The Sound of Ideas

Canadian wildfire smoke prompted an air quality advisory across Ohio on Thursday, with Northeast Ohio reaching hazardous air quality levels. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency urged everyone, but especially those with heart or lung conditions, children, older adults and pregnant women, to stay indoors. The health effects of breathing in wildfire smoke may include asthma attack, chest pains, coughing, headaches, runny nose, stinging eyes, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cleveland has extended its contract with Flock Safety's license plate reader cameras for six months. The contract extension was shortened from one year and includes new privacy protections that prohibits outside access to data collected by the cameras without a warrant. Cleveland's contract with Flock began in 2023 and includes about 100 cameras at locations around the city. CrimeRadar, an app that uses artificial intelligence to track potential criminal activity, falsely reported an active shooter at the University of Akron on Tuesday. Akron police confirmed there was no shooting. In December, the app also falsely reported a shooting at a Streetsboro elementary school. Republican candidate for governor, Vivek Ramaswamy, received the endorsement of the state's largest business lobbying group, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The group has only backed Republicans for governor in the 16 years that it's been endorsing candidates for that office. In his announcement, Ramaswamy said he plans to eliminate Ohio's income tax and the tax on capital gains. A memo from legislative researchers obtained by the Statehouse News Bureau in April showed more than 55% of the benefit would go to those making over $1 million a year. And the U.S. House of Representatives has voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. The measure, named the "Sunshine Protection Act," now heads to the Senate. We will discuss these stories and more news of the week on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests:- Conor Morris, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Matthew Richmond, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Cyclosporiasis and other public health concerns Two phrases you don't want to hear together with your food are "parasite" and "explosive diarrhea," but that's currently the reality in 34 states, as cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness causing days to weeks of severe diarrhea, have been on the rise since May, with Ohio in the middle of a four-state outbreak cluster. There are other "bugs" public health officials are concerned about in the state - including the rise of Lyme disease spread by ticks. And be careful of getting bit by a mosquito as several counties in Northeast Ohio have seen mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus, though there hasn't been a human case yet. We're going to talk about a range of nasty illnesses to start Thursday's "Sound of Ideas." Guests: - Erika Sobolewski, D.O., Medical Director, Summit County Public Health - Sara Cochrane, Environmental Health Supervisor, Summit County Public Health Medina Bee Park opens There is something abuzz in Medina County. The Medina Bee Park is now open for human and winged visitors alike. What was once an unused loading dock has been transformed into a vibrant community space for residents - featuring local art, native pollinator plants, and a stage for live entertainment. The $25,000 project is led by Main Street Medina and partially funded by the Medina County Beekeepers Association. We'll learn more about the park and Medina's long history of beekeeping. Guests: - George Sam, Executive Director, Main Street Medina - Manfred Heck, Associate Director, Main Street Medina - Peggy Garnes, President, Medina County Beekeepers Association "Shuffle" music podcast A Cleveland artist is honing his sound weaving together jazz, hip hop, soul, funk and other Black musical traditions. On this week's "Shuffle," Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with Robin "Hyperius" Blake about the inspiration behind his collective — Black Voltron. Guests: - Robin "Hyperius" Blake, Artist - Amanda Rabinowitz, Host, "Shuffle," Ideastream Public Media

Canton City Council approves climate action plan What once seemed like the distant effects of climate change are becoming part of everyday life. Communities across the country are experiencing more prolonged extreme heat, heavier rainfall, stronger storms, droughts and unusual weather patterns. In response, local governments are looking for ways to adapt while reducing their environmental impact. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll turn to Canton, where city leaders have approved a new climate action plan focused on cutting greenhouse gas emissions through changes to municipal buildings, transportation and other city operations. Officials say the plan could also help residents in the long-term, in part by helping lower energy costs over time. Guest:- Robert Fisher, Canton City Council, Ward 5 Northeast Ohio launches new men's soccer team as FIFA World Cup comes to the U.S. While Cleveland wasn't one of the 11 U.S. cities to host a FIFA World Cup match this time around, it did host an international friendly match between men's soccer powerhouses Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 6, drawing a crowd of tens of thousands to the stadium. That contest coincided with the launch of the brand-new semi-professional men's Lorain County Leviathan Football Club this Spring. Looking ahead over the next two years, we'll have brand new professional men's and women's soccer teams with Forest City Cleveland and Cleveland Astra kicking things off in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Today we'll explore what Northeast Ohio's soccer culture looks like when the largest soccer competition in the world isn't happening. Guests:- Andrew McDonnell, Chairman, Lorain County Leviathan Football Club- Gina Prodan Kelly, Chief Marketing Officer, Cleveland Soccer Group- Chris Lewis, Director of Marketing & Communications, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission- Jason Lansdale, President, Offside Marketing The Menu: Frozen Treats The latest heat wave made us yearn for an ice-cold treat. Luckily in Northeast Ohio there are a gallon's worth of frozen-treat options — and locally owned too! For this new installment of our food series "The Menu," produced in partnership with Cleveland Magazine, we're talking ice cream, popsicles and more. Watch the episode on The Ohio Channel or YouTube to see Stephanie Haney and guests sample a few delicious desserts! Guests:- Jesse Mason, Co-owner, Mason's Creamery- Nicole Dauria, Owner, Pop Culture

Conservation efforts in Ohio In May, the Akron Zoo welcomed more than a dozen new animal species, including the white-faced saki monkey, green aracari bird and the axolotl species, which is a salamander that has a big online fandom. While some of Ohio's native and exotic range of wildlife has faced endangerment, due to conservation efforts both in zoos and in the wild, there is new growth for some of these species. The once-disappeared sandhill crane population has seen a big comeback since the late 1980s. Now there are more than 300 in the state, according to the Ohio Department of National Resources. Black bears are also considered a state-endangered species, but recent black bear sightings in Cuyahoga County residential suburbs have made news headlines. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk to local experts about efforts to care for this wildlife and educate communities about the conservation work happening in our state. And we'll ask what to do if you encounter a black bear in your driveway. Guests: - Lauren McKenna, Animal Care Manager, Akron Zoo - Stormy Goff, Lead Zoologist, Westmeister Farm - David Kriska, Ph.D., Restoration Ecologist, Cleveland Museum of Natural History "White Supremacy" Book During the July 4 weekend, pictures of masked members of the white nationalist group, the Patriot Front, riding the Washington, D.C. Metro made headlines. The images are a stark reminder that white supremacy ideologies are very much alive in today's America. John Broich, associate professor of history at Case Western Reserve University, published "White Supremacy: A Short History" earlier this year. The book traces the origins and evolution of white supremacist thought across the English-speaking world, from the ancient world and British colonialism to the slave trade, Civil War, Nazism and the present. Broich provides historical context for contemporary debates and shows how these ideas repeatedly resurface in mainstream politics. Our coordinating producer Drew Maziasz spoke with him recently about the book. Guest: - John Broich, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History, Case Western Reserve University & Author, "White Supremacy: A Short History"

At the height of the U.S. war with Iran, NATO allies declined to allow the U.S. to use air bases within their territory to launch attacks on Iran, they refused to let U.S. bombers overfly their territory, and they refused to commit their forces to helping the U.S. patrol the beleaguered Strait of Hormuz. In response, President Trump said he was considering withdrawing the United States from the 75-year-old defense alliance – something he has been talking about for years. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we bring you another installment of the series "Talking Foreign Policy," which is produced in conjunction with Case Western Reserve University. In this episode, a panel of experts discusses the role NATO currently plays as a global defense alliance, as conflicts continue in Iran as well as between Russia and Ukraine. Guests: - Michael Scharf, President, American Branch of the International Law Association; Former Dean, Case Western Reserve University School of Law - John Bellinger, Legal Advisor, National Security Council & U.S. Department of State - Sandy Hodgkinson, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense; Retired, U.S. Navy Captain - Paul Williams, Ph.D., President, Public International Law & Policy Group - Milena Sterio, Distinguished University Professor, Cleveland State University College of Law; Managing Director, Public International Law & Policy Group

Cuyahoga County voters are likely to decide new property taxes on the November ballot to help fund the social safety net and services for people with developmental disabilities. The county will seek a renewal, with an increase, for Health and Human Services. County Council gave that plan a first reading this week. The same day, Council gave final approval for a separate levy to fund the Board of Developmental Disabilities. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will wait until the spring ballot, May 2027, to ask voters for a sales tax increase. Cleveland City Council's safety committee changed its tune, voting 5-2 this week to approve a contract extension for Flock surveillance cameras. A while back the same committee voted no. Next week, the full council will vote. Vocal opposition to the license plate-reading cameras contends they can be used to violate rights, while police say they're vital crime-fighting tools. The architect of Senate Bill 1, which sought to remove what Republican lawmakers called liberal bias on college campuses, now wants to make it mandatory for students to take a course through the intellectual diversity center the bill created. Republican Sen. Jerry Cirino of Kirtland has introduced Senate Bill 461 which requires the 3-credit-hour American civic literacy course. Gov. Mike DeWine signed off on 14 bills this week, from hardening Medicaid fraud protections to making failure to identify yourself during a traffic stop a crime. He also signed off on a requirement that high schools teach a conservative-backed curriculum known as the Success Sequence — graduate, get a job, get married, then have children. Lakewood officials are asking state regulators to investigate FirstEnergy again after another round of prolonged power outages left thousands of customers without electricity during last week's extreme heat. We will discuss these stories and more news of the week on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests:- Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media- Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

High-control groups, or cults, are defined in part by members being prevented from making their own choices without even realizing it. While the exact number isn't known, experts estimate there are thousands of cults operating in the United States today. Typical red flags include leaders exerting influence and control over the actions of their followers through both explicit and unstated but understood rules and social norms that come with consequences if they're not followed. In Medina County, former members of the Restored Church of God in Wadsworth say they've escaped a cult led by founder David Pack. Cleveland Scene staff writer Mark Oprea talked with several people who have left this church about their experiences both inside and outside its walls revealing rules about marriage, dating and relationships, incredible financial commitments from members, and more. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we dig into Oprea's reporting with him and two of the people he interviewed for his story about this religious group. We also talk with an expert who will share insight on what rises to the level of an organization being considered a cult, and how to seek help if you or someone you love might be involved with one. We reached out to the Restored Church of God to invite the founder or another representative to be part of this conversation. They declined our invitation and did not directly address assertions that the church is a cult. You can read the statement we received below. Restored Church of God statement to Sound of Ideas: “The perspective reflected in Mr. Oprea's reporting does not represent the experience of the overwhelming majority of people who have interacted with The Restored Church of God over many years. Members, former members, visitors, neighbors, vendors, public officials, and others have interacted with the Church over decades. If the objective is to understand our organization fairly, those perspectives are at least as relevant as those of a small number of former employees. “While individual experiences naturally vary, the perspectives attributed to a small number of former employees do not represent the overwhelming majority of those who have known or interacted with The Restored Church of God over decades.” Former members dispute the above statement's accuracy. Restore Church of God ministers Carl Houk and Edward Winkfield also responded via email to several written questions we sent them. Those responses are included in Thursday's show. Guests: - Mark Oprea, Staff Writer, Cleveland Scene- Kevin Denee, Son-in-law of founder, Former Restored Church of God Minister & Member- Marc Cebrian, Exrcg.org operator, Former Restored Church of God Member- Adam Kunz, Ph.D., Board Member of Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Lakewood demands accountability for power outages Tens of thousands of Northeast Ohio residents were without electricity during some of the hottest days of the year last week, and some lost power for up to four days. For cities like Lakewood, residents say power outages happen on a too-frequent basis, and the city's mayor, Meghan George, is demanding accountability from the only energy company serving the city, FirstEnergy. In a statement last week, George called on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the state regulatory agency, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, to press for action against FirstEnergy. This is following a prior investigation into the company last year where PUCO found "probable noncompliance." FirstEnergy was then ordered to invest $12.5 million into the city's infrastructure. Regarding last week's power outages, FirstEnergy put a message on its website to Lakewood customers: "We understand the frustration and hardship recent outages have caused for Lakewood residents, especially during this period of extreme heat," the message read. "Using less electricity can help protect the system and prevent additional outages – and help you manage energy costs during this time of high use." On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk about power concerns with Lakewood leaders, and a reporter covering energy news in the state. The "Sound of Ideas" did invite FirstEnergy to be part of this conversation to share their perspective on the outages, but they declined to participate. Guests: - Meghan George, Mayor, City of Lakewood. - Ernie Vargo, Law Director, City of Lakewood - Kathiann Kowalski, Contributing Reporter, Canary Media Nobel Peace Prize winner on threat of nuclear war During the height of the Cold War, much of the American populous was terrified of nuclear annihilation. They held their breath as President Kennedy warned of rising tensions with the Soviets during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and ducked under their desks as students for bomb drills. They also breathed a sigh of relief when relationships with the USSR were repaired at the end of the 1980s and the Cold War thawed. But some academics continue to warn that we're in fact closer to the possibility of nuclear war than we ever have been. Ira Helfand is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and will be speaking in Northeast Ohio on Thursday night at the invitation of Cleveland Peace Action. He joins the "Sound of Ideas" to explain why he's warning of potential nuclear conflict.

Fatherhood support resourcesFor many parents, maintaining a relationship with their children isn't simply a matter of showing up. Divorce, incarceration, financial hardship and other life circumstances can create distance between parents and their kids. On top of those challenges, some parents face systemic barriers, from navigating the court system to finding stable housing or employment. And often -- fathers are the ones that may experience separation from their child due to these circumstances. But research shows that when fathers show interest in their child's lives, their health, learning and confidence improve while risks like poverty and behavioral challenges are reduced Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're joined by Northeast Ohioans who are working to help fathers overcome those obstacles, strengthen their parenting skills and build lifelong healthy relationships. Guests:- Margaret Bernstein, Author, Dad Storybooks and Literacy Advocate- Randall Jellison, Fatherhood Project Manager, Early Childhood Resource Center- LeBron Terrell, Fatherhood Coach, Passages "Lil' John: Laughing My Way Through Life"Generations of Clevelanders grew up watching the "Big Chuck & Little John" show, and "Houlihan and Big Chuck," on Friday nights. Ideastream Public Media's Senior Arts & Culture Reporter Kabir Bhatia spoke with one of the stars of the show, John Rinaldi, who has a new book out about his life and work. Guests:- Kabir Bhatia, Senior Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media- John Rinaldi, Author, "Lil' John: Laughing My Way Through Life"

Staying safe during extreme heat Dangerous, record-breaking heat has hit much of the nation this week, with the National Weather Service issuing an Extreme Heat Warning for the state of Ohio lasting until Thursday night. Many outdoor events have been canceled due to safety. The City of Cleveland canceled all youth outdoor sports through Friday, a Wade Oval Wednesday concert was canceled in University Circle, and the Cleveland Orchestra's free concert at Cain Park has been postponed, all due to dangerous conditions. This week, temperatures have hit the mid-to-high 90s, and Thursday the humidity will make the temperature feel as high as 107 degrees. To try to combat the heat, many cooling centers have opened around the region. We'll start Thursday's "Sound of Ideas" talking about how can to protect ourselves from heat-related injuries this week and throughout the summer. And, ahead of one of the most injury-prone holidays in the U.S., we'll ask our experts about staying safe this Fourth of July holiday. Guests: - Ellen Kazimer, Administrative Commander & Public Information Officer, Cleveland EMS - Tamanna Singh, M.D., Director, Sports Cardiology Center & Co-Founder & Co-Director, Women's Integrated Sports, Exercise, & Research Center, Cleveland Clinic & Volunteer, American Heart Association Medicare Pilot Program Ohio is one of six states testing out a Medicare pilot program that the federal government hopes will reduce fraud or waste in the system. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services program WISeR, or Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction, adds prior authorization for certain services that the government deems costly and unnecessary, and it operates using artificial intelligence. The government says the program will save money at the federal level and protect patients from unneeded care, but critics say its rollout since January has been rocky, leading to errors or delayed care, and reimbursement delays of up to 8 weeks to healthcare providers. An audience member inspired us to look more into this program on a show last week about aging well. Anita in Cleveland Heights called and said she was a senior on traditional Medicare and was shocked to discover after the fact that she needed pre-approval from her insurance to see certain doctors, and was facing a hefty bill that she would now need to appeal. Guests: - Gary Katz, M.D., President, Ohio State Medical Association - Darius Tahir, Correspondent, KFF Health News Ohio Revolutionary War graves As America approaches its 250th birthday, Americans are paying a bit more attention the country's founding, and the events surrounding 1776. Over the last year, more than 500 Ohioans volunteering their time took part in collecting data about those who actually served in the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War Graves Identification Project was an undertaking from the Ohio History Connection with the purpose of verifying and documenting the final resting places of those veterans buried in Ohio. Ideastream's Drew Maziasz spoke with Krista Horrocks from the Ohio History Connection about the graves project. The final public release of the grave survey will come out on July 4. Guest: - Krista Horrocks, Project Manager, Ohio History Connection

The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped its term Tuesday with a series of major decisions on immigration, presidential power and election law. Among the final rulings, the court voted against President Donald Trump to uphold the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment declaring anyone born within the borders of the U.S. a citizen of the country. Last week, the justices held that courts cannot review Department of Homeland Security decisions to end Temporary Protected Status, clearing the way for the Trump administration to end legal protections for Haitians and Syrians, which includes a large Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio that drew national attention. The court also ruled that Congress cannot prevent the president from removing members of the Federal Trade Commission. In doing so, overturning a 90-year-old precedent that had preserved federal agencies' independence. Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, saying it greatly increases presidential power "at a time when it is most needed." Two of the dissenting justices said this decision completely reshapes our government. The court also upheld a Mississippi law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted for up to five days afterward. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk about these decisions, what they say about the direction of the high court and what they could mean for everyday Americans and the balance of power in Washington. Guests:- Jonathan Entin, Professor of Law, Case Western Reserve University- César García Hernández, Professor of Law, The Ohio State University- Ali Masood, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Politics, Oberlin College and Conservatory

"The Big Shrink" Cleveland's population was 930,000 at its height in 1950. Now, it's a little more than a third of that. With that population loss, comes fewer students enrolled in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. And those dropping enrollment numbers has led to the district needing to closure buildings and lay off hundreds of employees. Cleveland is far from the only district experiencing this issue, which one education researcher has called "the big shrink." Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas" we'll learn more about what's happening with CMSD, and other districts across the state. You can read Ideastream Education Reporter Conor Morris's reporting on the issue here. Guests: - Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Meryl Johnson, Former Educator and State Board of Education Representative - Vladimir Kogan, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science, The Ohio State University U.S. Annual Esperanto Conference Vi aŭskultas la radioprogramon "Sono de Ideoj" de Ideastream Public Media. Mi estas Stephanie Haney, dankon pro via restado kun ni. What you just read translated to English reads, "You're with the 'Sound of Ideas' from Ideastream Public Media. I'm Stephanie Haney, thanks for staying with us." But you may not have understood it, because that first line was written in Esperanto. Esperanto was created in the late 1800s, meant to be a universal secondary language. It's not tied to any particular region in the world so it has no native speakers, and it's not intended to be anyone's first language. It's meant to be easy to learn, no matter what your background, and its goal is to promote international communication and even world peace. The language of Esperanto is encouraged here in the United States by a non-profit organization called Esperanto-USA, which is hosting a weeklong course and its national conference at Cleveland State University, now through July 6th. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we have leaders of Esperanto-USA and a Cleveland member joining us to teach us about the language and its Northeast Ohio connection dating back to the 1930s, and hopefully help us walk away knowing a few key phrases. Guests: - Brandon Sowers, President, Esperanto-USA - Amanda Schmidt, Executive Director, Esperanto-USA - Jeremy Genovese, Member, Esperanto-USA

America 250 Reflections Saturday is America's 250th birthday. It's a time to look back at our nation's history and reflect on where we are today as a country. The Declaration of Independence in 1776 guaranteed the rights to equality, liberty and democracy for all. Is America today living up to the promise of its founding? Do citizens today have equal rights and opportunities? Some will say, absolutely, but for others, it's a bit more complicated. On Monday's "Sound of Ideas" we're convening a panel of Northeast Ohioans from a diverse range of perspectives and lived experiences to hear what life is like for them in this country ahead of the 250th, and whether they like the direction the country is going at this moment in time. Guests: - Neil G. McCormick, Retiree, Cinecraft Productions - Poojajeet Khaira, M.D., Psychiatrist Physician - Dominic Harrison, Junior, John Carrol University - Michele Weiss, Mayor, City of University Heights Connect250 Project As the nation marks America's 250th birthday, the oral history nonprofit, StoryCorps, and NPR's Morning Edition are launching a nationwide initiative called "Connect 250" — pairing strangers from different parts of the country to record a conversation about their lives today and what America means to them. These 40-minute long dialogues will be permanently preserved in the Library of Congress, to serve as a time capsule of what life in America was like at 250 years old. StoryCorps Founder and President Dave Isay told us more about this initiative. Guest: - Dave Isay, Founder and President, StoryCorps

Gov. Mike DeWine this week vetoed a bill that would mandate photo ID for mail-in ballots starting in 2027. On the heels of DeWine calling on Ohio lawmakers to abolish the death penalty, we learned this week that for the first time in his tenure, he granted clemency to a death row inmate. The U.S. Supreme Court signed off on the Trump administration's plan to strip temporary protected status from Haitian immigrants. The move could leave more than 10,000 Haitians living in Springfield at risk for deportation. Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno has an unexpected ally in the effort to shore up social security: Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Warren. And Cleveland has been raking in cash since it implemented changes to its parking pricing structure earlier this year. We will discuss these topics and other news of the week on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests:- Kabir Bhatia, Senior Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media- Gabriel Kramer, Reporter/Producer & "NewsDepth" Host, Ideastream Public Media- Sarah Donaldson, Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Employee Ownership Models There are over 6500 businesses that in some form participate in an employee-owned model, according to a study from Rutgers University. These businesses vary from an ESOP, or employee stock ownership plan, which is the most common form or profit-sharing, to a worker-owned cooperative, where workers can vote on things like a board of directors. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll take a deeper look at the employee ownership model, and find out why some aging business owners are embracing that model. We'll hear from one Northeast Ohio business that recently transitioned to an employee trust model with the help of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University. Guests:- Michael Palmieri, Associate Director, Ohio Employee Ownership Center, Kent State University- Jonathan Welle, Lead Organizer & Founding Board Member, Cleveland Owns- Mike Miller, Founder and Managing Partner, Music Box Supper Club- Hannah Scott, Program Director, The Ohio State University - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Center for Cooperatives "The Menu: Employee Ownership and Food" Later in the program, we'll stay with the employee ownership discussion, and look at one local coffee roaster, Phoenix, who is a employee-owned cooperative. They have five cafes, and a roastery, across Northeast Ohio. We'll hear from the General Manager about why he says that model serves the business. Guests:- Toby Reif, General Manager, Phoenix Coffee - Michael Palmieri, Associate Director, Ohio Employee Ownership Center, Kent State University - Jonathan Welle, Lead Organizer & Founding Board Member, Cleveland Owns

Funeral arrangements and burial alternatives The cost of planning a funeral has risen dramatically over the past several decades. From 1986 to 2025, funeral costs increased by 304%, meaning something that cost $1 in 1986 now costs about $4. Inflation, changing consumer preferences and rising labor and material costs have all contributed to the price hike. Today, cremation is the most common end-of-life choice in the U.S., with more than 60% of Americans choosing it in recent years. While cremation is often less expensive than a traditional burial, funeral arrangements can still carry a significant cost. As a result, some are turning to alternatives such as green burials, human composting and body donation programs. For some, these options can reduce costs. For others, they offer a way to align final arrangements with personal values, environmental concerns or a desire to contribute to medical research. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll explore these alternatives and find out whether they still leave loved ones with a meaningful way to remember you. Guests: - Chad McGreevey, Funeral Director, McGreevey Funeral Homes - Danielle Davis, Director of Anatomical Services, Body Donation Program, Ohio State University - Tom Harries, CEO and Co-Founder, Earth Funeral - Geoffrey Gompf, President-Elect, Ohio Funeral Directors Association Tri-C JazzFest 2026 Live music is back in downtown Cleveland this week, with the return of the annual Tri-C JazzFest, this Thursday through Saturday. Located on Playhouse Square, the three-day event will feature both local and national artists, accompanied by face painting, line dancing and local food vendors. The festival will feature local artists such as Dominick Farinacci, as well as national artists like Sheila E., Durand Bernarr, and others. JazzNEO host and producer Dan Polletta previewed the festival with “Sound of Ideas” host Stephanie Haney. Guest: - Dan Polletta, Senior Producer, Host of JazzNEO, Ideastream Public Media

As a country, we're living longer than ever before. The average life expectancy in the United States is now 79 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But how are we doing when we get to our golden years? In Ohio, the answer is not necessarily the best, according to the latest America's Health Rankings Senior Report. This study from The United Health Foundation ranked Ohio 36th in the country in overall health for seniors. Some major concerns include suicide rates, drug related deaths, poverty and food insecurity concerns and levels of physical activity. When you add in concerns about mental function and emotional wellbeing, there's a lot to think about as we age. On Tuesday's edition of the "Sound of Ideas," we're looking at what we can do in our younger years to try to maintain our mental, emotional and physical health for as long as our bodies will let us. Guests: - Gary Grosel, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of Ohio - Lester Carney, age 92, Olympic athlete who won a silver medal in the 200-meter dash at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy - Robert Bermel, M.D., Staff Neurologist, Neurological Institute's Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Cleveland Clinic - Roopa Anmolsingh, M.D., Lead Geriatrician for Community Programs, Cleveland Clinic

Ohio Auditor Candidates In November, when voters go to the polls, they'll be voting on every statewide executive office in Ohio, one of those being auditor of state. The two candidates for that position are the current Secretary of State, Republican, Frank LaRose, and the Mayor of Maple Heights, Democrat, Annette Blackwell. They recently spoke at forums organized by the Akron Press Club. We'll bring you excerpts from that on Monday's "Sound of Ideas." You can watch the entirety of LaRose's speech here. You can watch the entirety of Blackwell's speech here. Guests: - Frank LaRose, Secretary of State; Candidate, Ohio Auditor - Annette Blackwell, Mayor of Maple Heights; Candidate, Ohio Auditor Foreign Relations with India Then, we turn our attention to international affairs and look at U.S.-India relations. The most populous country is home to a quickly growing economy, and could be a major player in global policies, from immigration to trade, over the coming decades. Akriti Kalyankar, a woman who worked as a journalist in India, is now coming to speak in Northeast Ohio on Thursday, at the invitation of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs. You can find out more about Kalyankar's appearance here. Guest: - Akriti Kalyankar, Fellow, Stimson Center

Gov. Mike DeWine is urging Ohio lawmakers to permanently end the death penalty, saying the issue should go before voters if the legislature declines to act. DeWine has postponed every scheduled execution since taking office in 2019 and has said the moratorium stems partly from pharmaceutical companies' opposition to the use of their drugs in lethal injections. However, some prosecutors and lawmakers who support the death penalty dispute that justification. The Ohio Organizing Collaborative, a voter engagement group for left-leaning and progressive causes, was raided by the FBI. Board member Prentiss Haney said agents searched the organization's Northeast Ohio offices, questioned staff and associates and in some cases seized laptops and other electronic devices. Several Democratic members of Congress, including Ohio U.S. Reps. Emilia Sykes and Joyce Beatty, have criticized the raid and expressed support for the organization. Cleveland City Council members voiced strong skepticism about Mayor Justin Bibb's proposal to extend the city's contract with surveillance camera company Flock Safety, questioning whether the system justifies its cost. A council committee voted against the extension, though the measure could still advance. Cleveland has about 100 Flock cameras and has paid $250,000 annually for the program since 2023. Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and nights before non-school days with parental and school approval. Current law bars 14- and 15-year-olds from working past 7 p.m. during the school year. The measure follows Gov. Mike DeWine's veto of a broader proposal last year. Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster said he negotiated the change between him, DeWine and the Ohio Restaurant Association. We will discuss these topics and other news of the week on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests: - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau - Anna Huntsman, Akron/Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Zaria Johnson, Environment Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

How some local religious groups welcome LGBTQ+ members June is Pride Month, an annual celebration honoring LGBTQ+ people, their history and an ongoing movement toward equality. Most celebrations are secular in nature - but there are some religious organizations in Northeast Ohio hosting Pride events this year. For many, religion is a source of belonging and spiritual guidance. But for others, experiences with faith communities have led to rejection, exclusion or religious trauma. Studies from Pew Research Center shows that 80% of LGBTQ adults in the U.S. believe in spirituality and nearly half identify with a religion. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're bringing together faith leaders to discuss how their congregations engage with LGBTQ people, how they interpret their faith traditions' teachings on sexuality and identity, and what that relationship looks like not just in June, but throughout the year. Guests: - Rev. Dr. George Graham, Pastor, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ - Shoshana Nyer, Rabbi, Suburban Temple Kol Ami - Fr. Damian Ference, Vicar for Evangelization, The Cathedral Saint John the Evangelist - Rev. Derek Terry, Executive Director, Open and Affirming Coalition and Part-time Pastor, St. Peter's United Church of Christ "Easy Day Away": Chautauqua and Jamestown in New York As the summer gets underway, you might be feeling the urge to travel. But the cost of getting away has gotten more expensive lately, as the U.S. war on Iran continues to squeeze access to oil, driving up the cost of both airfare and gas to fill up our cars. As a result of increasing prices, a survey from US News and World Report released in April showed that 65% of Americans have changed their summer travel plans. For those of you who are being budget-conscious but are still feeling that wanderlust, we're launching a new summer series on Thursday's edition of the "Sound of Ideas" called "Easy Day Away." We'll bring you ideas for simple trips you can take that are within a short drive of Northeast Ohio, and don't require an overnight stay. For our first feature, we're highlighting Jamestown and Chautauqua in New York's Chautauqua County. These two cities are on either side of Chautauqua Lake, both about a two hours' drive east of Cleveland. Jamestown is home to both the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center, and Chautauqua is known for its Chautauqua Institution, a historic, 750-acre lakeside educational and cultural center. Guests: - Journey Gunderson, Executive Director, National Comedy Center - Gary Hahn, Board Member and Secretary, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau - Deborah Sunya Moore, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, Chautauqua Institution

Heights High 100 Years 100 years ago, back when gas cost 23 cents and the president was Calvin Coolidge, Cleveland Heights High School at Cedar and Lee Roads was constructed. Thousands of alumni and guests from around the country and beyond will be returning to the Heights to celebrate this milestone, and participate in a three-day festival this weekend hosted by the Heights School Foundation. Part of the goal of the festival is to help raise money for the district, which announced last month that it is needs to make at least $5 million in budget cuts over the next two years due to expected revenue losses. We'll spend time on Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas" talking about the role the school has played in the lives of so many over the last century, preview the weekend of festivities, and look towards the future of the district, which has churned out a host of prominent alumni like NFL brothers Travis & Jason Kelce and the Mitchells Ice Cream brothers, Pete & Mike Mitchell. Guests: - Laura Loebl, Executive Director, Heights Schools Foundation, Class of 1987 - Jayla Scruggs, Class of 2026 - Kathy Blackman, Owner, Grog Shop/B Side Lounge, Class of 1986 - Liz Kirby, Superintendent, Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District Juneteenth Celebrations Juneteenth is coming up this Friday, marking five years since then-President Joe Biden made the day a federal holiday. The holiday signifies the day in 1865 where slaves in Texas were informed of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Many communities in Northeast Ohio are commemorating the holiday Friday. We'll highlight some of those events for the rest of the show and learn more about the origins of Juneteenth. Guests: - Talise Campbell, Artistic Director of Djapo Cultural Arts Institute - Greg Palumbo, Executive Director, Cuyahoga County's Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument - Tameka Ellington, Ph.D., Curator for Black History, McKinley Presidential Museum and Library

THC Beverage Sales We begin the hour with a quick update regarding the sale of THC-infused beverages in Ohio. A judge ruled that several Ohio companies are once again able to sell the drinks for the next two weeks. Brent Zimmerman, from Saucy Brew Works in Cleveland, joins us to discuss the motion from the judge and what comes next. Guests: - Brent Zimmerman, Founder and CEO, Saucy Brew Works Water Tech and E. Coli Metroparks properties like Edgewater Beach can be negatively impacted by high E. coli levels, a harmful bacteria often linked to water runoff and sewer overflow. Monitoring E. coli levels is time consuming, and doesn't always happen in real time. A new project from some researchers at Cleveland State University is changing that with a real-time E. coli monitoring system. And now it's being deployed at a Cleveland Metroparks property, with the help of the Cleveland Water Alliance. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll learn about what kind of technology has been built and deployed here in Northeast Ohio to monitor E. coli levels. Guests: - Samantha Martin, Director of Communications and Engagement, Cleveland Water Alliance - Chelsea Monty-Bromer, Ph.D., Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University - Jennifer Greiser, Director of Natural Resources, The Cleveland Metroparks Wooster PFAS Research We then shift our attention to another water quality issue, PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are sometimes called "forever chemicals," and have been used in the manufacturing of consumer products for decades. Scientists have found these compounds in water sources across the globe, and are also seeing them accumulate inside of human beings. The College of Wooster is involved with the development of a new devices that cleans water of PFAS, and we'll learn more about how that technology is being deployed. Guests - Paul Edminston, Ph.D., Peterson Professor of Chemistry, The College of Wooster - Rory Paradowski, College of Wooster Student - Class of 2026

Artificial intelligence in legal cases The use of artificial intelligence is a topic of concern in legal cases, both by attorneys and parties to lawsuits they file. On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," we examine precedent being set in both situations in our latest installment of our "Law of The Land" series, where we look at how the law impacts our everyday lives. We start the conversation talking about how attorneys are using AI, both properly and improperly, in ways that affect not only client confidentiality and the cost for representation, but the way the judicial system functions, as a whole. Then, we look at ongoing lawsuits like the $1.5 billion case connected to Anthropic, an AI company which admitted using pirated copies of books to train its large language models known as "Claude." We explore the precedent these cases might set for compensation for artists of all kinds. Guests:-D. Allan Asbury, Deputy Director and Senior Counsel, Ohio Supreme Court Board of Professional Conduct-Rohit Nath, Attorney, Susman Godfrey L.L.P. Cleveland Clinic's settlement with the Department of Justice bars gender-affirming care for minors The Cleveland Clinic has become the second medical institution to reach an agreement with President Donald Trump's Department of Justice related to fraudulent billing allegations, specifically associated with gender affirming care for people under the age of 18. In the back half of Monday's edition of the "Sound of Ideas," we continue our "Law of The Land" series by sorting through the settlement which includes a payment of $300,000 from the Clinic to be split between the state of Ohio and the DOJ, and a commitment to set aside $2 million to cover the cost of detransitioning care for those seeking it who cannot afford it. The Clinic has also agreed not to provide puberty blocker and hormone treatments to minors for the next 20 years, which extends beyond current requirements under Ohio's House Bill 68, a law which has been in effect since 2024. In May, Texas Children's Hospital agreed to pay $10 million dollars and establish the nation's first "detransition clinic." In the Cleveland Clinic settlement, the Department of Justice called gender affirming care for minors "misguided medical interventions." Critics are calling this agreement a lapse in medical integrity, amounting to cruelty and anti-trans hate. Particularly, the emphasis on funding detransition care is being called unnecessary, bigoted and performative. When we reached out to the Clinic ahead of this segment, a spokesperson told Ideastream Public Media via email that the Clinic remains focused on providing exceptional care to its patients and communities. In our conversation, we talk through the DOJ's allegations against the Clinic and what the settlement entails. We'll also share a statement from the Cleveland Clinic on the agreement, and learn why an Ohio advocacy group is disappointed in this result, to say the least. Guests:-Dara Adkison, Executive Director, TransOhio-Justin Glanville, Deputy Editor of Engaged Journalism, Ideastream Public Media

A marathon legislative session this week in Columbus produced several measures that we'll be unpacking here to begin the show. We start with what didn't get done: new rules for data centers. That legislation went off the rails over tax abatement. Data centers currently receive a 100% sales tax exemption. Proposed legislation would have reduced that tax break to between 50% and 75%. But many lawmakers, responding to concerns from constituents, say the industry should receive no exemption at all. Property tax relief remains a priority for Ohioans and lawmakers took action during their marathon session to provide help qualifying senior and disabled homeowners. More than 700,000 Homestead Exemption recipients will receive a nearly $500 credit toward their tax bill in January. Voters will decide whether to put photo-identification requirements for in-person voters – already a law in Ohio – into the constitution after lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment for the fall ballot. In a separate measure lawmakers sent to the governor a bill that extends voter ID to those casting votes by absentee/mail-in ballot. Ohio Republicans who say they are concerned about fraud in Medicaid in Ohio passed new regulations but first stripped out a provision that would have denied funding for those who care for sick family members. That provision had sparked spirited protests at the Statehouse. The Cleveland Clinic agreed to a deal with the Department of Justice this week that will end gender-affirming care for minors for at least the next 20 years. Prompted by an investigation into billing irregularities for such care, the agreement would remain in effect even if the current state law prohibiting gender-affirming care would be overturned. The MetroHealth System will not seek recertification of its Level 2 pediatric trauma center in 2027, though it will still treat children through its broader Level 1 trauma center for adults which also can treat minors. It will transfer pediatric cases to University Hospitals, which runs the region's only Level 1 pediatric trauma center, saying it's better for the broader system not to duplicate efforts. We will discuss these topics and the rest of the week's news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests:- Abbey Marshall, Local Government Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Nicotine use is rising in young people Nicotine use among youth and young adults is rising according to the Centers for Disease Control with nicotine pouch use by people under 21 nearly quadrupling from 2022 to 2025. Nicotine is the highly addictive chemical stimulant found in tobacco. In 2024, almost 8% of high schoolers said they had used an e-cigarette in the past month, and more than 2% had used nicotine pouches. Some place the rise in use on health influencers on social media, who say nicotine has natural benefits such as better focus or claim it can prevent Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Others say nicotine is a better alternative to smoking tobacco, since its non-carcinogenic and comes in fun flavors like mint and now fruit, approved by the Food and Drug Administration last month. Even U.S. Health and Human Services director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said last year that nicotine pouches are "probably the safest way to consume nicotine." But is there any safe way to consume nicotine? Many health experts are concerned about this reframing, and its impact on young people. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll ask local public health officials about this trend and ask about the role of nicotine on our health. Guests:- David Margolius, M.D., Public Health Director, City of Cleveland- Erika Trapl, Ph.D., Behavioral Epidemiologist & Professor, Case Western Reserve University- Wendy Hyde, Ohio Regional Director, Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation/Tobacco21 & Assistant Professor, Baldwin Wallace University- Ernest Williams, Barber, Polished Professionals & Graduate, Freedom From Smoking The Menu: Food Trucks Summer is underway, and communities are coming together for neighborhood celebrations, outdoor events and local festivals. Food trucks have become a staple of many of those gatherings, offering everything from regional favorites to inventive new flavors. We'll take a closer look at Northeast Ohio's food truck scene and its growing popularity. This is the latest installment of The Menu, our biweekly segment all about Northeast Ohio food produced in partnership with Cleveland Magazine. Guests:- Matt Maroon, Owner, Happy Camper Bar Car- Isabella Sugar, Managing Partner, CLE Chicken Food Truck & Catering- Delicia Dixon, Owner, The Urban Wrap Co.- Daniel Subwick, Director, Parks and Recreation, City of South Euclid

Seasonal Affective Disorder When you hear seasonal affective disorder, you probably think of the cold, dark days of winter. But for some people, seasonal depression arrives at the opposite time of year. As temperatures rise and daylight stretches into the evening, sadness, anxiety and irritability can emerge. Wednesday on the “Sound of Ideas,” we'll discuss how heat, light and seasonal changes can affect our mental health. Guest:- Alicia Roth, Ph.D., Behavioral Sleep Medicine Psychologist, Cleveland Clinic Understanding claims about antidepressants Later, we'll speak with mental health experts about antidepressants. A recent Gallup poll found 18% of adults reported having depression last year. And depression rates for Americans under 30 and lower income adults have risen dramatically over the last eight years. Antidepressant medications have been shown to help ease depressive symptoms. One common type of medication, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, were used by more than 11% of adults in 2023, according to CDC data. And adults in the Midwest take antidepressants more than any other region in the nation. U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has been outwardly skeptical about the use of SSRIs, and last month, announced a plan to address the "overuse of psychiatric medications, especially among children" in favor of what he calls a more holistic approach to mental health. But psychiatrists have warned that some of the claims about the side effects of antidepressants are misinformed, including that there's an increased link to mass violence. And there's concern that this move could limit access to treatment for millions who rely on it. Guests:- Jonathan Sadowsky, Ph.D., Professor, History of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University- Luis Felipe Amunategui, Ph.D., Child-Adolescent Psychologist, University Hospitals- Karin Coifman, Ph.D., Professor, Psychological Sciences, Kent State University

The Marshall Project's Investigation into Cuyahoga Jail Cameras Security cameras are vital in a jail, especially when something tragic happens, but for years, Cuyahoga County had a broken surveillance system due to neglecting to replace old jail cameras. County emails show they knew about the issue for four years, according to new reporting from The Marshall Project Cleveland. This means some families were left without answers about what happened to their loved ones who died while in custody. Jail officials say the outdated devices have all been replaced as of this April. We'll hear more reporting on this investigation from The Marshall Project Cleveland Staff Writer Doug Livingston, on Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas." Tick Bites Then we turn our attention outside and discuss the rising rates of tick bites. There were 2,800 reported cases of Lyme disease in Ohio last year, a disease which is largely connected to blacklegged ticks. Two researchers will join us to explain why we're seeing so many more tick bites in recent years, and what to do if you or your pet it bitten by one. Guests: - Rachel Kappler, Ph.D., Forest Health Collaborative Coordinator, Holden Forests & Gardens - Vanessa Varaljay, PhD, Chief Research Officer, The Ohio State University Infectious Disease Institute; Buckeye Tick Test "Shade" by Sam Bloch We close to the show which what one nature writer is calling a "forgotten natural resource" - shade. Just in time for the summer months, we hear some perspective on how humans have embraced or neglected shade, tree canopies, architectural cooling designs and consideration of the climate. Bloch writes about the dangers of heat and sun exposure, and how it kills thousands of Americans each year, but doesn't get the media attention of something like or hurricane or tornado. Guests: - Sam Bloch, Author, "Shade: The Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource"

Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk to Northeast Ohio bibliophiles about their favorite books of 2026 so far. They'll be recommending new novels, nonfiction reads, some classics, as well as new books by Northeast Ohio writers. The group will also touch on how to keep kids engaged in reading over the summer, and how to cut back on screen time in order to read more. Guests: - Karen Long, Former Manager, Anisfield Wolf Book Awards - Kate Merlene, Branch Services Supervisor, Orange Branch - Cuyahoga County Public Library - Lori Zaim, Owner, Fireside Bookshop - George Bilgere, PhD, Poet; English Professor, John Carroll University Guest Picks "The Calamity Club" by Kathryn Stockett "Life & Death & Giants" by Ron Rindo "Playground" by Richard Powers "Whistler" by Ann Patchett "The Midnight Train" by Matt Haig "A Paris Apartment" by Michelle Gable "Missing Sam" by Thrity Umrigar "Cool Machine" by Colson Whitehead "Earth 7" by Deb Olin Unferth "Eating Ashes" by Brenda Navarro "House of Day, House of Night" by Olga Tokarczuk "John of John" by Douglass Stuart "Mule Boy" by Andrew Krivak "This is Where the Serpent Lives" by Daniyal Mueenuddin "Wreck of the Mentor" by Eric Jay Dolin "Don't Call It Art" by Austin Kleon "London Falling" by Patrick Radden Keefe "Land" by Maggie O'Farrell "The Antidote" by Karen Russell "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir "Kin" by Tayari Jones "Dog Show" by Billy Collins "Season of the Second Thought" by Lynn Powell "Ghost Variations" by Elton Glaser "Train Dreams" by Denis Johnson "The Imperfectionists" by Tom Rachman "Devil in a Blue Dress" by Walter Mosely "Quartet in Autumn" by Barbara Pim "On The Hippie Trail" by Rick Steves "The Land and Its People" by David Sedaris "The Death and Life of the Great Lakes" by Dan Egan Ideastream Staff Picks "Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin "Football" by Chuck Klosterman "Fever Beach" by Carl Hiassen "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis "The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth" by Zoe Schlanger "Darkwater: Voices From Within The Veil" by W.E.B. DuBois "What Did You Eat Yesterday" by Fumi Yoshinaga "Yesteryear" by Caro Claire Burke "1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation" by Andrew Ross Sorkin "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaghy "My Friends" by Fredrik Backman "Lil' John: Laughing My Way Through Life: Stories from an Accidental Career on Cleveland TV―and More!" by Lil' John Rinaldi

Trump administration cabinet members and other federal and state officials denounced fraud in Medicaid and various government programs during a news conference in central Ohio. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche was joined by FBI Director Kash Patel, Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and other officials. They announced the indictment of 14 people accused of schemes involving Medicaid providers, behavioral health services for people with autism and a romance fraud operation. More than 100 cameras at the Cuyahoga County Jail were found to be malfunctioning in January 2022. Officials were aware of the problem, but it took four years to replace them, according to reporting by The Marshall Project Cleveland. County officials said the project required more than $220,000 and that the funding did not become available until late last year. Properties used as short-term rentals through services such as Airbnb and Vrbo must now register with the city and comply with other new regulations approved by Cleveland City Council this week. The new wave band Devo performed at the Akron Civic Theatre on Wednesday. To commemorate the band's first show in Kent, state Rep. Michele Grim, D-Toledo, has introduced House Bill 866, which would designate April 18 as Devo Day in Ohio. These stories and more will be part of this week's discussion on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests:- Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Gabriel Kramer, Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

With the rise in use of artificial intelligence, the data center industry is booming across the country, and right here in Ohio. So many data center plans are underway in our state that Ohio has given up about $2 billion in tax breaks to these projects over the last two years alone. This is a far cry from the original estimate that the break would be closer to $266 million, leading Gov. Mike DeWine to put a pause on the incentive program just last week. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll dive into how companies are rushing into Ohio to try to set up shop, while concerned citizens are pushing for moratoriums and even bans on these facilities. They share concerns legitimized by environmental and energy experts about the impact operating these facilities will be on our air and water quality and whether our existing power grid can handle what data centers require. There's also the concern of whether this industry which supports the advancement of AI will result in fewer jobs in the region. Meanwhile, places like New Albany, Ohio seem to have figured out how to coexist with this technology in a way that benefits the area. And Greater Cleveland Partnership has released a set of guidelines they believe communities should consider, while trying to determine whether any kind of data center is right for them before putting blanket bans in place. What is the right approach, to balance economic growth and protecting our planet? We'll try to answer that question with a panel of experts, concerned citizens and industry insiders. Guests: -Miranda Leppla, Director, Environmental Law Clinic, Case Western Reserve University School of Law -Jonathan Steirer, Interim Director, Great Lakes Energy Institute -Baiju Shah, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership -Michael Miller, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Park Place Technologies -Will Hollingsworth, Concerned Citizen, Ravenna Resident

Gun violence tends to surge during the summer months, and though gun violence in Cleveland dropped by 24% from 2023 to 2024, the city's latest available data, children are still most at risk to die by gun violence. Firearms have been the leading cause of death in teens and children nationwide since 2020. Many major cities around Northeast Ohio have invested a lot into their efforts to reduce gun violence. Cleveland developed its 2026 Summer Safety Plan, which includes citizen outreach, violence interruption programs and street repairs. Last year, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said the city's Violence Intervention & Prevention Strategic Plan helped to reduce gun violence through programs like the Akron Street Team, which meets with those at high risk of engaging in future violence. Additionally, Cleveland Public Library partnered with the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention and other community partners to provide gun safes and locks to promote gun safety practices. However, some don't think that's enough. After a tragic shooting on Cleveland's west side killed three people this weekend, City Councilman Mike Polensek is calling for a "show of force" from law enforcement. On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk about gun violence in Northeast Ohio, and how government and community partners are working together to make neighborhoods safer this summer. Guests:- Daniel Flannery, Ph.D., Professor & Director, Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Case Western Reserve University- Myesha Watkins, Administrator, Office of Violence Prevention, Cuyahoga County- Eufrancia Lash, President, 100 Black Men of Akron

Attorney General Dave Yost reflects on 25 years in Ohio politics This is Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's final week in office. He announced last month he is stepping down to take a job as the vice president of strategy for the Christian, conservative legal group, the Alliance Defending Freedom. Yost could not run for re-election to the attorney general office because of term limits. He planned to challenge for the Republican nomination for governor, but the Ohio GOP and President Donald Trump threw support to Vivek Ramaswamy early on in the process effectively ending Yost's primary chances. He leaves with six months left in his term. Gov. Mike DeWine tapped Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson to serve out the rest of Yost's term. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear from Ideastream's Statehouse News Bureau Chief Karen Kasler, who recently sat down with Yost for an exit interview for the "State of Ohio" on WVIZ-PBS. Yost reflected on his quarter-century in Ohio politics, why he decided it was time to leave for the private sector and why this opportunity was the right one for him. Guests:- Dave Yost, Attorney General, State of Ohio- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau New research predicts rising temperatures will increase heat-related heart disease Extreme heat can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other serious cardiovascular events, particularly among older adults and people with existing heart conditions. As summer temperatures begin to climb across much of the country, researchers are taking a closer look at what that could mean for public health. A new study from Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and the Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center projects that as climate change leads to more frequent extreme heat events, heat-related heart disease could increase by 200% nationwide over the next 25 years. To end the hour, we'll talk with two of the researchers behind the study about what they found, who could be most affected and what can be done to reduce the risks. Guests:- Gokul Parameswaran, Research Associate, Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University- Salil Deo, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

University Circle Master Plan University Circle is one of Northeast Ohio's most valuable assets, home to cultural institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Hall, while bringing in thousands of visitors to the region each year. But problems with the layout of the area have created barriers to visitors and residents alike. Confusing traffic patterns, as well as dangerous intersections are seen as something in dire need of fixing by University Circle Incorporated. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk with Kate Borders, president of UCI about the organization's new master plan for the district and hear from long-time art and architecture critic Steve Litt, who will weigh in on the circle's assets and challenges. We'll also hear from the heads of several of the institutions that are located within University Circle. Guests: - Steve Litt, Freelance Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Kate Borders, President, University Circle Incorporated - Joel Alpern, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Cleveland Botanical Gardens/ Holden Forests and Gardens - Kathryn Heidemann, President & CEO, Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland Midline Project Later in the program we look at another development project, the Cleveland Midline, which aims to revitalize hundreds of acres east of downtown. Brad Whitehead from Site Readiness For Good Jobs Fund will explain how the project is targeting a business corridor, looking to tear down old buildings, remediate land and potentially bring thousands of new jobs to the city. Guests: - Steve Litt, Freelance Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Brad Whitehead, Managing Director, Site Readiness For Good Jobs Fund

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has paused a sales tax break for data centers after the state Department of Taxation underestimated the cost of the exemption by nearly $1.6 billion. Cleveland is looking to invest in housing in the historically redlined East Side neighborhoods of Hough, Central and St. Clair-Superior by combining public funds and foundation money. Akron's first civic assembly focused on housing solutions has come to an end. Delegates approved nine recommendations, including zoning reform and a proposed housing docket in Akron Municipal Court that would track housing cases and disputes. After 72 years, the Senior Players Championship will play its final round at Akron's Firestone Country Club in July. The tournament is moving to California, a financial blow to Northeast Ohio. At its new location, Newport Beach Country Club, the tournament will be played March 25-28 instead of during the summer. And midges are back in Northeast Ohio. They hatched this week as Lake Erie water temperatures reached 60 degrees, but their stay will not last long. Once they emerge from the water, their sole goal is to reproduce before dying just a few days later. These stories and more will be part of this week's discussion on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests: - Anna Huntsman, Akron/Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Ohio Medicaid Fraud Allegations For months, there have been headlines coming out of Minnesota that millions of dollars have been taken from taxpayers through Medicaid fraud. Now, there are claims that Ohio's Medicaid system has also been taken advantage of, particularly as it relates to how individuals are providing in-home caregiving. The issue is also being politicized, with Vice President JD Vance weighing in, as well as the leading gubernatorial candidates speaking out on the campaign trail. On Tuesday Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director, Dr. Mehmet Oz was in suburban Columbus calling for reforms to the state's medicaid system. To begin Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll dissect some of those fraud allegations, and wade into the political attacks being levied by lawmakers. Guests: - Tara Britton, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, The Center for Community Solutions - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau "The Menu: The Flats Evolves" Then, we shift our gaze to the banks of the Cuyahoga River, and the swaths of land in Downtown Cleveland known as The Flats. That area has seen plenty of change over the decades, with new restaurants opening and closing seemingly ever year. We'll speak with a business owner and a chef who have recently rebranded establishments on the east bank and west bank of The Flats. Guests: - Ryan Boone, Executive Chef, Shooters - Bobby Rutter, COO, Forward Hospitality Group

The World Health Organization has flagged loneliness and social isolation as a major public health concern especially for older adults. The organization says about 100 deaths per hour worldwide can be attributed to poorer health outcomes associated with loneliness. In the U.S., the over 65 demographic is growing rapidly. COVID-19 prevention measures and other factors such as financial constraints and the gap in digital access for this age group have exacerbated the issue. We've been exploring isolation and loneliness across other demographics such as young adults and new parents over the last few weeks. During one of those conversations, Jim in Massillon emailed us to say: "Not sure if there will be a second panel... but, hello, the danger point for most people is after the working life, when work-related 'friendships' go away. That is, late 50s to mid-60s and beyond." We heard your thoughts and we appreciate the comment, Jim. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas" we'll talk to representatives from social groups around Northeast Ohio that are working to help older adults build connection and community. Guests:- De'Neitra Brown, iConnect Director, Greater Cleveland Neighborhood Centers Association- Amanda Lathia, M.D., Division Chief, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, UH Cleveland Medical Center- Eleanor Bergholz, Author, "When Knitting Becomes Nurture"- Terry Vaiksnoras, Volunteer, Lake County Phone Pals- Kathey Fury, Participant, Lake County Phone Pals

Cleveland is known as the birthplace of rock and roll, as in the 1950s DJ Alan Freed coined the phrase. The city is stands at the center of iconic rock moments, from The Beatles' first concert in 1964 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, to David Bowie's 1972 Ziggy Stardust U.S. debut. The region is home to rockers like The James Gang, Devo, The Black Keys, Nine Inch Nails, and more. But with all that history, the live music ecosystem continues to face challenges. Rising costs for artists, venues, and consumers have stretched budgets across the board. Reporting from last show shows that only 25% of independent music venues were able to turn a profit. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we bring you a recent City Club of Cleveland conversation the looks back at the history of music in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, as well as asks what the future holds for our region. Guests: - Greg Harris, President and CEO, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum - Sean Watterson, Co-Owner, The Happy Dog; President, Ohio Chapter, Independent Venue Association - Annie Zaleski, Music Journalist

The cities of Cleveland and Brook Park settled a long-standing disagreement this week that will clear the way for the Cleveland to redevelop the I-X Center. For decades, the two cities had been involved in a dispute over land involving a never-built runway at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Cuyahoga County and the city's pro sports teams want to ask voters to increase the current "sin tax" to help pay for the ever-growing list of repairs at sports arenas and stadiums. Currently, Cuyahoga County taxes liquor and cigarettes to pay for that upkeep but the amount generated is insufficient to keep up with the needs. A coalition calling itself "Flock No" is demanding that the city cut ties with Flock Safety, a surveillance company that contracts to provide automatic license plate readers to cities and towns. Cleveland currently has a contract with Flock that is up for renewal. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik says his administration will roll out legislation soon to improve housing in the city. Additional housing initiatives will be presented by the city's first-ever civic assembly, Unify Akron, according to Malik. The topic was a focus of Malik's State of the City speech on Tuesday. And a proposed Cleveland City Council ordinance may increase the penalties for threatening behaviors toward healthcare workers in the city's hospital systems. The legislation would make it a first-degree misdemeanor to menace a hospital worker and requires at least a three-day jail sentence if the menacing occurs while on the job. These stories and more will be part of this week's discussion on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests: - Kabir Bhatia, Sr. Reporter, Arts & Culture, Ideastream Public Media - Michelle Jarboe, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland, WEWS - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

"Dangerous" and "vicious" dog law impacts animals, owners, rescue groups, dog wardens and humane officers A new Ohio law took effect in March, aiming to deal with "dangerous" and "vicious" dogs. It was inspired by a brutal attack on an 11-year-old girl named Avery Russell while she was on a playdate, and so the law is being called "Avery's Law." Avery was so badly injured that she was put into an induced coma for one week and spent several more weeks in the hospital, coming out on the other side with disfigurement to her face. The dog owner was convicted of failing to confine her dogs, sentenced to four days in jail, and required to pay a $450 fine. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll walk through the Ohio legislature's unanimous response to this result with the passing of "Avery's Law." The new law codifies requirements related to dogs that attack people and other animals, while also impacting the work of dog wardens, humane officers and animal rescue groups. "Sound of Ideas" coordinating producer Drew Maziasz hosts this episode, filling in for Stephanie Haney. Guests: - Ken Clarke, Executive Director, Rescue Village Animal Shelter, and Geauga County Humane Officer - Jen Book, President, Cause for Canines animal rescue group - Larry Williams, Licking County Chief Dog Warden and Southwest Director, Ohio County Dog Wardens Association "Shuffle" music podcast One of Cleveland's most beloved landmarks is coming back to life through music. On this week's "Shuffle," Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with composer and pianist Chris Neiner about "Tales of Euclid Beach Park", a work capturing the spirit of the historic amusement park. Guests: - Chris Neiner, Composer and Pianist - Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered"

Ask a Gardener Temperatures have topped out in the upper 80s this week, and with that many have begun spending more time outside in their gardens. But how should a novice green thumb approach these wild temperature swings that we've been experiencing here in Northeast Ohio? Is it too late to put seedlings in the ground? Or too early to clear away leaf cover and other debris from your beds? Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas" we once again invite several Northeast Ohio expert gardeners into the studio to answer your questions, as well as give suggestions on how to improve your outside spaces. We'll learn more about what native plants will thrive in sun or shade, how to support pollinators that call Northeast Ohio home and how to get the most out of the fruit and vegetable crops this year. Guests: - Dave Tomashefski, Co-owner, Meadow City Native Plant Nursery - Richard Rouser, Co-owner, Gales Garden Center - Kim Hawkins, Volunteer, Ohio State University Master Gardener Program - Ibrahim Jones, Garden Manager, Cleveland Roots

West Side Market updates Cleveland's historic, 114-year-old West Side Market has been undergoing major change in recent years. First, it went through structural change, moving from longtime city management to nonprofit management back in 2024, something that residents and vendors had been calling for for years to improve conditions at the market. Now it's going through a major revitalization, as once the nonprofit team called the Cleveland Public Market Corporation began, it launched a years-long, $70 million transformation project funded in part by the city of Cleveland and City Council, as well as philanthropy and other government sources. But there's still some millions left to raise to complete the vision, and many months left to go until residents see completion of the project. In the meantime, there will be a lot of construction to wade through as you get your groceries and support local vendors. We'll discuss these updates on Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas" and learn what you can expect when you visit the market. Guests: - Rosemary Mudry, Executive Director, Cleveland Public Market Corporation - Don Whitaker, Owner, DW Whitaker Meats & Former President, United West Side Market Tenants Association - Jessy Harb, Co-owner of Harb's Produce What to know about hantavirus More than a dozen American cruise passengers are currently under a 42-day quarantine in Nebraska in a specialized medical facility after spending weeks aboard a ship hit with a deadly hantavirus outbreak that infected at least 11 people, including three who died. Hantavirus is a pathogen that some rodents carry that can sometimes infect humans. The passengers under quarantine are asymptomatic. This incident is harkening memories of another virus that caused a global pandemic six years ago. But health experts say hantavirus is not the same as COVID-19. We'll learn why by talking to a local epidemiologist. Guest: - Tara Smith, Ph.D., Professor of Epidemiology, Kent State University

The Class of 2025 was the largest graduating class in U.S. history, as more than 3.8 million high school seniors and 2.1 million college seniors walked across their respective commencement stages, ready to start their next adventure. For the Class of 2026, that next adventure will take place against an uncertain backdrop. Expectations are being shaped by a tough job market with high unemployment, high cost of living and the threat of artificial intelligence disrupting what previously might have been exciting entry-level opportunities. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we will talk with two new graduates about their hopes, dreams and concerns for this next chapter in life. We also talk with with people who have spent some time out in the workforce, who can share insight and perspective that is hard-earned out in the real world. Guests: - Ivory Kendrick, College Graduate, Kent State University - David Margolius, M.D., Director of Public Health, City of Cleveland - Sophie Frissore, High School Graduate, Aurora High School - Jessica Tracy, Music Therapist, Cleveland Clinic Children's - Cecilia Conrad, Ph.D., Founder, Lever for Change

Can hundreds of acres of abandoned industrial land on a neglected section of Cleveland's East Side become an economic engine, providing accessible jobs where employees can walk or bike to work on new multipurpose trails. That's the strategy behind the Midline, an ambitious redevelopment project announced this week. From aspirational development to unwanted development, namely a data center in Slavic Village. Cleveland denied a permit for what would have been the largest hyperscale data center in the city, on 35 acres in the Slavic Village neighborhood. Cleveland joins a number of communities where data centers are being protested or rejected. It's an issue state lawmakers are paying attention to. A new bi-partisan committee of the legislature will focus on data centers as public concerns grow around the mega sites' use of energy, and the data industry pushes back. Cleveland's Planning Commission will get a look Friday at a new plan for University Circle that looks to make the area known as Cleveland "second Downtown" more accessible and safer for pedestrians and motorists alike. Sherwin-Williams finally cut the ribbon this week on its towering new headquarters in Downtown Cleveland. The building is the fourth-tallest building in the city and the sixth tallest in Ohio. The company announced plans for a new headquarters in 2019 and for a brief time considered moving out of state. The opening was slowed by construction delays. The Tenth District Court of Appeals in Columbus will decide whether using public education money for private school vouchers violates the state constitution. A three-judge panel heard arguments this week in a lawsuit filed in 2022 by a coalition representing more than half of the state's school districts. The monitor overseeing the U.S. Justice Department's consent decree with Cleveland meant to improve policing offered an 11-point plan to get Cleveland in compliance with the federal decree. Last week, just after we finished this show, a federal judge rejected the city's bid to exit the 11-year-old consent decree, saying more work was needed to reach compliance. These stories and more will be part of this week's discussion the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable. Guests: -Abbey Marshall, Local Government Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

"Law of the Land: Changes for Marijuana" Since 1996, when California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, there's existed a complicated legal gray area around the drug. Some states have gradually made medical and eventually recreational marijuana legal, all while the federal government still had it classified as a Schedule I drug. That's the federal classification for drugs that are seen as having no accepted medical use, such as heroin. But late last month, the U.S. Department of Justice moved state-licensed medical marijuana to a Schedule III drug, which has accepted medical uses. What might that do to marijuana at a state level? Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll examine the changing legal landscape around marijuana. We'll touch on that federal reclassifying, as well as the reaction to Ohio's State Bill 56, which outlawed THC-infused beverages, among other things. Guests: - Tom Haren, Attorney, Frantz Ward LLC - Megan Henry, Reporter, Ohio Capital Journal "The Menu" Historians say the first Greek families began immigrating to Northeast Ohio in the 1880s and 1890s, building communities that helped shape neighborhoods, churches, businesses and the local food scene. In Cleveland, that history is reflected in landmarks like the Greek Cultural Garden and in traditions like the Tremont Greek Festival, which has drawn crowds for more than 50 years. In Akron, Greek heritage is celebrated each fall during the Annunciation Greek Festival, where visitors gather for traditional music, dancing and dishes passed down through generations. For this installment of The Menu in collaboration with Cleveland Magazine, we're turning our attention to the Canton Greek Festival coming up this June. Guests: - Georgia Paxos, Marketing Coordinator, Canton Greek Festival