http://www.wksu.org/news/ WKSU News Headlines en-us Copyright 2012, WKSU Radio Wed, 16 May 2012 19:34:44 -0400 WKSU RSS Generator 1.2 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 . WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31749 Wed, 16 May 2012 18:03:57 -0400 Mark Urycki Education 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. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31748 Wed, 16 May 2012 17:50:32 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Lifestyle A bill to cut funding to Planned Parenthood is once again under debate at the Ohio Statehouse. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports.   WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31746 Wed, 16 May 2012 17:14:15 -0400 Jo Ingles Ohio 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. Grant Engle reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31745 Wed, 16 May 2012 16:12:18 -0400 Grant Engle Politics 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.). WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31744 Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:34 -0400 Kevin Niedermier 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. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31743 Wed, 16 May 2012 14:58:43 -0400 Bill Cohen Ohio 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. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31742 Wed, 16 May 2012 14:28:05 -0400 Karen Kasler U.S. Ohio Supreme Court dismisses levy results Welfare drug tests pulled from Ohio bill North Olmsted setting up mayor's court Skechers settles health claims with states Biden speaks in Youngstown Edison vs. Wright Brothers WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31741 Wed, 16 May 2012 12:13:57 -0400 M.L. Schultze Ohio Cleveland Diocese starts process of re-opening closed churches Ohio's biggest gas drilling investor downgraded Akron-based First Merit to cut 350 jobs  Another sentenced in Dimora bribery investigation Texting ban clears House Horseshoe casino lively Judge denies Durham request Two charged in VA center fraud WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31740 Wed, 16 May 2012 11:04:40 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz 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. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31724 Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Economy and Business 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. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31738 Tue, 15 May 2012 17:58:37 -0400 Jo Ingles Ohio 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. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31737 Tue, 15 May 2012 17:35:37 -0400 Karen Kasler Ohio 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. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31736 Tue, 15 May 2012 17:26:20 -0400 Karen Kasler Ohio Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31734 Tue, 15 May 2012 17:22:06 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick Environment 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. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31733 Tue, 15 May 2012 17:15:34 -0400 Bill Cohen Politics 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. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31732 Tue, 15 May 2012 17:12:52 -0400 Bill Cohen Environment 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. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31730 Tue, 15 May 2012 16:41:08 -0400 Jo Ingles Politics 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. Grant Engle reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31729 Tue, 15 May 2012 15:39:30 -0400 Grant Engle Sports 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. Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31728 Tue, 15 May 2012 15:31:24 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick Ohio Wiretaps show Fair Finance owners ducking investors Lake Erie algae may bloom early Ohio teen driving ban likely to pass today Repeal of elections restrictions likely, but not complete Akron mom says prison negligence killed her son WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31726 Tue, 15 May 2012 11:09:48 -0400 M.L. Schultze Ohio Horseshoe Casino opens for business New prescription drug task force created Kasich to sign election law repeal State sues mortgage firm FirstMerit closing several area branches Cleveland installing charging stations Texting while driving ban set to clear legislature Tribe gets back on track against Twins WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31725 Tue, 15 May 2012 07:47:19 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz 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. Grant Engle reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31717 Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Grant Engle Politics 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." WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31731 Tue, 15 May 2012 16:44:56 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz Sports 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. WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31727 Tue, 15 May 2012 13:44:03 -0400 Mark Urycki Crime and Courts 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. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31721 Mon, 14 May 2012 23:13:10 -0400 Kabir Bhatia Environment 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. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31718 Mon, 14 May 2012 18:19:53 -0400 Jo Ingles Government 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. Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31715 Mon, 14 May 2012 15:34:21 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick Ohio 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. WKSU's Vivian Goodman and KEVIN NIEDERMIER report. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31714 Mon, 14 May 2012 15:13:38 -0400 Vivian Goodman and KEVIN NIEDERMIER Economy and Business Gamblers expected to crowd downtown Cleveland tonight Biden will tout auto industry in Ohio visit this week Pain killer task-force set up in Cleveland Judge gives Eaton one more week Ohio AG pursues California company WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31713 Mon, 14 May 2012 12:14:56 -0400 M.L. Schultze Ohio New casino set to shuffle up and deal County Council split on how to spend casino revenue US Attorney launches drug task force Route 82 bridge suspects back in court this week State investigating solar panel maker License fees funding anti-drug programs Ohio to streamline job program information Summit County launches summer job program Work starts on Zoar levee WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31711 Mon, 14 May 2012 08:37:09 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz 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. WKSU's Molly Bloom reports. http://stateimpact.npr.org/ohio/2012/05/11/ohio-education-association-to-unionize-charter-school-teachers-staff/ Mon, 14 May 2012 07:13:07 -0400 Molly Bloom Education 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. WKSU's Ida Lieszkovszky reports. http://stateimpact.npr.org/ohio/2012/05/14/lawmakers-struggle-with-reading-guarantee-while-teachers-struggle-in-classrooms/ Mon, 14 May 2012 06:58:39 -0400 Ida Lieszkovszky Education 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. WKSU's Tim Rudell reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31704 Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Tim Rudell Government 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. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31699 Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kabir Bhatia Economy and Business 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. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31696 Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kabir Bhatia Economy and Business 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. WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31716 Mon, 14 May 2012 16:37:11 -0400 Mark Urycki Crime and Courts 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. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31706 Sun, 13 May 2012 22:56:01 -0400 Kabir Bhatia Economy and Business 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. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31703 Fri, 11 May 2012 17:31:48 -0400 Kabir Bhatia Arts and Entertainment 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.  Ozie Ikuenobe reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31702 Fri, 11 May 2012 17:05:08 -0400 Ozie Ikuenobe Health and Medicine 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. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31700 Fri, 11 May 2012 15:38:04 -0400 Jo Ingles 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.                                                                                      WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31694 Fri, 11 May 2012 14:51:23 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Education 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. Tom Borgerding reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31693 Fri, 11 May 2012 14:04:51 -0400 Tom Borgerding Zanesville animal farm in foreclosure DeWine targets smoking in movies Obese boy slims down and returns home  http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31691 Fri, 11 May 2012 11:52:13 -0400 Ohio Test run for Cleveland casino Poll: Ohioans favor Kasich drilling tax Auditor wants surplus to go to rainy day fund Husted defending election decision Army Corps to present Asian Carp plans next year Layoffs, cuts still leave Cleveland schools with deficit "Bobby Thompson" takes court-appointed attorney Bomb threat closes Canton Central Catholic Indians get big win in Boston WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31690 Fri, 11 May 2012 08:25:03 -0400 Jeff St. Clair 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.  WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31689 Fri, 11 May 2012 07:42:12 -0400 Karen Kasler Politics 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: WKSU's Vivian Goodman reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31381 Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Vivian Goodman Lifestyle 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. WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31697 Fri, 11 May 2012 15:34:58 -0400 Mark Urycki Lifestyle A new poll shows the U.S. Senate race between Democrat Sherrod Brown and his Republican challenger, Josh Mandel, is tightening. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31688 Thu, 10 May 2012 16:49:03 -0400 Jo Ingles Politics President Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage comes at the same time that some gay rights activists in Ohio are pushing for a ballot issue that would legalize it. So, what's the political fall-out of the president's new stand on that ballot issue campaign and on his own re-election campaign? That's the question statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen has been asking. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31685 Thu, 10 May 2012 16:05:09 -0400 Bill Cohen Politics Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow the U.S. Mint to create commemorative coins that would raise money for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. The plan, which was co-sponsored by Ohio Congressman Jim Renacci and U.S. Senator Rob Portman, has garnered bi-partisan support. The money from the sale of the coins would help preserve the more than 7 million artifacts in the Hall of Fame. GRANT ENGLE reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31682 Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:36 -0400 GRANT ENGLE Politics Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown says he will continue to work toward extending low interest rates on student loans. Tuesday, Senate Republicans filibustered a proposal that would have prevented the interest rate on student loans to double July 1. The sticking point between Democrats and Republicans is how to pay for the extension. Brown says the original interest rate freeze was a bi-partisan agreement signed by former President George W. Bush, but this Congress is much less cooperative than five years ago. WKSU's Jasen Sokol and GRANT ENGLE report. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31681 Thu, 10 May 2012 12:53:47 -0400 Jasen Sokol and GRANT ENGLE Politics State regulators plan to triple the number of inspectors who monitor oil and gas wells in Ohio's Utica Shale region. But as Steve Brown from Ohio public radio station WOSU reports, the positions are still unfunded. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31679 Thu, 10 May 2012 12:01:18 -0400 Northeast Ohio counties are getting a large portion of $75 million in grants through a statewide demolition program. The funds come from the national mortgage settlement reached earlier this year over foreclosure abuses and fraud.Connie Krauss is the director of the Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development. Summit County can apply for nearly $4 million. She says most of that will be put towards Akron, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls, which have the majority of abandoned and deteriorated properties. Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31676 Thu, 10 May 2012 11:46:27 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick The presidential race in Ohio remains too close to call.......and if the Republicans add what you might call a "favorite son" as a running mate, it may not help the ticket surge ahead. That's the bottom line of the latest independent poll. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31674 Thu, 10 May 2012 11:24:30 -0400 Bill Cohen Politics Ohio conservatives react to same-sex marriage endorsement Kasich criticizes Senate education bill Senate rewrites gambling regs Mortgage fraud charges in Cleveland Governor samples new beer tasting laws at microbrewery Post offices reduce hours in dozens of Ohio villages Summit completes its stretch of Towpath Trail Property tax amnesty proposed Tourism in Ohio reaches pre-recession levels WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31672 Thu, 10 May 2012 09:40:34 -0400 Jeff St. Clair The CEO of the Gallup Company told a group in Akron that if they want their city to thrive they need to look entrepreneurs.   But Jim Clifton told them not to wait for those energetic people - but to grow them.  WKSU'S Mark  Urycki reports Clifton considers today's students to be future soldiers in a war over jobs. WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31668 Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Mark Urycki Economy and Business Choices about our energy future continue to loom large. WKSU's Tim Rudell talks with an energy-investment expert about shale gas, renewables...and the influence of financing. WKSU's Tim Rudell reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31686 Thu, 10 May 2012 16:07:02 -0400 Tim Rudell Economy and Business When Ohio's first gambling casino opens Monday in downtown Cleveland, it will begin attracting what casino officials say will be 5 million visitors a year. With that influx of people comes the issue of how to keep everyone safe, both inside and outside the casino. As WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports, new security plans are in place. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31680 Thu, 10 May 2012 12:26:43 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Economy and Business The Ohio Senate has approved a plan that makes changes to the law regarding video lottery terminals, casino gaming, and horse racing. Republican State Senator Bill Coley says this bill will also help to keep communities around casinos safer. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31671 Wed, 9 May 2012 17:40:01 -0400 Jo Ingles Economy and Business A controversial education plan that, among other things, requires teacher evaluations and requires 3rd graders to pass reading tests has passed the Ohio Senate. Republican Senator Peggy Lehner says she hopes lawmakers will make sure $13 million from lottery profits will also go along with the plan to help with reading intervention efforts. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31670 Wed, 9 May 2012 17:38:02 -0400 Jo Ingles Education A Lake Erie island will be largely isolated for the rest of the month. Two ferries that travel to Pelee Island north of Sandusky have been shut down for weeks and repairs are taking longer than expected.  Pelee Mayor Rick Masse says the island is losing tourism and farming dollars. He says there will be high demand once the boats return to service. Ozie Ikuenobe reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31669 Wed, 9 May 2012 17:22:25 -0400 Ozie Ikuenobe Ohio A new report from the Brookings Institute says the number of manufacturing jobs has been dropping -- sometimes plunging -- over the last three decades. But the report also shows small gains in the last few years. And as WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports, one Akron company is a textbook example of the recovery slowly afoot in Northeast Ohio. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31667 Wed, 9 May 2012 16:23:30 -0400 Kabir Bhatia Economy and Business When Cleveland's Horseshoe Casino opens on Monday, it will be a first for Ohio. But, along with the brand new slot machines and gaming tables, much of the downtown casino's interior will still be familiar to many people. The media got a tour today. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier went along and has this report. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31666 Wed, 9 May 2012 16:19:13 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Economy and Business Governor John Kasich isn't particularly popular among Ohio voters....but a pollster says there's now an opening for the governor to polish his image. Peter Brown helps do the Quinnipiac University polls. The latest one shows 44 percent of Ohioans disapprove of the way Kasich is doing his job, while 41 percent approve. But Brown points out a bright spot in the poll for the governor....one he may be able to capitalize on. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31664 Wed, 9 May 2012 15:36:14 -0400 Bill Cohen Ohio's first casino opens Monday in Cleveland. The Horseshoe Casino downtown is expected attract five-million people a year to the city.  The casino has 21,000 slot machines...63 gaming tables...poker and restaurants. But Horseshoe official Nate Forbes says the casino is designed spread the visitors around to existing bars, eateries and other amenities. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31662 Wed, 9 May 2012 13:04:42 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Economy and Business New poll shows support for oil and gas taxes Horseshoe casino preps for opening Contractor cited for casino garage collapse Pelee Island remains without ferry service WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31661 Wed, 9 May 2012 12:35:09 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz Contemporary art lovers in Northeast Ohio will benefit from the sale of a very expensive work of art last night in New York City. Christie's Auction House sold a photograph owned by the Akron Art Museum since 1981, the year of its creation. It's by the renowned art photographer Cindy Sherman and it sold last night for  the second highest price ever for one of her works. The buyer, whose identity has not been disclosed, paid $2, 882, 500  for the photo and Akron Art Museum director and CEO Mitchell Kahan says he'll use the money for a new acquisitions endowment to grow the museum's collection. WKSU's Vivian Goodman reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31660 Wed, 9 May 2012 11:53:11 -0400 Vivian Goodman Arts and Entertainment The Ohio Attorney General's office plans to use money recovered from a phony veterans' charity to actually help veterans. The scam ripped off more than 60,000 Ohioans over 10 years. A man known as Bobby Thompson pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of racketeering, money laundering and identity theft. He is accused of collecting $100 million dollars for the bogus Navy veterans' charity, $2 million of which came from Ohioans. Thompson was found in Portland, Ore. after a two-year search. He was found with briefcases of nearly $1 million and more than 20 different identification cards. DeWine said the way Thompson allegedly stole the money is reprehensible. GRANT ENGLE reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31659 Wed, 9 May 2012 11:42:57 -0400 GRANT ENGLE Crime and Courts When movie critic Roger Ebert revived the TV show "At the Movies" that he started with Gene Siskel, he had the choice of dozens of critics to put on the show. The one he chose was a 24-year old Chicago man who had never actually worked as a film critic. Tonight (Wed) the now-25-year old cinephile will be speaking at the Akron Main library about the future of movies.   WKSU's Mark Urycki spoke with him and filed this report. WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31658 Wed, 9 May 2012 09:29:09 -0400 Mark Urycki Arts and Entertainment State pension reform awaits study results Ohio adds jobs in preparation of shale drilling Stow soldier killed in action Cleveland casino will be first of four to open in Ohio State Senate to vote on gambling bill Nuclear plant shuts down for repairs Education reform bill sparks debate in state Senate U.S. veteran scam suspect pleads not guilty Shareholder wants Chesapeake Energy to refocus Ford to increase production days in Ohio Congressional campaign ads begin airing today Another dog food company recalls products WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31657 Wed, 9 May 2012 08:47:07 -0400 Jeff St. Clair Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31655 Wed, 9 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick Ohio Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31643 Tue, 8 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick Other Stories The Republican-dominated Ohio House has passed a plan that would repeal a controversial referendum that's currently slated for a statewide vote this November. And that could mean that voters won't be able to weigh in on the issue this fall. Democrats say voters should have the chance to vote on it....and, as Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports, they are willing to take the issue to court. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31656 Tue, 8 May 2012 18:28:45 -0400 Jo Ingles Akron wants to get the lead out, and is very serious about it.  WKSU's Tim Rudell has more on a new grant to help get rid of old paint in some of the city's vintage houses. WKSU's Tim Rudell reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31654 Tue, 8 May 2012 16:27:06 -0400 Tim Rudell Government Northeast Ohio's small business owners will be getting a $15 million boost from one of the world's largest investment banks. The city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College and investment-giant Goldman Sachs will partner in the 10,000 Small Businesses initiative. The plan will give $5 million to fund educational programs for small business owners, most of which will go to Cuyahoga Community College. The other $10 million will be used by the city to issue grants to entrepreneurs. Gary Cohn, a native of Shaker Heights, is the president and COO of Goldman Sachs. He said the initiative will help boost Northeast Ohio's economy. GRANT ENGLE reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31653 Tue, 8 May 2012 15:53:53 -0400 GRANT ENGLE Economy and Business Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31652 Tue, 8 May 2012 15:36:59 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick Education In the race for President, Ohio continues to be ground zero when it comes to political arguments over the government bailout of the auto industry. In fact, new comments from Republican contender Mitt Romney have re-ignited the debate. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31651 Tue, 8 May 2012 15:22:12 -0400 Bill Cohen Soldier from Stow killed in combat Ohio House takes up election law repeal again Navy vet charity scammer pleads Goldman Sachs  invests in Cleveland White House drug czar talks painkillers in Columbus WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31650 Tue, 8 May 2012 12:08:21 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31649 Tue, 8 May 2012 11:36:59 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick A small aphid-like insect that's from Asia is threatening to kill off Ohio's hemlock trees. The pest is called the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. After infesting parts of 16 other states, the insect has now been confirmed in Meigs and Washington Counties in Southwest Ohio. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31647 Tue, 8 May 2012 08:13:17 -0400 Bill Cohen Environment Route 82 Bridge suspects plead not guilty Akron Public Schools to cut 200 jobs Romney takes credit for auto recovery Storms cause problems in Portage County Southwest Ohio Marine killed in Afghanistan Goldman Sachs to invest in Cleveland-area small businesses Ohio settles in fake Medicaid claim case Panel approves new fracking rules Funding approved for broadband boost Tribe picks up a soggy sweep WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31646 Tue, 8 May 2012 07:48:59 -0400 Jeff St. Clair A conservative legal group that's allied with the Tea Party movement is vowing to help Ohio taxpayers repeal school levies across the state. The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law says some taxpayers are sick and tired of having school districts make repeated requests for voters to okay local tax hikes. The legal center says it's got a new strategy to fight back. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31641 Tue, 8 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Bill Cohen Government The candidates for Ohio's contested US Senate seat just started airing TV ads in the last two weeks. But as Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports, the outside campaigns for and against the incumbent and the challenger have been going on for a while. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31640 Tue, 8 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Karen Kasler The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hear arguments May 18 concerning the future of the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant in Toledo. Ohio Environmental groups have said the plant's operating license should not be renewed past 2017. They contend that hairline cracks in the plant's concrete shell surrounding a reactor chamber make the plant unsafe. Davis-Besse maintains that the cracks pose no health risk to residents. The plant says cracks were caused by a blizzard in 1978 and are not symptoms of old age. Viktoria Mitlyng, spokeswoman for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said even if the cracks were caused by aging, the commission has measures to safeguard the community from any harm. WKSU's Jasen Sokol and GRANT ENGLE report. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31623 Mon, 7 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Jasen Sokol and GRANT ENGLE Environment GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney campaigned in Northeast Ohio  today, where he continued blasting President Obama's economic performance, and where a couple of small controversies erupted.      WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31645 Mon, 7 May 2012 18:14:41 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Politics Ohio has adopted a new policy for emergency rooms and urgent cares when it comes to prescribing opiate pain killers. Ted Wymyslo of the Ohio Health Department says it's an agreement among all parties that should be followed in the future. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31639 Mon, 7 May 2012 17:14:00 -0400 Jo Ingles WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31638 Mon, 7 May 2012 16:44:22 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Politics Kasich launches new painkiller crackdown New Obama ad, Romney in Euclid Casino patrols begin Jail inspections to resume WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31637 Mon, 7 May 2012 12:38:52 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz President Obama kicked off his re-election campaign this weekend at Ohio State University. Four years ago, the President's theme was change. This time around, his theme is different. As Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports the President is now focused on moving forward. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31636 Mon, 7 May 2012 08:09:14 -0400 Jo Ingles Politics Thousands of credit errors revealed Route 82 bridge suspects due in court today Bridge bombing suspect had name on Occupy lease Ohio could see budget surplus Romney to speak in Ohio today Police cracking down on loitering ahead of casino opening Gas prices up slightly OSU president's travel costs outpace governors' Tribe tramples Texas WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31635 Mon, 7 May 2012 07:53:09 -0400 Jeff St. Clair Kelli Fitzpatrick reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31622 Mon, 7 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kelli Fitzpatrick Ohio The batteries that store power in electric cars, electric lift trucks, or solar arrays can be ... finicky.  Without proper care, batteries can drain rather than store power - they can fail, or even catch fire. In this week's Exploradio, we meet a young entrepreneur whose product teaches batteries to behave. WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31599 Mon, 7 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Jeff St. Clair Science and Technology The five animals that were rescued after the tragedy near Zanesville last fall have left the Columbus Zoo where they've been housed for the past few months. They are now back at the private farm in Eastern Ohio. Statehouse correspondent Jo Ingles reports. WKSU's Jo Ingles reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31634 Fri, 4 May 2012 17:42:54 -0400 Jo Ingles Environment Changes to the state's five pension funds were discussed at the Statehouse quite a while ago - but were never made. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports that now, a key lawmaker is promising legislation to make those alterations is on the fast track - over the objections of another critical legislator. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31633 Fri, 4 May 2012 17:40:07 -0400 Karen Kasler Government The Cleveland Metroparks are well known for the string of parks around Cuyahoga County known as the Emerald Necklace.   Today(Fri) they made their move to connect to Lake Erie.   WKSU's Mark Urycki has details. WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31632 Fri, 4 May 2012 17:14:09 -0400 Mark Urycki Lifestyle The feature film "The Avengers" is raking in a fortune in theatres around the world this weekend. And supporters of the state's motion picture tax credit are pointing to that movie - which was shot in part in Cleveland - as just one reason to extend the credit. But Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports, the credit found critics in the state Senate. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31630 Fri, 4 May 2012 16:06:51 -0400 Karen Kasler Ohio The world will see Cleveland on the silver screen today, made up to look like Stuttgart for the Robert Downey Jr. film, "The Avengers." But as WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports, the summer action blockbuster is drawing giggles from some German viewers. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31629 Fri, 4 May 2012 15:37:13 -0400 Kabir Bhatia Arts and Entertainment An attorney for one of the Cleveland bridge-bombing suspects is questioning the motives of the FBI informant used in the investigation. The attorney alleges that Shaquille Azir, who has been working with the FBI since July of 2011, entrapped his client by providing him with a place to live and money while coaching him to destroy the Route 82 bridge April 30. Azir has been indicted on felony check fraud charges since he started working with the FBI. Alexandra Natapoff is a law professor at Loyola Law School Los Angeles and expert on the use of criminal informants. She describes plea deals and monetary compensation as "massive incentives" for informants to fabricate testimony. GRANT ENGLE reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31628 Fri, 4 May 2012 15:13:12 -0400 GRANT ENGLE Crime and Courts The U.S. Department of Justice has settled a case against a Garrettsville health club which violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. OZZIE IKUENOBE reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31625 Fri, 4 May 2012 13:47:22 -0400 OZZIE IKUENOBE Crime and Courts NEO counties get millions in mortgage fraud settlement Exotic animals returned Two Ohio salmonella cases tied to pet food New offender notification law moves on First Solar loss WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31624 Fri, 4 May 2012 12:17:30 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz May 4th wounded call for further inquiry Bomb plotters charged with use of WMD SEC investigates Chesapeake Energy Biotech firm gets gets $4.5 from NIH  for Parkinson's treatment Cleveland councilman criticizes Occupy movement Clean-up begins in Ashtabula WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31621 Fri, 4 May 2012 08:42:02 -0400 Jeff St. Clair The five animals that were rescued from the incident last October in Zanesville will be returned later this morning (Friday) to the widow of the man who owned them. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31620 Fri, 4 May 2012 08:20:00 -0400 Karen Kasler Organist Ton Koopman, artist-in-residence with the Cleveland Orchestra, sits down Sunday before one of the city's cultural treasures. He'll play mostly Bach at a concert celebrating the complete restoration of Trinity Lutheran Church's Beckerath pipe organ. The instrument was the first of its kind in North America when installed in the inner-city church more than 50 years ago. Its inner workings had deteriorated, but  thanks to many fans its tonal brilliance and thunderous power resound anew:   WKSU's Vivian Goodman reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31592 Fri, 4 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Vivian Goodman Arts and Entertainment Today's Quick Bite re-introduces one of the region's most eminent food experts. Long before hip, young chefs like Michael Symon and Jonathan Sawyer, Parker Bosley was leading the way from farm to table. WKSU's Vivian Goodman spoke to him recently in a parking lot in Tremont, where he was picking up a "grab bag" of food.   WKSU's Vivian Goodman reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31462 Fri, 4 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Vivian Goodman Lifestyle Attorneys for former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora have filed a request that his second trial scheduled be delayed.  They want to wait to see whether Justice Department decides to dismiss the case altogether. WKSU's Mark Urycki has details WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31619 Thu, 3 May 2012 18:30:16 -0400 Mark Urycki Crime and Courts Backers of the Heartbeat Bill - which would ban abortions at the point a fetal heartbeat can be detected -  are blaming Senate President Tom Niehaus for stopping the bill's progress.  Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.  WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31618 Thu, 3 May 2012 17:59:58 -0400 Karen Kasler Ohio Restoration of the Ohio Canal towpath from Cleveland to Zoar has been embraced by local travelers.  But now it's getting some national attention.  Rand McNally and USA Today have included the Ohio Canalway in their "Best of the Road" series.   It's a collection of road trips they say "must be traveled once in a lifetime."  WKSU's Mark Urycki has details WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31617 Thu, 3 May 2012 17:47:27 -0400 Mark Urycki Lifestyle The flashiest player in the shale gas play is struggling.  WKSU's Tim Rudell reports on what the financial, management and legal woes of Chesapeake Energy may mean the region's gas and oil boom. WKSU's Tim Rudell reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31616 Thu, 3 May 2012 17:21:22 -0400 Tim Rudell Economy and Business Texting while driving could soon be against the law in Ohio. State senators today (Thursday) okayed a texting ban that was approved earlier by the Ohio house. The senate version, though, would crack down even more on teen drivers using all kinds of hand-held electronic gadgets. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31615 Thu, 3 May 2012 15:36:24 -0400 Bill Cohen Ohio Will Dimora's second case be dropped? Another Ohio city extends domestic-partner benefits Senate takes up texting ban Bobby Thompson case: Huge cash stash dicovered AP: Exotic animals not heading to Stark County WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31613 Thu, 3 May 2012 12:34:39 -0400 M.L. Schultze Ohio A federal grand jury handed down a three-count indictment today against the five men suspected of plotting to blow up the Route 82 bridge that connects Sagamore Hills to Brecksville over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. WKSU's Jasen Sokol reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31612 Thu, 3 May 2012 12:34:38 -0400 Jasen Sokol As President Obama prepares for a campaign visit to Columbus on Saturday, the presidential race in Ohio remains too close to call. That's the bottom line of the latest independent public opinion poll. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen has the numbers. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31611 Thu, 3 May 2012 09:38:53 -0400 Bill Cohen Cleveland dismantles Occupy tent Chardon shooting suspect fit to stand trial $1 million found in locker linked to VA scammer Cleveland casino license approved Texting ban bill moves on Gas industry tax debated Romney taps Bush aid in Ohio Cost vs. fees in exotic animal ban WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31610 Thu, 3 May 2012 05:57:35 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz For Cleveland law professor Michael Scharf and his students, the conviction of the former president of Liberia on war crimes is a personal victory.  And it continues a strong connection between Northeast Ohio and some of the world's biggest international criminal cases. WKSU's Valerie Brown reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31602 Thu, 3 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Valerie Brown Crime and Courts Art and music therapy is helping military veterans heal at Cleveland's Veterans' Administration hospital. This week, the Cleveland V.A. and Cuyahoga County Community College will hold a joint symposium on how art therapy is used to help mend veterans with spinal cord injuries. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31555 Thu, 3 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Health and Medicine Just when Ohio is starting to feel the impact of billions of dollars from the shale gas boom, that dramatic flow of money may be interrupted.  WKSU's Tim Rudell reports on some twists and turns in the economics of energy. WKSU's Tim Rudell reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31609 Thu, 3 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Tim Rudell Economy and Business A group of self-proclaimed anarchists is charged with trying to blow-up a Northeast Ohio bridge. The FBI says the five men plotted to bring down the State Route 82 bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to express their anger at corporate America and the government.   WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports that the arrests came Monday night after a seven-month undercover investigation. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier and JASEN SOKOL report. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31589 Wed, 2 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Kevin Niedermier and JASEN SOKOL Crime and Courts Ohio lawmakers continue to battle over Gov. John Kasich's proposal to increase taxes on the oil and gas that drillers are extracting from Ohio's underground shale. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31607 Wed, 2 May 2012 16:39:26 -0400 Bill Cohen Ohio All five of the self-proclaimed anarchists who are accused of conspiring to blow up a bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park attended protest events organized by Occupy Cleveland. But many members of the Occupy group were surprised by this week's news. Spokesman Joseph Zitt says he met most of the men who were arrested, but he says nothing seemed unusual. WKSU's Valerie Brown reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31605 Wed, 2 May 2012 16:29:01 -0400 Valerie Brown Crime and Courts Engineers are looking at new ways to stretch the Port of Cleveland's capacity to store dredge material beyond its current 3 to 4 years.     WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31604 Wed, 2 May 2012 16:24:14 -0400 Kevin Niedermier Economy and Business FirstEnergy will delay the shutdown of four northern Ohio power plants to avoid electrical shortages.  The plants in Ashtabula, Eastlake, Cleveland, and Oregon - near Toledo -- will stay open until 2015. All four plants were to be shut down on September 1st to avoid new E-P-A emissions regulations.  But PJM Interconnection, the company that manages the East Coast power grid, said the shutdowns would put a strain on power supply during peak times. FirstEnergy's transmission system will be upgraded before 2015 to cover for the shutdowns.  And the Eastlake plant will be refitted to stabilize transmission lines and generate electricity during peak times.  Spokesman Mark Durbin says the plan satisfies PJM's concerns: WKSU's Jasen Sokol reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31601 Wed, 2 May 2012 14:58:32 -0400 Jasen Sokol Ohio Ohio Governor John Kasich says he's not objecting to a proposal to ban texting while driving. The state House of Representatives okayed a bill last year, and the Senate may soon vote on an amended version. Senator Tom Patton, chair of the Transportation Committee, recently lent his support to the plan. The governor also agrees that texting while driving is indeed a highway hazard. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31600 Wed, 2 May 2012 14:11:49 -0400 Bill Cohen Government Oil-gas driller Chesapeake shares plummet Ohio's pension plan overhaul stalled  Vitamix expands in NE Ohio JobsOhio and public records Sanders working with Youngstown schools FirstEnergy settlement pending Browns linebacker suspended WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31598 Wed, 2 May 2012 12:12:18 -0400 M.L. Schultze Top talent in the field of classical music often emerges to prominence as winners of contests and the Cleveland Orchestra is in the catbird seat to spot the best. The orchestra's executive director is just back from Salzburg, Austria where he served on the jury for this year's Nestle and Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award.   WKSU's Vivian Goodman reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31597 Wed, 2 May 2012 11:22:25 -0400 Vivian Goodman Arts and Entertainment Last Saturday, Ohio staged a "drug take-back day." The goal was to give people a chance to turn in old unused prescription medicine. Ohio law enforcers are now declaring the day a success. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen has details. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31596 Wed, 2 May 2012 11:17:50 -0400 Bill Cohen Ohio Bomb plot suspects arrested First Energy to keep four coal-fired plants open Cleveland mayor pitches plan to state lawmakers Texting ban back up for vote VA charity scammer arrested Canton passes skill-game moratorium Jackson pitches school plan to lawmakers Details for exotic animal return unsettled Pelee Island ferries shut down WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31595 Wed, 2 May 2012 08:47:00 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz Ohio The FBI says five anarchists tried to blow up a bridge in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Monday. Their target was the Route 82 bridge, which crosses over a ravine and river near Sagamore Hills, in one of the most popular parts of the park.  The park's Chief Ranger Chris Ryan says the FBI notified the park administrators of the bomb plot, and his rangers were on hand to assist. WKSU's Valerie Brown reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31594 Wed, 2 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Valerie Brown Crime and Courts The Indians finished the month of April in first place in the American League Central. Still, the front office is glad the month is over. That's because baseball was largely overshadowed by another big event in pro sports - the NFL draft.The Browns generated extra hype late last week by trading up to grab Alabama star running back Trent Richardson third and then selecting quarterback Brandon Weeden 22nd. WKSU commentator Terry Pluto talks to Amanda Rabinowitz about why the Indians are glad it's May. WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31581 Wed, 2 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz Sports Some agencies that work with low-income Ohioans say a new study shows they're doing more than just handing out food and other help to people in need. The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies says the study shows those agencies dedicate 40 percent of their funding to programs that advance economic development and create jobs. The lead researcher on the study is Robin Stewart. She says nearly 400 agencies across the state fund a variety of programs. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31593 Tue, 1 May 2012 18:37:06 -0400 Karen Kasler Ohio The bridge that five anarchists allegedly targeted in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park cuts near Brecksville's Scenic Railroad station, a favorite fishing spot for Northeast Ohio, and a pair of nesting bald eagles.  All of which make it a bizarre target, says John Keller, who lives in nearby Sagamore Hills. WKSU's Jasen Sokol reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31590 Tue, 1 May 2012 16:30:02 -0400 Jasen Sokol Crime and Courts Ohio legislators have fund-raisers all the time, but one of them has scheduled an event with an unusual theme -- it's offering attendees the opportunity to shoot guns. Gun control activists are outraged. They say the event symbolizes an Ohio legislature that's let backers of gun-owner rights run rampant. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31588 Tue, 1 May 2012 16:15:58 -0400 Bill Cohen Government The five men accused of trying to blow up the Route 82 bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park had considered targets ranging from the Federal Reserve bank in downtown Cleveland to the opening of the city's new casino. That's according to the affidavit filed by the FBI when it revealed the charges against the five this morning. The affidavit also says the five - Douglas Wright, Brandon Baxter, Anthony Hayney, Connor Stevens and Joshua Stafford - were disgusted with the pacifist message of what turned out to be an Occupy Cleveland event last October. The government's case is built largely on informants, one of whom was allegedly hired by the group to supply C-4 explosives to blow up the bridge. U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach outlined the FBI's case. WKSU's M.L. Schultze and KEVIN NIEDERMIER report. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31586 Tue, 1 May 2012 15:31:13 -0400 M.L. Schultze and KEVIN NIEDERMIER Government Five men, apparently impatient with corporate America, the government and the pacifist nature of the Occupy Cleveland movement, set out on a more violent path, according to the FBI. All five were arrested Monday night, minutes after they're accused of planting what they thought were explosives at the base of the Route 82 bridge that runs over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Here is the affidavit outlining the FBI's case. WKSU's Molly Bloom reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31585 Tue, 1 May 2012 14:57:33 -0400 Molly Bloom Ohio The man accused of running a massive scam that bilked Ohioans and others of hundreds of millions of dollars was arrested on the West Coast last night. Bobby Thompson was arrested by a U.S. Marshal's task force from Ohio at an undisclosed location. He ran a charity called the U.S. Navy Veterans Association that claimed to help veterans and their families. Thompson had disappeared in 2010, shortly after he was indicted by an Ohio grand jury on charges of corruption, theft and money laundering. He is accused of masquerading as a retired lieutenant commander and setting up a national network that collected as much as a hundred million dollars. Nearly 2 million of that came from Ohioans. In 10 years, Thompson rose to prominence in political and social circles in Florida, attending the 2008 GOP convention and fundraisers for presidential candidate John McCain.  Prosecutors now say even his name was fictional.   WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31584 Tue, 1 May 2012 11:01:09 -0400 M.L. Schultze Politics There's a sign that a proposed ban on texting while driving may finally move through the Ohio legislature. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly okayed the idea last year, but for months the measure has been stalled in the Senate Transportation Committee. Chairman Tom Patton had worried that a texting ban would be impossible for police to enforce, but now he says he's ready to back a texting ban. Patton says even if a ban would be hard to enforce, he's convinced it would prompt fewer Ohio motorists to text while behind the wheel. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31583 Tue, 1 May 2012 11:01:09 -0400 Bill Cohen Government Updated: 2:07 with U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach tape on the alleged plot.Updated 11:27 with names of those arrestedUpdated 11:31: court appearances. All five are scheduled to appear before Judge White in the U.S. Courthouse in Cleveland at 2:30 pm. The FBI has arrested five people on terrorism charges, accusing them of planning to blow up a bridge near Brecksville. According to the U.S. attorneys office, the five had targeted the bridge on Route 82 that crosses over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The FBI says the five were identified as self-proclaimed anarchists with no connection to international terrorism. They're accused of conspiring to get C-4 explosives that would be detonated remotely. They were arrested last night following a months-long sting operation. The FBI says the public was never in danger. WKSU's M.L. Schultze and KEVIN NIEDERMIER report. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31582 Tue, 1 May 2012 10:20:09 -0400 M.L. Schultze and KEVIN NIEDERMIER Ohio Cleveland DJ apologizes for controversial comments Akron sets time limits on roadside memorials Canton may turn to voters in November  Tax amnesty begins today Pill mill trial to begin AG wants legal challenge dismissed  Akron sets time limits on roadside memorials Community health alliance Cleveland DJ apologizes for controversial comments State to return exotic animals  Toxic algae warning signs   WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31580 Tue, 1 May 2012 07:41:31 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz A WMMS morning deejay has apologized and been disciplined for comments many saw as advocating rape.  Dominic Dieter was responding Friday on-air to a father who had e-mailed with concerns that his daughter may be homosexual. He recommended that the father have a friend "screw (her) straight."  Dieter was not on the air Monday, but WMMS aired his recorded apology. He said he regretted the comments, apologized to "anyone who may have been offended by what I said," and insisted he was not advocating physical or sexual violence.  Rabbi David Horowitz of Akron is now national president of PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. He said he was horrified on learning of the comment. WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31579 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:53:47 -0400 M.L. Schultze Lifestyle Akron has its own little stretch of German Autobahn.  About 500 feet of it.   That's the length of an experimental pavement on Eastwood Avenue that's based on German engineering.  WKSU's Mark Urycki reports it's being called a success. But no speeding please. WKSU's Mark Urycki reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31575 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:16:03 -0400 Mark Urycki Government It doesn't happen often, but once in a while, government officials feel they have to take a specific action, even though it runs counter to their own stand on a controversial issue. That's what Ohio's attorney general is doing when it comes to a petition drive by a group that wants to legalize same-sex marriage in Ohio. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31574 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:00:45 -0400 Bill Cohen Politics The five surviving exotic animals from the tragedy in Zanesville last fall are set to be released to the widow of their owner and could end up in the same cages they were housed in before the October incident. Ohio Public Radio's Jo ingles reports. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31573 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:26:18 -0400 Bill Cohen Environment Breastfeeding advocacy groups have launched a campaign to pressure Ohio hospitals to stop handing out baby formula to new mothers.  Many hospitals continue to include formula samples in the goodie bags they send home with new moms.  And Dee Keith of the Ohio Breastfeeding Alliance says the formula samples send the wrong message to women who are just learning how to breastfeed.  "It sends the message that what really happened at the hospital to get you off to a good start was not really the best start for your baby," says Keith. "So we don't think you're going to succeed, so we've given you this container of formula just in case."  Keith says the samples encourage mothers to buy the name-brand formulas, worth billions of dollars. And the American Pregnancy Association estimates formula  feeding costs $50 to $200 a month. The International Formula Council acknowledges breast feeding is healthier for baby and mother. But the industry trade group defends the giveaways, saying it is providing alternatives for mothers who want them. Likewise, the American Hospital Association says hospitals need to keep resources for every type of mother. But the Cleveland Clinic stopped giving out the samples routinely two years ago. The clinic's Dr. Rebecca Starck says, before that, the marketing was extensive.  "Often times, the formula companies would provide samples to our prenatal offices as well as to the hospital that would go home with the patients with assorted paraphernalia - sometimes coupons for the formula, sometimes they would be diaper bags, etc." The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first six months.  It takes a little more than a week of not breast-feeding for a mother to stop producing milk. WKSU's Maranda Shrewsberry reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31572 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:49:49 -0400 Maranda Shrewsberry Health and Medicine You may have seen the ads or the coupons that proclaim,  "We'll clean all the air ducts in your house for $49.95!" It may sound too good to be true, and one Ohio legislator and an industry group both say: it is. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports on a proposal to crack down on what some are calling rip-off artists. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31571 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:21:13 -0400 Bill Cohen Ohio Ohio officials are ready to release the five surviving exotic animals from a Muskingum County farm to a woman whose husband released dozens of wild creatures last fall, before he killed himself. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31569 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:13:56 -0400 Karen Kasler Anti-poverty activists are asking Ohioans to spend this workweek with 23 dollars set aside for food for all five days. Phil Cole with the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies explains those who take the food-stamp challenge have about $1.54  to spend per meal. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31568 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:45:26 -0400 Karen Kasler Ohio The ad war is on in the US Senate race. Republican state treasurer Josh Mandel put out his first commercial, with incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown releasing an ad with a very different tone. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler has more on the start of what will be one of the most expensive Senate races in the nation. WKSU's Karen Kasler reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31567 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:20:29 -0400 Karen Kasler Politics Jimmy Dimora tapes and photos will be released early this week Leopards, primates and a bear are heading back to their owner Dispatch says older inmates are getting no early releases North Canton woman heading to prison for stealing from Y Damon joins the Tribe in Chicago Tuesday Severe weather is coming WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31566 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:51:42 -0400 M.L. Schultze Ohio Turnpike study costs increase Miami most expensive public college in Ohio Charters take issue with Cleveland school plan Historic downtown building decision looming Columbus casino begins hiring Charters take issue with Cleveland school plan Antelope escapes resort Strickland unaware of solar company's troubles Air Force base renovations swell Tourism director touts marketing boost Lake County inmate escapee captured Decision nearing on five exotic animals Indians in first place WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31564 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:39:50 -0400 Amanda Rabinowitz General Motors is upgrading the old machines at one of the few stamping plants that remain in the region. The company already has spent 60 million dollars to install new presses and robots at the Parma Metal Center. Tom Mock, a GM regional spokesman, says the company is still working out the costs for the new updates. Stamping centers are closing around the country, and Chrysler eliminated its Twinsburg plant in 2010. Ford is planning to shut own Walton Hills in two years. But manufacturing experts say the plant in Parma has thrived by turning its focus to making smaller car parts. The installation of new machines in the last few years has increased output and lowered energy and scrap costs. Mock says the plant's productivity and its 15-hundred jobs are crucial to GM and the region. Ozie Ikuenobe reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31558 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Ozie Ikuenobe Economy and Business Exotic animals, ex-felons, and rape crisis centers. Those are just some of the varied topics that Ohio lawmakers plan to tackle this coming week.  http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31550 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Government Ohio tax amnesty program begins Tuesday. It offers a special deal for taxpayers who have underpaid or failed to pay the state income, sales, and other taxes -- if they come forward now and pay up. WKSU's Bill Cohen reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31549 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Bill Cohen Government Scientific research is a process of discovery and refinement, and for a nurse at Akron Children's Hospital, research reveals a better way to care for children in pain.    In this week's Exploradio -  we meet a veteran nurse turned researcher who uses pictures when words fail. WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31509 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Jeff St. Clair Health and Medicine This week, the chamber orchestra City Music Cleveland presents an opera that children at a Nazi concentration camp performed before they were sent to their deaths. It will be the culmination of a series of free concerts, movies and discussions recalling both the terrors of the Holocaust, and the triumph of creativity over cruelty. WKSU's Vivian Goodman reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31432 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Vivian Goodman Arts and Entertainment Right now, Ohio has only about three-dozen all-electric cars on the road - any road. But groups ranging from the multi-national Eaton Corporation to the City of Cleveland are betting there will be more. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more on what's in the electrical works. WKSU's M.L. Schultze reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31577 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:38:44 -0400 M.L. Schultze Environment Science, technology engineering and math... they're called STEM for short. Educators and legislators want more students to excel in those fields.  And as WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports, a dozen Northeast Ohio companies are trying to encourage middle- and high-schoolers to do just that. WKSU's Kabir Bhatia reports. http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31563 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:01:21 -0400 Kabir Bhatia Education