Blue marker region created in midi editor when I highlight multiple notes

Since updating to 11.2.1 every time I highlight multiple midi notes in the editor window a blue region with "markers" on either side gets created. If I hover over either of the "handles" on top the cursor shows I can stretch or compress the highlighted notes. But this region - or whatever it's called - is mostly just in the way, for example, if I want to adjust note velocities. Can I turn off this feature?