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Stories from Street Level

Free books! Literary Cleveland giving away 500 Toni Morrison books at the West Side Market
Literary Cleveland will distribute 500 free books by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison at the West Side Market this weekend as part of the statewide "Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison" initiative. The giveaway features re-released editions of Morrison's three Ohio-set novels: "The Bluest Eye," "Sula," and "Beloved," honoring the Lorain-born author's literary legacy and deep connections to the state.
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Restauranteur Doug Katz on what the Michelin Guide means for Cleveland dining
The prestigious Michelin Guide is expanding to include Cleveland and five other Great Lakes cities, marking a significant milestone for the region's culinary scene. Local restaurateur Doug Katz explains why this is an important moment that will showcase Cleveland's diverse dining culture to a global audience.
Polkas, pierogies, and a surprise wedding: Dyngus Day brings the party to Gordon Square
Dyngus Day returned to Gordon Square on Monday, April 6 with polka, dancing, and a crowd that filled the streets. From music and contests to a surprise street-side wedding, the celebration unfolded in moments best seen in pictures. FreshWater photographer Reuben Kutash captured the sights.
Polish pride, polka, and a wedding: Dyngus Day returns to Gordon Square with bigger footprint
Polka, pierogies, and plenty of energy return to Gordon Square as Clevelanders mark Dyngus Day with music, tradition, and a few surprises that keep the celebration lively and unpredictable.

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Stories from Features

Feathers, fashion, and function: CMNH exhibit explores nature’s elegant, complex design
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Kent State University’s School of Fashion students have partnered to present “Fashion & Feather." The exhibit brings together  student designs, historic fashion, and bird feathers to explore the intersections of fashion, nature, sustainability, and conservation.
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Art meets asphalt: Mural project set to transform the Gateway District
Downtown Cleveland, Inc. will host a community meeting this week to discuss a  public art project that will transform  Huron Road in the Gateway District into a mural. The project, by artist Ryan Jaenke, is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies to improve pedestrian safety, boost foot traffic, and support businesses.
CLE’s melting pot: '26 International Hall of Fame inductees honored, ‘Forever Young’ awards debut
The Cleveland International Hall of Fame honored six inductees at its sold-out 2026 ceremony, celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity and welcoming three newly represented ethnicities. The event also introduced the inaugural Debbie Hanson “Forever Young” Awards, recognizing two individuals for their quiet but lasting contributions to the community.
Honoring a hometown legend: Cleveland City Council designates April 18 ‘Superman Day’
Cleveland City Council has declared April 18 Superman Day, honoring Glenville natives and the superhero creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The designation is part of ongoing efforts to recognize the Man of Steel's local roots.

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Stories from Breaking Ground

Slow the roll: Lake-Clifton Connector trades speed for safety, walkability
The Lake-Clifton Connector project adds another key piece of cycling infrastructure in Lakewood, complementing the shared-use trail as part of the Bunts Road renovation. While the Bunts Road overhaul has sparked debate over a potential influx of new riders, the neighboring Lake-Clifton Connector project has moved forward with little friction.
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Where sports, immersive art, film, and tech collide: Cosm Cleveland breaks ground
City officials and Rock Entertainment Group, Bedrock, and Cosm last week broke ground on Cosm Cleveland—its fifth nationwide location—featuring a state-of-the-art 12K+ LED dome designed to create immersive sports, cinema, and entertainment experiences. The  development will host four major events daily when it opens in 2027.
What’s next for Artificial Intelligence? Weatherhead symposium explores AI tech’s next wave
CWRU's Weatherhead School of Management will host an "AI and the Future of Work" symposium this Thursday, April 23, bringing together business leaders, academics, and students to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming business, leadership, and society. Dean Andrew Medvedev says the event will train future leaders on how they can harness AI as an opportunity rather than see it as a threat.
Bridging the digital divide: Spectrum gives $35K to two nonprofits for digital skills training
Spectrum has awarded $35,000 to two Cleveland nonprofits—Olivet Housing & Community Development Corporation and Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center—to expand digital literacy training. The funding supports hands-on instruction, devices, and one-on-one support aimed largely at older adults working to build essential tech skills.

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Stories from Buzz

It’s Local News Day! Show your support for FreshWater Cleveland
Thursday, April 9 marks the first Local News Day, a national initiative led by journalists and media innovators to strengthen local journalism across the country. FreshWater Cleveland, an independent, award-winning news source serving Greater Cleveland since 2010, invites readers to support FreshWater's mission.
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Express yourself! LGBT Center’s annual Queer Clothing Swap is this weekend
The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland will host its Queer Clothing Swap this Saturday, March 7, in the Detroit Shoreway. Bbring one bag of gently-used clothing and shop for some new-to-you items while supporting both gender expression and sustainability.
Golden moment: Laila Edwards, Team USA claim victory on the ice as fans erupt at New Heights Grill
Cleveland Heights native Laila Edwards helped Team USA's women's hockey team capture the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics this week Fans cheered at at New Heights Grill and Reuben Kutash documented the celebration.
You’re hired! Fairfax Renaissance hosts February job fairs
Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (FRDC) is hosting a series of on-site hiring events throughout February, connecting job seekers directly with employers who are actively hiring. The events feature opportunities in healthcare, transportation, customer service, and public service.

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Partner Content

Feathers, fashion, and function: CMNH exhibit explores nature’s elegant, complex design
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Kent State University’s School of Fashion students have partnered to present “Fashion & Feather." The exhibit brings together  student designs, historic fashion, and bird feathers to explore the intersections of fashion, nature, sustainability, and conservation.
A new chapter for CCPL Parma Heights: A hub for learning and opportunity opens
Cuyahoga County Public Library opened its renovated Parma Heights branch on Saturday, April 11—a $16 million, 22,000-square-foot community hub featuring a maker space, drive-up window, and expanded meeting rooms, plus new partnerships with Aspire and Cuyahoga Community College to expand workforce training, early childhood education, and environmental learning tied to nearby Cleveland Metroparks.
Bringing the museum to the world: CMNH's Virtual Field Trips reach 250,000 participants
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Virtual Field Trips program has reached 250,000 participants, marking a  milestone for the live, interactive initiative that brings hands-on science education directly into classrooms across Ohio, the U.S.. and around the world.
Community voices: Indigenous perspectives shape narrative of Art Museum's 'still/emerging'
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s "still/emerging: Native American Works on Paper" highlights Indigenous artists' prints and drawings that are supplemented with interpretive text panels, written by Indigenous community members who share their personal perspectives and lived experiences.
Books to bread: Cuyahoga County Public Library and Greater Cleveland Food Bank fight food insecurity
Cuyahoga County Public Library and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank are continuing their partnership to address food insecurity in 2026,  after serving nearly 5,000 households last year through mobile pantries, senior food boxes, and other meal programs.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane: It’s Super MIX at the Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art's MIX: Man of Steel on Friday, April 3, will celebrate Cleveland's hometown superhero, Superman. The dance party will feature music by Wave Magnetik, a Clark Kent and Lois Lane look-alike contest, and Superman-themed food, drinks, and superhero activities.
A different perspective: ‘Improper Frames’ looks beyond Cleveland’s property data
In the Cleveland Museum of Art's "Improper Frames" exhibit at the Transformer Station, six photographers challenge the city's comprehensive property inventory by revealing what the data from 162,000 parcels can not capture: They exposed memories, communities, and natural elements that escape bureaucratic categorization.
Jazz, folk, and fire: Tigran Hamasyan Brings ‘Manifeste’ to Cleveland Museum of Art
Acclaimed Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan brings his “Manifeste” tour to the Cleveland Museum of Art tonight, Wednesday, March 11, blending jazz, Armenian folk traditions, and modern sounds into a powerful exploration of rhythm, ritual, and heritage.
Big hair, mini skirts, and bold beats: CMA's MIX: Material Girl celebrates '80s pop legends
The Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates Women's History Month this Friday, March 6, with MIX: Material Girl—an '80s-themed dance party honoring iconic artists of the decade like Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson. DJ Mimi Dromette and DJ BG from 91.1 WRUW-FM will spin vinyl classics from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 80s attire is encouraged!
Ancient fires: African pyre discovery adds another chapter to CMNH’s research legacy
Cleveland Museum of Natural History archaeologist Elizabeth Sawchuk was recently part of the research team that found the earliest evidence of cremation in Africa—a 9,500-year-old pyre in northern Malawi, where hunter-gatherers cremated a small adult woman. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about ancient African foragers' social behaviors and shows the sophisticated burial practices of early human societies.

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