Regional News Stories Archive: December 2004

No Truce in Sight: Issue One
Originally aired Thursday, December 2, 2004
Issue One, which passed by a large margin a month ago and goes into effect today, enshrined marriage in Ohio's state Constitution as the exclusive right of male-female couples. Its passage - and the passage of 10 similar amendments across the U.S. - is the latest maneuver in a war over marriage being fought across the country. And with several protests of Issue One planned for today, no truce is anywhere in sight. ideastream's Cindi Deutschman-Ruiz reports.

Energy Auction Fails To Produce Lower Bidder
Originally aired Friday, December 10, 2004
An auction to test whether independent suppliers could beat FirstEnergy's price for generating electricity has failed to produce a lower bidder. Consumer advocates say that means FirstEnergy's 2.1 million customers will continue paying the highest rates in the state and could be subject to substantial increases. The state may hold another auction next year, but any prices set wouldn't go into effect until 2007. Advocates fear that even people who chose to shop for cheaper power may see their savings dwindle. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

What Happens After School Important, Too
Originally aired Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Most of the focus in education is on helping children achieve more in school, but what happens after school is also important. Studies show after school programs can improve academic achievement and reduce risky behavior. But according to a recent nationwide survey only 11% of America's schoolkids are involved in such programs, while many more spend their afternoons playing computer games, watching TV, or getting into trouble. As ideastream's Cindi Deutschman-Ruiz reports, kids are eager to participate - when given the opportunity.

Success Rates of Students at Community Colleges
Originally aired Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Nationwide, 2-year community colleges are enrolling record numbers of students, but for the majority it takes far longer than 2 years to finish - if they finish at all. Locally the numbers aren't much better. Reporter Annie Wu looks at what's behind the statistics, and what some area community colleges are doing to boost the success rate of students.

The Legacy of Davis-Besse: Jack Grobe Interview
Originally aired Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Web Exclusive - ideastream's Karen Schaefer spoke with Jack Grobe at his last 0350 panel meeting in December of 2004 about the legacy the Davis-Besse plant leaves behind in the industry and the NRC.

7th Generation: Citizen Science: Christmas Bird Count
Originally aired Tuesday, December 28, 2004
The National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count is underway this week in Northeast Ohio. Worldwide similar counts are showing that hundreds of species of birds are in trouble. In North America alone nearly a third of native bird populations are showing significant declines. Scientists say loss of habitat is the biggest factor, followed closely by global climate change. But scientists wouldn't know about these losses if it weren't for the thousands of ordinary citizens who take part in annual events like the Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count. For 105 years, bird lovers have been keeping records of the species and numbers of birds they see over the first three weeks of winter. As ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports, these citizen scientists are gathering data that could help protect our feathered friends.

From Fat to Fit in the New Year
Originally aired Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Web Exclusive - An interview with Cindy Moore, director of Nutrition Therapy at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, conducted by ideastream's Marie Andrusewicz.

Ethnic Media: A Voice of Their Own - Part 1
Originally aired Thursday, December 30, 2004
Ever since printers first set up shop in Northeast Ohio, a world of words has churned forth, reflecting our region's dense ethnic mix. Now, a new generation of publishers - and broadcasters - is growing, as recent immigrants change the look and sound of Greater Cleveland. In the first of a two-part report, ideastream's David C. Barnett examines the continuing passion of Northeast Ohio newcomers who want to have a voice of their own.

Ethnic Media: A Voice of Their Own - Part 2
Originally aired Thursday, December 30, 2004
As mainstream newspapers across the country struggle with declining circulation, a whole new generation of papers have appeared in many American cities. As new immigrant groups establish themselves in Greater Cleveland, they are turning to both print and broadcast outlets to tell their own stories. In the second of a two-part report, ideastream's David C. Barnett examines the challenges facing Northeast Ohio newcomers who want to have a voice of their own.