"The Origin of a Villain," a collaboration between the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre, explores the complex relationship between circumstances and personal choice through the lived experiences of 14 Y-Haven Treatment and Recovery Center residents. Now in its 27th year, the Y-Haven Theatre Project weaves together stories of recovery into a unified narrative of hope and redemption.

Manufacturing Growth Advocacy Network (MAGNET) says Ohio manufacturers are maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026, with 70% planning to increase headcount despite  challenges. A new statewide survey reveals that companies are prioritizing operational efficiency, technology upgrades, and workforce development over innovation as they navigate a more challenging business environment.

The Cleveland Leadership Center's 12th Annual Accelerate: Citizens Make Change pitch competition awarded its $5,000 grand prize to LanguageBridge, an extension designed to help K-12 English learners master the language. Finalists were chosen in four other categories, and in the Technovation and Teens Make Change competitions.

FAN EXPO Cleveland attracted pop culture enthusiasts to the Huntington Convention Center this past weekend, featuring headliners William Shatner, Hayden Christensen, and other notable celebrities. There were opportunities for autographs, cosplay, shopping, and interactions with both Hollywood stars and local cultural organizations, continuing its decade-long tradition as a favorite among Cleveland fans.

Canalway's annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade brought the city together last Saturday for a celebration along the Cuyahoga River in Tremont. Five commissioned artists created illuminated works of art from upcycled materials to celebrate the Ohio & Erie Canalway's history, while others crafted their own lanterns at a free workshop led by Upcycle Parts Shop.

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage and Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio are partnering with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Partnership to host "The Bias Inside Us." Guests can explore the effects of bias and prejudice with interactive displays, educational programming, and community engagement opportunities.

The Short.Sweet.Film Fest opens its 15th year this week, showcasing 338 short films from 26 countries across 33 programs at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square. The festival has grown from a small basement gathering to a platform for independent short filmmakers. Highlights include Women in Focus, featuring 29 films directed or produced by women.

Sustainable Economies Consulting helps Northeast Ohio conservation organizations develop communications plans and strategies to share positive environmental impact stories. Founders Elizabeth Schuster and Marissa Ferrari work with park districts, museums, and land trusts to tell their stories of how they are quietly fighting climate change on thousands of acres of protected wetlands, forests, and prairies.

Cleveland's annual Brite Winter festival landed in the Waterloo Arts District last weekend, offering a much-needed winter escape with music, art, and community celebration. Brite Winter has been the winter arts and culture scene for more than 15 years, and photographer Reuben Kutash documented the 2026 version on Saturday.

Piccolo Authentic Italian restaurant in Mayfield Heights is one of more than 30 local eateries participating in Cleveland Restaurant Week, March 2-14, offering $39 prix fixe menus. Piccolo's menu features family recipes passed down from owner Christopher Licht's Sicilian great-grandmother. The event coincides with the 20th anniversary of Cleveland Independents, which encourages diners to support locally-owned restaurants.

Photographer Jason Toth is partnering with Opus 216 founder and violinist Ariel Clayton Karas to produce "The Smallest Concert in Cleveland," in Toth's 78th Street Studios space. With limied space, the March 6 event will feature improvised original music by Opus 216 ensemble members, The passion project is the realization of Toth's dream to create special musical experiences.

The mythical Kurenti symbolically chased away winter at the 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje parade down St. Clair Avenue and the festival at the Slovenian National Home. Photographer Reuben Kutash documented the parade, bocce games, and live music before the Kurenti retreated for another year.

Two Cleveland advocates will pitch their project, "The Concrete Quilt," at the Cleveland Leadership Center's Accelerate Pitch competition on Feb. 26. The concept is for a public art installation at Edgewater Park that will honor those lost to AIDS and offer HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

Hundreds of Northeast Ohio residents gathered at Asia Place in AsiaTown last weekend to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Fire Horse. FreshWater photographer Reuben Kutash captured the festivities at Asia Plaza, documenting the community's vibrant cultural celebration.

Literary Cleveland and partner organizations this week are launching a year-long celebration honoring the legacy of author and Lorain native Toni Morrison, the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The celebration kicks off in Cleveland on Feb. 18 at Karamu House, followed by monthly events throughout Ohio exploring Morrison's 11 novels.

Chuck Roberts had to make the difficult decision 24 years ago to donate his daughter Alicia's organs after her tragic death, just weeks before her 16th birthday. That decision saved the life of 15-year-old Candice Monroe, who needed a heart transplant. The families share their story to show how one person's tragedy can become another's miracle.

Last weekend, photographer Reuben Kutash documents people attending the Kurent Jump at the Slovenian National Home—awakening the Kurenti and kicking off a week of events leading up to the 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje festival this Saturday, Feb. 14.  The day will include music and Slovenian food in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood.

What were Clevelanders sending and saying about Valentine's day 100+ years ago? Let's take a look.