Stories

Come sail away: Tall Ships sail into Cleveland next week
The Tall Ships Festival returns to the Cleveland waterfront next week for the first time since 2019.
Expanding manufacturing innovations: MAGNET pitch competition now covers all of Northern Ohio
For seven years, MANGET's annual MSPIRE event has stood as the only pitch challenge for Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing-focused entrepreneurs. This year, the competition expands to all of northern Ohio, in a partnership with Toledo-based ProMedica Innovations. Who will pitch the most innovative hard tech, advanced materials, product, or technology this year?
Seeking asylum: A journey to escape Congolese political violence, find peace in Cleveland
When Jonas Mbonga crossed the border from Mexico to Texas in the summer of 2018, he thought it would be the end of a long and dangerous journey. Instead, it was the start of an even more difficult path—navigating the immigration detention system in the United States.
Rally on the River: A photo essay of last week's Canalway Cuyahoga River Rally
Last week, Canalway celebrated a “river renewed” by looking at how far the Cuyahoga River has come, the river’s history, and the lifestyle enhancements clean water provides at Cuyahoga River Rally in the Flats. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski caught all the fun.
LAND studio debuts new tour on The City is Our Museum app for holiday fun
Just in time for the July 4 holiday weekend, LAND studio released additional tours on its free The City is Our Museum app.
Metroparks Trail Challenge: A gritty and majestic walk along the Lakefront Reservation
Writer Erin O'Brien just checked out the Lakefront Reservation, including Edgewater Beach and its Beach House, Wendy's Way pedestrian bridge, and Whiskey Island Still & Eatery, among other points of interest. Follow her adventures on this sixth leg of her Metroparks 2022 Trail Challenge.
Where recovery meets community: Renovated Stella Maris Coffee Shop is a sober place for a cup of joe
After closing during the pandemic, the newly renovated Stella Maris Coffee Shop on Washington Avenue is back in business and offering workforce development for its employees in recovery, as well as a tasty cup of coffee or tea for the patrons. 
Assembly for the Arts launches a new type of residency for artists and arts entrepreneurs
Assembly for the Arts is now accepting applications for 10 to 15 Arts Leadership Residencies, which will start this fall.
Cleveland Heights City Council enacts LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion laws
The City of Cleveland Heights last week unanimously passed three ordinances that ensure equity and inclusion among LGBTQ+ residents, employees, and companies the city contracts with. 
It’s all a Blur: Lake Erie Ink’s teen writers reflect on life today in new anthology
Lake Erie Ink, a Cleveland Heights writing space for youth, last week released its sixth annual teen anthology, "Blur," depicting the voices and reflections of area teenagers.
Evolving history: Museum of Natural History undergoes staff, campus, program changes
The 102-year-old Cleveland Museum of Natural History is finishing a $150 million expansion and renovation that includes physical enhancements, staff additions, and a new hall that will feature some of the museum's most prized attractions.
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on West 65th Street
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
Clarence Mack: Self-taught in architecture, yet designed 32 area homes that still stand today
Cleveland Masterworks: Without a day of training as an architect, Clarence Mack made his mark on Northeast Ohio nearly 100 years ago with the 32 impressive Georgian Revival and French Eclectic homes he built in Lakewood and Shaker Heights. All 32 homes stand today as testament to his talents. 
A rising tide: SCORE works with Community Development Corporations to uplift local businesses
While small businesses in Cleveland are still recovering from COVID-19, nonprofit SCORE Cleveland is teaming up with area Community Development Corporations to offer the resources and tools that can help these businesses recover.
Awake in Every Sense: Botanical Garden presents immersive fabric installation
Fiber artist Rachel Hayes’ large-scale installation, Awake in Every Sense, opens this weekend at the Cleveland Botanical Garden—providing a stimulating experience in color and movement.
Ohio's first LGBTQ-friendly apartments feel inclusive to some, like any other building to others
There aren't rainbow flags flying or posters touting gay-friendly events at A Place for Us—Ohio's first LGBTQ-friendly senior housing community. After six years, some say say the building is not fulfilling its promise to be a space that proactively supports older LGBTQ people, while other residents think the space is just fine the way it is.
#CLEative Groove: Meet Josh Womack, copywriter and newly published author
Our #CLEative Groove series features Q&A profiles on our city’s creative makers and shakers! Read on for our next installment with Josh Womack, senior copywriter at Progressive Insurance and author of the new book: “I’m not a copywriter, but…”
Canalway’s Cuyahoga River Rally highlights river history with music, fun on the water
Canalway's Cuyahoga River Rally returns for its second year with river history tours, ways to get out on the river, and a celebration on the banks of the Cuyahoga. 
Relax you mind and body with Yoga on the Solstice Steps this week
Celebrate the Summer Solstice that occurred earlier this week with the YMCA's Sunset Yoga on the Solstice Steps this Thursday evening. 
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on Broadway Avenue
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.