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

Published

1 month ago

February 15, 2025

‘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.

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Cleveland, OH

Northeast Ohio officials call for Federal Government to ensure federal agencies remain Downtown amid uncertainty over Celebreeze Building

Published

1 hour ago

March 26, 2025

Press Room

Northeast Ohio officials call for Federal Government to ensure federal agencies remain Downtown amid uncertainty over Celebreeze Building

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Following confusion over the Anthony J. Celebreeze Federal Building being placed on the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) “non-core property list” to be sold, local lawmakers are hoping to work with the Federal Government to keep this jobs in Cleveland.

The Celebreeze building was placed on the property list in early March along with hundreds of other properties across the U.S. only to be deleted from the list a day later. GSA has yet to specify if this was a mistake or a sign that those buildings that were removed are actively being look at to be sold.

The “non-core property list” identifies buildings that the U.S. General Services Administration deems are not “core to government operations, or non-core properties”.

The buildings would then be sold to “ensure that taxpayer dollars are no longer spent on vacant or underutilized federal spaces”.

Below are the statements released from various lawmakers around Northeast Ohio:

“My administration is aware of discussions regarding the potential closure and sale of the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building. We are actively working with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and our local, state, and federal partners to understand the timeline. While it seems GSA is early in the process of determining next steps for the building, it is concerning nonetheless. At this time, we have received no indication that the federal government plans to reduce staffing levels for these agencies. However, should any Cleveland workers be impacted, we stand ready to support them through our Rapid Response Hub in partnership with Greater Cleveland Works.
The City’s priority is ensuring that the 4,000 federal workers in the Celebrezze Building remain employed in Downtown Cleveland. Our urban core is a vital economic and civic hub, and we stand ready to collaborate with our federal partners to ensure that these agencies remain Downtown.”

The Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building is a landmark in downtown Cleveland, and stands as a symbol of public service, justice, and civil rights. The federal workers employed there play a vital role in contributing to the economic stability and growth of the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. The County administration is aware of the discussions surrounding the potential sale of the building and has been in contact with federal officials. Cuyahoga County urges leadership within the federal government to reinvest in the building to ensure that all federal jobs are retained in our urban core.

Earlier today, Cleveland City Council received news about the potential selling and closure of the Anthony J. Celebrezze federal building in Downtown Cleveland. Celebrezze, Cleveland’s 49th Mayor, a former judge, and cabinet member in two presidential administrations is an icon in Cleveland history and politics.
Coupled with the possible departure of the Cleveland Browns and the relocation of the county jail to Garfield Heights, our central business district is experiencing real change. The city of Cleveland is investing heavily in the central business district, and the selling of the Celebrezze building threatens progress.
However, we are encouraged by the news that the federal jobs at the Celebrezze building will not be lost, as federal officials have indicated they are looking for other sites to host these workers. City Council will do everything in our power to keep those jobs in Downtown Cleveland.
Council will continue to work with all willing partners to protect, and inject more life and vitality into our central business district.
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The Celebreeze building has more than 4,000 employees, housing federal departments such as; The Department of Defense, Defense Financing and Accounting Service, Chief of Naval Personnel; Veterans Affairs-Veterans Benefits Administration; Internal Revenue Service; Department of Homeland Security: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; National Labor Relations Board.

It is not known yet if the building is staying under federal ownership or will be sold.

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Cleveland, OH

Suspect set house on fire during standoff in Old Brooklyn

Published

12 hours ago

March 26, 2025

Press Room

Suspect set house on fire during standoff in Old Brooklyn

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – One person was taken into custody after a standoff and a fire in the city’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood.

The situation at a house in the 4600 block of Bader Ave. began around 10 p.m. Tuesday when Cleveland Police Second District officers went to the home to search for a man wanted for multiple felony warrants.

Cleveland Police said officers were given consent to check the home, but as they approached the rear staircase, the suspect threatened to shoot if they continued.

Officers retreated and attempted negotiations, but the suspect refused to surrender and barricaded himself inside, making threats about a shootout and possessing explosives.

SWAT officers and the Bomb Squad were called to the scene and officers said as SWAT entered the home, the suspect set the fire and fled out the back.

After a brief foot chase, the suspect was arrested at 3:06 a.m. Wednesday.

His name has not been released.

Cleveland Firefighters said they fought the blaze from the exterior, due to concerns of possible traps or explosives inside.

Damage is estimated at $80,000.

Police added five cats and two dogs are believed to have died in the fire.

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Cleveland, OH

‘Spring into Love!’: City Dogs Cleveland in full bloom with 100+ dogs reduces adoption fee to $21

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2025

Press Room

‘Spring into Love!’: City Dogs Cleveland in full bloom with 100+ dogs reduces adoption fee to

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – City Dogs Cleveland said the kennel is full again with more than 100+ “amazing dogs who would love to blossom in homes of their own.”

So, now’s the time to “Spring into Love with CITY DOGS!”

To help getting as many precious pups paired up as possible, City Dogs has reduced adoption fees to just $21 from Friday, Mar. 28 through Sunday, Mar. 30.

“We have lots of dogs coming in our door everyday and we hope to have a big adoption weekend!” City Dogs Cleveland stated. “We’re all excited for spring, so why not enjoy it with a new best friend?!”

Not only will you have the best time this springtime with your new four-legged best friend, the adopt fee also includes:

microchip
county license
basic vaccinations
spay/neuter surgery
and of course, a lifetime of love!

Walk-ups are welcome between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

CLAIM YOUR DOG

City Dogs Cleveland wants to get lost dogs back to their owners.

Click here to see all of the lost/found dogs in the kennel.

The Cleveland kennel is located at 9203 Detroit Ave., and can be reached at 216-664-3069.

“If you don’t reach someone live right away, PLEASE leave a voicemail as these are checked regularly,” City Dogs insisted. “If you know anyone who is missing a pet, please have them check the kennel ASAP!”

ADOPT

If you would like to adopt one (or more!) click here to see the precious pups just waiting to be part of your family.

For those who can’t make the adoption event or want to avoid a potential wait, click here to set up a meet and greet with the dog who is pulling on your heartstrings from the photos.

FOSTER

Even if you aren’t able to adopt at this time, but still have some room in your home and heart, you can click here to learn about fostering a dog.

“It will save a life, but isn’t a lifelong commitment,” City Dogs Cleveland stated.

VOLUNTEER

If you only have room in your heart and your schedule, become a volunteer!

The City of Cleveland said volunteers can help with:

dog walking
events
fostering
transport
social media and networking
photography
training
and more!

Email citydogs@city.cleveland.oh.us or call 216.664.3069 for more information about future volunteer opportunities.

DONATE

For those who are unable to adopt or foster at this time but still want to help, the kennel is always in need of monetary and item donations, like the dogs’ favorite chew dogs.

“Providing the dogs with in-kennel enrichment is so important when our facility is so full,” City Dogs Cleveland stated.

You don’t even have to go to the store or stop by the kennel to drop off your donations!

Just purchase these items from the City Dogs wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and they will be automatically delivered to the kennel.

Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Amazon wish list.

Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Chewy wish list.

‘Spring into Love!’: City Dogs Cleveland in full bloom with 100+ dogs reduces adoption fee to $21(City Dogs Cleveland)

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