All Sides with Ann Fisher

Eric Gnezda, the creator and host of the PBS show “Songs at the Center,” reflects on his life and career in a memoir.The book Stories at the Center: A Memoir of Miles, Music, and Meaning offers an intimate look at an unconventional entertainment career.Set against the backdrop of his passion for distance running, the book follows Gnezda as he jogs through his hometown of Worthington, reflecting on a career defined by resilience, persistence and artistic purpose.Gnezda's narrative traces a path from a challenging childhood with a disabled father to his adolescence, where he first discovered his passion for songwriting.Guests:Eric Gnezda, creator & host of "Songs at the Center"/author, Stories at the Center: A Memoir of Miles, Music, and Meaning

Columbus is a fashion powerhouse.It's home to major corporate brands, a test-market for retail innovation and has lots of emerging local designers. But what happens when clothing production gets out of hand?A new docuseries called "Tangled Threads" examines the fashion industry and traces the decisions that have led to an overabundance of clothing in thrift stores and landfills.We'll speak with the local talent working on the series on this hour of All Sides.Guests:Nicholas Breyfogle, professor and chair, Department of History, Ohio State UniversityLisa Goldsand, founder, Circular Thrift LLCTasha Lewis, associate professor, Department of Human Sciences, Ohio State University

School leaders in central Ohio could feel pretty good about the marks they received on the state's annual report card of achievement.In Franklin County, the average star rating was above 3.5. Some districts, like Upper Arlington and New Albany, boasted 5 stars.The state's largest district, Columbus City Schools, beset with challenges from literacy rates to chronic absenteeism, also celebrated a half-star increase.Today, we're digging through the data, for a truer picture of how Ohio's schools are doing. Because not every district had reasons to celebrate. And even those that did, had room for improvement.Plus, how does Ohio stack up to the rest of the nation?Guests:Cole Behrens, K-12 education reporter, The Columbus DispatchAaron Churchill, Ohio research director, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteMorgan Scott Polikoff, education professor, USC Rossier School of Education and co-director, USC EdPolicy Hub

Pickup vs. delivery has a new competitor when it comes to medical prescriptions.The Cleveland Clinic is taking prescription deliveries to the skies with the help of a drone-delivery company.WIRED has highlighted women in tech at the forefront of a 2026 special issue. Hear about the bright minds in tech who are working to improve diversity at the top of the tech industry.We are talking about outer space possibly being the next destination for Google data centers.It's all coming up on this week's Tech Tuesday.Guests:Lindsey Amerine, chief pharmacy officer, The Cleveland ClinicKatie Drummond, WIRED global editorial directorRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET

Columbus has seen record rainfall this summer and fall is shaping up to be soggy as well.What does that mean for your fall harvest? And what will still grow for the next few months?Two gardening experts join All Sides to discuss how all this rain has affected our growing season.Plus, we share tips on how to put your garden to bed for the winter.Guests:Mike Hogan, extension educator/associate professor of agriculture and natural resources, Ohio State UniversityDeb Knapke, author/educator and Ohio's Garden Sage

In Washington, Republican Sen. Jon Husted breaks with President Donald Trump and calls for a quick end to the Iran War, citing high gas prices.State lawmakers return to Columbus this week to vote on pausing Ohio's gas tax.Republicans want to hurry up legislation, but will Democrats go along? And where will the $700 million dollars come from to pay for it?As the November election nears, both Republican and Democratic candidates zero in on voters' economic concerns.A court rules that Ohio can require proof of citizenship when registering to vote at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.We're discussing all of these topics on this week's Reporter Roundtable.Guests:Andrew Tobias, state government and politics reporter, Signal OhioLaura Hancock, politics and policy reporter, Cleveland.comMorgan Trau, statehouse reporter, WEWS News Five Cleveland

The fall season has officially arrived.The air is cooling down, but the energy remains hot as ever in central Ohio's arts community.All Sides Weekend Host Christopher Purdy is talking with three key players in the local arts scene.Columbus' Palace Theater is celebrating its 100th anniversary.ProMusica is preparing to launch its new season.BalletMet is premiering a new ballet centered on the life of film legend Marilyn Monroe.Host:Christopher Purdy, All Sides Weekend and Classical 101 morning hostGuests:Chad Whittington, CEO, CAPAJanet Chen, CEO, ProMusicaRemi Wortmeyer, artistic director, BalletMet

For artist and quilt maker Nancy Crow, inspiration comes from the world around her.From nature to everyday life, her work offers a fresh perspective through patterns and color. Her quilt compositions will be showcased at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio.Resilience is a lesson Tracy Tanner learned early in life. Her father stood up against police corruption in Cincinnati. She tells his story in her new memoir Truth Teller, a story of family, adversity and resilience.What does it take to build a school that meets students where they are? More than a decade ago, Martin Griffith helped turn that vision into reality with Franklinton High School on Columbus' west side.We'll hear about how he built a school with a mission to prepare students for life.These are our guests on this week's Fascinating Ohio.Guests:Nancy Crow, artist/quilt makerTracy Tanner, author, Truth Teller: How A Real American Family Overcame Adversity with Love, Respect, and ResilienceMartin Griffith, founder/executive director, Franklinton High School

While Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati are Ohio's major metropolitan areas, the state has many smaller cities and rural communities.The members of the bipartisan Ohio Mayors Alliance hope the old cliche about a rising tide raising all boats rings true.Dozens of Ohio mayors are asking state lawmakers to refocus on the state's core cities to help pay for municipal needs, including first-responder salaries and city redevelopment grants.Every city has different plans and priorities, but they all want to unite in a call for increased investment from the state.Coming up on this hour of All Sides, we're talking about the Ohio Mayors Alliance's core cities strategy and how it could strengthen Ohio.Guests:Keary McCarthy, executive director, Ohio Mayor AllianceJoe Begeny, mayor of ReynoldsburgChristina Muryn, mayor of Findlay

How do we define and maintain family in the modern age? Do we owe something to our families of origin?Proponents of a more traditional view of family see that children and parents have mutual obligations to each other. People who believe in a democratized version of kinship believe family can be found, rather than born into.How should mental health professionals handle familial disagreements? Are ideological differences grounds for cutting ties with family members?Today on All Sides, we are discussing family estrangement, also known as “going no contact.”Guests:Elizabeth Bernstein, columnist, Wall Street JournalRin Reczek, author, Families We Lose: A New Explanation for Family EstrangementNoelle Mering, author, No Contact

The Toledo Blade newspaper will close after 191 years if a buyer isn't found.Former sister paper The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was saved from a similar fate earlier this year.There's been a seismic shift in the print media landscape, but social media is only partly to blame, as some of the damage is self-inflicted.As newspapers fold and trained reporters lose their jobs, what happens to journalism's role as The Fourth Estate in holding those in power to account?Guests:Dee Drummond, senior lecturer, University of Toledo/former reporter, The Toledo BladeDan Kennedy, journalism professor, Northeastern UniversityMichael Berry, attorney specializing in The First Amendment

What if you could fight fire with sound?That's the intriguing premise behind an Ohio startup betting big on sonic technology.Depending on who you believe, A.I. can either wipe out humanity or help the U.S. achieve dominance over China.Amid doomsday scenarios, researchers at Anthropic, Open AI, Meta and Google are sounding the alarm – on themselves and the power they've unleashed.Is Washington listening?And finally – we are talking about new headphone technology, Crock-Pot's mission to improve your kitchen's aesthetics, and Roku's expanded streaming services.All of these topics are being discussed on this week's Tech Tuesday.Guests:Geoff Bruder, co-founder and CEO, Sonic Fire TechKate Conger, technology reporter, The New York TimesRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET

What comes to mind when you think of the word "gerrymandering"?Perhaps you think of legal battles? Ethical battles? Oddly drawn voting districts that combine communities together that are miles apart both geographically and ideologically?We know it's bad, but few of us fully understand how it actually works, how we got here, or how to fix it.A new book takes readers to the front lines of one of the nation's fiercest redistricting battles right here in Ohio. The book is called Draw The Line in Ohio: How one state's fight for fair maps explains gerrymandering in America.The book's co-authors join All Sides to discuss how Ohio's redistricting battle sparked national headlines, political scandals and backroom deals that ultimately expanded partisan power.The authors argue that with Ohio at the center, gerrymandering is a chief cause of political corruption.Guests:Josh Rultenberg, co-author of Draw the Line in Ohio/journalistRory Riley Topping, co-author of Draw the Line in Ohio/legal analystCatherine Turcer, executive director, Common Cause Ohio

Whether its vinyl records, cassette tapes, VHS' or Polaroid cameras, various analog legacy media have been making a comeback in the digital age.On this edition of All Sides, we're talking about why people are seeking out legacy media, how our analog memories are being preserved and the psychological benefits of nostalgia.Guests:Annie Nickoloff, senior editor, Cleveland MagazineDan Smith, owner, FamilyographyScott Freshour, owner, Stereo LabKrystine Batcho, professor of psychology, LeMoyne College

A leading medical group endorses Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for governor over Democrat Amy Acton, a licensed physician. What does this mean for both campaigns? And do endorsements really matter?Steak 'n Shake is backing Sen. Jon Husted. What does that mean for his campaign?Plus, Ohio State and three other Ohio colleges received an “F” when it comes to free speech, according to a national ranking.We're discussing all these topics on this week's Reporter Roundtable.Guests:Sarah Donaldson, reporter, Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News BureauJessie Balmert, state government and politics reporter, The Columbus DispatchMegan Henry, reporter, Ohio Capital Journal

As the summer season prepares to depart, the leaves are turning and a chill is starting to fill the air.What better way to celebrate the coming of fall than curling up in a comfy sweater, enjoying some hot cider and reading a good book.Our monthly book panel joins host Christopher Purdy with their recommendations for your next book club selection or nightstand queue.Host:Christopher Purdy, Classical 101 Morning HostGuests:Kassie Rose, WOSU book criticKris Hickey, youth services manager, Whetstone Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library

For children and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, there are a myriad of variables that have to be navigated.Ohio is working on helping families with that process, so that no family or child gets left behind. An organization called AngelWorks is also helping to achieve that mission.As society largely moves to being paperless, ancient methods of paper making contain rituals rich in cultural heritage. Hanji, an ancient Korean way of making paper, is meditative for some and is being kept alive by an artist from northern Ohio.This Saturday is National Talk Like a Pirate Day. Pirate life is a romantic way to live. A passion for pirates is what inspired two Buckeye Lake residents to start the Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival.Guests:Ellie Hite, director and founder, AngelWorksAimee Lee, award-winning artist and authorCaptain Kelly Collins, co-director, Buckeye Lake Pirate FestivalNina Collins, co-director, Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival

Alexis Nikole Nelson, better known as the "Black Forager," is a social media sensation.And she just happens to call Columbus home.She joins All Sides to talk about her eagerly awaited first book.Happy Snacking, Don't Die! is a one-of-a-kind collection of recipes and foraging wisdom that teaches you how to turn common plants, flowers and fungi into yummy, plant-based meals.This unique book is basically two books in one. It is a foraging plant guide and a vegan cookbook. It's organized by season to guide you through a year of appetizing discoveries.We will discuss the new book and Nelson's career as an internet personality. On Tik Tok, Instagram, and YouTube she shares videos about foraging, cooking, and food history.Guests:Alexis Nikole Nelson a.k.a. the "Black Forager"

Touch screens and added safety features are just two reasons cars are more complicated than they used to be. With so many onboard computer systems, it could leave drivers wondering whether they need to call computer repair or a mechanic.It's also one of the reasons drivers are rejecting new cars for older models. We're looking under the hood, kicking the tires, and learning about what it takes to keep your car on the road.Guests:Nile “Motormouth” Jenkins, mechanic and host of Motormouth's Morning Drive podcastChris Cozad, president and owner of Alternative Auto Care

Local control has been a bedrock of Ohio governance – with officials elected to represent villages, townships and cities. But if you ask many of those officials today, they'll tell you that decisions they once made for their residents are increasingly being made by state lawmakers.As they watch data centers reshape their communities, hear candidates talk about property tax rollbacks, and wonder what kind of authority they still have. We'll discuss what's on the minds of municipal leaders.Guests:Kent Scarrett, executive director of the Ohio Municipal LeagueMatthew T. Starr, mayor of Mount Vernon, OhioKyle Brooks, executive director of the Ohio Township Association

When the Nancy Grace Roman Space telescope recently blasted into space, a group of Ohio State professors and students traveled to Florida and watched a project they'd worked on soar skyward toward a destination about 1 million miles away.One of the biggest media formats for anyone who attended school in the 20th century was the film strip. Now there's a race against time to preserve these culturally important artifacts.And phone-mania: a new foldable phone, a new iPhone 18 Pro, plus a retro tin phone. We'll tell you all about them.It's all coming up on this week's Tech Tuesday.Guests:David Weinberg, distinguished university professor, department of astronomy, Ohio State UniversityMark O'Brien, founder, Uncommon EphemeraRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNETphoto: Joel Kowsky / NASA / AP

Not only is Columbus State Community College transforming its campus, it's changing downtown Columbus as well.New buildings and partnerships are happening at a rate the school hasn't experienced before.From the Columbus Promise to the Buckeye Bridge, more students have access to higher education.At the helm of this transformation is CSCC President David Harrison. We'll talk with him about how the school is evolving and what it means for central Ohio.Guest:David Harrison, president, Columbus State Community College

Studies have shown that parent engagement in schools has a positive impact, including better school attendance and increased individual and classroom test scores.Parent involvement also provides protective factors for children, including less substance abuse.Organizations like the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) strive to build stronger relationships between parents and the schools their children attend.The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center has family engagement programs in which they teach parents how to be present in their children's education and help them create their own programs.Many books have also been written, including a book that was published this year titled “Family Engagement in Education: Inclusive Approaches for Creating Collaborative and Equitable School Communities.”Guests:Barbara Boone, Ph.D., program director for Family Engagement Programs/director, Ohio Statewide Family Engagement CenterHolly Williams, family engagement leader, Ohio Statewide Family Engagement CenterMaura Atwater, family engagement leader, Ohio Statewide Family Engagement CenterJoseph Passi, PhD., assistant professor of special education at Purdue University Northwest

Will the promise of $5,000 to every adult American secure a Republican victory in the November mid-terms?Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno says he'll push to make President Donald Trump's $1 trillion promise a reality.We'll have an update on the governor's race.Ohio farmers sound off on tariffs and rising prices.It's all coming up on this week's reporter roundtable.Guests:Karen Kasler, bureau chief, Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News BureauShane Stegmiller, reporter, Hannah News ServiceSusan Tebben, reporter, Ohio Capital Journalphoto: Julio Cortez / AP

There's no chance that a person who's been to Columbus hasn't come across a building designed by the firm Moody Nolan.The Schottenstein Center, Ohio Union, a few Columbus Metropolitan Library branches, and even the new terminal at the John Glenn Airport have all been designed by the Moody Nolan firm.The business was started by Curtis Moody, and now his son, Jonathan Moody, has carried on his father's legacy as CEO since 2020.Independent bookseller Linda Kass is known for bringing top literary talent to town to discuss issues of the day.An author in her own right, Linda's latest novel is set in Columbus in the pivotal year of 1969, at a fictional high school where students are navigating real-world events that reverberate today.Good storytelling is important because it shows the world that we are more similar than we are different. Not a single group of people is a monolith, and everyone contains multitudes.Filmmaker Damon Mosley tells stories through his love of music, his community, and his sneakers.We're talking to these unique individuals on this week's Fascinating Ohio.Guests:Jonathan Moody, CEO, Moody NolanLinda Kass, author, World News from Waverley High/founder and owner, Gramercy BooksDamon Mosley, writer, producer and filmmaker

What happens when new technologies are sold to public schools as indispensable learning tools?Today's tech titans didn't invent the sales pitch with their Chromebooks, iPhones, and laptops.Back in the day, Thomas Edison hailed his moving pictures as superior to books in helping students learn.A new book explores just what happens when technology and education collide.Guest:Natasha Singer, New York Times journalist/author, Coding Kids: Big Tech's Battle to Remake Public Schools

Pike County is located in southern Ohio.Known for its beautiful landscape and industrial history, the county was struck with tragedy in 2016 when eight members of the Rhoden family were murdered.The investigation into the murders took more than two years, spanning across counties and states, eventually leading to the arrest of four members of the Wagner family.When Laura Paglin, a documentary filmmaker, went to Pike County, she found much more than just the murders that shook the community. She found a place that had been ignored for decades.In her documentary, "This is Pike County," Paglin displays the hardships Pike County is enduring, ranging from the national drug epidemic to atomic waste at a nuclear site to the upcoming construction of an energy plant and possibly the nation's largest data center.Paglin uncovers a community that has been overlooked, but fights every day to keep their friends and loved ones safe in the county where they grew up.Guests:Laura Paglin, documentary filmmaker/producer and director of "This is Pike County"Katie Millard, digital reporter, NBC4Gary Arnett, development director, Pike County Office of Community and Economic Developmentphoto: scene from the film "This is Pike County"/Laura Paglin

How often do opinion polls get it right and zero in on what Americans are actually thinking and feeling when it comes to elections?We've all seen political polls get it wrong, miss the mark and be an inaccurate barometer of public sentiment.With an election looming, polling is in overdrive.Could AI make polling more accurate? That's what a group at Ohio State is working to find out.Without question, work has changed post-pandemic. Workers and managers have had to navigate many obstacles, including working from home, Zoom, and more recently, the addition of AI.But just because work looks different, it doesn't mean the work isn't working.Smart lights are new ways of creating unique atmospheres in homes. Some of the lights are now using generative AI.Dry cat food dispensers have existed for a while now, but what about cats who prefer wet food?Dishwashers are beginning to include cameras. How do they help get your dishes cleaner?We're talking about all of these topics on this week's Tech Tuesday.Guests:Ryan Kennedy, political science professor and the Timashev Chair of Data Analytics, Ohio State UniversityGleb Tsipursky, author and CEO of Disaster Avoidance ExpertsRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced late last week that the city is suspending its use of Flock automatic license plate readers while investigating an officer's potential misuse of the cameras.A USA Today investigation found that an officer searched for a single vehicle's location more than 200 times using the city's cameras.Will we get to see Ohio's governor candidates Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy debate? The short answer is no. We will discuss why.After the death of a 20-year-old Springfield resident and Haitian migrant, many people are once again questioning ICE tactics. Pierre Damas Bel died last week by apparent suicide.All of these topics and more are coming up on a special Tuesday edition of the Reporter Roundtable.Guests:George Shillcock, WOSU news reporterMarty Schladen, reporter, Ohio Capital JournalAndrew Tobias, state government and politics reporter, Signal OhioLaura Hancock, politics and policy reporter, Cleveland.com

Sometimes, it's the people we least expect who will change the direction of our lives. For many, our parents teach us about the world and how to exist within it. But for others, family is found.Family can be found in many ways, for Richard Durate Brown, it was through his passion for art.Sports are a platform for athletes to speak out against racial injustice. The Civil Rights Movement was greatly advanced by athletes like Muhammed Ali and Jesse Owens.We'll meet an author who highlights Jim Brown, the former football player for the Cleveland Browns, who is more than an athlete.Prior to being a pop culture professor, we will meet someone who was also a flying trapeze artist, cliff diver, stunt driver, and also became a life saver.It's all coming up on this week's edition of Fascinating Ohio.Guests:Richard Durate Brown, artist and art educatorRobert A. Bennett III, associate professor, Denison University/author, More than an Athlete: Jim Brown, Black Capitalism and the Black Economic UnionMontana Miller, associate professor of popular culture, Bowling Green State University

Higher education is costing more and some say it's delivering less.In a world of fast-paced technology and micro-credentials, are public universities becoming relics of the past?A group of experts in higher education, including former Ohio State President Gordon Gee, will gather at Ohio State to discuss ways to modernize universities.From expanding AI to strengthening transparency. From rebuilding trust to aligning education with real-world needs.How can academic leaders position higher education for the future?Guests:Gordon Gee, president emeritus, The Ohio State UniversitySteve Gavazzi, professor of human development and family science/director of CHRR, The Ohio State UniversityDavid Rosowsky, senior advisor to the president, Arizona State Universityphoto: Mark Duncan / AP

Driverless trucks may seem to be a thing of the future, but it's coming faster than we think, and it's being tested right in our backyard.What does it mean for a truck to have no driver? How does it work? Is it safe?Meta will soon be signing a very large check: a $16.7 billion check to be exact with money flowing to dozens of states, including $319 million to Ohio.The tech giant also pledged to make substantial changes to the platform to protect kids. So what exactly will be different?Are you looking to upgrade your old iPhone? It might be best to wait to save on deals. Apple typically releases its new models in September. This year it might include a foldable iPhone.And what if earbuds could listen and hear?We're discussing all of these topics on this week's edition of Tech Tuesday.Guests:Abbi Failla, chief administrative officer, EASEParesh Dave, senior writer, WIREDRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNETphoto: Gene J. Puskar / AP

In many U.S. cities, you'll find a partnership between civic leaders, local businesses, and nonprofits working to better the community.Here in Ohio's capital city, it's known as the "Columbus Way."However, economic challenges and social forces have some feeling that local nonprofits are losing their way.We're talking about why it may be time to reimagine nonprofit leadership.Guests:Mark Barbash, lecturer, Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public AffairsKaren Mozenter, CEO, Jewish Family Services/vice chair, Human Service Chamber

The Cinema Columbus Film Festival has moved from May to September and it's an annual showcase for Ohio filmmakers.This year's topics are timely and topical, including a Columbus native of Haitian descent exploring the Haitian experience in America.Another filmmaker tells the story of Columbus through interwoven stories. An Ohio State University professor-turned filmmaker explores modern marriage and traditions in China. And that's just a sampling of what's in store.Guests:Brett Reiter, festival director of the Cinema Columbus Film FestivalLogan St. Hilaire, filmmakerClaudia Owusu, filmmaker

From political attack ads to unexpected policy positions, we look at how the two candidates, Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, for Ohio's next governor are trying to woo voters.Stark differences emerge in the U.S. Senate race between Senator Jon Husted and former Senator Sherrod Brown and a grief-stricken family asks Husted's campaign to remove a political ad.We'll also look at Flock cameras and how misusing the technology would be a felony under a proposed Ohio bill. Plus, an Ohio judge kicked off the bench and suspended is on the November ballot.Finally, did you know, Ohio children received more free books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library than any other state. We'll discuss all this and more on our Weekly Reporter Roundtable.Guests:Jeremy Pelzer, chief politics reporter for Cleveland.comHaley BeMiller, state government and politics reporter for the Columbus DispatchJake Zuckerman, reporter for Signal Ohio

There are so many ways to fix breakfast. But what makes a restaurant's breakfast special, special?Columbus has some serious chef talent, and a food and travel writer is spotlighting that talent.Hardships can be a part of any life, but doing something with them and turning it into something positive can be difficult, but this is what one woman did.Math is difficult for many students. It can be very challenging to learn new math skills and kids often become overwhelmed and discouraged by its challenges, but one teacher decided to fix this problem.Guests:Nick Dekker, food and travel writer, Breakfast with NickDureti "Mimi" Tadesse, CEO and founder, Cawwaaqee Guuttatta Women's EmpowermentCaroline Farkas, certified teacher and educational content creator/founder, Doodles and Digits

Columbus Blue Jackets fans are nothing if not loyal.They've rolled with many punches over the years, but it's been a summer of discontent for local hockey lovers. Firings, team shakeups and trade rumors have rattled, well, pretty much everyone who cares about the team.With training camp just around the corner, can the team end a six-season playoff drought?We are talking all things Blue Jackets on this hour of All Sides.Guests:Aaron Portzline, senior reporter, The AthleticTodd Sharrock, vice president of communications, Columbus Blue JacketsJody Shelley, TV color analyst/former Blue Jackets forwardphoto: Jay LaPrete / AP

The Black Lives Matter movement was monumental in calling out police brutality in our nation. It brought to light countless gruesome stories of victims and officers who dodged accountability.But the police force has had a long history of brutality against the Black community, even Black police officers.To fight back against the discrimination they faced, Cleveland police officers began the Shield Club, an organization representing Black officers. For decades, the group tried to bring reforms to the police system. Sometimes the efforts were fruitful, but many times, a lost cause.How did Black police officers reconcile working for the same system that they felt put their own community at risk? And can you really fix a system from within?Journalist Wilbert L. Cooper uncovers the story of being a Black cop in America in his recent book The Black Shield.He shares the stories of his own family members, who were almost all police officers, and shares the history of one of the country's oldest Black policing organizations.Guest:Wilbert L. Cooper, journalist, The Marshall Project/author, The Black Shieldphoto: The Black Shield Police Association / facebook

The phrase, "It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there," sums up some people's feelings about the “downtown” of a city.According to a national study, city leaders' efforts to bring people back downtown have a long way to go.The most recent nationwide City Pulse survey found that nearly 75% of city residents say their central business districts offer a great experience but fewer than half visit weekly.This statistic applies to Columbus as well. Columbus is the fastest growing city in the Midwest, but the survey found that the city lacks an identity.On this hour of All Sides, we're talking about what it takes to turn around some of those views.How are leaders working to promote Columbus and what is the city's identity?Guests:Sheryl Schulze, managing director, Gensler ColumbusBrian Ross, president & CEO, Experience ColumbusBrian Kemp, real estate agent, Keller Williams

Ohio State University researchers want your baby teeth and toenail clippings, but the reason why is not what you may think.Oilfield brine is a byproduct of oil and gas development and is used in some Ohio townships for ice melting and dust control on roadways.Researchers want to know more about the health effects of this brine, and they can figure that out with the help of your baby teeth, toenail clippings, and soil samples.We'll also discuss what technology meteorologists use to predict the weather and how reliable it is. Finally, Russell Holly is back to talk about his time at Disney's big event – D23.Guests:Arbor Quist, assistant professor of epidemiology at Ohio State UniversityBen Gelber, meteorologist for NBC4Russell Holly, director of commerce content for CNET

We are being surveyed constantly. Propped up on hundreds of telephone poles, stop signs, and rods are automated license plate recognition technologies.There are many types of surveillance technology, but Flock Safety is one making news as people in Columbus and across the country react to their use. These small devices capture license plate information, as well as bumper stickers and other items on your car.In theory, they are meant to track cars after a crime has been committed, to find missing people, and to be a tool for law enforcement.But, in recent months, this is not what has happened. Individuals have abused this technology. People are concerned about their privacy and how data from these are stored. And for some people, their safety has been compromised by these devices.Guests:Katie Geniusz, reporter with WOSUEmmanuel V. Remy, Columbus City Councilmember and chair of Public Safety and Criminal Justice CommitteeDrew Harwell, technology reporter for The Washington Post

An upcoming musical event on September 1, Southern Oracles, will celebrate the South Side, an area of Columbus that is historically and artistically rich, vibrant and diverse.Through music and poetry, artists will pay tribute to beloved spots – from Boyd's Barbershop to Golden Donuts to Mae's Market.Guests:Scott Woods, poet, writer, authorJason Rawls, musician, DJ, and assistant professor of hip hop at Ohio State UniversityTrek Manifest, musical artist and rapper

Columbus now has a contested race for mayor. City council president Shannon Hardin, tired of waiting his turn, wants to deny Mayor Andrew Ginther a fourth term.Politically speaking – the gloves are coming off.We're talking with Shannon Hardin about why now, his vision for the city, and whether this is really a good move for Columbus Democrats?In other political news, Columbus City Council is considering changes to they way they are election, a Republican caucus memo warns that the data center issue could derail congressional candidates like U.S. Senator Jon Husted?We'll discuss this and more on our Weekly Reporter Roundtable show.Guests:Shannon Hardin, Columbus City Council President and candidate for mayor in 2027Mark Ferenchik, news director, WOSU Public MediaMegan Henry, reporter, Ohio Capital JournalShane Stegmiller, reporter, Hannah News Service

Central Ohio students are headed back to class and that's a sure sign that summer is winding down. Despite the approaching change from summer into fall, the heat remains high among Columbus' creative community.Join host All Sides Weekend Host Christopher Purdy and his guests for a preview of arts and cultural events in and around the Columbus area.Included among this week's topics is a preview of the upcoming Columbus Comedy Festival.Host:Christopher Purdy, All Sides Weekend and Classical 101 morning hostGuests:Karen Peeler, professor emerita, Ohio State University, Older Wiser Lifelong Scholars (OWLS) programWalker Evans, founder, Columbus Underground/Columbus Comedy Festival sponsorAlicia Hui, violinist, Columbus Symphony/director of community engagement, VIVO Music Festival

Sports are a great equalizer: no one can cheat determination, teamwork and practice.The Final Third Foundation's mission is to give all kids an equal playing field (or pitch) both literally and figuratively.Access to clean water can often be taken for granted. The clean water problem is oceanic, but Design Outreach is making waves to solve it.Some people believe that art is for the select few, and that in order for art to be good, it must be highbrow. Pam Kravetz has made it her career goal as an artist and art educator to bring people together through art.These topics are all part of this week's edition of Fascinating Ohio.Guests:Ben Levey, founder and director, The Final Third FoundationDr. Greg Bixler, co-founder/CEO, Design OutreachPam Kravetz, artist/educator/board member of the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center

Beware the beaver! Behind the smiling face of the cartoon beaver in the red baseball cap could be a rodent of ruthless ambition.Buc-ee's convenience stores, known for their clean restrooms, brisket and fueling stations, are suing a small Ohio corner store in Beavercreek over their mascot.From trademark legalities to corporate reputation, we're talking about the Ohio battle of the beavers.Guests:David Ferrara, breaking news reporter, Cincinnati EnquirerMark Bartholomew, trademark expert/professor of law, University of BuffaloBrian Hipsher, senior lecturer, Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University

Black Girl Rising Inc. is a Columbus-based nonprofit organization focused on research, advocacy and empowerment of Black girls.The group's research has extended across Ohio. The organization hosts events that focus on the safety, empowerment and mental health of Black girls throughout Ohio through events, conversations and conferences.Their first Think Tank started in 2015 and became a safe space for Black girls to express their concerns and goals. Members of the organization have attended many national conferences including the United Nations Adolescent Girls Leadership Town Hall in New York City.We're talking to three members of the organization on this hour of All Sides.Guests:Fran Frazier, founder/executive director, Black Girl Rising Inc.Dr. Lara Belliston Cobb, research analyst/leadership fellow, Black Girl Rising, Inc.Kelli Shivers, charter member of BGR Think Tank/BGR consultant

How could 16 siblings in the Siders family escape the notice of so many officials for so many years?The case, while extreme, brings to the forefront one family's multi-generational story of poverty, child marriage and attempts to live under the radar.But what about the larger questions the situation raises: Did the state fail this family? These children? How are child welfare advocates, state officials and others working to respond and repair the cracks in the system?Guests:Laura Bischoff, reporter, The Columbus DispatchSheridan Hendrix, reporter, The Columbus DispatchScott Britton, assistant director, Public Children Services Association of Ohiophoto: Thomas Billington / WOUB

They say experience is the best teacher. For teens in high school, it can be easy to let AI do all the thinking for them. Who can blame them? Learning is hard work and tedious.Should kids learn the old-fashioned way, or is AI an unavoidable asset for education?Some people are constantly chasing after the next new technology. They must have the newest iPhone, smartwatch, laptop: the fastest, the latest, the best.But what about the people who look backwards instead of forwards. Vintage Computer collectors have made it their hobby to own and restore old technology.For people who have a strong aversion to bad-tasting water, Ninja's HydraSense makes sense for you.Are you a fan of a good fan? Switchbot makes a great one, but it comes at a high price.We're discussing all of these topics on this week's Tech Tuesday.Guests:Geoffrey Fowler, head of public engagement, Common Sense MediaJeffrey Brace, vice president and chairman, Vintage Computer FederationRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNETphoto: Nam Y. Huh / AP

It's no secret that 250 years later, we are still trying to define “liberty and justice for all,” the values at the foundation of America's creation.The dark parts of our nation's history are charged with racism, corruption, police brutality, and inequality. Many of our institutions are still shaped by the same history.On a national level, a president who avoided punishment for his felony convictions, hundreds of unwarranted ICE arrests with no investigation, and more than 3 million pages of incriminating information against our nation's wealthiest with no arrests to date.Now more than ever, accountability seems to be different depending on your racial, political, or economic status.But this lack of accountability doesn't stop at the federal level. It trickles down into our local institutions.We're talking about the topic on this hour of All Sides.Guests:Jillian Snider, adjunct lecturer, John Jay College of Criminal JusticeSarah Chayes, author, On Corruption in America, former NPR reporterKyle Strickland, attorney, former CCPRB memberDaniel Weiner, senior director, Brennan Center's Elections & Government Programphoto: J. Scott Applewhite / AP

What makes an activist? What propels someone to get off the sidelines and get involved?For decades, 88-year-old actress and activist Jane Fonda has been either a guiding light or a lightning rod, depending on your views.A new book, written by an Ohio University professor, examines Jane Fonda's life through the lens of protest and movement-building, acting choices and, yes, the volatile Vietnam years.Marilyn S. Greenwald, Ohio University professor emerita of journalism, joins us on this hour of All Sides to discuss her new book Jane Fonda: There's A Great Deal To Say.Guest:Marilyn S. Greenwald, Ohio University professor emerita of journalism/author, Jane Fonda: There's A Great Deal To Sayphoto: CJ Rivera/Invision AP