The iOpener: More Calls For Elected Sheriff; Hand Blows First Save

Good morning, iOpeners. It's Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

Three of the top judicial officials in Cuyahoga County told the council committee of the whole that they favor a return to an elected sheriff from one appointed by the county executive. Administrative Judge John Russo says a sheriff with more authority creates a more efficient system. Public defender Mark Stanton says the county and media are only focusing on those who abused their power in the past rather than the many elected officials who were public servants. County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley also spoke in favor of an elected sheriff. The county council is expected to weigh a return to an elected sheriff versus giving an appointed sheriff more authority in the aftermath of a U.S Marshals report that called conditions at the county jail inhumane.

The plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors are proposing creating a "negotiating class" to settle claims with the companies. Lawyers for the drug companies and the cities, counties and towns suing them descended on District Court Judge Dan Polster's Clevleand federal district courtroom Tuesday for a hearing. Polster started by saying the opioid litigation in front of him has been “called by some the most complex litigation ever tried.”

Revere High School near Richfield has fired all nine varsity football coaches after an investigation revealed they violated several codes of conduct at a football camp, according to Superintendent Matthew Montgomery,who said the coaches consumed alcohol at a school-related activity while responsible for student supervision. The incident took place during a three day camp at Heidelberg University earlier this month. Players, students and parents attended the meeting to support the coaches but the board recommended to not renew any of the staff. Former coach Terry Cistone was tapped to lead the Minutemen this season. 

State lawmakers who studied potential ways to overhaul Ohio's school funding system have made changes to their initial plan and are set to introduce the resulting proposal at the statehouse. Republican Rep. Bob Cupp, of Lima, and Democratic Rep. John Patterson, of Jefferson, scheduled a news conference about the bill Wednesday. In March, they unveiled a plan they said would more fairly split local and state funding shares and factor in the cost of educating a child and a community's ability to help pay for it. The plan drew some praise from public-school advocates and teachers unions but also prompted criticisms that it would boost some wealthier districts without doing enough to help poorer ones. Ohio's school-funding system has been repeatedly adjusted since it was found unconstitutional in 1997.

Indians closer Brad Hand is perfect no more. He gave up 5 runs in the ninth inning of an 8-6 loss to Kansas City to blow his first save of the season. The Indians and Royals wrap up the series this afternoon. It's the last home game before Cleveland hosts the All-Star game. 

Weather forecast:  Today, mostly sunny today with a high near 83.  Tonight, mostly clear, with a low around 68.  Tomorrow, a chance of showers and thunderstorms tomorrow night, low 71.