Subscribe to the Wake Up, cleveland.com’s free morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5:30 a.m.
Why would Cleveland State University give away its longstanding student radio station to Ideastream?
It’s a question we — like many radio-listening Clevelanders — have been pondering for the past two weeks, ever since WCSB FM/89.3 abruptly switched from its community format to 24/7 jazz.
Gone is the student-run station, which since 1976 has broadcast an eclectic mix of rock and talk, punk and hip hop, metal and ethnic-focused content. The NPR affiliate, which also operates WKSU, WCLV and the PBS TV station WVIZ, now controls the property.
What’s in it for the university? The contract does not require money to change hands, but CSU President Laura Bloomberg gets a seat on Ideastream’s Board of Trustees. And CSU will receive some mandated promotional on-air announcements.
The contract’s documents focus on the fine details of the station and little is said about offering students opportunities to develop skills.
— Laura
Overnight scores and Weather
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Rain and windy this weekend
Top stories
WCSB: Cleveland State University transferred its student radio station WCSB to Ideastream without compensation. Laura Hancock reports the move is controversial, with students and others in the community protesting the decision. CSU has maintained there will be student opportunities through Ideastream at the new station.
Today in Ohio: Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague would like to change state law to allow investing in cryptocurrency, and some Republican lawmakers are on board. On Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast, we’re talking about House Speaker Matt Huffman as the voice of reason.
Statehouse and Politics
Swastika investigation: U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor says he’s asked U.S. Capitol Police to investigate why an American flag with a swastika was pinned up in his Washington, D.C., office. Jeremy Pelzer reports an image posted online Wednesday showed the flag, with some bars of the U.S. flag twisted into the shape of the Nazi hate symbol, on a cubicle wall behind a Taylor staffer during a virtual meeting.
Intoxicating hemp: House Speaker Matt Huffman acknowledges uncertainty around hemp sales regulations, but says that won’t change the legislature’s timeline, reports Mary Frances McGowan.
STRS board: A Franklin County judge issued a preliminary injunction halting changes to the State Teachers Retirement System board. Anna Staver reports the move prevents reducing elected teacher representatives.
Northeast Ohio News
State of the County: Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne used his third State of the County address Thursday to cast his administration as one delivering on long-promised reforms — even as the county braces for budget cuts and threats to local safety nets, Kaitlin Durbin reports.
Charge dropped: Criminal charges against Cleveland’s chief city planner have been dismissed after county prosecutors declined the case, saying there is “insufficient evidence” to support felony charges, Sean McDonnell reports.
Move over: Crashes involving Ohio Department of Transportation workers have already surpassed last year’s total, with 88 incidents this year, reports Olivia Mitchell.
Natural gas: Residents across Greater Cleveland will see a decrease in natural gas bills as regulators rejected Enbridge’s rate hike request, reports Sean McDonnell. The new rates will lower residential bills by about $2 a month starting next month.
Fatal fire: A woman died Thursday after a house fire on Cleveland’s East Side, Olivia Mitchell reports. Firefighters rescued two women from the burning structure. Both were transported to MetroHealth Medical Center in critical condition. One of the victims later died.
School fire: A fire behind an oven at Fairport Harding High School in Fairport Harbor caused an evacuation, with damages estimated at $12,000, reports Molly Walsh.
Health Care and Business
Seed oils: Cleveland dietitians are challenging the Make America Healthy Again movement’s stance against seed oils, arguing that plant-based oils are healthier than animal fats. Paris Wolfe reports on expert recommendations favoring olive and other seed oils over animal-based alternatives.
Crime and Courts
Amish attack: A fourth suspect was arrested in connection with a violent Amish home invasion where attackers used a stun gun and threatened to kidnap a child, reports Molly Walsh. Ricky Lee Martin, an Amish taxi driver, is accused of scouting Amish properties for burglaries.
Fatal shooting: Damere Boddie was shot and killed in Akron’s Goodyear Heights neighborhood, reports Olivia Mitchell. The 31-year-old was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon and police have not announced any arrests or the motive.
Guilty pleas: For the second time in a month, the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals has found Cuyahoga County judges failed to properly inform defendants of the ramifications of guilty pleas, David Gambino reports.
Accused gunman: Three dozen law enforcement officers packed a courtroom on Thursday as a man accused of shooting a deputy U.S. marshal made his first court appearance. Larry Wiley, 49, said little during the hearing, Adam Ferrise reports.
Children hit: A distracted driver in Newbury Township hit two children as they walked through a community center parking lot, severely injuring a 12-year-old girl, reports Molly Walsh.
Arts and Culture
Christmas Ale: Great Lakes Brewing Company hosted its annual Christmas Ale First Pour party, attracting hundreds of eager fans to celebrate the seasonal brew’s release. Marc Bona chronicles the festive event with a playful limerick-style narrative.
Frost experience: The Cleveland Botanical Garden is bringing back its “Frost” winter experience, offering an immersive celebration of light, nature and seasonal wonder with new storylines and expanded displays. Paris Wolfe highlights the event’s magical winter spirits and family-friendly activities.
‘Hell’s Kitchen’: Alicia Keys’ Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen” launches its national tour at Playhouse Square, featuring Maya Drake as a fictionalized version of Keys. Joey Morona highlights the show’s vibrant portrayal of Keys’ teenage years in 1990s New York.
Ask Yadi: A parent seeks advice about their teenager’s social media addiction, worried about the potential negative influences. Yadi Rodriguez offers strategies for managing teen screen time, including open communication and parental control apps. Lucas Daprile also has a response.
Best seafood: Cleveland.com is trying to determine the best seafood restaurant in Northeast Ohio and has narrowed it down from 20 to 10 top contenders. Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian invite readers to vote for their favorite seafood spot.
Members only: The Cavaliers have introduced HIPP, an exclusive members-only club at Rocket Arena limited to 100 members, offering a luxurious game-day experience. Marc Bona reports on the high-end club with five-figure membership fees.
Things to do: Cleveland offers numerous fall and Halloween-themed events, from fall festivals to Broadway shows to the opening night of Monsters hockey, Alex Darus reports.
You’re all caught up
Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.
— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
Other Top Stories
State trooper dies when patrol car is hit by truck on NE Ohio highway Read more
Summit County Historical Society to host paranormal trick-or-treat Read more
Brecksville’s new Kids Quarters offers color, fun and adventure Read more
Four candidates seek three at-large seats on Rocky River City Council Read more
Coca-Cola Consolidated invests $35M into Summit County facility Read more
Skaters stoked about newly reopened Lakewood Skatepark Read more
North Olmsted voters to decide Ward 3, finance director and school board races Read more
Lakewood voters to decide City Council, school board races on Nov. 4 Read more
From peacocks to feral cats: Parma Heights looks to tweak its animals ordinance Read more
Parma Board of Education to feature three new faces come January Read more