Thursday, April 16, 2026

The Latest... (now you can say you've heard it)

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.
Cuyahoga County’s Financial Empowerment Center aims to break cycles of debt, build debt-free futures
Cuyahoga County opened its Financial Empowerment Center on March 19—offering free, one-on-one financial counseling to residents struggling with debt, credit issues, and economic instability. Funded in part by a $150,000 grant and supported by public-private partnerships, the center offers wraparound services to help achieve financial security.
Bringing jobs to Fairfax: FRDC’s monthly hiring events connect residents to work
The Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation has been connecting residents with employment opportunities through monthly hiring events that bring employers directly to the community. What began as a pandemic pivot in 2020 has evolved into a reliable workforce development program, with employers conducting on-site applications, interviews, and sometimes event immediate hiring.
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.
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.

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Recent Stories from Around Northeast Ohio

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.
Call them 'Tough Old Broads:' CIFF50 documentary celebrates three women who changed the rules
Stacey Tenenbaum's "Tough Old Broads," profiles three women who broke barriers in male-dominated fields: marathon pioneer Kathrine Switzer, White House photographer Sharon Farmer, and climate justice activist Sheila Watt-Cloutier. Tenenbaum is offering two free tickets to one of the sold-out screenings. Find out how to enter and learn more about these real-life tough old broads.
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.
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.
Lights, Camera, Cleveland: CIFF50 brings fresh energy, star power to its golden anniversary
It's opening night of the Cleveland International  Film Festival, which celebrates its 50th anniversary with 10 days of films, premieres, and star power. The milestone year features a global lineup of more than 300 titles and more than 100 premieres—marking a year of renewed energy and a strong return to CIFF's deep roots.
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.
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.
Hopping into Easter: Malley's Chocolates blends sweet memories with family traditions and new treats
Malley’s Chocolates gears up for Easter with its signature sweets and new treats ahead of the seasonal rush, helping families create lasting memories.
Finding beauty in darkness: Photographer, painter explore mental health through ‘Emergence’
Photographer Johnny Joo and painter Tessa LeBaron explore mental health, resilience, and creative renewal in “Emergence,” a collaborative exhibit at 78th Street Studios that reflects their personal journeys and the healing power of art. The show features Joo's photography and LeBaron's paintings.
Spring events at Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument include tunnel tours, Veterans’ mental health fair
The spring event schedule for the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument in Public Square has been announced. The 1894 monument honoring 9,000 Cuyahoga County Civil War veterans, will offer guided tours of its underground sandstone structure, host a Veterans' Mental Health Fair, and hold a Decoration Day ceremony. Events are open to the public, with tunnel tour tickets going on sale April 2.
From ice rink to the river: Cleveland Monsters launch Project Lake Blue water stewardship initiative
The Cleveland Monsters launched Project Lake Blue to protect and celebrate local freshwater resources through education, action, and stewardship. The ALH team will work with Cuyahoga County Fresh Water Institute, Ocean Conservancy,  and fans to protect Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. The initiative debuts with a special theme night at the game this Thursday, March 26.
Building community: Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi stages ‘The Wolf’ in final 2026 CPL Test Flight
Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi, Cleveland Public Theatre's Arabic-speaking theater group, presents "The Wolf" Thursday, April 4 through Saturday, April 6 as part of the Test Flight play development program. The production, written and directed by Shakeeb Julien, follows a young villager's journey of learning and growth, while also serving as a creative outlet for the ensemble who represent Arabic-speaking communities from across the Middle East and North Africa.
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.

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