Morning News Archives
October - December 2001

• December 2001
• November 2001
• October 2001

Minority Inventors
The forecast for the business of technology is slightly cloudy today. The business technology network reports the recession has hit the industry especially hard - computer and software spending was slowed and the previous quarter indicated a downturn in technology investing. For an inventor, that’s not good news. And it may be worse for an inventor who is a minority. Some say even before this recession, windows of opportunities were often closed for people of color. Locally NASA Glenn has been trying to change that - 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims reports. Aired December 28, 2001.

Still Bowling Alone?
Despite the popularity of the recent slogan "United We Stand," some social researchers question just how "connected" American citizens really are. The time constraints on dual-income families, the sprawling of the suburbs, and the hypnotic eye of television have combined to limit person-to-person contact in our culture. While renewed pledges of patriotism in the wake of September 11th may affect this trend toward disunity, there is still a lot to overcome. 90.3 WCPN®'s David C. Barnett reports. Aired December 27, 2001.

George Martin: The "Fifth Beatle"
On November 29, 2001, Beatle George Harrison passed away after a long illness. While we recognize the talent of the "Fab Four", it should be noted that all the recordings of the Beatles sound the way they do - because of one man. Sir George Martin (known by many as the "fifth Beatle"), the producer of all of the Beatles recordings from their first to their last. On September 26, 2001, Sir George Martin spoke at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, about his career (over 50 years) as a record producer, before, during, and after the Beatles. 90.3 WCPN®'s Jim Goldurs spoke with Martin at the Rock Hall's studios. Aired December 24, 2001.

Surfing Lake Erie... in Winter
According to the National Weather Service, this November was the warmest on record in Cleveland, and Lake Erie water temperatures are about six degrees higher than normal. The warmer conditions are creating opportunities for an unusual group of people who live in Northeast Ohio. 90.3 WCPN®'s Janet Babin reveals what it is they do. Aired December 20, 2001.

Steel Mill Blues
Cleveland's LTV Steel plant sits idle for a second week. The last twelve months have seen the company enter bankruptcy, reorganize, lay off some of its workers - and finally, all of its workers. It's been a struggle to keep the 20th century institution alive. Now it looks like the plant may be a lost cause. After all the legalities of the last year, we thought it time to briefly retrace some of that history and hear some impressions from some of those involved. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice prepared this extended report. Aired December 18, 2001.

Web Exclusive Interview with LTV Steel
On December 14th, Mark Tomasch, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at LTV, agreed to talk at length about the events of the past year that led to LTV's closing. With his own job expected to terminate with the final closing of LTV, Tomasch gives both the company's and his own insight on what transpired over the past year. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice has the interview, available exclusively online.

St. Luke's Emergency Room Founders
At the end of December, another Cleveland emergency room is going out of business. Saint Luke's Medical Center, on the city's east side, has announced plans to close its emergency room and open a new Urgent Care Center. One of the ironies of the situation is that Saint Luke's as a hospital ceased to exist two years ago. Nearby residents, frustrated by years of changes, are feeling hostile about this transformation. Meanwhile hospital administrators are working to convince their neighbors, clients, and local politicians, that the intent behind this change is based on medical realities, not financial ambition. 90.3 WCPN®'s April Baer reports. Aired December 14, 2001.

Uncertain Future for LTV Retirees
The end of LTV Steel would mean the loss of 3,200 jobs. But a greater number of people depend on the company for retirement checks and company sponsored medical insurance. 90.3 WCPN®'s Mike West looks into the options of former steel workers who are facing an uncertain future. Aired December 12, 2001.

The Future of Urban Development
Urban development has touched every community in Cleveland. New shopping plazas, retail stores and housing have most residents feeling optimistic about the future of Cleveland’s urban neighborhoods. Still, progress in neighborhood development is often slow - and with a new administration on the horizon, community leaders are working to make sure their neighborhoods continue to move ahead. 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims reports. Aired December 6, 2001.

Pay Day Lending
The effects of the economic slow down were compounded by the 9-11 attacks. A month after the disaster the number of unemployed people in the country skyrocketed from more than 730,000 to more than 7 million. But one industry that hasn’t lost steam is Pay Day lending. In fact, business is booming as more and more low-income people, in mostly urban areas, look for quick and convenient ways to do their banking. 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims reports on the secret of the industry’s success and why some people in the financial world are not happy about it. Aired December 5, 2001.

Urban Redevelopment and Minority Participation
The City of Cleveland has been home to several major development projects in urban areas. Northern Ohio Live named the best neighborhood revitalization effort the Lee-Harvard Shopping Plaza. The rebirth of Shaker Square had an honorable mention. Both projects have breathe new life in to declining urban areas on Cleveland’s eastside - but as 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims reports, some critics say while they’re happy these projects are happening in their neighborhoods they also want to see more minority participation. Aired December 4, 2001.

Women In Construction
Recent revelations about the Taliban's treatment of women in Afghanistan are heightening awareness of some disturbing trends regarding women here in the U.S. Since World War II American women have entered virtually every building trade and some now own their own construction companies. Yet women today still comprise less than two-and-a-half percent of the skilled trades workforce nationwide, denying many single heads-of-household access to high-paying jobs. And women continue to fight harassment and other forms of sexual discrimination in the workplace. One group of Northeast women trying to make some changes. 90.3 WCPN®'s Karen Schaefer reports. Aired November 28, 2001.

Early Entry into the NBA: Harsh Realities For Young Players
It used to be said that if you want to make it in life, you graduate from high school, go to college, and then find a good paying job. However, more and more teenagers are finding the lure of multi-million dollar sports deals too tempting to pass up. This year, the Cleveland Cavaliers made history this year by drafting their first round pick out of High School. The NBA itself set a surprising trend for this season with teams drafting four high school players in the top ten and only one college graduate. Northeast Ohio boasts of having, one of the top high school players in the country. And at only 16 years old, he’s already being rumored to make the jump to the NBA. But according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association only three out of 10,000 make it - and those who do often get a rude awakening. 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims reports critics of this trend say these teens need be educated about the realities of making it to the NBA and what it’s like if you get there. Aired November 27, 2001.

Pakistan-U.S. Relations
As the war in Afghanistan continues, 90.3 WCPN® News is trying to remember the thousands of lives impacted by conflict in regions that may seem far away, but are close to the hearts of many Americans whose homelands are in South Asia. While we realize that one person cannot speak for a nation, we spoke to representatives of Pakistani and Indian Americans living in our region. 90.3 WCPN®'s Janet Babin begins by attending a festival of light celebrated in India. Aired November 26, 2001.

Volunteers Serve Thanksgiving To Hungry
The spirit of volunteerism was much in evidence on Thanksgiving at a west side hunger center, where hundreds of people sought and received a Thanksgiving Day meal. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice paid a visit, and prepared this report. Aired November 23, 2001.

Holiday Travel
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for turkey – and travel. But this year, many far-flung families coming together for the holiday have reconsidered their travel plans. Fewer people are flying and more are taking trains and buses. They’re also getting in cars in record numbers and driving long distances. Changes in holiday travel are accompanied by changes in the way officials are handling issues of security and safety. But they also spell changes in the culture of travel, as 90.3 WCPN®’s Karen Schaefer reports. Aired November 22, 2001.

Hazardous Materials Transportation:
Security Issues in the Trucking Industry
Since September 11, changes in the way we handle security at airports have been paralleled by closer scrutiny of the trucking industry. Included in the recently-passed Anti-Terrorism Act are more extensive background checks for truck drivers licensed to carry hazardous materials. Department of Transportation officials say they can’t be implemented right away. In the meantime, state agencies are doing what they can to crack down on hazmat shipments. But trucking industry spokesmen and the truckers themselves say licensing is just one of many security concerns. 90.3 WCPN®’s Karen Schaefer reports. Aired November 16, 2001.

Don't Laugh At Me: Project Respect
It's tough these days to be the schoolyard bully. Time was when bullies enjoyed a relatively free reign. Kids will be kids, adults rationalized, and, more often than not, let it go. Not any more. The shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado drove home to educators across the country that harassment and ridicule can profoundly affect children, sometimes with dire consequences. Many are adopting programs and concepts into their curricula that teach kids the value of respect and dignity. One such program - and the legendary singer-songwriter who created it - got a warm reception last night in Brecksville. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice prepared this report. Aired November 15, 2001.

The Heroics of the Soul Sorcerer
After September 11th there’s been a lot of talk about heroes. Firefighters, policemen, emergency workers and soldiers gained new appreciation from average citizens. But many of us still can’t shake the fantasy of having a superhero. As a little boy, Cleveland native Eric Dean Seaton dreamed of a superhero that looked like him. A few decades later his dream has come true. He created Nighthawk, an African American who fights the forces of evil seen and unseen. But as 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims reports, despite unsuccessful attempts by others to bring African American superheroes to the main stream, Seaton still sees a market open to cultural diversity. Aired November 14, 2001.

Involving The Public With School Renovation
City and state officials are beginning to pull together the details of how to spend nearly a billion dollars in school renovation funds. The money comes from the $340 million bond issue passed by Cleveland voters last May, coupled with a state match of about $700 million. Assessment of the schools - what needs to be done and how much it will cost - is now complete, but there are still unanswered questions. Last night the school district brought Clevelanders up to date on where they are in the planning process. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice reports. Aired November 9, 2001.

Interest Rates, Parts 1 and 2
Zero percent interest is becoming the name of the game when it comes to luring consumers to buy everything from new cars to furniture and appliances. With the slowing economy, some retailers need to sell their goods even if it means no financing profits. However, not everyone will share in the bounty of free interest rates. 90.3 WCPN®'s Mike West has this report. Aired November 5, 2001.

The Ward 11 Council Race
In Ward 11 on Cleveland’s eastside, the city council race has a lot of people talking. One reason - there was no primary last month to determine which candidate residents were leaning toward. Also, accusations of “dirty politics” have surfaced - along with the question “do residents care about a politicians past versus the work the candidate can do for the community?” 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims examines the campaign trails of two council hopefuls in Collinwood who are doing what they feel is necessary to win votes. Aired November 2, 2001.

The Ward 8 Council Race
The race for City Council in Ward 8 on Cleveland’s eastside has gotten tighter since the primary. Longtime representative and finance chairman Bill Patmon lost the October second vote to challenger Sabra Pierce Scott. But, 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims reports the incumbent feels he should be given 4 more years to complete the job he started which he calls “Glenville’s comeback," while his challenger says time’s up. Aired November 2, 2001.

Farmland Preservation In Wayne County
Some Ohioans believe one way to slow urban sprawl is to preserve the state's rural farmland. This November, voters in Wayne County will decide whether to pass a quarter-percent sales tax to fund the purchase of development rights from willing farmers. It's the second time an Ohio county has tried to pass such a measure. Almost two years ago a similar issue in Medina County failed. Ohio's Governor supports this latest effort. Earlier this year he signed into law a statewide fund that would provide matching dollars for local farmland preservation efforts. But one Wayne County resident believes the proposal goes too far. He's trying to get voters to turn it down. 90.3 WCPN®'s Karen Schaefer reports. Aired November 1, 2001.

Drawing Conclusions: Cartoonists and September 11
Some of the strongest commentaries on the events of September 11th have come from the pens of editorial cartoonists. From effusive patriotism to savage rage, these artists have been creating images that react to a tragedy which words have failed to fully convey. 90.3 WCPN®'s David C. Barnett spoke with three of them. Aired October 31, 2001.

Mayoral Control of Cleveland Schools
Not long after the next mayor of Cleveland takes office in January another campaign will get underway - one that will shape the future of Cleveland's public schools. Both mayoral candidates - Jane Campbell and Raymond Pierce - say the school district has improved since Mayor Mike White took control of it in 1996. Whoever wins will have to take a stand on whether control of the district should remain in the mayor's hands. That question goes to citizens as a ballot referendum next year. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice has this report. Aired October 30, 2001.

Mayor's Race in Cleveland
With no incumbent on the ballot, voters in Cleveland will choose a new mayor Tuesday for the first time since 1989. Both candidates are liberal democrats in their forties. Both say if elected they'll improve education and access to healthcare. But with an electorate distracted by terrorist attacks and no clear distinctions between the candidates, for some racial differences may be a deciding factor. From member station 90.3 WCPN®, Janet Babin reports. Aired October 29, 2001.

Mayor's Race - Finances
Pre-General Election Finance Reports for the Cleveland mayoral candidates are in - 90.3 WCPN®'s Janet Babin reviews the reports for Jane Campbell and Raymond Pierce. Aired October 26, 2001.

Security Assured at Oberlin Air Traffic Control
The head of the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic control center in Oberlin has made a public statement designed to reassure residents about security at the facility. 90.3 WCPN®'s Karen Schaefer reports. Aired October 26, 2001.

Big 8 School Districts Discuss Student Achievement
Education leaders from Ohio's eight largest school districts gathered in Cleveland this week to strategize on how to implement new state accountability standards. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice reports. Aired October 25, 2001.

Is Our Airport Security Good Enough?
Congress is back in session today and some lawmakers are hoping to revive debate over a new aviation security bill. The Senate unanimously approved legislation three weeks ago that would make the nation's 28,000 airport screeners federal employees. But House members remain divided over the issue. Democrats support federalizing airport security, while Republicans favor federal oversight of private security companies. Both parties agree on other security measures such as strengthening cockpit doors and putting more federal air marshals on domestic flights. But some people - among them the world's largest union of flight attendants -say other security loopholes are not being addressed. The bottom line is that many people are still afraid to fly. 90.3 WCPN®'s Karen Schaefer reports. Aired October 23, 2001.

Venture Capital in Cleveland
Some business leaders say the region has sat on the sidelines while other parts of the country have cashed-in on high tech economy. Many experts insist a lack of venture capital is to blame for the failure to attract more new companies. 90.3 WCPN®'s Mike West looks at what it takes to match good ideas with money from investors. Aired October 19, 2001.

Making Affordable Housing Available
Housing for low-income residents is in short supply in Cleveland, and the number of affordable units - along with people's ability to actually afford them - continues to diminish. Now housing advocates are worried that cuts in the state budget could add to the problem. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice reports. Aired October 16, 2001.

Mayor's Race - About Race
Cleveland's two Mayoral Candidates seem to be having trouble disagreeing. Until recently Ray Pierce and Jane Campbell would speak gingerly about their differences during debates. Plus the two had to deal with a public not in the mood for polarization, after terrorist attacks ignited the urge for solidarity among all Americans. Many voters remain undecided, but those who have made a choice often end up citing race and gender as partial reasons for their decision. Could these basic differences end up deciding who the city's next Mayor will be? 90.3 WCPN®'s Janet Babin reports. Aired October 15, 2001.

DNA Tests Release Man on Bond
A few days ago Anthony Michael Green got his first taste of freedom. Yesterday, on his way to a celebration in honor of his stepfather, he said he thought about asking the driver to pull over and let him simply stand on the side of the road to experience a world without walls. Green was released on bond after serving 13 years of a combined 50-year sentence, for the rape and robbery of a terminally ill Cleveland Clinic cancer patient. The horror of that crime brought about what many people are calling another tragic situation - locking up a potentially innocent man. 90.3 WCPN®’s Tarice Sims reports one family’s determination to free one of their own. Aired October 12, 2001.

Stabilizing Funding For NASA Glenn Research Center
The price of a war against terrorism is putting new strains on the national defense budget. In order to meet those and other costs relating to the attacks of September 11, Congress seems to have temporarily abandoned its concerns with deficit spending. Nonetheless, some Ohio lawmakers and business leaders remain concerned about on-going funding problems at the state's second largest federal research laboratory. With the economy on the downswing, they say it's more important than ever to keep the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland going strong. 90.3 WCPN®'s Karen Schaefer reports. Aired October 11, 2001.

Indian Teachers Arrive in Cleveland
In past years the Cleveland Municipal School District has struggled to come up with enough math, science and special education instructors to fill its classrooms. But district officials have now discovered it's really not all that tough - as long as you're willing to travel halfway around the world. That's what they did last spring, and this fall Cleveland welcomed a group of new hires recruited from India. 90.3 WCPN®'s Bill Rice caught up with some of them shortly after their arrival in September, and has this report. Aired October 5, 2001.

Cleveland National Guard Mobilized
Ohio National Guard units are being mobilized for deployment in U.S. military actions against terrorists. Next week it's the turn of the 135th MP Company in Brook Park. 90.3 WCPN®'s Karen Schaefer has the story. Aired October 4, 2001.

DNA Testing May Set Man Free
This week a Grafton Correctional inmate was expected to be released from prison after serving 13 years for a rape and robbery charge. Instead, the prosecution was granted another continuance for a hearing to introduce DNA evidence on behalf of Anthony Michael Green, so they can run their own tests. Despite this delay Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Anthony Calabrese has agreed to release him on bond next week so he will be able to attend his stepfather’s retirement celebration. Green was convicted of rape and robbery in 1988 - since then he has been in prison serving a 50-year sentence for the crimes. But about a month ago, a DNA test was done that might prove he’s the wrong man. 90.3 WCPN®'s Tarice Sims reports. Aired October 4, 2001.

Primary Election - Mayor's Race
And then there were two who would be Mayor. Cleveland voters have decided which two mayoral candidates will vie for the top spot next month. One is a political veteran with years of experience, the other is an attorney who's never held elected office. 90.3 WCPN®'s Janet Babin reports on the primary election for mayor of Cleveland. Aired October 3, 2001.