Featured Stories

Photo finish: The 2022 Towpath Marathon in photos
More than 1,000 runners competed on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Canalway's Towpath Trail marathon, half marathon, and 10K race. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski captured this year's event in this photo essay. 
Come together: Arts Innovation Summit seeks unity, collaboration in uncertain times
The 7th Annual Arts Innovation Summit & Performance at Baldwin Wallace University this week will cover diversity, collaboration, funding, and support for artists and the arts—with a conversation and performance by Mourning [A] BLKstar.
Food Justice: Many Clevelanders struggle for healthy, affordable food
There are many efforts are underway at farms, community gardens, markets, social service organizations, and public agencies to nourish communities like Cleveland—the nation’s poorest big city—where food deserts are common and healthy foods are not the cheapest, most affordable, or most accessible options. 
Ikenna Ogwuegbu: Healthcare mentor, advocate for removing barriers in the refugee community
Many immigrants are often hesitant to access the American healthcare system—primarily because many American providers don't understand their cultural backgrounds. One Nigerian-born pharmacist is trying to remove the  barriers in Cleveland's refugee community with IKON Health Foundation.
A weekend at IngenuityFest: Exploring the age of World’s Fairs
IngenuityFest made a roaring return last weekend, with entertainment, information, and celebration of World's Fairs. FreshWater's McKenna Reiss and managing photographer Bob Perkoski offer perspective on the weekend. 
Blazing trails: SCA Metroparks Trail Corps program involves youth in parks conservation
The Student Conservation Association Cleveland Metroparks Trail Corps program gets students and young adults involved in parks and land conservation efforts while they learn about environmental issues, build and repair trails along the Emerald Necklace, and spend a summer in the parks system.
Custom orders: MAGNET tailors its services to bring Cleveland builders to market
When MAGNET hosts its annual Mspire pitch competition—Ohio's only pitch challenge exclusively for manufacturing-focused entrepreneurs—the organization adapts to its individual entrepreneurs to offer the services they need to scale up and get to market. 
A place to call home: The quest to create safe, affordable housing options
In this second part of our two part series on affordable housing and racism, we look at the efforts the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, nonprofits, and neighborhood CDCs are making to improve affordable housing options and how to ensure safe and affordable housing is not discriminatory.
A place to call home: Cleveland's Black community is hit hardest in affordable housing search
Affordable housing is one of the most critical basic needs of everyone. But Cleveland is lacking in affordable, quality housing, experts say, and the Black population is most impacted. While Cleveland and many neighborhood CDCs are working to improve affordable housing options, the need—especially in Black communities—is still great.
Head of the Cuyahoga: Proof of progress, more activity on a thriving river
The 26th Head of the Cuyahoga takes place this weekend, with more than 2,000 people from 15 states and Canada descending upon the Flats. It seems like a good time to reflect on the river's progress in the past 53 years, as rowing and other water recreation, business, and environmental stewardship grows. 
City lines: The landscape of downtown buildings
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski gives us a bird's eye view of Cleveland's skyline, from an entirely different angle than we're used to seeing it.
Film’s big fall: A look at upcoming CLE film festivals and their thought-provoking content
As fall approaches, the season is ripe for upcoming film festivals. Three festivals that focus on unique and timely topics are already beginning. 
Photo essay: The best of the 2022 FRONT Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art
The 2022 FRONT International Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art is in full swing, with 100 world renowned artists at 30 sites in three NEO cities. Here are some don't miss highlights that FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski captured while attending FRONT.
A man with a mission: Rev. Stephen Blonder Adams has big plans for the Old Stone Church
The Rev. Stephen C. Blonder Adams has a history with the Old Stone Church. Now, as the new head pastor, he wants to make sure everyone knows the church is open and welcoming to all, and is the heart of the Cleveland community.
Innovation Square set to bring jobs, housing, and a bright future to Fairfax
The Innovation Square project is set to bring a mixed-use, mixed-income district along the Opportunity Corridor on Cleveland’s southeast side. Along with the new Meijer grocery story, neighborhood residents, business owners, and officials see potential for Fairfax to become an emerging, thriving neighborhood.
Help Wanted: Shortage of mental health workers stresses agencies, patients
Unprecedented demand for mental health workers and a sparse employee pipeline are adding stress to Ohio’s already strained behavioral health system—potentially putting pressure on other health systems or having detrimental effects on those needing services. The experts have some solutions.
Hip-hop hits Severance Hall this weekend when Lords of the Land take to the streets
Lords of the Land II Hip-Hop and Street Dance Festival returns for the second year, this time at Severance Hall, to elevate the culture, comradery, and history of street dance.
Central ripple: One year later, Central residents still await full effects of Central Surge
It’s been more than a year since Cuyahoga County executive Armond Budish announced a “surge” of support to lift up the Central neighborhood in Cleveland. Some residents say they’ve noticed little material change. Where does the surge plan go from here?
Food desert: Central residents long for a grocery store as negotiations drag on
Many Cleveland neighborhoods—almost 60% according to one estimate—are not in close proximity to a grocery store, effectively stranding people access to fresh and healthy food. The Central neighborhood is no different. What’s being done about it?
Oh, Gods of Dust and Rainbows: A week into the FRONT Triennial, a photo essay
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski has been out at all 2022 FRONT Triennial Cleveland sites this week, capturing the art and the awe of the massive show. Check out what you're in store for!