1) On-scene report from Lake Erie during Hurricane Sandy's arrival: Heavy winds, rain, and cold temperatures are hitting the region as Hurricane Sandy and other weather fronts are combining to create a particularly harsh storm. That's very apparent at Cleveland's Edgewater Park alongside Lake Erie. Ideastream's Brian Bull went there this afternoon and has this on the scene report. (:51)
2) Update on Ohio Attorney General's home demolition grant program: Abandoned and foreclosed homes in the state are being demolished at a steady rate, thanks largely to a $75 million settlement Ohio’s Attorney General secured earlier this year. The idea is to curb blight and crime by razing old homes. Recently, Mike DeWine and Cleveland officials gathered to celebrate the demolition grant program with…what else? A demolition. Ideastream’s Brian Bull was there and has this report. (1:40)
3) It's Not Just Steel Enjoying a Manufacturing Uptick: We recently reported on how the steel industry has enjoyed a resurgence of late. A recharged automotive industry -- paired with a deepening interest in natural gas drilling -- have helped renew demand for this heavy, high-strength alloy. But as Ideastream's Brian Bull reports, demand for other materials is also on the rise…some for similar reasons. (4:47 excerpt)
4) Ohio's Top Industry Enjoys Savory Success: This month NPR has been airing a series on parts of the economy that are “looking up.” Last week the spotlight fell on agriculture. American farmers earned more income last year than ever and as ideastream’s Brian Bull reports – Ohio is among the states at the center of the food boom that incorporates not just farming but food processing and manufacturing. (4:05 excerpt)
5) Voter Fraud Billboards Spark Anger, Criticism: Earlier this month, 30 billboards warning of the legal consequences of voter fraud sprouted across northeast Ohio….with many clustered in heavily African-American communities in Cleveland. Critics slammed it as an attempt to scare off minority voters and ex-felons. Now as Ideastream’s Brian Bull reports, a deal has been reached to promote a counter message. (2:09)
6) Election Night Check-in with Brian Bull: Excerpt from Election Night coverage special, where ideastream's Brian Bull checks in from Ohio GOP gala in Columbus. (1:29)
7) Kids Needing Assistance Find Helping Paw: What do prison inmates….and children with disabilities have in common? There’s no punch-line but the answer is a bit warm and fuzzy….with a wet nose. Ideastream’s Brian Bull explains the mystery. (5:13)
8) Expansion, Competition, and Consequences: The Health Care Industry in Northeast Ohio: There's no doubt change is coming to the healthcare industry whether or not the Obama Administration's health reform law is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Hospital executives in Northeast Ohio expect it will accelerate the fierce competition, expansion and consolidation that's already reshaping the healthcare landscape here. ideastream's Brian Bull has been surveying that landscape and has this report. (6:24)