Regional News Stories Archive: October 2003

Making Change:  Civic Entrepreneurs
Originally aired Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Every now and then an idea comes along that seems a little wacky but ends up helping Northeast Ohio. For example, an organization that tracks down former Clevelanders and hits them up for investments back home. Until recently, civic entrepreneurs--people who come up with those ideas--had to figure out on their own what it would take to get them off the ground. But this week, the Cleveland Foundation is kicking off a new venture to smooth the way for new ideas. As part of Making Change: Reinventing our Economy, ideastream's Shula Neuman reports.

Cleveland Rockers Now Just a Memory?
Originally aired Friday, October 3, 2003
The Cleveland Rockers may be history. The WNBA and the Gund Arena Corporation announced they'll no longer bankroll the team. It'll either be sold or disbanded, ending the seven-year tenure of women's professional basketball in Cleveland. The announcement preceded by days the news that the women's professional soccer league, WUSA, is folding. How concerned are the fans? Does the WNBA have a future in Cleveland? We'll get your thoughts and talk to a red-hot Rockers fan who's begun an effort to save the team.

Republican Williams to Challenge for Akron Mayoral Seat
Originally aired Monday, October 6, 2003
With less than a month left until Election Day, campaigns throughout northeast Ohio are kicking into full gear. Perhaps one of the most interesting races this election season is the one for Akron's mayoral seat. For the first time in more than a decade, 17-year incumbent Don Plusquellic is being challenged by a well-known name in Summit County politics. But just when you'd expect Republican challenger Bryan Williams to turn up the heat, he's toning it down. ideastream's Renita Jablonski reports.

Three Gov’t Bodies, One Goal
Originally aired Tuesday, October 7, 2003
Three governmental bodies, one goal: Cleveland City Council has voted in favor of an agreement between the Port Authority and the city that will turn some of Whiskey Island into a park. But the deal won't stop Cuyahoga County Commissioners from continuing their plan to purchase the property... to turn it into a park! ideastream's Janet Babin reports.

How St. Stanislaus Community is Coping: Interview with Richard Konisiewicz
Originally aired Friday, October 10, 2003
Last December, Cleveland's Slavic Village neighborhood was devestated by the murder of a well-known and well-loved Catholic priest, Father William Gulas of St. Stanislaus Church. Yesterday, the Franciscan student who pleaded guilty to the crime was sentenced to 24 years in prison. Daniel Montgomery had been working with Father Gulas. In some ways, the close working relationship between shooter and victim made the crime all the more disturbing to the surrounding community. We've invited Richard Konisiewicz in today. He works for the Cleveland Institute of Art, but he lives In Slavic Village, is president of the Warszawa Historic District Association, and is a member of St. Stan's parish. On today's 90.3 @ 9, ideastream's April Baer asked him how the community is coping.

Stress Levels Lashing Out At Work
Originally aired Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Tough economic times are translating into higher stress levels in the workplace. Many employers are putting extra emotional strain on workers and managers with higher performance demands. These additional pressures can lead to frustrations and conflicts between co-workers. Employers also worry about the effect on productivity and they're looking for help. ideastream's Mike West has more.

Kucinich Makes It Formal
Originally aired Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich formally launched his bid for the White House in Cleveland Monday. The 4-term congressman calls himself the urban populist candidate, but he's having trouble gaining enough popularity here at home and nationwide to be considered viable. ideastream's Janet Babin reports.

Making Change: Responding to the Challenge of Globalization
Originally aired Wednesday, October 15, 2003
There's no arguing that the economy is hitting manufacturing especially hard. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. has lost 16% of its manufacturing jobs over the past two-and-a-half years. Greater Cleveland is no exception; nearly 39,000 manufacturing jobs have left the region since August 2000. Many blame international competition and free trade agreements for this sector's demise. As part of Making Change; Reinventing our Economy, ideastream's Shula Neuman reports on the expanding impact of globalization and how Northeast Ohio industries are responding to the challenge.

Shoreway Redesign: Up to Residents
Originally aired Monday, October 20, 2003
Through the end of this year, Cleveland residents have an important voice in determining the future infrastructure of the Lake Erie shoreline. Last week, the Ohio Department of Transportation presented residents with three options for re-designing the Shoreway. The 8-mile stretch between Edgewater and Gordon Parks could become a slower parkway, a shoreline boulevard, or remain a limited-access highway. When the options were first presented a year and half ago by the Cleveland Growth Association, business leaders touted the potential for new development in neighborhoods made more accessible to Lake Erie. City officials believe greater public access could improve Cleveland's image as a desirable place to live. But it's up to residents to decide. Which option serves the greatest public good? ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Divided Over Legacy Village
Originally aired Thursday, October 23, 2003
This Friday marks the grand opening of a new shopping venue for Greater Clevelanders - not just new in time, but new in concept as well. Legacy Village, located in the eastern suburb of Lyndhurst is among the first so-called "lifestyle centers" to spring up in Northeast Ohio. The complex combines upscale shopping with dining and entertainment, and offers a carefully designed small town ambience that backers hope will become a premier destination in the region. But paving over prime green space on the property formerly occupied by TRW has been controversial. Now that the project is done, Lyndhurst residents are still divided on whether developing the land for retail use was a good idea. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

90.3 at 9: Legacy Village Call-In Program
Originally aired Thursday, October 23, 2003
Friday is the grand opening of Legacy Village, the newest lifestyle center to hit the region. It's big, it's bright, it's got a Cheesecake Factory. What will be its effect on the tiny community of Lyndhurst, and its East Ring neighbors? This morning, we speak with the developer, and some community residents who've been uneasy about the encroachment of upscale shopping in their town.

Making Change:  If You Can’t Be An Athlete: Sports & the Economy
Originally aired Wednesday, October 29, 2003
The Dayton Synchronettes won their 13th overall national title last weekend at the U.S. Masters Synchronized Swimming Championship in Cleveland. That left the home team, the Brecksville Blue Dolphins, trailing far behind after teams from California, D.C. and Michigan. But Northeast Ohio can still hold its head high. The Masters Championship brought about 500 people to Cleveland who spent roughly $175,000. As part of Making Change: Reinventing Our Economy, ideastream's Shula Neuman dives into the economic value of amateur athletic events like the one that made a splash this past weekend.