.

• As his teammates thrived, Mitchell was waylaid by illness against the Thunder, shooting only 3-16. He sat out the Toronto game the following night.

Stat du jour: No team since the juggernaut Warriors of 2017-2018 has had four active All-Stars on their roster (Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevin Durant).

• The Cavs might do it this year. TNT will reveal the All-Star Game starters on Jan. 23 and the reserves on Jan. 30.

What's next: Tomorrow at OKC (7:30pm on TNT); Saturday at Minnesota; Monday vs. Phoenix.