Richard Cunningham

Cleveland

Freelance Journalist at Freelance

i produce cool stories for @ideastream.

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Articles

'Will my life be cut short too?': Cleveland 10-year-old wants action after gun violence kills friend

1 week ago | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

Lorenzo Roberson is like any other 10-year-old. He enjoys playing basketball and football — he even wants to play for the Minnesota Vikings when he grows up. He’s energetic, talkative and fidgety. However, Roberson, like many children affected by gun violence, carries a heavy burden. Kaden Coleman, his best friend, died as a result of gun violence in early February.
Lonely in Cleveland: How vulnerability, attitude helped a newcomer feel welcome

1 month ago | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

You know the worst part about moving? Everything. Movers are crazy expensive. It’s a hassle reaching out to utility companies. And don’t get me started about finding a decent apartment to rent. Luckily, when I moved to Cleveland to work for Ideastream Public Media a few months ago, everything went smoothly. I found my apartment, I was excited for the job and everything was set in place.
Intimidated to try that new restaurant? This Cleveland content creator can help

1 month ago | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

Loneliness is a rising issue across the United States. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that Americans are enduring a loneliness epidemic, citing research that social media can elevate feelings of anxiety and isolation. But a Cleveland content creator aims to help curb anxiety with videos that encourage Northeast Ohioans to get out into their neighborhoods and make friends outside the internet. Niki Farahmand recently created a social media video at Dewey’s Pizza in Lakewood.
Lorain County Urban League is the 'last stop' to prevent gun violence

2 months ago | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

Jermaine is a laidback and confident young man. He’s only 14 years old, but he already has full plans for his future. He wants to be a real estate agent to take care of his family, but that all depends on how he deals with the present. “I can see me and I see my future self being rich, buying my mom a house,” Jermaine said while speaking with his mentor. “[I can] get my little brothers what they want. I'm trying to go crazy.
Wooster pharmacist fills gaps left by pharmacy closures

Dec 10, 2024 | wvxu.org | Richard Cunningham

Heidi Geib always knew she wanted to work in medicine. Well, sort of. “I really love the medical world,” Geib says. “But I hate blood, needles, all that stuff.”She’s been a pharmacist for the last 30 years and opened her pharmacy about two and a half years ago. Geib previously worked for other big box stores and independent pharmacies around Wooster, but she didn’t see her future at any of those companies.
Lorain High School will host community event to curb spike in gun violence

Nov 14, 2024 | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

A faith-based nonprofit is partnering with Lorain City School District to host a Family Fun Night on Thursday night. The event, at Lorain High School, will include table games, contests, and prevention and intervention workshops. Gail Reese is the co-founder and executive director of the Ministry of Reconciliation, the event's nonprofit partner. Reese says events like these help students find different ways to deal with their situations.
This Wooster realtor and DJ brings people together through the power of real estate and music

Nov 12, 2024 | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

This is a series about neighbors helping each other in Wayne & Medina counties, produced in partnership with Community Action of Wayne and Medina. By day, you can find Zaurice Stephens working as a realtor. He sells homes throughout Northeast Ohio and educates his clientele on financial literacy through social media. However, Stephens lives a sort of double life. At night and on the weekends, he's a DJ, spinning tracks at clubs around his hometown of Wooster.
How a Black Air Force veteran found community as an airborne linguist

Nov 11, 2024 | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

Brandon Waithe was usually the only Black crew member during his 20 years in the Air Force. But the Green resident found community there as an airborne linguist whose cultural upbringing made his job a lot easier. Waithe grew up homeschooled in Kentucky, but moved to Goodyear Heights in Summit County when he was 11. He described himself as “aimless” in high school, but wanted to join the armed forces after graduation.
Voter turnout is low for Latinos. Can these Cleveland canvassers reverse the trend?

Oct 28, 2024 | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

Alberto Ramos Cordero and Micaela Barrett have been out canvassing 20 hours per week over the last few months. They recently spent time roaming Ward 12 on Cleveland's southwest side, home to a high concentration of Latino residents. They've been working to raise the Latino voter turnout for the November election.
As young people shun alcohol, Cleveland's sober bars provide fun without the hangover

Oct 8, 2024 | ideastream.org | Richard Cunningham

Verbena Free Spirited Cafe, on the corner of Cleveland's W. 29th and Church Street, looks like any other modern cafe with a chic twist. The walls are filled with artwork from local artists and the shelves are decorated with pink flowers and various bottles, cans and glasses. Unlike most other cafes, Verbena also serves as a sober bar for people looking to limit their alcohol intake. Molly Cheraso is the shop's owner.