Cleveland’s Southeast Asian Festival returns to Edgewater Park for its second year, bringing together Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese, Burmese, Malaysian, Filipino, and other cultures for a day of food, music, art and connection. Organizers expect the free festival to thousands of visitors to share celebrate  cultures and build connections across communities.

Jesse Owens returned to Cleveland from the 1936 Olympics in Berlin with four gold medals that came with four English oak saplings. The last surviving tree stood at Rhodes High School until 2022. Now, cloned saplings from the historic oak are putting down new roots in Cleveland while helping preserve Owens’ legacy and support the work of the Black Equity and Humanity Fund.

For 25 years, 78th Street Studios has evolved from a former industrial warehouse into one of Cleveland's premier creative hubs. Owner Dan Bush reflects on creating a community where artists, entrepreneurs, and makers continue to find inspiration, collaboration, and a place to belong.

A new $21 million supportive housing development in Lorain will create 62 affordable apartments—including 12 reserved for veterans—while offering wraparound services designed to help residents achieve long-term housing stability and independence.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is investing $1.66 million in the city's 18 Community Development Corporations (CDC)s to strengthen staffing, operations, and organizational capacity—recognizing that healthy neighborhood organizations are essential to long-term revitalization.

In his forthcoming graphic novel "The Dissidents," Cleveland author John "Derf" Backderf explores the true story of the artists and writers behind "The Masses," a radical magazine targeted during World War I for its anti-war views. Through meticulous research and vivid illustrations, Backderf examines a century-old battle over free speech, political repression, and dissent that continues to resonate today.

A public art initiative will bring eight new murals and installations by seven artists to Cleveland Heights later this summer. Led by Heights Arts, in partnership with local artists, businesses, and LAND studio, the $250,000 project aims to strengthen the city arts districts' identities, celebrate local creativity, and create a more welcoming, vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.

For generations, the Abbey family has helped guide the evolution of Holden Forests & Gardens—from its founding vision to its modern role as a regional leader in conservation, research, and education. Today, Connie and Paul Abbey continue that legacy through leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy, including a recent $1 million gift to enhance the visitor experience at The Holden Arboretum.

NRP Group's $50 million mixed-use project called Mingyue Place will transform the former Dave’s Market site in AsiaTown with housing, commercial space, a Cleveland Public Library branch, a park, and other amenities—all shaped by community input.

A year-long community engagement effort in the Hough neighborhood ensures residents play a central role in shaping redevelopment and cultural preservation. Led by Rhodes Heritage Group, MidTown Cleveland, and ThirdSpace Action Lab, the initiative gathered community input to guide investments and shape neighborhood identity.

After relocating from Shaker Square to Cleveland Heights 13 months ago, EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute has more than doubled its revenue and is now expanding its footprint with upgraded classrooms, teaching kitchen, and new oyster bar. Founder Brandon Chrostowski credits the Cleveland Heights community for EDWINS' continued growth and success.

Shooters, the longtime West Bank staple, has reopened with new ownership, a redesigned space, and a refreshed concept aimed at a new generation. With updated dining, entertainment, and waterfront experiences, the revival reflects both the Flats’ ongoing evolution and Cleveland’s broader push to reconnect with its riverfront.

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.

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.

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.

Cuyahoga County secured $23.1 million in state historic tax credits for 10 projects in the second half of 2025, with the West Side Market and a former Flats grain mill each receiving the maximum $5 million allocation. The credits are crucisl to Cleveland's urban revival, generating hundreds of millions in investment while preserving the city's historic identity.