Latest news with #Cleveland-area
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio citizens working to get proposal on ballot to abolish property taxes
(iStock / Getty Images Plus) A group of homeowners is taking tax relief into their own hands — fighting to get a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would abolish property taxes. Property taxes are at an all-time high for Marlene Homan in Cleveland. 'When you're on Social Security, that's a lot of money,' Homan said of the increase in her tax bill. 'And I know a lot of people got hit with a lot worse.' And with reappraisals and voter-approved tax hikes, it has been pricing some Ohioans out of their homes. 'Where does it end?' she asked. Due to what Lakewood advocate Beth Blackmarr calls the lack of movement from lawmakers to provide relief, residents are taking taxes into their own hands. 'We really need change, because nothing was getting done — substantially,' Blackmarr said. She is leading a movement to abolish property taxes in the state, and the Citizens for Property Tax Reform is on their way to getting a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Click here to read the full proposal. 'Legislators, in many ways, are reluctant to dive in,' she added. State Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson) has been tasked by House Speaker Matt Huffman to help devise property tax relief. The Northeast Ohio lawmaker understands the concerns, he said, but is asking homeowners to be patient. 'I know our members are motivated, it's just also getting it right and making sure the policy is a good one,' he said. 'We don't want to do anything that's just real quick or haphazard.' Gov. Mike DeWine raised another concern about what happens to local governments, police stations and schools if there are no more property taxes. 'I understand [their concerns], but they have an obligation — I think a moral obligation — to come forward and explain how they're going to pay for schools, how they're going to pay for the things that we value in Ohio,' the governor told us. Many schools rely on property taxes for the vast majority of their funding, with some Cleveland-area schools at about 80%. 'There are other ways that this can be approached,' Blackmarr said about funding schools. 'SDIT, a school district income tax, to help balance out the property taxes in their district.' But the advocate said that this movement doesn't have to hit the ballot. 'So really, this is the power going back to the people?' we asked. 'It is; it's the power back to people,' she responded. 'Hopefully, what legislators will do, is counter with some legislation of their own.' The state ballot board will decide Wednesday if the organization can start collecting signatures for the November ballot. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Teenage lacrosse player died from blunt-force injury during game, medical examiner says
Teenage lacrosse player died from blunt-force injury during game, medical examiner says Dylan Veselic was injured during a May 6 game in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, when he was blocking a shot and the ball hit him at the base of the back of his head. The team has ended its season early. A Cleveland-area high school lacrosse player died from an accidental blunt-force injury he got during a game this month, according to the medical examiner's office that performed his autopsy. Dylan Veselic, 16, was playing in a lacrosse game in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, on May 6, when he was injured, the Bay Village School District previously told USA TODAY. The teen was trying to block another player's shot when the ball hit him at the base of the back of his head, below his helmet, reported WKYC-TV. Dylan's death stemmed from a blunt-force injury to his craniocervical area, where the skull connects to the first few vertebrae of the neck, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said on May 13. Olmsted Township police and fire officials responded to the scene before Dylan was rushed to the hospital. Doctors performed surgery on the teenager, reported television station WEWS-TV. Dylan died two days after the injury, the school district confirmed. The Bay Village Boys Lacrosse team announced that it was ending its season early on Tuesday, May 13. 'Following a period of thoughtful reflection this past weekend, the Bay High School Boys Lacrosse Team has made the decision to conclude its season,' the team wrote on X, formerly Twitter. More about the fallen lacrosse player The teenager was a sophomore at Bay Village High School, the school district confirmed. Principal Jason Martin said in a statement that he was kind and well-known. "Dylan was a well-liked and respected young man who touched the lives of many with his kindness, character, and spirit,' Martin wrote in the statement. 'We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we hope they find comfort in the love and support of our community.' On May 8, classmates created a tribute for the teenager at his locker, the district shared online. Lacrosse clubs in Australia also held moments of silence for him. Matt Spellman, the athletics and activities director of the Bay Village School District, said in a statement that "Dylan was an amazing student, always wearing a smile on his face while supporting his fellow teammates." "He was kind, hardworking, and dedicated, consistently showing leadership, empathy, and a positive attitude both on the field and in the classroom," Spellman said. Dylan's family thanks community for support While the teen was hospitalized, locals started a meal train to support his family. The meal train started with a $500 goal and by May 13, nearly $118,000 had been raised. 'We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness shown by our community and beyond,' his family said in a statement. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Influencer ‘adopts' local rescue dog for awareness
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – It's a happy reunion that's been taking place each week this month. Cleveland-area social media influencer Joey Kinsley makes the 90-minute drive to Animal Charity in Boardman just to see Onyx. Onyx is nearly 9 years old and has been here since the summer of 2018 when his owner was arrested. That's longer than any other dog. Kinsley, who uses the name 'SirYacht' and has more than a million followers on his different platforms, said the story moved him to take action. 'About a month ago, I think, somebody sent me a message saying that Onyx has been here for a while,' Kinsley said. 'Instead of sitting back and not doing anything, I was like, why don't I just try to help out.' Each week, Kinsley and 76-pound Onyx spend their time playing, taking walks, and even stopping at Handel's for a pup cup. Their exploits are then shared with Kinsley's followers, as well as those of Animal Charity. 'I think, hopefully, it's bringing some awareness. Not just Onyx but to a lot of dogs and animals that need adoption,' Kinsley said. It's even helped the agency with donations of supplies, some coming with notes hoping Onyx can find a forever home soon. Donations of money are needed, too. 'We are truly struggling monetarily to make sure that all these animals are getting exactly what they need,' said Jan MacMurchy, with Animal Charity of Ohio. While Kinsley thinks about taking in Onyx himself, he plans to continue working to spread the message of adopting a new pet instead of shopping for one. 'I hope people realize the amazing things that go on here,' he said. In the meantime, Kinsley and Onyx have another playdate scheduled next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox Sports
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich's son apologizes for prank call to Shedeur Sanders
Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, has confessed to being the person who made a prank call to Shedeur Sanders and falsely informed him that he was being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL Draft. "On Friday night, I made a tremendous mistake. Shedeur, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful," Jax Ulbrich wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday. "I'm so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." The Falcons confirmed that the younger Ulbrich was the one who made the prank call to Sanders, who was eventually drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round after his surprising fall. In a statement, the Falcons said that Ulbrich "unintentionally came across" Sanders' contact phone for the draft off an iPad while he was visiting his parents at home and decided to write down the phone number for later. Jeff Ulbrich was "unaware" of his son's actions, the Falcons claimed in the statement. "The Atlanta Falcons do not condone this behavior and send our sincere apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family, who we have been in contact with to apologize to, as well as facilitate an apology directly from Jax to the Sanders family," the Falcons wrote in their statement. "We have also been in contact with the NFL and will continue to cooperate fully with any inquiries we may receive from the NFL league office. We are thoroughly reviewing all protocols, and updating if necessary, to help prevent an incident like this from happening again." After Sanders fell out of the first round of the draft, many expected him to be selected early on Day 2. Then videos emerged of him on social media getting a call from someone saying that they were Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and that the team was set to draft him. "It's been a long wait, man," the person, now confirmed to be Jax Ulbrich, said. "We're going to take you with our next pick, man, but you're going to have to wait a little bit longer, man. Sorry about that." In the video posted to Deion Sanders Jr.'s YouTube channel, Shedeur Sanders appeared confused when he got the prank call, turning to people at his draft party and asking, "What does that mean?" The Saints took a different quarterback, Tyler Shough, in the second round with the No. 40 pick. As the NFL reportedly began an investigation into the matter, Sanders played down the incident after he was drafted by the Browns on Saturday. "It didn't really have an impact on me, because it was just like, I mean, OK, like I don't feed into negativity or I don't feed into that stuff," Sanders told Cleveland-area reporters on a conference call. "You've seen on Deion Jr.'s YouTube video. My reaction to it, I don't — it is what it is. I think, of course, it is childish. Of course, I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there." Sanders wasn't the only player from this year's draft who said they received a prank call. Philadelphia Eagles sixth-round pick Kyle McCord and Buffalo Bills sixth-rounder Chase Lundt both told reporters they had gotten several prank calls. Tyler Warren, a first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, was also on the receiving end of one, per multiple reports. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is Alabama football changing 2026 defensive line recruiting approach? What recent offers tell us
Alabama football stopped both 2026 Florida defensive lineman Brian Harris and 2026 Ohio defensive lineman Jamir Perez in their tracks. Both Harris and Perez had official visits set, with commitment dates unscheduled but ideally coming before or in the early stages of their senior high school seasons. Advertisement To the Crimson Tide, that didn't matter. Both Harris and Perez see Alabama as a program that still holds the power to potentially change a recruitment, as the Crimson Tide tries to secure a larger defensive line class in 2026 to start developing that next wave of talent up front. 'Their name alone speaks for itself,' Harris told The Tuscaloosa News. 'The weight it holds is a big thing… Not even D-linemen. People in general that they produced over the decades, it speaks for itself. It speaks volumes. Everybody in the nation knows exactly what Bama is all about.' Brian Harris: 'You can't go wrong' with Alabama football On paper, Harris checks all the boxes for Alabama. Advertisement A 6-foot-4, 290-pound interior defensive lineman, Harris describes himself as versatile, physical and fast off the ball, saying there are 'not a lot of people like me.' It was enough for teams like Oklahoma, Auburn, Michigan, Penn State, West Virginia and South Carolina to extend offers to the No. 519 player in the country, per 247Sports' composite rankings. Alabama was not too far behind, Harris said, first reaching out shortly after the Wolverines' mid-March offer. But the Crimson Tide moved quickly, securing Harris for an A-Day visit. While in Tuscaloosa, Harris said Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach described the state of his room as 'pretty solid,' but one that is always looking for more talent, more talent like Harris. Advertisement Harris plans to take an Alabama official visit, a chance he couldn't pass up with a school that has always been on his board. 'You know that if you go to Alabama, you can't go wrong,' Harris said. Alabama 'threw a wrench' into Jamir Perez recruitment Perez may not be ranked in 247Sports' composite rankings. But he describes himself as a 'fun, dominant' defensive lineman who is a 'Reggie White type of player.' Perez had plenty of doors open on the recruiting trail, from Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Iowa State and Cincinnati, to Ohio State, which recently offered the Cleveland-area defensive lineman. Alabama, Perez described, is 'a bigger blessing.' 'Alabama, that's Alabama, you know what I'm saying?' Perez said. 'It for sure threw a wrench in that I'm really getting there.' Advertisement Perez attends Glenville High School, the same program as 2026 four-star linebacker and major Alabama target Cincere Johnson, who told Perez that football culture is 'everything' with the Crimson Tide. Perez is eyeing an official visit to Alabama, wanting to see Tuscaloosa for himself as he continues to build a relationship with a program he sees potentially as 'a top contender.' Alabama football 2026 recruiting: Where Tide stands on defensive line The Crimson Tide players and coaches continue working toward the season opener in practice Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach works his players. Perez and Harris are not the first two defensive line targets Alabama has formalized in 2026. Two of Alabama's first five commitments are pass rushers: Jamarion Matthews, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end who 'runs like (a) 4.8 40,' per Dylan Livingston, his former defensive coordinator at Sparkman High School in Harvest; and Kamhariyan Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive end whose length, fast twitch and bend makes him 'different' for Muscle Shoals High School football coach Scot Basden. Advertisement Both are built like prototypical bandit defensive ends in Alabama's defensive scheme, a position that is set to lose its starter after the 2025 season in LT Overton, one that has potential behind Overton in Jordan Renaud, Keon Keeley, Kelby Collins and Fatutoa Henry, but nothing proven, and one that Alabama did not add to in the 2025 recruiting class. On the defensive line as a whole, Alabama secured two interior prospects in the 2025 class: Steve Bolo Mboumoua after a season at Southwest Mississippi Community College, and London Simmons, a Mississippi three-star who will join the Crimson Tide in the summer. The Alabama defensive line, especially at the bandit defensive end, is set to enter 2026 as an older unit, but one that could be without that breakthrough experience outside of players like James Smith, a projected starter next to Tim Keenan III in 2025, or, potentially, Renaud. In 2026, what Alabama is looking to do is to start developing that next wave of young defensive linemen, targeting high-profile prospects like Mississippi four-star Nolan Wilson, Missouri four-star Titan Davis, Florida four-star Elijah Golden or Hoover defensive lineman Tyson Bacon, who recently ended his commitment to Tennessee. Advertisement Alabama's list could include players like Perez or Harris, who just secured the Crimson Tide's attention. Whether it's Alabama or elsewhere, Harris said he already feels the weight of his commitment. Yes, development and production matters. Winning matters. But he's not only looking at the next three or four years. He's looking to the next 40. 'My decision, I'm going to have to wear this name on my back for the rest of my life,' Harris said. 'I'm going to tell my kids, 'This is where I went to school at.' That's the biggest thing: be proud of where I'm coming from.' Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: What recent 2026 DL offers mean for Alabama football recruiting
