The Read

In one whirlwind year, our city claimed an NBA championship, hosted a national political convention and continued development downtown and in the neighborhoods. But as Cleveland sheds its Mistake on the Lake identity, we confront our shifting identity, ask what it might take to continue the momentum and set an agenda for the future.

In 2013, Aliza Sherman was murdered downtown in broad daylight before a meeting with her divorce lawyer. Four years later, the case remains unsolved, but her family and friends continue to search for answers and seek justice for their loss.

After falling just short in Game 7 of the World Series, the Cleveland Indians swung for the fences in the offseason and signed prized free agent Edwin Encarnacion to the largest contract in franchise history. Can the Dominican-born slugger be what it takes to finally bring home the team’s first title since 1948?

Originally conceived by John D. Rockefeller Jr., Forest Hill was designed as a vision of suburban unity. But vacant homes and nasty squabbles about how to save the historic community may be tearing it apart. 

While artist Derek Hess has always purged his emotions on paper, his struggle with mental illness has remained mostly hidden. Now he’s peeling back the layers by speaking out and hosting an arts, comedy and music festival to raise awareness.

In September, a Cuyahoga County initiative embarked on a mission to house 100 homeless youth in 100 days. By answering the challenge, they built a foundation to help even more.

Thirty-five years ago, American Greetings unveiled its best-selling characters ever. But creating the Care Bears wasn’t all rainbows and funshine. Here’s their story, which began with a simple idea: Put a heart on a bear’s chest.

Under CEO Eric Gordon’s leadership, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District has improved graduation, enrollment and attendance numbers. The district even passed the test of a November renewal levy. But possible changes to graduation standards and looming negotiations with the teachers union could hold him back. 

Actress Monica Potter breathes new life into her childhood home while devoting herself to rebuilding the city she loves. 

After 10 long years, America's first space hero is on his way as a down-to-earth politician. First stop, the U.S. Senate.

Cleveland has always welcomed refugees from around the globe. But as the worldwide crisis grows, does our city have the resources and the will to open its doors even more?

TV and radio personality Bob Becker was 58 when Alzheimer's disease took his past and future. His wife, Luanne Bole-Becker, fell apart before finding her way. Now, she's determined to make the most of what remains.