Sound of Ideas

"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.

Ohio law sees backlash from business owners As THC and CBD-infused drinks grow in popularity, especially among people looking for alternatives to alcohol, Ohio's new law restricting hemp-derived products is changing how and where those beverages can be sold. After voters approved recreational cannabis use in 2023, a number of small businesses across the state began selling THC drinks, with some seeing demand rival traditional beer and wine. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll discuss Senate Bill 56, signed in December and enacted in March, which makes selling hemp products like these illegal. At first, the law included a provision allowing THC beverages to continue being sold by breweries and retailers for a limited time. But Governor Mike DeWine used a line-item veto to remove that carveout, saying it could create confusion around how the products are regulated. The change has prompted legal challenges and created uncertainty for businesses that invested in the drinks, with some pulling products, cutting staff, shifting operations out of state or closing completely. And with a similar federal law set to take effect in November, the future of hemp products—and the businesses built around them—remains uncertain. Guests:- Brent Zimmerman, Founder and CEO, Saucy Brew Works- Steven Pauwels, Co-CEO, Great Lakes Brewing Company- Sarah Donaldson, Reporter/Producer, Statehouse News Bureau- Nick Marie, Owner, Buddy's Bud Co. How racial discrimination shapes the mental and physical health of youth of color Studies from the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry show that 90% of youth of color report encountering racial discrimination in their lifetime. Its impacts can shape their mental and physical health outcomes, but many families have found ways to help their children navigate those experiences by talking more openly about vulnerable topics and going to therapy. But experts say there are still gaps between how those conversations happen at home and how they are supported in clinical settings. A local lecture presented by the Case Western Reserve University Schubert Center for Child Studies will explore how families, providers and even new technologies can play a role in helping young people cope with race-related stress, and what more can be done to support their mental health. Later in the show, we'll get a preview of that conversation from this year's Kessler Freedheim Lecture speaker, Riana Elyse Anderson. Joining her for the conversation is Habeebah Rasheed Grimes, an expert in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive leadership. The two will be at the Tinkham Veale University Center Tuesday from noon to 1:30 pm. Register for the event at case.edu/schubertcenter. Guests:- Riana Elyse Anderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Columbia University, School of Social Work- Habeebah Rasheed Grimes, Founder/Principal Consultant, Habeebah Rasheed Grimes LLC

AquaMissions Every year in the United States there are over 4-thousand drowning deaths, making it the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Northeast Ohio, due to the proximity to Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River, there is even more reason to teach young people to swim. According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, in 2025 there were 19 drownings in Lake Erie. With summer fast approaching, the likelihood of accidental drownings increases. The nonprofit program, AquaMissions, now located at Cleveland State University, teaches kids ages 7 to 11 how to swim to help prevent accidental drownings. The "Sound of Ideas" is partnering with Cleveland State University student journalists this semester. On Tuesday's show, we'll highlight the work of Aquamissions with a segment produced by CSU's "Broadcast Pre-Production" class. Guests: - Lynne Nagy, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director, AquaMissions - Ronqesha Robinson, Assistant Principal, Rhodes College & Career Academy, Cleveland Metropolitan School District & Board Member, AquaMissions - Devyn Etling, AquaMissions Intern and Instructor & Senior, Cleveland State University - Misa Colon, AquaMissions Student & Fourth Grader, Garfield Elementary, Cleveland Metropolitan School District Artemis II Moon Mission On April 1, NASA launched its first moon-related mission since the 1970s, a 10-day mission with four crew members set to slingshot around the moon, and return to Earth. Monday, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen completed their lunar fly by, and with that, the Artemis II mission crew has traveled farther from Earth than any human in history. Now the four astronuats aboard the Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle, which they have nicknamed "Integrity," are making their way back for a splash down in San Diego planned for Friday night. As they say at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, "the road to the moon goes through Ohio." We'll talk to NASA Glenn's human exploration chief on Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas" to talk about this mission and the Artemis program in general. Guest: - Aaron Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Human Exploration and Space Operations Projects, NASA Glenn Research Center CIFF Turns 50 The 50th Cleveland International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday. While the event has remained one of Northeast Ohio's cultural touchstones, it's also undergone several big changes in the past few years, most notably shifting home venues. And while the festival continues to evolve with this year's 50th iteration, it once again offers hundreds of screenings to cinephiles who will be in attendance. Guest: - Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

Women's Hormonal HealthEndometriosis can be a painful and sometimes debilitating chronic disease in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. According to the Yale school of medicine, even though it is one of the most common women's health conditions, affecting 1 in 10 women worldwide, it is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed. It can take between four and 11 years for women to receive a correct diagnosis, according to the American Medical Association, and it has no cure. There are a host of other conditions that women navigate that experts say are under researched and misunderstood, including polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, which is a common hormonal disorder, impacting 10% to 13% of women, that can lead to irregular or painful periods, weight gain, among other issues. According to the Society for Women's Health Research, almost half of women saw three or more clinicians before being diagnosed. And it is estimated that up to 70% of women with PCOS do not know they have it. Both endometriosis and PCOS are associated with fertility challenges. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," an expert in women's health helps us better understand these conditions and others. We'll learn why it can be so difficult to receive a diagnosis, as well as what treatment options are available. We'll hear directly from patients, who will share how these diseases have, in some cases, completely upended their lives. Guests:- Rachel Pope, M.D., OB/GYN & Chief of Female Sexual Health, University Hospitals- Megan Clarke, Patient with endometriosis- Megan Gallager, Patient who had thyroid removed twice- Sarah Lackney, Patient with uterine fibroids The Menu: New foods at Progressive FieldTomorrow is Opening Day for the Cleveland Guardians, and at Progressive Field, fans will find more than just a new roster. The stadium is rolling out a new lineup of food, local partnerships and updated spaces. It's also drawing national attention, ranking fourth on USA Today's "10 Best" list for baseball stadium food. Voters highlighted Cleveland favorites, from pierogi and sausages to the Slider Dog topped with Froot Loops, bacon and mac and cheese. This season also brings expanded collaborations with local spots like Good Company, STEAK, Aladdin's, and Sauce the City. Concession areas are getting a refresh as well, with the Arcade Marketplace shifting to a grab-and-go format and the former Fat Head's space reopening as The Landing, a self-checkout market and gathering spot. "The Menu" is our biweekly segment on Northeast Ohio's food scene, produced in collaboration with Cleveland Magazine. Guests:- Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine- Julia Licastro, Vice President of Operations and Partner, Hangry Brands- Rachelle Murphy, Culinary Director, Seasoned Brands

Summit County Judge Susan Baker Ross declared a mistrial in the state bribery case against two former FirstEnergy executives after a jury failed to reach a verdict. The trial began in January with jury selection and included weeks of testimony and exhibits. The jury deliberated over the course of nine days before telling the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked. The judge declared a mistrial the next day. The state has already said it plans to retry the case. The story begins our discussion of the week’s news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” The families of two innocent bystander women killed in separate high-speed pursuits by the former Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Downtown Safety Patrol have sued the county. According to a report from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, by the end of last year, 14 of the state's 88 counties had agreements to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts or the U.S. Marshalls Service. The crew of Artemis II is on its third full day of its 10-day mission, lifting off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. The mission is another step toward an anticipated lunar landing in 2028 with a goal of establishing a permanent lunar base. Get ready, drivers. The official state flower of Ohio, the Orange Barrel Blossom, are blooming on roads everywhere. The Ohio Department of Transportation announced a slate of highway projects, including $3.4 billion in new ones and the continuation of several multi-year projects. Pothole season is well underway and it's busy. On April 2, a giant hole on Interstate 90 kept poaching tires. Off the highways, Cleveland's roads are more of a minefield than ever. Ideastream Public Media Reporter Abbey Marshall crunched numbers and found more than 1,500 pothole repair requests this year, up 50% from last year. A grassroots effort to ban data centers in Ohio cleared another procedural hurdle yesterday when the Ohio Ballot Board approved proposed amendment language. The group now needs to gather more than 400,000 valid signatures, drawn from at least half of Ohio’s counties to make the November ballot. Guests: - Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media - Gabriel Kramer, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Early voting for the May primary and the SAVE Act The Ohio Primary will be decided May 5 when voters choose the party candidates for a number of races including Ohio governor where Vivek Ramaswamy is the leader on the Republican ticket and Amy Acton is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket, while Don Kissick is running on the Libertarian ticket. Other statewide offices as well as federal, statehouse and judicial races are on the ballot. And voters in some areas will also decide school and other issues. The voter registration deadline is Monday, April 6. Early voting, both in-person and by mail, begins on April 7. And now is the time for voters to check on their registration and decide how they plan to vote. Ohio Secretary of State web siteDirectory of Ohio county boards of electionsEarly voting calendar and hours During this primary cycle, there is also talk in Washington of hardening voter registration and voting rules, including adding a proof of citizenship requirement. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or SAVE Act is being discussed in the U.S. Senate. It's already passed the U.S. House. While we don't know if that legislation will pass or if lawmakers will hammer out changes to it, the media coverage may have confused some voters for this primary. On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we will talk about registering and voting in the May primary and how the SAVE Act could impact access to voting if it passed. Guests:- Jen Miller, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Ohio- Aaron Ockerman, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Election Officials

Northeast Ohio Iranian community members react to ongoing war, talks of a ceasefire The war in Iran began just over a month ago, when airstrikes launched by the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country for more than three decades. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named successor soon after. At least 1,900 Iranians have been killed since the war began, according to Iran's Health Ministry. On the U.S. side, 13 service members were killed, and more than 300 have been injured. Efforts to end the conflict remain uncertain. The U.S. has proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan, but Iranian officials have rejected it, calling the terms unrealistic. Last weekend, Pakistan's foreign minister announced that his country is willing to facilitate peace talks between the two nations. But beyond the headlines, the war is being felt deeply in Northeast Ohio. The region is home to a vibrant and longstanding Iranian American community that shares its culture through traditions such as local Ramadan festivities and One World Day. This year, Cleveland also hosted its first Nowruz, or Persian New Year, celebration at City Hall. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll turn to members of that community to hear how they are processing this moment — balancing ties to their heritage, concern for loved ones abroad and life here in the U.S. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, one of our guests will be referenced by their first name only. Guests:- Mohammad Sohrabi, Northeast Ohio Resident- Hengameh Arjomandi, MBA Candidate, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University- Manouchehr, Northeast Ohio Resident Tax deadline nears Tomorrow is April, which in addition to the anticipated "April showers," means that Tax Day is approaching on April 15 — and there are some changes to take note of. For instance, a growing number of filers are facing tax refund delays amid the Internal Revenue Service's decision to phase out paper checks. And we'll talk about the change to "no tax on tips" in which some filers will be able to deduct up to $25,000 of tips from federal income taxes. Guest:- Alexis Kim, Tax Lawyer & Partner, Thompson Hine LLP

How Ohio is failing to stop drug smuggling and overdose deaths in state prisons Drug-related prison rule violations doubled in Ohio, from 2020 to 2024. It's a problem that leaders say is representative of the greater communities we all live in, but the outside world isn't subject to the same controls that incarcerated people are supposed to be subject to. A year-long investigation by journalists with the Marshall Project Cleveland and the Columbus Dispatch has revealed the alarming extent to which Ohio prison officials are failing at stopping drugs from being smuggled inside, and how those drugs are leading to inmate deaths. On the "Sound of Ideas" on Monday, we talk with those journalists and hear from some of their interviewees, including people who are currently serving sentences for their roles in Ohio's prison drug trade. Guests:- Doug Livingston, Staff Writer, Marshall Project Cleveland- Laura Bischoff, Ohio Politics and State Government Reporter, Columbus Dispatch- Alex Krotulski, Ph.D., Director of Toxicology & Chemistry, Center for Forensic Science Research and Education How prison gerrymandering impacts voting districts and what rights incarcerated people have when it comes to voting Voting rights experts say people who are incarcerated have been incorrectly represented by their governments for decades due to a practice called "prison gerrymandering," by which the Census counts individuals as residents of correctional facilities, rather than their homes prior to incarceration. Research shows this tends to boost the political power of districts that contain prisons, often in rural areas, and decrease the political power of urban communities and communities of color. On the "Sound of Ideas" on Monday, we dive into the issue of prison gerrymandering and voting rights for incarcerated people, in the latest installment of our "Law of The Land" series. Guests:- Emilia Sykes, Democrat, U.S. Representative for Ohio's 13th District- Kareem Crayton, the Brennan Center for Justice's Vice President for Washington, D.C.

Preliminary ideas were released this week by the North Coast Waterfront Development Corp. outlining possible uses for Burke Lakefront Airport if it is decommissioned, a move supported by the mayor and county executive. A large lakefront park. Walking trails. A downtown campground. Hotels. Perhaps a nine-hole golf course. Are these transformative ideas? Nothing close to a formal proposal has emerged. In Akron, a master plan is now in place for redevelopment of the abandoned Innerbelt, which bisected a once-thriving Black neighborhood decades ago. The plan would restore the area as a neighborhood, with 4,500 new homes and space for local businesses. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are now patrolling terminals at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, deployed as funding for the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration remains in flux amid a congressional dispute. However, Hopkins has not experienced the disruptions seen at other airports, such as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson. It is also unclear what role the agents are playing in Cleveland. The Ohio House voted to ban drag performances in locations where children may be present, effectively ending events such as library drag story hours. Meanwhile, the Ohio Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of House Bill 68, which bans gender-affirming medications and non-surgical treatments for transgender minors. The law passed in 2023 and took effect in 2024 after the Legislature overrode Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto. Guests: - Zaria Johnson, Environment Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Josh Boose, Supervising Producer - Newscasts, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public/Radio TV

Cleveland photographer captures women expressing rage in public Many psychological studies have shown that when men outwardly express anger, it's generally perceived as showing strength and power. But when women do it, it's often viewed as being difficult or out of control, so many women have learned to bottle their rage, for fear of social repercussions. During a personal struggle, photographer Christina Ramirez felt like she couldn't voice her frustrations, and realized if she felt stifled, others might too, so she invited others who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) regardless of how they identify today to join her in what became "the rage project." On Thursday's episode of the "Sound of Ideas," we're exploring "the rage project" sessions where Ramirez takes photos of her subjects displaying their anger in public places. She's now in the process of photographing round four of the project. Guests:- Christina Ramirez, Photographer, Creator of Cleveland's "the rage project"- Carrie Williams, "the rage project" subject- Samantha Cocco, "the rage project" subject- Shayla Redding, "the rage project" subject Playhouse Square announces 2026-27 Broadway season Cuba, Hogwarts and Greece are just a few of the places you can go next season with Playhouse Square. The 2026-2027 KeyBank Broadway Series unveiled Wednesday includes a pair of jukebox musicals and a revival alongside some of the Great White Way's most popular shows from the past decade. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," Ideastream Public Media's Kabir Bhatia previews what you can snag tickets to, while they're still available, with Playhouse Square's Senior Vice President of Programming David Greene. Guests:- Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- David Greene, Senior Vice President, Programming, Playhouse Square Two Northeast Ohio musicians bring unfinished ideas to life Two longtime Northeast Ohio folk artists, Gretchen Pleuss and Adam Reifsnyder, are reuniting to take care of some unfinished business. On this week’s "Shuffle," Ideastream Public Media’s Amanda Rabinowitz shares the story of their creative partnership. Guests:- Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered," Ideastream Public Media- Gretchen Pleuss, Artist- Adam Reifsnyder, Artist

Foster parents needed in Cuyahoga, Summit Counties There are more than 14,000 children currently in foster care across Ohio, down from a record high of 17,000 in 2020, according to the state Department of Children and Youth. Foster care can play a critical role in supporting children and families during times of crisis, but the number of available foster parents has declined in recent years. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're talking about what's driving that trend — including economic pressures like the ongoing affordability crisis — and what it takes to become a foster parent in Cuyahoga and Summit counties. We'll also hear about existing support systems for foster families and the impact they can have on children in need. Guests:- Karin Austin, Social Program Administrator, Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services- Traci Foley, Director, Placement Services Department, Summit County Children Services- Kathleen Paydo, Foster Parent, Summit County- Kathy DiVincenzo, Executive Director & Founder, Honey from the Rock (Cleveland Foster Care Closet) Cleveland Humanities Festival: FREEDOM to Play Recreation and play are essential to children’s health and development, but not all communities have equal access to safe, well-resourced spaces. As part of the 2026 Cleveland Humanities Festival, an upcoming panel conversation titled “FREEDOM to Play” will examine how these disparities, along with the over-policing of Black and brown youth, shape childhood experiences. The discussion will also explore how recreational freedom influences children’s mental and emotional health and their overall sense of self. This year’s festival is co-sponsored by the Schubert Center for Child Studies and the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities. Guest:- Harrison Pinckney IV, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management, Penn State University

On Jan. 22, the Trump Administration held a ceremony to launch the Board of Peace, a new international organization designed to implement peace in Gaza and other conflict areas.  Some have described the organization as President Donald Trump’s alternative to the United Nations, which he has repeatedly criticized. So far, 24 countries have signed up, although none of the signatories are America’s traditional allies. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear the latest installment of "Talking Foreign Policy," our quarterly series in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University, host Michael Scharf and a panel of experts discuss the implications of President Trump's Board of Peace. They'll also discuss how the current war with Iran impacts the mission of the Board of Peace. Does that conflict stand in contrast with President Trump's attempts at a global peace? Guests:- Michael Scharf, President, The American Branch of the International Law Association; Former Dean, Case Western Reserve University School of Law- Harold Hongju Koh, Professor & Former Dean of Yale School of Law; Former Assistant Secretary, The U.S. Department of State- Milena Sterio, Distinguished University Professor, Cleveland State University College of Law; Managing Director, The Public International Law & Policy Group- Leila Sadat, Professor, Washington University School of Law; Board Chair, The American Branch of the International Law Association- Jessica Peake, Director, The International and Comparative Law Program, UCLA School of Law

Canton native seeks to find out if a relationship with a younger man can work for her on Netflix's age-based dating show, "Age of Attraction" When it comes to love, is age just a number? A new Netflix dating show, "Age of Attraction," is trying to answer that question by giving people the opportunity to connect while at a beautiful resort in Canada, without revealing their ages. On Monday's episode of the "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk with participant and Canton native Vanessa Drozda, 50, about her experience with this social experiment. According to the Pew Research Center, heterosexual married couples are trending toward becoming closer in age. But just because it might not be resulting in marriage for most people, doesn't mean Americans aren't exploring relationships with people in different age brackets. An Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Cougar Life in 2024 showed that many American adults have been in relationships with an age-gap of 10 or more years. That was Vanessa's experience while starring on the show, as she turned 50 a few months ago, and is seen on the show dating Logan Goodrid, who is twenty years younger than her. Guest:- Vanessa Drozda, Salon owner and "Age of Attraction" participant Clevelanders test theory that love can bloom without initial physical attraction on Netflix's "Love Is Blind" Netflix's "Love Is Blind " is a long -running dating show where people get a chance to try to connect without seeing each other in person, and two Clevelanders gave it a shot on the most recent season featuring an all-Ohio cast. What happens when you like what you hear from someone, before you can put a face to their name? On Monday's edition of the "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk with Clevelanders Michael Gibney and Ashley Carpenter who lived this reality, and neither ended up saying "I do" to their matches on the show after coming face to face. Guests:- Michael Gibney, Sales manager, "Love Is Blind" participant- Ashley Carpenter, Claims manager, "Love Is Blind" participant First 50 years of Apple technology explored by Shaker Heights native and journalist David Pogue in latest book As the Apple company approaches 50 years in business on April 1, a new book by Shaker Heights native and author David Pogue explores its ongoing legacy. The CBS News Sunday Morning correspondent returns to the "Sound of Ideas" on Monday to talk about his book, "Apple: The First 50 Years," which covers how Apple launched from humble beginnings in Cupertino, California and went on to shape our relationship with technology through the iPod and iPhone devices. Pogue will be discussing his book at the City Club of Cleveland this Friday. Guest:- David Pogue, Author, "Apple: The First 50 Years"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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