Regional News Stories Archive: September 2006

Voter Law Provisions Thrown Out
Originally aired Friday, September 1, 2006
In Cleveland Friday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Kathleen O'Malley threw out three provisions of Ohio's new law covering voter registrations. Plaintiffs had argued that House Bill 3, as interpreted by Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, was so strict that it would suppress voting in the state. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

First Ohio Gubernatorial Debate 2006
Originally aired Tuesday, September 5, 2006
90.3 WCPN presents the first Ohio Gubernatorial Debate, between Republican Ken Blackwell and Democrat Ted Strickland. The debate took place earlier this week in Youngstown.

UH Receives Psoriasis Grant
Originally aired Wednesday, September 6, 2006
University Hospitals of Cleveland has received a grant of $5 million to enhance its research into better treatment for psoriasis. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Audio Tour Reveals Cleveland’s Buildings
Originally aired Wednesday, September 6, 2006
A few big cities can offer regular guided tours of their history and architecture. But Clevelanders have not been so lucky - until now. A local architect has taken on the job herself to provide a walking tour of the city and its buildings - and it's free. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Schroeder Honored by Fellow Officers
Originally aired Thursday, September 7, 2006
Detective Jonathan Schroeder was honored by fellow officers from cities and suburbs across the state yesterday at a funeral service that was held at St. John's Cathedral, in downtown Cleveland. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports on the larger impact of one man's death.

Groundbreaking for New Akron Library
Originally aired Thursday, September 7, 2006
An Akron neighborhood is celebrating the groundbreaking of a new branch library. What seems like a minor event is the resolution of years of angry debate over the development of the area. ideastream's Mark Urycki has more.

Browns Season Opener on Sunday
Originally aired Friday, September 8, 2006
This is the weekend Browns fans have been waiting for. The Browns open the 2006 campaign at home Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. We'll see if Charlie Frye can run the Cleveland offense, and we'll see if the Browns defense can stop exciting newcomer Reggie Bush. Among the keenest observers will be longtime Akron Beacon Journal sportswriter Terry Pluto. Regina Brett chatted with him about the team's chances.

Relief from Noxious Landfill On Its Way
Originally aired Friday, September 8, 2006
Residents of Stark and Tuscarawas Counties may finally see some relief from the noxious odors of a local landfill. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Services Held For Reverend Albert Wagner
Originally aired Friday, September 8, 2006
Services were held yesterday for internationally known folk artist, Reverend Albert Wagner, who died last week at the age of 82. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more on the man who the New York Times called "the Moses of East Cleveland."

Great Lakes Water Levels Dropping
Originally aired Friday, September 8, 2006
After more than 30 years of historic highs, water levels in the Great Lakes took a nosedive in the late 1990s. While Lakes Erie and Ontario have since partially recovered, Huron and Michigan are still a foot-and-a-half below normal. Low water levels are already causing problems there. Now comes a new report predicting an even steeper drop in coming years - and a new culprit: climate change. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Lake Erie Clean-up to Proceed
Originally aired Monday, September 11, 2006
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Joe Koncelik announced last week that the state will push ahead with clean-up of Lake Erie, with or without federal funds. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Case Mapping Genes in Colon and Breast Cancer
Originally aired Monday, September 11, 2006
Researchers from Case Medical Center in Cleveland, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, have nearly finished mapping genes in human colon and breast cancers. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Many Americans Still Unrecovered
Originally aired Monday, September 11, 2006
The television images of September 11th, 2001 are burned into the memories of many Americans. But, for Oberlin College Theater Professor Roger Copeland, the scenes of jet crashes and collapsing towers have become the building blocks of a new film that examines the psychological aftermath of 9-11. The film has already generated some buzz, thanks to a favorable review in Vanity Fair. ideastream's David C. Barnett spoke with Copeland about his production, called The Unrecovered.

Mass of Remembrance for 9-11
Originally aired Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Nearly 500 people attended a special Mass of Remembrance yesterday at St. John Cathedral downtown. It was one of several ceremonies held in observance of the September 11th terrorist attacks. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more.

West Nile on the Rise in Cleveland
Originally aired Tuesday, September 12, 2006
West Nile virus activity is increasing in the Greater Cleveland area according to new reports from the Ohio Department of Health. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Ashtabula River Dredging Begins
Originally aired Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Dredging of tons of contaminated sediments from the Ashtabula River began last week. It's part of a larger effort to restore the ecological health of the Great Lakes. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Inner Belt Rehab: Bridge Options Narrowed to Three
Originally aired Wednesday, September 13, 2006
The options for a new I-90 inner belt bridge have been narrowed from eight down to three. As ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports, Northeast Ohio residents and planners have less than 30 days to share their opinions with the Ohio Department of Transportation.

New Wireless Network Unveiled
Originally aired Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Much has been made of the OneCommunity Network in Cleveland as a milestone in communications infrastructure. It's a system currently geared to education and non-profit institutions that uses the city's fiber-optic lines for all kinds of data communication. Today, OneCommunity, formerly OneCleveland, will roll out the latest in communications technology to take root in Cleveland. It's called a wireless mesh, and it's designed to give residents, through data transmitters scattered across neighborhoods, a much wider umbrella for wireless access to the network - and the internet. Lev Gonick is vice president of Information Technology Services at Case Western Reserve University, which is a major partner in the project. He's also president of the board of OneCleveland. Gonick says the wireless mesh could actually shake up the status quo of internet service.

Ohio Supreme Court Halts Subpoenas
Originally aired Wednesday, September 13, 2006
The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to halt subpoenas for evidence in a case where the Ohio Democratic Party is challenging Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Keeping Hopkins Competitive
Originally aired Thursday, September 14, 2006
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson wants to keep Hopkins Airport competitive with regional airports and yesterday he rolled out his plans to move in that direction. The mayor's also considering the future of the Burke Lakefront airfield. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more.

Non-Profit Hospitals Being Investigated
Originally aired Thursday, September 14, 2006
In Washington, the Senate Finance Committee is investigating whether non-profit hospitals deserve their tax-exempt status. At a hearing yesterday, senators questioned such practices as extensive, high-cost foreign travel at, among other places, the Cleveland Clinic. ideastream's Karen Schaefer has more.

Strong Labor Image Harmful to Cleveland?
Originally aired Thursday, September 14, 2006
Labor unions in Northeast Ohio, as elsewhere around the country, are able to flex considerably less muscle today than they have in the past. Cleveland is long recognized as a big union town, and some have argued that new companies - or existing ones looking to relocate - cast a wary eye on the city because of its strong labor image. Are they right? George Buckingham is a professor of business at Cleveland State University, and a former deputy director for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in Washington. We put the question to him.

Signing Up for Boutique Medicine
Originally aired Thursday, September 14, 2006
Imagine sitting in a satin robe, sipping purified water, as relaxation music plays in the background. No, you're not at a spa. You're getting a strep test and you are the only patient in the waiting room. Sound a little more luxurious than your last throat culture? This V.I.P. patient treatment is part of a new trend called "boutique" medicine. Four boutique practices have recently arrived in our area. They offer comfort, and availability whenever you need - but all the perks do come with a price tag. ideastream's Elaine Falk met with some patients who have signed up.

Clevelanders Recall the Hungarian Revolution
Originally aired Friday, September 15, 2006
After years of living in fear under Soviet domination, Hungarian rebels staged a spontaneous revolution in October of 1956 that resulted in a heady week of freedom that ended up crushed under Russian tank treads. As we approach the 50th anniversary of those momentous days, Northeast Ohioans of Hungarian descent are remembering an event that shook history and changed their lives.

Balancing Heritages: Joe Eszterhas Interview
Originally aired Friday, September 15, 2006
Web Exclusive: Screenwriter and former Plain Dealer reporter Joe Eszterhas spent his Cleveland childhood trying to balance his Hungarian heritage and his American upbringing. ideastream's David C. Barnett produced this 1996 profile of a boy drifting between the old world and the new.

Group Backs Bill to Limit Greenhouse Gas
Originally aired Friday, September 15, 2006
While states like Arizona and California are making their own plans to fight global warming, an Ohio environmental group is urging state lawmakers to back a federal bill that would roll-back emissions of greenhouse gases. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Absentee Ballots Encouraged
Originally aired Friday, September 15, 2006
The Cuyahoga County Commissioners are hoping many voters won't show up at the polls in November. The three democrats want voters to, instead, file absentee ballots. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Making Change: Voices & Tough Choices
Originally aired Monday, September 18, 2006
Hundreds of people from across Northeast Ohio spent the better part of a sunny Saturday indoors, plotting a new economic course for the region. It's the latest step in a planning process aimed at giving citizens more say in public policy. As a part of Making Change: Building Our Region's Future, ideastream's David C. Barnett reports the 18-month Voices & Choices has reached a pivotal stage.

Education Series: Charter Schools
Originally aired Monday, September 18, 2006
State report cards show test scores for Ohio's more than 300 charter schools improving. But controversy over Ohio's charter school efforts continues. Critics cite concerns over spotty performance and weak accountability as tax dollars leave the traditional public school system. Over the next two weeks, 90.3 will focus on educational obstacles and opportunities in Ohio. ideastream's Mhari Saito starts with this report on Charter Schools.

Ohio Democrats Poised for Big Wins
Originally aired Monday, September 18, 2006
Less than two months before election day, Democrats say they've never been in a better position to win major state offices. ideastream's Karen Schaefer brings us this check on the pulse of Ohio Democrats' mood, money and message.

Big Changes at Ford
Originally aired Monday, September 18, 2006
The beginning of the work week today takes on a completely different feel for Ohioans who work for Ford. On Thursday, the company announced it was hoping to cut its workforce in half through layoffs and buyouts. On Friday, Ford said it would close its plants in Windsor, Ontario, and Maumee, Ohio. Ohio Senator George Voinovich will speak with company officials today. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Teacher Training Doesn’t Prepare for Reality
Originally aired Tuesday, September 19, 2006
A new report, released by the non-partisan, Education Schools Project, finds the schools training America's teachers are not adequately preparing them for realities found in the nation's classrooms. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Arts Groups Promoting Issue 18
Originally aired Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Local orchestras, art museums and theater troupes are gearing up to promote a new tax on cigarettes. The groups are suddenly interested in tobacco because a proposed piggyback tax of thirty cents per pack will mean millions of dollars for them. It's called Issue 18 and voters in Cuyahoga County will decide it seven weeks from today. ideastream's Mark Urycki filed this report.

National League of Women Voters Head in Town
Originally aired Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The head of the National League of Women Voters is in Cleveland today, talking to local league chapters about how to better ensure that all eligible voters get the chance to cast their ballots. Mary Wilson took over as National President last may. She's visiting five states between now and the November election. Wilson says the Help America Vote Act of 2002 has been beneficial, but some voters still face problems at the polls.

Second Ohio Gubernatorial Debate 2006
Originally aired Wednesday, September 20, 2006
90.3 WCPN presents the second Ohio Gubernatorial Debate, between Republican Ken Blackwell and Democrat Ted Strickland. The debate took place earlier today in Cleveland.

Education Series: Public School Funding Still an Issue
Originally aired Wednesday, September 20, 2006
It's been four years since the Ohio Supreme Court last ruled the state's public school funding system unconstitutional, saying it relies too heavily on local property taxes. Since that time, the legislature has taken no action to change that, even as inequities in school quality continue to persist. As part of our focus this month on the obstacles Ohio faces to better public education, we get a read on where the issue of public school funding stands as the November election approaches.

Drawing the Line on Biomedical Conflicts of Interest
Originally aired Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Leaders from medical institutions and journals from around the country will be in Cleveland today to talk about where their profession should draw the line on biomedical conflicts of interest. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Returning Home
Originally aired Thursday, September 21, 2006
It can be hard enough getting by in the current economy, but that's just the beginning of the struggle for many ex-cons trying to re-make their lives after serving their time. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports on a new study that tracks the post-prison lives of men trying to start over again. It provides evidence that their success - or lack of it - can have an impact on everyone's pocketbook.

Student Reaction to Education Debate
Originally aired Thursday, September 21, 2006
Future Ohio voters paid close attention to yesterday's debate. Lorain High School Students found themselves split on the winner and realized what concerns them about their education isn't necessarily on the candidate's political radar. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Education Debate Wrap
Originally aired Thursday, September 21, 2006
The two candidates for Ohio governor appeared in their second debate of the campaign Wednesday. This time they focused on just one subject - education. Even with an hour to discuss their ideas, the two men were short on specifics. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Summit on Biomedical Ethics Held at Cleveland Clinic
Originally aired Friday, September 22, 2006
As collaborations between healthcare organizations and industry increase, the ethics of those partnerships are increasingly being called into question. This week, the Cleveland Clinic hosted a national summit on biomedical conflicts of interest. Members of the medical community from across the nation say they're anxious to repair the erosion of public trust but exactly how far to go is up for debate. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Getting the Kids into Nature: Richard Louv Interview
Originally aired Friday, September 22, 2006
So the summer's almost over, the kids have enough homework to keep them inside long after dark - which itself gets earlier and earlier each day. Have you ever considered that not having the kids outside is detrimental to their health, physical and mental? Richard Louv has. He's written about the need to get kids out into nature. He's the author of seven books about nature, family, and our communities. And with a book title like: Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, you can guess our topic this morning.

Midwest Leaders to Discuss Restoring Great Lakes
Originally aired Friday, September 22, 2006
This weekend, government leaders from around the Midwest will join advocates for the environment in downtown Cleveland this weekend to plot a course for restoring the Great Lakes. ideastream's Bill Rice has more.

Rights, Responsibilities and Realities
Originally aired Monday, September 25, 2006
Reading and math scores are generally the first measure of student success, and what we hear about most. But area legal professionals are bringing social studies to the fore with a new program this year in the Cleveland schools. Over 700 lawyers, judges, and law students will be visiting 10th grade social studies classes across the district to teach the constitution and mentor inner-city students. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Flats Development Now in Court
Originally aired Monday, September 25, 2006
The future of a $230 million development project in Cleveland's Flats district may hinge on a legal case scheduled to start this morning in a downtown courtroom. At issue is the right of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority to acquire private property for developer Scott Wolstein by eminent domain. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more on what's likely to happen today in Cuyahoga County Probate Court.

Education Series: Making College Affordable in Ohio
Originally aired Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Many analysts looking for answers to Ohio's lagging economy say you don't need to look much farther than the state's low number of college graduates. In a recent survey, Ohio ranked 38th in the nation for adults with a bachelor's degree or higher. Education experts say there are a lot of reasons for that, but the biggest one they cite is cost. As part our focus on education in Ohio, ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports that just how to make college more affordable remains an issue for debate.

Consolidating the Eminent Domain Cases
Originally aired Tuesday, September 26, 2006
A judge is considering whether to consolidate 14 cases challenging the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's right to acquire property in the East Flats through eminent domain. The Port Authority plans to sell the land to developer Scott Wolstein. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Education Series: What Ohio Workers Need for the Future
Originally aired Wednesday, September 27, 2006
For generations, Northeast Ohio's economy was friendly to workers with nothing more than high school diplomas. But recent buyouts at GM, Delphi, and Ford have underscored the fact that those jobs in manufacturing are disappearing. In the latest installment of our special coverage of education, ideastream's Mark Urycki examines what workers need for the future and how they'll get it.

Study Shows Ohio Can Afford Minimum Wage Hike
Originally aired Wednesday, September 27, 2006
A new study shows that despite its flagging economy, Ohio can not only afford to increase the minimum wage, but could actually benefit from it in terms of economic growth. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Capital Climate Not as Bright in NE Ohio
Originally aired Wednesday, September 27, 2006
A new survey says entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio are confident in their ability to start businesses in the region. However, they say the climate for raising capital isn't as bright as other parts of the country. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Preventing Invasive Species in Great Lakes
Originally aired Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Coast Guard is holding a two-day conference in Cleveland starting today to discuss the latest technologies to prevent new invasive species from entering the Great Lakes. ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports.

Panel Examines Voting Problems
Originally aired Thursday, September 28, 2006
Cuyahoga County's transition from punch cards to new electronic voting machines in last May's primary was far from smooth. Despite numerous reviews, recommendations and changes since then, many are wondering how well the upcoming November election will go. Yesterday at the City Club of Cleveland, a three-person panel discussed what went wrong last time and what's been done to fix it. As ideastream's Karen Schaefer reports, the level of confidence in those repairs depends on who you talk to.

The Silver Lining in GOP Non-Selection
Originally aired Thursday, September 28, 2006
The site selection committee for the 2008 Republican National Convention has chosen Minneapolis-St. Paul over Cleveland. City leaders acknowledge some disappointment, but as ideastream's Dan Moulthrop explains, they still see a victory.

Education Series: Classroom Discipline
Originally aired Thursday, September 28, 2006
Cleveland Schools CEO Eugene Sanders has said that cracking down on unruly behavior is one of his top priorities. While stories of student fights and teacher assaults make the headlines, there are educators working quietly within the system who maintain order against all odds. ideastream's David C. Barnett recently paid a visit to a local classroom where discipline is a matter of mutual respect.

Barberton Students Suspended Over Flier
Originally aired Friday, September 29, 2006
This week, twenty students were suspended from Barberton High School near Akron for planning a walk out in support of their teachers who may go on strike next week. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Sample Tests Begin This Fall in Cleveland Schools
Originally aired Friday, September 29, 2006
The Cleveland Public Schools will soon be giving students sample tests in core subjects to find weaknesses in various subjects. The aim is to give schools and parents several months to improve student achievement before real tests are given in the spring. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.