🌱 Officials Warn Of Sports Betting Scams + Man Charged With Theft

Good morning, friends. It's Thursday in Cleveland and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and mild with rain. High: 49 Low: 33.

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Here are the top three stories today in Cleveland:

1. The Better Business Bureau is warning sports gamblers about the dangers of scams after the state legalized sports betting this week. According to officials, many people have fallen victim to "risk-free bets" and had their identity stolen. For more tips on how to stay safe while gambling, visit the link. (Cleveland 19)
2. A federal court in Cleveland charged Zaveeyon Teasley, a 19-year-old from Cleveland, with theft of firearms from a licensed gun dealer. He was accused of helping steal 30 guns in a "smash-and-grab" at Summit Armory on North Cleveland Massillon Road on Nov. 3. The group used stolen Kias to carryout the smash-and-grab burglary. (Cleveland.com)
3. FirstEnergy bought electricity for the second time at a much higher price than in the past. The company will begin sending out electricity in June, which will cause electric bills for many people in Northeast Ohio to increase this summer. (Cleveland.com)

Today in Cleveland:

• Progressive Cleveland Boat Show At International Exposition Center (12:00 PM)
• Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto At Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (7:00 PM)
• Joe List At Hilarities 4th Street Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Cuyahoga Job and Family Services posted an announcement that SNAP Emergency Allotments are ending! The last deposit to customers will be in February. Beginning in March, SNAP households will only receive their standard SNAP benefit. (Cuyahoga JFS (CJFS) via Twitter)
• A Diné (Navajo) woven wool bill’éé (dress) is now on view at the Cleveland Museum of Art! It is worn gathered at the waist with a woven belt or a leather and silver concha belt. Check out all the great pieces at the Native North American gallery (Gallery 231). (Cleveland Museum of Art via Instagram)
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport newly remodeled Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon! If you're traveling soon, check it out at the Main Terminal Food Court near South Checkpoint. (Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— 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.