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Dunkleosteus terrelli was ferocious, the apex predator of the warm, shallow sea that covered much of the Earth during the Devonian period 360 million years ago.
While the sharklike fish likely lived around the world, conditions in Cleveland preserved a windfall of skeletal remains, now buried in black shale rock exposed by rivers and road construction projects around Northeast Ohio. The animal is even named after a Clevelander: David Dunkle, a former curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
If you grew up in Cleveland, you likely learned about the massive monster on field trips. But it turns out it’s even rarer than originally known.
A new study calls the animal an “evolutionary oddball.”
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Cavs vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Cavs’ flaws exposed again in 122-110 loss to Portland Trail Blazers
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Arctic front arrives
Top Stories
Dunkleosteus: New research shows the ancient fish Dunkleosteus was more unusual than previously thought, with findings from Cleveland Museum of Natural History fossils indicating that nearly half its skull was cartilage and it had razor-sharp bone blades, reports Peter Krouse.
The ceremony was held at the hall’s new permanent home on the near west side.
Stadium seats from Progressive Field are for sale.Marc Bona, cleveland.com
Baseball history: You can buy a piece of Progressive Field history, with 30-year-old upper-deck seats for sale, reports Marc Bona.
Single digits: A cold front will bring the coldest air of the season to Northeast Ohio, with snow expected early today, especially in snowbelt areas, and temperatures dropping into single digits inland, reports Ryan Cohick.
Today in Ohio: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno wants to strip dual citizenship for Americans. Why? He says it’s “all or nothing.” We’re talking about Moreno — who immigrated from Colombia — on Today in Ohio.
Statehouse and Politics
Smith subpoena: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan issued a subpoena Wednesday to former Special Counsel Jack Smith, demanding he appear for a private deposition related to his prosecutions of President Donald Trump. Sabrina Eaton reports that the Ohio Republican congressman is leading the GOP effort to scrutinize Smith’s investigations into Trump’s attempts to overturn results of the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Voter verification: Ohio has reached an agreement that gives the state access to federal citizenship records for the next 20 years — a move that will change how voter registrations are verified and maintained, Anna Staver reports.
Chinese funding: The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday by Rep. Dave Joyce that would block public elementary and secondary schools from accepting funds from the Chinese government or entering into contracts with entities tied to the Chinese Communist Party, Sabrina Eaton reports.
OhioSEE: The Ohio Department of Health’s new OhioSEE program, funded with $10 million over two years, will provide free eye exams and glasses to thousands of K-3 students in high-need counties, reports Laura Hancock.
Death penalty: A coalition of more than 50 organizations announced Wednesday the launch of a new campaign to end capital punishment nationwide. David Gambino reports the move comes as Ohio lawmakers debate legislation that would allow executions by nitrogen hypoxia.
Northeast Ohio News
crews move dirt at the site of the proposed browns stadium
crews move dirt at the site of the proposed browns stadium
1/21
Ground being broken for Cleveland Browns stadium in Brook Park
Browns stadium: The Browns’ new stadium project in Brook Park faces legal hurdles, including pending lawsuits and legislation, but the team remains on schedule to start construction in 2026 and open by 2029, reports Rich Exner.
Landfill solar: A Brooklyn landfill solar project is moving forward while the Harvard Road landfill project faces challenges, reports Peter Krouse. The Brooklyn site will add 12,000 solar panels, generating an additional 6.5 megawatts of electricity.
North Coast Harbor: Cleveland Metroparks is taking over operation of the North Coast Harbor marina downtown, aiming to attract more year-round dock rentals and potentially expand recreational services. Rich Exner reports the marina will become the Metroparks’ fifth marina operation.
ReadyNotify breach: Cuyahoga County officials are urging residents to change their passwords after a nationwide data breach of the ReadyNotify alert platform, which may have exposed subscriber information including names and emails, Kaitlin Durbin reports.
Transit expansion: Laketran and Geauga Transit secured $2.3 million in state grants to develop cross-county transportation routes, aiming to improve job access for residents in Lake and Geauga counties, reports Molly Walsh.
Brown Center: Cuyahoga County is planning a $45 million renovation of the Virgil Brown Center to consolidate health and human services, which will involve shifting offices temporarily and aims to save over $2 million annually, reports Kaitlin Durbin.
Student artists: A Lorain County calendar contest celebrates 13 student artists who created environmental-themed artwork. Hannah Drown reports that the contest, which drew nearly 1,500 submissions, awarded cash prizes to students.
Website dispute: Sheffield Lake’s new councilman-elect is defending his website amid legal threats from the mayor, claiming the mayor has not responded since a cease-and-desist letter, reports Hannah Drown.
Station upgrades: Cleveland is developing a plan to renovate fire and EMS stations across the city, addressing major repair needs such as leaking roofs and outdated facilities, with a focus on improving safety and efficiency through energy-saving contracts, reports Sean McDonnell.
Housing partners: Cuyahoga County has ended its partnership with CHN Housing Partners for the senior tax relief program, citing program design issues and delays, with the county taking over administration to improve speed and access, reports Kaitlin Durbin.
Health Care and Business
Trailhead CEO: Akron native and Summa Health executive Tracy Carter has been named the inaugural CEO of the new nonprofit Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron. Julie Washington reports Carter is currently system director of government affairs and health policy at Summa Health.
Crime and Courts
Records lawsuit: The clerks of Geauga and Lake County courts are facing a lawsuit accusing them of dragging their feet in publishing public records, reports Lucas Daprile. Courthouse News Service filed a lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cleveland against the Geauga County Clerk of Courts Sheila Bevington and Lake County Clerk of Courts Carl DiFranco.
Drug charges: A Cleveland man led a drug-dealing crew that operated out of a Euclid apartment building and sold fentanyl and methamphetamine in pill form in Northeast Ohio, Adam Ferrise reports. Dionte Dykes, 31, and 10 others sold drugs out of the Villa View apartment complex on East 244th Street, south of Lakeshore Boulevard, according to federal prosecutors.
Truck rollover: An ethanol tanker truck rolled over on Interstate 271 in Medina County, which closed the highway between I-77 and I-71. Cleanup took hours, reports Olivia Mitchell.
Florida man: A Florida man faces multiple felony charges after authorities say they linked him to three break-ins across Green, including one at a museum. Olivia Mitchell reports that Derrick Duck, 43, of Palatka, Florida, was charged in Barberton Municipal Court with theft, breaking and entering and criminal damaging.
Arts and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
Artistic director Timour Bourtasenkov has choreographed a version of "The Nutcracker" full of awe and "ah" moments including this appearance of Mother Gingerbread.Mark Horning
‘Nutcracker’: Cleveland Ballet’s new production of “The Nutcracker” features expanded scenery, a larger cast and a surprise ending, with performances from Dec. 12 to 21 at Playhouse Square, reports Paris Wolfe.
Flats closures: Rum Runners and Inferno have both closed permanently in Cleveland’s Flats East Bank, ending their presence in a lively district. Alex Darus reports on the closures and the economic pressures affecting local hospitality businesses.
Classic rock tour: Styx and Chicago announced a 2026 tour stopping at Blossom Music Center, marking their first joint tour. Tickets go on sale Friday. Malcolm X Abram reports on the historic collaboration and the bands’ long-standing careers.
Solo play: Amy Schwabauer’s autobiographical play, “I Wear My Dead Sister’s Clothes,” explores grief and resilience. Joey Morona reports it’s now playing at Cleveland Public Theatre through Dec. 20.
HOF inductions: The Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame inducted five local sports legends, reports Marc Bona.
Malley’s: Malley’s Chocolates has introduced new holiday products, including advent calendars and ornaments, reports Alex Darus.
Seven Springs: Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs ski resort will open for the season Saturday, reports Susan Glaser.
European markets: Alex Darus travels to Europe to shop Christmas markets, focusing on Cologne and Vienna. Darus gives tips on holiday shopping, food and experiences.
Asian restaurants: Yadi Rodriguez discusses the highest-rated Asian restaurants in Akron, based on Tripadvisor reviews, including favorites like Maki House, Hyde Out, and Cilantro Thai, showcasing diverse Asian cuisines.
DJ’s memoir: Kathy Vogel’s memoir, “Through the Storm,” recounts her experience of surviving a hurricane and finding spiritual grounding, emphasizing listening and faith in times of crisis, writes Peter Chakerian.
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.
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