Listen to this articleBy Unity Powell The Cleveland Observer While walking through the University Circle neighborhood, some children were at a park chasing a bug. Ah, kids enjoying the outdoors, But then I heard one of them say, “Yeah, you gotta squish it!” Intrigued, I walked over to see what the commotion was about. The […]
Cleveland City Council Redistricting Rundown
Listen to this articleLisa O’Brien The Cleveland Observer The City of Cleveland’s ward map is set to be redrawn in less than three months, and you may only just be hearing about it now, so here is the rundown. According to a 2008 amendment to the Cleveland city charter, the city’s number of wards must […]
FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims during the vice presidential debate
Listen to this article AP-US-Election-2024-Debate-Fact-Focus Oct 2, 2024 12:31 AM – 1168 words The vice presidential candidates, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, on Tuesday engaged in a fast-moving, largely civil debate on a wide range of issues. Here’s a look at some false and misleading claims from the debate. Iran has not received […]
First Time Gen Z Voters Share Their Thoughts on Elections
Listen to this articleSarai Murdock The Cleveland Observer With the presidential election fast approaching, Gen Z voters are stepping into the political spotlight, many casting their first votes for president this November. As the race heats up, the key questions on everyone’s mind are: what do first-time voters think, and how will they shape the […]
Lisa O’Brien Journalist
Listen to this articleI am a recent CWRU graduate with a double major in Theatre and International Studies with a minor in French. I am looking for roles that allow me to put my communication and writing skills to use. I am passionate about connecting with people and am drawn to roles that allow me […]
Sarai Murdock
Listen to this articleCleveland State University Journalism Intern for Cleveland Observer, and a Cleveland School of the Arts Class of 2023 Graduate/ Valedictorian.
Vince Robinson
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]



