Regional News Stories Archive: March 2008

John Kerry Backs Obama
Originally aired Saturday, March 1, 2008
The presidential candidates ...AND their surrogates... are blanketing Ohio with rallies and media appearances, including Senator John Kerry who is traveling to Tuesday's primary states on behalf of Barack Obama. On Friday, Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, spoke with 90.3's David Molpus.

Ohio Secretary of State Confident Cuyahoga Election Will Go Smoothly
Originally aired Monday, March 3, 2008
Ohio's democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner says she's confident Cuyahoga County's Board of Elections will have a successful election on Tuesday. Since late December the county has been undergoing a rapid $3 million dollar switch from electronic voting machines to optical scan paper ballots. ideastream®:'s Mhari Saito reports.

An Historic Day In Euclid
Originally aired Monday, March 3, 2008
The eyes of the nation will be focused on the results of Ohio's March 4th Presidential primary, but that's not the only groundbreaking decision being made tomorrow. Last year, a federal court case determined that the city of Euclid's system of ward and at-large council elections discriminated against black voters. Now, a new map has been drawn, and the city is about to get its first elected African American official. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has more.

Teachers Take Advantage of Exciting Primary
Originally aired Monday, March 3, 2008
The swing state of Ohio is used to playing a pivotal role in determining the next president in the general election, but with a primary in March, the state generally doesn't get much say in picking the candidates. Not so this year. On Tuesday, Ohio, along with Texas, is expected to help determine the party's nominees. And as Dan Bobkoff of member station WCPN found out, Ohio teachers and students are paying a lot of attention.

Democratic Campaigns Spin Tuesday’s Results
Originally aired Monday, March 3, 2008
It's the day before the Ohio and Texas primaries and the newest polls show its neck and neck in both states. Also, the Clinton camp and the Obama camp are trying to put some spin on those forecasts. In that game the goal is to raise expectations for your opponent and lower expectations for yourself. More from ideastream®'s Tasha Flournoy.

Democrats Campaign Over The Weekend Ahead of Tuesday’s Primary
Originally aired Monday, March 3, 2008
Senator Hillary Clinton made four campaign stops in Ohio Sunday and plans another in Toledo today. Meanwhile, Senator Barack Obama's is spending even more money on ads...many of them also focused on economic woes. While polls show the economy is the number one concern of voters...not far below that is continuing concern over how to end the war in Iraq. Obama talked about that over the weekend at a campaign stop in Parma Heights. ideastream®'s Tasha Flournoy reports.

Ohio African Immigrants Excited Over Obama
Originally aired Monday, March 3, 2008
About three and a half percent of Ohioans are foreign-born, and several thousand of them are immigrants and refugees from Africa. Excitement over the upcoming primary election is growing in these communities, thanks in part to Democratic candidate Barack Obama's East African heritage. Obama's father was from Kenya. ideastream®'s Mhari Saito reports.

Patrolman’s Union Head Blasts City Leadership
Originally aired Monday, March 3, 2008
The Cleveland Police Patrolman’s Association is offering a ten-thousand dollar reward for the arrest and conviction of anyone in connection with the shooting death Friday of Cleveland Police officer Derek Owens on the city’s east side. Following the killing, the head of the police union had some harsh words for city officials. ideastream’s Dan Bobkoff reports.

Campaigning Over, One Poll To Go - The One That Counts.
Originally aired Monday, March 3, 2008
The long-awaited Ohio primary is upon us. ideastream's Bill Rice has a last look at how the democratic presidential race is shaping up. AUDIO ONLY

Lines Long for Early Voting Monday
Originally aired Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Early voting is usually a way to avoid the lines of election day. Not so on Monday. Across Ohio, voters turned out in droves to cast their ballots early. ideastream®'s Mhari Saito reports.

Collinwood Fire Victims Remembered
Originally aired Tuesday, March 4, 2008
One constant that we may take for granted is that our children are safe in school. But a special commemoration that takes place this morning is a stark reminder of the price some have paid - to ensure today's schools today take precautions to keep kids from harm. ideastream®'s Rick Jackson reports.

Despite Delays, Cuyahoga County Happy with Switch to Paper Ballots
Originally aired Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Cuyahoga County's Board of Elections counted ballots late into the night Tuesday. Nevertheless, the Board, its director and many voters were pleased with how the switch from electronic voting machines to paper ballots went. Ideastream's®: Mhari Saito reports.

Kucinich Prevails in 10th Dist. Primary
Originally aired Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Congressman Dennis Kucinich of the 10th district has defeated his four challengers in the democratic primary. With 92% of precincts reporting, Kucinich received 52% of the vote, versus 33% for his closest opponent, Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman. ideastream®’s Dan Bobkoff was at Kucinich headquarters last night, and filed this report.

Ohio A Life Saver For Clinton Presidential Bid
Originally aired Wednesday, March 5, 2008
What a night for Hillary Clinton. With wins in Ohio AND Texas...the two big prizes in Tuesday's voting...she's claiming another comeback is in the making. Last night Clinton was particularly grateful to Ohio where she finished with 55% of the vote compared to 44% for Barack Obama...that's well ahead of poll projections in recent days. More on the Ohio finish from ideastream®'s David Molpus.

Obama Supporters Looking Ahead After Ohio Loss
Originally aired Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Cleveland supporters of Senator Barack Obama are still hopeful that he’ll clinch the democratic nomination despite last night’s primary loss in Ohio. ideastream®’s Tasha Flournoy has this report.

Euclid’s First Black Office Holder
Originally aired Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Euclid voters made history, Tuesday, as they elected the city's first African American office holder. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has more.

Clinton’s Buckeye Rebound
Originally aired Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Senator Hillary Clinton has revived her campaign with three wins after 11 straight losses to Barack Obama. Many Ohio voters said they were torn between two admirable candidates. ideastream® politics reporter Kymberli Hagelberg reports on what mattered to Buckeye voters.

Vote Count Aftermath
Originally aired Thursday, March 6, 2008
Some Cuyahoga County voters are still angry over the sluggish ballot counting process that delayed the final tally of Tuesday's Primary into early Wednesday morning. But, a local elections watchdog group gives a thumbs-up to the Board of Elections for grace under pressure. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has more.

Cleveland International Film Festival: Interview with Bill Gentzler
Originally aired Thursday, March 6, 2008
How's this for a dream job: travel around the world watching movies. In a nut shell, that's how Bill Gentzler makes a living. He's artistic director of the Cleveland International Film Festival which opens tonight. He recently sat down with ideastream®'s Dee Perry to preview the festival.

Medical Mart Deadline Extended, As Officials Call For Tax Repeal
Originally aired Thursday, March 6, 2008
Cuyahoga County Commissioners have extended a 60-day deadline in hopes of sealing a deal with potential medical mart operators. Meanwhile, two Cleveland Councilmen say it’s time to repeal the county sales tax increase that went into effect last year fund a new convention center tied to the medical mart. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more.

Old Manufacturers Learn New Tricks
Originally aired Tuesday, March 11, 2008
For many, the word "manufacturing" conjures up images of auto assembly lines or big presses rolling out sheets of steel. But the owners of some of these traditional facilities are finding that old dogs can learn new tricks. Ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has more.

Fixing A Hole
Originally aired Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Cleveland road crews continue to work on the street cave-in that has stopped traffic through Public Square. Exactly when that traffic will resume is an open question. Ideastream®'s David C. Barnett explains.

Cleveland Schools Debut Safety Measures
Originally aired Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Officials from the Cleveland Metropolitan School gave a progress report today (or tuesday, please adjust) on a district-wide security upgrade that has been in the works since last year's shooting at a Cleveland high school. ideastream reporter Kymberli Hagelberg has details.

Refineries Expand to Process Dirty Oil
Originally aired Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Transforming black crude oil into gasoline has always been a notoriously dirty process. But oil refineries are expanding so they can use a new source of oil. That could make the process even dirtier. The Environment Report's Shawn Allee explains why this is happening and what environmentalists are doing about it.

Northeast Ohioans Weigh In on Electric Rates
Originally aired Thursday, March 13, 2008
Public hearings on electric rates are being held in Northeast Ohio today. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio wants to hear what customers of First Energy have to say about a proposed boost for local electric bills. Ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has more.

Deadline for Medical Mart With Chicago Company Is Here
Originally aired Thursday, March 13, 2008
After extending a self-imposed deadline of last week, Cuyahoga County Commissioners say they expect to know today whether or not they can reach an agreement with Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. to build a combination convention center and medical mart. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy reports.

Commissioners Reach Verbal Agreement on Medical Mart
Originally aired Friday, March 14, 2008
Cuyahoga County Commissioners have reached a verbal agreement with Merchandise Mart Properties to build a medical mart in Cleveland. The plan is to build a medical mart that will have permanent showrooms for medical equipment and devices. While the new convention center will host an estimated 50 health-related trade shows and conferences a year. Negotiations were long and difficult. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more on how it all unfolded.

National Foundation Reveals New Patterns of Corporate Giving
Originally aired Monday, March 17, 2008
Who gets funding and why is the subject of a new report, as The Foundation Center Cleveland presents a first ever look at the state of economic development grants in Ohio. ideastream's Rick Jackson reports.

Gas Prices Impact Small Business
Originally aired Monday, March 17, 2008
With Ohio gasoline prices nearing a record high, local businesses are wincing with every fill up. ideastream's Rick Jackson reports.

Activists Aim For Discrimination Legislation
Originally aired Monday, March 17, 2008
Gay rights activists are hoping Ohio will become the 21st state to pass legislation banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. But opponents who've battled against gay marriage say there's no reason for the new law. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler talked to key leaders on both sides.

Truckers Paying Record High Diesel Prices
Originally aired Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Ohio truckers are paying record high diesel prices. And many drivers are trying to figure out how to stay in business despite higher fuel costs. Ohio Public Radio's Bill Cohen reports.

Federal Insurances Covers Most Local Depositers
Originally aired Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The credit crisis that caused Bear Stearns to crumble and, locally, National City Bank's stock price to nosedive yesterday has lots of people wondering about the safety of their money. ideastream reporter Kymberli Hagelberg reports.

Produce Shopping A Click Away
Originally aired Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The freshest produce, dairy and meat may be as close as your computer, thanks to a new website. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

Interview with WRHS President Gainor Davis
Originally aired Wednesday, March 19, 2008
There's been a good deal of soul searching over the past year at the Western Reserve Historical Society. President Gainor Davis has been at the helm of the organization for about 14 months and in that time has made some big changes. She's cut the budget, and reduced programs at many of the society's smaller sites. At the same time she hopes to boost the visibility of the historical society's headquarters in University Circle. Gainor Davis is joins ideastream®'s Eric Wellman in Studio 4 at the Idea Center for this interview.

Former Labor Secretary says Healthcare Vital Issue for Next President
Originally aired Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Former United States Secretary of Labor Robert Reich says health insurance and an aging population will be big challenges facing the next president. Ideastream politics reporter Kymberli Hagelberg reports.

Convicted Killer Could Serve on Cleveland Council
Originally aired Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A man convicted of 1973 murder and drug trafficking could be Cleveland's newest City Council member. ideastream politics reporter Kymberli Hagelberg has details.

Commissioners Expected to Sign Convention/Medical Mart Deal Today
Originally aired Thursday, March 20, 2008
Cuyahoga County Commissioners are expected to sign a written agreement this morning that will put plans for a convention center and medical mart in downtown Cleveland into motion. ideastream’s Economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has this report.

Cleveland’s Jewish Community Reacts to Obama’s Recent Visit & Race Speech
Originally aired Thursday, March 20, 2008
It's been only a week since Senator Barack Obama's relationship with his former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright became the top political story across the country. But questions about Wright's controversial sermons were raised in Cleveland two weeks earlier, when the presidential candidate met privately with Jewish leaders here. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy reports.

Cuyahoga County Population Decline Continues
Originally aired Thursday, March 20, 2008
Cuyahoga County continues to lose residents, though the pace has slowed a bit. The U.S. Census Bureau released it's annual population count today. Ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has the new numbers.

County Commissioners Get Deal & Details On Medical Mart/Convention Center
Originally aired Thursday, March 20, 2008
Cuyahoga County's Commissioners approved a deal today that will allow Chicago-based Merchandise Mart Properties to build, own, and operate a combination Medical Mart and Convention Center for a minimum of 20 years. Much of the 400 million dollar project will be paid for with a one-quarter percent county sales tax approved by the commissioners last year. It's taken just under six months for county negotiator Fred Nance to broker the deal. It's a complicated one, and there's still much to be worked out. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy sketches the details of the project - starting with its funding.

Commissioners Approve Convention/Medical Mart Deal
Originally aired Friday, March 21, 2008
Cuyahoga County's Commissioners approved a deal yesterday that will allow Chicago-based Merchandise Mart Properties to build, own, and operate a combination Medical Mart and Convention Center for a minimum of 20 years. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy sketches out the details of the project.

Study Highlights Costs of Chronic Disease
Originally aired Friday, March 21, 2008
A national think tank unveiled a new study in Cleveland showing that reductions in chronic illnesses would pack a big economic benefit. Ideastream’s Bill rice reports.

Vikings Play the Biggest Game in Team History Saturday
Originally aired Friday, March 21, 2008
The Vikings made the NCAA tournament for the first time ever, and will face Stanford in round one. Ideastream's Eric Wellman reports CSU is trying to make the most of its underdog status.

Influencing Legislators on Global Warming
Originally aired Friday, March 21, 2008
Local environmental advocates listened last week as a national organization outlined its latest push to curb global warming. The Natural Resources Defense Council is the latest Washington-based organization to tout Ohio as a possible center for green energy growth. Ideastream's Rick Jackson reports.

Making a Home for High Tech
Originally aired Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Sneakers and jeans mixed with three-piece suits, as a cross section of new entrepreneurs gathered in Cleveland, yesterday. The goal was to make Northeast Ohio more hospitable to High Tech. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett reports.

Summit Republicans Challenge Party Chairman
Originally aired Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A splinter group of the Summit County Republican Party has named a Cuyahoga Falls Councilwoman as their candidate to challenge longtime chairman Alex Arshinkoff. Ideastream Politics reporter Kymberli Hagelberg has details.

Activists Protest War, Commemorate Fallen
Originally aired Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Activists gathered on the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge in Cleveland Tuesday to pay tribute to service men and women killed in Iraq. Ideastream’s Bill Rice reports.

NatCity Competitors Try to Woo Customers
Originally aired Wednesday, March 26, 2008
All the news lately about National City’s financial problems have some area competitors thinking the big bank’s woes could be their gain. ideastream’s Dan Bobkoff reports.

Going Car-less in Cleveland
Originally aired Thursday, March 27, 2008
Cleveland Magazine writer Andy Netzel gives up his car for a month.

Cleveland Metro Area Continues to Lose Population
Originally aired Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Cleveland and Youngstown metro areas lost more than 5,000 people between 2006 and 2007. That’s according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released today. This comes a week after the Census reported that Cuyahoga County’s population continues to decline. ideastream’s Tasha Flournoy has more on the new figures.

Big Changes for State Workers on Flextime
Originally aired Friday, March 28, 2008
For years, thousands of state employees have taken advantage of flexible work arrangements: finding ways to get their daily job done outside the regular 9 to 5. That is now changing. Governor Ted Strickland has given agencies until May 2nd to implement a new personnel policy that limits flextime, compressed work weeks and telecommuting from home. Ideastream's Mhari Saito reports.

Officials Make Bid to Keep Bridgestone Firestone in Akron
Originally aired Friday, March 28, 2008
State and local officials are offering a reported 68 million dollar deal to keep tire manufacturer Bridgestone Firestone's technical center in Akron. Though they're not commenting on details, Bridgestone officials say the proposal is attractive, but they're still entertaining a bid from another state. ideastream's Tasha Flournoy has more.

Silver Alert to Be Created
Originally aired Friday, March 28, 2008
You've likely heard of the Amber Alert for when a child goes missing. A message is sent to law enforcement and media across a wide area to get information out and coordinate a response. Ohio is on the verge of doing something similar if an elderly person goes missing. The Ohio Legislature passed a measure to create what's called a "silver alert" system. And last Friday Governor Strickland signed it into law. Nina Keller is with the Area Agency on Aging Region 7. That's in Southern Ohio. And she's one of the people who testified in Columbus in support of this bill.

Team NEO Reports On Regional Economy
Originally aired Monday, March 31, 2008
A regional marketing group continues to see bright spots in Northeast Ohio’s economic picture, despite a steady stream of gloomy news. In two new reports, Team NEO says its efforts have added new jobs and business albeit modest, in fields it deems important to building a 21st century economy. And it projects additional growth in coming years. But at least one local economist thinks Team NEO’s findings may be overly optimistic. ideastream’s economics reporter Tasha Flournoy has more.