Listen to this articleJournalist Vince Robinson is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Cleveland, Ohio. He took up photography as a student at Kent State University in the 70’s while studying Telecommunications with a minor in Pan African Studies. He’s also the host of a radio version of Open Door on 95.9 FM WOVU – Cleveland, […]
Posted inBest of 2024, CENTRAL
FreshFest Delivers Another Unforgettable Event
Listen to this articleVince Robinson The Cleveland Observer In its fifth year, FreshFest Cleveland once again thrilled festival goers with a lineup that included headliner Big Daddy Kane, a diverse selection of local acts, numerous vendors, and a crowd of thousands. The festival, founded in 2019 by Environmental Health Watch, Rid-All Green Partnership, and Brittany’s […]
Posted inLaw/Legislation
Changes in federal law require new reporting for small business owners
Listen to this articleA federal law that only affected large corporations will now impact small business owners. The Corporate Transparency Act will now require all business entities, no matter the size, to report their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI). The BOI are the names of those who own or control at least 25% of a business. […]
Posted inBest of 2024, Education
Project 2025 Pushes to Diminish College Affordability
Listen to this articleBy Michael Patterson Public Service Loan Forgiveness and the Saving on A Valuable Education Program are at risk in this presidential election. If former President Trump is elected and his administration allows Project 2025 to go into effect, paying for college could become more difficult. What is Project 2025? Project 2025 is […]
Posted inST. CLAIR-SUPERIOR
Esperanza Threads Empowers Refugees and Low-Income Communities
Listen to this articleBy Sarai Murdock Esperanza Threads, a non-profit organization founded in 2000 by Sister Mary Eileen, provides sewing and fashion skills training to refugees, formerly incarcerated individuals, and low-income families. Located on Cleveland’s west side, the organization aims to build a diverse community where individuals can learn new skills and share knowledge. Although […]
Posted inWealth
Gen Z Speaks Out: Job Market Challenges and Economic Shifts
Listen to this articleStaff Writer Gen-Z is 1996-2012. The current job market reveals a broad spectrum of experiences for Generation Z job seekers, from frustrating obstacles to unexpected successes, mirroring shifting economic conditions and industry trends. Many job seekers are facing stagnant wages and limited opportunities. “I have a degree but it’s in communications and […]
Posted inDevelopment, Politics, State
Ohio House Bill 187 Broadens Eligiblity for Homestead Exemption Program
Listen to this articleBy Ron Calhoun Ohio House Bill 187 has significant revisions to the Ohio Homestead Exemption Program, which has long provided property tax relief to qualifying seniors and disabled veterans. The bill aims to expand access to the program and modify how property assessments are conducted, with potential implications for homeowners across the […]
Posted inPolitics
How to watch the presidential debate between Trump and Harris
Listen to this article AP-US-Election-2024-Debate-How-To-Watch Sep 5, 2024 12:25 AM – 635 words By MEG KINNARD Associated Press Eds: UPDATES: Updates Media. WASHINGTON (AP) — The second general election debate of the 2024 campaign season is here, but it’s the first matchup for the current nominees. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are taking part in Tuesday […]
Posted inNational, Politics
Can Harris prosecute the political case against Trump? Key questions ahead of their debate
Listen to this article AP-US-Election-2024 Sep 7, 2024 12:14 AM – 951 words By JOSH BOAK and JILL COLVIN Associated Press PITTSBURGH (AP) — Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are veering sharply in how they gear up for Tuesday’s presidential debate, setting up a showdown that reflects not just two separate visions for the country but two […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Poetry: Covid-ly Traumatized
Listen to this articleBy Marva White I really used to go out far more frequently Whether by myself or if my crew was with me We’d pack into some of the world’s smallest spots We’d be laughin’, close dancin’, sweaty and hot Samplin’ each other’s drinks and appetizers too Taking selfies of our group before […]
Posted inSUBURBS
Rodney Smith Overcomes Barriers to Pursue His College Ambitions
Listen to this articleBy Michael Patterson In May, Rodney Smith rose above several barriers, including crime and fighting, while earning an associate’s degree. Having role models fostered his commitment towards education. Focus and hard work have made his dreams of a better life achievable. Directing attention toward achieving goals as a kid can be a […]
Posted inEditorial, Politics
Cleveland Communities Unite to Speak Up regarding Palestine and Israel
Listen to this articleEditorial By Sarai Murdock The views reflected in this article are the views of the writer and not necessarily representative of The Cleveland Observer. On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israeli soldiers and killed an estimated 1,200 people and took about 250 people hostage. According to the Health Ministry, 38,000 Palestinians in […]
Posted inBest of 2024, Politics
Real Property Tax Relief for Eligible Ohioans
Listen to this articleBy Ron Calhoun State of Ohio Homestead exemption for homeowners who are senior citizens or permanently disabled may benefit from significant property tax savings through the Homestead Exemption Program. This statewide initiative allows eligible residents to shield up to $26,200 of their home’s market value from taxation. The homestead exemption was originally […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, FAIRFAX
Karamu House Celebrates $5.2 Million Rejuvenation
Listen to this articleBy Vince Robinson Karamu House, the nation’s oldest producing Black theater, welcomed the community to its Homecoming Benefit and Community Day celebrations on July 13 and July 14 at its historic campus at 2355 East 89th Street. Karamu House President and CEO Tony Sias said the events were a thank you to […]
Posted inNational, Politics
Project 2025: What Does It Say?
Listen to this articleBy Staff Writer Project 2025 is a plan created by conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation. With over 900 pages, Project 2025 could impact democracy in five key areas important to our communities: education, healthcare, climate justice, criminal justice and faith. Education The plan suggests shutting down the Department of Education, which […]
Posted inHealth
Do Nothing! It’s Good for You. Why Downtime is Vital
Listen to this articleBy Khemi Adé Daydreaming is directly linked to having a healthier mind and even a healthier life. Time spent daydreaming and removing yourself from the outer world is important. In the long run, failure to allow the mind to rest can result in “accelerated aging and premature death”, according to Stephanie McCain, […]
Posted inCLE Streets
Every Day Is ‘Groundhog Day’ on Cleveland’s East Side
Listen to this articleBy Gennifer Harding-Gosnell Pests Destroy Property and Terrorize Residents In Cleveland’s East Side The City of Cleveland and City Council held their annual city budget discussions last month, debating, reconciling, and then finalizing their decisions on how they believe the city’s money would best be spent. One recurring topic was the issue […]
Posted inBest of 2024, SLAVIC VILLAGE
University Settlement Inaugural Sneakers Ball in Slavic Village
Listen to this articleStory & photos by Mark Silverberg. CLEVELAND, April 19, 2024 — The Inaugural Sneaker Ball, held at Stella Walsh from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., offered a unique evening dedicated to fathers, children, community, and culture. The event provided an opportunity for fathers and their children to strengthen their bond while enjoying […]
Posted inTechnology
Cleveland’s IT Infrastructure, Backup and Recovery Strategies Falls Short
Listen to this articleBy Ron Calhoun The City of Cleveland’s efforts to establish a resilient information technolgy (IT) infrastructure, as promised by Mayor Justin Bibb during his campaign bid, have faced scrutiny. Shortcomings in utilizing American Rescue Plan Act – or ARPA – infrastructure funds and addressing an outdated system have come to the surface. […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Tri-C JazzFest ’24 Sizzles Through a Heatwave
Listen to this articleBy Vince Robinson The 45th Annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland at Playhouse Square got off to a spirited start under the leadership of the college’s new president, Dr. Michael Baston on June 20. Baston’s rousing introductions for the three-day event brought the audience to life as he honored five Cleveland Music Legends Award […]
Posted inHealth
Happy Body, Happy Brain: The Benefits of Exercising
Listen to this articleBy Khemi Adé The Cleveland Clinic has found that moving the body improves blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, promotes heart health, and lowers stress hormones. But what else can the brain do as a result of exercise? Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki said that when exercising, the hippocampus—which governs memory—and the prefrontal […]
Posted inHealth
Basic Facts On Sleep Hygiene
Listen to this articlePoor sleep hygiene can become a major health issue at any age, especially when you are under stress—or work the third shift. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 3 people in the United States don’t get the sleep they need regularly. Approximately 33% of American […]
Posted inHealth
The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Exercise
Listen to this articleBy Khemi Adé The Cleveland Clinic has found that moving the body improves blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, promotes heart health, and lowers stress hormones. But what else can the brain do as a result of exercise? Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki said that when exercising, the hippocampus—which governs memory—and the prefrontal […]
Posted inLaw/Legislation
Legal Aid provides help for clients struggling with mental health
Listen to this articleBy Tonya Sams Many people suffer in silence when struggling with mental health issues. These issues can affect every area of one’s life—even how they address legal issues that impact basic needs like shelter, safety, and economic security. Client Support Specialists at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland recognize how a client’s […]
Posted inFaith
Death: Myths and Truth
Listen to this articleBy Pastor Larry Frazier Benjamin Franklin, an American diplomat and publisher once said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” That has been an enduring quote throughout the years. Just as are some of the superstitions about death that remain in our society. This article will present some beliefs […]
