Sound of Ideas

Ideastream Public Media
  • 4.7 (33)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Daily

The "Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's weekday morning news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio.

  1. 3h ago

    Should cities ban data centers? Residents cite environmental harm, others claim economic growth

    With the rise in use of artificial intelligence, the data center industry is booming across the country, and right here in Ohio. So many data center plans are underway in our state that Ohio has given up about $2 billion in tax breaks to these projects over the last two years alone. This is a far cry from the original estimate that the break would be closer to $266 million, leading Gov. Mike DeWine to put a pause on the incentive program just last week. Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll dive into how companies are rushing into Ohio to try to set up shop, while concerned citizens are pushing for moratoriums and even bans on these facilities. They share concerns legitimized by environmental and energy experts about the impact operating these facilities will be on our air and water quality and whether our existing power grid can handle what data centers require. There's also the concern of whether this industry which supports the advancement of AI will result in fewer jobs in the region. Meanwhile, places like New Albany, Ohio seem to have figured out how to coexist with this technology in a way that benefits the area. And Greater Cleveland Partnership has released a set of guidelines they believe communities should consider, while trying to determine whether any kind of data center is right for them before putting blanket bans in place. What is the right approach, to balance economic growth and protecting our planet? We'll try to answer that question with a panel of experts, concerned citizens and industry insiders. Guests: -Miranda Leppla, Director, Environmental Law Clinic, Case Western Reserve University School of Law -Jonathan Steirer, Interim Director, Great Lakes Energy Institute -Baiju Shah, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership -Michael Miller, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Park Place Technologies -Will Hollingsworth, Concerned Citizen, Ravenna Resident

    52 min

  2. 1d ago

    How cities like Cleveland, Akron are preparing for summer surge in gun violence

    Gun violence tends to surge during the summer months, and though gun violence in Cleveland dropped by 24% from 2023 to 2024, the city's latest available data, children are still most at risk to die by gun violence. Firearms have been the leading cause of death in teens and children nationwide since 2020. Many major cities around Northeast Ohio have invested a lot into their efforts to reduce gun violence. Cleveland developed its 2026 Summer Safety Plan, which includes citizen outreach, violence interruption programs and street repairs. Last year, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said the city's Violence Intervention & Prevention Strategic Plan helped to reduce gun violence through programs like the Akron Street Team, which meets with those at high risk of engaging in future violence. Additionally, Cleveland Public Library partnered with the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention and other community partners to provide gun safes and locks to promote gun safety practices. However, some don't think that's enough. After a tragic shooting on Cleveland's west side killed three people this weekend, City Councilman Mike Polensek is calling for a "show of force" from law enforcement. On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk about gun violence in Northeast Ohio, and how government and community partners are working together to make neighborhoods safer this summer. Guests:- Daniel Flannery, Ph.D., Professor & Director, Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Case Western Reserve University- Myesha Watkins, Administrator, Office of Violence Prevention, Cuyahoga County- Eufrancia Lash, President, 100 Black Men of Akron

    52 min

  3. 2d ago

    Attorney General Dave Yost's time in office comes to an end

    Attorney General Dave Yost reflects on 25 years in Ohio politics This is Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's final week in office. He announced last month he is stepping down to take a job as the vice president of strategy for the Christian, conservative legal group, the Alliance Defending Freedom. Yost could not run for re-election to the attorney general office because of term limits. He planned to challenge for the Republican nomination for governor, but the Ohio GOP and President Donald Trump threw support to Vivek Ramaswamy early on in the process effectively ending Yost's primary chances. He leaves with six months left in his term. Gov. Mike DeWine tapped Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson to serve out the rest of Yost's term. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear from Ideastream's Statehouse News Bureau Chief Karen Kasler, who recently sat down with Yost for an exit interview for the "State of Ohio" on WVIZ-PBS. Yost reflected on his quarter-century in Ohio politics, why he decided it was time to leave for the private sector and why this opportunity was the right one for him. Guests:- Dave Yost, Attorney General, State of Ohio- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau New research predicts rising temperatures will increase heat-related heart disease Extreme heat can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other serious cardiovascular events, particularly among older adults and people with existing heart conditions. As summer temperatures begin to climb across much of the country, researchers are taking a closer look at what that could mean for public health. A new study from Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and the Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center projects that as climate change leads to more frequent extreme heat events, heat-related heart disease could increase by 200% nationwide over the next 25 years. To end the hour, we'll talk with two of the researchers behind the study about what they found, who could be most affected and what can be done to reduce the risks. Guests:- Gokul Parameswaran, Research Associate, Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University- Salil Deo, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

    51 min

  4. 3d ago

    Two new plans may reshape Cleveland near Downtown

    University Circle Master Plan University Circle is one of Northeast Ohio's most valuable assets, home to cultural institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Hall, while bringing in thousands of visitors to the region each year. But problems with the layout of the area have created barriers to visitors and residents alike. Confusing traffic patterns, as well as dangerous intersections are seen as something in dire need of fixing by University Circle Incorporated. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk with Kate Borders, president of UCI about the organization's new master plan for the district and hear from long-time art and architecture critic Steve Litt, who will weigh in on the circle's assets and challenges. We'll also hear from the heads of several of the institutions that are located within University Circle. Guests: - Steve Litt, Freelance Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Kate Borders, President, University Circle Incorporated - Joel Alpern, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Cleveland Botanical Gardens/ Holden Forests and Gardens - Kathryn Heidemann, President & CEO, Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland Midline Project Later in the program we look at another development project, the Cleveland Midline, which aims to revitalize hundreds of acres east of downtown. Brad Whitehead from Site Readiness For Good Jobs Fund will explain how the project is targeting a business corridor, looking to tear down old buildings, remediate land and potentially bring thousands of new jobs to the city. Guests: - Steve Litt, Freelance Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Brad Whitehead, Managing Director, Site Readiness For Good Jobs Fund

    52 min

  5. 6d ago

    https://www.ideastream.org/show/sound-of-ideas/2026-05-29/gov-dewine-suspends-sales-tax-break-for-data-centers-reporters-roundtable

    Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has paused a sales tax break for data centers after the state Department of Taxation underestimated the cost of the exemption by nearly $1.6 billion. Cleveland is looking to invest in housing in the historically redlined East Side neighborhoods of Hough, Central and St. Clair-Superior by combining public funds and foundation money. Akron’s first civic assembly focused on housing solutions has come to an end. Delegates approved nine recommendations, including zoning reform and a proposed housing docket in Akron Municipal Court that would track housing cases and disputes. After 72 years, the Senior Players Championship will play its final round at Akron's Firestone Country Club in July. The tournament is moving to California, a financial blow to Northeast Ohio. At its new location, Newport Beach Country Club, the tournament will be played March 25-28 instead of during the summer. And midges are back in Northeast Ohio. They hatched this week as Lake Erie water temperatures reached 60 degrees, but their stay will not last long. Once they emerge from the water, their sole goal is to reproduce before dying just a few days later. These stories and more will be part of this week’s discussion on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests: - Anna Huntsman, Akron/Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

    54 min

  6. May 28

    Unraveling fraud allegations targeting Ohio's Medicaid system

    Ohio Medicaid Fraud Allegations For months, there have been headlines coming out of Minnesota that millions of dollars have been taken from taxpayers through Medicaid fraud. Now, there are claims that Ohio's Medicaid system has also been taken advantage of, particularly as it relates to how individuals are providing in-home caregiving. The issue is also being politicized, with Vice President JD Vance weighing in, as well as the leading gubernatorial candidates speaking out on the campaign trail. On Tuesday Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director, Dr. Mehmet Oz was in suburban Columbus calling for reforms to the state's medicaid system. To begin Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll dissect some of those fraud allegations, and wade into the political attacks being levied by lawmakers. Guests: - Tara Britton, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, The Center for Community Solutions - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau "The Menu: The Flats Evolves" Then, we shift our gaze to the banks of the Cuyahoga River, and the swaths of land in Downtown Cleveland known as The Flats. That area has seen plenty of change over the decades, with new restaurants opening and closing seemingly ever year. We'll speak with a business owner and a chef who have recently rebranded establishments on the east bank and west bank of The Flats. Guests: - Ryan Boone, Executive Chef, Shooters - Bobby Rutter, COO, Forward Hospitality Group

    52 min

  7. May 27

    Northeast Ohio senior citizens discuss loneliness, connection and aging

    The World Health Organization has flagged loneliness and social isolation as a major public health concern especially for older adults. The organization says about 100 deaths per hour worldwide can be attributed to poorer health outcomes associated with loneliness. In the U.S., the over 65 demographic is growing rapidly. COVID-19 prevention measures and other factors such as financial constraints and the gap in digital access for this age group have exacerbated the issue. We've been exploring isolation and loneliness across other demographics such as young adults and new parents over the last few weeks. During one of those conversations, Jim in Massillon emailed us to say: "Not sure if there will be a second panel... but, hello, the danger point for most people is after the working life, when work-related 'friendships' go away. That is, late 50s to mid-60s and beyond." We heard your thoughts and we appreciate the comment, Jim. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas" we'll talk to representatives from social groups around Northeast Ohio that are working to help older adults build connection and community. Guests:- De'Neitra Brown, iConnect Director, Greater Cleveland Neighborhood Centers Association- Amanda Lathia, M.D., Division Chief, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, UH Cleveland Medical Center- Eleanor Bergholz, Author, "When Knitting Becomes Nurture"- Terry Vaiksnoras, Volunteer, Lake County Phone Pals- Kathey Fury, Participant, Lake County Phone Pals

    51 min

  8. May 26

    Keeping the economic heart of rock and roll alive in Cleveland

    Cleveland is known as the birthplace of rock and roll, as in the 1950s DJ Alan Freed coined the phrase. The city is stands at the center of iconic rock moments, from The Beatles' first concert in 1964 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, to David Bowie's 1972 Ziggy Stardust U.S. debut. The region is home to rockers like The James Gang, Devo, The Black Keys, Nine Inch Nails, and more. But with all that history, the live music ecosystem continues to face challenges. Rising costs for artists, venues, and consumers have stretched budgets across the board. Reporting from last show shows that only 25% of independent music venues were able to turn a profit. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we bring you a recent City Club of Cleveland conversation the looks back at the history of music in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, as well as asks what the future holds for our region. Guests: - Greg Harris, President and CEO, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum - Sean Watterson, Co-Owner, The Happy Dog; President, Ohio Chapter, Independent Venue Association - Annie Zaleski, Music Journalist

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

The "Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's weekday morning news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio.

Information

  • Creator
    Ideastream Public Media
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    532
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ideastream
  • Show Website
    Sound of Ideas

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