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Subscribe to the Wake Up, cleveland.com’s free morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5:30 a.m. At cleveland.com, we’ve embraced artificial intelligence to further our journalism. AI has helped improve the quality of our content, increase the number of substantive stories we publish and expand into new topic areas. But we clearly see AI as an inanimate tool. Ohio legislators are concerned by possible confusion of a computer that can seem real. They’re considering a bill that would declare that artificial intelligence systems can’t be considered people — meaning they can’t marry, own property or act as someone’s legal proxy. Rep. Erika White, a Democrat from Toledo, said it sounded like a way to potentially “protect people in Ohio from things we won’t even be able to foresee.” — Laura Overnight Scores and Weather Cavs at Boston Celtics: Donovan Mitchell, Cavs go cold in 125-105 loss to Boston Celtics Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Rain and strong winds Top Stories AI personhood: Ohio lawmakers have proposed House Bill 469 to prevent AI from marrying, owning property or making legal decisions. Anna Staver reports on the bill’s aim to address potential legal and ethical challenges posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. SNAP funding: More than a million Ohioans could lose access to food assistance this weekend if the federal government shutdown continues — and state lawmakers are clashing over what to do about it. In a letter sent Tuesday night, Ohio House Democrats urged Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency and work with lawmakers to release $100 million for food banks, Anna Staver reports. Today in Ohio: Nearly 4,000 Ohio kids will have no child care next week if the government shutdown continues. On Today in Ohio, we’re talking about how state Head Start classrooms will close for about 14% of their students if federal funding doesn’t come through. Statehouse and Politics Immigration criticism: Vice President JD Vance defended the Trump administration’s immigration policies on a podcast, Sabrina Eaton reports. He cited housing tensions in Springfield, Ohio, caused by Haitian migrants, a year after he spread unfounded rumors that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating people’s pets. Redistricting: The Ohio Redistricting Commission is set to hold another meeting late this afternoon, the day before the panel’s constitutional deadline hits to pass a bipartisan congressional redistricting plan, Jeremy Pelzer reports. It’s still an open question whether the meeting will be to announce a deal or simply fulfill the panel’s bare minimum obligations under the Ohio Constitution. Hemp regulations: Members of the Ohio Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to reject concurrence on Senate Bill 56 and the changes which cleared the Ohio House of Representatives last week, Mary Frances McGowan reports. The bill that cleared the Senate earlier this year was intended to clarify aspects of the state’s adult-use recreational marijuana laws. FirstEnergy secrecy: A Summit County judge will decide whether former FirstEnergy executives can continue keeping potential evidence secret in their corruption trial, Jeremy Pelzer reports. The unusual agreement allows defense lawyers to mark documents as “confidential.” School chaplains: A new Ohio House bill would allow religious chaplains to volunteer in public schools to support student mental health. Laura Hancock reports the bill requires voluntary participation, parental consent and background checks for chaplains. Northeast Ohio News Funding concerns: If Cuyahoga County Council follows through with plans to cut Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board funding by $8.5 million over the next two years, providers who rely on that money warn it will ripple through the county’s behavioral health and homelessness systems — pushing more people toward hospitals, jails and the streets, Kaitlin Durbin reports. Mentor schools: The Mentor School Board race is highly contested, with candidates divided over issues like transparency, safety and political ideology, which could influence district policies for the next four years, reports Molly Walsh. Eastlake mayor: Eastlake voters will choose between Laura DePledge and Kevin Kostelnik for mayor, focusing on fiscal responsibility and community development, Molly Walsh reports. Amherst tax: Amherst Schools are seeking voter approval for a 1.5% earned income tax levy to address funding shortfalls, with potential cuts in staff and programs if the measure fails, reports Hannah Drown. City Council races: Cleveland politicians are raising and spending significant funds to run for office, with candidates’ campaign finances showing varied levels of support and activity, reports Sean McDonnell. Geauga tax issues: Geauga County voters will decide on property tax increases for roads, safety and parks, which could raise homeowner costs, reports Molly Walsh. Resignation: A former Summit County prosecutor and judge, Michael Callahan, resigned his law license amid allegations of coercing a disabled client into sexual acts, reports David Gambino. The Ohio Supreme Court accepted his resignation. Golf carts: Rocky River City Council is considering outlawing golf carts and other slow-moving vehicles from city streets. But much like the vehicles themselves, council is taking its time to reach its destination, Cory Shaffer reports. Design competition: St. Luke’s Foundation is inviting residents and community partners to help shape the future of its new headquarters during a “Design and Dine: Community Design Competition” on Nov. 19 — a public event created to give neighbors a voice in how the foundation’s next home will look and feel, Rich Exner reports. Prosecutor’s office: Geauga County approved a $379,400 renovation for its prosecutor’s office to improve security and space, despite some residents criticizing the cost as excessive, reports Molly Walsh. Edgewater drowning: A fisherman drowned after falling off Edgewater pier Tuesday evening amid high waves, reports Lucas Daprile. Microplastics: The Cleveland-based startup that has developed technology to filter microplastics from the wash cycle of washing machines has expanded its presence at Case Western Reserve University. Peter Krouse reports that after a successful pilot program in which external filters were installed on five machines, Case now has 100 filters on machines in laundry areas across 23 dormitory buildings on campus. Indoor herbs: You can move or grow herbs indoors for winter in Northeast Ohio, writes Susan Brownstein. You should prioritize selecting healthy plants, proper potting and acclimation techniques to enjoy fresh flavors year-round. Business and Health Summa leader: Dr. Cliff Deveny will step down as CEO of Summa Health early next year, transitioning to an advisory role after the sale of the hospital system to for-profit HATCo, with plans to find a new long-term leader, reports Julie Washington. Centennial foreclosure: Embattled Millennia Companies has defaulted on a $35.4 million loan for The Centennial Building, a downtown Cleveland landmark, according to a new lawsuit. Sean McDonnell reports this is the second time in recent months that Millennia has been accused of defaulting on a loan for a downtown building. Crime and Courts Shooting arrest: Authorities on Wednesday arrested a 17-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting a teen at a deli in Cleveland’s North Shore-Collinwood neighborhood, Lucas Daprile reports. The teen is charged in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court with aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon. Murder charge: Akron police have charged David Miller with murder after his alleged involvement in the death of Clarence Shockey, whose body was found near train tracks earlier this year, reports Lucas Daprile. Arts and Entertainment Halloween displays: As you drive around Northeast Ohio, there are some pretty spectacular displays of fun and fright to enjoy. Front yards become pirate ships and alien UFO landing sites, haunted pumpkin patches and graveyards. Joshua Gunter and John Kuntz captured the fun. Top seafood restaurant: La Playa Mexican Food & Mariscos in Cleveland has been named the top dining destination for seafood in a recent cleveland.com reader poll. Brennan’s Fish House in Grand River came in second, followed by The Lobster Pot in Willoughby Hills. Kelce coaster: Travis Kelce, a Cleveland Heights native and NFL star, discusses his potential roller coaster design after investing in Six Flags. Susan Glaser reports that Kelce wants “a few drops” and “definitely loops,” but nothing as extreme as Cedar Point’s Millennium Force. Mardi Gras flights: Frontier Airlines is adding five flights between Cleveland and New Orleans for Mardi Gras in February 2026. Susan Glaser reports the route will run from Feb. 12 to 22, offering Northeast Ohioans a chance to visit for the holiday. Orchestra movies: The Cleveland Orchestra will host two cinematic concerts in 2026, featuring “Matilda” with Danny DeVito and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” with John Williams’ iconic score. Paris Wolfe highlights these immersive film music experiences at Severance Music Center and Blossom Music Center. Rock Hall induction: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2025 induction ceremony will feature seven performers, including Bad Company, Chubby Checker and Soundgarden, with a star-studded lineup of performers and presenters. Malcolm X Abram writes about the upcoming event featuring Elton John, Missy Elliott and Olivia Rodrigo. Chappell Roan: Chappell Roan will induct Cyndi Lauper at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, symbolizing a powerful passing of the torch between two trailblazing artists. Peter Chakerian highlights the significance of this generational connection and shared spirit of queer liberation. Georgian bakery: Georgian Bakery Tiflis opens in Parma Heights as the region’s first Georgian restaurant, offering traditional dishes like khachapuri and khinkali. Alex Darus reports on owner Giorgi Chincharauli’s mission to share his homeland’s cuisine with Northeast Ohio. Farm turkeys: Local farmers offer both heritage and modern turkey varieties for Thanksgiving 2025, with prices ranging from $3.99 to $9.25 per pound. Paris Wolfe highlights the differences between traditional and commercial turkey breeds. Girl’s Joint: The Girl’s Joint opens in Cleveland, offering a stylish cannabis accessories shop focused on education, community and supporting women-owned and minority-owned businesses. Paris Wolfe highlights the store’s unique approach to cannabis culture. 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 Foo Fighters artist presale for Huntington Bank Field gig is live Read more Westlake Schools treasurer urges caution with Ohio property tax changes Read more Roxbury Elementary asbestos cleanup on track for late November completion Read more Medina’s Spring Grove Cemetery is a hidden haunt for trees Read more North Ridgeville’s Issue 8 picks up key endorsements Read more Parma mayor: New golf course event center ‘a game changer’ for city (Photos) Read more Parma Heights finalizes dog park regulations ahead of spring opening Read more Lakewood opens newly relocated animal shelter Read more
