Tanya Velazquez
Verified
As seen in:
Spectrum News 1 Ohio,
Spectrum News NY1,
NewsBreak,
Spectrum News,
WOAI-TV (San Antonio, TX),
Spectrum News 13,
Bay News 9,
International Journalists Network,
KEYE-TV (Austin, TX),
Spectrum News 1 (Louisville, KY),
Spectrum News 1 (Milwaukee, WI)
and
Covers:
Immigration, Cultural Issues
TV News Reporter @SpectrumNews1OH🎥 Mexicana, indígena, bilingüe🇲🇽 UT Austin Alumna🧡🤘🏽
Articles by Tanya Velazquez
Nonprofit raises awareness of maternal mental health on Mother’s Day
CLEVELAND — Balancing work and motherhood is routine for Jaclyn Gorman, who is the founder of The Goodish Moms Club in Cleveland. What You Need To Know May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. Around one in five moms are affected by mental health conditions, according to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. Nonprofit The Goodish Moms Club is working to empower and support moms this Mother’s Day weekend and beyond.
Dancers showcase Polynesian culture during AAPI Heritage Month
CLEVELAND — Mani Cance has been teaching hula, Tahitian and other Pacific Islander dances for nearly a decade at Manivic's Dance Company in Parma Heights.
'We're continuing the tradition': Thousands celebrate culture at Cinco de Mayo festival
CLEVELAND — A growing number of Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo each year. The holiday commemorates Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. One northeast Ohio nonprofit is getting a head start on the celebration this weekend.
Nonprofit expands job opportunities, eliminates barriers during Fair Chance Month
CLEVELAND — Washing and drying hospital linens wasn’t always Dewayne Rick’s dream, but now, the job is giving him a second chance at life after spending several years in and out of prison.
Local vendors highlight culture at first Filipino market in Cleveland
CLEVELAND — Maria Hettel is the co-founder of Iduhon farms, which is one of five local businesses sharing their culture with hundreds of shoppers at the Filipino Mini Market in Cleveland this weekend. What You Need To Know The number of Asian Ohioans has more than doubled to nearly 400,0000 since the start of the 21st century, according to a 2023 report by the Ohio Dept.
Ohio community groups lead 211 hotline expansion statewide
CLEVELAND — Around 800,000 people across the state dialed Ohio’s non-emergency hotline 211 last year, according to data collected by nonprofit United Way. Now, even more people will soon have access to the hotline’s resources.
Protesters call for end to ICE contracts in Ohio detention centers
DEFIANCE, Ohio — The Buckeye State is now home to six detention centers that house detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). There were only two prior to January 2025. One of these facilities is the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio. Located in Stryker, it acts as a shared detention center for five partner counties: Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas and Williams.
Cavaliers, Guardians games lead local business boom in downtown Cleveland Original
CLEVELAND — It’s an eventful weekend for sports fans in Cleveland with two major teams taking the field and center court for home matchups, which may also boost foot traffic in nearby restaurants and bars. Sean O’Donnell has served as the general manager of Flannery’s Pub near Rocket Arena and Progressive Field since it first opened in 1997. It’s now a mecca for game day enthusiasts, located on the corner of East 4th St. and Prospect Ave. “I’m like a piece of furniture.
Student competition bridges gaps through financial literacy
What You Need To Know That gap is widening between generations as younger people are facing higher debt and rising housing costs. Breadwinners Academy, a northeast Ohio nonprofit, is hoping to reserve that trend. The group teaches financial literacy and entrepreneurship and middle schools, high schools, community centers across Northeast Ohio We’ve been, you know, like, meeting weekly, getting in groups studying, studying separately, working on our debates with each other,” Patel said.
Golf-ball sized hail leaves over 20 million dollars in car damages
CLEVELAND — Golf-ball sized hail pelted several parts of northeast Ohio this week, including the Solon Police Department. What You Need To Know This week’s strong storms are taking a costly toll on some parts of northern Ohio Wednesday’s hail pounded cars, dented hoods and even broke windshields and sunroofs More than half of the vehicles in one police department and hundreds of vehicles at a car dealership are being impacted Lieutenant Bill Vajdich is the department’s public information officer.
'You cannot bring back the dead’: Iranian Americans face uncertainty under ceasefire
CLEVELAND — It isn’t every day that Mohammad Sohrabi can talk with his family and friends still living in Iran. But yesterday his phone rang with the news of President Donald Trump’s two-week ceasefire.
Northeast Ohio business rivals boost local economy through mutual support
CLEVELAND — Joshua Steig is revving up printing machines in a decades-long staple in northeast Ohio, now rebranded as LamPro Industries, Inc. While he’s excited to bring life back to the business, Steig said, it hasn’t been easy. What You Need To Know Kerry Stewart founded LamPro Inc.
Northeast Ohio groups host immigration, wage theft clinics
CLEVELAND — Ricardo Morales Vivero was born in Ecuador. Now, he’s helping other immigrants rebuild their lives in northeast Ohio, starting in the workplace.
‘It’s happening all over’: nonprofit reports record-number of ICE-related incidents in Ohio
CLEVELAND — The Ohio Immigrant Alliance launched an immigration hotline 14 months ago and has since recorded nearly 550 incidents around the state.
Northeast Ohio groups host immigration, wage theft clinics
CLEVELAND — Ricardo Morales Vivero was born in Ecuador. Now, he’s helping other immigrants rebuild their lives in northeast Ohio, starting in the workplace.
Third wave of No Kings Day protests take over northeast Ohio
CLEVELAND — Thousands of people braved the cold in downtown Cleveland for the third wave of “No Kings Day” demonstrations against the Trump administration. This time, protestors said, the stakes are higher than ever.
Northeast Ohio drag performers speak out against HB 249
CLEVELAND — For Kyle Burnett, drag is more than just a hobby, discovering the art form after falling into a deep depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnett, who is nonbinary, has been living in Ohio for more than a decade and has performed as “Zoey Zegai” for five of those years.
Waterfront staple brings new life to Flats entertainment district
CLEVELAND — New flavors and colors fill the revamped waterfront staple Shooters in Cleveland. The restaurant welcomed hundreds of new visitors and former regulars at its grand opening this week.
Indigenous actors, artists take center stage at Cleveland Public Theatre
CLEVELAND — Lionel Morales, who is Puerto Rican and of Taíno heritage, is better known as the broody brother “Aaron” in the Cleveland Public Theatre’s newest show, “Haunted.” The play is an Indigenous horror-comedy with a Y2K twist.
Muslim groups lead charity efforts in northeast Ohio during Ramadan
CLEVELAND — It’s a time of reflection for Palestinian-American Sami Najjar, who is joining hundreds of others coming together at the Islamic Center of Cleveland during Ramadan.
Ohio Hispanic city officials speak out against racist letters
CLEVELAND — Lorain City Councilman Angel Arroyo received a postcard containing racist, hateful messaging at his home last Monday, and he isn’t the only Hispanic leader being targeted.
Northeast Ohio Latino trailblazers share their stories through oral history
CLEVELAND — Lydia Caraballo is one of the first three narrators of the Latin American Historical Society of Cleveland's oral history project interviewing the first Latinos to arrive to northeast Ohio before 1969. What You Need To Know Cleveland is home to one of the largest Hispanic and Latino populations in Ohio. The organization opened its “Cleveland with Love” exhibit last February and identified the first Mexican and Puerto Rican people to arrive in the area.
Ohioans support immigrant-owned businesses, celebrate International Women’s Day
CLEVELAND — Around a hundred Ohioans showed their support for women-owned businesses, who are sharing a piece of their international heritage.
Ohio nonprofit celebrates international female leaders for Women’s History Month
CLEVELAND — It’s been nearly a decade since Neema David first left her home in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She was one of four immigrant women who spoke with northeast Ohioans at a panel hosted by nonprofit Global Cleveland.
Iranian immigrants hopeful for future amid war
CLEVELAND — Family photos and Iranian art pieces are some of the few reminders Simin Jaballas still has of her homeland. She still has loved ones in Iran, but has struggled to stay in touch with them since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes in the Middle East on Saturday. What You Need To Know The war in Iran is adding another layer of political friction in the United States. Supporters and opponents of the war are both making their voices heard.
Attorneys discuss immigration policy changes in Ohio
CLEVELAND — Adrian Corona is a first-generation Mexican American and an associate attorney at Sus Abogados Latinos in Painesville, helping other immigrant families stay and live in northeast Ohio. But many of these cases are becoming harder to defend. What You Need To Know Daily detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reached 70,000 on average in February, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security.
'It’s very scary': Iranian Americans respond to U.S. strikes in Iran
CLEVELAND — Iranian-American Poria Jabbari is among the millions who woke up to news that the United States and Israel launched strikes targeting Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, early Saturday morning.
LGBT Center features Black History Month artist showcase
CLEVELAND — Monique Donesia has been creating art for as long as she can remember. She’s one of more than a dozen artists who displayed their work at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland’s Black History Month Showcase.
Ohio celebrates Toni Morrison's works and Ohio roots
CLEVELAND — Black History Month involves celebrating key figures in U.S. history, and Toni Morrison is one of the most celebrated authors worldwide. One local organization is celebrating her contributions to American literature as well as her Ohio roots.
Cleveland cultural group celebrates new tradition on Lunar New Year
CLEVELAND — Cross-cultural history from 618 AD to the 1600s is being brought to life by the Silk Cultural Collective in Cleveland this Lunar New Year.
Hundreds of Ohioans gather for ICE Defense Training
CLEVELAND — More than 400 Ohioans gathered at the Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights to discuss immigrants’ rights and how to engage with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. What You Need To Know Ohio’s immigration policy and enforcement protocols remain in limbo after Democrats and Republicans at the statehouse each introduced opposing packages related to ICE’s authority and cooperation with federal agents.
Black-Asian restaurant calls for support during Black History Month
CLEVELAND — Cultural foods have always been a big part of Tiffany Knight’s life. She and her husband, Lloyd Knight, are the co-owners of Blasian Fusion in Cleveland, now sharing flavors from their childhood with others.
Ohio Puerto Rican community celebrates Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show
CLEVELAND — For Jenice Contreras, this year’s Super Bowl isn’t about the game. She and millions of other Americans are celebrating Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.
Cleveland Heights celebrates Laila Edwards’ northeast Ohio roots Original
CLEVELAND — Dozens gathered to cheer on one of the Cleveland Heights Community Center’s former hockey players, Laila Edwards, now competing internationally at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Ohio nonprofit receives $250,000 in NASA STEM Innovator Award
CLEVELAND — Helping students piece together parts and explore technology is Bill Scott’s passion. He’s the executive director of Youngstown nonprofit Advanced Methods in Innovation (AMI).
More than 100 Ohioans join Happy Dog Takes on ICE Forum
CLEVELAND — More than 100 community members joined for the City Club of Cleveland’s Happy Dog Takes on ICE forum as anti-ICE protests are taking place around the state.
Community reflects on one year of federal immigration enforcement
CLEVELAND — Verónica Martínez and her family first immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico over a decade ago, but she said it’s difficult to not be unsettled by President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Northeast ohio nonprofit joins efforts to rescue abducted Ukrainian children
CLEVELAND — Taras Mahlay is the president of nonprofit Cleveland Maidan Association, which is now partnering with Save Ukraine to rescue children unlawfully deported by Russia as the two countries remain at war. What You Need To Know Save Ukraine, a Kiev-based nonprofit, is working through repeated bombings and blackouts to support children and families impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Iranian Americans respond to mass protests, US intervention threats
CLEVELAND — Poria Jabarri, his mother Mina Jabarri, and his father and sister moved to northern Ohio from Qazvin, Iran nearly a decade ago. While his family regularly talks with loved ones still living abroad, Jabbari said, these conversations have recently taken a dark turn.
City Club of Cleveland speaker stirs controversy
CLEVELAND — Dozens of people gathered outside of the City Club of Cleveland to protest a sold-out Q&A session on “Faith, Policy and Influence.” What You Need To Know The City Club of Cleveland prides itself on being one of the oldest free speech organization in the country It's now under fire for inviting Aaron Baer, the president of the Center for Christian Virtue The nonprofit organization is one of the most influential advocacy groups in Ohio, and it’s been labeled a hate group twice by...
Kent State University features first North African fashion exhibit in the world
CLEVELAND — More than 40 clothing pieces and accessories from 24 artists and designers across the world are now on display at Kent State University, and all of them share similar roots.
Cleveland Puerto Rican community celebrates Three Kings Day
CLEVELAND — Celebrating Día de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, is a yearly tradition for Reinaldo de Jesus, who was raised by Puerto Rican parents. Now, he’s helping other families in-need join in the festivities. What You Need To Know While many Americans are taking down Christmas trees and decorations, for some families, the holiday season isn’t over yet. Three Kings Day is especially significant among Hispanic and Latin American communities, with strong ties to Catholicism.
Nicolas Máduro’s removal sparks protests, celebrations worldwide
CLEVELAND — Marie Navarro is among the millions of Venezuelans celebrating Nicolas Máduro’s removal, but not all are one board with how it was done.
Parma hosts inaugural New Year’s Eve Pierogi Drop
CLEVELAND — Justin Sollinger’s giant pierogi is mounted on a 30-foot pole on the roof of restaurant Sloppy Bob’s in Parma, and no, you can’t eat it. What You Need To Know While millions of Americans are tuning in to see the famous ball drop at Times Square, many northeast Ohioans are gathering for their own New Year’s Eve celebration. At the heart of the city’s Ukrainian Village, Sloppy Bob’s is adding a unique cultural twist to an iconic tradition.
Women-owned and operated auto repair shop is first of its kind in Cleveland Original
CLEVELAND — Popping car hoods and changing car parts has been Carbae’s passion for more than a decade. She’s the owner and operator of Carbae’s Auto Service and Repair, which is the first business of its kind in Cleveland.
Akron man deported after living in U.S. for 44 years Original
CLEVELAND — Brittani Sisouphanh is spending her first holiday season without her father Sone Rassavong who was recently deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to his home country Laos.
Cleveland Heights to welcome only LGBTQ mayor in Ohio
CLEVELAND — Jim Petras is leading Cleveland Heights in turning the next page in its governance, assuming office as city’s newly-elected mayor in January.
Jewish community showcases Hanukkah traditions at the Cleveland Arcade
CLEVELAND — Nancy Schwartz-Katz is one of the leading artists behind a new Hanukkah display at the Arcade in downtown Cleveland, showcasing a piece of Jewish culture and history. What You Need To Know Hanukkah typically falls in late November or December, in line with the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, and is celebrated for eight days This year, the eight-day holiday begins Sunday, Dec. 14, and ends on Monday, Dec.
Cleveland nears 50th anniversary of school desegregation
CLEVELAND — Leah Hudnall’s grandparents moved to Cleveland, along with hundreds of thousands of other Black families from southern states during The Great Migration. She said many incoming residents were forced into redlined neighborhoods with overcrowded schools that were segregated under the city’s historic “Relay” policy.
'It’s been a ghost town’: Several bars close in Cleveland’s downtown Flats
CLEVELAND — The sudden closure of several bars in Cleveland’s Flats East Bank this week has left many in shock, but some neighboring businesses say the announcements aren’t a surprise.
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