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More than a quarter of Ohio students last year were chronically absent.
That means they missed at least 10% of classroom instruction, or about two days of school a month. And whether the absences are excused or unexcused, it means they are much less likely to be proficient in reading or math.
The percentage of kids missing so much class is nearly twice what Ohio wants to see. But it’s much worse in Ohio charter schools, where the rate of chronic absenteeism last year was 34.6%.
Charter schools are state and federally funded, but separate from public school districts.
It’s worth noting in a state intent on defunding public schools that the public schools have a better track record of making sure kids come to class.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Sharp temperature drop
Top Stories
Chronic absenteeism: Ohio’s charter schools face a chronic absenteeism crisis, with one in three students missing significant class time. Laura Hancock reports on the 34.6% absentee rate, which is nearly 10 percentage points higher than the statewide average of 25.1%.
Today in Ohio: President Trump’s tariffs are hurting Ohio farmers. In most years, China would have already pre-booked billions of dollars in soybean orders from the United States, but this year, China hasn’t purchased a single bushel. We’re talking about the fallout on Today in Ohio.
Statehouse and Politics
ICE spyware: U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown is demanding answers about ICE’s potential use of foreign spyware that can secretly access cellphones, Sabrina Eaton reports.
Pension perk: Ohio’s proposed House Bill 473 would prohibit governments from paying part of employees’ pension contributions in future contracts. Anna Staver reports on the debate over fairness and local control.
Vote-by-mail: As early voting begins, Cuyahoga County Elections Director Anthony Perlatti is emphasizing the security of Ohio’s vote-by-mail system amid President Trump’s criticism. Mary Frances McGowan reports on the two-part authentication process that ensures ballot integrity and maintains voter confidence.
Conversion therapy: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors, with potential implications for Ohio’s local bans. Sabrina Eaton reports on the constitutional debate surrounding talk therapy, medical regulation and free speech rights for licensed counselors.
U.S. attorney: The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted 51 to 47 to confirm David Toepfer as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, ending the district’s longest-ever stretch without a Senate-confirmed federal prosecutor, Sabrina Eaton reports.
Ambassador confirmed: The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Julie Stufft, who grew up on a small farm in Wayne County, Ohio, as the next U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan by a vote of 51 to 47, Sabrina Eaton reports.
Property taxes: Today in Ohio podcast hosts discuss how Ohio Republicans gave tax breaks to the wealthy while causing a property tax crisis for homeowners.
Absent students: Today in Ohio examines Ohio’s education crisis, with a quarter of students classified as chronically absent from school.
Historic library: Hebrew Union College and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost have reached an agreement to protect the college’s historic Klau Library, preserving 600,000 rare books and manuscripts, reports Laura Hancock.
Northeast Ohio News
Browns stadium: Cleveland is appealing the Ohio Department of Transportation’s decision to permit the Browns’ stadium height near Hopkins International Airport, with concerns over safety and the stadium’s 221-foot height, reports Rich Exner.
Modell Law: Lawyers for the Browns argue that recent changes to the Modell Law allow the team to move to Brook Park after 2028, with the law applying retroactively, reports Adam Ferrise.
Traffic study: Regional planners may require a broader traffic study before approving the Browns’ proposed $122.2 million infrastructure plan, with a possible $40 million rail station, reports Rich Exner.
Cosm CLE: Cosm, Bedrock and Rock Entertainment Group on Tuesday shared the first look at what the exterior of the new Cosm giant theater will look like just north of Rocket Arena. Rich Exner reports the renderings show large glass windows and a video screen facing Rocket Arena on Huron Road, and a lightly colored exterior with a plaza on the other side.
Council appointee: Lauren Welch was officially appointed to Cleveland City Council for a brief term, replacing Kerry McCormack, reports Sean McDonnell.
Plastic flamingos: Parma’s association with plastic flamingos once made the city the laughingstock of late-night television audiences across Northeast Ohio. Now, the relationship has been cemented in an official government document declaring the pink lawn ornament the city’s official mascot, Cory Shaffer reports.
Scenic railroad: The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is ranked among the top 15 U.S. train rides for viewing fall foliage, reports Zach Mentz.
Jail settlement: Fired jail lieutenant George Hughes will resign and receive a $45,000 settlement after allegations of sexual misconduct, reports Kaitlin Durbin.
Tax credit: North Ridgeville passed a resolution guaranteeing a commuter tax credit if a proposed tax hike is approved, aiming to reassure voters amid concerns about ballot language, reports Hannah Drown.
Business and Health
Children’s hospitals: Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital are national leaders in pediatric care, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025- 26 “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings, reports Julie Washington.
Price check: Price Patrol reports that the cost of 100 everyday items increased by an average of 9.85% since April, with Amazon seeing the largest rise at 20.5%, reports Molly Walsh.
Crime and Courts
Child torture: Cleveland police are investigating allegations that a 5-year-old girl with autism was gang-raped and tortured by three children under 10, with the mother posting on social media about the incident, report Lucas Daprile and Olivia Mitchell.
Stabbing trial: Witnesses in Bionca Ellis’ murder trial Tuesday described her movements and behavior on the day authorities say she stabbed 3-year-old Julian Wood in a supermarket parking lot, David Gambino reports.
Dog attack: A dog attack in Mentor injured a 4-year-old girl and her mother Saturday, with authorities investigating and the dog in quarantine, reports Molly Walsh.
Suspected OD: Authorities say a murder suspect accused of killing two people in Cleveland died days after the slayings when he ingested narcotics, Olivia Mitchell reports. At the time of his death, Richard Koballa, 45, was at a hospital and in the custody of Cleveland police.
Fatal shooting: Akron police are investigating the fatal shooting of Timothy Hutchinson, a 25-year-old from Wooster, who was caught in a crossfire on West Market Street, reports Olivia Mitchell.
Arts and Entertainment
DEVOtional: Devo fans will gather for the 25th annual DEVOtional celebration in Cleveland, marking the band’s 50th anniversary tour. Peter Chakerian writes about this weekend’s unique fan convention featuring tribute bands, panels, and a celebration of the iconic Akron group’s legacy.
AIR review: French electronic duo AIR delivered a mesmerizing performance at MGM Northfield Park, performing their iconic “Moon Safari” album in full. Peter Chakerian highlights the band’s elegant multimedia show that transported fans through a nostalgic musical journey.
Restaurant Week: Cleveland Restaurant Week 2025 will run from Nov. 3-14, featuring over 30 locally owned restaurants offering three-course prix fixe menus. Marc Bona reports that most meals are priced at $39.
Restaurant closes: The Spot on Lakeshore in Mentor has closed abruptly, citing “circumstances beyond our control” in a Facebook post. Marc Bona reports the restaurant, which served breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, thanked its customers and noted that displayed artwork remains secure.
Ask Yadi: An employee seeks advice about workplace change after learning their longtime boss is retiring. Yadi Rodriguez highlights the challenges of adapting to new leadership, offering guidance on embracing change and maintaining a positive attitude during organizational transitions.
Pho expands: Build the Pho has opened its third location in Cleveland’s Ohio City, occupying the former Campbell’s Sweets Factory. Alex Darus writes that the restaurant offers customizable pho bowls and traditional Vietnamese dishes, expanding on owner Eric Weng’s growing culinary presence in Northeast Ohio.
Encore: Encore, a new cocktail bar in Playhouse Square, will offer craft cocktails and small plates created by executive chef Logan Neisel. Paris Wolfe writes that the 40-seat lounge aims to extend the theatrical experience with an upscale yet approachable dining concept.
Wei performance: James Wei, winner of the 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition, will return to Cleveland before making his Carnegie Hall debut. Zachary Lewis reports that Wei will perform a preview of his touring program at the Cleveland Institute of Music before his New York performance.
Japanese dining: Sushi Kuwahata, a new high-end omakase restaurant in Cleveland’s Ohio City, offers an authentic Japanese dining experience. Alex Darus writes that the eight-seat restaurant provides a 15-20 course meal featuring premium ingredients imported directly from Tokyo.
North Pole: Tickets for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s annual North Pole Adventure are on sale, with the holiday train excursion running from Nov. 14 to Dec. 22. Marc Bona reports that the popular event features festive-themed train cars, holiday entertainment, and special gifts for children.
You’re all caught up
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— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
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