The Sound of Ideas

The "Sound of Ideas" looks back at their favorite food segments from their series "The Menu."

Note: This "Sound of Ideas" episode originally aired on Sept. 2, 2025 Sept. 2 is the 80th anniversary of the official end to World War II, weeks after fighting ended. It's the day when Japanese envoys formally signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay. And on this important anniversary, we wanted to talk about how this war completely changed the world order, transforming the U.S. to the leader of the free world. We'll discuss Ohio's role in the fight against fascism, and how locals are helping to preserve these experiences. Our collective memories of this war are fading, as each year, fewer and fewer people are alive to tell the stories of the men and women involved. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, only about 45,000 of the 16 million Americans who served are still alive, and most are in their 90s or older. Tuesday on the “Sound of Ideas,” we'll look back on this milestone anniversary and how the echoes of World War II and the world order it created continue to influence policy and culture today. Guests:- Eric Rivet, Chief Curator, Western Reserve Historical Society- Paul Farace, President, U.S.S. Cod Submarine Memorial- Betsy Bashore, Chief Executive Officer & Vendor Coordinator, D-Day Ohio

Social media restrictions could infringe on First Amendment rights for children Note: This conversation originally aired on the "Sound of Ideas" on Nov. 3, 2025. How to manage young people's social media use is a big question, with many factors at play, including the well-being of minors, the logistics of monitoring online activity and their constitutional rights. In Ohio, lawmakers are trying to take this matter into their own hands. One law limiting social media access is currently on hold, after a federal court blocked it as an unconstitutional restriction on First Amendment rights. That decision is now being appealed by Attorney General Dave Yost. This year, two new bills have been introduced that would limit children's access to social media in different ways and bring app stores into the equation: Senate Bill 167 (backed by Meta) and Senate Bill 175 (backed by Google). The topic was the first in our newly created series “Law of the Land” which explores how the law impacts your life. Guests: Jonathan Entin, Professor of Constitutional Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law Morgan Reed, President, The App Association Tony Coder, Executive Director, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Kareem Moncree-Moffett, Ph.D., Founder, Youth Lead Alliance MLB, Ohio's Casino Control Commission and sports betting companies agree to regulation changes Note: This conversation originally aired on the "Sound of Ideas" on Nov. 17, 2025. Federal indictments against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have rocked Major League Baseball and the sports betting world. In response to these charges of rigging bets on specific pitches, MLB worked together with the Ohio Casino Control Commission and sports betting companies to come up with mutually-agreed upon new regulations governing what's known as microprop bets, limiting them considerably compared to what was allowed before. In this installment of our "Law of the Land" series on "Sound of Ideas," we'll explain the sports betting regulation changes, and look at the other legal problems that have come up surrounding betting in Ohio in both the NFL, involving famed Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, and NBA, related to allegations of faking an injury to help gamblers win against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is a former Shaker Heights High School basketball star, along with how and why the rules differ for college sports. Guests: Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications for the American Gaming Association Eric Chaffee, John C. Hutchins Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law Joe Scalzo, Sports Business Journalist for Crain's Cleveland Business

We begin our look back on the top stories of 2025, pretty much where we left off at the end of 2024, with the Browns and the team's planned move to Brook Park for a new covered stadium and mixed-use development. Over the course of the last year, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne battled the Haslam Sports Group over everything from the Modell Law -- which is meant to make it hard for Ohio teams to move from their home cities -- to the height of the stadium to a refusal to kick in public money. By December the fight was all but over, the Browns are moving to Brook Park, without county money but with $600 million from the state. The county remained steadfast in refusing to kick in any funding, and the Browns moved forward without it. The story begins our retrospective of the top local stories of 2025. We will cover the top statehouse stories in a year ender that will drop next week. The Akron Public Schools went through a rapid change of leadership in the spring after months of controversy and complaint about the actions and management style of Superintendent Michael Robinson. In April, the board accepted his resignation, after less than two years on the job. Then, it immediately hired his successor without conducting a search. East Cleveland had had three people serving as mayor in 2025. Brandon King, mayor when the year began, was convicted on public corruption charges in May and removed from that job. Before that, while facing trial, Sandra Morgan was appointed interim mayor. Once he was convicted, the charter called for Council President Lateek Shabazz to become the mayor. He was defeated in November by Morgan, who will return to the mayor's office. The mayor's office in Cleveland Heights was a revolving door this year. Voters recalled the city's first elected mayor, Kahlil Seren, in September. The recall vote resulted from a tumultuous period in Cleveland Heights City Hall that saw Seren and his wife accused of creating a hostile work environment. Seren denied those accusations. Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase, the superstar closer, and Luis Ortiz, a starter with promise, were suspended with pay in July as part of a Major League Baseball investigation into betting. By November, the pair had been indicted on charges they rigged pitches to help bettors win "prop" or situational bets. The two now face trial in May. Residents around the Shaker Lakes, who already saw Horseshoe lake drained, have rallied against a proposal by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District to drain the remaining Lower Lake and turning, that, too, into parkland. The sewer district, responsible for spending on flood control, had planned to replace the lower lake dam, but said new data showed draining the lake would be the best, and most economical, flood control measure. The "Sound of Ideas" brought together stakeholders for a Community Tour discussion in August. Guests: -Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media -Abbey Marshall, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Anna Huntsman, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Michelle Jarboe, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland

A bevy of new bookstores have opened across Northeast Ohio over the past several years, in line with a national trend of growing demand for local retailers.

The agriculture industry in Ohio is dealing with issues like an aging population, trade war over produce and big corporations wanting to buy up valuable farmland.

Note: This episode originally aired on June 24, 2025. Generation X, those born roughly between 1965 and 1980, has long occupied a unique place in our cultural narrative. These 45-to-60-year-olds are sometimes called the "forgotten" generation— caught between two larger and more-studied generations— Baby Boomers and Millennials. Often described as independent and self-reliant, Gen X has played a pivotal role in bridging two very different worlds: the analog past and the digital present. They came of age during a time of upheaval and transformation, witnessing the end of the Vietnam War, the fallout from the Watergate scandal and the cinematic rise of The Godfather and Star Wars. They grew up with the debut of MTV, the dawn of the internet and the arrival of personal computers and video games in American homes. Many Gen Xers navigated childhood with minimal supervision, earning them the nickname "Latchkey Generation." And nearly a quarter of Gen X adults are sandwiched between raising kids and caregiving older relatives, according to a study from the University of Michigan. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear a conversation with former host Jenny Hamel and a panel of Gen-Xers from Northeast Ohio. They'll discuss the issues that matter most to them, from politics and social change to personal milestones like homeownership, aging and financial security. We'll ask how they feel about the lives they've built, what concerns they carry into the future and how they see their place in the world. Guests:- Dan Bruce, Faculty, Cleveland State University- Emilia Lombardi, Ph.D., Former Professor, Baldwin Wallace University- Lora Gay, Federal Employee, Cleveland Field Office- Lee Chilcote, Executive Director and Housing Program Manager, FutureHeights

Cleveland's makeover of its lakefront to better connect it to Downtown took a major step forward this week. The North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation, a nonprofit created by the city, selected DiGeronimo Development from Brecksville as the master developer for the lakefront transformation including a reimagining of the site where the current Browns stadium sits. The stadium will be demolished after the 2029 season as the Browns depart for a new stadium complex in Brook Park. The story begins our discussion of the week's news stories on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” The Cleveland Teachers Union says the district needs to step up its monitoring of buildings and improve its security staffing. At least 100 teachers have had their cars broken into in school parking lots recently, and in one case a car was stolen. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine this week told universities and colleges in the state to get fully on board with the Science of Reading literacy curriculum or face consequences. An audit found 10 programs are not fully following a 2023 state law that requires future teachers be given instruction solely in the phonics-based system. Ohio has joined a new voter registration database to ensure election integrity. Secretary of State Frank LaRose says the states in the database will remove ineligible or illegal voters through data sharing agreements. The Trump administration is ending legal status for around half a million Haitians living in the U.S. by Feb. 3, including the more than 10,000 Haitians living in Ohio. During last year's presidential campaign, President Trump shared false and derogatory claims about the Haitian community working in Springfield, southwest of Columbus, and said that immigrants were taking over the city. Gov. DeWine, who has supported the Haitian community in Ohio, said he's concerned about what will happen to this population, and to the overall economy in Springfield. Akron leaders say the city needs a new police headquarters. After two years of consideration Mayor Shammas Malik says the police headquarters will stay right where it is. Rather than build a new site, the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center will undergo a $67 million dollar renovation. This week the Cleveland Metroparks shared on Instagram photos and videos of a "fisher cat" from a trail camera earlier this year. It marked the first sighting of a fisher in Cuyahoga County in 200 years. Fisher cats are neither fishers nor cats. They're carnivorous members of the weasel family and live in wooded areas. Guests: - Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Abigail Bottar, Akron-Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Learning to embrace the winter It's not a surprise that many people dread winter. The teeth-chattering temperatures, snow shoveling, and darkness of the winter months provide plenty of reasons why. But some communities in the far north in places like Tromso, Norway, have learned to embrace their climates and actually enjoy the winter months and stretches of darkness. One health psychologist says it all starts with a shift in mindset. Kari Leibowitz writes in "How to Winter" that learning to not view the winter months in a negative light can lead to us finding more joy and fulfillment and increasing overall happiness. She joins the "Sound of Ideas" on Thursday to explain more. Guest: - Kari Leibowitz, Ph.D., Author, "How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days" "Shuffle" podcast reflects on year of music Later in the hour, we'll wrap up the year in local music with our final installment of our "Shuffle" music podcast for 2025. Amanda Rabinowitz and Brittany Nader share some of their favorite music from Northeast Ohio artists. Guests: - Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered" - Brittany Nader, Producer, "Shuffle"

North Ridgeville Police Department announces the opening of a soft interview room for sexual assault survivors In April 2017, 22-year-old Molly Jane Matheson was killed in her apartment in Fort Worth, Texas. Days later, another woman, Megan Getrum, was also killed in that area. Those women were killed by the same man, who later pled guilty to the murders and to multiple sexual assaults committed over several years. He is serving a life sentence. The case prompted broader questions about how systems respond to patterns of sexual violence and how earlier interventions might prevent escalation. In the aftermath of her daughter's death, Matheson's mother founded Project Beloved, a nonprofit organization that advocates for survivors of sexual assault. One of its key initiatives focuses on creating more trauma-informed interview spaces within police departments for survivors who are sharing their experiences with investigators. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll discuss the renovation of one such interview room at the North Ridgeville Police Department in Lorain County. Guests:- Tracy Matheson, President and Founder, Project Beloved- Capt. Gregory Petek, North Ridgeville Police Department Cleveland's permit process continues to frustrate city residents, developers For years, developers and residents in Cleveland have raised concerns about the pace, predictability and transparency of the building permitting process. Long delays and unclear requirements can impact investment, raise costs and leave would-be builders and business owners frustrated. This month, Crain's Cleveland Business reporter Zachary Smith published an in-depth look at how the system is working in practice, and more importantly, where it isn't. He joins the show to unpack some of the new efforts at reform what it means for the future of development in Cleveland. Guest:- Zachary Smith, Reporter, Crain's Cleveland Business

NPR's "Books We Love" list for 2025 Each year, NPR staff help assemble their "Books We Love" list, offering more than 350 reading suggestions for all kinds of interests. The thought of parsing through that many recommendations might seem intimidating, but it's more manageable than you might think, because the list is divided into categories based on specific topics like "Historical Fiction," "Mysteries and Thrillers," "For Art Lovers," "Science!" and "It's All Geek To Me," to name a few. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," Ideastream Public Media's Coordinating Producer Drew Maziasz and NPR Arts Desk Reporter Andrew Limbong share a few selections from the 2025 list, for the avid reader looking for their next paperback, hardcover, digital read or audio book. Guests:- Drew Maziasz, "Sound of Ideas" Coordinating Producer- Andrew Limbong, NPR Arts Desk Reporter Vivek Ramaswamy shares top priorities if elected Ohio governor The two major political parties won't elect their candidates to run for Ohio governor until May 2026, but both the Ohio Republican party and President Donald Trump have already endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy in the race. On Monday's edition of "Sound of Ideas," we share a conversation with the GOP frontrunner covering his priorities if elected, his message to people concerned about health insurance premiums going up, what he's learned from voters on his 88 county tour in Ohio, and more. Last month, we talked with the leading Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, Dr. Amy Acton. You can find that full conversation here. Guest:- Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican candidate for Ohio governor

Inside of two weeks before Christmas, people are likely seeing houses light up with holiday decorations. But this time of year, there are lots of different celebrations happening in Northeast Ohio, given our region's vast diversity of cultures. For the Jewish community, Hanukkah started Sunday night. The Latino holiday Las Posadas starts today, then there's the upcoming African American holiday Kwanzaa at the end of the month. In early 2026, there's the Lunar New Year celebrated by some Asian cultures, and Ramadan, celebrated by Muslims, and the list goes on. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk about how there's a lot to be gained by learning about each other's cultures, at a time where there's also a lot of fear for these communities, with violence and threats against certain cultural groups on the rise. For example, just two days ago, gunmen killed at least 15 people in Australia in what authorities are calling a terrorist attack during a Hanukkah celebration. The "Sound of Ideas" team planned this conversation before this latest tragedy, to highlight our region's multicultural landscape, and allow audience members to learn from and connect with people who are different from them. It is with that spirit that we have this conversation. Guests: -Rabbi Joshua Caruso, Congregation Mishkan Or -Lisa Wong, President, OCA Greater Cleveland -Pooja Khaira, M.D., Academic Chief Resident, MetroHealth & Co-Founder, Sihk Mental Health Summit -Talise Campbell, Ph.D., Director, Djapo Cultural Arts Institute

A new assessment from the federal monitor overseeing Cleveland's implementation of the consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice found that police stop Black drivers disproportionately more than drivers of other races. The city has been under the federally mandated consent decree for a decade after being found to engage in a pattern and practice of unconstitutional policing. The goal is to improve operations and restore community trust. The story begins our discussion of the week's news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” The Cleveland Metropolitan School District this week voted unanimously to greenlight a massive reorganization that will reduce the number of schools by a third. The district said the changes are needed to align its footprint with current enrollment, which has steadily declined over the last few decades. The legislature passed sweeping legislation that will make changes to the state's laws for recreational marijuana and intoxicating hemp. The senate passed SB 56 this week and it's up to the governor to sign it. Cuyahoga County two-year, $2 billion budget this week that includes significant cuts to social service programs. Some members described it as the "worst" budget since this form of government began in 2011. This week a judge weighed in on a legal challenge to the state's plan to use $600 million in unclaimed funds to help fund construction of a new Browns stadium in Brook Park. A lawsuit challenging the funding mechanism is working its way through the courts, and a judge denied an appeal to block the plan while the case is going on. Major League Baseball this week approved the sale of the Akron Rubber Ducks baseball team to Prospector Baseball Group. Ken Babby, the principal and founder of Fast Forward Sports Group, has owned the team since 2012 and oversaw its rebranding from the Akron Aeros to the Ducks. He recently became CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays. Guests: -Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Zaria Johnson, Environment Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

CMSD Consolidation PlanThis week, the school board for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District approved a major consolidation plan that will cut the total number of schools in the district by a third due to years of declining enrollment. Starting next fall, there will be 18 fewer buildings, and the district will operate 29 fewer schools. District CEO Warren Morgan said the plan is also a way for the district to save money and improve academic offerings. Some parents and teachers have concerns about this major change, including crowded buildings, unique programs going away and how the moves will impact families with special needs. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we've invited Morgan on the program to talk more about the plan and what's ahead. We'll also hear from the school board chair, the head of the teachers union, a parent and a student. Guests:- Warren Morgan, Ed.D., CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan School District- Sara Elaqad, Board Chair, Cleveland Metropolitan School District- Marilia Tsirikos Karapanos, Junior, Campus International High School- Allison Jacobs, Parent- Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media The Menu: Best Food Stories of 2025It's time once again for "The Menu," our bi-weekly series where we dig into Northeast Ohio's food scene with the help of the folks over at Cleveland Magazine. The end of 2025 is quickly approaching, and this is our final installment of The Menu this calendar year. We'll wrap up some of the best food stories and trends of 2025 and look ahead to 2026. Guests:- Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine- Christina Rufo, Reporter, Cleveland Magazine

Cleveland Death Society inspires open conversations about mortality For many people, death is a taboo topic. It can feel uncomfortable, even controversial, and it's something people often avoid until they no longer can. But experts say making space to talk about death can also bring a surprising sense of relief and connection. So how do we face our fear of death, demystify it, and get more comfortable speaking honestly about it? In recent years, "death cafés" have emerged as informal gatherings, often in bars or coffee shops, where people come together simply to talk about mortality. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear from a local group, the Cleveland Death Society, which hosts these open, agenda-free conversations about loss and end-of-life experiences. And it's a timely moment for this discussion. For many, the winter holiday season can intensify feelings of grief and make them harder to navigate. Guests:- Kimberly Garchar, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy, Kent State University- Brandi Lynn Wiles, Founder, Cleveland Death Society- Gabriela Gomez, M.D., Resident Physician, Harvard Radiation Oncology Program Meet the new president and CEO of the Port of Cleveland The Port of Cleveland is a major economic driver of the region supporting some 23,000 jobs and contributing more than $4.7 billion to the Northeast Ohio economy annually. The organization's influence reaches far beyond just goods that are being transported through docks on the lakefront. They are involved in financing large housing projects, environmental endeavors and reshaping the banks of the Cuyahoga River. And now the Port of Cleveland has new leadership, as former CEO Will Friedman stepped away from the job after 14 years. Guest:- Jeff Epstein, President and CEO, The Port of Cleveland

Menopause is a normal and often undiscussed life stage In recent years, celebrities have been more outspoken about their experiences with menopause, with some negative, and some positive. Actress Gwenyth Paltrow said she could feel the hormonal shifts happening in her body. She said, "You're all of a sudden furious for no reason." While actress Traci Ellis Ross said, "I'm the sexiest I've ever been. And when I say that, I mean I feel the most myself." Actress Naomi Watts experiences perimenopause in her later 30s. She said, "I'd wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. My skin was dry and itchy. My hormones were all over the place. I remember feeling so confused and alone, like I didn't have control over my own body." Watts said there was not a lot of support for her at the time. She said there's an "unwritten code of silence. Women should suck it up and cope, because that's how generations passed have done it." Last month, the Food and Drug Administration removed "black box" warning labels from hormone drugs used to treat menopause symptoms, after years of urging from doctors and patients that the warnings were not supported by science and overstated risks from cancer to dementia. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk to doctors and a patient about menopause and perimenopause. We'll discuss misconceptions, stigma, and new access to treatment for millions of women going through this life stage. Guests: - Rachel Pope, M.D., OB/GYN & Chief of Female Sexual Health, University Hospitals - Juliann Sutton, Patient - Erika Kelley, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, University Hospitals & Associate Professor, Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Law of The Land: Hazing allegations at Ursuline High School High school sports can be an incredibly formative time for students—building teamwork, bonding and leadership skills. But what happens when camaraderie turns into hazing? Hazing is when someone is expected or forced to do something that hurts or humiliates them, in exchange for acceptance into a group. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're looking at the legal aspects of this issue, including who is responsible when hazing happens, and when is a school required to step in. This installment of our "Law of the Land" series is in light of four separate lawsuits that were recently filed against Ursuline High School, a Catholic school in Youngstown, all of which accuse the school of looking the other way, in three instances when members of its football program allegedly assaulted and harassed each other, and other students, and in one instance involving an alleged pre-planned attack on a student on school grounds. After the lawsuits came out, Ursuline High School made staff and oversight changes, which we'll discuss, and also suspended the football season for most of this year, acknowledging that students violated their code of conduct and did things that they called morally wrong. We'll also talk about how hazing culture occurs, how to respond when accusations are made and how to keep students safe from attacks in the first place. We invited leaders at Ursuline High School to join us, but they declined and instead shared a statement made jointly with the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Guests:- Subodh Chandra, Attorney, Chandra Law- Jeffrey Herman, Attorney and Victim's Advocate, Herman Law- Zach Slates, Head football coach, Minerva High School- Doug Ute, Executive Director, Ohio High School Athletic Association Meet Cleveland City Councilmember-elect Tanmay Shah Later in the hour, it's a new installment of our series "Get to NEO a Leader," where we talk to officials from across the 22 counties in the listening area that we cover. We'll meet Tanmay Shah, who was just elected as the Cleveland city councilmember for Ward 12. At 29, he's set to become the youngest member of council—and the only newcomer this fall to unseat an incumbent. Shah defeated Councilman Danny Kelly by a razor-thin margin, just nine votes, and ran as a democratic socialist. We'll talk with the councilmember-elect about his win and what he hopes to bring to City Hall. Guest:- Tanmay Shah, Cleveland City Council, Ward 12

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority riders will see service cuts in the coming year. Work is already being done to decide which buses, trains and trolley routes will be impacted. The changes are in an effort to save more than $11 million in the new budget. The transit authority has already announced that Wi-Fi will not be available on trains, buses and trolleys beginning later this month. We will begin this week's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with a discussion on the proposed changes as well as the rest of the week's top stories. Ohio needs to do more to make roads safer for drivers and passengers according to a national safety group. The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety released its state reports and gave Ohio a "yellow" or caution rating. U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno says the time has come to end dual citizenship. Being an American, he declared, is "all or nothing." He's backing legislation that would prevent U.S. citizens from holding citizenship in another country. So if you are an American Citizen and have Irish citizenship, for example, because your grandmother was born there, you have to pick one. An LGBTQ+ entertainment development in Lakewood will close at the end of the month. Opened in 2022, Studio West 117 included bars, restaurants and a gymnasium. This week Cleveland City Council signed off on the exit deal for the Browns. The Haslam Sports Group, which owns the team, will vacate the existing Downtown stadium for a new enclosed stadium to be built in Brook Park. The current timeline would have the Browns open the season in the new stadium in the fall of 2029. Ohio lawmakers want to further restrict where convicted sex offenders can live. The state already has laws that prevents such offenders, and those who commit any crimes against children, from living near schools, preschools and child care facilities. This bill would also prohibit residency near the victims themselves. Gov. DeWine vetoed a bill that would have expanded the hours 14- and 15-year-olds could work throughout the school year from a 7 pm clock out to 9 pm. The legislature approved the expansion, which Democrats opposed on the grounds it was a way for businesses to secure cheap labor. The governor thinks young kids shouldn't be working late, except maybe on their homework. Guests: -Glenn Forbes, Supervising Producer of Newscasts, Ideastream Public Media -Gabriel Kramer, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Rand Laycock, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, has been dealing with the disease through new technology called "adaptive deep brain stimulation."

The average person will spend roughly a third of their life asleep, yet the importance of sleep is often overlooked. Sleep affects how we learn, work and maintain relationships, and poor sleep has been linked to a range of physical and mental health challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three adults in the U.S. doesn't get enough sleep on a regular basis, and experts attribute this to both lifestyle pressures and the growing presence of technology. At the same time, trends related to sleep and rest are growing in popularity on social media. On TikTok, some users view sleep as a time to allow skin and hair products to work overnight, a trend called the "morning shed." There's also "bed rotting," where people spend long stretches in bed scrolling online or watching tv. And sleep supplements like melatonin gummies are growing in popularity, as are "at-home" sleep remedies. Are these trends helpful or harmful to our sleep? We'll explore this question and more. Guests:- Nicoleta Olteanu, M.D., Adult and Pediatric Sleep Medicine, MetroHealth- Eric Yeh, M.D., Sleep Medicine, University Hospitals- Wendy Troxel, Ph.D., Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation

For more than 30 years, Crain's Cleveland Business has been honoring young leaders across Northeast Ohio. Each year, the publication features 40 innovators to watch in diverse spaces, from mental and physical health, to sports and entertainment, the sciences, public service, policy development and beyond. The one thing they all have in common is that they're not even 40 years old. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll introduce you to seven of this year's 40 under 40 honorees ranging in age from 27 to 38, including a psychiatrist, an events booker, a real estate professional, and an astronomer to name a few. Guests:- Brooke Lowery, Senior Vice President of Booking and Events, Cleveland Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Arena- Poojajeet Khaira, M.D., Psychiatry Resident Physician and Academic Chief Resident, MetroHealth- Carmen Daniel, Ed.D., Business and Community Engagement Specialist, Heights Career Tech Consortium- Ty Stimpert, Community Outreach Program Manager, Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute- Maryam Kiefer, Senior Director of Public Policy, United Way of Greater Cleveland- Kevin Moss, Senior Vice President, CBRE- Monica Marshall, Astronomer, Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Over the past three months, the U.S. Navy has conducted airstrikes against numerous foreign vessels in the Caribbean, killing more than 75 people. Critics question its legality.

Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around food. But for many hardworking families and individuals in Northeast Ohio, there is growing uncertainty where to find that next meal. Then, we learn about Harry Houdini's war on spiritualism with Brad Ricca, local author of the new book "Lincoln's Ghost."

Shop local this holiday season After experiencing a large dip during the pandemic, holiday shopping has been steadily rising over the last few years, with a record 186 million people planning to shop from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday this year, according to the National Retail Foundation. While Black Friday is the most popular day to shop, 67 million people plan to shop specifically on Saturday, with 80% of those saying they want to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday. Ohio has more than 90,000 small retail businesses, who employ almost 180,000 workers in the state, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. We're going to devote Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas" to highlighting the entrepreneurs, makers and artists from across Northeast Ohio who rely on this time of year to keep doing what they love. Guests: -Mike Brighton, Owner, Gray Dog Comics -Corbin Wandling, Production Manager, Nosh Butters -Lori Parnell, Founder and Maker, Black Culture Candles -Dominic Caruso, Communications Director, Downtown Akron Partnership -Charlie Malta aka Guice Man, Artist -Tessa Lebaron, Artist -Maureen Ater, President and CEO, ArtsinStark

2025 Annual "Sound of Ideas" Friendsgiving With Thanksgiving just days away, people may be in the midst of gathering ingredients to pull together that perfect holiday feast. But what happens when the people around the dinner table can't eat the traditional dishes? Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll host our annual "Friendsgiving" show where we invite Northeast Ohio chefs to share food, cooking advice and Thanksgiving memories with us. This year, we're focusing on dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and nut-free options. We've asked four Northeast Ohio chefs to share their inclusive dishes they've created and offer Thanksgiving cooking wisdom for home cooks. They'll also reflect on their personal journeys with plant-based living and share how they're navigating a changing restaurant landscape. Here's what the Northeast Ohio chefs prepared this year: Porscha Phillips (side):- Braised Greens with Smoked Jackfruit Adam Schwieterman (side):- Vegan Stuffing- Baked Kale and Quinoa Salad Teala Lewis (main):- Signature Soul Plate- Fried Oyster Mushrooms accompanied by Macaroni & Cheese, Collard Greens, and a Sweet Potato Cornbread Muffin- Seared Lions Mane- Mushroom over a bed of Red Skinned Garlic mashed Potatoes accompanied by steamed Broccolini. Caitlin Shea (dessert):- Maple Pecan Pie Guests:- Adam Schwieterman, Executive Director, Local Roots Market and Cafe- Porscha Phillips, Executive Chef, The Vegan Club- Teala Lewis, Owner, Garden of Soul- Caitlin Shea, Owner, Philomena Bake Shop

Ohio lawmakers put the pedal to the metal in Columbus this week, passing dozens of bills on a variety of issues, chief among them, property tax relief. Four bills addressing rising property taxes are on the way to the governor. Proponents say collectively the bills will save taxpayers $2 billion in the coming years. We will begin Friday's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with the flurry of activity in Columbus. A six-member committee worked overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning on a bill that places restrictions on intoxicating hemp products -- eventually banning them -- and tweaked the existing recreational marijuana statute. The work on the bill, however, still needs a final vote in the Senate because that chamber adjourned long before work on the bill was complete. Another priority for Republicans in the marathon legislative session this week: Further tightening Ohio's election rules and voter registration. Senate Bill 293, which has received approval in both chambers, now goes on to Gov. DeWine, who has said previously that he doesn't see the need to sign off on more voting restrictions for Ohio voters. State regulators have ordered FirstEnergy to pay a quarter of a billion dollars -- most of it to its customers -- as penalty for its actions in the bribery scheme to pass the nuclear bailout bill also known as House Bill 6. The multi-million dollar bribery scheme resulting in the passage of the wide-ranging energy bill, which directed ratepayer money to aging nuclear plants and gutted renewable energy standards. Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former Republican state party chair Matt Borges were convicted and imprisoned for their roles. As the Haslam Sports Group moves forward with its plan to build a new covered stadium in Brook Park, Cleveland officials have set a deadline for the team to leave the current Downtown stadium. The Browns lease expires after the 2028 season but includes two one-year renewal options. Guests: -Glenn Forbes, Supervising Producer for Newscasts, Ideatream Public Media -Zaria Johnson, Environmental Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

The holidays are upon us, bringing a time for more gatherings, more shared meals, and more chances to be present with the people we love. But in a world wired to our phones, how do we make sure that being together really means being together? Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're diving into how children can stay safe on the internet, how adults can navigate their own social media use and how devices, while powerful tools for connection, can also drive a wedge between us. On one hand, smartphones help us stay in touch, share memories and learn. On the other hand, they carry risks. A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that among preteens ages 11 to 12, having a phone in the bedroom was linked to shorter sleep duration and greater sleep disturbances. During the hour, we'll also talk about healthy digital habits and fostering spaces that feel friendly to both devices and intimate connection. And, we'll get into "phubbing," or phone snubbing. It's the act of ignoring those around us in favor of our screens. It's a real phenomenon, and its effects can be more than just annoying. Guests:- Maureen Kyle, Host, "Parenting Playbook," Fox 8 & Communications Consultant- Shane Tilton, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Writing and Multimedia Studies, Ohio Northern University- Francesca Varga, Senior Prevention Coordinator, Community Prevention Services, Prevention Action Alliance

In August 2024, the city of Cleveland raised allegations against Cleveland and Columbus business owner Bobby George, including charges of attempted murder, rape, strangulation, kidnapping and felonious assault. More than a year later, on Nov. 3, that case was resolved when George pleaded guilty to attempted strangulation of a woman he was dating at the time. The case was handled by a special prosecutor from Jefferson county, Jane Hanlin, who was assigned the case after Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael O'Malley recused himself to avoid the appearance of a conflict because he had accepted campaign donations from the George family. The difference between the initial charges presented and the final plea deal George entered into have raised questions about whether he was overcharged to begin with, or received a lenient deal due to wealth and influence. On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll examine the case with the special prosecutor who handled it. We invited George's defense attorneys, Kevin Spellacy and Diane Menashe, to take part in the conversation, but they didn't return our requests for interviews. Guests:- Jane Hanlin, special prosecutor on the Bobby George case- Retired judge Michael Donnelly, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice and adjunct professor for Cleveland State University School of Law- Terry Gilbert, Criminal defense attorney If you or someone you know is in need of support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), by texting "START" to 88788, and online at thehotline.org.

On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas, we'll explore the health insurance landscape, and why those who buy their insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace are seeing major spikes. Then, we will talk about public corruption and its impact. It's the focus of a cross-cultural dialogue happening in Cleveland this week. Health insurance premiums are rising nationwide The longest federal government shutdown in history finally ended last week after 43 days, but the matter at the center of the shutdown remains unresolved over the fate of the Affordable Care Act tax credits that help make health care more accessible for those buying insurance on their own through the marketplace. An extension of those tax credits was not included in President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," approved by lawmakers in July, so those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. A Senate vote has been promised for later this year as part of the deal to end the shutdown, but if there are no changes, millions of Americans are at risk of seeing very large spikes in their premiums or even losing insurance, if they can't afford it. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we're going to talk to experts about the cost of insurance going up for people on the marketplace, and even for those on employer plans. We'll also hear from people impacted by those costs and ask — where do we go from here? Guests: - Jaclyn Shlapack, Lorain Resident - Kathleen Cooke, Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits, CBIZ - Taylor Wizner, Health Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Emma Wager, Senior Policy Analyst, Program on the ACA, KFF Public corruption impacts economies and public trust It's estimated that trillions of dollars that would benefit the public are lost each year due to public corruption including bribery, embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion. Developed and emerging nations both must confront public corruption and the impact it can have on institutions and public trust. Tuesday in Cleveland, the topic of corruption and how to address it will be the focus of a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the Council for International Programs USA. It's a nonprofit organization founded in Cleveland by Dr. Henry Ollendorf, a Jewish refugee, to help train German social workers after World War II. The organization has grown globally with a mission to promote international understanding through professional development and cross-cultural exchange programs. The meeting and panel discussion will be hosted by the law firm of Jones Day. Among those taking part in the panel will be a delegation of prosecutors from the Romanian National Anticorruption Directorate brought to the United States by the Congressional Office of International Leadership to give emerging leaders from post-Soviet states firsthand exposure to the U.S. system of participatory democracy and free enterprise. The Council of International Programs USA will be recognized at the meeting by the Congressional Office of International Leadership for its decades of hosting international delegations in Cleveland and other U.S. cities. Guests: - Justin Herdman, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio - Veronica Dragalin, former Chief Prosecutor, Anti-corruption Prosecution Office, Republic of Moldova

On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll look at changes to sports betting in Ohio following the high-profile federal indictments of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on charges related to rigging bets on specific pitches, and explain the Cleveland Municipal Income Tax filing requirements that resulted in surprise audits for many longtime workers and residents in back-to-back "Law of the Land" segments. MLB, Ohio's Casino Control Commission and sports betting companies agree to regulation changes Federal indictments against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have rocked Major League Baseball and the sports betting world. In response to these charges of rigging bets on specific pitches, MLB worked together with the Ohio Casino Control Commission and sports betting companies to come up with mutually-agreed upon new regulations governing what's known as microprop bets, limiting them considerably compared to what was allowed before. In this installment of our series "Law of the Land," on Sound of Ideas, we'll explain the sports betting regulation changes, and look at the other legal problems that have come up surrounding betting in Ohio in both the NFL, involving famed Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, and NBA, related to allegations of faking an injury to help gamblers win against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is a former Shaker Heights High School basketball star, along with how and why the rules differ for college sports. Guests: - Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications for the American Gaming Association - Eric Chaffee, John C. Hutchins Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law - Joe Scalzo, Sports Business Journalist for Crain's Cleveland Business Cleveland Municipal Income Tax audits surprise longtime workers and residents Over the last several months, workers and residents in Cleveland received tax audit notices in the mail warning of potentially large fines from the Central Collection Agency, which is part of the City of Cleveland's Division of Taxation. The notices informed individuals they needed to submit income tax returns and other forms that many recipients had never heard of, telling them they may have earned income which is subject to Cleveland's Municipal Income Tax. We'll clear up the confusion on exactly what's required when it comes to paying and filing the city of Cleveland's employment and residence taxes, in Monday's installment of our "Law of the Land" series on "Sound of Ideas." Guest: -Mary Sasmaz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Accountancy at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management

The Guardians star closer Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz were indicted this week, charged with throwing pitches that bettors wagered would happen and profiting from the bets. Clase is accused of engaging in the enterprise for years and even texting and talking on the phone with a co-conspirator about it during a game. The FBI took Ortiz into custody Sunday in Boston. Federal agents took Clase into custody Thursday in New York. Each has been released on bond after entering pleas of not guilty to federal charges. We will begin the Friday's “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with investigation into Clase and Ortiz and the impact it could have on sports as well as laws governing betting in Ohio.

Northeast Ohio plant-based food lovers discuss the growing popularity of vegan foods and goods in the newest installment of our biweekly series, "The Menu."

Connecting skilled workers with in-demand and available jobs in Northeast Ohio can be challenging for businesses. Each year, Team NEO, a private, non-profit economic development organization focuses attention on the demand and supply imbalance in the region's workforce. This year, Team NEO's "Aligning Opportunities" report looked specifically at K-12 students and young adults and how they could factor into closing the talent gap regionally. We're going to talk about the report and the workforce landscape for young people in Northeast Ohio to begin Wednesday's “Sound of Ideas.” Later in the hour, we will hear from Dr. Amy Acton. She's currently running for the 2026 Democratic nomination for Ohio governor.

Retired Shaker Heights pediatrician and grandfather Dr. Arthur Lavin founded Grandparents for Vaccines to encourage child vaccination by sharing stories about deadly but preventable diseases.

A bevy of new bookstores have opened across Northeast Ohio over the past several years, in line with a national trend of growing demand for local retailers.

The Cleveland school board will decide, likely at its Dec. 9 meeting, whether to approve a massive consolidation plan presented this week by CEO Warren Morgan. The plan calls for closing 18 buildings, ending leases on five others and operating 29 fewer schools in the district. Some schools will relocate. Some, like Collinwood and Glenville high schools, will merge. Morgan said consolidation is needed because of a 50% decline in enrollment since the turn of the century, massive projected budget deficits and a desire to offer better services for students in a more concentrated district. We will begin the Friday “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with the school consolidation plan and discuss the rest of the week's news as well.

The American Heart Association has new guidance on choking response for infants, children and adults, and for treating individuals with suspected opioid overdose.

We will recap the 2025 election results with some of the winners and discuss levy and school board results in Northeast Ohio districts.

The ongoing federal shutdown means that some Head Start organizations have run out of money and are cutting services.

The future of food stamp benefits is uncertain as the federal government shutdown continues into its second month. We'll hear how leaders in Tuscarawas County are preparing for increased food insecurity.

SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, for roughly 1.4 million Ohioans could run out on Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues.

We'll talk to a national advocate and a leader from Cleveland's Joseph & Mary's Home about the challenges people experiencing homelessness face, and the organizations serving them.

Not all tariffs are created equally. Northeast Ohio business owners and an economics professor discuss the pros and cons of tariffs in the region.

Akron recently became the third city nationwide to join Work for America's "Spotlight City" initiative, a program aimed to hire displaced federal workers for jobs in local government.