The iOpener: Ohio Raises Smoking Age To 21; Bauer Pitches With "Fury"

Good morning, iOpeners.  It's Friday, July 19, 2019. 

Ohio’s legal smoking age is now 21.  The new minimum age requirement also extends to the purchase of rolling papers, filters, and other smoking and vaping accessories. It takes effect immediately. The previous minimum age was 18. Gov. Mike Dewine vetoed a provision that would have phased in the new minimum age for anyone who turns 18 years old before Oct. 1

Gov. DeWine also vetoed 24 other measures in the new, $69.8 billion two-year budget before he signed it into law. They include one that would have guaranteed a per-pupil funding rate for public schools equal to that given to private schools. DeWine said it would have benefitted the wealthiest school districts the most. He also vetoed a proposal limiting the Department of Medicaid to a single pharmacy benefit manager. DeWine said the department needs more flexibility.    

Police in Akron are investigating the shooting death of the brother of former NFL and Ohio State running back Beanie Wells. Joel Wells died of a gunshot wound to the head in East Akron. The 31-year-old’s body was found in a driveway. A reward totaling $30,000, including $15,000 from Beanie Wells, is being offered for information leading to an arrest. 

The trial for William Husel, the former Columbus-area doctor accused of killing 25 patients through excessive pain killers, has been set for April 27th.  The judge and attorneys are planning to hold the trial in a larger courtroom to accommodate the media and victims’ families. Mount Carmel named Michael Englehart, a senior executive from its parent company, as its interim leader. He’s replacing CEO Ed Lamb, who’s stepping aside July 25th.

An excessive heat warning continues for a second day for Northeast Ohio. The National Weather Service says temperatures in the mid-90s and dewpoints in the mid-70s will make heat stress possible for those spending or exerting themselves outdoors. Hot and humid conditions expected through Saturday. The excessive heat warning runs from noon today until 8 p.m. tomorrow. Dangerously hot weather is hitting most of the Central and Eastern U.S.

The Cleveland Indians swept the Detroit Tigers in a 6-3 victory last night at Progressive Field. It was their 11th straight victory over the Tigers, whose lineup had few answers to Trevor Bauer. The Indians ace righted himself after giving up two homers, including a two-run blast, early.  He struck out 10 and finished with three runs on five hits in six and two-thirds innings. Bauer, who's the subject of trade rumors, told reporters later he was pitching with “pure fury." He said it was mostly over the home runs. The Indians have won five straight and 11 of 13 overall.

Weather forecast for Cleveland: Mostly sunny and hot, high 95.  Humidity will make it feel as hot as 102.  Tonight, cloudy, a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Low 78.  Tomorrow, mostly sunny, a slight breeze, high 95. Heat index values as high as 103.  Sunday, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 8 a.m. Partly sunny, high a much cooler (relatively speaking) 85.