Regional News Stories Archive: November 2006

Issue 18: Joe Rice Interview
Originally aired Wednesday, November 1, 2006
In six days, voters in Cuyahoga County will be asked whether they favor raising the cigarette tax in order to support the arts. Yesterday we heard from a leading proponent of Issue 18, but today we'll hear a different perspective. We're joined on the line by Joe Rice, director of Citizens Against New Taxes, a group formed in response to this particular issue.

Statehouse News Bureau: Court Decides Voter ID Law Stands
Originally aired Wednesday, November 1, 2006
A federal appeals court says Ohio's new identification requirements for absentee ballots should stand. The ruling yesterday by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overruled a lower court's decision to suspend the state's new ID law as it pertains to people voting absentee. Now a federal judge is set to hear more arguments today about a different part of the identification law. The ID law was aimed at solving voting problems that erupted during the 2004 presidential election. But some Ohioans think the new law itself is causing more problems than it's solving. From Ohio Public Radio, Jo Ingles reports.

AFL/CIO Kicks Off Get Out The Vote Effort
Originally aired Wednesday, November 1, 2006
The Republican National Committee is known for its sophisticated get out the vote effort which has been credited with swinging tight races in its favor. Now supporters of the Democrats are trying to do much of the same. The AFL/CIO is kicking off a phone-call program in Ohio this Saturday. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Issue 3 Debated at City Club
Originally aired Thursday, November 2, 2006
With a week to go before the election, proponents for and against legalizing casino-style gambling in Ohio are ratcheting up their campaigns. Campaign spokesmen for and against Issue 3 sparred at the City Club of Cleveland. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Case Has High Hopes for New Engineering Lab
Originally aired Thursday, November 2, 2006
Case Western Reserve University hopes its new technologically advanced laboratory will do more than court premier students and faculty to its engineering school. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports the University wants to bring a bit of silicon-valley entrepreneurial spirit to the region.

Dire Predictions if Akron School Levy Fails
Originally aired Thursday, November 2, 2006
Akron City Schools, the most successful of Ohio's big urban districts, is predicting dire consequences if it's levy proposal fails. Its campaign links the success of the schools to the success of the city. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

School Levies on Ballot Next Week
Originally aired Thursday, November 2, 2006
Six years ago, about 30% of school levy proposals in Ohio failed to pass. Today, the failure rate is up to 60%. In Northeast Ohio, over 35 districts are asking voters to approve property tax increases next week to fund schools. If they don't, many say the consequences could be drastic. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Interview with ACLU’s Carrie Davis
Originally aired Thursday, November 2, 2006
On Tuesday, for the first time, Ohio voters will have to show ID before casting their ballots. The state legislature made the requirement earlier this year with the goal of combating fraud. But some labor and poverty groups are challenging the new law in court, arguing that it may disenfranchise a segment of the population. So what do you need to take along when you go to the polls, and what should you do if what you do bring isn't accepted? We're joined this morning by Carrie Davis, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union who's following these issues.

Statehouse News Bureau: Slim Increase in ‘06 Voters
Originally aired Thursday, November 2, 2006
More Ohio voters will cast ballots in next Tuesday's election than in the last two off-presidential elections, but it won't be a huge increase. That's the prediction from Ohio elections officials. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Pinwheel Ads
Originally aired Thursday, November 2, 2006
This has been one of the most expensive and nasty campaign seasons in recent history. The Associated Press reports that nationally, the political parties spent 10 times more money on negative ads than on positive commercials. And much of that money has been spent in Ohio. Public radio reporters from all parts of the state asked Ohioans their thoughts on the tactics the candidates and the parties are using to communicate with voters. Here are some of their responses.

Statehouse News Bureau: History on Blackwell’s Side
Originally aired Thursday, November 2, 2006
Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland is more than 20 points ahead of Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell in most polls. But while Strickland might have polling on his side, Blackwell has history on his. In an interview with Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles, Tom Reeder of the Ohio Historical Society explains why history favors Blackwell.

Foreclosure Series: Bringing Relief
Originally aired Friday, November 3, 2006
Cuyahoga County leads the state in the number of people losing their homes to foreclosure. Experts point to unemployment, a sluggish economy and an active sub-prime lending market. Academics, advocates and legislators meet at Trinity Commons today to talk about how we got here and new legislation they hope will bring some relief. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Factors Could Delay Vote Count Tuesday
Originally aired Friday, November 3, 2006
In Cuyahoga County, problems with electronic voting delayed last May's primary vote count for several days. Elections officials believe they've solved most of those problems, but they say new challenges - like the high number of absentee ballots - could delay the count once again on Tuesday. ideastream's Elaine Falk reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Amateur Video at Polls on Tuesday
Originally aired Friday, November 3, 2006
If you go to the polls next Tuesday, don't be surprised if you see people shooting amateur video, either inside the polling place, or outside. Voting rights activists are organizing people with video cameras to document any problems with the voting process. Some believe a new law requiring voters to show an ID may spark disputes, and the installation of new voting machines may confuse some voters. Rob Ebright is helping coordinate this volunteer effort to document this year's voting process. He talked with Ohio Public Radio's Bill Cohen.

Daily Show in Ohio
Originally aired Friday, November 3, 2006
Hollywood actors and famous politicians have been visiting Ohio this past week hoping to energize various political campaigns. What effect they have is open to debate but one celebrity looks to outshine all the others in influencing young people. ideastream's Mark Urycki filed this report.

Reflecting on 100 Years of Alzheimer’s Research
Originally aired Monday, November 6, 2006
This week, Case Western Reserve University is hosting a conference reflecting on 100 years of Alzheimer's research. ideastream's Elaine Falk has more.

Watchdogs Over Election
Originally aired Monday, November 6, 2006
An extra set of eyes will be watching Cuyahoga County's election tomorrow. A collaboration of several watchdog groups has been formed with the blessings of the Board of Elections. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more.

Income Tax to Fund Schools
Originally aired Monday, November 6, 2006
Both of Ohio's candidates for governor have said the state relies too much on property taxes to pay for public schools, although their proposals for alternatives are vague and varied. Meanwhile, voters in three Northeast Ohio school districts are considering a little-used funding option that's already on the books. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Ohio’s Political Maverick: Frank Lausche
Originally aired Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Voters across Ohio are having their say today, after weeks of invective from candidates and TV ads. Younger observers might assume that the polarization of politics is par for the course, but there was a time when political divisions weren't so mean spirited, and when political rhetoric was far more compelling. A new biography of a pioneering Cleveland politician captures those times. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports on a man who's been called "Ohio's political maverick," Frank Lausche, who rose to the U.S. Senate by appealing to people of both parties.

Medical Innovation Summit at Clinic
Originally aired Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Business and medicine is meeting at the Medical Innovation Summit happening at the Cleveland Clinic this week. This year, the annual summit is focusing on medical devices and innovations in neuroscience. ideastream's Elaine Falk has more.

Ohio Lags in Cell Phone Locators for 911
Originally aired Tuesday, November 7, 2006
A new report says Ohio lags much of the nation in implementing a system to pinpoint 911 calls made from cell phones. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Getting Out the Vote
Originally aired Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Strategists with both parties know that regardless of what the polls suggest, the results don't matter if supporters don't vote. And that's what they were telling their forces yesterday on election eve. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

Evolution Key Issue in Education Race
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Evolution was a key issue in a northeast Ohio race for the State Board of Education. ideastream's Paul Cox has more.

Majority of School Levies Pass
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Voters in Northeast Ohio faced a number of property tax levies and three income tax levies to fund schools. The majority of them passed. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Sutton Wins 13th District Seat
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
By a greater than 20% margin, Democrat Betty Sutton won the 13th congressional seat being vacated by Sherrod Brown. ideastream's Annie Wu stopped by the defeated Republican candidate's headquarters in Lorain, and filed this report.

Dems Gains One Seat in Ohio Congressional Races
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Democrats in Ohio were able to gain just one seat of the 18 congressional districts in the state. They now hold seven seats while the Republicans control 11. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

No Slot Machines for Ohio
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
It looks like there won't be any slot machines coming to downtown Cleveland or Ohio racetracks in the near future. But backers of defeated State Issue 3 pledge they'll be back again. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports.

Issue 18 Passage Gives Boost to Local Culture
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Area artists, theaters and museums got a financial boost last night as Cuyahoga County voters approved an excise tax on cigarette sales to fund arts and culture. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports on the passage of Issue 18.

Voting Machine Problems Keep Polls Open Late
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Voting in Cuyahoga County went more smoothly than in May, when technical problems held up the vote count for six days. But voting machine problems and a lawsuit kept some area polls open late and delayed the release of voting results across the state. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Smoke Free Measure Passes
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys throughout Ohio will soon be smoke free after passing a new statewide smoking ban. Ohio Public Radios' Jo Ingles reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Brown Elected to U.S. Senate
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
As polls predicted, Ohio's senior senator lost his re-election bid to progressive democratic congressman Sherrod Brown. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Strickland Wins Governorship
Originally aired Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Democrat Ted Strickland has won a smashing victory in the governor's race over his Republican challenger Ken Blackwell. Our Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Brown Discusses Rumsfeld Resignation
Originally aired Thursday, November 9, 2006
The President and his Iraq policies were big losers in this weeks elections. Among the first major repercussions has been the resignation of one of the prime architect's of U.S. strategy in Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. It's a topic Ohio's Democratic senator-elect Sherrod Brown discussed with ideastream's David Molpus. Brown says he hopes Rumsfeld's departure signifies that the Bush administration does have an open mind about what to do next in Iraq.

Bliss Institute Analyzes Ohio Election
Originally aired Thursday, November 9, 2006
How Sherrod Brown and other Democrats managed to win races in Ohio is the bread and butter for researchers at the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron. ideastream's Mark Urycki spoke with the Institute's Associate Director about what happened in Ohio.

Cuyahoga Election Officials Happy with Process
Originally aired Thursday, November 9, 2006
Elections officials in Cuyahoga County say their count is now 99.9% complete and are happy with how election day went. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Schreckengost Receives National Medal of the Arts
Originally aired Thursday, November 9, 2006
Legendary Northeast Ohio designer Viktor Schreckengost is being honored at the White House today for a lifetime of work that has touched the lives of millions of Americans. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports that the Cleveland Heights resident will receive the National Medal of the Arts.

New Coach in Town for CSU Vikings
Originally aired Thursday, November 9, 2006
Cleveland State University's basketball team kicks off its season Saturday night against George Mason University. It's a tough opponent. You might remember George Mason's improbable run to the final four in the NCAA tournament last year. The Cleveland State Vikings have had their share of struggles in recent years but they do have a new head coach. Gary Waters has experience at the helm of other basketball programs, including those at Kent State and Rutgers. We asked him what he learned from his time at Rutgers that he might bring to Cleveland.

Statehouse News Bureau: Divided Statehouse
Originally aired Thursday, November 9, 2006
Tuesday's vote brought Democrats to power on the federal level, though here in Ohio, the state legislature remains in Republican hands. With a Democratic governor coming to power, that will almost certainly mean a change in how - and if - new laws get passed. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Issue 3 Defeated
Originally aired Thursday, November 9, 2006
For the third time in 16 years, Ohio voters have said no to expanded gambling. This time, voters defeated a ballot issue that would have allowed thousands of electronic slot machines at the state's seven race tracks, plus two developments in Cleveland. It's a huge defeat for the gaming industry, which spent about 20 times more to sell the issue than critics spent to defeat it. Our Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen has the story.

From “I Want You” to “Army Strong”
Originally aired Friday, November 10, 2006
After several years of recruiting woes, the U.S. Army launched an expensive advertising campaign last night, aimed at convincing young people to sign up and serve their country. Given mounting public opinion against the war in Iraq, it may be a tough sell. ideastream's David C. Barnett examines the history of military marketing.

Goodyear Back at Bargaining Table
Originally aired Friday, November 10, 2006
Akron-based Goodyear is going back to the bargaining table with the United Steelworkers union. The two sides agreed yesterday to head back to Cincinnati to resolve a month long strike of some 12,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada. ideastream's Mark Urycki has details.

Statehouse News Bureau: GOP Eases on Illegal Immigrant Crackdown
Originally aired Friday, November 10, 2006
What a difference three months can make. This summer, Republican leaders of the legislature vowed to pass a crackdown on illegal immigrants by the end of the year. Now, the GOP leaders are dropping those plans, at least for the time being. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: New Inductees to Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
Originally aired Monday, November 13, 2006
20 veterans were inducted into this year's Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, including two former state legislators, and veterans of the Civil War and the War of 1812. Here's an audio postcard from the event, from the Statehouse News Bureau of Ohio Public Radio and Television.

Statehouse News Bureau: Politicians Reflecting on Election Night
Originally aired Monday, November 13, 2006
The heads of Ohio's major political parties have had a few days to reflect on what happened on election night. And they're determining what they need to do to get ready for the next campaign season - which, for many strategists and would-be candidates, has already started. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Ohio’s New Political Landscape
Originally aired Monday, November 13, 2006
Last week's election results will mean a new political landscape in the Ohio legislature. Republicans will continue to dominate in both the House and Senate, but their margins over Democrats will be smaller. Plus, the Republicans will have to deal with a Democrat in the Governor's office. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Making Ohio an Alternative Energy Leader
Originally aired Monday, November 13, 2006
New democratic leaders in Ohio are gearing up plans to make the Buckeye State a leader in alternative energy. But what does that really mean? Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles has details.

Shock Over Levert Loss
Originally aired Monday, November 13, 2006
Family, friends and music industry colleagues are still in shock over the loss of Northeast Ohio Rhythm & Blues star Gerald Levert who died of a reported heart attack, this past Friday. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more on the man and his music.

Statehouse News Bureau: New Laws To Go Into Effect
Originally aired Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Ohio's businesses are gearing up for two major changes in the next couple of months. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles explains restaurants, bars, and bowling alleys throughout Ohio are preparing to go smoke free, and some of them are preparing to give some employees a pay hike.

Statehouse News Bureau: Activists Win Abortion Ruling
Originally aired Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Activists who've been trying to limit abortions in Ohio have won a victory in a federal appeals court. The justices have ruled it is constitutional for the state to require women seeking abortions to meet with a doctor beforehand. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Noe Convicted
Originally aired Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The former coin dealer who's been at the center of a controversial investment at the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation has been convicted of serious charges against him. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports.

Making Wind Power Blossom in Ohio
Originally aired Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Ohio is second only to California in the number of potential new jobs a thriving wind power industry could bring, says the advocacy group Environment Ohio. It's calling on elected leaders to insure the industry blossoms in the Buckeye State. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Arcoxia Not Expected to Meet FDA Approval
Originally aired Tuesday, November 14, 2006
A top physician at the Cleveland Clinic is among several doctors opposing FDA approval of Merck Pharmaceuticals' new drug Arcoxia. They're calling a new study that shows the drug is safe flawed. ideastream's Elaine Falk has more.

Controlling Invasive Species at the Metro Parks
Originally aired Tuesday, November 14, 2006
About a dozen volunteers will be tromping through the woods of Sand Run Park this morning cutting down grape vines. The work is one of many projects that Summit County Metro Parks use to control invasive species. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

The Future of Ohio Education in Strickland’s Hands
Originally aired Tuesday, November 14, 2006
On the campaign trail, Governor-elect Ted Strickland called for a number of improvements to Ohio's education system from kindergarten to workforce training. But Strickland's ideas are bound to meet some level of resistance from the Republican-controlled Ohio Legislature. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton has a look at the path ahead.

Too Much Medical Knowledge?
Originally aired Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Often doctors are viewed with almost god-like reverence - trustworthy, all-knowing with years of stored up knowledge to make the right diagnosis. Well, a new series of reports in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that doctors are being saturated with so much knowledge, they've hit overload levels. The Journal says the problem begins in medical school. Among the medical schools already addressing the problem is Case Western Reserve University. ideastream's Elaine Falk reports.

Key Bank V.P. to Appear Before Judge
Originally aired Wednesday, November 15, 2006
A senior vice president of Key Bank will go before a federal judge tomorrow for a bond hearing. The U.S. Attorney's office will argue that David Verhotz is a flight risk after allegedly embezzling millions of dollars. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: The Noe Effect
Originally aired Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Now that former coin dealer Tom Noe has been convicted on federal and state charges of wrongdoing, what last effect will the scandal involving him have on the future of politics in Ohio? Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles tries to find the answer to that question.

Tri-C Professors Honored
Originally aired Thursday, November 16, 2006
Community colleges enroll almost half of all U.S. undergraduates, and they serve disproportionately high numbers of students of color, as well as first-generation, low-income, and adult students. That can create enormous challenges for teachers. This year, two Tri-C professors are being honored by the Carnegie Foundation for meeting that challenge. It's the first time two professors from the same school in the same year have received the award. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton has the story.

Cleveland Students Test Below Average in Science
Originally aired Thursday, November 16, 2006
Cleveland 4th and 8th grade students fared well below the national average in a national assessment of science achievement among urban school children. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Provisional Ballots to Decide Ohio 15th
Originally aired Thursday, November 16, 2006
So the elections are behind us and it's time now for congress to proceed with the country's business. Much of the focus now is on Washington, the lame duck congress and the priorities for the year ahead. But here in Ohio, two congressional races aren't quite over. They're so close, in fact, that provisional ballots are going to decide the winners when they're tallied this weekend. We spoke with James Nash, a reporter with the Columbus Dispatch, who has been following the race in Ohio's 15th congressional district closely.

Taxi Companies Find Common Ground
Originally aired Thursday, November 16, 2006
Former combatants showed a united front yesterday at a Cleveland City Council meeting. For months, several area taxi cab companies serving Cleveland Hopkins Airport have been fighting over too few customers. But, ideastream's David C. Barnett reports they found common ground in their opposition to a new proposal designed to clear-up the overwhelming taxi traffic.

Statehouse News Bureau: Proposed Law Cracks Down on University Admissions
Originally aired Thursday, November 16, 2006
If you don't take rigorous courses in high school, you won't be directly admitted to a four-year state-supported university in Ohio. That's the main thrust of a proposed new law that Governor Bob Taft, many Republican legislators, and some business leaders are pushing. The proposal has its critics, though. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen has both sides of the story.

Statehouse News Bureau: Tobacco Quitline Helping Thousands
Originally aired Thursday, November 16, 2006
As Ohio businesses prepare to implement the new law banning smoking in public places, some smokers might be thinking about quitting the habit. The Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation wants to help Ohioans stop smoking by offering free and low cost counseling and nicotine patches. In an interview with Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles, the foundation's executive director, Mike Renner, says the tobacco quit line is helping thousands of Ohioans.

From the Projects to Politics
Originally aired Friday, November 17, 2006
The fact that an African American can be a mayor or congressperson in Northeast Ohio isn't very controversial these days. But, 40 years ago, the political landscape was quite different. The path that Frank Jackson, Mike White and Stephanie Tubbs Jones took to power was paved by a couple of brothers from a housing project on the east side of Cleveland. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports on a new exhibit opening this weekend that traces the lives of Carl and Louis Stokes.

Statehouse News Bureau: Freshman Orientation on Captiol Hill
Originally aired Friday, November 17, 2006
Zack Space is in Washington right now, learning how to be a member of Congress. Just days after being elected to the seat vacated by Bob Ney, Space and 49 other incoming House freshmen are taking part in an orientation. Here's reporter Fred Kight with an update on how things are going and Space's plans for his new job.

Statehouse News Bureau: Election R&D
Originally aired Friday, November 17, 2006
The leaders of Ohio's two major political parties have had a little time to think about the outcome of last week's elections. And as Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports, they say they know where they went wrong, what went right, and how they'll handle certain situations in the future.

Statehouse News Bureau: Ohio Bishops Help Pay For Counseling
Originally aired Friday, November 17, 2006
Catholic Bishops in Ohio are making $3 million available to pay for the psychological counseling expenses of people who claim they've been sexually abused by priests. Ohio Public Radio's Bill Cohen reports.

Evaluating the Polls
Originally aired Friday, November 17, 2006
The top two Ohio races in last week's elections were not tough to call. But some pollsters did better than others in predicting the tallies in the Governor and U.S. Senate races. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Testing for Sudden Cardiac Death
Originally aired Friday, November 17, 2006
A study led by MetroHealth Medical Center shows a new, non-invasive test may be able to predict which patients are at risk for sudden cardiac death, and may lead to regular screening. ideastream's Elaine Falk has more.

Switch from House to Senate Difficult
Originally aired Friday, November 17, 2006
Democratic representative Sherrod Brown flew back to Washington this week for the congressional lame-duck session. But he came back as Ohio's senator-elect. The seven-term congressman defeated Republican Mike DeWine. But the challenges are far from over. Lawmakers often find it tough to shift from the house to senate following a hard fought campaign. Chad Pergram reports from Capitol Hill.

Encouraging Youngsters to Hunt
Originally aired Monday, November 20, 2006
The Ohio Division of Wildlife is having a special hunting event this weekend to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport. WOUB's Fred Kight has the story.

Preparing for Emerald Ash Borer Invasion
Originally aired Monday, November 20, 2006
The Emerald Ash Borer has destroyed more than 20 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana since it was first discovered near Detroit in 2002. The Asian beetle has been migrating east and was found in Cuyahoga County for the first time last month. Two east side suburbs are leading the way in preparing for an invasion of the pest, but they're taking dramatically different approaches. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Medicare Open Enrollment Underway
Originally aired Monday, November 20, 2006
Open enrollment is underway for Medicare's prescription drug plans. Millions of elderly and disabled Americans have until the end of the year to enroll in Medicare Part D. ideastream's Elaine Falk has more.

Turkey Troubles in School Cafeterias
Originally aired Tuesday, November 21, 2006
While many Americans will be serving turkey this week, some school cafeterias will not. A turkey shortage in the Agriculture Department's school lunch program has left some schools without enough bird for their Thanksgiving feast. ideastream's Elaine Falk has more on the turkey troubles.

Cleveland Loses Predatory Lending Decision
Originally aired Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The City of Cleveland has lost its argument over an ordinance to crack down on predatory lenders. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that a weaker state law takes precedence. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Faith-Based Organizations Helping Ex-Prisoners
Originally aired Tuesday, November 21, 2006
When an inmate is released from prison, there's a better chance than not that person will eventually wind up back behind bars. Among the challenges, many find it difficult to find work let alone a place to live. Now a new report says faith-based organizations are helping keep some of 28,000 inmates released from Ohio's prisons each year from coming back into the system. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

Kids Turn Cooking Into Adventure
Originally aired Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Most children make decisions on food by how much sugar it contains, or the color it is, or the shape it's in. As the makers of packaged food know, there's not usually a lot of nuance in their tastes. But an after-school cooking academy is trying to get kids past the superficial part of their diet and appreciate the subtle elements of their daily sustenance - turning healthy eating into an adventure rather than a chore. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

The Life of “America’s Polka King”
Originally aired Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Hundreds of polka fans from around the country will descend on Cleveland tomorrow to dance off the extra pounds gained from their Thanksgiving meals. American polka legend Frank Yankovic used to be the star of this annual event, until his death eight years ago. Yankovic's the subject of a new biography. ideastream's David C. Barnett has this profile of the man and his music.

Building Reuse Best Way to Save Energy
Originally aired Wednesday, November 22, 2006
A leading proponent of preserving old buildings told a Cleveland audience yesterday that reusing structures is the best way to save energy. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Domestic Partner Lawsuit Taken to New Level
Originally aired Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The man who brought a lawsuit against Miami University over the school's domestic partners benefits plans to take his fight to the next level. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles has more on the story.

Making Change: University Innovation
Originally aired Monday, November 27, 2006
Experts tell us that one-third of all patents in the United States come from just 10 cities, and the research that produces a large portion of the wealth in this country is concentrated in just a few dozen zip codes. Northeast Ohio doesn't have one of those cities or zip codes. The Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland held a conference recently to examine ways that this region might join that select group. As part of Making Change, our ongoing focus on the economy of Northeast Ohio, ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Lakewood YMCA to Open
Originally aired Tuesday, November 28, 2006
A year and a half after closing, the Lakewood YMCA is set to open a brand new facility. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Noe Told to Pay $13.7 Million
Originally aired Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Tom Noe was a pro at raising money. Now he'll have to give some back. A Lucas County judge has levied a fine on the man at the heart of Ohio's coingate scandal. ideastream's Mark Urycki reports.

Matters of Faith: Neil Toohey
Originally aired Wednesday, November 29, 2006
When it comes to faith, it's sometimes inspired by startling events. Moses, for example, had an encounter with a burning bush. Mohammed spoke to the archangel Gabriel. Neil Toohey believes he's heard the voice of God, too. He lives in Parma Heights, across from a large reservoir where kids often play and sometimes get into mischief. Late on a Saturday night 12 years ago, Toohey was startled by the sound of an explosion. So he went out to investigate - and thus began his discovery of faith.

Minorities at Disadvantage for Mortgages
Originally aired Wednesday, November 29, 2006
A new report by a housing activist group concurs with national studies that show minorities are at a disadvantage when it comes to obtaining mortgage loans. And, the group says, the racial and ethnic gap is especially pronounced in the Cleveland area. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Fisher to Lead Development
Originally aired Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Governor-Elect Ted Strickland has appointed his Lieutenant Governor, Lee Fisher, to lead the Ohio Department of Development. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles has more on the story.

Making Change: The New Urbanism
Originally aired Thursday, November 30, 2006
City planners have long argued that America cannot sustain its penchant for big houses on giant lots on once rural land. They say energy demands are too great, and that such neighborhoods also fail in a social way - by isolating people from each other. One alternative is a development design called "new urbanism." It's being embraced from Israel to Australia to Arkansas. As part of Making Change, our continuing coverage of the economy of Northeast Ohio, ideastream's Mark Urycki prepared this report.

Reflecting on Casey Coleman
Originally aired Thursday, November 30, 2006
Today, the public is invited to pay their respects to Casey Coleman, who died earlier this week following a battle with cancer. Coleman spent most of his career at WJW, where he was sports director for almost 20 years. Most recently, he could be heard in the mornings on WTAM 1100. We're joined by WTAM's Sports Director, Mike Snyder.

Sexual Misconduct Rules in Place for Physicians
Originally aired Thursday, November 30, 2006
State regulators have drawn up rules to clarify what amounts to sexual misconduct by physicians. While the Ohio State Medical Board punishes a handful of doctors every year for sexual misconduct, it has never before had rules stating what the term means. ideastream's Elaine Falk has more.

Consumers Counsel Hailing Supreme Court Decision
Originally aired Thursday, November 30, 2006
The Ohio Consumers Counsel is hailing a Supreme Court decision in its complaint against the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio as a procedural win. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Half Take Ford Buyout Option
Originally aired Thursday, November 30, 2006
Nearly half of the unionized workers at the Ford plants in the Cleveland area have signed up for buyout or early retirement packages. But not all will take them. ideastream's Mari Saito reports.