How has Ohio’s unclaimed funds pot grown to $4.8 billion? The Wake Up for Friday, June 13, 2025

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Does Ohio’s Division of Unclaimed Funds owe you money?

When the Ohio Senate’s budget dropped with plans to loan $600 million of the $4.8 billion fund to the Browns to build a covered stadium in Brook Park, I checked for claims. I had three, all less than $50.

I’m working on claiming the money, as I’m sure are many Ohioans who read our stories.

But as Ohio’s unclaimed funds account has skyrocketed by 50% in just five years to near $5 billion, the state has scrapped one primary way used historically to reach out to Ohioans owed money: listing all the names in newspapers.

— Laura

P.S. I’m off for two weeks, but The Wake Up will be in the capable hands of impact editor Leila Atassi. Enjoy!

Overnight Scores and Weather

Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Showers this weekend

Top Stories

Unclaimed funds: Ohio is changing how it helps residents find unclaimed funds, moving from printed newspaper listings to online directories. Rich Exner reports the state’s unclaimed funds account has grown to $4.8 billion, with the Department of Commerce now directing people to online resources instead of traditional print methods.

Water trail: A 41-mile stretch of the Cuyahoga River has been designated a National Water Trail by the U.S. Department of Interior, promoting recreational use and making the area eligible for federal grants. Peter Krouse reports the trail includes both scenic parklands and industrial urban areas.

Today in Ohio, the daily news podcast of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.

Today in Ohio: The Ohio Senate cut an innovative, $10 million child care program out of its state budget. Why, when the Ohio Chamber of Commerce says the state is losing $5.5 billion every year because of the child care crisis? We’re discussing on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast.

Statehouse and Politics

AI requirement: Ohio State University is launching an AI fluency initiative for all undergraduates. Laura Hancock reports that every student will graduate with skills for utilizing artificial intelligence across disciplines. The program begins this fall, embedding AI education into all curricula.

Ohio priorities: Ohio’s GOP Sen. Jon Husted is seeking spending cuts in the U.S. Senate version of Trump’s big, beautiful bill and U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno is pushing for auto-related provisions like tax write-offs for U.S.-made car loans and increased electric vehicle fees, reports Sabrina Eaton.

Tax threshold: A new Ohio bill proposing to raise the threshold for passing local tax levies to 60% would impact funding for police, fire services, public libraries and schools. Local governments and public service leaders argue the proposal could interfere with local governance, reports Anna Staver.

Justice department: The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved Ohio Solicitor General T. Elliot Gaiser’s nomination to head the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. Sabrina Eaton reports the nomination was supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats.

Northeast Ohio News

Elyria transportation: Elyria will extend the Via LC low-cost transit program, which has completed nearly 32,000 rides in its first year. Hannah Drown reports on the program’s success, offering $2 rides with reduced rates for students and free rides for seniors.

City Council: Cleveland City Council races are heating up with several competitive contests, including Ohio state Rep. Juanita Brent challenging incumbent Joe Jones in Ward 1. Sean McDonnell reports that redistricting has created several intriguing matchups across the city’s 15 wards.

Tree plan: North Ridgeville approved a comprehensive Master Tree Plan to expand and improve the city’s urban forest, focusing on strategic tree planting and maintenance. Hannah Drown reports the plan aims to enhance green spaces, attract businesses and improve community sustainability.

Many homes and businesses on Pelee Island fly both Canadian and American flags, symbolizing the close ties between the two countries on the Lake Erie island.John Kuntz, Cleveland.com

Pelee Island: On Pelee Island, Canadians and Americans coexist in a low-key getaway. Susan Glaser talks to residents and visitors about international relations.

Chronic absenteeism: Lorain school district is investigating complex reasons behind chronic student absenteeism, discovering barriers that include anxiety, hunger, transportation issues and family challenges. Hannah Drown reports that while 10 schools lowered absenteeism rates, four saw increases, prompting a multi-layered response to understand and address the underlying problems.

Free meals: Seventeen Cleveland meal sites face potential closure because of a federal funding freeze, potentially impacting thousands of vulnerable residents. Kaitlin Durbin reports the Hunger Network, which historically received $109,000 annually, has been supplementing sites but cannot continue without secured funding.

Parking restrictions: With an event-filled weekend ahead, Cleveland police released parking restrictions for those who plan to attend “No Kings” demonstrations and Juneteenth celebrations Saturday, Olivia Mitchell reports.

Business and Health

MetroHealth CEO: MetroHealth’s board unanimously voted to extend CEO Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager’s contract beyond 2026, with Julie Washington reporting on the stability this brings after two previous CEO departures. The decision comes after Alexander-Rager was appointed in 2024 following leadership turmoil.

Ridge Park: Ridge Park Square, a prominent 35-acre shopping center, is up for sale for the first time since its 1989 development. Megan Sims reports the 386,754-square-foot complex includes retailers like Michael’s, Ross, Lowe’s, and generates $4.6 million in annual net operating income.

Crime and Courts

Antisemitic threats: A former college professor was sentenced Thursday to nearly three years in federal prison for leaving antisemitic threats for two employees of the Cleveland Jewish News, as well as to her former husband and a Beachwood police officer, Adam Ferrise reports.

Edgewater arrests: Cleveland Metroparks police arrested several youths who created a chaotic scene at Edgewater Park Wednesday night. Olivia Mitchell reports the incident occurred nearly a year after a shooting at the same location, with police dispersing a large, unruly group that had gathered before sunset.

Murder charge: Nathaniel Crockett, 28, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder in the death of Juvar King, 46, after previously being indicted for arson. King’s body was found in March after his car was discovered destroyed in February and investigators believe Crockett was not alone in the crime.

Fatal shooting: A shooting at an Akron strip club left one man dead and another injured Thursday, Olivia Mitchell reports. Officers found Vernall Robinson IV, 31, lying on the ground, just inside the back door of Ole Glory Daze on the 900 block of Old Main Street

SWAT standoff: U.S. Marshals and Canton police arrested Floyd Jones, a murder suspect from Miami-Dade County, after a brief SWAT standoff. Jones was wanted for second-degree murder and a weapons offense and will be extradited to Florida.

Animal cruelty: A Euclid couple was sentenced to 18 months probation for leaving their dog Duke chained in a cold garage for months, ultimately leading to the animal’s euthanization. David Gambino reports on the judge’s decision to spare the couple prison time while ordering them to pay restitution and register on the county’s animal abuse registry.

Stalking case: An Eastlake man on Thursday admitted to stalking women through security cameras he had installed in homes and businesses, David Gambino reports. Robert Hocevar, 58, pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts, including burglary, telecommunications harassment and menacing by stalking, with sexual motivation enhancements.

Arts and Entertainment

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows David Corenswet in a scene from “Superman.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)AP

‘Superman’: Joey Morona reports on the Greater Cleveland Film Commission’s upcoming “Superman” movie red-carpet event on July 10, featuring a screening, signed artwork, and a Goodyear Blimp ride auction. The event celebrates the film partially shot in Northeast Ohio.

Fast Eddie’s: Marc Bona reports on Fast Eddie’s Kitchen & Bar finding a new location in Parma after deciding to close its current spot, with plans to move in October to a more strategically located space.

Air Show: Tickets for the Cleveland National Air Show are on sale for this year’s show, which is Aug. 30-Sept. 1. The show, which draws 60,000 to 100,000 visitors annually to Burke Lakefront Airport, will feature a demonstration from the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, Marc Bona reports.

Ask Yadi: Yadi Rodriguez writes about a future mother-in-law’s dilemma with her son’s fiancée, who wants help navigating her strained relationship with her own mother during wedding shower planning. Rodriguez advises against becoming a communication intermediary.

Crush Em: The third annual Crush Em for Cancer benefit at Market Garden’s new Irishtown Bend Taproom features celebrity bartenders, live music, and auction items to support American Cancer Society research, reports Alex Darus.

Harvest for Hunger: The 34th Harvest for Hunger campaign collected over $11 million and thousands of pounds of food, providing 33,202,323 meals across 21 counties, reports Marc Bona.

Irish Fest: The 30th annual Riverfront Irish Festival returns to Falls River Square in Cuyahoga Falls today through Sunday. Megan Becka reports the event will include Irish bands, dance performances, and a Sunday morning mass at the amphitheater.

Best delis: Cleveland.com’s “Best of Cleveland” team conducted a reader poll to determine the top delis in Northeast Ohio. Peter Chakerian and Yadi Rodriguez reveal that Davis Bakery & Deli won first place.

Things to do: Juneteenth celebrations, Parade the Circle, concerts, art exhibits and various festivals all are happening this week. Paris Wolfe highlights 23 things to do.

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 by Cliff Pinckard.

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