Cleveland, OH
‘You’re only going to get as far as how hard you work': Cleveland.com’s Laura Johnston describes what it takes to be successful in journalism
CLEVELAND, OH – Starting the month of February on a journalistic beat, students at the Cleveland Media Academy met with cleveland.com Content Director Laura Johnston and learned about her life as a journalist and some useful tips on how to get a good start in the field.
From her start in eighth grade in her elementary school’s newspaper, Johnston said she has always wanted to be a journalist. Throughout her career she’s worked for many newspapers, such as the Associated Press in New York, the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette in Indiana, the New Jersey Star-Ledger, and now as the Content Director for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
Much of what Johnston spoke about revolved around the effort you put into your work and the consequences of such. One thing she said that stuck out was “Whatever you put into it, you’re going to get out of it.”
Johnston emphasized this throughout her talk, describing the importance of thinking creatively when pursuing a story.
She gave an example of a few years ago when she was sent to an airshow, and tasked with going around and finding something to write about on her own. There were no real parameters, and absent a huge interest in airplanes, she said it was a struggle to find something to write about.
Since everything a journalist makes is for the people, it makes complete sense when Johnston went around to the attendees of the airshow and asked them to describe what it sounded like. Had she not gone around to different people, asking them about their experiences here, most likely she would have left with little to nothing to write about.
Along with sharing her own experiences and how they shaped her as a journalist, Johnston used them to teach the students how to improve their own skills.
Johnston emphasized how “You’re only going to get as far as how hard you work.”
Throughout her talk, she focused on what makes a good journalist, highlighting that much of it comes down to a journalist’s mindset and dedication. What you produce is only going to be as good as you want it to be.
Being a journalist has its challenges, with deadlines and chasing leads, but if you do not put in the effort to meet that deadline or chase that lead, your work will show that. Johnston’s advice served as a reminder that success in journalism is not just about whether or not you can write well, rather it’s about the persistence and effort put into creating meaningful stories.
Along with all the advice Johnston gave on how to be an exceptional journalist, she also took the time to tell students what she looks for in a candidate when hiring. One thing she stressed was to have experience. Johnston said that right away she would not choose to hire anyone who had never worked as a journalist before; and that getting experience is one of the key things to do before looking for jobs.
With that experience, she recommended creating a website where everything that we had written or been a part of was easily accessible.
With that, Johnston emphasized another key aspect when preparing for an interview: doing your research: From knowing who is going to be interviewing you to what the company is like overall, the more you know, the better you can gauge what they may be looking for in a candidate and what they are like as a company.
Johnston left many students with valuable information on how to proceed in their journalism careers, equipping students with the knowledge needed to navigate the industry, confidently pursue their professional goals, and eventually, stand out as strong candidates in the industry.
Nora Baker is a high school student and reporter in the Cleveland Media Academy, which is an eight-week high school journalism program sponsored by cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer in partnership with News 5, Signal Cleveland, WKYC Studios and the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists.
Cleveland, OH
Woman, 28, arrested for murder after 2 young girls found in suitcases on Cleveland’s east side
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland police have charged a 28-year-old woman with aggravated murder and child endangering for the deaths of two young girls found buried in suitcases on the city’s east side.
Aliyah Henderson was arrested Wednesday evening at a home on E. 162nd after officers executed a search warrant. She was then booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail.
Cleveland police said a third child was found inside the home and appeared to be in good health. That child is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the two girls as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman. The girls are also half-sisters.
The bodies of the two half-sisters were found in partially buried suitcases around 6 p.m. Monday near E. 162nd Street and Midland Avenue.
This is in the city’s South Collinwood neighborhood.
A man was walking his dog in the area, for the first time in a while, due to the snow, and the dog hit on the scent.
The man immediately called 911.
When officers and homicide detectives got to the field, they found the second body nearby.
Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said the victims had been there for some time.
“These were two young lives with their entire futures ahead of them,” said Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd. “Our detectives worked tirelessly and with great care to identify those responsible. Investigations of this nature require patience, precision, and discretion. Unlike what is often portrayed on television, every detail cannot be shared publicly. Certain information must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure justice for these victims. That careful and methodical work allowed our detectives to develop the evidence needed to make quick identification of a person of interest, ultimately resulting in an arrest.”
Henderson will be in the Cleveland Municipal Court on Friday at 8:30 a.m.
If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.
Tips can remain anonymous.
A memorial where the two girls were found has continued to grow with teddy bears, flowers, balloons and more throughout the day.
Cleveland Missing’s resources can be found here.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
Man who claims girl found in suitcase is his daughter says he begged courts and CPS for help
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – 19 News spoke with a man who claims he is the father of one of the two little girls found dead and buried in suitcases in Cleveland.
Deshaun Chatman shared that he was overcome with grief and anger as he came to terms with the terrible truth that his 8-year-old girl, Mila Chatman, is dead.
“I’ve been looking for my daughter for five years. I’ve been calling CPS, going to the courts, trying to get emergency custody, calling the police for welfare checks. But they denied all access,” Chatman alleged.
On Monday, she and her half-sister, Amor Wilson, 10, were found dead and partially buried, after a neighbor walking his dog near a field in the area of East 163rd and Midland Avenue called 911 after his dog picked up a scent.
Cleveland police on Wednesday detained a person of interest, whom officers later identified as Aliyah Henderson, 28, near the crime scene.
Records show Henderson was booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail on Wednesday evening.
According to Chatman, the little girl’s mother had been avoiding him and moving around a lot. The last time he said he saw her was when he helped buy clothes for kindergarten.
Chatman told 19 News that he is now working with detectives to prove he was Mila’s father.
“I’m still in contact with the detectives. We’re doing the DNA samples. So I’ll get more details within the next couple of days.”
Chatman visited the site where his little girl’s body was found with 19 News.
“What I’m feeling is hate. I’m not going to lie, I feel hate. I asked you on numerous occasions for my daughter. If it’s too much for you. I just want my daughter,” Chatman said when asked how he felt.
Chatman, so overwhelmed by the sight, needed to be comforted by a friend.
“I don’t get how you can hate your kids enough to kill them. To bury them. To do all this and go right there to that home, right there, and live there when your kids are right here. Go be a mother to another child, while you just killed your other two.”
Now, he tells 19 News that he wants changes to the system, which he said denied him a chance to be a father.
“Change these laws. Make it better. A man do have a say so in their child’s life, married or unmarried,” Chatman said.
19 News has reached out to Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services to learn if it was involved in any way and if Chatman had any contact with the office.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Several schools throughout Ohio were placed on lockdown on Wednesday due to threats.
ROCKY RIVER CITY SCHOOLS
Rocky River High School got a phone call at approximately 10:53 a.m. threatening the safety of the school.
The Rocky River Police Department said the caller said they were heading to the school with weapons, RRPD later shared in a press conference.
Police officers teamed up by mutual aid swiftly arrived to ensure no unauthorized persons were on campus, RRPD stated.
“Rooms were cleared and no dangers were located,” RRPD said. “There are no indications that there was ever any danger to any of the students, staff or buildings of the district.”
Parents told 19 News their kids sent them pictures of officers walking through the halls with rifles.
Rocky River High School will have early dismissal as there will be a heavy police presence in and around the Rocky River Schools for the rest of Wednesday and throughout the week, according to RRPD.
Students who drive were expected to be released by 12:30 p.m., while students who walk or are picked up by parents were released at 1 p.m., RRPD shared.
RRPD called the phone call a swatting incident, and said “any person or people behind hoax threat calls will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Chief George Lichman says they are working with other agencies to find out who made the call. They said the number that popped up was not local. They do not know at this time if it was an incorrect number or a computerized message.
Chief Lichman says he doesn’t believe the school system has experienced a swatting call before.
There will be additional officers on campus throughout the week.
AUBURN CAREER CENTER
Auburn Career Center in Lake County’s Concord Township received a threat over the phone at approximately 10:16 a.m., Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno stated.
Deputies were immediately sent to the school to assist the School Resource Officer in the investigation as a lockdown was implemented as a precaution.
Auburn Career Center shared at 12:55 p.m. that a thorough investigation determined the threat to be not credible, and all students were safely dismissed and left the building, which remained guarded by deputies.
All afternoon and evening classes for both high school and adult education scheduled for Wednesday have been canceled in light of the morning’s event.
“We want to thank the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their immediate response and partnership during this situation,” said Superintendent Joe Glavan. “I also want to thank our staff and students for following procedures and doing exactly what was necessary to ensure everyone’s safety. While this threat was ultimately deemed not credible, we will always prioritize the safety of our students and staff.”
Leonbruno confirmed there is no active threat at Auburn Career Center, but the incident remains under investigation.
SHAKER HEIGHTS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Shaker Heights High School briefly went under lockdown as a precaution during Pre-ACT and ACT testing after getting a call of a possible bomb threat outside of the building, Shaker Schools stated.
Shaker Schools also said Fernway and Onaway elementary schools briefly went into a lockdown.
Shaker Heights Police Department officers are at the high school and “have not found any evidence of a credible threat,” Shaker Schools stated.
FBI CLEVELAND
FBI Cleveland shared the following statement in regards to their response to the Northeast Ohio school swatting incidents:
OTTAWA HILLS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
In the Toledo area, Ottawa Hills Superintendent Adam Fineske said a call for a bomb threat came in at 10:45 a.m., targeting the Junior/Senior High School, stating “Bombs all over the school and coming with guns.”
Toledo Police K-9 units swept the school and nothing was found.
BOWLING GREEN CITY SCHOOLS
Bowling Green High School was also affected by the treats and placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure just before noon.
INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Indian Hill High School in Cincinnati evacuated students and staff around 11 a.m. on Wednesday with the help of Indian Hill Rangers after getting a potential bomb threat.
Indian Hill Middle School was evacuated as a precaution.
MASON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mason High School received a threatening phone call on Wednesday morning, Mason City Schools confirmed.
The Mason Police Department and Campus Safety team determined it was safe to resume normal school operations at 11:44 a.m. when law enforcement confirmed there was no credible threat to the schools, Mason City Schools stated.
CINCINNATI PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cincinnati Public Schools’ Walnut Hills High School was under lock-in after receiving a bomb threat.
The lock-in was lifted after Cincinnati police cleared the area, and school resumed normal operations.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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