http://www.wcpn.org (c) Copyright 2009 ideastream - For Personal Use Only http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26879 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26879#When:21:11:00Z Cuyahoga County's Republican leadership today presented a plan for the ouster of embattled Commissioner Jimmy DiMora. ideastream®'s Rick Jackson prepared this report. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:11:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26878 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26878#When:19:46:00Z If you own property in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, or Stark counties, chances are you’ve gotten a letter in the mail from the county telling you how much the auditor thinks your property is worth. Needless to say, you might not agree with the assessment. It’s time for this week’s Upside/Downside. These revaluations are coming out in a year that property values have taken a sharp dip, and the assessments reflect that, but you still might think it’s too high. ideastream®’s Dan Bobkoff talks to morning host Eric Wellman to explain that and the system that exists to challenge county property valuations. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:46:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26871 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26871#When:13:02:01Z The Plain Dealer: Former county employees J. Kevin Kelley and Kevin Payne pleaded guilty Wednesday to several corruption-related crimes and agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors as they pursue other people in the probe of contract steering in Cuyahoga County. Kelley will serve a minimum sentence of about six years in federal prison while Payne faces at least seven years behind bars. That's assuming federal prosecutors are satisfied with the information, testimony and other help each man provides as the case continues. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:02:01 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26870 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26870#When:12:49:00Z The director of the Ohio Lottery admits he hasn't been consulted about the plan to bring slot machines to Ohio's seven racetracks, even though he would oversee those machines. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:49:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26869 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26869#When:12:47:00Z Ohio is now operating on a one week temporary budget...and another one week budget is in the works in case state leaders don't pass a permanent budget by Tuesday. The temporary budget is meant to allow agencies to continue to operate while budget negotiations continue. But as Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports, some groups are finding it's hard to get by under unsure circumstances. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:47:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26868 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26868#When:12:41:00Z The latest census numbers don't look good for Cleveland. The estimates suggest the city has lost more than 9 percent of its population this decade, more than any other major city in the country. But when professor Mark Salling of Cleveland State University looked deeper into the numbers, he found at least one promising trend. While Cleveland continues to shed population, the rate of decline appears to be slowing. Salling teaches at CSU's Levin College of Urban Affairs where he spoke with ideastream®'s Eric Wellman. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:41:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26866 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26866#When:23:06:00Z The deadlock over a new two year state budget for Ohio continues at the capitol. The governor and legislative leaders say they have already agreed on filling most of a projected 3.2 billion dollar shortfall with spending cuts, but they disagree over using revenues from gambling to fill the rest of the money hole. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports there are now a few wrinkles in the stand-off. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:06:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26865 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26865#When:22:51:00Z With the state struggling to plug a huge budget shortfall, those working to advance Northeast Ohio's biomedical industry are bracing for a disappointing rollback of state stimulus dollars. ideastream®'s Bill rice reports. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:51:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26864 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26864#When:22:25:00Z The Ohio Supreme Court says parents who are suing over their underage daughter's abortion are not entitled to see confidential medical records maintained by the clinic that performed the procedure. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler has the story. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:25:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26867 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26867#When:22:08:00Z As legislators try to hammer out a compromise state budget with dramatically reduced revenues, advocates for the environment are trying to keep the focus on developing clean energy. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:08:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26863 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26863#When:21:48:00Z The U.S. Secretary of Commerce was in town July first, promoting a new federal program to improve internet service in under-served rural areas and urban centers too - like Cleveland. ideastream®'s Rick Jackson reports. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26839 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26839#When:13:22:00Z While most fireworks sold in Ohio cannot legally be set off here, there are some that can be used. Dr. Gary Smith with Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus says many are still dangerous. Smith and other doctors say they see cases every year where children are seriously burned by backyard fireworks. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:22:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26836 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26836#When:13:15:00Z Environmentalists say a new report shows Ohioans will spend more than $900 billion on fossil fuels during the next twenty years if major advances are not made in clean energy technologies. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:15:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26834 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26834#When:12:55:00Z Starting today, the speed limit for trucks on Ohio's rural and suburban interstate highways rises from 55 miles an hour to 65. Ohio Public Radio's Bill Cohen reports. The higher speed limit does not apply to trucks in Cuyahoga County. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:55:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26833 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26833#When:12:53:01Z The boards of Antioch University and the Antioch College alumni group have reached an agreement on the future of Antioch College. They are going ahead with plans to open a newly independent institution in Yellow Springs. From member station WYSO, Emily McCord reports. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:53:01 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26826 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26826#When:09:00:00Z The Fund for Our Economic Future is offering to contribute $300,000 toward the cost of a public project. But that project must involve multiple communities working together, such the combining of police or fire services. About 65 proposals came in and the list was whittled down to nine finalists. The winner will ultimately be determined by the public which is asked to vote for their favorites. Brad Whitehead is President of the Fund For Our Economic Future. ideastream®'s Eric Wellman asked him how difficult was it to narrow the list from 65 to nine. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26830 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26830#When:21:37:00Z The stalemate over a new two-year state budget for Ohio continues at the capitol building in Columbus. That's why state lawmakers have just approved a one-week INTERIM budget to keep state government afloat, until a more LONG-range spending package is passed. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen has this update. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:37:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26827 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26827#When:18:54:00Z An international company is considering expanding its operations in Ohio to the tune of nearly 800 new jobs. The facility would be located in the Solon area....if it comes off. ideastream®'s Rick Jackson reports. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:54:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26818 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26818#When:11:41:00Z Shortly after being diagnosed with cancerous tumors inside her abdomen, Wanda Bass of Parma Heights was started on a round of intravenous chemotherapy and a drug called Tarceva. When Wanda's husband called the drugstore to fill the order, the pharmacist told him a 30 day supply of the pills would cost more than $2,600 out of pocket, despite the fact that the Bass' have insurance. Their story is a reminder of the cost of our healthcare system at a time that Congress and the Obama administration are considering an overhaul. It's an issue that Angela Townsend writes about in the health section of today's Plain Dealer. She spoke with ideastream®'s Eric Wellman. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:41:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26817 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26817#When:03:10:00Z Ohio legislators and the governor have given up trying to hammer out a compromise two year state budget by the Wednesday morning deadline. Instead, they're now in the process of enacting a one-WEEK budget to give them more time to work on the long-range spending package. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:10:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26815 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26815#When:00:28:00Z Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora will ask for a federal investigation into what he says is a Republican-orchestrated conspiracy to falsely accuse him and other democrats of corruption. Ideastream’s Bill Rice reports. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:28:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26816 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26816#When:00:26:00Z Key players in the deal to build a new convention center and medical Mart in downtown Cleveland say the project is on track to break ground within a few months. They spoke about the project Monday at the City Club of Cleveland. Ideastream's Bill Rice has more. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:26:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26813 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26813#When:19:35:00Z Northeast Ohio's Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners in trouble about "loan modification" companies that promise more than they can deliver. As part of our ongoing coverage...Facing the Mortgage Crisis, Mhari Saito reports. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:35:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26807 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26807#When:13:02:00Z With one exception, House members from Northeast Ohio voted along party lines on a landmark climate change bill. Matt Laslo reports from Washington. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:02:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26806 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26806#When:12:57:00Z Ohio's budget troubles are a dramatic demonstration of a simple situation - government often has more obligations in tough times, when less revenue is coming in. So how can the state avoid getting into a major financial crisis the next time? Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:57:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26805 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26805#When:12:06:00Z That makes it seem increasingly unlikely that state legislators will be able to agree on a compromise spending plan by Wednesday's deadline. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports the biggest sticking point appears to be slot machines. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:06:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26804 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26804#When:11:58:00Z Emergency rooms have long been the first stop when patients who don't have health insurance get sick. They are a very expensive way to provide healthcare and they're getting more crowded as the ranks of the uninsured continue to grow. That's why it has been widely hoped that the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and others would play a key role in sharing that burden with MetroHealth, the county's public hospital. Sarah Jane Tribble covers that story in today's Plain Dealer and talked about the goal and the hold-up with ideastream's Eric Wellman. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:58:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26802 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26802#When:21:54:01Z The next election for governor is more than 16 months away, but a leading Republican candidate is already making his pitch. Former Ohio Congressman John Kasich is running on a platform of eliminating the state income tax and making Ohio more hospitable to business and innovation. Kasich spoke at the City Club Friday and ideastream®’s Dan Bobkoff has our report. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:54:01 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26801 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26801#When:14:07:00Z The Cavs made some big acquisitions yesterday. They picked up some future talent in the NBA draft, but the biggest by far is the news that Shaquille O'Neal will be coming to Cleveland. At age 37, Shaq is past his prime, but he's coming off a successful season in Phoenix and the Cavs have their fingers crossed that he can be a major contributor here. Mary Schmitt Boyer covers the Cavs for the Plain Dealer. She spoke with ideastream®'s Eric Wellman. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:07:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26798 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26798#When:13:01:00Z There are several new developments on the gambling front in Ohio. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen has the latest. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:01:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26797 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26797#When:12:59:01Z Lobbyists for Ohio's nursing homes are worried that more than 20 percent of facilities in the state will lose a minimum of one half million dollars over two years; if' lawmakers adopt Governor Strickland's latest budget proposal. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:59:01 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26796 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26796#When:12:57:00Z There are indications from leading lawmakers - including Governor Strickland - that a state budget may be in place by the deadline of June 30th. Two Senators say it will not including any sort of tax increase. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:57:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26794 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26794#When:11:42:00Z Earlier this week came news that one of Cleveland's smallest and poorest colleges is teaming up with one of the biggest names in business -- Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric. Welch is buying a $2 million stake in Chancellor University, formerly known as Myers University that went bankrupt last year and then was revived by Michael Clifford, an entrepreneur who has plans to turn the school into an online educational institution. A key question is why is Jack Welch, a prominent business guru lending his name to such a tiny, low profile, troubled school. To help us understand that ideastream®'s Eric Wellman spoke with business professor Noel Tichy of the University of Michigan who has been tapped to become Dean of the new Jack Welch Management Institute which is part of the new Chancellor University. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:42:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26793 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26793#When:03:17:00Z Cleveland State University held what amounted to an opening round of public debate Thursday over a charter proposal for Cuyahoga County that would dramatically change its leadership structure. It's crafters hope to put the measure on the November ballot for approval from voters. Ideastream's Bill Rice reports. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:17:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26791 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26791#When:19:31:00Z Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is cracking down on scams offering to help homeowners avoid foreclosures. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:31:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26782 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26782#When:12:50:01Z Ohioans will likely decide this fall whether to amend the state's constitution to set up a board that will oversee standards for the state's farm industry. The Ohio house passed a plan to allow the ballot issue yesterday and the Ohio Senate is expected to do the same later today. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:50:01 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26642 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26642#When:09:00:00Z In our ongoing series, Facing the Mortgage Crisis, ideastream® has examined many aspects of foreclosure and the credit squeeze and today we go through a new door, taking a look at how the region's housing troubles have become the subject of art. The housing crisis has become fodder for some in NE Ohio's art scene: A play about foreclosure just finished a run at the Dobama Theater. Cleveland's Sculpture Center showed pictures of boarded up East Cleveland houses. And tonight, The Cleveland Arts Prize for emerging artist goes to a young woman who paints Cleveland's factories and homes. ideastream®'s Mhari Saito has this profile of the Tremont artist. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26779 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26779#When:22:29:00Z Governor Strickland's proposal to balance the upcoming two-year state budget with 2.4 billion dollars worth of spending cuts is igniting a firestorm of protests from citizen-lobbyists across Ohio. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:29:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26778 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26778#When:21:36:00Z Fallout over the temporary stepping down of Cuyahoga County's Democrat Party chairman Jimmy Dimora continues, and now voices from both sides of the aisle are weighing in. Ideastream®'s Rick Jackson reports. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:36:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26777 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26777#When:20:51:00Z Ohio library lovers are up in arms about a proposal to cut about half the current budget for libraries in the next two years. About 500 people gathered outside Cleveland Public Library on Superior Avenue Wednesday to protest Governor Strickland’s proposed cuts. Ideastream intern Ida Lieszkovszky has more. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:51:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26774 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26774#When:16:36:01Z The recession has not been kind to the region’s foundations, but the Cleveland Foundation reports it’s beginning to erase some of the $400 million loss it took in 2008. ideastream®’s Dan Bobkoff reports. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:36:01 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26770 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26770#When:11:58:00Z The Ohio Highway Patrol has noticed what it calls an alarming trend -- a noticeable increase in the number of motorcyclists violating traffic laws. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:58:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26769 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26769#When:11:56:00Z A handful of democratic lawmakers are speaking about the state budget which is facing a $3.2 billion dollar. They say they can't watch vital services in state government be cut while, at the same time, give some Ohioans a tax break. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:56:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26768 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26768#When:11:50:00Z Ohio legislators and Governor Strickland are looking at a plan to authorize slot machines at the state's seven horse racing tracks, but that's not stopping backers of another gambling expansion plan from moving ahead with their own proposal -- for casinos in big cities. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:50:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26767 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26767#When:11:39:00Z The parent company of TJ Maxx and Marshalls has agreed to a multi-million dollar settlement so that dozens of states, including Ohio, will drop their complaints over a massive security breach involving the companies' credit-card holders. Bill Cohen of Ohio Public Radio reports. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:39:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26766 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26766#When:11:23:00Z Connie Schultz, among others, weigh in on this hotly divided issue. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:23:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26765 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26765#When:11:18:00Z Don Plusquellic is keeping his job. The 23-year Akron Mayor survived yesterday’s recall election. ideastream®’s Dan Bobkoff reports. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:18:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26764 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26764#When:21:15:00Z Debate over benefits of a possible nuclear power plant in Piketon is heating up. Experts discuss pros and cons of local investment in nuclear energy. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:15:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26763 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26763#When:19:28:00Z Librarians around the state are mobilizing supporters to help stop deep cuts in st ate funding that's being proposed by Governor Strickland. One rally takes place Wednesday morning at the Cleveland Public Library. As ideastream®'s Dan Bobkoff reports, this budget ax cuts deeper than most. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:28:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26759 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26759#When:17:14:00Z Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Chair Jimmy Dimora is at least temporarily giving up his post. ideastream®'s Eric Wellman has more. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:14:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26740 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26740#When:13:12:00Z Vice President Joe Biden and other top federal officials are coming to Ohio today to talk about promoting manufacturing in the 21st century. Karen Kasler of Ohio Public Radio has this preview. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:12:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26739 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26739#When:13:07:00Z Ohioans may soon have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that will decide how farm animals are treated. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles has details. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:07:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26738 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26738#When:12:59:00Z Governor Ted Strickland has changed his stand and is now asking Ohio legislators to approve a plan to authorize thousands of slot machines at race tracks. As statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports, critics of the plan are vowing to fight it in court. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:59:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26737 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26737#When:04:01:00Z The Downtown Cleveland Alliance is turning to the public as it begins the process of putting together its new five-year plan. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett reports. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:01:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26736 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26736#When:03:38:00Z Several hundred people came down to the banks of the Cuyahoga Monday afternoon to celebrate the river's environmental recovery. The celebration took place on the fortieth anniversary of the infamous river fire in June of 1969 that made international headlines. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has more. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:38:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26641 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26641#When:22:01:00Z Millions of federal stimulus dollars are pouring into Ohio to retrain laid off workers. So, more and more of those who've been laid off are doing something they never thought they'd do again - heading back to school. But re-training is no guarantee of a job as some Ohioans are finding out. As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Plain Dealer, ideastream®'s Ida Lieszkovszky has the latest in our Help Wanted installments. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:01:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26735 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26735#When:21:45:00Z Too many students make it to college, but cannot read at college level, or need remedial help in other parts of their education. Helping colleges deal with those learning deficits is one of the causes of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and now, some of their money will be used to fund remedial programs for students at several Ohio institutions of higher learning, including Cuyahoga Community College, Jefferson and Sinclair Community Colleges, North Central State College and Zane State College. Tri-C spokesperson Jackie Silverstein talked to ideastream®'s Ida Lieszkovszky about the impact of the three-quarters of a million dollars grant. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:45:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26734 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26734#When:21:17:00Z An Ohio think tank is taking on the Rent to Own industry, accusing those stores of over-charging customers. ideastream®'s Rick Jackson reports. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:17:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26676 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26676#When:13:20:00Z Voters go to the polls in Akron, Tuesday, June 23rd to vote up or down on their city's mayor. But the rubber city is certainly not alone when it comes to recall elections. Toledo, Kansas City and Portland, Oregon also have mayors in question. Raphael Sonenshein is a professor at California State University at Fullerton. He follows recall elections. Sonenshein spoke with ideastream®s' Eric Wellman about what makes Akron's case unique. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:20:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26675 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26675#When:13:13:00Z From time to time on Morning Edition, WCPN introduces listeners to fellow listeners who have unique morning commutes. Today's commuter has a very unique ride to work. He listens to 90.3's shows from Japan. All Things Considered in the morning and Morning Edition at night. ideastream®'s Eric Wellman has our story. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:13:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26673 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26673#When:11:46:00Z Summer vacation appears to be a long way off for state lawmakers. They're back for a full week of work dealing with a variety of bills, with the state budget and the governor's new proposal to allow slot machines at racetracks - at the top of the agenda. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:46:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26672 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26672#When:11:41:00Z There's a battle brewing over an amendment in the budget that one lawmaker says will help county boards of elections, but that the secretary of state says will cost Ohio millions in federal dollars. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:41:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26671 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26671#When:05:25:00Z Remember the gull that deflected a fly ball and saved a Cleveland Indians game a couple weeks ago? You can thank the Cuyahoga River. Forty years ago, the Cuyahoga was little more than an industrial sewer and the butt of national jokes when it caught on fire. Today, Northeast Ohio's "crooked river" teems with fish and wildlife. ideastream®'s David C. Barnett has more on the clean-up of the Cuyahoga. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:25:00 -0400 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26670 http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26670#When:23:15:00Z Voters in Akron head to the polls tomorrow to decide whether the city's mayor should be recalled after 23 years in office. Don Plusquellic's critics say he has an abusive personality and it out of touch with the people, but the mayor’s supporters say the charges are flimsy at best and that it is the recall process that is being abused. ideastream®'s Dan Bobkoff reports. Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:15:00 -0400