The iOpener: Kent State Fraternity Suspended; State Senate Approves Gas Tax

Good morning, iOpeners. It's Friday, March 22, 2019. 

A popular fraternity at Kent State University has been ordered to suspend all activities following allegations of “conduct disruptive to the university.”  Delta Tau Delta issued a cease and desist order to its KSU chapter.  The reason for the suspension is unknown.

Ohio’s Senate voted in favor of a 6-cent-a-gallon increase on gasoline, just one-third of what Gov. Mike DeWine has said is needed in order to fund road and bridge repairs.  The Senate’s gas tax hike is also lower than the 10.7-cent increase approved by the House.  The Senate’s version of the budget for the Ohio Department of Transportation also provides less for public transit, $55 million per year, instead of the $100 million per year sought by the House.  The bill now returns to the House.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked parts of Ohio’s ban on the most common method of second-trimester abortion. The law, which bans a method called dilation and evacuation, was to go into effect today.  U.S. District Court Judge Michael Barrett granted Planned Parenthood's motion seeking a temporary restraining order.  It will remain in place for 14 days unless extended by the United States District Court. 

Two more people have died this week from the flu, raising the number of people who’ve died from influenza in Cuyahoga County to 11. The county’s board of health said the victims include a 66-year-old man from Cleveland and an 86-year-old woman from Broadview Heights.

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Blue Jackets, 4-1. It's CBJ's third loss in a row.

Weather forecast: Rain and snow showers likely around lunch time.  Less than half an inch accumulation expected.  Cloudy and breezy, high 37.  Tonight, Scattered snow showers, low 26.