🌱Gambling Help Line Triples Calls + Missing 12-Year-Old Boy

Hello, hello. Sean Peek here with your Saturday edition of the Cleveland Patch newsletter, full of everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny; breezy, milder. High: 47 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories in Cleveland today:

1. The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio's helpline calls have tripled since the legalization of sports gambling in Ohio. A local reporter recounted the personal stories of gamblers in Cleveland struggling with addiction. Click the link to read about the explosion in sports gambling in Ohio and in Cleveland in particular. (News 5 Cleveland WEWS)
2. Cleveland police are searching for a missing 12-year-old boy. According to authorities, the boy was last seen at school on Thursday and did not show up at his pick-up spot. Anyone with information on the boy's whereabouts is asked to contact detective Zola. (Cleveland 19 News)
3. A Cleveland smoke shop owner has been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking. According to authorities, the 42-year-old Jesse Madey is charged in a 10-count indictment with human trafficking, among other alleged crimes. Records indicate that Madey had been trafficking the woman since January 2022 when that woman was 19 years old. (cleveland.com)

Today in Cleveland:

• North Union Farmers Market At Van Aken District Market Hall (9:00 AM)
• Blood Drive At Beachwood Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• The River At Ensemble Theatre (7:30 PM)
• Monea Bros LIVE At Foundry Social (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Cleveland Browns wished Jim Brown a happy birthday! The team paid tribute to the G.O.A.T. in yesterday's post. (Cleveland Browns via Instagram)
• Spring has sprung for the Cleveland Guardians! Click the link to see team members enjoying the season in Goodyear for spring training. (Cleveland Guardians via Facebook)
• Cleveland Botanical Garden wants you to come to Orchids Forever! The exhibit features hundreds of beautiful blooms for you and your sweetheart to visit and take photos of. (Cleveland Botanical Garden via Facebook)

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• History on Tap | A Celebration of Black Culture (February 23)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.