Regional News Stories Archive: June 2007

Accused Killer’s Mother Wanted More Power for Care of Son
Originally aired Friday, June 1, 2007
The mother of accused cop-killer Timothy Halton, Jr. says she wishes the state would have given her more power to take care of her mentally-ill son. Halton is accused in the shooting death of Cleveland Heights Police Officer Jason West. ideastream's Dan Bobkoff has more.

Green Economy Can Benefit Poor Cities, Leaders Say
Originally aired Friday, June 1, 2007
National and local leaders say poor, shrinking cities can benefit from a green economy. And, government leaders should consider renewable energy policies and green jobs as ways to stimulate growth. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy tells us what leaders had to say at Cleveland State University's Levin College yesterday.

Town Hall Energy Discussion Held
Originally aired Friday, June 1, 2007
If a corporation with currently posted assets of nearly $180 billion specifically asked your opinion about their operations, would you offer it? 150 of your neighbors responded to that call from an oil company two evenings ago, and what didn't come up as often as you might have expected was the current cost of gasoline. What did happen was a solid debate about the future of energy use in the United States. ideastream's Rick Jackson was in the audience.

Indians Spring Training to Move to Arizona
Originally aired Friday, June 1, 2007
The Indians days of spring training in Florida are numbered. An agreement made final yesterday paves the way for moving the team's pre-season home to Goodyear, Arizona. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Cavaliers Advance to NBA Finals for First Time
Originally aired Monday, June 4, 2007
The Cleveland Cavaliers will go to the NBA finals for the first time in franchise history. The team rose to the occasion on Saturday when they took home a 98-82 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The blowout represents hope, change, and much more to the thousands of fans that sold out Quicken Loans Arena and for the fans that stood outside. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more on the celebrations before and after the game.

Restrictions Considered for Payday Loans
Originally aired Monday, June 4, 2007
Payday lenders - those stores that give short term loans at seemingly enormous interest rates - have many critics. And now the state government is beginning to consider possible restrictions on the practice. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports on one local payday lending customer's experience, and how the industry is trying to soften its image and tactics.

Lake County Nurseries a Big Draw for Immigrant Workers
Originally aired Tuesday, June 5, 2007
About one in four farm workers in the United States is a foreigner doing the work illicitly, according to estimates compiled by the Economist Magazine. So, it's no surprise that the nursery industry in Northeast Ohio has attracted mexican workers, legal and illegal. It's been going on for years, but over the past few weeks immigration officials have gone on the offensive, arresting about 40 illegal immigrants in Lake County in a series of raids. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports on what locals are saying on both sides of issue.

Mittal Steel Donation May Help Water Quality
Originally aired Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Mittal Steel has donated $30,000 and a stretch of river bank for the development of new prototype bulkheads that could help improve water quality in the Cuyahoga River Channel. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Ohio AG Announces Back Pay for Workers
Originally aired Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Ohio's Attorney General Marc Dann says he's beefing up enforcement of a long-neglected state law to make sure Ohio workers aren't shortchanged on state projects. Yesterday he announced the recovery of $450,000 in back pay for workers who, under the law, were paid illegally-low wages. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Steps to Prevent Spread of Disease
Originally aired Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The fallout continues following a man's trip to Europe and back, all the while carrying a very rare form of tuberculosis. Since his return to the states, he's been placed under what's believed to be the first federal quarantine in more than 40 years. This case - while extreme - raises questions about what steps health officials can take when someone has an infectious disease and refuses treatment. When a patient is diagnosed with TB, he or she is sent to this facility. Doctor Catherine Curley found a few moments to talk to ideastream's Eric Wellman while babysitting her five-month-old daughter.

Tax Rebate Approved for Potential New Akron Store
Originally aired Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Officials at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World are not saying one way or the other whether they're interested in bringing a store to Akron - but there's no doubt city and county officials want them to come. Last month Summit county Council approved a $1.5 million tax rebate for the company. The store - if it came - would likely be part of a new development not far from the Goodyear campus. Many local officials believe the store would be a boon to the local economy, but others question that conventional wisdom. Kymberli Hagelberg has been following this issue for Akron Beacon Journal and spoke with ideastream's Eric Wellman.

Advocates to Discuss Early Childhood Development
Originally aired Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Early childhood development advocates from 25 states are in Cleveland this week. They're attending a conference on improving the lives of children before they reach school age. ideastream Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Mortgage Brokers, Loan Officers Numbers Down
Originally aired Wednesday, June 6, 2007
A downturn in the country's mortgage industry and a new state anti-predatory lending law are causing a drop in the number of local companies putting together mortgages. The Ohio Department of Commerce says since January, the number of mortgage brokers in the state has plummeted 22 percent, and the number of loan officers are down 18 percent. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Statehouse News Bureau: Foreign Energy Stock Sell Off Shelved
Originally aired Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Lawmakers are shelving a plan to force Ohio's five pension funds to sell off stock in foreign energy and mineral companies doing business in Iran and Sudan. But the top man in the Ohio House says that's because there's an alternative way to spark the sell-off. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Summer Festival to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence
Originally aired Thursday, June 7, 2007
Akron will host a two-week festival this summer dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and money for support programs. It's an expansion of a nationwide annual event that's almost a decade old. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Improving Fuel Efficiency
Originally aired Thursday, June 7, 2007
When we talk about fuel efficiency, the Chevrolet Equinox does not usually factor into the conversation. It does alright for an SUV, about 19 miles to the gallon. So you can imagine the challenge when engineering students from across the country were handed a shell of the vehicle and told to use the latest technology to improve its fuel efficiency. Nathan Pecot from the University of Akron traveled to Michigan to take part in the Challenge X contest which culminates today. He spoke with ideastream's Eric Wellman from the GM Proving Grounds.

Tough Decisions Over Church Closings
Originally aired Thursday, June 7, 2007
People in dozens of parishes across Northeast Ohio have gotten word that their church might be closing within the next few years. Facing a shortage of money, the Diocese of Cleveland has tough decisions to make at a time when more and more priests are preaching to empty pews. For a look at how the Diocese got into this situation, and how it hopes to reorganize, ideastream's Eric Wellman spoke with the Plain Dealer's religion reporter David Briggs.

Statehouse News Bureau: Videotaped Horse Race Opponents Air Commercials
Originally aired Thursday, June 7, 2007
The debate over legalized gambling in Ohio is spreading to the radio airwaves. Gambling critics are now airing commercials. They're aimed at convincing state legislators not to move ahead with a plan to let people at race tracks bet on the outcome of video tape replays of old horse races. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Conjoined Twins Surgery Halted
Originally aired Friday, June 8, 2007
Doctors at University Hospitals say Wednesday's operation to begin the separation of the 3-year-old Dogaru conjoined twins was halted unexpectedly. They're not sure when another surgery will be attempted. ideastream Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

First Female Publisher for Beacon Journal
Originally aired Friday, June 8, 2007
The Akron Beacon Journal has named its first female publisher. Effective today, Andrea Mathewson will succeed Ed Moss, who abruptly resigned yesterday. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more on the changes at the Beacon.

Union Faces Complaints Over Goodyear Strike
Originally aired Friday, June 8, 2007
The steelworkers union faces federal charges and worker complaints over Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company's recent strike. Non-union workers claim the United Steel Workers of America threatened and fined them for going back to work after the union ordered a strike last October. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more on one workers' complaints.

Drawing Attention to Early Childhood Development
Originally aired Friday, June 8, 2007
Scientists know the most significant brain development in a person's life occurs before the age of four. Yet, public funding for education and youth development doesn't typically begin until kindergarten. This week educators for infants and toddlers are meeting in Cleveland to explore how to bring political will to a field that research shows can significantly boost state economies. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Mixed Martial Arts Comes to the Flats
Originally aired Friday, June 8, 2007
Promoters say hundreds of people are set to show up in the Flats this weekend to watch one of the hottest new sports - Mixed Martial Arts. It's a combination of Thai Boxing and wrestling. It has undergone a makeover in recent years, and one of the results is the sports' biggest league: The Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC. ideastream's Mhari Saito says Ohioans are turning out in droves for the sport.

New Research Park at KSU
Originally aired Monday, June 11, 2007
The old bus garage at Kent State University will be home to a new research park. It's part of the university's plan to collaborate with local high-tech companies to foster regional economic development. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more.

Ohio Public Radio: New Study Shows Need for Teacher Retirement Overhaul
Originally aired Monday, June 11, 2007
A study of Ohio's teacher pension fund by the Fordham Institute suggests a need to overhaul the State Teachers Retirement System. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports.

Rites of Passage
Originally aired Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The story of two Cleveland teenagers who recently made the headlines after a fatal hold-up attempt was all too familiar to Paul Hill. For over 25 years, Hill has quietly worked save young people from the toxic influences of one of the city's toughest neighborhoods. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more.

Ohio Public Radio: Frankie Coleman Resigns
Originally aired Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The wife of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman has submitted her resignation to the Ohio Department of Development and checked into an alcohol rehab center. Frankie Coleman is leaving amid an investigation into her work hours. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports.

Cavaliers Lose First Home Finals Game
Originally aired Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Last night at the Q, the Cavaliers fought hard to maintain the few small leads they earned in their first home game of the NBA finals. But in the end a win was just out of their reach. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Lakewood Grads Come With Guarantee
Originally aired Wednesday, June 13, 2007
If you're in the market for a high school graduate, Lakewood has a deal for you! Every graduating member of the class of '07 now comes with a two-year guarantee. ideastream education reporter Dan Bobkoff explains.

Simplifying Healthcare
Originally aired Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Across the nation physicians say they're increasingly frustrated with the complicated and not-so-transparent agreements they have with insurance companies. Earlier this year, Colorado passed a bill to simplify the dealings between doctors and insurers, and now Ohio could follow suit. Lawmakers in Columbus are considering bills that carry bipartisan support and backing from the Ohio State Medical Association. ideastream's Health Reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton has the story.

New Elections Director Speaks
Originally aired Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Jane Platten is scheduled to be sworn in just minutes from now as Cuyahoga County's next elections director. Platten has been serving as interim director since Michael Vu stepped down in February. Her appointment comes after a rocky couple of years in which Cuyahoga County made national headlines for a series of election problems. Jane Platten spoke to ideastream's Eric Wellman from her office.

Statehouse News Bureau: Lawmakers and Insurance Companies At Odds Over Cancer Research
Originally aired Thursday, June 14, 2007
Cancer is the number one killer of Ohioans. Two state lawmakers say the research being done throughout the state can change that. But they say insurance companies may be standing in the way of patients who are needed for that research. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports.

Builders Turning to Auctions to Move Property
Originally aired Thursday, June 14, 2007
The region's slow real estate market is inspiring some builders to turn to auctions to sell off properties that haven't been moving. ideastream's Mhari Saito went to an auction last night in Lorain County and filed this report.

NBA Finals International Flavor
Originally aired Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Cleveland Cavaliers are down three games to none in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. A Spurs win tonight at the Q could make it a clean sweep. It's been largely a one-sided contest and TV ratings are way down. But, the NBA's popularity is growing outside of the United States. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has this report on the finals international flavor.

Local Gangs Target of Federal Round Up
Originally aired Thursday, June 14, 2007
Two Cleveland gangs were the target of a federal round up yesterday. 38 people have been indicted on drug and weapons violations. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more.

Through Deaf Eyes
Originally aired Thursday, June 14, 2007
The documentary Through Deaf Eyes looks at 200 years of deaf history in America. Producer and Director Larry Hott spoke to ideastream's Eric Wellman about the challenges of putting together the film and the skepticism he faced given that he himself isn't deaf. Larry Hott will be appearing at the Idea Center Sunday June 17th to show a portion of the film and answer questions from the audience. There will be sign language interpreters on hand.

Spurs Sweep Cavaliers in NBA Finals
Originally aired Friday, June 15, 2007
Cleveland's finest season ended last night against the San Antonio Spurs but the Cavaliers didn't go down without a fight. They came within one point of tying the game. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton was there.

Solar Panels Installed at Jacobs Field
Originally aired Friday, June 15, 2007
Baseball fans often hope for the sun to shine on game days, but soon the sun will have another use at Jacobs Field. ideastream's Dan Bobkoff explains.

Energy Legislation To Have Big Impact in Ohio
Originally aired Friday, June 15, 2007
The U.S. Senate is debating an expansive energy bill. Whether it passes - or fails - the legislation will have a big impact in Ohio. Coal to liquid technology, gas prices, and greenhouse emissions are all facing scrutiny. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.

Ohio Public Radio: Stolen Disk Puts Identities at Risk
Originally aired Monday, June 18, 2007
A computer storage device stolen from a state intern's car put the identities of all 64,000 state employees at risk. But as it turns out the device contained much more sensitive information than first thought. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

Suburbs Struggle With Mortgage Fraud
Originally aired Monday, June 18, 2007
Defendants in a large mortgage fraud case in Cleveland could be headed to court this summer. Cuyahoga County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Jackson says many of the 61 defendants are negotiating plea deals in exchange for testifying against bigger players in the scam. Local law enforcement says mortgage fraud though extends beyond city limits, as suburban police around the county wrestle with growing lists of homes to investigate. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Case Receives Grant for Lithium Study
Originally aired Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has given Case Western Reserve University more than $17 million to study how the generic drug lithium can be used in children with Bipolar Disorder. ideastream's Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Statehouse News Bureau: Athens Murderer Eligible for Parole
Originally aired Tuesday, June 19, 2007
An Athens County murderer who has spent 30 years in prison is eligible to be released on parole. But the two daughters of the wife he murdered are calling on the Ohio Parole Board to block the move. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen files this report.

Euclid Avenue Construction Update
Originally aired Wednesday, June 20, 2007
If your commute takes you from the east side of Cleveland to downtown, chances are Euclid is no longer part of your route. It's been pretty much non-navigable since construction began on a new RTA bus line. ideastream's Rick Jackson has been looking into the progress of the project now three years on. And we didn't have to take five steps outside the studio to get a glimpse at what's going on.

Teachers Union Debating Merit Pay for Students
Originally aired Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Merit pay for teachers has been a hot issue in recent years, but what about paying students to do well? The Cleveland Teachers Union is toying with the idea. ideastream education reporter Dan Bobkoff has the story.

Public Opinion Sought on Sales Tax Increase
Originally aired Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Cuyahoga County commissioners voted yesterday to hear public opinion on whether to finance a new convention center and medical mart with a sales tax. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more on the commissioners decision.

Local Mosque Celebrates 70 Years
Originally aired Thursday, June 21, 2007
Many of our images of Islam these days are framed by stories of conflict and bloodshed coming from the Middle East. But, a different view of one of the world's oldest religions can be found on the east side of Cleveland. This weekend, Northeast Ohio Muslims will celebrate the 70th anniversary of a local mosque that has touched the lives of many generations. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more.

Race Left Out of Regionalism Discussions
Originally aired Thursday, June 21, 2007
When the topic of regionalism comes up, most often its in the context of communities sharing resources - fire and police protection, snow plows, even tax revenue. But a new study looking at Northeast Ohio points in a different direction. It contends that Cleveland is often left out of discussions on regionalism and says race is at the heart of that exclusion. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has details.

History First for Cleveland Students
Originally aired Thursday, June 21, 2007
The U.S. Department of Education is throwing its financial weight behind a new program aimed at connecting Cleveland history students to the world outside of the classroom. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more.

Statehouse News Bureau: Getting Tough on Repeat Felons
Originally aired Thursday, June 21, 2007
A major bill to get tougher with repeat felons is being introduced in the Ohio legislature by key lawmakers in the Republican majority. It could mean more time behind bars for those who keep breaking the law. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen files this report.

Chagrin Falls to Revive Cultural History
Originally aired Friday, June 22, 2007
One of Northeast Ohio's historic treasures, Chagrin Falls, has set out to revive its arts and culture history. Yesterday the village unveiled an $8 million plan to turn a section of downtown into an arts and entertainment district. The project is in partnership with the Chautauqua Institution, the nationally prominent arts and culture center based in western New York state. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more.

Report: Cleveland Housing Market to Improve
Originally aired Friday, June 22, 2007
Despite major problems with mortgage lending and soaring foreclosures, a new report says the Greater Cleveland housing market is poised to improve. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more.

Global Healthcare Conference Held
Originally aired Friday, June 22, 2007
This week 300 investors and CEO's from 85 different drug and medical device companies are in Cleveland to share advice on the growing field of healthcare start-up companies. One sector that has proven especially enticing for start-ups is managing clinical trials for new health products and medicines, particularly overseas. This form of outsourcing is raising some safety concerns that were addressed at this week's conference. More from ideastream health reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton.

Ameritrust Tower Razing Put On Hold
Originally aired Friday, June 22, 2007
Cuyahoga County is weighing its options a week after the Cleveland Planning Commission put the brakes on a project to build a new headquarters downtown. But a final decision may come down to how the city charter is interpreted, as ideastream's Eric Wellman explains.

Ohio Public Radio: Special Needs Vouchers Could Be Cut From Budget
Originally aired Monday, June 25, 2007
A program that would provide private school vouchers for thousands of special needs students could be cut from the budget by the governor. So, three lawmakers who back the program brought in some emotional artillery to make their case. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

New Tax Debate Heats Up
Originally aired Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The Cuyahoga County commissioners are considering whether to hike the county's sales tax by a quarter of a percent. The increase would generate an additional $42 million a year, enough to finance a new convention center which in turn would attract a medical mart. Supporters say it could bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the region. While detractors say taxes are already too high and that this proposal uses taxpayer dollars to benefit businesses that could well afford to subsidize the project themselves. We heard from both sides yesterday on 90.3's The Sound of Ideas. ideastream economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more on the debate.

One Year In for Cleveland Schools’ Sanders
Originally aired Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Running the Cleveland Municipal School District could be one of the hardest jobs in Northeast Ohio. One year ago next week Dr. Eugene Sanders took on that challenge, facing rapidly-declining enrollment, graduation rates now well below 50 percent, students living in poverty and fearing for their safety at school. As Sanders enters his second year on the job, where do things stand? ideastream Education reporter Dan Bobkoff takes stock.

Strickland Speaks to City Club
Originally aired Wednesday, June 27, 2007
With the General Assembly still at work on a two-year state budget, Governor Strickland continues to push his initiatives for public education, affordable health care and the state economy. The governor spoke to a Cleveland audience yesterday. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy reports.

Tokyo Company Chooses NE Ohio for North American Headquarters
Originally aired Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Tokyo company, Eye Plus Plus, uses camera images and electronic stimulation to help the visually impaired see the world around them. Now, the company has chosen Northeast Ohio for its North American headquarters. ideastream's Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Ohio Lawmakers Seeking Advice on Foreclosures
Originally aired Thursday, June 28, 2007
Among all states, Ohio has the highest number of families who lost their homes for failing to pay mortgages. As Sara Sciammacco reports from Capitol Hill, Ohio lawmakers are seeking advice from experts on how to help.

Statehouse News Bureau: New Budget Bill Passes Congress
Originally aired Thursday, June 28, 2007
The state budget bill sailed through the House and Senate yesterday with only one lawmaker dissenting. But questions remain as the spending plan heads to the Governor's desk. Karen Kasler filed this report from Columbus.

Ohio Public Radio: McKinley Monument 100th Anniversary
Originally aired Friday, June 29, 2007
The McKinley Monument in Canton is nearing its centennial anniversary. Starting Wednesday, the adjacent McKinley Presidential Library and Museum has planned events around the clock for 100 consecutive hours. It hopes to encourage the community to support the museum and learn more about the nation's 25th president. WKSU's Amanda Robbins has the story.

Statehouse News Bureau: Budget to Governor
Originally aired Friday, June 29, 2007
Before the weekend's out a $52 billion spending plan should be in place that will keep the state running for the next two years. The budget bill passed the House and Senate nearly unanimously. But the question this morning - will the governor use his power to veto certain items. From the statehouse in Columbus, Karen Kasler reports.

Clinic to Begin Testing Applicants for Tobacco Use
Originally aired Friday, June 29, 2007
Smokers who want a job at the Cleveland Clinic will soon have to quit or they'll be out of luck. The hospital announced today that it's going to start testing applicants for tobacco use. ideastream's Dan Bobkoff has the details.

FES Technology to Be Demonstrated Today
Originally aired Friday, June 29, 2007
Technology pioneered at Metrohealth Medical Center will be demonstrated today via teleconference to the International Spinal Cord Society's annual conference held in Iceland. ideastream's Bill Rice has more.

Team NEO Report: Improving Economic Health in the Region
Originally aired Friday, June 29, 2007
Northeast Ohio's economic health is improving - slowly - and the manufacturing and finance sectors have seen a jump in productivity. That's according to a quarterly economic report released by Team NEO, a group dedicated to attracting business investment to the region. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more.