The Sound of Ideas

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

Skin cancer prevention methods As we head into the warmer months, more of us are spending time outdoors — whether it's at the pool, on a hike or simply walking around the neighborhood. But with that sunshine comes a risk that often gets overlooked. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and experts say many cases are preventable with simple, consistent habits. Still, there's a lot of confusion out there about sunscreen safety, how much protection we really need, and who's actually at risk. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll clear up some common misconceptions and learn practical tips to help protect your skin. Guest:- David Crowe, M.D., Chair, Department of Dermatology, MetroHealth Building Northeast Ohio's workforce When Team NEO, the region's economic development organization, put together it's projection for the region's economy and workforce over the next four years it found a mixed picture. On one hand, the output of goods and services produced by the businesses and workers is expected to grow 20% by the year 2030. But over the same time, the actual number of workers in the region is expected to grow just 3%. How can Northeast Ohio's economic and workforce organizations help bring those numbers in better alignment so that Cleveland and Northeast Ohio can keep up with the economic pace of both the state and nation? That's a key question that those who assembled the report are trying to answer. Guests:- Jacob Duritsky, Vice President, Strategy, Research and Talent, Team NEO- Michelle Rose, CEO, Greater Cleveland Works

Northeast Ohio's Bike Culture National Bike Week happens to fall at a time when many people are paying close to $5 per gallon at the gas pump. Perhaps that's a good reason to hop on two wheels and bike to work or the grocery store. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll explore the cycling landscape across Northeast Ohio. We'll learn about some of Cleveland's newest bike-related infrastructure projects and some of the multi-modal safety measures that the city is implementing. Zooming out, there are also new trails and bike lanes being built in cities like Lakewood and Cleveland Heights, part of the Cuyahoga County's Greenways plan. We'll also explore the unique business model of the Ohio City Bike Co-op, which focuses on low-cost services for customers. And we'll touch on bike advocacy efforts underway from Bike Cleveland. Guests: - Erik Anderson, Executive Director, Ohio City Bike Co-op - Jacob VanSickle, Executive Director, Bike Cleveland

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but for parents who don't already have a built-in community, it can be an isolating experience. New parenthood comes with a huge shift in a person's social life, from staying at home more, to less time talking to other adults, exhaustion from caring for an infant and possibly feelings of postpartum anxiety or depression. Establishing friendships with other parents going through similar experiences is frequently cited as vital to combat feelings of loneliness in this new life stage. So how do parents find community? What resources are there in Northeast Ohio? And as the saying goes: If you build it yourself, will they come? On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," we're going to talk to parents about their journeys to finding community, and we'll meet some people who have built their own villages of support. Guests: - Sarah Andrecheck, Owner & Instructor, FIT4MOM Beachwood Shaker Heights - Naveed Kiyani, Co-host, "Chief Dad Officers" podcast - Kate Sorokas, PhD, Village Builder, Author, “Through Her Eyes,” & Owner, Heartland Homestead - Tricia Kachmyers, Building a Village Facilitator, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will not finish his term through the end of this year. Instead, he is joining the Alliance Defending Freedom as vice president for strategic research and innovation. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed a crowd at The City Club of Cleveland last night while protesters lined the Euclid Avenue sidewalk outside. An independent review of the Akron Police Department recommends 58 action steps to improve policing. The recommendations include expanded training focused on crisis intervention and alternatives to force during encounters involving people experiencing mental health crises. And Cleveland has launched a trapping program to help residents deal with nuisance critters. For years, City Council has received complaints about groundhogs, raccoons and skunks. These stories and other news of the week are included in Friday's Reporters Roundtable. Guests: - Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media - Zaria Johnson, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Travel Woes The price of gas in the US has seen a 50% increase since the war in Iran began back in March, with the national average sitting around $4.53/gal. That's causing headaches for Americans who are making plans for summer travel. Jet fuel prices have also been on the rise, which is leading to increased costs of airfare. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll dig into these price increases and how they are impacting the consumer. Will travelers delay trips in hopes of fuel prices coming down? Or will they cancel trips altogether? Along with the increased fuel costs, Spirit Airlines shuttered recently, which will lead to even more complications in the airline industry. Guests: - Zach Wichter, Consumer Travel Reporter, USA Today - Michael Goldberg, Executive Director, Veale Institute; Professor, Design and Innovation, Case Western Reserve University - Patrick DeHaan, Petroleum Analyst, GasBuddy "Shuffle: Jade Ring" After decades in Cleveland's punk scene, a longtime musician has a new sound and a new persona, performing from behind a mask. On this week's "Shuffle," Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with the artist known as Jade Ring. Guests: - Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered" - Jade Ring, Musician

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will not finish his term through the end of this year. Instead, he is joining the Alliance Defending Freedom as vice president for strategic research and innovation. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed a crowd at The City Club of Cleveland last night while protesters lined the Euclid Avenue sidewalk outside. An independent review of the Akron Police Department recommends 58 action steps to improve policing. The recommendations include expanded training focused on crisis intervention and alternatives to force during encounters involving people experiencing mental health crises. And Cleveland has launched a trapping program to help residents deal with nuisance critters. For years, City Council has received complaints about groundhogs, raccoons and skunks. These stories and other news of the week are included in Friday's Reporters Roundtable. Guests: - Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media - Zaria Johnson, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Why is local journalism on the decline and what can be done about it? Local journalism is on the decline across the country. Recent analysis by the nonpartisan, nonprofit group Rebuild Local News showed that the U.S. has lost three-fourths of its local journalists over the course of the past few decades. The study showed that nationwide in 2002, there were about 40 journalists for every 100,000 residents on average. By 2025, that had dropped to just over 8, with Ohio a little under that average. Why is this happening, and what's being done about it? These questions are the focus of Rick Goldsmith's documentary, "Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink," a film which sheds light on a hedge fund buying up local newspapers and then dismantling them and selling off their real estate for profit. The documentary is being screened on Monday at Oberlin College in the Science Center's Nancy Schrom Dye Lecture Hall starting at 7 P.M. There will be a panel discussion after the screening featuring the filmmaker alongside national and local journalists. On Monday's edition of the "Sound of Ideas," we talk with several of the panelists about the current state of local journalism. Guests:- Rick Goldsmith, Filmmaker, "Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink"- Julie Reynolds, Featured Journalist, co-founder of "Voices of Monterey Bay" in California and associate editor at "The Imprint" which covers nationwide youth and family news- David Jackson, Featured Journalist, senior reporter at "Injustice Watch," a non-profit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice in the court system- Rachel Dissell, Northeast Ohio Journalist, Signal Cleveland "The Rolling Stones: The Biography" Bob Spitz, a writer who has published books on Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin now has a wide-ranging biography out about The Rolling Stones. He says that band is the last of "the rock and roll titans" to write about. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," Spitz discusses the new book ahead of an appearance at the Brooklyn branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. From their earliest days as a blues band at London's Marquee Club, to the death of founding member and drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, Spitz covers the highs and lows of the band's more than 60 years of making music together. The book spends a lot of time in the Stones' "golden era" when albums like "Let It Bleed" and "Exile on Main Street" were released. He also doesn't shy away from the dysfunctions the band suffered through, including failed marriages, bad record deals and lots and lots of drug busts. Details for the event with Bob Spitz at CCPL can be found here. Guests:- Bob Spitz, Author, "The Rolling Stones the Biography"

The Browns officially broke ground on a new Brook Park football complex this week. The event drew some high-profile guests, including Gov. Mike DeWine and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. On the same day, planners hired a new consultant to determine how to develop the Cleveland lakefront without a stadium. Akron City Council appointed a new at-large councilmember this week to fill a vacancy left by longtime councilmember Jeff Fusco. Mark Greer, former director of the nonprofit that organized Akron's bicentennial, will take the seat. Cleveland Public Schools officials contend hundreds of layoffs are necessary as part of a consolidation plan called "Building Brighter Futures." Teachers and parents disagreed loudly at a board meeting this week at Max S. Hayes High School, saying the loss of teachers and staff imperil students' futures. Ward 15 Cleveland City Councilmember Charles Slife said data centers suck up power and water. He's proposed a city ordinance that would put a one-year moratorium on new data centers while zoning is addressed. These stories and other news of the week are included in Friday's Reporters Roundtable. Guests:- Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media- Michelle Jarboe, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland, WEWS- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

"Bite Into Books" The National Endowment for the Art's "Big Read" is an opportunity for an entire literary community to read a selected title and pair that reading with programming and events tied to the themes of the book. This year, dozens of branches across the Cuyahoga County Public Library as well as the Cleveland Public Library systems read "Bite By Bite: Nourishments and Jambourees" by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, which examines how food and culture are intertwined. Libraries across the region also planned food events, gardening classes and art exhibits to coincide with the community reading program. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we speak to Nezhukumatathil about the book, as well as event organizers from Cleveland Public Library and Heights Libraries. Guests: - Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Author, "Bite By Bite: Nourishments and Jambourees" - Erica Marks, Senior Director of Outreach & Programing Services, Cleveland Public Library - Gale Koritansky, Executive Director, Heights Libraries "The Menu" - Best Restaurants From smashburgers to soup dumplings, from Turkish fried eggs to punk rock chicken, one could argue that Northeast Ohio punches above its weight in terms of culinary delights. That argument is strengthened by Cleveland Magzine's list of "50 Best Restaurants in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio" which was released this week. And this year's list was expanded from 25 to 50. Along with that list, the magazine also released its "Silver Spoon Awards," which are the favorite restaurants as voted by readers. We'll close Thursday's show digging into Cleveland' Magazine's guide. Guests: - Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine - Christina Rufo, Editorial Assistant, Cleveland Magazine

Social groups help people find community and connection Nearly one in six people globally are lonely, and every year about 871,000 deaths are linked to loneliness, according to the World Health Organization. But making friends as an adult can be difficult. Social isolation spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, and even when communities reopened, many people never fully rebuilt their social circles. In 2023, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that a lack of social connection can be as harmful as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, citing increased risks of heart disease, depression and premature death. Higher rates of loneliness were also found in communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community and in migrants. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're talking about how people are pushing back against that trend by finding creative, unconventional ways to build community and make meaningful connections here in Northeast Ohio. Guests:- Brittany Marchetti, Founder, First Round Cleveland- Abigail Thomas, Creator and Co-Leader, Yap Out Yonder- Eileen Callahan, Member, Cle Gals Book Club- Rebecca Maxwell, Founder, She's Company "Godmother of Fashion" honored at Kent State University Twice a year, fashion designers converge in Manhattan for a weeklong display of what's new in wardrobe. But it was not always this way. We have the woman who has been dubbed the “godmother of fashion” to thank for this, Fern Mallis, who is being inducted into the Kent State University School of Fashion Hall of Fame this week. Mallis is famous for creating New York Fashion Week, with its predecessor event, "7th on Sixth," and getting fashion designers to collaborate and show up in the same space at a time when that was unheard of. Mallis was the Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America from 1991 to 2001, later serving as Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion. She has interviewed the greats as host of the "Fashion Icons" series at the 92nd Street Y such as Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson, Valentino and Diane von Fürstenberg. Now, the “Sound of Ideas” gets to ask her the questions. Mallis will be speaking about her career and the fashion industry in general at the KSU School of Fashion's annual Hall of Fame lecture on Friday, May 1 at 11 A.M in the university's Rockwell Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public. Guest:- Fern Mallis, 2026 Inductee, Kent State University School of Fashion Hall of Fame

Preeclampsia Awareness Rates of the serious and sometimes deadly pregnancy condition, preeclampsia, have climbed 25% over the past two decades, yet there is little research on its cause, and no cure besides giving birth, which can lead to a difficult situation when the complication is discovered weeks or even months before the baby's due date. Preeclampsia, which causes high blood pressure, affects about 1 in every 12 pregnancies in the U.S., with certain groups at increased risk, including women over 35 and Black women. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we're going to talk to mothers who have survived preeclampsia, and we'll talk to healthcare workers and advocates who are working to improve the outcomes for mothers and babies. Guests:- Kelly Gibson, M.D., Division Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine, MetroHealth- Tonae Bolton, Senior Director, Strategy and Engagement, Birthing Beautiful Communities & Full Spectrum Doula & Certified Diversity Practitioner- Victoria McGinnis, Mother- Liz McCrea, Mother

Concerns over affordability are top of mind for many Americans. A recent New York Times/Sienna University poll gives some context to what this means, suggesting that "affordability" is about, "the rising price of entry for a middle-class life: buying a home; paying for child care, college and health care; saving for retirement, and so on." As prices for things like food, gas and utilities swing wildly, those concerns don't appear to be dissipating. In years past, when the cost of living outpaced a rise in wages, a higher percentage of the population had the option of banding together to negotiate pay increases through their labor unions. Union membership peaked in 1954, with nearly 35% of all U.S. wage and salary workers belonging to unions, according to the Congressional Research Service. But with overall union membership at just 10% today, and at an all time low of 5.9% in the private sector, what recourse do workers have amid rising costs? And what about concerns other than the size of your paycheck compared to the cost of living? For example, many workers are also worried about the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and how that will impact the labor market. Could pushing back against AI unite both blue and white collar workers? Will this current generation of political leaders come up with solutions for the benefit of the working class? We'll look at the labor landscape for the first part of Monday's "Sound of Ideas" in the latest installment of our "Law of The Land" series where we look at how the law affects our everyday lives. Guests: - Noam Scheiber, Labor Reporter, New York Times; Author, "Mutiny: The Rise and Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class" - Grace Heffernan, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Worker Center - Yanela Sims, Ohio State Director, SEIU Local 1

The grassroots group seeking to abolish Ohio's property taxes said Thursday it is about halfway to its signature-gathering goal and acknowledged the issue may need to target the 2027 ballot instead. Ax Ohio Tax said it has collected more than 300,000 signatures toward a mid-June goal of 620,000. The group faces a July 1 deadline to submit more than 400,000 valid signatures from at least half of Ohio's counties to qualify for the November ballot. Cuyahoga County's plan to build a new jail stalled this week after Prosecutor Michael O'Malley renewed his objections to the project and called on the state auditor's Public Integrity Unit to investigate its approval and spending. The county plans to build the new jail complex in Garfield Heights, with a price tag approaching $1 billion. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has published a list of more than 300 trucking companies with at least $5,000 in unpaid tolls. The combined total owed exceeds $5 million. A historic and prime piece of lakefront property is back on the market. The General Services Administration first sought to offload the Cleveland West Pierhead Lighthouse in 2023. The lighthouse is now available at no cost, but only to government, nonprofit or educational agencies. We'll discuss these stories and other news of the week on Friday's Reporters Roundtable. Guests: - Matthew Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Anna Huntsman, Akron-Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Plastic WasteAll this week for the "Sound of Ideas" Earth Week series, we've talked about things that people can do to help the environment. We've discussed planting and maintaining trees to improve our region's tree canopy, to rethinking how you buy and wash clothes to combat pollution from the fashion industry, to changing your outdoor lighting to protect migrating birds. We'll end the series by talking about the major issue of plastic waste. For decades, there's been this emphasis on the individual. You know the phrase: "Reduce, reuse, recycle." But though there have been major efforts to curb single use plastic on an individual level, by bringing reusable shopping bags to the grocery store or carrying around your own steel water bottle, and even on a citywide level, through city recycling programs, we're not seeing that reduction in plastic pollution. It's quite the opposite. A December Pew Charitable Trust report found that without action, plastic pollution will more than double over the next 15 years, driven by increases in production that are rising twice as fast as waste management. And microplastic pollution will grow by more than 50% through 2040. In a new book, "Plastic, Inc," environmental journalist Beth Gardiner turns the spotlight on the industry that is driving this production and explains how it is going to take much more than reusable water bottles to change our trajectory. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas" we'll talk to Gardiner and also hear from two Ohio experts who can talk about efforts to study and combat plastic waste. Guests:- Beth Gardiner, Author, Plastic, Inc- Mark Warman, Emerging Contaminants Specialist, Ohio Sea Grant, The Ohio State University- James Eagan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Polymer Science, University of Akron "Shuffle"A Cleveland musician built a global following online with viral street drumming and layered cover songs. But her sound is rooted in the churches that shaped her. On this week's Shuffle, we hear from Lacretia "TT" Bolden, known online as "The Cover Girl." Guests:- Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered"- Lacretia "TT" Bolden, Musician

Northeast Ohio experts explain how to plant trees and grow the region's canopy Wednesday is Earth Day, and it's a chance to show appreciation for the environment right outside our front door. For many of us, that starts with the trees in our own yards. Trees cool our homes, clean the air, manage stormwater and even boost property values. But across Northeast Ohio, they're currently under threat. In Cleveland, the urban tree canopy is estimated to be around 18%, well below the roughly 30 to 40% coverage experts say is ideal for a healthy city. Akron's tree canopy sits around 35%, but coverage is uneven. Some neighborhoods are lush and shaded, while others have far fewer trees, leaving residents more exposed to heat and environmental stress. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're talking about what that means for residents. We'll learn how to care for the trees you have, when it's safe to tackle projects on your own and when it's time to call in a professional. We'll also dig into the bigger picture: why our regional tree canopy is declining and what's being done to restore it, including the work of a federally funded group in Akron, Project ACORN. Guests:- Tom Schreiber, Senior Manager of Community Forestry, Western Reserve Land Conservancy- Jessica Glowczewski, Watershed Superintendent, City of Akron How the fashion industry impacts our health and our environment, and what can be done to change it for the better As you think about what you're wearing at the moment, do you know what material or materials your outfit is made from? What about how you're supposed to wash it? Is it dry clean only? Are you supposed line dry it, or can you finish it in your dyer on tumble dry low? And when you're done wearing it for the last time, whether it can be recycled? You might not know the answers to all of these questions off the top of your head, but they make a big difference to our environment, and our health. If you did know more about what you're wearing, how it's produced, what it takes to keep it clean, and what can happen to it when you're done with it, you just might make different choices when it comes to your wardrobe. In the second half of the program, we'll learn about the environmental impact of the fashion industry with experts from different corners of this world who are trying to change it for the better. Editor's note: During the course of our conversation, the threshold for activating California's SB 707 “Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024” for producers of textiles was misstated. To clarify, the producer volume threshold is $1 million USD and over, not under. Guests:- Gargi Bhaduri, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Kent State University School of Fashion- Lisa Goldsand, Founder, Circular Thrift- Gail Baugh, Author, "The Fashion Designer's Textile Directory"

We'll talk to a Cleveland Metroparks "bird guru" and a nature photographer about the increase in bird watching as a hobby. And, we'll discuss how some birds are declining in population due to climate change and habitat loss.

Since January, Northeast Ohio has experienced several thunderstorms, tornadoes, earthquakes and most recently a hailstorm that left hundreds of cars and homes damaged in Solon. We'll learn why storms seems to be ramping up, and how to prepare for the next one.

Despite protests from students and families, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Board of Education approved cuts affecting hundreds of teachers and administrators as part of a cost-reduction plan. The price tag for building a new jail in Cuyahoga County came into focus this week as county officials worked toward an agreement to move the project forward. A developer held an open house in Stark County, where neighbors raised questions and concerns about a proposed data center in Perry Township. Projects such as this are increasingly drawing pushback. And Lyme disease cases in Ohio have surged, with experts saying current weather patterns are doing little to deter tick survival. These are some of the stories we'll discuss this week on the Reporters Roundtable. Guests:- Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media- Zaria Johnson, Environment Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Michelin Guide in ClevelandNext time you go to your favorite Cleveland restaurant, scan the crowd for a single diner, chewing their food in deep concentration. They could be one of the anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors, who have already begun scouring Cleveland and other Midwest cities, including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Minneapolis, for impressive culinary talent to be featured in next year's new American Great Lakes Edition. What will Cleveland joining the Michelin Guide mean for restaurants, all vying for that coveted and elusive star rating? A 2025 Ernst and Young study found 82% of chefs said they saw an increase in profits after receiving a star, with 60% saying they were able to recruit new talents. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear from chefs and others connected to the food scene about what sets Cleveland apart on the international stage. Could this make The Land a destination dining location? And how will this impact native customers experience? Guests:- Jeremy Umansky, Chef & Co-owner, Larder Delicatessen & Bakery- Liu Fang, Chef & Owner, Abundance Culinary- Christina Rufo, Reporter, Cleveland Magazine- Emily Lauer, Vice President, Public Relations, Destination Cleveland The Menu: Filipino FoodNortheast Ohio is home to a vibrant Filipino population, supported by organizations like the Philippine American Society of Ohio and the Filipino American Historical Society, which help connect people through food, history and shared experience. Clevelanders will soon have multiple chances to explore a variety of Filipino cuisines all in one place. On April 25, Brewnuts Donuts and Beer are hosting a mini market showcasing local entrepreneurs. The weekend of May 16, the annual Cleveland Asian Festival returns, where Filipino food will be part of a broader showcase of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month through performances, music and, of course, plenty to eat. We're talking Filipino food on this installment of "The Menu," our biweekly series about Northeast Ohio's food scene, in partnership with Cleveland Magazine. Guests:- Flora Grk, Owner, Tita Flora's- Mariel Bernarte, Owner, Maki Halo- Rhea Doria, Founder and CEO, hi raya!

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum announced the Class of 2026, which features many artists from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

"Rule of law" is the phrase describing the idea that every person, organization and government entity in the United States must follow the same laws, no matter where you live, how much money you have, or what title you may hold. The equal application of the law requires an independent judicial system, with judges who are expected to be an impartial and nonpartisan check on the executive and legislative branches of government. Even though judges are instrumental when it comes to upholding the law as it is written, there are things everyday Americans can do to support that effort. On Tuesday, "Sound of Ideas" host Stephanie Haney will be moderating a conversation about the rule of law at the City Club of Cleveland with retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, who is a Republican, and former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Mike Donnelly, who is a Democrat. They've come together to speak out about the importance of the rule of law to preserving democracy as our form of government. The justices join the "Sound of Ideas" on Tuesday for a preview of the event, in the latest installment of our "Law of The Land" series, where we look at legal issues that affect our everyday lives. Guests: - Maureen O'Connor, Retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice - Michael Donnelly, Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice

Akron has taken another step forward in redeveloping several miles of decommissioned highway with the release of a master plan.

Cleveland City Council is reviving legislation aimed at placing restrictions on short-term rental properties in the city. Council members say complaints over noise, partying and violence continue to escalate. Conservative Ohio lawmakers, supported by faith-based and mental health advocates, are seeking to overhaul Ohio's sports gambling laws. Sports betting outside of casinos, proposition bets on individual player performance, and any gambling on college games would be banned if two bills they introduced are passed. Northeast Ohio's air is cleaner, as several counties now meet the federal Environmental Protection Agency's standards outlined in the Clean Air Act. Cleveland restaurants will soon be eligible for inclusion in a newly launched Great Lakes edition of the Michelin Guide, giving local dining spots a chance to earn a Michelin star. College-bound students in Ohio may soon have another option for entrance exams beyond the ACT and SAT. It's called the Classic Learning Test, or CLT. These are some of the stories this week on the Friday Reporters Roundtable. Guests:- Abbey Marshall, Local Government Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Chief, The Statehouse News Bureau

The United States Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in the Trump v. Barbara case, which deals with the principle of birthright citizenship.