Cleveland, OH
Judge pauses Ohio’s plan to fund new Browns stadium with unclaimed funds
CLEVELAND — Ohio’s plan to use unclaimed funds to help fund construction of a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns was temporarily blocked in court on Monday.
In her preliminary injunction, Franklin County Magistrate Jennifer Hunt found that plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann are substantially likely to win their case on the merits. Her order pauses the plan while the case is heard.
The class-action lawsuit argues that provisions of Ohio’s two-year, $60 billion budget that took $1 billion from the state’s Unclaimed Funds Account to pay for the stadium that Haslam Sports Group is planning for suburban Brook Park, south of Cleveland, violate constitutional prohibitions against taking people’s private property for government use, as well as citizens’ due process rights.
The strategy was among several hotly debated topics during Ohio’s budget planning last year.
Dann and former state Rep. Jeffrey Crossman, both Democrats, filed the legal action on behalf of three named Ohio residents, as well as all other individuals whose unclaimed funds were being held by the state as of June 30, 2025.
The litigation challenges specific budget provisions that diverted more than $1 billion in unclaimed funds to create an Ohio Cultural and Sports Facility Performance Grant Fund and designate $600 million for the Browns as its first grant.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office said it was reviewing the decision and determining next steps.
Before ending his bid for governor last year, the Republican spoke out against using unclaimed funds for such a purpose, having gone so far as to urge DeWine to veto it. However, the state’s top lawyer has further said that he believed the plan was legally sound.
Cleveland, OH
Larry Ray Duffield Obituary May 17, 2026 – Slone and Co. Funeral Directors
Larry Ray Duffield, age 51, passed away on May 17, 2026. He was born on May 19, 1974, in Cleveland, Ohio, to his loving parents, James E. and Patty M. Carr. Beloved father of Emily, Victoria, Lauren Rae, and Olivia. Cherished grandfather of Kate, Boston, Frankie Jr., Addison, John, Oliver, Dean, Ezra, Elias, Lovely, Revel III, and Andrew. Dear brother of Keith (Crystal) and Sabrina. Treasured uncle of Brittany, Cameron, Courtney, Jerry, Kyle, Brooke, Jann Jr., Jalani, and Leilani.
Ray was an ASC certified mechanic with a degree in HVAC Heating and Cooling. Gifted with his hands and able to fix just about anything, he was also an excellent painter and proudly lived up to the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” He enjoyed helping others whenever he could and was known for his hardworking nature, quick wit, and ability to make people laugh.
Above all else, Ray’s greatest love in life was his family. He loved them deeply, irrevocably, and unconditionally, and treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. His presence, love, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Slone & Co. Funeral Directors 13115 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44111. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Riverside Cemetery 3607 Pearl Rd. Cleveland, OH 44109 (Please meet at cemetery gates by 1:45 p.m.).
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Hopkins finishes Central Security Checkpoint Expansion Project
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) has officially finished their Central Security Checkpoint Expansion Project.
According to a press release from the airport, the project doubles the number of security screening lines and the size of the guest queueing space. They also said it streamlines the CLEAR screening area.
“The Central Checkpoint expansion helps improve the guest experience and reduce congestion at the ticketing level while supporting current passenger needs ahead of future headhouse renovations under CLEvolution, the airport’s long-term vision for modernization, with the Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP) serving as its cornerstone,” the release reads.
The airport is also reminding travelers that the airports near the central checkpoint were recently remodeled, opening in November of last year. The price tag for the checkpoint expansion project was $4.8 million, and the restrooms were $1.3 million.
“These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to modernize the existing terminal while enhancing accessibility, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience as we move forward with CLEvolution and the Terminal Modernization Development Program,” said Bryant L. Francis, director of Port Control. “Reconfiguring and expanding the Central Checkpoint allows us to better accommodate passenger demand today while preparing the airport for future growth.”
Cleveland, OH
Ramona Rodriguez Rivera Obituary May 17, 2026 – Slone and Co. Funeral Directors
Ramona Rodriguez Rivera, age 76, passed away on May 17, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1949, in Comerio, Puerto Rico, to her loving parents, the late Ramon Rodriguez and Carmen Rivera.
Beloved mother of Juan Alberto Alejandro, Juan Antonio Alejandro, and Jose Ramon Rivera. Cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Dear sister, treasured aunt, and loving mother-in-law.
Ramona loved to cook and sing Christian music, bringing joy and comfort to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. until time of Service at 11:30 a.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.
-
News4 minutes agoRead the Indictment Against Raúl Castro
-
Politics11 minutes agoVideo: How Rubio Is Driving the U.S. Pressure Campaign on Cuba
-
Health29 minutes agoShe Started Her Own Treadmill Workout for Weight Loss—and Shed 270 Pounds!
-
Lifestyle47 minutes agoAfter the Kars4Kids ad is banned in California, we check in on nostalgic jingles past
-
Education52 minutes agoVideo: Testing Men’s Tees So You Don’t Have To
-
Technology59 minutes agoI’ve tested the latest Switch 2 controllers, and this one is the best
-
World1 hour agoMamdani won’t attend Israel Day Parade, breaking decades-long mayoral tradition amid antisemitism surge
-
Politics1 hour ago‘Hunter Biden’ X account debuts with eyebrow-raising claim as GOP lawmakers pile on