NORTHEAST OHIO NEWS

Real-Time Updates for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

With 1 in 166 children having autism, parents are scared

by Sarah Jane Tribble/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday October 07, 2008, 2:29 AM

The statistics are startling: One out of every 166 children nationwide has some form of autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That's up from a rate of 3.4 children per 1,000 in 1996, when the CDC began tracking cases of autism. For decades before 1990, studies in the United States routinely found four to five children per 10,000.

No one knows why the number has risen. And it's not clear what causes the disorder.

But parents are scared.

"What is going on is truly frightening," said Stuart Spielman, senior policy adviser and counsel at the advocacy group Autism Speaks. "This is something that unfortunately parents around the country need to be concerned about. This is here, this is real."

So how scared should we really be?

Parents and advocates are quick to say autism is an epidemic, but doctors are more circumspect. Several factors contribute to the rising numbers, they say.

"Is there an epidemic? No," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, a pediatric neurologist at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital.

Continue reading "With 1 in 166 children having autism, parents are scared" »

Where to get help with medical billing complaints

by Diane Suchetka

Tuesday October 07, 2008, 12:58 AM

A lot of us have had it with medical bills.

It's not just facility fees -- those extra charges hospitals add on to some doctor visits to cover utilities and rent -- that drive us crazy.

After a mom complained about those in this column two weeks ago, dozens of you called and wrote about all kinds of other billing problems you've had.

Local hospitals, you told me, tack office visit charges onto your mammogram bills. They list the wrong billing code on your statement and then your insurance won't pay. Or -- this one's my favorite -- they charge you for two office visits on the same day because your doctor examined you and ordered tests.

The amazing thing to me is how calm you are about all that.

"People make mistakes," you say. "The business is changing." "I understand."

What gets your blood pressure up is the response you get when you try to clear these things up, when you try to find out if they're misunderstandings or mistakes.

"I'll have someone call you back," billing clerks say. And no one ever does.

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Traditionally Democratic-leaning Jewish community target of aggressive GOP drive

by Robert L. Smith/Plain Dealer Reporter

Monday October 06, 2008, 11:30 PM

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS -- The stuff Harold Males is saying around his Cleveland Heights synagogue might have shocked people's sensibilities a few years ago. Like his contention that evangelical Christians make good friends.

"They're not dangerous people, not to me," he insists.

Or that Gov. Sarah Palin boasts some impressive credentials.

"Dressing a caribou is no small feat, I can tell you." (He lived briefly in Alaska.)

But Males, a retired salesman and a longtime Republican, is feeling emboldened. He no longer stands out like a political renegade at his temple nor feels as lonely in Greater Cleveland's Jewish community. Both seem to be drifting his way.

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Commissioner candidates Jones, Sutherland answer questions on county issues, medical mart

by Joe Guillen/Plain Dealer Reporter

Monday October 06, 2008, 9:00 PM

If they had their way, the two candidates for Cuyahoga County commissioner would cut off the sales tax collection for the medical mart project.

Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones never was comfortable with the financing. His challenger, Debbie Sutherland, says the project is moving too slowly to justify further taxing.

A Plain Dealer survey of the candidates by telephone five weeks before the Nov. 4 election found a number of similarities in their thoughts about a county facing a budget crunch with a political scandal hovering. The survey required yes or no answers. Followup questioning brought out differences in their medical mart/convention center views.

Sutherland, a Republican, is weary of the county's inability to strike an agreement with private partner Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. of Chicago. She would suspend collections until a deal is made.

Jones, a Democrat, originally voted against the quarter-cent sales tax increase. He remains no fan of the tax. He would rather raise the hotel bed tax along with the food and beverage restaurant tax and secure more private-sector money in place of the sales tax

Continue reading "Commissioner candidates Jones, Sutherland answer questions on county issues, medical mart" »

Phillip Morris: Election raises personal questions

by Phillip Morris/Plain Dealer Columnist

Monday October 06, 2008, 8:30 PM

There are certain questions that we Ohioans should be permitted to ask each other without fear of appearing rude or meddlesome:

Does Jim Tressel wear the vest at home?

Is Richard Cordray really as smart as he thinks he is?

Both question fall within the realm of polite conversation for neighbors and strangers.

But another question goes even deeper to the heart of being a socially engaged citizen. It's a question of duty. Try asking it, though, and watch the range of reaction you receive. Pick up a clipboard, paste on your best smile and walk around posing the following question to strangers:

"Are you registered to vote?"

It's a simple question, but some folks will glare at you as if you asked whether they sleep in the nude or kiss their dogs in the mouth.

Continue reading "Phillip Morris: Election raises personal questions" »

Countrywide settlement gives 8,000 Ohio homeowners a break

by Teresa Dixon Murray/Plain Dealer Reporter

Monday October 06, 2008, 7:18 PM

More than 8,000 Ohio homeowners who got lousy high-rate loans from the largest mortgage lender in the nation will soon get a break.

Countrywide Financial, in a settlement with Ohio and 10 other states, agreed to reduce interest rates and, in some cases, forgive principal for people who face foreclosure or are at least two months behind on payments.

"The goal . . . is to create an affordable mortgage," said Andrea Seidt, deputy chief counsel with the Ohio attorney general's office.

More than half of Countrywide's subprime customers in Ohio are behind on payments, Seidt said.

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Lawsuit against two Cleveland cops can go forward, judge rules

by John Caniglia/Plain Dealer Reporter

Monday October 06, 2008, 6:05 PM

CLEVELAND -- A federal judge Monday refused to dismiss a lawsuit against two Cleveland police detectives who fatally shot 15-year-old Brandon McCloud in his bedroom in 2005.

U.S. District Judge Kate O'Malley said in a 54-page ruling that there was enough evidence that if the case were taken to trial, a jury could find the officers used excessive force when they shot McCloud 10 times. In the ruling, she questioned the threat McCloud posed to detectives Philip Habeeb and John Kraynik.

O'Malley said McCloud was not charging the officers, as a mattress separated him from them, and he wasn't waving the knife he held in his right hand in a threatening manner.

"The evidence plausibly suggests that McCloud was merely complying with the detectives' instructions," the judge wrote.

Continue reading "Lawsuit against two Cleveland cops can go forward, judge rules" »

Ohio voter registration surges: Cleveland area leads the state with new voters

by Rich Exner

Monday October 06, 2008, 5:12 PM

The number of registered voters in Ohio is up at least 485,000 this year, according to new data released Monday by the Ohio Secretary of State.

The biggest gain is in the heavily Democratic Cleveland area. Nearly 1.1 million people are now registered to vote in Cuyahoga County, up 75,000 from the first of the year and 88,000 since the last presidential election in 2004.

Cuyahoga's gain of 88,000 since 2004 far outpaces the second biggest increase -- 21,000 in Hamilton County (Cincinnati area).

Though Monday marked the registration deadline, thousands of voters could still be added to the voter lists as election officials catch up on recent filings and handle new ones. Registrations postmarked by Monday will be counted, a spokesman for the Ohio Secretary of State said.

In 2004, about 140,000 people registered or changed addresses on the final day.

Statewide, 8.2 million people are now registered. That's an increase from just under 8 million in 2004, 7.5 million in 2000 and 6.6 million in 2006.

Continue reading "Ohio voter registration surges: Cleveland area leads the state with new voters" »

Road Rant column: Lakewood police put priority on tickets, not safety

by John Horton

Monday October 06, 2008, 4:54 PM

The traffic signal at Clifton Boulevard and Lake Road flickered out of service on a Friday night. Lakewood police chose not to assign an officer to direct vehicles through the crossroads. Department brass described it as a business decision.

"We don't have the people to devote to an intersection that isn't a high priority," explained Capt. Ed Hassing.

Unless, it seems, they're writing tickets.

Continue reading "Road Rant column: Lakewood police put priority on tickets, not safety" »

Dow closes under 10,000, but it was even worse a few hours ago

by Associated Press

Monday October 06, 2008, 4:14 PM

It has been another extraordinary and traumatic day on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones industrials plunging as much as 800 points before closing with a loss of about 350.

The catalyst for the frantic selling was investors' growing realization that the credit crisis is likely to take a heavy toll around the world. And while the Bush administration is starting to implement its $700 billion financial rescue plan, that and steps taken by other governments won't be enough to stop the global spread of credit troubles.

The Dow set a new record for a one-day point drop and also fell below 10,000 for the first time since 2004. But it recovered somewhat in erratic trading as bargain hunting set in. The blue chips closed with a loss of about 350 at the 9,971 level.

Gasoline prices headed down to $3 or below

by John Funk/Plain Dealer Reporter

Monday October 06, 2008, 2:38 PM

Updated 4:22 p.m.

Gasoline prices are falling and will continue to slide toward $3 per gallon and below, judging from falling wholesale and commodity prices for gasoline and crude oil.

The average price for regular in Cleveland on Monday was $3.26 per gallon, in Akron $3.12, and nationally $3.45, reported Gas Buddy, which receives reports from motorists. And some drivers locally were reporting prices as low as $2.87 in Akron and $3.05 in Greater Cleveland.

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German solar-power firm's new Beachwood office finds eager Ohio collaborators

by John Funk/Plain Dealer Reporter

Monday October 06, 2008, 2:03 PM

MAN Ferrostaal Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of a German engineering and construction service company, is talking to about three dozen local and U.S. companies about possible collaborations.

More than 100 calls have poured into the company's Beachwood office since MAN announced two weeks ago that it had moved its headquarters here with an eye toward manufacturing solar power systems, operating just-in-time automotive sub assembly plants, building marine power systems and expanding its defense contracting.

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Solon's upscale shopping center plan is dead, developer says

by Ellen Jan Kleinerman/Plain Dealer Reporter

Monday October 06, 2008, 1:32 PM

SOLON -- The proposed $500 million Central Park upscale retail development is dead, the latest victim of the uncertain economy.

Developer Peter Rubin told city officials Friday that his Coral Co. no longer needs a rezoning issue on the Nov. 4 ballot for the project, billed to transform the city's business district into a town center. Parks, restaurants and offices also were part of the proposal.

Rubin said this morning that a project of this scale depends heavily on the market.

"All of the parties realized that there is precious little capital available for a project of this scope," Rubin said. He said he made the decision Friday afternoon.

Continue reading "Solon's upscale shopping center plan is dead, developer says" »

Lawyers deliver closing arguments in policeman-murder trial

by Metro staff

Monday October 06, 2008, 12:32 PM

CLEVELAND -- Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor David Zimmerman held up the .44-caliber revolver that killed Patrolman Derek Owens and implored jurors to convict Lamidi Kafaru in the slaying.

The murder weapon, Zimmerman exclaimed in his closing argument to the jury, was found hidden in the 19-year-old defendant's house and multiple witnesses testified that they saw Kafaru being chased by police before the shooting in late February. Owens' partner, Patrolman Robert Goines identified Kafaru as the killer, Zimmerman reminded jurors.

But Kafaru's lawyers, Michael Cheselka and Harvey Bruner, restated their case that Kafaru was set up to take the blame for the homicide. They maintain that their client was an outsider in his neighborhood and was duped into buying the murder weapon the day after the shooting.

The Common Pleas jury will begin its deliberations this afternoon and will be sequestered until members reach a decision.

Click link below for previous stories.

Continue reading "Lawyers deliver closing arguments in policeman-murder trial" »

New car key keeps your teen driver in line when you aren't there

by Robert Schoenberger/Plain Dealer Reporter

Monday October 06, 2008, 11:53 AM

Updated 7:30 p.m.

Some mornings when she gets into her car, Kathleen Wallenhorst turns the key and the radio blasts 100 decibels of classic rock at her. That's when she knows 16-year-old son Chris broke the rules.

"We've busted him a few times with the radio," the Strongsville mother said. She worries that loud music may do more than hurt his ears. It could distract him from other cars or drown out sirens.

Ford Motor Co. has a solution.

Starting next year, the company will offer smart keys that let parents limit their teen drivers.

Continue reading "New car key keeps your teen driver in line when you aren't there" »

Stocks in turmoil; Dow recovering from 800-point flop

by Associated Press

Monday October 06, 2008, 10:55 AM

Updated 3:49 p.m.

Wall Street suffered through another traumatic session Monday, with the Dow Jones industrials plunging as much as 800 points and setting a new record for a one-day point drop as investors despaired that the credit crisis would take a heavy toll around the world.

Meanwhile, the credit markets remain stagnant, a sign that banks are too afraid to lend. The Federal Reserve is making more money available for borrowing, but no one expects the credit markets to ease up anytime soon.

The Dow also fell below 10,000 for the first time since 2004, then recovered in erratic trading to a loss of 356.50. All the major indexes fell about 5 percent.

The catalyst for the selling was the growing realization that the Bush administration's $700 billion rescue plan and steps taken by other governments won't work quickly to unfreeze the credit markets. Moreover, investors are increasingly unnerved by the paralysis in the credit markets that has started to affect companies trying to borrow for acquisitions or just to conduct their daily operations.

Continue reading "Stocks in turmoil; Dow recovering from 800-point flop" »

Cleveland law firm offers perks that help employees balance work and family

by Janet H. Cho/The Plain Dealer

Monday October 06, 2008, 7:30 AM

Imagine being able to order your family's dinner from your work computer in the morning and get it delivered to your office just before you leave for the day.

Or bringing your grocery list, your dry cleaning or that pair of shoes with the worn heels to the office so someone else can run those pesky errands for you.

Those are some of the perks the Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLC law firm now offers its 330 employees -- both lawyers and support staff -- in Cleveland and Columbus. A new program aims to take some of the hassle out of trying to juggle work, family and free time.

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