The iOpener: Parma Pit Bull Ban Narrowly Upheld: Most School Levies Pass; Indians Lose

Good morning, iOpeners. It's Wednesday, May 8, 2019. We've been getting your thoughts on the new theme for "Morning Edition," and most are not all that impressed. One caller described the new theme as "derivative game show" music. Tell us your opinion by calling our Listener Contribution line at 216-916-6476 or post to our Facebook page. We'll send your comments to NPR at the end of the week.

Voters in Parma narrowly upheld the city’s ban on pit bulls.  The vote was so close, there could be an automatic recount.  Unofficial results show the ordinance lifting the city’s 32-year-old ban failed, 50.09 percent to 49.91 percent.  That margin is below the .5 percent that triggers a recount, but it could change once mail-in and provisional ballots are counted. 

Most of the school levies on the ballot were approved, providing much-needed funding for many districts that were facing cuts in staff and services due to past levy failures.  In Strongsville, voters backed a new 5.9-mil, five-year levy.  Levies for Brooklyn, Brunswick and Parma also passed.  Parma Superintendent Charles Smialek said voters’ approval of a 9.2-mil, 10-year renewal levy was a huge victory, following the defeat last November of an additional levy.  The only school levies that failed were ones for Tuslaw Local Schools in Stark County and Waterloo in Portage County. 

Falcon Transport in Youngstown is now facing two federal lawsuits in connection with its sudden closure on April 27 and its layoff of nearly 600 employees. Lawyers for the laid-off workers say Falcon failed to give notice at least 60 days in advance of a mass layoff, as required by state law.  They’re seeking 60 days’ wages.  They also say the company did not use health premium paycheck deductions for their intended purpose, leaving workers at risk of losing their health insurance coverage. The company has blamed its abrupt closure on “unforeseen business circumstances.”

A nurse faces charges for allegedly stealing morphine from a Lakewood nursing home and replacing it with water. A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Michelle Brown on tampering with drugs, illegal processing of drug documents, drug possession and theft.  County prosecutor Michael O’Malley said in a statement that Brown placed innocent patients at risk by tampering with their medication.  

The Chicago White Sox shut out the Indians, 2-0, at Progressive Field.Chicago starter Lucas Giolito carried a shutout into the eighth inning.  Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis were the only Indians to record a hit Tuesday night. The Tribe has scored just one run in the last 27 innings.

Corey Kluber said he hopes his broken forearm is not a season-ender. In his first remarks since he was hit on his pitching arm on May 1 by a 102-mph line drive, Kluber said he’s still coming to grips with his injury.  “You want to be out there with the team,” he said.   The two-time Cy Young Award-winner is 2-3 this season with a 5.80 ERA, up from 2.89 last year.   

Weather forecast: Partly sunny, high 62.  Tonight, mostly cloudy, low 57.  Tomorrow, scattered showers, warmer, high 77.