The Sound of Ideas

Northeast Ohioans got an unexpected free show in the sky this week when a meteor streaked across the region and broke up over Medina County. According to NASA, the space rock weighed 17,000 pounds and was 6 feet in diameter. It broke apart, traveling more than 40,000 miles per hour creating a wave of pressure and a loud "boom" heard across much of the area. Some cameras were able to catch the streaking ball of fire as it made its descent through the atmosphere. We will talk about the meteor and the scramble for pieces of it left behind on the "Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable." But first, over the last few months, we've been talking about the pushback on data centers in the state due to concerns including noise, water use and demand on the electrical grid. Now some people in rural southern Ohio want voters to decide whether the state should stop rolling out the welcome mat for data centers. The group wants to put it to a vote with a proposed constitutional amendment. The plan to develop a "mega site" in Lorain County hit a snag on Tuesday. Russia Township trustees unanimously voted against an application to rezone 600 acres from agricultural to industrial use. County officials back the plan which supporters have described as a "once in a generation" opportunity. But people living near the project are strongly opposed to the plan. A new Ohio law that bans intoxicating hemp goes into effect today, after efforts to block it fell short. This includes a ban on hemp-infused THC drinks and candies. Changes to Ohio's dangerous dog law are now in effect. Those changes are collectively known as "Avery's Law," named after a teenage girl near Columbus who was attacked by two pitbulls while she was visiting a friend's house for a playdate. Ohio became the 19th state in the nation to ban an election format known as ranked choice voting. The city of Canton has reversed course and will now allow water access for residential properties in Perry Township. The city had stopped approving new requests and service transfers in early February due to an ongoing dispute with Perry Township trustees over a Joint Economic Development District, or JEDD agreement. The monitor overseeing the implementation of a federal consent decree focused on policing reforms in Cleveland has cast doubt on the push to bring process to an end. In mid-February the city and the Department of Justice asked a judge to bring an end to the federal decree which has been in place for more than a decade. Guests: - Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Abbey Marshall, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public/Radio TV

Protein in DietIf you've been to the grocery store lately, it is hard to miss the new diet fad — protein. It is being added to everything from milk to ramen to popcorn to cereal to sports drinks. Last week, Buffalo Wild Wings released a wing-flavored protein-filled espresso martini that they're calling "Espresso Proteini." But what does the science say about how much protein we actually need in our diets? Is this filling a nutritional need or is it just another food craze? The recently-revised food pyramid from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department emphasizes protein, as well as dairy, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables as the largest categories of our diet. Previously, protein was suggested in smaller portions. We'll start Thursday's "Sound of Ideas" by talking protein and other questions about a healthy diet. Guest:- Kristi Artz, M.D., Vice President & Christopher M. and Sara H. Connor Chair in Integrative Health, University Hospitals Connor Whole Health Geauga County Maple FestivalNext in the "Sound of Ideas," we'll switch from protein to another important food group — sugar, specifically maple syrup and the people who produce it. Geauga County is the top maple syrup producer in Ohio and is celebrating its 100th Maple Festival next month. Maple syrup is the focus of this installment of our food series, "The Menu," which is produced in collaboration with Cleveland Magazine, which has featured reporting on maple syrup production as well as the Geauga County Maple Festival. Guests:- Tim Cermak, Maple Syrup Farmer, Sugarbush Creek Farm- Marc Burr, Emcee & Board Member, Geauga County Maple Festival & Owner, Potti & Burr Funeral Homes

How to write a willWe all know it's something we should do — but it's easy to put off. For many adults, estate planning, especially writing a will, gets pushed down the to-do list for another month, another year or even another decade. In fact, many people don't begin the process until well into their 60s, sometimes after a major health scare or family change forces the conversation. But taking the time to get your affairs in order earlier can make a meaningful difference, according to experts. It gives you more control over your decisions, your assets and how you want to care for the people you love. And just as importantly, it can ease the emotional and financial burden often placed on families during an already difficult time. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," a Northeast Ohio attorney explains what you need to know about creating a will, why it matters and how to get started. Guest:- Helen Rapp, Staff Attorney, Economic Justice Group, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland Akron nonprofit organization engages students through sneaker cultureLater in the hour, a nonprofit organization in Akron is hoping to reach young people through sneaker culture — and the effort comes at a critical time. Last summer, a mass shooting at Mason Community Learning Center left more than a dozen young people injured. In response, Akron city leaders committed $100,000 to youth sports and wellness programs and reinvested in other crime-deterring efforts. But how can communities connect with kids before they reach a crisis point? The Akron Sneaker Academy says its working to address this by using shoes as a gateway to hands-on learning, mentorship and exposure to science and technology. Guests:- Dominique Waters, Founder & Executive Director, Akron Sneaker Academy- Michael Redovian, M.D., Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Akron Children's Hospital

Two pastors, one in Canton and one in Cleveland, lead individual groups through a series of community discussion groups on hard topics from white privilege to policing, housing and beyond.

The late 1960s saw an explosion of student-run, underground newspapers, including a slew of them in Northeast Ohio.

Residents are mounting opposition to projects big and small in communities across Northeast Ohio, from a data center to a service garage. Will the developments happen anyway? An overtime surge in the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office led to a legal battle over control of the sheriff's budget. This week, it was ballooning overtime in the Cleveland Division of Police that prompted City Council scrutiny. Ohio Sen. John Husted testified for the defense in the corruption trial of two FirstEnergy executives, and the prosecution's final question to him incensed the defense, which accused prosecutors of misconduct. A former Cleveland City Council member who earlier served as an advocate for lead-safe homes is now the city's lead safety chief. And keep your eyes peeled for Bigfoot in Portage County. There have been a number of purported sightings this week. Guests: - Taylor Wizner, Health Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Anna Huntsman, Akron/Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

The 2026 Oscars The 98th Academy Awards are this Sunday. Conan O'Brien returns as host for a second-annual ceremony, and this year's Oscars could break historic records. "Sinners" leads the field with 16 nominations, while "One Battle After Another" has 13. Both films could challenge the record for most Oscars won in a single night, which currently stands at 11. Ryan Coogler, nominated for Sinners, could become the first Black director to win Best Director. Chloé Zhao, nominated for "Hamnet," could become the first woman to win the award twice. Who will take home the biggest awards of the night? And looking back at the past year in film, which movies deserved a little more love than they received? Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," a panel of local cinephiles will share their thoughts. Guests: - Ygal Kaufman, Multiple Media Journalist, Ideastream Public Media - George Thomas, Staff writer, Akron Beacon Journal - Bilgesu Sisman, Director of Cinematheque, Cleveland Institute of Art - Nat Dinga, Producer/Instructor, Tri-C Film Academy Shuffle Later in the hour, a new installment of "Shuffle." After decades of writing and performing folk songs across the region, Ashley Brooke Toussant found a new source of inspiration: Kids. On this week's installment, Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with Toussant about how elementary students contribute to her songwriting. Guests: - Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered" - Ashley Brooke Toussant, Singer-songwriter

Tips for travelers making spring, summer plans With spring break here and the peak summer travel season approaching, a whopping 90% or more of Americans say they plan to travel for vacation this year. But travel planning is being complicated by uncertainty due to several factors including current global instability due to the war in the Middle East.That conflict has led to a spike in oil prices impacting flight fares and gas prices. The ongoing partial government shutdown has also led to longer wait times for security lines as the Transportation Security Administration deals with staffing shortages. TSA workers are currently being asked to work without pay. Links mentioned in the discussion State Dept. Travel Advisories STEP Program from the U.S. Dept. of State CDC Travel Advisories CDC Polio Global Health Advisory We begin the show on Wednesday with travel experts to talk about the current stressors on the travel market and answer questions you may have if you have travel plans. Guests: - Phil Ridolfi, Owner, The Exceptional Traveler - Zach Wichter, Consumer Travel Reporter at USA Today Could research into animal Alzheimer's help humans? Alzheimer's Disease affects around 7 million Americans and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the US. It's a very real consequence of humans' long lives compared to other animals. But other animals, like dogs, cats, pigs and chimpanzees can get Alzheimer's and researchers are studying how it affects them. Today we'll hear a discussion about how the Alzheimer's affects chimpanzees and how that can help treat humans. Plus, we'll learn about lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Guests: - Jeff St. Clair, Host, Ideastream Public Media - Takhar Kasumov, Ph.D., School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University - Melissa Edler, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Anthropology, Kent State University

A 28-year-old mother was charged late Thursday in the aggravated murders of her daughters. Cleveland police found the remains of the children inside two suitcases that were partially buried in a field on the East Side. The tragedy has gripped the community. The ongoing investigation begins our “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Burke Lakefront Airport could be decommissioned to make way for trails and open space connecting the city to Lake Erie. But it could also be too expensive, environmentally complicated, or economically daunting to close the airport. Another option: keep a single runway while adding some new development. All of these ideas were discussed at a Sound of Ideas Community Tour forum inside the airport terminal this week. Data centers consume a lot of power. Should they cover the cost, or receive tax breaks? Neighbors are raising concerns, and lawmakers are considering next steps. And don't forget to spring forward: clocks move ahead one hour on Sunday, which means showing up an hour late to everything on Monday. Guests:- Zaria Johnson, Environmental Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Michelle Jarboe, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland- Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Akron Civic Assembly to propose housing solutions to city officials Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll discuss a new effort to tackle housing challenges in Akron that is giving residents the decision-making power. Unify America, a national nonprofit focused on problem-solving and civic engagement, has created Northeast Ohio's first-ever civic assembly, called Unify Akron. The inaugural group of 65 residents was selected by a random lottery last week. From now until May, the delegates will meet to review research, hear from experts and share their own experiences before voting on potential solutions. Those recommendations will be presented to Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, city council and other elected officials. Organizers say the goal of the program is to encourage collaboration among residents and inspire leaders to consider implementing fresh ideas. Guests: - Morgan Lasher, Chief, U.S. Democracy Leagues, Unify America - J. Cherie Strachan, Ph.D., Director, Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, University of Akron - Michael Jarzenski, Delegate, Akron Civic Assembly Summit County Prosecutor & Sheriff expand the Take Me Home program More than 480 children on the autism spectrum were reported missing to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2024. Of the 12 accidental deaths reported that same year, all were the result of drowning. That sobering reality is part of what continues to drive the Take Me Home program in Summit County — a joint effort between the Prosecutor's Office and the Sheriff's Office. Later in the hour, we'll discuss how this program is helping save lives and reunite missing individuals with their loved ones. Launched in 2007, the program created a database where parents and caregivers can voluntarily submit information to law enforcement about individuals with communication difficulties - with the goal of bringing those in danger home safely. Last month, the program expanded to include individuals living with mental health conditions, behavioral disorders and substance use disorders. Guests: - Elliot Kolkovich, Prosecutor, Summit County - Kelly Clark, Community Training Specialist, Autism Society of Greater Akron The Menu: Meet Mallorca's Owner Laurie Torres According to the Ohio Hospitality Alliance, at least 500 restaurants across the state closed last year. That's not all that surprising when you look at industry trends, and the razor thin margins that restaurants run on, with the average lifespan of a restaurant being less than10 years. When a local restaurant makes it to 15 years, 20 years or longer, that's something special. That's the case with Mallorca, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Downtown Cleveland. That establishment specializes in Spanish and Portuguese food and was just nominated by the James Beard Foundation. To end the hour, we're joined by Laurie Torres, owner of Mallorca. Torres was recently interviewed by Cleveland Magazine as part of their "Word of Mouth" series, and joins "The Menu" today. "The Menu" is our bi-weekly series produced in conjunction with Cleveland Magazine where we explore Northeast Ohio's food scene. Guest: - Laurie Torres, Owner, Mallorca

Protecting yourself from scamsThe Ohio Department of Commerce estimates that Ohioans collectively lose $150 million to scammers. Last year, in Cuyahoga County alone, the losses to scams were more than $5 million. Senior citizens have long been the focus of consumer protection efforts due to scammers preying on them using fear and high-pressure techniques to get at their money and personal information. But the rise of artificial intelligence and people spending more time online, has helped to reshape the narrative as increasingly, even younger, digital savvy people are also becoming victims. According to the Better Business Bureau of Cleveland, younger adults are scammed more often but older adults suffer larger money losses. Cuyahoga County Scam Squad This week the focus is on consumer protection and educating people on how to spot scams through National Consumer Protection Week, but the awareness is needed year round. Experts say it is becoming more difficult to determine what is real and what is a scam. We're going to talk about scams and how to protect your money and personal information to begin today's show. Call the Cuyahoga Scam Squad at 216-443-SCAM (7226) to talk with an investigator 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Guests:-Sheryl Harris, Director, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, Cuyahoga County-Katie Hills, Marketing Director, Better Business Bureau Cleveland The Future of Burke LakefrontBurke Lakefront Airport is full of contradictions. Corporate executives fly in and out on private jets, yet it's partially built with dredged up dirt and trash from the Cuyahoga River. It was hailed in 1947 when it opened as the nation's downtown airport, but usage has been steadily declining for years. The Cleveland International Airshow is a large economic driver, but only occupies the airport a few days each Labor Day weekend. There's been a long-running debate over what to do with the airport, with Mayor Justin Bibb saying it's a goal of his to close Burke and transform the land. Wednesday night, the next "Sound of Ideas Community Tour" tackles what to do with Burke. Next in the hour, we'll look back at the history of the airport and discuss what's currently underway. Guest:- Steve Litt, Freelance Reporter covering art, architecture and economic development, Ideastream Public Media

U.S. and Israeli war on Iran continues The U.S. is now four days into its war against Iran, jointly with the Israeli military, and without congressional approval. Casualties so far include some U.S. service members and hundreds of Iranians, including the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei ruled for 36 years and built Iran into a powerful anti-U.S. adversary, while suppressing opposition at home with digital surveillance, mass arrests and lethal force. Following the U.S. strike on Iran, the conflict has spread to other Middle East countries, including Lebanon and Cyprus, causing the International Committee of the Red Cross to say civilian lives across the region are in grave danger. The Trump administration has sent mixed messages over its basis for attacking Iran, with President Donald Trump on one hand, urging the Iranian people to take over their government, while on the other, insisting this war was not about a regime change, but about nuclear and ballistic missile capability. Trump said Monday, "An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be an intolerable threat to the Middle East but also to the American people. Our country itself would be under threat and it was very nearly under threat." We'll start Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas" talking about the war with Iran, including how we got here and what happens next. Guest: - Avi Cover, Law Professor & Director, Institute for Global Security Law & Policy, Case Western Reserve University Remembering WAKC Thirty years ago, Akron lost its only TV newsroom. After struggling for years to compete with Cleveland television, WAKC was sold and the new owners dropped local programming. The close-knit staff from WAKC, and WAKR radio, gather each year to reminisce about their time covering the Rubber City. Ideastream Public Media's Kabir Bhatia visited their reunion in 2016, and turned it into an audio postcard. Guest: - Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

AI and the future of journalism In February, "Ideastream Explores: Artificial Intelligence" covered the myriad ways AI is rapidly evolving and changing our lives. It's impacting how students learn, reshaping the workforce, and we're learning more and more about the environmental costs of data centers and the massive processing power needed for generative AI programs. Ideastream hosted a "Sound of Ideas Community Tour" at the Idea Center and took part in another live event as well, about the intersection of journalism and artificial intelligence and concerns the public has about how we might be using it and what guardrails we're setting in place. The Akron Press Club has pulled together a panel today to talk about the choices newsroom are making and what the next generation of journalists are being taught about AI. Guests: - Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor, Ideastream Public Media - Phil Trexler, Editor-in-Chief, The Marshall Project - Cleveland - Mizell Stewart, Professor-in-Residence, Kent State University Colorectal Cancer Rates Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among people younger than 50 in the United States, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. The recent deaths of actors James Van Der Beek and Catherine O'Hara have brought renewed attention to the disease. While most cases still occur in people over 50, rates among younger adults are rising. Screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society adopted in 2018 now recommend that average-risk adults begin screening at 45 instead of 50. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early, and experts say screening options, including colonoscopies and at-home stool tests, are saving lives. Guests: - Joshua Sommovilla, M.D., Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncologist, Cleveland Clinic - Mengdan Xie, M.D., Gastroenterology, MetroHealth - Amy Fogerty, Teacher, Shaker Heights High School

The city of Cleveland and the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation this week opened an online survey to get public input on how to use Burke Lakefront Airport's acreage if the airport is decommissioned. Planners say they're open to all ideas for how to use the 450 acres of prime real estate. But closing the airport, which Mayor Justin Bibb is pushing for, is not a done deal. City Council is holding committee hearings and needs to agree, and the feds must sign off. The story begins our “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” It will also be the topic of our next Community Tour on March 4 at Burke Lakefront Airport. A Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill that would punish colleges and universities that don't comply with Senate Bill 1 by withholding their state money. The law went into effect last June to remove what supporters say is “liberal bias" on campus. Among the law's many provisions is a ban on most diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. This new bill is touted as an accountability measure to assure schools are actually complying and not just checking a box. Ohio is on track to join a number of states that have banned ranked choice voting. The House this week voted on a bill that prevents local governments from using the system. We got more details this week about how the Akron School District will slash $11 million from its budget this year, with more to come, after the superintendent briefed the board of education this week. The courts are still deciding whether Ohio can fund sports facilities, including the new Browns stadium, from the state's unclaimed funds account. But since the legislature voted to create a pool to fund not only the Browns stadium but others, the line is already out the door with sports teams seeking cash. Guests: -Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor for News, Ideastream Public Media -Anna Huntsman, Akron-Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Team NEO 2025 Performance & Impact Annual ReportThe headline numbers from Team NEO's new 2025 jobs report include nearly 3,000 new jobs, more than $450 million in capital investments, and 92 business investments across Northeast Ohio. The report also highlights the rollout of the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive Program, which offers businesses up to $15,000 for making successful hires in certain industries, with a focus on STEM and technical roles. There's also the expansion of LayerZero, a manufacturer for power systems like data centers. The company is opening a new facility in Portage County that expects to create 535 new jobs. At the same time, new federal trade policies could affect Northeast Ohio's economic outlook. A 10% U.S. tariff on most global imports took effect Tuesday, despite President Donald Trump's earlier pledge to set the rate at 15%. And findings from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland say that tariffs are contributing to price increases across Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. Manufacturers and retailers add that their products cost more to make, so consumers are paying more. On Thursday's the “Sound of Ideas,” Team NEO CEO Matt Dolan joins the program to discuss what the report's findings mean for Northeast Ohioans and the state economy. Guest:- Matt Dolan, CEO, Team NEO 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame NomineesLater in the hour, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees are here, and we'll discuss who made the cut. Of this year's 17 nominees, 10 are appearing on the ballot for the first time. Here are the nominees:- The Black Crowes- Jeff Buckley- Mariah Carey- Phil Collins- Melissa Etheridge- Lauryn Hill- Billy Idol- INXS- Iron Maiden- Joy Division/New Order- New Edition- Oasis- P!NK- Sade- Shakira- Luther Vandross- Wu-Tang Clan Guest:- Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media ShuffleTo close the program, we'll hear a new installment of "Shuffle." Akron musician Brett Auerbach once drove 15 hours for a 30-minute gig. It was a gamble that helped launch his band, Rye Valley, onto national tours. This week, Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with Auerbach about the journey, and how it led him to create a space for other songwriters in Northeast Ohio. Guests:- Amanda Rabinowitz, Host, Ideastream Public Media- Brett Auerbach, Musician, Rye Valley

How did the State of the Union play in Northeast Ohio? "Our nation is back," that was the topline message from President Donald Trump in his marathon and at times combative State of the Union speech Tuesday night. The speech clocked in at 108 minutes, which broke his previous record set last year when his speech before Congress came in at 100 minutes. Trump lavished praise on his administration and GOP lawmakers for their accomplishments of the last year. He also openly scolded Democrats who were at the speech for failing to show any support. Some Democrats skipped the speech for a separate "Peoples' State of the Union" protest. During the speech, the president chided the Supreme Court justices who were present. He's been openly critical of the 6-3 decision last week that went against him when the court ruled he exceeded his legal authority on tariffs. The speech at times also played like an awards ceremony with several guests being honored, including bestowing the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the USA men's hockey team goalie. The team won gold over Canada at the Olympics last weekend. Gold was also the message for voters and Americans too, as the midterm election cycle begins. The president described this as a new "golden age" for the United States. Today, we will drill down on the speech and the politics of this moment as the midterm election cycle gets underway. Guests: - Tom Sutton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Political Science, formerly at Baldwin Wallace University - Rob Walgate, President, American Policy Roundtable -David Cohen, Ph.D., Professor of political science, Director of the Applied Politics Program, University of Akron -Stephanie Howse-Jones, Cleveland City Council Member, Ward 8

We'll discuss the city and U.S. Department of Justice's decision to seek an end to the 11-year police consent decree. While police and city officials believe its time to return to local oversight, community members say they are concerned about reform progress.

The "Sound of Ideas" spoke with AI experts and took audience questions during a live event at the Ideacenter.

The city of Cleveland and the U.S. Department of Justice agree the city has done enough to be released from a consent decree imposed due to unconstitutional policing involving excessive force in 2015. They've asked a federal judge to sign off. The mayor says work still needs to be done, but the city should be in charge of it, not the feds. The story begins our discussion of the week's news on the “Sound of Ideas” Reporters Roundtable. Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel filed a lawsuit this week claiming County Executive Chris Ronayne's office has no right to take over financial control of his department. It's the latest salvo in a long-standing conflict over spending in the sheriff's department, where overtime has ballooned. Employees of Lorain County's Department of Job and Family Services went on strike Wednesday morning after contract talks failed to reach a new deal. The previous contract for employees, represented by United Auto Workers Local 2192, expired in September. Ohio has expanded its quarantine for the spotted lanternfly to all counties in the state. The invasive species was first spotted in Ohio in 2020. State officials say there's no need to report the bugs any longer. If you see one, squash it. Two Ohio lawmakers want to punish people who don't heed crossing guards. House Bill 690 would also levy penalties for harassing, threatening or intimidating crossing guards. A year-long celebration of Lorain native Toni Morrison began this week. Morrison, who once worked for the Lorain Public Library, was celebrated for her novels, children's books, and plays. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for her novel 'Beloved' - and this year's celebration shares that name. Guests: -Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Kabir Bhatia, Sr. Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Case Western Reserve University turns 200 One of Ohio's oldest colleges, Case Western Reserve University, just turned 200 this month. It traces its founding to Western Reserve College in Hudson in 1826, named after the region which was known then as the Western Reserve of Connecticut. At the time, Northeast Ohio's population was growing, and the Industrial Revolution was leading to opportunities for technical and scientific advancement in Cleveland, with the help of philanthropists like Leonard Case Jr. 200 years later, colleges and universities across the country are facing a completely different environment, from threats to federal and state funding, major enrollment decline, population loss in Ohio and changing attitudes over whether a four-year degree is worth the cost of admission amid major workforce changes and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence. Several long-standing universities in Ohio have had to merge, severely cut staff and programs or close completely as they deal with financial uncertainty and debt. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll start by talking to Case Western Reserve University President, Eric Kaler, about the role of higher education today, and how he plans to not only weather the current storm but lead on a global level. Case Western Reserve University was recently named one of the top 30 colleges in the world by Time Magazine. Guests:- Eric Kaler, Ph.D., President, Case Western Reserve University Frederick Douglass' historic speech resonates todayThe power of education and the ability of young people to reshape the world were among the broader themes of a historic commencement speech delivered by abolitionist Frederick Douglass in Hudson in 1854 at what was then known as Western Reserve College. The speech sharply debunked so-called scientific racism, the belief that different racial and ethnic groups have innately differing levels of physical, intellectual and moral development that distinguish them as superior or inferior. Douglass' words are getting renewed attention in an award-winning documentary that features academy students. The film, "Just and Perfect" is being shown as part of this year's multi-city Black History Festival which begins this weekend. CeCe Payne the writer and producer of the film, and Iiyannaa Graham-Siphanoum, the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for Western Reserve Academy spoke to us recently about the film and how the speech still connects to students today. We originally had this conversation on Jan. 21 in advance of an event at the school commemorating the speech and a campus visit by a descendant of Frederick Douglass. That show was pre-empted by President Trump's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland. Guests:- CeCe Payne, Writer & Producer, "Just and Perfect"- Iiyannaa Graham-Siphanoum, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Western Reserve Academy The Menu: Fish Fry Lent began this week. It's the 40-day reflective period observed by Catholics and with that another cherished community tradition has returned as well: fish fry season. From church halls to local breweries, diners will be filling plates with beer-battered cod, fried Lake Erie perch, pierogies and coleslaw. We're talking fish fries on this installment of The Menu, our biweekly look at Northeast Ohio's food scene in partnership with Cleveland Magazine. We're going to talk about where to participate, what to expect, and why this tradition continues to bring people together year after year. Guest:- Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine

Experts discuss the history of politics and the Olympics The 2026 Winter Olympics are well underway in Milan, marking the Games' return to Italy for the first time since 2006. The theme of this year's Opening Ceremony was harmony, or "armonia" in Italian, a message of unity on a global stage. But as American athletes chase medals abroad, the political climate at home is anything but harmonious. President Donald Trump has just marked his first year back in office, as a partial government shutdown continues and mass deportation efforts expand nationwide. Some U.S. athletes competing in these Winter Games have acknowledged the complicated emotions they're navigating while representing their country. Freestyle skier Chris Lillis said he feels "heartbroken" about what's happening in the United States. His teammate, Hunter Hess, said representing the U.S. "brings up mixed emotions" and that it's "a little hard." Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Hess a "real loser." In the days that followed, additional Team USA athletes came to Hess' defense. Beyond the U.S., global conflicts continue to unfold. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has entered its fourth year. Fighting continues in Gaza despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. And in Sudan, a devastating civil war has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises to date. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll explore the intersection of politics and the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee, or IOC, maintains a firm stance against the politicization of sport. But have the Games ever truly been apolitical? Our experts weigh in. Guests: - Leslie Heaphy, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sports History, Kent State University - Kathryn Lavelle, Ph.D., Professor in World Affairs, Case Western Reserve University Akron Roundtable celebrates 50 years In today's fragmented and divisive political landscape, many find it more important than ever for communities to come together to have an open dialogue about ideas of global, national and regional importance. The Akron Roundtable has been promoting community dialogue for the past 50 years, ever since it was established in 1976. To date, it has hosted nearly 480 speakers from a variety of fields. Closing out Wednesday's show, we'll hear more about its history and how it is celebrating 50 years of public forums with the president of the Akron Roundtable, Curtis Minter Jr., and tomorrow's event speaker, Brian Windhorst. To register for luncheon, visit the Akron Roundtable website. The conversation will also air live on 89.7 WKSU at 8 p.m. on March 5. Guests: - Curtis Minter Jr., President, Akron Roundtable - Brian Windhorst, Senior NBA Reporter, ESPN

Last November, there were a number of historic wins across the country in the general election, including two women elected governors in New Jersey and Virginia bringing the total of women leading states in the U.S. at the same time to 14, a record high. Other historic wins included the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the U.S. in Virginia, the first Muslim elected mayor in New York City, and the first woman elected mayor of Detroit. All of those were wins for the Democratic party. This year, Ohio has the chance to make history with the two major candidates running for Ohio governor from both parties. On the Republican side, the leading candidate who has already been endorsed by the Ohio Republican party and President Donald Trump, is entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy. He would be the first governor of Indian descent and Hindu faith in Ohio if elected. On the Democratic side, the only candidate on the primary ballot is Dr. Amy Acton, a physician who served as the former state health director. She would be the first woman elected governor and person of Jewish faith in Ohio if she won. Late last year, we had conversations with both candidates, and we thought as the primary approaches, we would reshare those conversations on Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas." Military and overseas absentee voting begins on March 20, with early in person voting starting April 7. Guests: - Dr. Amy Acton, M.D., Democratic candidate for Ohio governor - Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican candidate for Ohio governor

The state is clawing back more than $3-million dollars from a nearly $5 million grant it awarded Cleveland for a program that would help rid old houses of lead. The Ohio Department of Development administered the grant as part of the Lead Safe Ohio Program. It would pay up to $15,000 to remove old windows and doors, a major source of lead paint that chips and flakes and exposes occupants to lead poisoning. Lead can cause permanent neurological damage in children, and Cleveland has been working for years to remove lead from its older housing stock and the city's health director says there is actually promising news: Testing has shown for the second straight year a reduction in lead levels for kids. The story begins our discussion of the week's top news on the Friday “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne wants to take control of finances for the county sheriff's department as overtime costs there soar. The sheriff has said he'll sue if that happens. Cuyahoga County prosecutors argued before the Ohio Supreme Court on Feb.11 that a murder conviction is appropriate for the man who struck and killed Cleveland Johnny Tetrick as the firefighter was responding to an accident on I-90. Leander Bissell was convicted of murder, but an appeals court reduced it to involuntary manslaughter. Bissell struck Tetrick as he drove around stopped traffic at an accident scene. A federal judge yesterday denied the Trump administration's request to pause a ruling that allows Haitians in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status to maintain that status. Thousands of Haitians with such protection live in Springfield. The administration's appeal continues. The Trump administration announced yesterday it was ending its immigration surge in Minneapolis. Border czar Tom Homan called Operation Metro Surge a success. Two U.S. citizens were killed, and widespread protests gripped the city. Homan credited coordination with local law enforcement as a factor in the operation's success. Protests continue across the country, including locally, where Thursday students at Cleveland Heights High School staged a long-planned walk out to show solidarity with immigrant families impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Many of those participating have direct ties to immigrant communities and want schools to be safe spaces. This week, Akron became the latest city to oppose proposed bills in the Ohio legislature that would require local police to help with federal immigration enforcement. The College of Wooster is cutting staff in response to shrinking enrollment. President Anne McCall announced that the school is laying off 22 non-faculty staff. It's almost time for public schools to submit their budget forecasts to the state for approval and the districts in Cleveland and Akron say they'll need to make significant cuts over the next several years, despite already going through consolidation and collecting more money from taxpayers with levies. More than half of the public school districts in Ohio, part of a coalition called Vouchers Hurt Ohio, are suing the state over how it funds schools, diverting money to vouchers for private schools. Lawmakers who approve of the vouchers say they allow families to have education choice. A new bill introduced in Columbus would allow the state to yank funding from districts that sue. Guests: -Abigail Bottar, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

People are turning to chatbots for emotional help and connection. Some people are using chatbots for social needs, others as replacement therapists. When does it go from helpful to harmful?

K-12 students, educators share how they are using artificial intelligence in the classroom No matter where you went to school, there is one task that has united most of us in misery — homework. Perhaps you remember staying up all night writing an essay on a Shakespeare play that you, of course, waited until the last minute to read. Or maybe you remember those grueling hours at the dinner table, as a parent helped with impossible algebra homework. Today's students have a different tool to help with their assignments — artificial intelligence. A report from the digital rights nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology last year found 85% of teachers and 86% of students reported using AI in the classroom. Students can now use AI to summarize complicated texts and even write entire essays for them. They can type a math problem or chemistry equation into Chat GPT or Gemini and have it solved instantly, no hour-long sessions with a parent needed. Educators and parents have mixed feelings about the prevalence of artificial intelligence in the classroom. It's even prompted the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to require all public K-12 school districts to adopt official AI policies by July. But what do high schoolers think about AI? How is it shaping their learning and outlook of their futures? Reporter Anna Huntsman has been traveling to schools in Northeast Ohio to find the answer to that question, and she'll share what she's learned on Tuesday's “Sound of Ideas,” as part of our week-long series, Ideastream Explores: Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence pioneer discusses the origins of machine learning Later in the hour, early research in artificial intelligence used the human brain as a model for building machines that could understand language — today's large language models, or LLM's. Computational neuroscientist Dr. Terrence Sejnowski at the Salk Institute in San Diego is a pioneer in the field. He spoke with Ideastream's Jeff St. Clair about the links between humans and artificial intelligence and the push to build even smarter machines. Guests: - Lauren Angelone, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Science Education and Instructional Technology, Xavier University - Joseph South, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer, ISTE + ASCD - Adam Lockwood, Ph.D., Associate Professor of School Psychology, Kent State University - Terrence Sejnowski, Ph.D., Author, "ChatGPT and the Future of AI" - Anna Huntsman, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Jeff St. Clair, Midday Host, Ideastream Public Media

We'll kick-off our newsroom-wide reporting project, "Ideastream Explores: Artificial Intelligence" this week with a conversation about how AI is transforming the workforce.

Springfield, near Dayton, is on edge after a federal judge in Washington, D.C., this week blocked the Trump administration's attempt to end temporary protected status for about 15,000 Haitian immigrants in the area. The ruling is expected to be appealed. How long will the reprieve last? And will a surge in federal immigration enforcement follow? We will begin Friday's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with a discussion in how officials are responding to reports of a potential immigration enforcement surge, and what residents are doing to prepare for the worse. Former Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze pleaded guilty to a felony count of tampering with records, acknowledging she steered a divorce case to her own docket and made it appear the assignment was random. She then appointed a close friend as a receiver, a role that had earned the friend hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. The bribery trial of two top FirstEnergy executives began in Akron. In opening statements, defense attorneys argued that payments made to the state's top utilities regulator were legitimate business expenses and portrayed the regulator — who later died by suicide — as a corrupt official who stole the money. Cleveland will take a new approach to responding to mental health crises, one that does not involve police, after City Council passed Tanisha's Law. And the Cavaliers shaved three players in recent trades and added a new beard. Guests: - Josh Boose, Supervising Producer - Newscasts, Ideastream Public Media - Abbey Marshall, Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Cleveland Kurentovanje Northeast Ohio is home to the largest population of Slovenians outside of Slovenia, roughly 47,000 people. It's no surprise that it's also home to the largest winter festival celebrating Slovenian arts and culture outside of that European country. Cleveland Kurentovanje, also known as the Slovenian Mardi Gras, begins this weekend. Its a multi-day festival that celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival has been volunteer-run for 14 years, and is a program of the Slovenian Museum and Archives, which has a new exhibit part of the festival celebrating the life and legacy of one famous Clevelander of Slovenian and Serbian heritage — George Voinovich, who was a Republican mayor of Cleveland, governor of Ohio and U.S. senator. The exhibit is called "Together We Can Do It!" and honors Voinovich's passion for public service and global cooperation. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll learn more about the festival and exhibit by hearing from some of the organizers joining me in studio. Guests: - Suzana Češarek, Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia in Cleveland - Greg Nosan, President, Slovenian Museum & Archives - Kathy Walters, Member, Cleveland Kurentavanje Executive Committee Terry Pluto's new book on the Browns Sports commentator Terry Pluto has a new book out that builds on previous releases "False Start" and "Browns Blues" and arrives at another turning point for the Browns. With a new head coach, a reshuffled team, and a new stadium on the way, Pluto explores the questions fans never stop asking, such as "Why can't the Browns find their quarterback?," "When will there be a Super Bowl run," and "Why does this team still inspire such fierce loyalty?" People may know Terry Pluto from his weekly "View from Pluto" segment with Ideastream "All Things Considered" host Amanda Rabinowitz. He's also a longtime columnist for The Plain Dealer, and formerly for the Akron Beacon Journal. Pluto will talk about his new book, and the moment Browns fans find themselves in. Guest: - Terry Pluto, Sports Commentator & Author, "Why Can't This Team Just Find a Quarterback?” The Menu: Sports Bars Later in the show, regardless of how they're playing, many folks still tune in to watch the Browns each week. And that's good news for Cleveland's bars and restaurants. Whether it's to watch that team win or lose, or watch a Guardians game in the summer, a Major League Soccer game or even just get a basket of chicken wings, the sports bar remains a reliable fixture in Northeast Ohio. But is the sports bar still just cheap Budweiser's and guys yelling at a TV, or is it morphing into something else? On this week's installment of "The Menu," our food series in collaboration with Cleveland Magazine, we'll discuss a new sports bar in Lakewood, just ahead of the Olympics kicking off this Friday, and the Superbowl taking place on Sunday. Guests: - Will Hollingsworth, Owner, Buildings and Food

Minneapolis journalist reflects on continued ICE operation following deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti All eyes have been on Minneapolis in recent weeks, following the deployment of large numbers of ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents to the area in December. The heightened federal presence has coincided with deadly use-of-force incidents that have ignited national concern, including the fatal shootings of ICU nurse Alex Pretti on Jan. 24 and poet and mother of three Renée Nicole Good on Jan. 7. Those and other deaths, as well as the federal government's handling of the investigations, have become focal points of protests, calls for accountability, and broader debates about public safety and civil liberties. Earlier this week, the "Sound of Ideas" Host Stephanie Haney spoke with Minnesota Star Tribune Opinion Editor Phillip Morris. Morris is also a former longtime columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He shared what he's been seeing on the ground and his thoughts on the broader political and legal ramifications to come. Wednesday's show will start with that conversation, then we'll turn to Springfield, Ohio, where Gov. Mike DeWine recently warned of a potential ICE operation coming to central Ohio. More than 12,000 Haitian immigrants with temporary legal status were about to see their protections end this week, before a judge delayed that order Monday. Guest: - Phillip Morris, Opinion Editor & Vice President, Minnesota Star Tribune Judge ruling keeps legal protections for Springfield's Haitian immigrants intact Springfield, Ohio is home to a large Haitian immigrant community living with Temporary Protected Status. TPS is a federal designation that allows people from countries facing extraordinary conditions such as natural disasters or ongoing instability, to live and work legally in the U.S. For Haitians, that protection was first granted after a massive earthquake in 2010 and has been renewed several times amid continued political and humanitarian crises, such as the assassination of Haiti's president in 2021. The most recent extension was set to expire on Feb. 3. But on Monday, a federal district judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending TPS. In addition, residents are bracing for a possible ICE enforcement operation reported to begin today. According to the Department of Homeland Security, as of Dec. 16, ICE agents have arrested at least 280 residents in Columbus and the surrounding area, in what has been called Operation Buckeye. Guests: - Kathryn Mobley, Education and Politics Reporter, WYSO - Heather Prendergast, Immigration Attorney, Aljijakli, Kosseff & Prendergast, LLC - Marjory Wentworth, Leadership Team Member, Springfield G92 - Viles Dorsainvil, Executive Director, Haitian Community Help and Support Center

FirstEnergy is seeking approval from the Power Utility Commission of Ohio to allow for longer and more frequent power outages, but some lawmakers are voicing their opposition.

Law of the Land: Sovereign Citizens Recently, there have been reports of people in Northeast Ohio claiming to be sovereign citizens, particularly when interacting with the police. At the highest level, people who identify as sovereign citizens generally refuse to follow laws, reject court rulings and believe they are not required to comply with federal, state and local authorities. This has been reported to show up as refusing to pay taxes, rejecting driver's licenses, filing frivolous lawsuits, and creating counterfeit documents, among other things. In Monday's installment of our "Law of the Land" series on the "Sound of Ideas," where we look at how laws affect our every day lives, we're focusing on this anti-government set of beliefs. The ideas are prominent enough that they've gotten the attention of the Ohio Statehouse, where two representatives have proposed legislation aimed at discouraging people from refusing to identify themselves to police, while driving. Guests: - Eric Taylor, Sergeant, Parma Heights Police Department - Raymond Ku, Law Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Law - Ric Simmons, Law Professor, The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law School Funding Proposals Many homeowners had sticker shock when their property tax valuations landed in mailboxes last year. Taxes in some municipalities increased more than 20%, which has led to lawmakers working on how to provide property tax relief for Ohioans. But this has the potential to cause complications for school districts across the state, who rely heavily on property taxes for the majority of their funding. Several districts in Northeast Ohio have already posed new ideas on how to fund their schools, one of which is a new income tax. Ideastream's Education Reporter Conor Morris joins the "Sound of Ideas" on Monday to talk about this topic, and share some of the reporting he's done across the region. Guests: - Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Julie Erwin, Treasurer, New Philadelphia City Schools

For weeks, the nation's flashpoint over immigration and enforcement has been Minneapolis where two protesters have now been shot dead by federal immigration officers. Concern is now ramping up in Ohio, where there's concern that a surge of immigration enforcement is coming to Springfield, near Dayton. The temporary protected status of thousands of Haitian refugees living there is set to expire on Feb. 3. We will begin Friday's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with a discussion in how leaders are preparing for a possible enforcement in Ohio. Jury selection began this week in the trial of two former FirstEnergy executives accused of being the architects of the House Bill 6 bribery scandal in which they bribed politicians and got legislation passed that bailed out their financially struggling nuclear power plants. The trial is expected to last for two months and opening statements could happen as soon as Jan. 30. The deep freeze over the last week will stay around, without an invitation, as we flip to February. It's the longest stretch of arctic temperatures we've seen here in years. The deep cold also made it tough to dig out from last weekend's heavy snowstorm and complicated plowing roads. A combination of the numbing cold and icy roads led to schools closing for several days. Will students have to make up those days? During this cold weather, owners have been warned in several Ohio counties -- including Summit and Cuyahoga -- to bring animals indoors. Cuyahoga County's prosecutor has formed a specialized unit to deal with that, and other kinds, of animal cruelty. Northeast Ohio cities are starting to see the boon promised by the sale of recreational marijuana, legalized by voters in 2023. Sales began the next year, and cities are now seeing the first proceeds from the first year-plus of sales. Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, president and chief executive officer of the Cleveland Clinic, said the Clinic made money last year and did better financially than forecasted, and said he believes there is capacity in the community for the Clinic to build a Level 1 trauma center, though there are already two in Cleveland. Guests: -Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor for News, Ideastream Public Media -Zaria Johnson, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Ohio leaders and experts react to the latest deaths by federal officers in Minneapolis Videos of the deaths of two American citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration officers in Minneapolis this month have caused outrage in communities across the country. The deaths occurred amid protests over President Donald Trump's deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, in Democratic-controlled cities. Critics have pointed out contradictions in the Trump administration's justification of the killing - painting the victims as safety threats, versus the bystander footage. Some lawmakers across the country, including a growing number of Republicans, such as Ohio U.S. Senator Jon Husted and Bay Village Congressman Max Miller have called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Democrats have called for the impeachment and removal of Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary. And citizens across the country, including a coalition of Cleveland religious leaders, students and activists have announced plans to join a general strike Jan. 30 that calls for the abolition of ICE. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're going to discuss the latest events in Minneapolis, and how communities in Ohio are responding. We'll also learn what rights people have when encountering ICE with an immigration lawyer. Guests: - Ayla Blumenthal, Immigration attorney, Margaret W. Wong & Associates - Jeff Wensing, President, Ohio Education Association - U.S. Rep. Max Miller, 7th District of Ohio "The Menu" looks at the best new dining options in 2026 Later in the hour, we'll get another installment of "The Menu", our food series that's produced in partnership with the folks at Cleveland Magazine. The menu debuted in 2025 - and we heard from chefs and small business owners, celebrated regional restaurants, and looked at the biggest food trends in Northeast Ohio. In this episode, we'll hear about the best eats for 2026. Guest: - Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine "Shuffle" music podcast Finally this hour, Frida Mann always wanted to pursue music, but that was at odds with her Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. Eventually, she could no longer fight that urge to sing, and she is now on a journey toward independence and self-expression. On this week's Shuffle, Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talks with Mann about how music helped her navigate that path. Guests: - Amanda Rabinowitz, Host, Ideastream Public Media - Frida Mann, Musician

Mental health providers aim to reach more men If you are a millennial, you likely remember dial-up internet, flip phones and being told that education was the key to stability. But for many born between 1981 and 1996, adulthood arrived with the Great Recession, student loan debt and a job market filled with uncertainty. Those factors may help explain why this generation reports higher levels of anxiety, depression and burnout than previous generations. Not everyone who experiences mental health challenges is willing to seek help, especially men. Some mental health professionals hope to reach reluctant men, particularly millennial men, where they are. Wednesday on the “Sound of Ideas,” local experts will explore the mental health challenges facing this group and what meaningful change could look like. Guests: - Jake Ross, Licensed Independent Social Worker & Owner, The Ross Wellness Group - Walter Patton, Executive Director, Ghetto Therapy - Neel Parekh, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology, Cleveland Clinic - Jessica Vazquez, Prevention & Wellness Manager, School Health Program, MetroHealth "Missing Sam" by Thrity Umrigar Later in the hour, we're joined by Northeast Ohioan and best-selling author Thrity Umrigar. Her latest novel centers on a woman named Sam from Cleveland Heights who goes missing during an early morning run. Her wife, Ali, is shaken by the disappearance and suspected by some in the community. Ideastream Public Media's Carrie Wise spoke with Umrigar about “Missing Sam,” which explores how prejudice can spread in the wake of a tragedy. Guests: - Thrity Umrigar, Author, "Missing Sam" - Carrie Wise, Deputy Editor of Arts & Culture, Ideastream Public Media

GCRTA proposed project on West 25th Street in Ohio City gets pushback from public parking advocates Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority says it wants to make commuting easier for people who use the bus line on West 25th Street in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood with a plan that would require getting rid of certain parking spots along the way. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear why some business owners are rejecting this plan, along with why a group of residents support the project. We'll also learn why GCRTA says any changes to this plan could derail other improvements in the city. Guests:- Sam McNulty, Owner, Market Garden Brewery- Emily Harper, Member, Clevelanders for Public Transit- Zaria Johnson, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media Highlights from 2026 CES Earlier this month, CES, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, dazzled conference attendees with the latest technology available to buy. We'll end Tuesday's show with a recap of what caught one tech experts' eye, from artificial intelligence pets and combined pillow companions to wearable tech that you put on one leg at a time. Guest:- Jared Bendis, Digitization and New Media Specialist, Case Western Reserve University

Here's some good news/bad news as we begin this Friday. First the good: We made it to Friday. Now the bad or not-so-great news: you may be spending this weekend indoors. A big wave of Arctic air will send temperatures sliding downward beginning today. Then Sunday the second act moves in, a snowstorm bringing the potential for heavy snow, including here in Northeast Ohio, while in some places in the mid and deep South possible catastrophic ice accumulations are predicted. Complicating the situation: a regional salt shortage that may impact road clearing efforts. The story begins our discussion of the week's news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Power outages could result from the winter storm this weekend but even on calm weather days, Ohio is having a hard time keeping up with rising energy demand. One main driver of that increased demand: data centers. Columbus has become a key location for these centers, with one report concluding it's the second-largest hub in the Great Lakes region. But those centers are popping up everywhere including in Stark County for instance. If you're heading to Downtown anytime soon, you should know that the city has updated its rates for on-street parking and enforcement. The new digital, coinless metered system will give drivers the opportunity to park at a meter for up to four hours, but at increasing hourly rates and enforcement will be extended seven days a week—except in Ohio City where Sundays will not be enforced. Cleveland City Council members are not yet sold on the Bibb administrations "pedal to the metal" approach to shut down Burke Lakefront Airport to open the acreage to lakefront redevelopment. Mayor Justin Bibb has said he would like to see Burker shuttered by 2029. The future of Burke Lakefront will be the topic of our next “Sound of Ideas Community Tour” on March 4. Property owners in Ohio's largest counties are among those that will see their next property reappraisals delayed by a year. Sixteen counties including Franklin, Cuyahoga and Hamilton are pushing back the process. Cuyahoga will next appraise properties in 2031. Fewer Ohioans are enrolled in Affordable Care Act or Obamacare plans after additional subsidies to offset costs put into effect during the pandemic expired last month. Guests: -Gabriel Kramer, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Kelly Byer, Economic Development Reporter, The Canton Repository, USA Today Co. network -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Reaction to City Club forum with Center for Christian Virtue The Center for Christian Virtue began as an anti-pornography group more than 40 years, but has since become what the Cincinnati Enquirer recently called a "policy powerhouse" in the state, influencing hundreds of bills, from expanding Ohio's EdChoice voucher system to banning transgender students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The Center's President Aaron Baer spoke at The City Club of Cleveland Friday, amid protestors on the street, and following an open letter from members of the LGBTQ community and nonprofit leaders who pointed out the group's designation as an anti-LGBTQ hate group in 2023 by the Southern Poverty Law Center. City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop said the group's major influence in shaping state laws is why he invited Baer to speak. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we're going to spend time talking about this organization and its impact in the state, and discuss the reaction to Baer's invitation and speech. Guests: - Jessie Balmert, State Government Reporter, Cincinnati Enquirer - Greg Lawson, Senior Research Fellow, The Buckeye Institute - Maria Bruno, Executive Director, Ohioans Against Extremism - Tom Sutton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Political Science, formerly at Baldwin Wallace University

Cleveland extends paid street parking hours and increases rates, city leaders discuss On January 1, the city of Cleveland implemented new rules for street parking Downtown and in Ohio City. Paid parking hours now run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Formerly, street parking was free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and always free on weekends. Ohio City will follow the same schedule, though Sundays will remain free. The changes include higher standard rates, with additional increases possible in special event zones. City officials say the goal is to improve turnover and availability in high-demand areas. Some residents and business owners, however, have raised concerns about the added cost for evenings and weekends. The changes come as downtown activity continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Downtown Cleveland Inc., foot traffic and visitor activity reached more than 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. And while leisure travel has largely returned, business travel is gaining momentum too— up 7% last year and bringing nearly $200 million in revenue to Cuyahoga County. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll discuss how will these changes shape daily life downtown, and what might they mean for Cleveland's future economic development. Guests:- Matthew Moss, Senior Strategist, Thriving Communities, City of Cleveland- Lucas Reeve, Senior Advisor, City of Cleveland- Sam McNulty, Co-Founder & Owner, Market Garden Brewery Speaker revisits site of historic 1854 Frederick Douglass address Later in the hour, we will talk about a historic speech delivered by abolitionist Frederick Douglass at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson. Douglass' great-great-great-grandson Kenneth Morris Jr. will be at Western Reserve Academy on Jan. 23 as the capstone for the school's weeklong observance of the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Morris will be in the same space that Douglass delivered his historic commencement address in 1854 when the site was known as Western Reserve College. In the speech, Douglass debunked the faulty science that underpinned pro-slavery arguments. The commencement address was the subject of an award-winning documentary, “Just and Perfect” produced by Western Reserve Academy and featured present-day students reciting portions of the speech. We will talk to the film's writer and producer about the film and the speech. Guests:-CeCe Payne, Writer and Producer, “Just and Perfect,” Bicentennial Special Projects Manager, Western Reserve Academy-Iiyannaa Graham-Siphanoum, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Western Reserve Academy

Former Ambassador for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack was in Cleveland, and sat down for a conversation with CWRU's Michael Scharf.

President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations in Minnesota in the wake of the shooting death of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Protests have erupted nationwide after Good's death, and there have been many in Northeast Ohio communities, including Cleveland, Akron and Kent. This week, social media has been filled locally with unverified reports of ICE activities in Cleveland. Noted immigration attorney Margaret Wong said there were reports of ICE agents in Cleveland and offered advice about people's rights should ICE agents come to their door. Cleveland Police took the extraordinary step on Wednesday to issue a statement saying it's not its job to enforce general federal immigration law. We will begin Friday's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with a discussion of CPD's statement and rising concerns over ICE. FirstEnergy is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to lower reliability standards for power outages, basically allowing for more outages that last longer before its determined that standards weren't met. A first hearing is scheduled for next month. The Cleveland Clinic announced yesterday that it intends to earn certification as a Level 1 trauma center at its Main Campus by 2028, its second Level 1 trauma center in the region, after Akron General. Cleveland Clinic main campus leader Dr. Scott Steele said he sees a need for this top tier of trauma care within the Clinic's own system. But Cleveland already has Level 1 trauma centers -- operated University Hospitals and also by MetroHealth, which called for the clinic to reconsider and claimed patient costs would rise as a result of the clinic's actions. An effort to repeal a new state law that makes changes to the recreational marijuana statute passed by voters and also bans intoxicating hemp suffered a setback this week. A group trying to prevent Senate Bill 56 from going into effect and allow voters to decide whether to repeal it in November had its petition summary language rejected by Attorney General Dave Yost. We've heard a lot about the Browns planned move to a new enclosed stadium in Brook Park from the Cleveland perspective. Now, we're getting a bit more insight into how the mega project could impact Brook Park. This week the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency or NOACA held a meeting about how the stadium could impact traffic. The Canton Hall of Fame Village has secured financing that could jump start the stalled construction on a massive indoor water park. "Game Day Bay" sits at the front of the Village property was started in 2022 but has been sitting unfinished since 2024. All this week on Ideastream Public Media you've been hearing reporting about the firefighting crisis facing Ohio. 70% of Ohio's fire departments are at least partially staffed by volunteers. Those volunteer positions are getting harder to fill as current volunteers near retirement. The reporting is a collaboration between Ideastream and The Ohio Newsroom and you'll find all the stories on our website as "Sound the Alarm". Guests: Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media Abigail Bottar, Reporter, Ideastream Public News Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Ohio's psychiatric hospitals are primarily serving patients who face criminal charges due to a rise in long-term, court-ordered stays, according to reporting from The Marshall Project - Cleveland and KFF Health News.

The fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis has led to protests across the country, including several in Northeast Ohio.

Cuyahoga County Board of Public Health officials are urging parents and guardians to vaccinate children against measles, mumps and rubella, all potentially life-threatening, but preventable diseases.

Ideastream reporters examined how volunteer fire departments across Ohio are run and how those departments often deal with staffing shortages and financial challenges.