Report. Reflect. Respond.
Wednesday, July 8th, 2026
Welcome to Wednesday’s edition of The Pennant. To listen to this newsletter, click the “Listen Online” link in the top right corner of this email.
On this day in 1947, the Army announced it had recovered a "flying disc" near Roswell, New Mexico — then called it a weather balloon a day later, birthing America's most enduring UFO legend.
Ohio is finishing the Fiscal Year with a $1.75 Billion surplus. Find out what this could mean for the state in the Top of the Fold.
Also, the Trump administration's decision not to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement in its current form could have major effects on Ohio. Find out how in our Business section.
Top of The Fold
Ohio Closes The Books On Fiscal Year With A $1.75 Billion Surplus
COLUMBUS — Ohio finished its 2026 fiscal year with a surplus of roughly $1.75 billion, the state budget office reported, leaving the state with a substantial cushion heading into the new budget year.
The report is likely to sharpen debate over property taxes and school levies, as local governments continue asking voters for more, even as the state sits on a sizable balance.
Sunbury Residents Push To Let Voters Decide On Amazon Data Center
SUNBURY — A coalition of Sunbury neighbors is gathering signatures to put a city charter amendment on the November ballot that would ban data centers larger than 25 megawatts, aiming to block a proposed $2 billion Amazon campus for good.
The effort goes further than the city council's existing moratorium, which expires in January, and mirrors a wave of local consent measures spreading across Ohio.
DeWine Orders Flags Lowered For Fallen Rittman Sergeant
WAYNE COUNTY — Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, has ordered flags flown at half-staff across Wayne County and at state government buildings in Columbus to honor Rittman police Sgt. Scott Ries, who was killed responding to a shooting Sunday night.
The order came as the community and law enforcement agencies across northeast Ohio mourned the veteran officer.
Page One
National
ANKARA, Turkey — President Donald Trump pressed European allies on defense spending as the NATO summit entered its final day, airing fresh frustration over their tepid support for the U.S.-led war on Iran.
PROVO, Utah — A preliminary hearing enters its third day on Wednesday to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to try 23-year-old Tyler James Robinson for the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Toyota said Monday it will move most Tacoma pickup production from Tijuana, Mexico, to its San Antonio plant in a $3.6 billion investment, a roughly four-year shift following Washington's decision not to renew the USMCA trade pact.
Statewide
MIDDLETOWN — Ohio authorities solved a 1985 Middletown murder case after evidence surfaced behind a Georgia Cracker Barrel.
COLUMBUS — State officials are urging residents to check whether Ohio holds any unclaimed funds belonging to them before a 10-year deadline expires. See more in our Government section.
CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County SNAP recipients who lost power because of recent weather may be eligible for replacement benefits.
TOLEDO — Hundreds of Toledo Edison customers remain without power Monday after a July 3 windstorm, with some Lambert Drive residents told they could go five days before crews restore service.
COLUMBUS — Community leaders, journalists, and readers will gather July 23 to celebrate the return of the Call & Post, one of Columbus' most influential Black newspapers.
Business
Ohio Auto Industry Braces For Uncertainty After Trade Pact Decision
By Pennant Staff
COLUMBUS — The Trump administration's decision not to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement in its current form has raised fresh uncertainty for Ohio, one of the nation's largest auto-producing states.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said last week the U.S. would instead pursue separate deals with Canada and Mexico, triggering annual reviews of a pact that governs roughly 18 percent of trade among the three countries.
The stakes are high in Ohio, home to Honda's Marysville and East Liberty plants, Stellantis' Jeep complex in Toledo, and hundreds of parts suppliers whose components can cross North American borders several times before a vehicle is finished.
Government
Ohioans Rush To Claim Funds As Browns Stadium Money Stays Frozen
By Pennant Staff
COLUMBUS — The $600 million promised to the Cleveland Browns' new Brook Park stadium remains in legal limbo, tied up in a broader fight over Ohio's use of unclaimed funds.
Last year, state lawmakers created a sports and cultural facilities fund to be filled with unclaimed money — dollars from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and old utility deposits the state holds until their owners claim them. The fund, projected at more than $1 billion, would bankroll the Browns' domed stadium and as many as 14 other venues across Ohio.
But a Franklin County judge blocked the transfer this spring, finding the plan likely amounts to an unconstitutional taking of private property. A federal appeals court saw it differently, declining to halt the plan.
As the case drags on, Ohioans are rushing to reclaim their money, driving a surge in claims to a state division that holds some $4.8 billion.
The Back Page
Do you have any unclaimed state funds?
Previous Poll Results
Will you watch the US Men's National Team play against Belgium on Monday?
- Yes - 80%
- No - 10%
- Maybe - 10%
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