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The Wake Up

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025

 

Two members of Congress representing Northeast Ohio learned some deeply disturbing news in recent days.

 

U.S. Reps. Emilia Sykes and Shontel Brown were among dozens of lawmakers whose names appeared in the writings of a man accused of a horrific shooting spree in Minnesota — an act that left two people dead and two others injured. Investigators say the gunman had a list of public officials, many with home addresses, and was armed with assault-style rifles and a car full of ammunition.

 

Both Sykes and Brown have spoken out, condemning political violence and calling for a de-escalation in the dangerous rhetoric that fuels it. Brown, who was swatted last year, said no one should feel unsafe simply for serving their community. Sykes called it “shocking” to be on the list and said her heart breaks for the victims.

 

It’s another stark reminder of the toxic climate elected leaders are navigating — and the real risks they face just for doing their jobs.

 

— Leila Atassi

 

 

Overnight Scores and Weather

Guardians at San Francisco Giants: Gabriel Arias, Steven Kwan lead the Guardians to tense 3-2 win over the Giants

 

Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Severe storms possible

 

 

The names of U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, left, and U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes were found among the materials connected to a man accused of shooting two Minnesota state legislators. (Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com file photo)

Top Stories

Congressional targets: The names of U.S. Reps. Emilia Sykes and Shontel Brown appeared on the accused Minnesota shooter’s list. Three other Ohio Democratic members of Congress – Marcy Kaptur of Toledo, Greg Landsman of Cincinnati and Joyce Beatty of Columbus – released statements that said they also were listed in materials that the gunman produced, reports Sabrina Eaton.

 

Browns’ move: Members of Cuyahoga County Council are urging County Executive Chris Ronayne to accept the reality that the Browns are moving to Brook Park and that council should begin to plan accordingly. Kaitlin Durbin reports members are pushing for a county economic impact study as the Browns prepare to leave downtown Cleveland.

 

Cedar Point: Six Flags is implementing layoffs that could impact Cedar Point's service standards following the recent merger with Cedar Fair. Susan Glaser reports on what former executives had to say about potential changes to the park's operations and guest experience.

 

Today in Ohio: The Trump administration just turned the National Park Service into a hotline for tattling on rangers who don’t gush hard enough about America. We’re talking on Today in Ohio about this latest authoritarian policy from President Donald Trump.

 

 

Statehouse and Politics

Property taxes: A Republican proposal could eliminate $3.5 billion in guaranteed local funding, reports Anna Staver. As a result, Ohio communities would need to seek voter approval for every tax dollar, potentially cutting essential services like education and public safety.

 

Senate race: The first Ohio Democrat has stepped forward expressing interest for a potential 2026 U.S. Senate run against Jon Husted. Jeremy Pelzer reports State Sen. Casey Weinstein, a Hudson Democrat, says he’s considering a run for U.S. Senate next year if ex-U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown decides not to enter the race.

 

Child welfare: Today in Ohio highlights how the Ohio Senate's budget proposal cuts $61.3 million from child welfare funding, with Chris Quinn and Lisa Garvin emphasizing that the priority seems to be tax cuts for the wealthy rather than supporting vulnerable children.

 

Newspaper tax: Today in Ohio discusses the Ohio Senate's proposed first-ever newspaper tax, with Chris Quinn suggesting it might be a retaliatory move specifically targeting print media's tax exemptions.

 

 

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Northeast Ohio News

Emergency training: Cuyahoga County will host an emergency training exercise today at Progressive Field, featuring police, fire, EMS and emergency management departments. Kaitlin Durbin reports the drill will involve actors simulating victims and road closures to help first responders practice emergency response.

 

Summer Solstice: The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere will occur Friday. Ryan Cohick reports the sun will reach its northernmost point, resulting in approximately 15 hours and 11 minutes of daylight in Cleveland.

 

City funding: North Ridgeville officials warn that House Bill 335 could create a devastating $3.6 million budget deficit for the city, potentially forcing cuts to essential services like police and fire. Hannah Drown reports the bill would eliminate inside millage, threatening core municipal operations and school funding.

 

House fire: A Tuesday morning fire damaged a vacant two-and-a-half story building on Cleveland's West Side, causing an estimated $50,000 in damage. Lucas Daprile reports firefighters successfully contained the blaze and determined the house was likely in the process of being remodeled.

 

 

Business and Health

Clinic services: The Cleveland Clinic is expanding its service hours, offering primary care and specialty appointments until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday services starting July 7. Julie Washington reports the health system aims to provide more convenient care options for patients with busy schedules.

 

Home sales: A lakefront home in Lakewood sold for $2.6 million, topping the list of 17 Cuyahoga County homes that sold for over $1 million in May. Megan Sims reports the luxurious 5,022-square-foot property on Nicholson Avenue was built in 2017.

 

 

Crime and Courts

Trial date set: A Cuyahoga County judge has set a March 30 trial date for Gregory Moore, the former attorney accused of murdering client Aliza Sherman outside his Cleveland law office in 2013. David Gambino reports Moore was indicted on aggravated murder, kidnapping and conspiracy charges.

 

Shooting charges: A Cuyahoga County grand jury on Tuesday indicted a Cleveland woman accused of shooting and killing Kiara Jackson at Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Creek Falls, David Gambino reports.

 

Fatal shooting: Authorities have identified Deandre Houston as the victim in a shooting at a Cleveland block party Monday morning that left one dead and five injured. Approximately 80 shots were fired during the unpermitted event.

 

 

Arts and Entertainment

Chef honored: Edwins founder Brandon Chrostowski received the James Beard Impact Award, challenging the culinary industry to create opportunities for those in need. Founded in 2013, Edwins makes an impact by hiring and training people recently released from incarceration, reports Paris Wolfe.

 

Ask Yadi: When a reader seeks advice about her sister-in-law's critical comments about her new home, Yadi Rodriguez writes on the importance of addressing the situation and not letting past comparisons diminish the pride in their new home.

 

Dylan exhibit: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is expanding its Bob Dylan exhibit with new artifacts, including an electric guitar and original artwork. Joey Morona reports the new display will showcase Dylan's impact on folk-rock and his revolutionary musical journey.

 

'Lovely Jackson': Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square will host the Cleveland premiere of "Lovely Jackson," a documentary about Rickey Jackson, who spent 39 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Joey Morona reports the screening will include a panel discussion with Jackson, his false accuser, and the director, followed by the film's streaming debut on Prime Video.

 

Chimaira: Cleveland metal band Chimaira will revive its Christmas concert tradition on Dec. 20 at the Agora Theatre. Malcolm X Abram reports the band will perform with opening acts 200 Stab Wounds and Nunslaughter, marking their return after an eight-year hiatus.

 

New menu: Bar Fuoco brings Amalfi Coast-inspired dining to Chagrin Falls with a wood-fired menu. Alex Darus writes about the new restaurant's seasonal, ingredient-driven concept that features pizzettes, skewers, and shareable plates cooked over an open flame until late at night.

 

Arts and wine: The Wildwood Arts & Wine Fest will return to Mentor on Saturday, featuring local artisans, live music, and tours of a historic 1908 manor house, Marc Bona reports.

 

 

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.

 

 

OTHER TOP STORIES

 

Akron seeks feedback on proposed crowd-management policy; how to weigh in Read more

 

University Heights Fire Chief Perko asks City Council to formulate legislation regulating any non-911 emergency service Read more

 

Proposed Pella distribution building no longer a go in Mayfield; despite rainy weather, Cruise Night is held Read more

 

‘Places of Worship’ zoning sent on spiritual retreat in Cleveland Heights Read more

 

Solon Schools officials warn of devastating impact from proposed House Bill 335 Read more

 

11 Strongsville residents apply for open school board position Read more

 

Former Cleveland Browns executive, OSU wide receiver joins Strongsville school board Read more

 

Audrey’s Outreach in Brook Park offers food, clothing and hope to hundreds of families Read more

 

Five Cleveland Heights council candidates cleared for take-off in November election -- so far Read more

 

 

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