Peptide Popularity

If you spend enough time on social media, chances are you've seen someone post about peptides and how they can be used for weight loss, help you recover from an injury and even keep that youthful glow to your skin.

The problem with those claims? They're often being made about synthetic peptide compounds, many of which are unregulated by scientific bodies in the United States.

Last month, an advisory panel for the Food and Drug Administration weighed in and recommended the FDA approve several new peptides for wider use. This was celebrated by those who advocate for the use of peptides, but some medical professionals are still warning about the use of these compounds, which they see as being understudied and under-regulated.

On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," guest host Drew Maziasz speaks with national health reporters about the latest FDA hearings, and what medical experts are saying about the growing use of peptides.

Guests:

- Céline Gounder, M.D., Editor at Large, KFF Heath News

- Christina Jewett, Reporter, The New York Times

'The Odyssey' and the Classics

"The Odyssey," the epic poem chronicling the Greek warrior Odysseus' 10-year quest to return home to his wife and child is over 2500 years old, but it clearly still grabs our attention.

That's evidenced by director Christopher Nolan's new take on the epic as it nears $1 billion at the box office.

To close the "Sound of Ideas," Drew Maziasz hears from several scholars on why the themes and ideas within "The Odyssey" still resonate with modern audiences.

We'll also hear what high school students think when they're assigned ancient works in the classroom, as well as how female authors are publishing new spins on Greek and Roman works.

Guests:

- Andrew Hosler, Latin Teacher, Shaker Heights High School

- Paul Iversen, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Classics, Case Western Reserve University

- Sarah Iles Johnston, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Religion, Department of Classics, The Ohio State University

East Cleveland officials are refusing to disclose how many police officers the city employs after denying social media claims that the department has only four active patrol officers and a single detective.

Ideastream Public Media reports outside estimates put the department at about six active-duty patrol officers, while the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office is providing supplemental patrols at the mayor's request. The staffing questions come as the city continues to recover from officer indictments and financial turmoil.

With Temporary Protected Status for Haitians now expired, thousands of Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio face uncertainty as legal challenges continue over whether they can remain and work in the U.S.

Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday he has not been informed of any plans for Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Ohio.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton is calling for a conditional moratorium on new data centers unless developers meet requirements including using union labor, meeting environmental standards and covering their own utility costs.

Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy supports expanding data centers while emphasizing self-supplied energy. The issue is likely to remain a focus of the governor's race as Ohio weighs the economic benefits of data centers against concerns about energy demand and local impacts.

County fairs in Summit and Cuyahoga counties are increasing security this year following the 2025 shooting of a 17-year-old in the Summit County Fair parking lot.

Officials say the changes include more law enforcement officers, enhanced screening, visible and plainclothes patrols, and closer coordination among local and state agencies.

We will discuss these stories and more news of the week on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.”

Guests:

- Matthew Richmond, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

- Michelle Jarboe, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland, WEWS

- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

East Cleveland officials are refusing to disclose how many police officers the city employs after denying social media claims that the department has only four active patrol officers and a single detective.

Ideastream Public Media reports outside estimates put the department at about six active-duty patrol officers, while the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office is providing supplemental patrols at the mayor's request. The staffing questions come as the city continues to recover from officer indictments and financial turmoil.

With Temporary Protected Status for Haitians now expired, thousands of Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio face uncertainty as legal challenges continue over whether they can remain and work in the U.S.

Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday he has not been informed of any plans for Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Ohio.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton is calling for a conditional moratorium on new data centers unless developers meet requirements including using union labor, meeting environmental standards and covering their own utility costs.

Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy supports expanding data centers while emphasizing self-supplied energy. The issue is likely to remain a focus of the governor's race as Ohio weighs the economic benefits of data centers against concerns about energy demand and local impacts.

County fairs in Summit and Cuyahoga counties are increasing security this year following the 2025 shooting of a 17-year-old in the Summit County Fair parking lot.

Officials say the changes include more law enforcement officers, enhanced screening, visible and plainclothes patrols, and closer coordination among local and state agencies.

We will discuss these stories and more news of the week on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.”

Guests:
- Matthew Richmond, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
- Michelle Jarboe, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland, WEWS
- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Ohio Congressman Max Miller seeks re-election while facing domestic abuse, drug use allegations

How would permanent daylight saving time impact Ohioans?
It is a common misconception that daylight saving time was created to give farmers an extra hour of sunlight for fieldwork. Its history goes much deeper.

During World War 1, the United States established the Standard Time Act of 1918, to modernize our time zones and require sunrise and sunset to happen later in warmer months. It was an effort to conserve fuel and energy – which we came to know as daylight saving time – and it was repealed after the war but reinstated in 1966 through the Uniform Time Act.

The system is up for debate again in today's Congress, with House Bill 139, called the "Sunshine Protection Act." This would make daylight saving time permanent. It's been passed by the U.S. House and now awaits consideration by the Senate. It's a topic that's often fiercely debated, tied to sleep cycles and safety concerns. And some people think our current system, while annoying to adjust our car clocks and microwaves two times a year, remains the best option.

On Wednesday’s “Sound of Ideas” we'll hear from health experts, a national reporter, and an education advocate on how daylight saving time affects our bodies and our communities, and the arguments for and against permanently changing our clocks.

Guests:
- Heather Trnka, Injury Prevention Manager, Akron Children's Hospital
- Scott Karlo, Executive Director, Ohio Public School Advocacy Network
- Dan Diamond, White House Reporter, Washington Post
- Swaroop Pinto, M.D., Director, Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Akron Children's Hospital

Cuyahoga County Public Library CEO
The Cuyahoga County Public Library has over 700,000 cardholders across its system with 27 branches located throughout Northeast Ohio.

While CCPL has been on the receiving end of plenty of national praise over the years, library systems across the country are facing unique challenges, from discussions about the reduction or elimination of property taxes, to continued pressures over the removal of controversial books and materials.

Jamar Rahming joined Cuyahoga County Public Library in August 2025, closing in on his one-year anniversary, and was just elected as the president of the Public Library Association, a nationwide library advocacy organization.

He spoke about his first year with CCPL, as well as the new elected position with the PLA.

Guest:
- Jamar O. Rahming, CEO, Cuyahoga County Public Library; President, Public Library Association

Cuyahoga County Council clash over elected sheriff proposal

Cuyahoga County is the only county in Ohio where the sheriff is appointed instead of elected.

The change came as part of the county's sweeping government overhaul following a public corruption scandal that led voters to approve a new county charter in 2009.

Supporters argued that making the sheriff an appointed position would strengthen oversight and accountability. But after years of turnover in the office, critics now question whether the system has delivered on those promises.

Tuesday on the “Sound of Ideas,” we'll explore the question: Should Cuyahoga County return to an elected sheriff?

We'll look at why the county adopted this system, how a revolving door of sheriffs over the past decade has fueled calls for change and the competing proposals now before the council.

Guest:
- Mark Puente, Staff Writer, The Marshall Project - Cleveland

Easy Day Away: Dayton and Yellow Springs

For those looking to travel without stretching their budget, we're spotlighting destinations within a short drive of Northeast Ohio in our series, "Easy Day Away."

Each destination can be enjoyed as a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. Last month, we featured New York's Chautauqua County, just over a two-hour drive from Cleveland.

In this installment, we're staying in Ohio to highlight Dayton and Yellow Springs, about a three-hour drive to the southwestern part of the state. Whether you're interested in exploring Dayton's history as the Birthplace of Aviation or taking a scenic hike to the Yellow Spring at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, these destinations offer a chance to experience what makes Ohio unique.

Guests:
- John Oney, President and CEO, Destination Dayton
- Nick Boutis, Executive Director, Glen Helen Association
- Carly Kumbusky, Taproom Manager, Yellow Springs Brewery

Cuyahoga County Council clash over elected sheriff proposal

Cuyahoga County is the only county in Ohio where the sheriff is appointed instead of elected.

The change came as part of the county's sweeping government overhaul following a public corruption scandal that led voters to approve a new county charter in 2009.

Supporters argued that making the sheriff an appointed position would strengthen oversight and accountability. But after years of turnover in the office, critics now question whether the system has delivered on those promises.

Tuesday on the “Sound of Ideas,” we'll explore the question: Should Cuyahoga County return to an elected sheriff?

We'll look at why the county adopted this system, how a revolving door of sheriffs over the past decade has fueled calls for change and the competing proposals now before the council.

Guest:
- Mark Puente, Staff Writer, The Marshall Project - Cleveland

Easy Day Away: Dayton and Yellow Springs

For those looking to travel without stretching their budget, we're spotlighting destinations within a short drive of Northeast Ohio in our series, "Easy Day Away."

Each destination can be enjoyed as a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. Last month, we featured New York's Chautauqua County, just over a two-hour drive from Cleveland.

In this installment, we're staying in Ohio to highlight Dayton and Yellow Springs, about a three-hour drive to the southwestern part of the state. Whether you're interested in exploring Dayton's history as the Birthplace of Aviation or taking a scenic hike to the Yellow Spring at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, these destinations offer a chance to experience what makes Ohio unique.

Guests:
- John Oney, President and CEO, Destination Dayton
- Nick Boutis, Executive Director, Glen Helen Association
- Carly Kumbusky, Taproom Manager, Yellow Springs Brewery

Ohio's property taxes help pay for things like public schools, parks, police departments and other local services, generating about $24 billion in revenue a year.

But homeowners have been feeling pinched lately, as some counties have seen double digit increases in property valuations leading to higher taxes for some. That has led to calls for reform, with one group hoping to eliminate property taxes entirely, with eyes now on the 2027 ballot, after failing to get a constitutional amendment proposal on this November's ballot.

Ideastream Public Media has been going to public libraries and community events this summer all across Northeast Ohio to learn about the issues that are driving people to vote, and we've heard over and over that property taxes are a key issue on the top of voters' minds.

That's why our newsroom recently took a weeklong deep dive into the issue called, "Ideastream Explores: Property Taxes."

On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," we're going to highlight some of that reporting. We'll learn about legislative reform efforts, how property taxes impact Ohio's farmers, and what would happen if funding for important resources like libraries and parks were changed. That's part of this special edition of the Sound of Ideas.

First, we'll learn more about the controversial movement to eliminate property taxes in the state with Ohio Statehouse News Bureau Chief Karen Kasler.

Then, we'll learn about how rising property taxes are impacting a distinct group of landowners — farmers. Ideastream's Richard Cunningham shares how farmers are faring in today's economic landscape, and we'll hear from a longtime farmer and head of the Ohio Farm Bureau, Bill Patterson.

Finally, we'll learn how reform or abolishment of property taxes could be devastating to the vast public services that rely on this revenue to fund their operations, including parks and libraries. We'll be joined by Ideastream Public Media's Kabir Bhatia and Zaria Johnson for this part of the conversation.

Guests:

- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

- Richard Cunningham, Engaged Journalism Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

- Bill Patterson, Co-owner, Patterson Farms & President, Ohio Farm Bureau

- Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts and Culture Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

- Zaria Johnson, Environmental Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

Ohio's race for governor is bringing competing visions for property tax relief into focus. Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton is proposing targeted relief for homeowners, including expanding the homestead exemption and creating an income-based property tax cap. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has called for dramatically reducing property taxes and has previously supported eliminating them altogether.

The Ohio EPA has abandoned a proposed statewide permit that would have allowed data centers to discharge wastewater under a single set of rules. Instead, the agency will require each facility to obtain an individual permit with a project-specific environmental review. The decision came after the agency received thousands of public comments raising concerns about potential impacts on Ohio waterways.

An investigation published this week by Mother Jones details allegations against U.S. Rep. Max Miller involving claims of domestic violence, drug use and threats. Miller, who is campaigning for reelection, has denied wrongdoing and challenged many of the allegations in court, while some related investigations remain ongoing.

Akron's Northside Marketplace will permanently close July 31 after its owners said mounting debt and financial challenges made the business unsustainable. The closure leaves more than 100 vendors searching for new locations. One vendor is encouraging others to sell their products at a similar store, The Mercantile Akron, which is expected to open soon downtown.

Wednesday marked the 230th anniversary of Cleveland's founding on July 22, 1796. Events across the city are celebrating Cleveland's history, neighborhoods and cultural legacy.

We will discuss these stories and more news of the week on the "Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable."

Guests:
- Anna Huntsman, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
- Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media
- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

School officials discuss importance of funding via property taxes and concerns over reform efforts

In May, only about one in three school levies in Ohio were approved in the primary, compared to the year previous when almost 2/3rds of levies were approved, causing some districts to wonder whether, among growing calls to reform or even abolish property taxes, voters are tiring of funding public education via tax hikes at the ballot box.

But most public schools rely on these levies and property taxes to fund essential services from salaries to building maintenance to future improvements.

Today, as our Ideastream Explores: Property Taxes series continues, we'll hear from local school leaders, a tax researcher and our education reporter, about the role property taxes play in funding Ohio's schools and what it could mean if they are reduced via reform. We'll also talk about the movement hoping to end property taxes entirely.

Guests:
- Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
- Sara Elaqad, Board Chair, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
- Scott Russ, Board President, Canton City School District
- Aditi Srivastava, Tax Researcher, Policy Matters Ohio

"The Menu: Grocery Stores"

Several weeks ago, it was announced that the Heinen's grocery store in Downtown Cleveland, located in the historic Cleveland Trust bank building, would be closing its doors.

The store reported that it lost $18 million over the 11 years it was open.

That closure means that Constantino's Market, which has been operating in the Warehouse District for just over 20 years, will be the sole grocery store serving Downtown residents.

The closure raises bigger questions about the profitability of grocery stores, how much of a population is required to keep a store afloat and the overall changing habits of shoppers.

That's the focus of this week's installment of "The Menu," Ideastream's series produced with Cleveland Magazine, focusing on the region's food scene.

Guests:
- Andrew Revy, CEO, Constantino's Market
- Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine
- Mark Rulli, Co-owner, Rulli Brothers Italian Markets and Grocery Stores