Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around West Salem, OH

wcn247.com · West Salem, OH

English and School of Music present ‘Songs from Arden’

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. —The Department of English, Visual Art & Theatre and the School of Music proudly present ‘Songs from Arden,’ a collection of musical theater scenes. Directed by Meghan Walsh, the production includes scenes from Shaina Taub’s As You Like It, Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, Edie Brickell and Steve Martin’s Bright Star, Stephen Schwartz’s Wicked and Godspell, and more. ‘Songs from Arden’ was born after low student interest led to the cancellation of a full production of Shaina Taub’s adaptation of the Shakespeare classic As You Like It. The pared-down production was pitched to be a “collaborative piece that aims to be more accessible to busy students than the rigorous schedule of a formal musical,” said stage manager Michael Martin. The cast, made up of 11 Westminster students, has been rehearsing since October 1 to put the production together.

The US Inquirer · Congress, OH

Nearby: Congress, OH

The biggest races Democrats won in the midterms

Washington — Voters across the country delivered a stinging rebuke to Republicans in Congress and President Trump’s agenda in the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrats capturing House and Senate seats that had seemed out of reach just a few months ago. CBS News projects Democrats will take control of both chambers when the new Congress convenes in January, with wide margins in each. Democrats are projected to control at least 55 Senate seats, with only Alaska still unresolved. In the House, CBS News estimates the party could control between 254 and 267 when all the votes are counted. Out of 11 Senate races that CBS News considered battlegrounds, Democrats were projected to win 10. The 11th race, in Alaska, is still rated a toss-up, with a lengthy ballot-counting process expected. The victories weren’t just limited to House and Senate races, either. Democrats captured the governor’s mansion in Texas, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 1990.

The Bates Student · Congress, OH

Nearby: Congress, OH

Students Gather to Watch Election Results

Bates students gathered in Commons on Election Night to watch the results with Professor of Politics John Baughman and Professor of Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies Kelley-Romano. Attendees watched the CNN livestream and ate pizza as the momentous election unfolded across the nation. Before results came, students and professors discussed the key races to watch. High on the list were senate races in Maine, Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina. The question of the night was not if the Democrats would make gains, but by how much the Democrats would expand their support in Congress. Baughman expected Democrats to win control of the House of Representatives but was less sure about control of the Senate.

The Oberlin Review · Oberlin, OH

Nearby: Oberlin, OH

In the Practice Room with Mrs. Bronwen Fox: Oberlin Public School Music Teacher

Mrs. Bronwen Fox has been with the Oberlin City School District for 17 years, teaching choir, general music, secondary music appreciation, and International Baccalaureate music classes to fifth through twelfth graders. She graduated from Oberlin College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music History and Theory in 2008 and a Master of Music Teaching degree in 2009, which the Conservatory no longer offers. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Can you tell me about the musical journey that brought you here? I’ve sung in choirs since I was in first grade, and I’ve had wonderful directors ever since. I’m almost 40 now, so that’s a lot of years of wonderful choirs and directors. I started with a really sweet woman who played soft folk songs on the guitar, and I had a fiery high school teacher who only took perfection. In terms of what drew me to choir, I just love people coming together. It doesn’t matter where you are in your life; you can come together and make music.

The Oberlin Review · Oberlin, OH

Nearby: Oberlin, OH

In the Practice Room with David Munkittrick, OC ’07: Music Copyright and Artificial Intelligence

David Munkittrick, OC ’07, studied Piano at the Conservatory and History in the College before pursuing a career in law. His interest in music, however, has remained an important part of his professional life. After attending law school, he joined Proskauer Rose LLP, working in music litigation practice. He recently returned to Oberlin to lead a workshop on music copyright and artificial intelligence, exploring the legal questions surrounding use of copyrighted music in generative AI. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What initially drew you to pursue a double degree at Oberlin? When I was looking at colleges in high school, I was pretty much 100 percent certain that I wanted to do some kind of double degree. The focus at the beginning was always on music. I thought that was where most of my time and attention would be, but I liked school too much to give that up. I also wanted to have an academic side to my education.

The Oberlin Review · Oberlin, OH

Nearby: Oberlin, OH

Oberlin Community Honors Loved Ones Through Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. Originating in Indigenous culture and shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, the holiday offers families an opportunity to honor their loved ones through remembrance and celebration. Rather than viewing death as an ending to life, Día de los Muertos embraces the connection between the living and the dead. It brings families together to remember those who came before them. At Oberlin College, Día de los Muertos is celebrated through gatherings that bring people together in remembrance and community. Students created an ofrenda in Zechiel House on Nov. 1, providing a space to honor loved ones and reflect on the meaning of the holiday. On Nov. 2, community members and students gathered in Harvey House. During these gatherings, participants can enjoy pan de muerto and hot chocolate while learning about the history and meaning behind the tradition.

The Buckeye Flame · Akron, OH

Nearby: Akron, OH

LGBTQ+ Ohioans mark Transgender Day of Remembrance 2026 [EVENT LIST]

Akron Trans Joy Akron’s TDOR Commemoration Thursday November 20, 2026, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Cascade Valley Metro Park Valley View Area 1212 Cuyahoga St, Akron, OH 44313 “As part of this year’s commemoration, we will showcase local trans artists and performers who are using their creativity to express grief, remembrance, and stories rooted in lived experience. From music to visual art, each contribution is an opportunity to honor the trans family we have lost and share our stories. We will also gather for a fire ceremony where we encourage you to write down your fears, pain, or anything you are carrying and offer it to the fire as an act of release. Commemoration begins at 6:00pm. Light snacks and warm drinks will be provided.” Brooklyn Brooklyn Area Pride’s Trans Day of Remembrance Friday, November 20, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

West Valley View · Valley View, OH

Nearby: Valley View, OH

Women’s Guild cooks up community bake sale

Pictured, front row: Co-President Estelle Murawski, Rosemary Dougherty, publicity chair and co-membership chair. Second row: Event Co-Chair Marilyn Zenz, Co-President Diana Smith, Event Chair Melinda Kelling, Liz Baker, Julianne Rubley and Dorothy Alexander. (Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s Guild/Submitted) The Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s Guild is gearing up for its fourth bake sale — raising funds to support the parish. More than a conventional bake sale, the guild members plan to sell handmade greeting cards and jewelry.“I like being at the event because you get to see and meet a lot of people that you wouldn’t ordinarily,” said Rosemary Dougherty, publicist and co-membership chair. “They’re people from the community and from other parishes — and I’m a people person, so that’s why I like to be involved.”The Bake, Jewelry and Card Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Madonna Hall of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sun City West.

West Valley View · Valley View, OH

Nearby: Valley View, OH

Roosevelt Neighborhood Home Tour returns during 40th anniversary

One of the historic homes on the Roosevelt Neighborhood Home Tour will be the DeMund House. (Nader Abushhab/Submitted) The last time the Roosevelt Neighborhood held a home tour was back in 2019. This year, the Roosevelt Action Association is bringing it back and featuring both homes and businesses in the area.The Roosevelt Neighborhood Home Tour will be held Saturday, Nov. 14.The event serves as a fundraiser for community programs, neighborhood improvement projects and historic preservation efforts. The event is being co-chaired by wife and husband Adriana and Dustin Wright. Adriana is a real estate agent, and Dustin is an engineer.This year marks an important year for the Roosevelt Neighborhood.

Herald-Star · Cleveland, OH

Nearby: Cleveland, OH

Indian Creek students receive new jerseys for Unified Sports

WINTERSVILLE – Indian Creek High School unified sports athletes have some new uniforms for the inclusive program following a special trip to Cleveland on Nov. 10. Eight players and coaches attended a jersey and gear reveal at Huntington Bank Field with the Cleveland Browns, which partners with Special Olympics Ohio. Among those participating were Jefferson County Unified Sports Coordinator Tom Mort, ICHS Unified Sports Coordinator Amber Scott, coaches Franco Barcalow and Kaleb Mannion, and players Tatum Deem, Brayden Stewart, Elijah Painter, Alex Fabian, Colton Dawson, and Parker Heath, while the athletes received custom-made duds and had a chance to interact with current Browns players. Unified sports are part of the Unified Champion Schools program and Indian Creek is among the Jefferson County schools presently involved.

The Carroll News · Cleveland, OH

Nearby: Cleveland, OH

JUCBOX is spinning their way from campus to Cleveland

From dorm room mixes to downtown Cleveland, two John Carroll University sophomores are proving that sometimes the best business partnerships start right next door. Luc Hancsak ’29, from Hudson, Ohio, and Jack Duggan ’29, from Buffalo, New York, form JUCBOX, a DJ duo bringing music and energy to campus events, Greek life and venues throughout Northeast Ohio. The two first connected as next-door neighbors in Hamlin Hall last year. What started with an entry-level DJ deck and a shared love of music has quickly grown into a business with opportunities beyond campus. For Hancsak, music has always been a major part of his life. Growing up with two musician parents, he was constantly surrounded by music. “I was constantly exposed to music, both listening and playing,” said Hancsak. After going through a difficult period, he decided to step outside his comfort zone and learn something new. A friend had recently purchased a DJ deck, giving him the opportunity to experiment with DJing.

Cleveland Scene · Cleveland, OH

Nearby: Cleveland, OH

Cuyahoga County Levy Wins to Supplant Federal Cuts After Election Night Rebuke to Trump

Cuyahoga County voters decided Tuesday that a slight increase in property taxes was worth bringing up social services to levels not seen since sweeping federal cuts diminished them years ago. Issues 10 and 11, needed to fund the county’s Board of Developmental Disabilities and its Health and Human Services, passed overwhelmingly, according to unofficial counts from the Board of Elections. Just over 60 % of voters said yes for each levy ask. Meaning those who were for the levies found the trade-off worthwhile — roughly $170 more in year-end property taxes for every $100,000 in home value, in exchange for improved foster care, job search help and mental health support on a countywide level. County Executive Chris Ronayne, who won his uncontested bid for re-election on Tuesday, reacted to the big wins with an air of resolution. Especially, despite Democrats’ blue wave this week, as grocery costs and gas prices refuse to budge.