The Cuyahoga River is so much more than a fire that occurred nearly 50 years ago. It lives and breathes, supplies us with life, recreation, and employment -- along with so much more. In the first of a multi-part series, Rick Jackson explores the various parts of the river and how it affects our lives. In this chapter, Rick begins at its headwaters to explore the wildlife in the region. He then travels south to see how the Cuyahoga’s water becomes Akron’s water supply. Then, he finally stops by R.Shea Brewing to see how that water is brewed into beer.

The Cuyahoga River is so much more than a fire that occurred nearly 50 years ago. It lives and breathes, supplies us with life, recreation, and employment — along with so much more.

Rick Jackson explores the various parts of the river and how it affects our lives. In this chapter, Rick begins at its headwaters to explore the wildlife in the region. He then travels south to see how the Cuyahoga’s water becomes Akron’s water supply. Then, he finally stops by R.Shea Brewing to see how that water is brewed into beer.

In Ohio and nationally, there’s a mismatch between in-demand jobs and workers trained to fill them.

By the year 2025, 60 percent of Americans will need credentials beyond a high school diploma – whether a college degree or high-skills training, according to Lumina Foundation's 2019 Strong Nation report. However, the report found fewer than 45 percent of Ohioans have the right kind of training to fill them.

In this series, we talk with CEOs of Ohio companies who rely on a well-trained workforce. We explore well-paying and good growth positions that require post-secondary education but not necessarily a college degree.

Tom Zenty, CEO University Hospitals

Kyle Dreyfuss Wells, CEO Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

Christopher Mapes, CEO Lincoln Electric

Michael Lehane, Business Agent Intl Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 27

Visit the homepage for ideastream's American Graduate Getting to Work additional resources.

My name is Sonny Graham and I’m 9 years old. I live at Woodhill Homes. I’m telling you my story because I would like people to know how I live and what I want to be when I grow up.

6:15 a.m. - Morning Alarm

On school days, my mom wakes me up at 6:15.

"Sonny!" she calls. "Time to wake up!"

I wake up in my Spiderman costume. It’s not pajamas, but a full costume, with fingers and toes. It makes me feel comfortable.

I don’t like waking up so early. Why can't kids all around the world wake up at 9 or 10 instead of 6:15? I'm not a grown person yet.

Sometimes, to help me wake up, I listen to a song.

Today, it's "Happier" by Marshmello.

Lately, I've been, I've been thinking / I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier...

I also own a marshmallow mask that I sometimes put on with my Spiderman costume.

6:30 a.m. - Morning Exercise and Walk to School Bus

I do exercises in the morning so I can get better at things, like boxing and wrestling.

Then it’s time to go to school. My mom and I walk to the bus stop. We talk about our neighborhood, and all the stray cats we see.

The bus driver tells me good morning and I wave at my mom as he drives away.

7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - School

My school is only a few minutes away. I go to Saint Adalbart Catholic School on East 83rd Street.

My teacher’s name is Mr. Gainey. He’s a nice, fun person. He doesn’t really yell a lot except when somebody gets on his last nerve.

Today, he has our class read out loud about the International Space Station.

When he calls on me, I read:

"The international space station is a remarkable workplace in space. Exciting discoveries come from research being done there…"

Then our Spanish teacher comes in to teach us Spanish. We sing the numbers and the alphabet and some kids start dancing.

I do like Spanish, but sometimes it’s hard to say words.

3 p.m. - After School

After I get home on the bus, I usually go to the Woodhill Community Center and play games.

Today is Wednesday, so I’m going to my favorite after-school club. It’s called MBIO, which is a Swahili word for "the race."

Edward Horton runs MBIO. He does this program through his church.

MBIO is just for boys. Mr. Horton and his friends teach us about things like responsibility and handling anger. He teaches us how to hold our breath when we’re mad.

Later, we play games to help us concentrate, like an egg race.

5:30 p.m. - Back Home

I either go to boxing at 5:30 or walk back home around 6.

My mom lets me go outside and play with my friends before dinner.

The thing I like best about Woodhill is there are always kids outside to play. Except when it's raining, then no one's outside.

Most of my friends are down the hill. When I go up the hill they sometimes mess with me. Sometimes I say something back and sometimes I just go by myself.

7 p.m. - Homework and Dinner

Around 7 o’clock, my mom comes outside to tell me to do my homework. I sit at the kitchen table doing math and spelling while she makes dinner.

Tonight for dinner is spaghetti and broccoli. Broccoli is nasty.

At 9 o'clock, my mom tells me it's time for bed. I read a book first. It’s called The Superhero Instruction Manual.

"All right Sonny," my mom says. "Say your prayers."

I’ve heard they’re going to build Woodhill Homes all over again.

I hope when that happens, it looks better.

And, it’s also blue.

President Trump is speaking to the nation following attacks on military bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are stationed. Trump tweeted on Tuesday night that "All is well!" and that an assessment of the casualties was underway. Iran said the missiles were launched as an act of self-defense after the U.S. killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq.

Governor Mike DeWine's latest update for March 21, 2020, on the impact of COVID-19 on the State of Ohio. The press conference is scheduled for 2 p.m., but the actual start has often been later due to fast-changing circumstances. Our priority is to provide trustworthy, up-to-date coverage that Northeast Ohioans can rely on. As the pandemic continues, ideastream will share live briefings from Governor DeWine online and on our broadcast channels, WVIZ/PBS, 90.3 WCPN and The Ohio Channel.

During these trying times, ideastream is dedicated to keeping you, the Northeast Ohio community, informed by providing trusted, up-to-date information that you need to know, as it happens.

From special coverage of briefings by the president and governor to information about health resources and opportunities to ask questions of local and national health experts, ideastream is committed to providing you with all the information you need to know about COVID-19, as it happens. Visit www.ideastream.org/coronavirus for the latest.

This special coverage is made possible thanks to the support of our members. We're here for you, and we're here because of you​.