Regional News Stories Archive: January 2004

Unprecedented Changes Afoot for Ohio Health Care
Originally aired Monday, January 5, 2004
Governor Bob Taft could soon sign a bill that would create unprecedented changes in medical malpractice for doctors who volunteer to treat poor and uninsured patients in Ohio. Some applaud its innovation, while others criticize it for what they consider to be unfair. ideastream's Tasha Cook reports.

Making Change: Changing the Lakefront Character
Originally aired Wednesday, January 7, 2004
The City of Cleveland can finally move forward with the first stage of lakefront redevelopment. Last month, the state granted the city $50 million to give the Shoreway a makeover, and hopes are high that federal money will provide even more for reconstruction of I-90 and the innerbelt. It will be at least another five years, however, before Northeast Ohioans see the first construction crew break ground. As part of Making Change: Reinventing Our Economy, ideastream's Shula Neuman reports that there's still a lot of discussion remaining before any work can begin on re-doing the Lakefront's character.

Natural Gas Prices To Heat Up?
Originally aired Thursday, January 8, 2004
Winter has fully arrived, and heating demands are at their peak. It's a time of year that can really smart financially - gains achieved over the spring, summer and fall can quickly fly up the chimney over the winter. In late 2003, Ohioans were bracing for an especially painful bite as energy analysts and the media trumpeted huge jumps in the price of natural gas. How dramatically will that impact your home heating bill? Not as much as the headlines might have suggested, but still, those bills will still likely be pretty high. ideastream's Bill Rice explains.

Damra Out on Bond
Originally aired Wednesday, January 14, 2004
A well-known religious leader in Cleveland is out on bond, awaiting a federal trial next month for allegedly lying on his application for U.S. citizenship. Imam Fawaz Mohammed Damra is head of the Islamic Center of Cleveland. As Damra faces possible deportation, his friends and others in the community say he's being unfairly targeted. ideastream's Renita Jablonski reports.

90.3 at 9: Dick Goddard
Originally aired Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Ask people in northeast Ohio what makes the sun shine and the rain fall. They'll tell you - it's not the atmospheric conditions, it's not the almighty. It's Dick Goddard. Okay, so maybe he doesn't actually make the weather personally. But Dick Goddard knows more about it than almost anyone in Northeast Ohio. Join us as we discuss his new almanac.

Clear Skies - Cleveland
Originally aired Wednesday, January 14, 2004
The U.S. EPA is proposing changes to the Clean Air Act. Not everyone agrees that the changes are good. The biggest concern in Cleveland is the impact on human health. ideastream's Karen Schaefer has this report.

Still Too Hard To Read?
Originally aired Friday, January 16, 2004
OhioReads was the first bill Governor Bob Taft signed into law in 1999. Four years later and $138 million spent, the effectiveness of the program may still be hard to read. ideastream's Tasha Cook has this report.

Tough Times for Shaker Square
Originally aired Monday, January 19, 2004
Four years after new investment and a major facelift, Shaker Square on Cleveland's east side is again on the ropes. With the makeover came new merchants, including national chains, with the idea of giving a decidedly more upscale appeal to the historic center. Initial reviews were upbeat, but competition and lackluster management, according to some, have brought disappointing results. Now ownership of Shaker Square has reverted back to the bank, which has put it up for sale. Tenants, area residents and city leaders are hopeful for a new owner who will breathe new life into the complex. ideastream's Bill Rice has the story.

Making Change: Orange Cones for the Economic Good
Originally aired Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Winter might be beating up the roads now, but in just a few short months the orange cones will be out and the work of repairing winter's damage - improving the region's highways - will begin. Keeping our roads in prime condition isn't just for commuters' benefits; it's also a way for the state to sustain Northeast Ohio's status as one of the most transportation-friendly in the country. As part of Making Change: Reinventing Our Economy, ideastream's Shula Neuman reports on how Northeast Ohio's transportation infrastructure is a key to a healthy region.

90.3 at 9: Leadership Discussion
Originally aired Thursday, January 22, 2004
Cleveland is in the throes of an economic crisis which has had widespread repercussions, not the least of which seems to be a growing civic inferiority complex. While outlying suburbs enjoy growth, Cleveland is languishing. Optimism is evaporating along with the city payroll. While we can't do much about the national economy, we could do something about local leadership. People in the know have been telling us that Cleveland is leaderless; there's no one who is enunciating a vision for the future and seeking consensus. Today we'll discuss the issue of leadership: what do we need in a leader, where should a leader come from, and where should a leader be going to?

Cleveland Heights Begins Domestic Registry
Originally aired Monday, January 26, 2004
Today Cleveland Heights City Hall opens its doors to unmarried and gay couples to sign up for a groundbreaking domestic partner registry, a first in Ohio and the first registry in the nation adopted by voters. Today's registry comes less than a week after state legislators adopted a Defense of Marriage Act, banning same-sex unions. ideastream's Tasha Cook has this report.