Featured Stories

Celebrate love in many forms on Valentine’s Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art is hosting a variety of Valentine's Day events and exhibitions, offering visitors a unique blend of art, music, and dining experiences. The museum provides diverse options for couples, friends, and art enthusiasts to celebrate the holiday.
Faded memories: Ghost Signs of CLE
Ghost signs, faded hand-painted advertisements from the 19th and early 20th centuries, can be found throughout America, including Cleveland. Photographer Jeff Christner shares some his favorite relics of a bygone era.
Bestseller: Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Strobel is ready to turn new page with retirement
Tracy Strobel, retiring CEO of Cuyahoga County Public Library, has spent 30 years transforming Ohio's public libraries into modern, innovative community spaces that embrace technology, offer expanded services, and prioritize lifelong learning.
Canal Basin Park reimagined: Canalway moves forward with plans for historic connector, interpretive
Canalway celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this month with the approval of new design plans for the 22-acre Canal Basin Park along the Cuyahoga River. The interpretive park will honor the city's industrial heritage while adding a gathering place on Cleveland's riverfront landscape.
Humans Over Human Trafficking: Massive campaign raises awareness
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking launched a new proactive campaign, Humans Over Human Trafficking. The imitative focuses on community empowerment and victim dignity, rather than fear-based messaging, to educate the public about the realities of human trafficking and inspire action.
Breaking the cycle: A Place 4 Me alum fights for a safe haven in Ohio City
Jakiah Moore experienced homelessness three years ago while pregnant with her daughter and fleeing domestic violence. The nonprofit A Place for Me helped her get back on her feet, rent an apartment, and offered her a job. Today, Moore is helping Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, A Place for Me, and other community partners in the fight to open a Drop-In Center for homeless youth in Ohio City.
Mission Possible: Explore freedom, justice, democracy through creativity at Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day will a day of free activities, performances, and exhibits inspired by Dr. King's legacy. The event explores themes of freedom, justice, and democracy through art, music, dance, and storytelling, while also offering free admission to the "Picasso and Paper" exhibit.
Behind the scenes: 50-year employee reflects on the evolution of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
As Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse celebrates its 30th anniversary of hosting sports events, concerts, and events, Cindy Norman, who has worked for the Cavs, the Coliseum, and the Fieldhouse for 50 years, reflects on memorable moments and technological advancements the arena's impact on Greater Cleveland.
2025 CAC grants for new projects bring ‘something for everyone’
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture has approved grants totaling $10,750,847 to support more than 300 nonprofits in 2025. The funding, made possible by the passage of Issue 55, will benefit a wide range of organizations, including first-time recipients like Darl Center for the Arts, Seat of the Pants Productions, and Community Life Collaboration.
PERF: A queer dance party is redefining community in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood
PERF, a monthly queer-centric house and techno dance party in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, is transforming the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Created by DJ Joey Sardelle, PERF offers a safe and inclusive space for the queer community to dance, connect, and celebrate their identities. Sardelle has grown PERF, from a bar with music to an outlet for activism and community-building.
Cleveland cheer: FreshWater’s guide to local gifts this holiday season
The FreshWater staff put together this comprehensive guide for a variety of local Cleveland holiday gift ideas. The list highlights some of our favorite products and experiences from local businesses and organizations to encourage shopping locally.
Elevating the East: Local artists paint one of largest murals in Ohio to instill community pride
A 750-foot mural—one of the largest murals in Ohio—reflects the culture and history of Cleveland's Woodhill neighborhood as part of the Elevate The East public art plan.
Project Noir 2024: Latest report reveals much of the same for Black women in Cleveland
Local research and advocacy firm Enlightened Solutions recently released a 2024 Project Noir report, which reveals that Black women in Cleveland continue to face the same challenges as 2020 in the workplace, healthcare, and education.
Natural wonders reborn: CMNH reopens after decade-long revisioning process
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has completed its decade-long, $150 million renovation and visitors got a first look last weekend at the reimagined approach to showcasing natural history.
Bridging Cleveland's digital divide: BlueBridge Networks celebrates two decades of innovation
BlueBridge Networks has evolved from a data center to one of the top comprehensive IT solutions providers in the country under the leadership of Kevin Goodman. As BlueBridge celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to adapt to technological changes and maintain its commitment to excellence in IT services and community involvement.
Come shopping, leave smiling: Big Fun returns to Coventry for second holiday pop-up shop
Big Fun, the beloved nostalgic toy and novelty shop in Cleveland Heights, has returned as a seasonal pop-up store for the second year in a row. Owner Steve Presser offers a wide array of unique items including vintage toys, handmade afghan quilts, and rare rock memorabilia.
Home for the holidays: Local food entrepreneurs set up shop at The Grocery at City Goods
The Grocery at City Goods, a new food-focused retail concept in Ohio City, brings together local food entrepreneurs under one roof. Launched through a partnership between City Goods, JumpStart, and Ohio City Incorporated, the pilot program offers a platform for small businesses to showcase their products during the holiday season and grow their brands.
Young guns: Manufacturing aims to attract a new generation of makers
Half of American manufacturing companies are facing employee shortages, driven in part by an aging workforce. Companies like Lincoln Electric are attracting and retaining young talent through competitive wages and partnering with MAGNET's training programs to change perceptions and ensure a sustainable workforce.
Shaw and Warrensville Heights marching bands to perform in Hawaii on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
The Shaw High School and Warrensville Heights High School Marching Bands will participate in the 2024 Pearl Harbor WWII Memorial Parade in Hawaii this weekend. The band members, and leaders, are trying to contain their excitement as they prepare to honor veterans and commemorate the 1941 events at Pearl Harbor.
Independent spirit: Loganberry Books celebrates 30 years of quirky charm and literary treasures
The beloved Loganberry Books is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend. Known for its large, eclectic collection of books and unique atmosphere, the store has become a community hub for readers and popular for its various events and book clubs. Owner Harriet Logan reflects on the store's history and the importance of physical bookstores in the digital age.