More than 7 million American seniors now live with Alzheimer's disease — the highest number ever recorded — including more than 236,000 Ohioans.

Why it matters: As Alzheimer's diagnoses rise, the federal funding for medical research that's critical to preventing and treating it is at risk of being cut.

By the numbers: About 11.3% of Ohioans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's, according to 2025 data shared in a new Alzheimer's Association report.

• Nearly 5,000 Ohioans die from the disease each year.

Between the lines: According to the 2020 census, Ohio is on pace to have more residents over 60 than residents under 20.

• Meanwhile, 2023 data from the American Community Survey showed that Cleveland's 65-69 age group experienced the highest percentage growth of any age demographic in the city.

Zoom out: Nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women, according to data cited in the report.

• Risk increases with age: 5.1% of people aged 65-74 have it, and a third of people 85 and older have it.

What they're saying: "It doesn't surprise me" that Alzheimer's incidence has increased, because the population is aging and "we're becoming more sophisticated in our options for diagnosing and testing for Alzheimer's disease," Lakelyn Eichenberger, a gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead, tells Axios.

• With cases climbing and age a key risk factor, early action is critical for managing the disease and accessing new treatments, Eichenberger says.

Go deeper: Warning signs and preventing dementia

Queer culture and the horror genre haven't traditionally gone hand in hand, but one Northeast Ohio filmmaker is hoping to change that.

The intrigue: Westlake native Roger Conners' new film, "Meat the Movie," premieres at Capitol Theatre tomorrow.

• Conners describes it as an "LGBTQIA+-themed slasher film" that is an "unabashedly queer piece of cinema."

What they're saying: "If you're a fan of the horror genre and you're queer, you've felt underrepresented," Conners tells Axios.

• "My goal from day one was to make a horror movie for queer fans of the genre and a movie reflecting the Cleveland queer scene."

Flashback: Conners' life in the arts began as a teenager at Cleveland's Near West Theatre. He went on to star in several independent horror films, earning the proud moniker of "Scream Queer" from his peers.

• Conners directed his first film, "Rebirth," in 2020 before turning his attention to "Meat."

The plot: A friend circle lets one of its own take the fall after a night of debauchery that leaves one of them dead.

• Years later, a killer named "The Stud" — whose look takes inspiration from fetish wear and queer culture — begins murdering the group members one by one.

Zoom in: Conners shot most of the movie with primarily local talent in downtown Cleveland and a mansion in Hocking Hills.

The big picture: The timing of the movie's release is important for Conners, given the obstacles currently facing the LGBTQ+ community.

• "There is a movement against us for whatever reason," he says. "Visibility is important and telling queer stories is important."

If you go: Tickets for tomorrow's premiere are $11. Showtime is 7pm.

🦨 The city of Cleveland is seeking contractors who can assist the short-staffed Division of Animal Control in trapping nuisance animals like skunks, raccoons and groundhogs. (Cleveland.com)

• Cut to: Cleveland's west side, where some sidewalks have been so disfigured by tree roots that skunks are living beneath them — "like a little cave."

📍 The Greater Collinwood Development Corporation has risen from the ashes of corruption and mismanagement to reestablish itself with a new board of directors. (Cleveland Scene)

🥯 Local chain Cocky's Bagels will open its fourth location this summer in University Heights — the first east side outpost. (Crain's Cleveland Business 🔒)

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is launching a major renovation of its downtown office building next to St. John's Cathedral.

Why it matters: The $15 million project will breathe new life into an "iconic but underutilized" downtown property, per Bishop Edward Malesic, and bring 150 employees to the central business district.

Flashback: The Chancery Building was first constructed in 1888 as a school for the Cathedral. It long housed the administrative offices of the Diocese, but has housed archives since 2008.

• Once complete, the 48,000-square-foot structure will once again house the Diocesan offices as well as the offices of Cleveland Catholic Charities, whose 150 employees have been based at the St. Augustine Health Campus on Detroit Avenue since 2008.

What they're saying: "Evangelization and service are key aspects of what I am asking all Catholics to embrace in our diocese," Malesic said in a statement.

• "The physical renewal of this landmark building will help us bring people together and serve others' needs in a way that is more fruitful and efficient."

What's next: The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

The Port of Cleveland unveiled a 12-minute documentary last week celebrating the impact of Northeast Ohio's maritime industry.

Why it matters: "Made in America: How the Port of Cleveland Supports the Region's Economy" sounds like a snoozer — but it's actually a riveting education on American steel.

• It charts the path of iron ore pellets in Minnesota and Michigan as they become flat-rolled steel produced by Cleveland-Cliffs.

💭 Sam's thought bubble: I got a firsthand glimpse in 2016 of the Great Lakes freighters hauling cargo down the Cuyahoga to the industrial valley.

• But I'd never seen the inside of the Cleveland-Cliffs plant or understood how those steel coils were manufactured.

The bottom line: The aerial drone footage alone makes it worth a watch over your lunch break.