🌱 'Wicked' COVID Cancellations + 200K Signatures For Marijuana

Up and at 'em, Cleveland! Here's everything you need to know to get this Monday started. Here's everything worth knowing today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Mainly cloudy, showers around. High: 49 Low: 40.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Cleveland:

1. After a straight week of COVID-related cancellations, Playhouse Square was once again forced to cancel its Sunday matinee performance of "Wicked." Just minutes before the show was set to begin, Playhouse Square shared on Facebook that there weren't enough performers due to some cast members testing positive for COVID-19. The remaining shows for the week are expected to go on as scheduled. (Cleveland 19 News)
2. A group pushing for recreational marijuana in Ohio is one step closer to the ballot after the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol submitted 200,000-plus signatures to state officials. The coalition's plan would allow Ohioans over 21 to possess, use, and purchase cannabis. The group also proposed a 10% tax on sales that would fund social equity and addiction programs. (Ohio Capital Journal)
3. The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Saturday that Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has signed a multi-year contract extension. He was first named head coach back in February 2020 and has since led the Cavaliers to the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference. Bickerstaff has previously coached for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Bobcats.(Cleveland 19 News)

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Today in Cleveland:

• Good Morning, Glenville! - Cleveland Public Library Main Branch Virtual Events (11:00 AM)
• Wordplay - Cleveland Public Library Main Branch Virtual Events (4:00 PM)
• Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting - City of Lakewood (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• In collaboration with the Cleveland Police Patrolman's Association, a Cleveland police officer partnered with the Lutheran's Men's Shelter to help residents give their children a merry Christmas. As Patrol Officer Jimmy Thomas said, "This wasn't a big production. It's just dads helping dads." (Facebook)
• The Cleveland Museum of Art will be open for regular hours through Dec. 30. The museum will close at 4:00 PM on New Years' Eve and remain closed on New Years' Day. (Instagram)
• The Cleveland Clinic shared their best tips for heading off depression before it sets in. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.