The iOpener: More Flooding Likely; Cleveland Clinic Tops Walmart

Good morning, iOpeners. It's Wednesday, June 19, 2019.  On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War was over, and that all remaining slaves in Texas were free - an event celebrated to this day as "Juneteenth."

The likelihood of another round of severe thunderstorms this evening and into Thursday has much of the rain-soaked North Central and Northeast Ohio under a flash flood watch.  The National Weather Service says up to two inches of rain are possible for Cuyahoga, Lake, Medina, Geauga and northern Summit counties. Lorain County could see up to three inches. The flash flood watch is in effect from 8 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday. 

In Summit County, where some areas have received five inches of rain over the last three days, State Rep. Tavia Galonski is calling on the state to provide aid to waterlogged communities. The Democrat, whose district includes parts of Akron and Barberton, toured Barber Road and other flooded areas Monday with Mayor Bill Judge.  Many residents in flood-prone areas along Barber Road and South Van Buren Ave. say they can’t afford flood insurance and the cost of repeated flooding is taking a toll.

A Euclid advocacy group and the local branch of the NAACP have asked for a federal investigation into Euclid’s police department. In the letter, Euclid NAACP president Cassandra McDonald cites a “pattern” of excessive force, police brutality and intimidation. In a joint statement, the city’s mayor and police chief say they welcome a review and will cooperate fully with any investigation.

The revised budget released by Ohio Senate leaders today will include more money for communications systems for first responders, according to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Matt Dolan. The Chagrin Falls Republican said there’s more money to cover court costs for low-income Ohioans, too. The Senate’s version of the budget includes an additional $5 million for local governments. It’s a small increase for the Local Government Fund, which has been reduced by half over the last eight years.   

State data shows the Cleveland Clinic has surpassed Walmart as Ohio's largest private-sector employer. The Cleveland-based hospital system has 50,825 employees, compared to Walmart's 49,330.

Rookie Zach Plesac allowed just one run in seven solid innings to lead the Indians to a 10-3 victory over the overwhelmed Texas Rangers. The Indians lineup homered four times, including three in a row in the seventh inning by Jake Bauers, Roberto Perez and Tyler Naquin. 

Weather forecast: Partly sunny, high 75.  Tonight, showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain, with totals of up to a half of an inch possible.  Low 63.  Tomorrow, showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rain likely. High 69.