Ohio
Flat income tax, unclaimed funds for Browns stadium make final Ohio budget plan
Video: David Jenkins confident Browns to get $600 million for stadium
At a groundbreaking ceremony for an expanded Browns headquarters campus in Berea, Haslam Sports COO David Jenkins discussed funding for a new stadium.
Ohio Republicans will cut taxes for people who earn six figures and use Ohioans’ abandoned money to help pay for a new Cleveland Browns stadium.
The proposals are part of the GOP-controlled Legislature’s compromise budget plan. The House and Senate passed their own versions of the two-year spending bill, then spent days behind closed doors to hash out differences.
Both chambers are expected to vote on the budget June 25 and send it to Gov. Mike DeWine, who must sign it before July 1. DeWine can also veto individual items he doesn’t support.
Here’s what we know about the budget so far.
Ohio flat income tax
The final budget maintains an income tax cut for Ohioans who earn six figures and taxes everyone making over $26,051 at 2.75%. Currently, the state taxes income over $100,000 at 3.5% and income earned between $26,051 and $100,000 at 2.75%.
People who make less than $26,051 don’t pay income taxes.
“We found a way to give that important new tax relief to Ohioans while also doing a lot of the priorities that we had here in the House,” said Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, the chief budget negotiator for the House.
The flat tax is the culmination of years of work by Republicans to slash Ohio’s income tax. DeWine has expressed concern about further tax cuts but declined to say June 23 whether he would sign a flat tax into law.
Cleveland Browns stadium set to get $600M in Ohio unclaimed funds
Lawmakers opted for the Senate’s plan to help pay for a new Cleveland Browns stadium and entertainment district in Brook Park.
The budget would use $1.7 billion in unclaimed funds to fund sports and cultural projects, with $600 million reserved for the Browns. Unlike past uses of unclaimed funds, this would allow the state to assume ownership of abandoned paychecks and security deposits after 10 years.
Ohio is currently sitting on $4.8 billion in unclaimed property.
The Senate proposal was one of three dramatically different ideas for the Brook Park development. House Republicans proposed a $600 million bond − which would cost $1 billion with interest − and DeWine wanted to double the sports gaming tax to pay for the Browns’ stadium and other projects.
“Like a lot of things, I’m sure that will be tested in court if that’s what the Legislature ends up doing,” DeWine said of the Senate plan. “I’m sure it’ll be tested, but a lot of things get tested in court.”
This story will be updated.
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@gannett.com or @haleybemiller on X.
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Ohio
Storm’s path of power outages and road closures
Piketon, Ohio (WSAZ) – Folks in southern Ohio are waking up to power outages and road closures.
Route 32 in Pike County is down to one westbound and one eastbound lane due to debris on the roadway.
Drivers are also dealing with tree limbs on roadways.
The Athens County 911 dispatcher told WSAZ that it’s not believed a tornado touched down, but there is storm damage.
The dispatcher said storm damage from flooding and trees being knocked down has affected US 50.
Power outages are being reported in Athens, Pike, Vinton, Scioto and Meigs Counties and even as far south as Boyd County, Ky.
If you’re in a tornado warning area, you’re urged to get to the lower part of your home.
Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest.
Copyright 2026 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
Ohio
Clarence Burley, II, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Clarence Burley, II, affectionately known as “Lil Man,” entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 5, 2026, at the age of 60, at Summa Health Akron City Hospital in Akron, Ohio.
Born on May 22, 1966, in Youngstown, Ohio, Clarence was the beloved son of Clarence L. Burley and Jacqueline Wilkinson-Burley.
He attended Ursuline High School and graduated with the Class of 1984.
Clarence was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years employed at Classic Optical Corporation as a Lens and Frame Specialist. Known for his skill and precision, he was recognized as one of the top lens shapers during his tenure with the company. He also worked for Goodwill Industries, where his exceptional work ethic earned him recognition and awards for outstanding service.
A devoted fan of the Oakland Raiders, Clarence enjoyed football, boxing, roller skating, and bowling. In his younger years, he was also an accomplished swimmer. He loved life and cherished spending time with family and friends. Whether enjoying a cruise vacation, visiting the lake to admire the water, debating sports statistics from A to Z, or simply sharing laughter with loved ones, Clarence brought joy wherever he went.
Known for his impeccable style, Clarence was often dressed to perfection. He was especially proud of his many Cadillacs, but none more than his beloved Cadillac Seville, affectionately known as “the baby caddy.” He could often be found cruising through the city, listening to music and enjoying the ride. His infectious smile, strength, humor, and generous spirit will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.
In 1999, Clarence met the love of his life, the former Cathy Winphrie. Their friendship blossomed into a lasting bond, and they were united in holy matrimony in 2015. Together they shared a life filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.
Clarence leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Cathy Burley; his children, Shannie (Meisha) Burley of Atlanta, Georgia; DeShawn Burley (fiancée Ziah) of Warren, Ohio; Eddie W. Matthews; and Montell Cochrane; his beloved grandchildren, Zaira, DeShawn, Jr., Deondra, Audrionna, Eddie, Jr., Quiara, Azel, Anyia, Marquel, Aiden, Adalese, Meadow, and Amatureas; five great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Eula Winphrie; brothers-in-law, James (Jamie) Winphrie and Timothy (Kori) Winphrie; sisters-in-law, Regina Winphrie and Azella Burley; niece Helleenia Winphrie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence L. Burley and Jacqueline Wilkinson-Burley; his brother, Wesley Burley; and his grandmother, Carrie Davis.
Though Clarence’s earthly journey has ended, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the countless memories he leaves behind. His strength, perseverance, laughter, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”2 Corinthians 5:8
A homegoing celebration will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 20, 2026 at Jerusalem Baptist Church , a visitation with the family will be 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home. For additional information, please call (330) 743-4098.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
Ohio
Couple charged in animal neglect case enter pleas
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A couple that was charged after investigators say they abandoned two dogs and a cat at an apartment in Warren entered guilty pleas in Warren Municipal Court this week.
Courtney Iser pleaded guilty to three counts of abandoning animals and two counts of cruelty to companion animals, and Isaiah Gilbert pleaded guilty to two counts of cruelty to companion animals. Sentencing is set for July 7.
The two were charged in May after the animals were found in unsafe and unhealthy conditions without food or water at an apartment on South Street SE. Police were called to the apartment on reports that the animals had been left without care. Iser was charged first, and Gilbert was charged a short time later.
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