In the hours following the incident, community members voiced strong concerns online, pointing to the heavy foot traffic in the area and a long-standing frustration over insufficient pedestrian protections. Several residents emphasized that students have repeatedly been placed at risk during their commute to school and called for changes to road infrastructure or crossing enforcement. One local resident said, “We’ve been talking about student safety in that area for years.”

Todd, who works at NASA in Cleveland as a video producer, animator, and illustrator, said the project began when his friend Chuck Auerbach approached him during the production of his TV show Arts Quest, which aired on Time Warner’s NEON network. “Chuck reached out to me while I was producing my TV show Arts Quest, which used to air on Time Warner’s NEON network, thinking Alfred’s story would make for an excellent feature,” Todd said. “After we got to talking, I realized this

Spotted lanternflies are rapidly spreading across Ohio, with new infestations confirmed in five additional counties in 2025. Cleveland, especially downtown and lakefront areas, is seeing a surge in adult pests. State officials warn the situation may worsen as the season continues. Learn how residents are fighting back and what actions the Ohio Department of Agriculture recommends to control the spread of this invasive species.

Thomas, the founder and president of Vet Fest, started this event with a mission that cuts deep: to stop veteran suicide. “We’re tired of losing our brothers and sisters,” he told me. His voice was steady but heavy with purpose. As a veteran himself, Thomas knows the weight of transitioning to civilian life. The isolation, the unspoken struggles.