Ideastream launches new series exploring property taxes

"Ideastream Explores" Launches Property taxes generate roughly $24 billion annually for local governments and help finance schools, police and fire departments, infrastructure, parks, libraries, and more throughout Ohio. These taxes have become essential for the operation of those services but have also become a financial strain for many across the state. The outcry against that financial burden became so loud, that a group - Ax Ohio Tax - attempted to collect enough signatures to put an initiative to abolish property taxes statewide on November's ballot. Last month, we learned that the group didn't collect enough signatures, but that doesn't mean the conversation about property taxes is over. Monday, Ideastream launches a week of reporting through the 'Ideastream Explores' series digging into property taxes. We learn more about that endeavor on Monday's "Sound of Ideas." Guests: - Justin Glanville, Deputy Editor - Engaged Journalism, Ideastream Public Media Property Tax Legislation After learning about the 'Ideastream Explores' series, we talk to a lawmaker who's been working on legislation addressing property taxes. Rep. David Thomas (R) joins the program to talk about his experience in the state legislature working on bills at the Statehouse to provide some relief to property owners. Guests: - David Thomas, State Representative – District 65 (R) CIFF Shakeup We close show with a look at a leadership change at the Cleveland International Film Festival. This month, the head of CIFF, Hermione Malone, resigned, following a controversial two years in office. The Detroit native's reign included multiple accusations of workplace toxicity. She attributed claims made in 2025 to change in leadership, and said that staff needed to "recalibrate." She also strongly refuted recent claims of verbal and emotional abuse by a former staffer made in April. Guests: - Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media