Summer in Northeast Ohio means road trips, sunshine — and discovering just how many potholes winter left behind. While drivers grumble about whether potholes will ever be fixed, there’s a quieter story playing out: Researchers and road crews are working to understand how to fix potholes for good. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati shadowed street teams through snow, rain and cold to study which repairs actually last, testing different materials and methods. They tracked nearly 700 pothole repairs across four Ohio cities, documenting each for at least a year. Their goal? To build a system that helps crews decide the best fix based on weather, road type, and the size of the crater. The pothole problem isn’t just about patching holes — it’s about understanding them and fixing them smarter. — Kristen Davis |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Guardians at Athletics: Guardians’ pitching dominates in 3-0 win over A’s to cap West Coast trip Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Hot and humid |
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Drivers across Cleveland often ask, “When will they fix this darn pothole?” But road crews and scientists alike are asking an equally important question: How do we make pothole repairs that last? (Plain Dealer file photo) |
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Fixing potholes: The remedies to potholes are as varied as Ohio’s weather conditions. Filling these potholes is a necessary evil. That’s why the Ohio Department of Transportation and others have invested a lot of money in studying them, Sean McDonnell reports. Stadium battle: Attorneys for the city of Cleveland on Friday accused the Browns of violating Ohio law and the terms of the team’s lease to play in the city during the first courtroom showdown over the team’s plans to move to Brook Park. A lawyer for the team countered that the Browns never violated the lease and don’t intend to do so, also stating the Browns have yet to give official notice that the team is moving, reports Adam Ferrise. Sin tax: For the fourth time in 35 years, Cuyahoga County voters could be asked to say yes to the sin tax to support pro sports stadiums. But this time, there’s a twist, Rich Exner reports. Lawmakers are considering both raising the cost per “sin” - instead of just a straight renewal — and adding vaping to the tax to help fund repairs at Rocket Arena, Progressive Field and possibly even the upkeep of a future Browns stadium. Traffic concerns: Some Ohio City business and community leaders are concerned about the safety ramifications of a plan from RTA along a busy stretch of West 25th Street. Rich Exner reports the plan would eliminate street parking to create dedicated bus lanes near the West Side Market. The public will have a chance to share input at a forum Wednesday. |
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Supreme Court: In a 7-2 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court last week sided with three northern Ohio men who argued that a judge shouldn’t be allowed to consider their convictions when determining a punishment for violating the terms of their post-prison supervision. Adam Ferrise reports the majority of the justices agreed with arguments by an attorney with the federal public defender’s office in Cleveland, that post-prison violations should be geared toward rehabilitation. Anti-transgender provisions: Legislators in Ohio’s House and Senate have packed their proposed state budgets with measures targeting transgender Ohioans, Mary Frances McGowan reports. If they become law, the provisions will affect everything from transgender people’s self-expression to their health care access. Jerry Cirino: To some, Jerry Cirino is the man saving Ohio’s colleges from liberal groupthink. To others, he’s setting fire to academic freedom, reports Anna Staver. With Senate Bill 1 set to become law Friday, the Republican state senator from Lake County has shifted his focus to a bigger goal: Reshaping the rest of state government. East Palestine: The NIH has launched a five-year study to investigate long-term health impacts from the 2023 East Palestine train derailment. Sabrina Eaton reports the $10 million research initiative is aimed at understanding the effects of chemical exposure on community health. Referendum Effort: A grassroots campaign is in its final week of gathering signatures to challenge Ohio's anti-DEI college bill. Laura Hancock reports on the volunteer-driven effort to get Senate Bill 1 referendum on the November ballot. City Club: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost reflected on his political career during a recent City Club of Cleveland speech. Mary Frances McGowan reports Yost spoke about power's corrupting influence and his withdrawn gubernatorial candidacy, as well as his future political aspirations. |
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Dangerous heat: Cleveland has opened six recreation centers as cooling sites during an extreme heat watch. Kaitlin Durbin reports the centers will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Tuesday, offering relief as temperatures are expected to rise into the low 90s. Victim honored: More than 100 years ago this month, a Black man was killed by an angry white mob, who chased him through the streets of Cleveland after he was accused of taking some cherries from a farmer’s tree. That man, John Jordan, and the killing will be commemorated in Cleveland, part of a larger, nationwide effort to remember the past while informing the future, Susan Glaser reports. AI fundraising: Cleveland State University’s newest fundraiser doesn’t shake hands, make phone calls or attend alumni mixers – although she’s always available and guaranteed to answer your questions within 10 minutes. Laura Hancock reports on Ava, a virtual engagement officer powered by generative AI, hired to rekindle relationships with alumni, staff and community members who’ve drifted away from the university in recent years. River dangers: The body of a 5-year-old boy was found Sunday by rescuers after he and his father were reported missing when their inflatable tube capsized Saturday on the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga Falls, Cliff Pinckard reports. In Kent, firefighters called Sunday to rescue 11 people who had fallen from their rafts on the Cuyahoga River ended up rescuing nearly two-dozen people and six dogs from the fast-moving water. Ship grounded: A 406-foot carrier vessel became grounded in the Cuyahoga River early Friday, closing the waterway for several hours. The Sunnanvik, carrying 3,500 tons of cement, was lodged near the East Bank of the Flats but caused minimal damage. Bear tracking: A female black bear was captured and fitted with a GPS collar in Ashtabula County earlier this month. Peter Krouse reports on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' efforts to study black bear recolonization in the state by tracking the bear's range, survival and reproductive habits. Mobile home fire: A woman suffered serious injuries and a dog died in fire Saturday at a mobile home in Elyria, Cliff Pinckard reports. Tree memorials: Lorain City Council approved a new program allowing residents to purchase memorial trees in city parks. The Living Legacy - Trees of Remembrance initiative offers families a way to honor loved ones while contributing to the city's environmental revitalization, reports Hannah Drown. Shelter Dogs: The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is seeking foster homes for seven dogs who have been waiting over 100 days for adoption. Kaitlin Durbin reports that the shelter hopes to give these dogs a summer vacation, providing food, toys, and a temporary home to help them decompress from shelter life. |
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Cannabis use: Marijuana use among seniors has increased dramatically, with 7% of adults 65 and older now regular users. Julie Washington reports on a University of California-San Diego study showing the trend is linked to medical marijuana legalization and treatment of chronic conditions. |
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Max Miller: U.S. Rep. Max Miller claims a pro-Palestinian supporter drove him off the road and threatened him in Rocky River. Rocky River police arrested Feras Hamdan, a Westlake doctor, and charged him with aggravated menacing and ethnic intimidation. Hamdan pleaded not guilty to the charges. Gun case: The Ohio Supreme Court may hear a Cuyahoga County case that could reshape state firearms laws. David Gambino reports the constitutional debate centers on whether historical precedent exists for categorically disarming people before conviction. Violence prevention: Cleveland's violence prevention programs face significant cuts after recent federal budget reductions. Lucas Daprile reports that two local nonprofits have been forced to reduce services just as the city enters its most violent months of the year. Downtown homicide: A 38-year-old Cleveland man was fatally shot early Friday in the city's Warehouse District, Olivia Mitchell reports. Julius Chapman died from multiple gunshot wounds, marking the 34th homicide investigated by Cleveland police this year. Akron robbery: Four teens and an adult were arrested after they were accused of robbing two women outside a strip club in Akron. Police say the suspects surrounded a car early Friday morning, displayed a firearm and stole purses and other items from the backseat, reports Olivia Mitchell. Suspect arrested: A 61-year-old man accused of stabbing a person to death and then setting a home on fire was arrested Friday by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. Olivia Mitchell reports Jacob Hughes was found while riding a bicycle on East 109th Street in Cleveland. |
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House of the Week: The historic Marshall Mansion in Shaker Heights, built in 1918, is listed for $1.799 million after extensive restoration. Joey Morona reports the home has six bedrooms as well as numerous architectural features and a rich history. New art: A vibrant mural celebrating the Ohio & Erie Canal's history has been installed at Cleveland's Canal Basin Park. Paris Wolfe reports a public celebration will be held Friday. Hot dog hot spots: Northeast Ohio's hot dog scene offers diverse and creative options, from classic chili dogs to wild toppings. Peter Chakerian lists a dozen unique local spots that showcase the region's culinary creativity. Best martinis: Whether you prefer gin or vodka, dirty or sweet, there’s a martini out there for everyone. Alex Darus reports on where to find the best in the Cleveland area. Onion rings: Your “Best of Cleveland” team of Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian is back with another ranking. This time, they braved any chance of bad breath... 12 times. They did the heavy lifting of baking up and trying frozen onion rings so you don’t have to! Local author: Jim Sollisch, a Cleveland Heights native who is creative director at Cleveland-based Marcus Thomas, has published essays he’s written over the years for publications like The Plain Dealer, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune and others, Marc Bona reports. Wrestling league: Hulk Hogan's new wrestling league, Real American Freestyle, debuts in Cleveland on Aug. 30 at the Wolstein Center. Marc Bona reports on the inaugural event, which will feature Olympic medalists and NCAA stars. |
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Brook Park man faces possible charges after threatening to shoot dog Read more Cleveland man arrested after threatening to shoot juvenile at Brook Park social club Read more Avon Lake holds Inaugural Summerfest Celebration Read more Richmond Heights Mayor Kim Thomas selected to join the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2026 Read more Cuyahoga County animal shelter offering $20 dog adoption fee through June 22 Read more Pepper Pike officially opens its new ‘linear park,’ the Gates Mills Boulevard Trail Read more Akron launches free summer recreation program for teens Read more |
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