Last year, the state Legislature cut education funding by one point 8 billion dollars for this year and next year.  In April, Cleveland’s school board passed a plan to lay off more than 500 teachers, and now it plans to go to voters in November with a levy.   So do Akron Public Schools. The district also has made major cuts and is looking to do so again. WKSU’s Mark Urycki spoke with the superintendent and filed this report .  Mark Urycki reports

Cleveland Catholic Diocese Bishop Richard Lennon wants to know what the 12 parishes he’s allowing to re-open want and expect when their doors open again. So, he’s meeting with representatives from these parishes to gauge their expectations.  The bishop closed 50 churches because of shrinking congregations and dwindling finances. But the dozen churches appealed their closings to the Vatican and won. As WKSU’s Kevin Niedermier reports…the meetings are just one step in the process.  Kevin Niedermier reports

A bill to cut funding to Planned Parenthood is once again under debate at the Ohio Statehouse. Ohio Public Radio’s Jo Ingles reports.

   Jo Ingles reports

Vice President Joe Biden is spending two days campaigning in Ohio talking about the future of manufacturing.

Biden spoke to a crowd of about 250 Ohioans at the M-7 Technologies plant in Youngstown Wednesday afternoon. The company began nearly 100 years ago making brass castings, and now makes precision parts for an array of industries.

Biden said that although manufacturing in the U.S. is still growing too slowly, Americans should be looking forward to prosperity.  (more)

Meetings continued today (wed) between Cleveland Catholic Bishop Richard Lennon and members of closed parishes he is being forced to reopen.

The 12 parishes were among 50 that the bishop had closed due to shrinking congregations and finances.  But earlier this spring, the Vatican overturned the bishop.  Phyllis Fuller Clips of St. Adelberts in Cleveland met with the bishop for two hours this afternoon (wed.).  Kevin Niedermier reports

Just after reviving a proposal to experiment with requiring drug tests for Ohio welfare applicants, Republicans who dominate the state Senate have pulled back the idea. It’s still being considered, but as statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports, it’s no longer on a fast track.  Bill Cohen reports

A maker of so-called “toning footwear” has agreed to pay back customers in Ohio and more than 40 other states for athletic shoes that may not have been all they were promised to be. Ohio Public Radio’s Karen Kasler reports.  Karen Kasler reports

Dice are rolling and slot machines are spinning in Cleveland today. The Horseshoe Cleveland Casino opened to the public last night 2 1/2 years after Ohioans voted to allow casino gambling in the state. As WKSU’s Kevin Niedermier reports, it’s the first of four casinos opening around Ohio, and it’s billed as more than just a place to win and lose money.  Kevin Niedermier reports

Some Democratic lawmakers are challenging the Republican-dominated Legislature to ban discriminatory practices in health insurance premiums.

Janetta King with the progressive think tank “Innovation Ohio” says charging women more for health insurance is fairly common in Ohio.  Jo Ingles reports

A lawsuit over the governor’s jobs agency could blow a $500 million hole in the state budget at the end of next month.

Two Democratic lawmakers and the group Progress Ohio sued the state last year, saying that the creation of the private JobsOhio as the state’s economic development tool is unconstitutional. The operation was to be funded with the sale of $1.4 billion in bonds backed by profits from Ohio’s liquor sales, but the lawsuit put a hold on that.

Gov. John Kasich says he’s frustrated.  Karen Kasler reports

More than 160 jobs will be coming in to northeast Columbus. Discover Financial Services announced today it will open a $76 million data center in 2013, not far from its operations center in New Albany where 1,500 people work.

Gov. John Kasich says the competition for the facility was fierce, and that he was worried Ohio would lose the project to Arizona or South Carolina.  Karen Kasler reports

  (more)

Last year, a proposal to require drug testing of Ohioans applying for welfare benefits went nowhere in the state legislature. But NOW, majority Republicans appear ready to ok a project using the idea. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.  Bill Cohen reports

State senators have OK’d an energy bill that includes new rules for oil and gas drillers in Ohio. But Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports that the bill makes some significant exceptions.  Bill Cohen reports

Governor Kasich has signed into law a controversial bill meant to keep an election reform referendum off the statewide ballot this fall. Ohio Public Radio’s Jo Ingles reports.  Jo Ingles reports

The season for the Cleveland Cavaliers ended April 26, but Cavs fans had something to cheer about Tuesday afternoon. 

Point guard Kyrie Irving was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year for the 2011-12 season in a landslide vote.

During the award ceremony at the team’s practice facility in Independence, Irving thanked friends, family, teammates and the team’s management. He also pointed out the importance of the Cavs fans.  (more)

Summit and Cuyahoga counties will use a total of $4.7 million in state funding to launch summer jobs programs for youths in needy families.

In 2010, Summit County contracted out their summer jobs program. They had to send back nearly half a million of its funding after the contractors were unable to recruit and retain enough employees. Pat Divoky is director of the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services. She says the department will run this year’s program “in-house” by employing its own staff.

Summit will receive $1.2 million to employ young adults between the ages of 14 and 24. The department has mailed out nearly 2,500 letters to those in families on cash assistance.

Divoky says the program offers unique opportunities to families in need.  (more)

Northeast Ohio leaders met Monday afternoon to discuss the validity of a state-funded study on the Ohio turnpike.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald says Gov. John Kasich is intent on privatizing the turnpike, a move he says could lower the quality of maintenance and raise the price of tolls.

Fitzgerald contends that the study by Texas-based consulting firm KPMG is meant to reinforce the governor’s agenda to push the state into privatizing the turnpike. 

Fitzgerald held the meeting with county officials to gauge their interest in commissioning a study by county engineers to ensure the analysis of the turnpike is fair and balanced.

Tom Williams is a Lorain County commissioner who attended the meeting. He said he trusts that KPMG will do a fair analysis.  (more)

Despite missing the playoffs for the second straight year and finishing tied for the third-worst record in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers have plenty to look forward to in the coming years. 

Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving was named the Rookie of the Year for the 2011-12 season Tuesday morning in a landslide vote.

Irving, who was the No. 1 pick in last summer’s NBA Draft, led all rookies with 18.5 points per game this season.

WKSU commentator and Plain Dealer sports writer Terry Pluto talks to Amanda Rabinowitz about what the award means for Cavs fans, the importance of Irving’s upbringing and the contrast between the new star and the hometown boy who “took his talents to South Beach.”  Amanda Rabinowitz reports

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Cleveland today (Tue) released hundreds of documents related to the corruption case of former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora and employee Michael Gabor. WKSU’s Mark Urycki reports.  Mark Urycki reports

Dozens of parents packed the Hudson school board meeting Monday night, many concerned about a proposed natural gas well near Evamere Elementary School.

It’s the second time William Kinney of Summit Petroleum has proposed a well there. His property borders the school, and he and two neighbors are asking the district to pool land and form the 20-acre minimum plot required by state law for a well. Kinney’s guaranteeing the schools $30,000 a year in royalties for 10 years.

Hudson voters rejected two levies in 2010, and barely passed a third last year. The school board has cited the levy failures as one reason to explore alternative revenue sources.

But residents like Marietta Marquart say the well is a danger.  Kabir Bhatia reports

A California Company is being sued by the State of Ohio for violating the “do not call” list.

Ohio Public Radio’s Jo Ingles reports.  Jo Ingles reports

A family-owned car dealership in Martins Ferry is looking forward to hosting Vice President Joe Biden Thursday.

Steve Maus is director of finance at Staffilino Chevrolet. He says Biden’s visit may benefit the dealership, just as the administration’s auto bailout did in 2009. With bank support, the business was able to acquire more cars to sell.  (more)

Ohio’s first casino opens tonight and some downtown streets are already closed and RTA foot traffic redirected.

A big crowd is expected to be on hand when Horseshoe Casino Cleveland opens to the public at 9:30 tonight.

I spoke earlier this afternoon with WKSU’s Kevin Niedermeier and he described the scene.  Vivian Goodman reports

Ohio's largest teachers union wants to expand its membership rolls to a new arena - charter schools. On Friday the Ohio Education Association voted to begin organizing at charter schools. StateImpact Ohio's Molly Bloom reports.

Expanded Coverage

Last week the Republican controlled state senate weakened the third grade reading requirement proposed by Ohio’s Republican Governor. This week the House is expected to take up the bill. The stop and go action should come as no surprise considering that thousands of Ohio students could fail third grade. StateImpact Ohio’s Ida Lieszkovszky examines the political and educational terrain.

Expanded Coverage

Tax cut talk at the Statehouse is translating to tax hike conversation in Ohio cities.  WKSU’s Tim Rudell reports Canton City Council is trying to decide how best to ask residents to make up for a big cut in state payments to the city.  Tim Rudell reports

Columbus-based American Electric Power and Akron-based FirstEnergy have engaged in a TV ad war for several weeks, with both sides saying they’re championing customers. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports.  Kabir Bhatia reports

It’s lights, camera, action in Cleveland tonight as the patrons hit the casino floor under the watchful eye of more than a thousand security cameras.

But unlike the casinos of yesteryear, the Horseshoe Casino does not prohibit gamblers themselves from taking photos inside.  Spokeswoman Jennifer Kulczycki says the camera policy is a nod to changing technological times.  Kabir Bhatia reports

Two weeks ago, Akron’s police joined county and federal agents in a series of raids that resulted in 32 arrests.  At the same time they talked to neighbors and passed out leaflets asking for information.  But a couple of recent cases highlight the reluctance of citizens to come forward. 

WKSU’s Mark Urycki reports that one city official understands their reticence.  Mark Urycki reports

The head of a local manufacturing giant is embroiled in a legal case over trade secrets and missing e-mails. And as WKSU’s Kabir Bhatia reports, the company has seven days to explain itself, AND to suggest its own punishment.  Kabir Bhatia reports

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is looking for a new CEO after today’s announcement that Terry Stewart is retiring after 13 years at the helm. Stewart helped create the Rock Hall's new library at Cuyahoga Community College, and also arranged for Cleveland to host the Hall of Fame Inductions every three years. Bill Rowley, Chairman of the Rock Hall Board of Directors, says the search for a successor is projected to take four to six months.  Kabir Bhatia reports

Pharmaceutical company Omnicare will pay a 50-million dollar fine for giving out painkillers to nursing homes without prescriptions and proper paperwork.

The U.S. Justice Department’s Cleveland office received complaints about the Kentucky-based company. Spokesman Mike Tobin says the settlement is the second largest in the history of the Controlled Substances Act.

Tobin says Omnicare likely isn’t the only company to have dispensed painkillers without prescriptions and he hopes the settlement will lead reforms within the nursing home industry.   (more)

Students who want to be able to carry firearms on college campuses are, once again, taking their message to the streets. Ohio Public Radio’s Jo Ingles reports.  Jo Ingles reports

The Cleveland Municipal School District has reduced its projected budget deficit by more than two thirds. Most of the savings are from layoffs and early retirements. District officials are now looking for ways to eliminate the remaining deficit.                                                                                     
  Kevin Niedermier reports

Attorney General wants grants for housing assistance, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment

Ohio’s top law enforcement officer says he will use his “bully pulpit” and offer competitive grants to help young adults who age out of foster care. From member station WOSU in Columbus, Tom Borgerding reports.

  (more)

The state agency that took the biggest percentage cut in Gov. John Kasich's budget last year is still operating, albeit with a much smaller staff. The office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel saw its budget cut by 50 percent over two years - from $8.5 million last year down to $5.6 million this year.   Karen Kasler reports

The challenge of the local foods movement is getting the food from farm to table. Northeast Ohio is rich with both farms and foodies, and WKSU's Vivian Goodman reports in this week's Quick Bite that a subscription food service is bringing them together:  Vivian Goodman reports

Summit County this week celebrated the last segment of the Ohio Canal Towpath to be reconstructed in the county. Summit has 41 miles of finished towpath trail.

Today, a short but important connector was opened in downtown Akron. WKSU’s Mark Urycki reports that officials are still a little surprised by how popular the path has become.  Mark Urycki reports