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 scams
The 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 Lakefront
Burke 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

The city of Cleveland and the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation this week opened an online survey to get public input on how to use Burke Lakefront Airport's acreage if the airport is decommissioned.

Planners say they're open to all ideas for how to use the 450 acres of prime real estate.

But closing the airport, which Mayor Justin Bibb is pushing for, is not a done deal. City Council is holding committee hearings and needs to agree, and the feds must sign off.

The story begins our “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.”

It will also be the topic of our next Community Tour on March 4 at Burke Lakefront Airport.

A Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill that would punish colleges and universities that don't comply with Senate Bill 1 by withholding their state money. The law went into effect last June to remove what supporters say is “liberal bias" on campus. Among the law's many provisions is a ban on most diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. This new bill is touted as an accountability measure to assure schools are actually complying and not just checking a box.

Ohio is on track to join a number of states that have banned ranked choice voting. The House this week voted on a bill that prevents local governments from using the system.

We got more details this week about how the Akron School District will slash $11 million from its budget this year, with more to come, after the superintendent briefed the board of education this week.

The courts are still deciding whether Ohio can fund sports facilities, including the new Browns stadium, from the state's unclaimed funds account. But since the legislature voted to create a pool to fund not only the Browns stadium but others, the line is already out the door with sports teams seeking cash.

Guests:

-Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor for News, Ideastream Public Media

-Anna Huntsman, Akron-Canton Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

-Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Team NEO 2025 Performance & Impact Annual Report
The headline numbers from Team NEO's new 2025 jobs report include nearly 3,000 new jobs, more than $450 million in capital investments, and 92 business investments across Northeast Ohio.

The report also highlights the rollout of the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive Program, which offers businesses up to $15,000 for making successful hires in certain industries, with a focus on STEM and technical roles.

There's also the expansion of LayerZero, a manufacturer for power systems like data centers. The company is opening a new facility in Portage County that expects to create 535 new jobs.

At the same time, new federal trade policies could affect Northeast Ohio's economic outlook. A 10% U.S. tariff on most global imports took effect Tuesday, despite President Donald Trump's earlier pledge to set the rate at 15%.

And findings from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland say that tariffs are contributing to price increases across Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. Manufacturers and retailers add that their products cost more to make, so consumers are paying more.

On Thursday’s the “Sound of Ideas,” Team NEO CEO Matt Dolan joins the program to discuss what the report’s findings mean for Northeast Ohioans and the state economy.

Guest:
- Matt Dolan, CEO, Team NEO

2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees
Later in the hour, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees are here, and we'll discuss who made the cut. Of this year's 17 nominees, 10 are appearing on the ballot for the first time.

Here are the nominees:
- The Black Crowes
- Jeff Buckley
- Mariah Carey
- Phil Collins
- Melissa Etheridge
- Lauryn Hill
- Billy Idol
- INXS
- Iron Maiden
- Joy Division/New Order
- New Edition
- Oasis
- P!NK
- Sade
- Shakira
- Luther Vandross
- Wu-Tang Clan

Guest:
- Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

Shuffle
To close the program, we'll hear a new installment of "Shuffle."

Akron musician Brett Auerbach once drove 15 hours for a 30-minute gig. It was a gamble that helped launch his band, Rye Valley, onto national tours.

This week, Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with Auerbach about the journey, and how it led him to create a space for other songwriters in Northeast Ohio.

Guests:
- Amanda Rabinowitz, Host, Ideastream Public Media
- Brett Auerbach, Musician, Rye Valley

How did the State of the Union play in Northeast Ohio?

"Our nation is back," that was the topline message from President Donald Trump in his marathon and at times combative State of the Union speech Tuesday night.

The speech clocked in at 108 minutes, which broke his previous record set last year when his speech before Congress came in at 100 minutes.

Trump lavished praise on his administration and GOP lawmakers for their accomplishments of the last year.

He also openly scolded Democrats who were at the speech for failing to show any support. Some Democrats skipped the speech for a separate "Peoples' State of the Union" protest.

During the speech, the president chided the Supreme Court justices who were present. He's been openly critical of the 6-3 decision last week that went against him when the court ruled he exceeded his legal authority on tariffs.

The speech at times also played like an awards ceremony with several guests being honored, including bestowing the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the USA men's hockey team goalie. The team won gold over Canada at the Olympics last weekend.

Gold was also the message for voters and Americans too, as the midterm election cycle begins. The president described this as a new "golden age" for the United States.

Today, we will drill down on the speech and the politics of this moment as the midterm election cycle gets underway.

Guests:

- Tom Sutton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Political Science, formerly at Baldwin Wallace University

- Rob Walgate, President, American Policy Roundtable

-David Cohen, Ph.D., Professor of political science, Director of the Applied Politics Program, University of Akron

-Stephanie Howse-Jones, Cleveland City Council Member, Ward 8

We'll discuss the city and U.S. Department of Justice's decision to seek an end to the 11-year police consent decree. While police and city officials believe its time to return to local oversight, community members say they are concerned about reform progress.

The "Sound of Ideas" spoke with AI experts and took audience questions during a live event at the Ideacenter.

The city of Cleveland and the U.S. Department of Justice agree the city has done enough to be released from a consent decree imposed due to unconstitutional policing involving excessive force in 2015. They've asked a federal judge to sign off. The mayor says work still needs to be done, but the city should be in charge of it, not the feds.

The story begins our discussion of the week’s news on the “Sound of Ideas” Reporters Roundtable.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel filed a lawsuit this week claiming County Executive Chris Ronayne's office has no right to take over financial control of his department. It's the latest salvo in a long-standing conflict over spending in the sheriff's department, where overtime has ballooned.

Employees of Lorain County's Department of Job and Family Services went on strike Wednesday morning after contract talks failed to reach a new deal. The previous contract for employees, represented by United Auto Workers Local 2192, expired in September.

Ohio has expanded its quarantine for the spotted lanternfly to all counties in the state. The invasive species was first spotted in Ohio in 2020. State officials say there’s no need to report the bugs any longer. If you see one, squash it.

Two Ohio lawmakers want to punish people who don't heed crossing guards. House Bill 690 would also levy penalties for harassing, threatening or intimidating crossing guards.

A year-long celebration of Lorain native Toni Morrison began this week. Morrison, who once worked for the Lorain Public Library, was celebrated for her novels, children's books, and plays. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for her novel 'Beloved' - and this year's celebration shares that name.

Guests:

-Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

-Kabir Bhatia, Sr. Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

-Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV