Regional News Stories Archive: July 2007

Statehouse News Bureau: School Funding Proposal To Wait a Year
Originally aired Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Ohioans won't be voting in November on a massive school funding proposal after all. A coalition of school groups that has been pushing the issue admits its petition drive has fallen far short to get the issue onto this year's ballot. The groups say they'll try for the ballot next year. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Mayor Satisfied With School District’s Progress
Originally aired Tuesday, July 3, 2007
With a new school board in place and a new school year approaching, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson says he's satisfied with the district's progress since CEO Eugene Sanders took control a year ago. ideastream education reporter Dan Bobkoff has more.

Northeast Ohio Kids Gaining National Attention
Originally aired Tuesday, July 3, 2007
There are some kids in Northeast Ohio doing some pretty cool things. A group of middle school students from Chesterland got the federal government's attention with their science project. And a six year old from Brunswick won a national award for a book he wrote. They spoke to ideastream's Eric Wellman.

Sustainable Energy to Take Stage at Conference
Originally aired Thursday, July 5, 2007
This weekend, sustainable energy will take the stage in Cleveland, as hundreds of researchers, producers, business developers and others from around the country and abroad converge here for this year's six-day National Solar Energy Conference. The event will showcase the progress that's been made in renewable energy technology, and explore ways to expand and market it. Cleveland was chosen to host the event in 2004. ideastream's Eric Wellman spoke with William Spratley, Executive Director of Green Energy Ohio, a key organizer. He says contrary to what you might have thought, Cleveland is a fitting place to hold what he refers to as simply, Solar 2007.

Solar Energy Conference in Cleveland This Weekend
Originally aired Thursday, July 5, 2007
The American Solar Energy Society picked Cleveland for their national conference this weekend. The choice comes as the push for a green economy strengthens in Northeast Ohio. As several regional groups and foundations throw support behind green initiatives, the movement completely caught on. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more.

Candidates to Speak to Steelworkers’ Forum
Originally aired Thursday, July 5, 2007
Later today, three democratic presidential candidates will address the United Steelworkers here in Cleveland. ideastream's Dan Bobkoff has this preview.

Forbes Set to Plead in Workers’ Comp Case
Originally aired Thursday, July 5, 2007
George Forbes, the President of the Cleveland NAACP and a longtime local power broker is set to plead guilty or no contest to misdemeanor charges of ethics violations at a 9:00 arraignment in Columbus this morning. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports the charges come out of an ongoing scandal at the state's Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Statehouse News Bureau: Forbes Appears in Court
Originally aired Friday, July 6, 2007
A longtime power broker in Cleveland politics appeared in court yesterday to answer to charges stemming from the corruption scandal at the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler was there.

Rosemary Palmer Running for Congress
Originally aired Friday, July 6, 2007
Rosemary Palmer is perhaps best known in Northeast Ohio for her views on the Iraq War. Her son was one of 14 marines killed when a bomb struck their vehicle. But now she's running for congress and the economy - not Iraq - is a central part of her campaign. She sat down with ideastream's Eric Wellman.

Democratic Candidates Speak to Steelworkers
Originally aired Friday, July 6, 2007
Hundreds of United Steelworkers members convened in Cleveland yesterday to hear from three of the democratic candidates for President. Senator Joe Biden, Former Senator John Edwards, and Congressman Dennis Kucinich took turns making their cases to the union. ideastream's Bill Rice has more.

Steelworkers’ Forum Hosts Democratic Presidential Hopefuls
Originally aired Friday, July 6, 2007
Democratic Presidential Candidates Dennis Kucinich, Joseph Biden and John Edwards were in Cleveland yesterday to try and get the support of the United Steelworkers. They were there for a forum hosted by the union, and ideastream's Dan Bobkoff was there.

Understanding Swarm Theory with Sudoku
Originally aired Monday, July 9, 2007
Computer scientists say in the future swarms of inexpensive small robots could help humans with tasks such as mining or even exploring other planets. But they say we have a long way to go to understand how swarms work and transfer that knowledge in a way that robots can use. Scientists at John Carroll University are looking for clues on what they call swarm theory by watching people. Their most recent experiment involved 81 people and the popular Japanese number puzzle, Sudoku. ideastream's Mhari Saito signed up for the game.

A Greener Future
Originally aired Monday, July 9, 2007
By the year 2030, electricity won't pollute and Americans will commute to work on light rail - that's Bradley Collins' vision. Collins heads up the American Solar Energy Society. He's here for the group's national conference this week. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy reports on how Collins foresees a greener future.

Finding the Right Hospital
Originally aired Monday, July 9, 2007
If you're in the market for a new car, you turn to Consumer Reports. If you're looking for a college, there's U.S. News and World Report. But what if you're looking for a hospital? Finding the right place for care can be a tough decision, because depending on where you look, different sources give different advice. What should you take into account when choosing a hospital? ideastream's Eric Wellman spoke with Dr. Charles Emerman, chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center.

Plans Underway for New State Mental Health Hospital
Originally aired Monday, July 9, 2007
Plans are underway to build a new State Mental Health Hospital in Northeast Ohio. Architects have been hired, blueprints are being drafted, all without a specific location. Local mental health advocates say the hospital should stay in Cleveland, near the majority of its patients. But that's meeting some resistance. Meanwhile, at least one Cleveland suburb is jumping at the chance to get the hundreds of construction and professional jobs that would come with the project. More from ideastream Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton.

Midwesterners Generous in Volunteering
Originally aired Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Midwesterners, stereotypically speaking, are thought of as nice and friendly. Now there's some solid evidence to support that claim thanks to the Corporation for National and Community Service. It conducted a first of its kind study looking at which parts of the country breed the most volunteers. And it found people in the Midwest are more generous with their time than folks along the coast. ideastream's Eric Wellman spoke with the lead researcher.

Election 2008: John Edwards Interview
Originally aired Tuesday, July 10, 2007
As the presidential primary race heats up, candidates are making forays into the region to vie for the Ohio vote. 90.3 will be interviewing the presidential contenders as they make themselves available. Last week former Senator John Edwards was one of four who turned out at a forum sponsored by the United Steelworkers. Just after his appearance he spoke with ideastream's Bill Rice by phone.

Ohio Public Radio: Bio-fuel Promoters Visiting Ohio Gas Stations
Originally aired Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Promoters of bio-fuels are burning up the roads in Ohio this week, visiting the gas stations offering the alternative fuels. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

President Bush to Talk Energy & Healthcare in Cleveland Today
Originally aired Tuesday, July 10, 2007
President Bush will make a stop in Cleveland today and spend time talking with energy technology and healthcare businesses. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy reports.

President Bush Visits Cleveland
Originally aired Wednesday, July 11, 2007
During a 5-hour visit to Cleveland yesterday, President Bush made stops to two major businesses and spoke at a business forum. In the 90-minute town-hall style meeting, Mr. Bush defended his Iraq war strategy and also championed Northeast Ohio's technology industries. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more on the President's visit.

Ohio Late to Renewable Technologies
Originally aired Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The American Solar Energy Society estimates that renewable energy like solar and wind, along with new innovations in energy efficiency, generated $1 trillion in gross revenue last year alone. That's an impressive figure to hundreds of renewable energy proponents gathered this week in downtown Cleveland for what's said to be the largest national conference on renewable energy. Many envision a new U.S. energy and manufacturing sector growing around renewable technologies. But, they say, Ohio is late to the game. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Ohio Public Radio: Data Theft Affects More Ohioans
Originally aired Thursday, July 12, 2007
The theft of a computer device from a state intern's car is putting many more Ohioans at risk of identity theft than was previously thought. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports authorities have discovered more than a million Ohioans are now affected.

Plan to Revive University Circle Outlined
Originally aired Thursday, July 12, 2007
Cleveland, like many older, industrial cities, is full of neighborhoods and districts in need of facelifts. University Circle is home to some of Cleveland's most widely known institutions, including Severance Hall and the Cleveland Museum of Art. University Circle Incorporated has launched campaign to revive and grow the district. The group's President, Chris Ronayne, outlined the plan yesterday before a Cleveland Audience. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more.

Solar Exhibit Powering Science Center
Originally aired Thursday, July 12, 2007
There's a new exhibit in front of the Great Lakes Science Center and today its generating enough electricity to light up the museum's exhibits. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Council Members Discourage Sales Tax Hike
Originally aired Thursday, July 12, 2007
A group of Cleveland City Council members are hoping to discourage county officials from raising the county sales tax without the consent of residents. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Civic Innovation Lab: Jennifer Thomas Interview
Originally aired Thursday, July 12, 2007
Jennifer Thomas likes to say she has the greatest job in the world. She's the executive director of the Civic Innovation Lab in Cleveland. It's her job to find people and fledgling businesses that can have an economic impact - and give them a grant to get going. ideastream's Eric Wellman visited several of the grantees and chatted with Thomas about her work.

Statehouse News Bureau: Confusion Over Petition
Originally aired Friday, July 13, 2007
Some Ohioans who'd like to see a crackdown on strip clubs are mistakenly signing a petition that could eventually lead to just the opposite - a dropping of new limits on X-rated businesses. It's a confusing situation out on the streets where the petition circulators are working. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

ACLU Considering Suing Cleveland School District
Originally aired Friday, July 13, 2007
First it was parents upset their neighborhood schools were going to be converted into single-gender academies. Now, the head of Cleveland's schools has a new opponent: the ACLU. ideastream education reporter Dan Bobkoff has more.

Energy Efficiency Industries Possible For Ohio
Originally aired Friday, July 13, 2007
A study just released by the America Solar Energy Society estimates in 25 years, around two million new jobs in the renewable and energy efficiency industries are possible for Ohio. That's if Ohio aggressively subsidizes those industries to make them competitive with fossils fuels. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Report from 2007 Solar Conference
Originally aired Friday, July 13, 2007
All this week, several thousand people from around the country and abroad are focusing on the merits of solar and other renewable energy resources at the 2007 Solar Conference in downtown Cleveland. In addition to practice and policy discussions, over 150 companies from as far away as China and as close as Chagrin Falls are showing off their products. Their market isn't just the industry insiders attending the conference, but average people as well. ideastream's Lisa Ann Pinkerton perused the exhibits at the Solar Conference and brings us this report.

Major Policy Change Over Coastal Land
Originally aired Monday, July 16, 2007
Owners of Ohio land along the Lake Erie shore won a victory late last week in their battles with state officials who regulate coastal land. Governor Ted Strickland announced he's changing a major policy at the Department of Natural Resources. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen filed this report.

Election 2008: Joe Biden Interview
Originally aired Monday, July 16, 2007
As campaign 2008 heats up, some of the Democratic presidential contenders are making forays into Ohio and we are grabbing them as we can for interviews. We started last week with North Carolina's John Edwards. Today it's Joe Biden. ideastream's Eric Wellman sat down with the Delaware Senator Biden shortly after he had addressed a crowd at a meeting of steelworkers here in Cleveland.

Akron Art Museum Expansion Opens Tomorrow
Originally aired Monday, July 16, 2007
A $35 million addition to the Akron skyline opens to the public tomorrow. ideastream's David C. Barnett has more on the eye-catching expansion to the Akron Art Museum.

Planned Parenthood Groups to Merge
Originally aired Monday, July 16, 2007
Northeast Ohio is witnessing the largest merger of Planned Parenthoods groups in the country. Chapters in Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Portage, Mahoning and Stark Counties are joining to form Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio. ideastream Health Reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports.

Payday Loans Follow Up
Originally aired Monday, July 16, 2007
Recently, 90.3 ran a story about a woman dealing with the debt she owed a local payday lender. After it aired, we had several surprises: first, a listener offered to help the borrower pay off her loans and second, the borrower hadn't told us the whole truth about her financial picture. ideastream's Mhari Saito has the rest of the story.

Some Legislators Call For Primary Move
Originally aired Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Some Ohio legislators are calling for Ohio's presidential primary to be moved up by five weeks. They say that's the only way voters in the Buckeye State will have a say in who the major parties pick as their nominees. At the moment, though, it doesn't appear as if this proposal is going to move in the legislature. Details now from statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

A Story of Two Teachers
Originally aired Tuesday, July 17, 2007
We're going to introduce you to two teachers this morning. Cal Eyman and Libbie Thompkins are next door neighbors on a quiet residential street in Euclid. Both are veteran high school teachers, and they often find themselves comparing notes over the fence in their yards. ideastream's Dan Bobkoff has more.

Voinovich Takes On Veteran Disability Backlog
Originally aired Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Yesterday, U.S. Senator George Voinovich took to task state and Federal Veteran's Affairs administrators, on what he calls an unacceptable backlog of veterans disability claims in Ohio. ideastream Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Rainbow Babies Nurses Receive “No Hitting” Training
Originally aired Tuesday, July 17, 2007
New nurses at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital receive training on the hospital's "No Hitting Zone" policies, yesterday. ideastream Health Reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton has the details.

Youngstown 2010
Originally aired Tuesday, July 17, 2007
This summer, officials in Youngstown are asking residents how to shrink their city. Its part of Youngstown 2010, an unusual economic plan that's getting a lot of national attention. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Shooting Concerns in Capitol
Originally aired Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The shooting of an armed man at the governor's office in Colorado has some in Ohio wondering if the situation could happen here. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports.

Ohio Giving Medicare Dollars to Private Insurance
Originally aired Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Organizations representing government workers and retired persons say Ohio is giving $311 million of Medicare tax dollars to private insurance companies. ideastream's Health Reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Edwards Tours Cleveland Neighborhood
Originally aired Wednesday, July 18, 2007
John Edwards visited Cleveland Tuesday on the third day of his multi-state tour highlighting poverty. The democratic presidential candidate walked the streets of the Mount Pleasant neighborhood before heading to Youngstown. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more details on Edwards' visit.

Rainbow Babies Gift Will Create Brain Tumor Center
Originally aired Thursday, July 19, 2007
The largest ever gift to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital is going to the creation of a new Brain Tumor Center and to find a cure for the disease in children. ideastream's Health Reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

First Public Hearing on Sales Tax Hike Today
Originally aired Thursday, July 19, 2007
Cuyahoga County Commissioners will hold the first of two public hearings on a proposed sales tax hike today. The increase would finance a new convention center linked to a medical mart. But the plans have spurred a debate over funding for public-private ventures and it has raised questions about exactly how a new facility could boost the region's economy. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has this preview of the argument.

Legislators Call For Windfall Profits Tax
Originally aired Friday, July 20, 2007
Some state legislators are calling for Ohio to slap the major oil companies with what amounts to a windfall profits tax. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen explains.

Lowering Threshold for Lead Poisoning
Originally aired Friday, July 20, 2007
Lead poisoning is thought to affect at least 22% of children in the inner-ring suburbs. That number is as high as 42% in Cleveland proper. That's under a new standard announced this week by health and civic leaders in the region who are lowering the threshold for lead poisoning. ideastream's Dan Bobkoff has the story.

Commissioners Hear From Public About Medical Mart
Originally aired Friday, July 20, 2007
Cuyahoga County Commissioners heard from citizens about the proposed sales tax hike yesterday. The increase would raise $42 million annually to fund a convention center linked to a medical mart. A lot of details remain to be explained or worked out. But, supporters said if the tax increase or another source of public funding doesn't come through soon, there's a big chance the project would go to another city. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy tells about the public hearing.

Strokes: Interview with Dr. Charles Emerman
Originally aired Monday, July 23, 2007
90.3 is launching a regular feature on health. We'll talk to health care providers in the region about health the latest medical studies, research going on at medical centers in our area, medical technology and a wide range of other health related topics. Today, the subject is strokes. It is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. - causing 150,000 deaths a year - and one reason is that many victims don't get the right advice when symptoms first occur. Doctor Charles Emerman, Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center, talks about that with ideastream Executive Editor, David Molpus.

New Plan Show Slightly Smaller Strip Club District
Originally aired Monday, July 23, 2007
Cleveland's Planning Commission has shrunk - slightly - the size of a future strip club district in the city. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has details on the district plan.

Poll Worker Attire
Originally aired Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It's recruitment season for boards of elections, and they're trying many ideas to persuade people to spend all of election day - dawn to long after dusk - at the polls. But one idea has sparked sharp words over what poll workers can wear. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

YouTube Videos Fuel Democratic Debate
Originally aired Tuesday, July 24, 2007
We're going to stay along the shore of Lake Erie, where 16-year-old Jake Young of Rocky River looked into his video camera - Lake Erie behind him - and outlined his own concerns about invasive species. We found Young's video on YouTube where it was among hundreds posted from around the world directed at the Democratic presidential candidates. It was part of a unique format at last night's debate where the candidates took questions - not from a moderator - but from people on YouTube. ideastream's Eric Wellman spoke with Jake Young this morning.

Dealing With Invasive Species in Lake Erie
Originally aired Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It's been a problem for decades, but lawmakers now say they're going to do something about invasive species in Lake Erie. But they concede, change is coming slowly. ideastream's Dan Bobkoff has the story.

Global Warming in the Buckeye State
Originally aired Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Environmental activists in Ohio say there's now clear proof that global warming has come to the Buckeye State. They're using the latest numbers to push for a new state law that would require utility companies to make big changes, but one of the largest utilities in the Midwest says that idea would simply make electricity bills soar. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

New School Initiatives to Begin Soon
Originally aired Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Schools in Cleveland reopen in just a few weeks, and that means the start of several new initiatives introduced by CEO Eugene Sanders last spring. Uniforms and single-gender schools are just some of the changes we'll see. Sanders gathered community and school leaders yesterday in an effort to rekindle support before the start of school. ideastream Education reporter Dan Bobkoff was there.

New Cancer Treatments
Originally aired Wednesday, July 25, 2007
For many years, the only treatment for cancer was exposing the whole body to chemotherapy or radiation. Now a new generation of cancer options are available to patients. Specialists at the Ireland Cancer Center at University Hospitals say they have two brand new treatments they're testing this summer that target tumors with extreme accuracy while sparing surrounding tissue. ideastream Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Putting Abandoned Properties to Use
Originally aired Thursday, July 26, 2007
Columbus plans to build a new police heliport on nearly 13 acres of land purchased from the state. Other cities might also be getting land from the state for other community projects. It's part of a new push to put abandoned properties to better use. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports.

Ohio Supreme Court Rules on Domestic Violence Laws
Originally aired Thursday, July 26, 2007
In a case that's being watched across the country, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that Ohio's domestic violence laws do not conflict with the state's ban on gay marriage. Ohio Public Radio's Bill Cohen reports.

New GammaKnife at Cleveland Clinic
Originally aired Thursday, July 26, 2007
Medical technology is evolving at breakneck speed, and it pays to be one of the leaders in the race. In the past week University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic highlighted their use of some of the latest advances in cancer treatments. ideastream's Gretchen Cuda reports on the Clinic's most recent state-of-the-art acquisition - the new GammaKnife.

Help is Here Express
Originally aired Thursday, July 26, 2007
A program to help uninsured and low income Ohioans get free or discounted medications is making its way around the country by bus. It made a stop at the Cleveland Free Clinic yesterday. ideastream Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

Improving Barry Bonds’ Image
Originally aired Thursday, July 26, 2007
Barry Bonds is three swings away from reaching the pinnacle of his career. The Giants slugger needs a total 756 home runs to beet Hank Aaron's record. But there's just one problem - Barry Bonds' image. Well, we here at ideastream believe there may still time for Bonds to resurrect his image. So, we went on search for a couple of PR people to offer advice. Ed Byers works for medical mutual. Barbara Paynter works for Hennes Communications. Neither has experience counseling athletes, but both are big time baseball fans, and ideastream's Eric Wellman spoke to them about Bonds.

Cuyahoga Commissioners Raise Sales Tax
Originally aired Friday, July 27, 2007
Cuyahoga County Commissioners voted yesterday to raise the county sales tax by a quarter percent. The increase will help finance a new convention center and it is hoped that will attract a medical mart. But, key questions remain about the plan, it's financing, and site location. ideastream's economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more.

Polensek on International Stage with Letter
Originally aired Friday, July 27, 2007
Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek found himself on an international stage Thursday. It's the latest development in a story that started with the day-to-day work of a councilman trying to keep Cleveland's eleventh Ward clean. ideastream's Dan Moulthrop explains.

Strickland Not Joining Future Presidential Ticket
Originally aired Friday, July 27, 2007
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland dispelled talk of his possibly joining a future democratic ticket as a Vice-Presidential running mate today during an interview on 90.3's The Sound of Ideas. ideastream's Dan Moulthrop has more.

A Day With Congressman Ralph Regula
Originally aired Monday, July 30, 2007
Republican Ohio Congressman Ralph Regula used to be one of the most powerful lawmakers in Washington. He's still there. But voters clipped Regula's wings when they cast Democrats into power last fall. That fueled speculation Regula might not seek a new term. Chad Pergram recently spent a day with the congressman to get some insight into what happens on Capitol Hill each day.

Giftless Parties
Originally aired Monday, July 30, 2007
Kids' birthday parties have changed a lot over the years from small, family celebrations to larger, expensive events with hired entertainment and gift bags. Some parents say they've had enough. They're keeping the party, but saying no to presents and goody bags. ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Smart Car Shown in Cleveland
Originally aired Monday, July 30, 2007
There's perhaps no car on the road smaller than Daimler Chrysler's smart car. It's short, seats just two, and is a parallel parker's dream. Smart USA showcased the compact car this past weekend in Cleveland. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more on the latest European style car to make its way to the U.S.

State Lawmakers Hit the Road for Health Care Reform
Originally aired Monday, July 30, 2007
A group of state lawmakers is going on the road to hear from Ohioans about how to reform health care policy. A joint committee of the Ohio House and Senate will be conducting public hearings in five cities on ways to improve access to health care. ideastream's David C. Barnett reports that the group's first stop will be today in the Cleveland area.

Lawmakers’ Healthcare Tour Kicks Off
Originally aired Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Last night in Middleburg Heights, 15 Ohio lawmakers - Democrats and Republicans - kicked off their tour of five Ohio cities to hear what citizens think about the state's health care system. ideastream Health Reporter, Lisa Ann Pinkerton has more.

The New Travel Trend - Couch Surfing
Originally aired Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Yesterday we heard about gift-less birthday parties for children; today we have another budding social trend to tell you about - couch surfing! It's the practice of sleeping on other people's couches, and the people have to be strangers for it to qualify. This new travel trend caught the attention of Cleveland Magazine writer Andy Netzel. But rather than merely reporting on it, Netzel decided - perhaps against his own better judgment - to try couch surfing himself. He explains.

Spending the Homeland Security Money
Originally aired Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Devastating events like the attacks of September 11th and Hurricane Katrina thrust emergency preparedness to the forefront of national consciousness. But while the push to make the country safer comes from the top, state and local agencies must juggle resources to meet federal expectations. Ohio was recently awarded more than $75 million in federal funding for Homeland Security. Yesterday on 90.3's the Sound of Ideas, several state and local officials told us just how they thought the money would best serve Ohioans. ideastream's Gretchen Cuda reports.

Making Change: Promoting Regional Cooperation
Originally aired Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The cities of Lakewood and Bedford have agreed to take advantage of a deal offered by Cleveland, aimed at promoting regional cooperation among nearly 60 communities surrounding the central city. If participating suburbs pledge that they won't poach businesses from each other, the Cleveland Water Department will help them repair and maintain their aging water lines. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson describes yesterday's agreements with Lakewood and Bedford as "monumental", but with only five such deals inked so far, there doesn't seem to be a rush to sign on. As a part of Making Change, ideastream's David C. Barnett has this report.