The iOpener: AG Moves to Block Ruling on Congressional Map; Blue Jackets Eliminated from Playoffs

Good morning, iOpeners. It's Tuesday, May 7, 2019. We've been getting your thoughts on the new theme for "Morning Edition," and most are negative.    Mary Briner told us, "It sounds really techno, and I hate that kind of music." Another listener told us, "I feel like I'm listening to a robot. This is very depressing." 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.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost moved to block a federal appellate court’s decision throwing out Ohio’s congressional district map. In his motion to stay the ruling, Yost argues the June 14 deadline for a new map comes just weeks before the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to rule on similar gerrymandering cases in Maryland and North Carolina.   

Nineteen school districts in Northeast Ohio have levy proposals on the ballot today. They include Parma, where residents have not passed a school tax increase since 2011.  Parma voters will also decide today whether to repeal the city’s ban on pit bulls. 

Cleveland city councilman Basheer Jones has proposed renaming Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Jones’ non-binding resolution, introduced in council yesterday, drew opposition from fellow councilmembers Matt Zone and Mike Polensek, both of whom are of Italian-American descent.

An advisory committee to Ohio’s medical board plans will recommend allowing people suffering from depression and anxiety to use medical marijuana. If passed by the full board next month, more than half of Ohio’s population could become eligible for the state’s medical marijuana program.  The committee is also considering adding autism spectrum disorder, opioid use disorder and insomnia to the list of qualifying conditions. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ Stanley Cup bid is over. The Boston Bruins overwhelmed them, 3-0, in Game 6 before stunned fans at Nationwide Arena to advance to the Eastern Conference finals, where they’ll face the Carolina Hurricanes. Boston’s Tuukka Rask made 39 saves to Sergei Bobrovsky’s 26.

The Chicago White Sox stomped the Indians, 9-1, at Progressive Field. Trevor Bauer had his shortest start of the year, allowing eight runs (seven earned) through five-plus innings. “I suck right now,” said Bauer. 

Weather forecast: Cloudy, with a slight chance of afternoon showers. High 53.  Tonight, mostly cloudy, with a 30 percent chance of rain. Low 45.  Wednesday, the threat of rain lingers. Cloudy, high 60.