🏀 Is LeBron About to Make It Official?

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Orange skies aren’t a filter, Canadian wildfire smoke is heading our way 🌤️🇨🇦🔥

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

Will the clairvoyant baker who predicted a LeBron return be proven correct?

We could find out this week. Consider:

This is the slowest week in the sports calendar, with no baseball games or World Cup matches on Thursday.

Step right up, LeBron.

He has three appearances at Fanatics Fest in NYC:

The appearances allow him to control the narrative and spotlight.

LeBron has kept the NBA in suspense for two weeks, fueling endless speculation about his next decision. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson amped it up last Sunday.

"You guys know there’s a little free-agency thing going on right now," he said, during the team's Summer League game against the Pistons. "That could be our real jump, and you know what I’m talking about."

Of course, there’s also the local baker who declared: “LeBron James is 95% coming to Cleveland.”

People mocked, but remember: It was Caroline’s Cupcakes that beat the all the media and broke the news the last time he returned.  

Amur leopards are among the world’s rarest and most critically endangered species, with less than 100 in the wild.

Now, we have one in Cleveland – and, no, the leopard isn’t roaming around area backyards with black bears.

It’s the latest addition to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – in what is a historic milestone for wildlife conservation.

The zoo announced the birth of the Amur leopard cub, the first in its 144-year history.

There are only about 80 of the big cats in zoos in North America. In the wild, they only reside in the southwestern Primorye region of Russia.

The cub – no gender reveal yet – was born July 1 to five-year-old mother Marta and four-year-old father Sylas.

It’s bonding with mom and will remain off exhibit for several weeks.

More than a festival, it’s a celebration of community and a street party that brings people of all walks and areas to Lakewood.

For 49 years, the Lakewood Arts Festival has enriched the city by making it a hub of creativity.

It returns Saturday August 1, with color, sound, and imagination on Detroit Avenue.

Founded in 1978, started a small, simple idea: Bring neighborhood residents together for a summer stroll with art as the attraction.

It has grown and has transformed into one of the region’s most acclaimed juried showcase of over 170 regional and national artists displaying everything from ceramics to paintings, photos, jewelry and sculpture.

It rolls out multiple stages for eclectic bands and performers – to go with food trucks offering a wide range of international and local cuisines.

Above all, it’s a street party that helped mold the image of Lakewood as a welcoming place, where all walks are welcome and the spirit is creative.

This month, we’ll be highlighting the Lakewood Arts Festival, its rich past, artists and performers — and ongoing ability to showcase culture and make bring it to the street. Info.

WEDNESDAY

Cle Market Berea: The outdoor artisan & small business market brings shopping, food trucks and activities to scenic Coe Lake. 4-8 p.m. Info.

Killer Queen: The acclaimed Queen tribute band led by Freddie Mercury lookalike Patrick Meyers plays all the hits of the British glam icons. 7 p.m., House of Blues. Info.

THURSDAY

Edgewater Park Summer Concert Series: The beach, the sun, the band. Disco Inferno brings wild get-ups and ‘70s tunes to the shore. 5 p.m. Info.

A Taste of Black Cleveland: The annual celebration of area Black chefs and restaurateurs hits Rocket Arena. 6 p.m. Info.

Dave Attell: The comic legend, actor and host of Comedy Central’s Insomniac has a new Netflix special – and a tour that brings him to Hilarities. 6:30 p.m. (He also performs four sold out shows Friday and Saturday — so FYI: tickets for Thursday are going fast). Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

July has brought the heat and the sun. Now comes the smoke.  

More than 800 active wildfires burning across Canada, and 20 more in northeast Minnesota are sending plumes of smoke toward the Great Lakes.

It will create Mars-like orange skies and hazardous air quality for the Clevelanders reminiscent of 2023.

Winds are expected to transport the smoke starting Wednesday.

It poses a significant risk to asthmatics, due to fine particulate matter that inflames and narrows airways.

It’s especially problematic in Cleveland, which has fifth highest incidence of asthma in the U.S.

Eleven percent of Ohioans have asthma. Cleveland is worse – with childhood rates hitting 20-25% in some neighborhoods.

The impact of wildfire smoke on health — especially for asthma sufferers and others with respiratory conditions — is often intensified by heat and dry air.

So hydrate and check air quality conditions before going out of the house.

A legendary summer destination, Luna Park thrilled Clevelanders from 1905 to 1929 at E. 110th and Woodland. It rolled out rides and roller coasters, as well architecture styled after places around the globe.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

88 °F 🌡️ 76 °F | ☀️ (Mostly Sunny) | 5% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 11 mph WNW (≈ 10 knots)

84 °F 🌡️ 71 °F | ☀️ (Mostly Sunny) | 4% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 9 mph N (≈ 8 knots)

87 °F 🌡️ 74 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 20% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 9 mph ENE (≈ 8 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Home vs. Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m., Thursday.Home vs. Pelicans, 5:30 PM July 15 (Wednesday) — NBA Summer League

Home vs. Pirates, 7:10 PM July 17 (Friday)

Home vs. Pirates, 4:10 PM July 18 (Saturday)

Home vs. Pirates, 1:40 PM July 19 (Sunday)

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