The iOpener: Trump Renews Criticism of Lordstown Workers, McCain; Cavs Upset Bucks

Good morning, iOpeners. It's Thursday, March 21, 2019. As Iowa, Nebraska and other Plains states suffer from unprecedented spring floods, we think of another flood that took place on this day in 1913 in Dayton.  Some 360 people were killed and 20,000 homes were destroyed. It is considered the worst natural disaster in the history of Ohio, but it also spurred the creation of modern flood control. 

President Trump renewed his claim that union workers were responsible for General Motors’ decision to idle the plant.  During his visit to a tank manufacturing center in Lima, the president told the employees there they’d better love him, because he “kept this place open.”   The plant was at risk for closure, but is now benefitting from the Trump Administration’s increased military spending. Trump also renewed his attacks on the late Sen. John McCain, who died last year of brain cancer.  The president told the audience “I’ve never liked him much. Hasn’t been for me.  I really probably never will.”

The mother of Aniya Day-Garrett and her mother’s boyfriend were sentenced to life in prison for killing the 4-year-old last year in a case that prompted reforms at Cuyahoga County’s Department Children and Family Services. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Timothy McCormick gave Sierra Day a life sentence with no chance of parole; Deonte Lewis, her boyfriend, will be eligible for parole after 20 years.

Gov. Mike DeWine says he’s confident in the economic forecast he used to create his $69 billion two-year budget, despite projections by legislative researchers that predict nearly half a billion dollars less in tax revenue.  The nonpartisan Legislative Budget Office has suggested that lawmakers cut the spending increase in DeWine’s budget by 25 percent.

Lawyers for a couple who lost embryos following a freezer malfunction at University Hospitals’ fertility clinic in Beachwood argued before a panel of appellate court judges that the embryos should be treated as living persons. Rick and Wendy Penniman are appealing a Cuyahoga County judge’s decision last May to dismiss the case.  The Pennimans have also sued UH for negligence.  Nearly 100 families affected by the malfunction have sued. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers delayed Milwaukee from clinching the Central Division with a 107-102 win over the Bucks. Milwaukee was without its superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Cavs rookie Collin Sexton scored 25 points, Jordan Clarkson added 23.  Khris Middleton scored 26 points for Milwaukee.

Weather forecast: Rain this morning, then diminishing after 7 am.  Cloudy, high 47.  Tonight, a slight chance of rain and snow late.  Mostly cloudy, low 36. Friday, a chance of snow showers.  Cloudy and breezy, high 38.