Stories

PRE4CLE is building back stronger for children, families, and the economy
With the coronavirus pandemic impacting Cleveland’s childcare and early education system, PRE4CLE has recommendations for early learning centers to operate safely, stay open, and ensure Cleveland’s youngest students continue to get quality, affordable educations.
How COVID-19 is changing the future of Cleveland’s office space in a remote working world
More Americans are working from home these days—with the trend expected to grow in the next year. Find out how Cleveland's downtown office landscape is changing and what the experts see happening in commercial real estate and coworking space as the home office takes the lead.
#PeopleofCLE: Mariely, advocate for those experiencing food insecurity
Northeast Ohio is changing. These are the people shaping its future. Our latest installment.
Community creativity: Lake Erie Ink displays second group art project in Coventry window
More than 40 creative types of all ages submitted their works to adorn a vacant storefront window on Coventry for Lake Erie Ink's second Creative Community Challenge. 
Going with their Gut: HGTV's newest stars are from right here in Cleveland
The Wall Street Journal christened Cleveland a "house-flipping hotspot" this summer, but that wasn’t exactly news for Relief Properties' Darren and Kate Mancuso. As stars of the new HGTV show “Gut Job,” they’ve been in the local real estate game for more than a decade.
I live here (now): from Congo to Cleveland, one musician’s quest to entertain the world
After moving to Cleveland in May, Manembo Manembo, AKA Real Mane TMP, has been living his dream of creating Afrobeats music, positivity, and inspiration, as well as sharing stories of his native Congo.
Code Name Hope: Cozad-Bates house takes its place in history with virtual opening
The historic 1853 Cozad-Bates House in University Circle, known to play a role in the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery causes, was unveiled this week as the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center—a place to learn abut Cleveland's role in getting former slaves to freedom.
Cuyahoga County throws lifeline to region’s struggling arts organizations
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and arts organizations struggle with closures and social distancing, the deadline draws near for arts and culture organizations to apply for the $4 million in CARES Act funding set aside by Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. 
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: Cleveland Documenters, SCSDO, Nestle, and more
Need a job? Check out the latest edition of FreshWater Cleveland's “Who’s Hiring” series, where we feature growing companies with open positions, what they’re looking for, and how to apply.
Save the music: CLE’s independent music venues host memorabilia auction to stay alive
Cleveland’s music scene has gone silent during the pandemic. SaveCLEVenues Music Memorabilia and Fan Auction runs through Sunday with a chance to bid on some great music and entertainment items that will support the local venues we all love.
LISTEN --> FreshFaces Podcast: Doan Winkel of John Carroll University
Our FreshFaces podcast is back for season two! Episode Four features Doan Winkel, who is helping to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs as the director of John Carroll University's Edward M. Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship.
The next new normal: collaboration fuels affordable mixed-use residential developments
With social determinants of health, food, safety, housing, and education in mind, community development corporations are working with developers and other organizations to create affordable housing with accessible services and healthcare.
Tree lawn trash surfing 101: Where are you going to store all that stuff?
Lisa Kay and her family have become addicted to searching for trash night treasures on neighborhood tree lawns. Learn her secrets here.
An eye for fashion and a nod to family: designer’s new collection honors CLE's garment history
Designer William McNicol grew up in the 90s era of designer basketball shoes. Once he began designing his own kicks, his career as a fashion designer took off. His newest clothing collectionall manufactured here in the CLElaunched last week.
LGBTQ+ youth face unique mental health risks in isolating times during the pandemic
As students continue to be stuck at home for long periods of time, LGBTQ+ youth and young adults are especially vulnerable to being trapped in unsupportive environments. Advocates say more proactive forms of outreach could help.
Spin Cycle Records gets into the groove in St. Clair-Superior
With artists like Kid Cudi and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony hailing from Cleveland, The Land certainly has some cred in the hip-hop world—but music producer Simon Mastri thinks our city has only scratched the surface. 
A world of flavors: Chef Doug Katz launches second ghost restaurant in Cleveland Heights
Inspired by the spices and flavors of different ethnicities, Doug Katz uses the ghost kitchen takeout and delivery concept as a testing ground for new restaurant ideas.
#PeopleofCLE: Fatima, beauty app developer
Northeast Ohio is changing. These are the people shaping its future. Our latest installment.
All in the family: Neighborhood Pets ensures every family member is cared for
Neighborhood Pets works to keep pets with their human companions by providing low cost medical care, food and supplies, and other services to low-income pet owners.
LISTEN --> FreshFaces Podcast: Michael Sering of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
Our FreshFaces podcast is back for season two! Episode Three features Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry's Michael Sering, who is making big strides to help the homeless and create more affordable housing in Cleveland.