Sound of Ideas

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is considering commuting multiple death sentences before leaving office in January. The Ohio Parole Board will review cases from at least 10 counties. DeWine said he will consider each case individually and state law requires a parole board recommendation before he can commute a death sentence. Ohio lawmakers have approved legislation changing how the state regulates firearm suppressors, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns. If signed by Gov. DeWine, Senate Bill 214 would remove the items from Ohio’s classification of “dangerous ordnance,” allowing people to legally acquire, possess and use them without separate state registration. The measure would align state law with a recent federal policy change ending enforcement of certain registration requirements under the National Firearms Act. Ohio has reported 310 confirmed measles cases since January, with Ashtabula, Geauga and Wayne counties accounting for roughly half the total. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 5,100 cases in 47 U.S. jurisdictions, prompting an international review that could result in the United States losing its measles-elimination status, which it has held since 2000. Health officials say two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective against the disease. Bedrock, Rock Entertainment Group and Live Nation have broken ground on a 6,200-seat outdoor amphitheater along the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland. The venue is expected to open in summer 2028, hosting national touring acts, local musicians, concerts and festivals, with Live Nation overseeing operations. Developers say the project is expected to generate $59 million in annual economic impact and create about 350 jobs. We'll discuss these stories and more on the Friday Reporters Roundtable hosted by Mike McIntyre. Guests: - Zaria Johnson, Environment Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Michelle Jarboe, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland, WEWS - Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Measles cases are continuing to rise across the country, with more than 5,100 confirmed cases reported in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and New York City. Last week, New York and Wisconsin each reported their first measles-associated deaths in more than 30 years. Both victims were infants. In Ohio, the Department of Health reports at least 310 cases across 25 counties. Ashtabula and Wayne counties have the highest numbers. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Symptoms most often include a fever and rash. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine, the disease was largely contracted by infants. Today, cases are being reported across all age groups, including adolescents and adults. The Pan American Health Organization, a United Nations agency, is now reviewing whether the United States should lose its measles-elimination status in light of this increase in cases. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," hosted by Stephanie Haney, we'll explore what to look out for this cold and flu season and what these trends tell us about the greater spread of infectious disease. Guest:- Claudia Hoyen, M.D., Director of Pediatric Infection Control, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's

From Neapolitan, deep dish, and thin crust to late-night- by-the-slice, there's a style of pizza for just about every occasion and preference. And pizza lovers can rejoice, as Cleveland Pizza Week is officially underway. This week there are a bevy of establishments offering deals on pies. On this week's installment of The Menu on the Sound of Ideas hosted by Stephanie Haney, we talk all things pizza. The Menu is our bi-weekly look at Northeast Ohio's food scene which we do in conjunction with the folks at Cleveland Magazine. Guests: - Dillon Stewart, Editorial Director, Cleveland Magazine - Christina Rufo, Editorial Assistant, Cleveland Magazine

Editor's note: On Thursday's episode of the "Sound of Ideas," we'll be addressing the topic of child sexual abuse and how attempted and alleged perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice. If you or someone you know may need support related to sexual abuse or violence, you can reach the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network's sexual assault hotline by calling 1-800-656-HOPE or texting the word HOPE to 64673. You can also chat online through their website at RAINN.org. In today's internet culture, citizen journalism is everywhere. We often see everyday people who don't work for traditional media outlets documenting notable events and livestreaming heated altercations from their personal social media pages. But what happens when the documenters become part of the story, by taking matters into their own hands to try to execute what they deem to be justice? On Thursday's episode of the "Sound of Ideas" hosted by Stephanie Haney, we'll learn about several men in Cleveland who have being doing just that, in the name of trying to prevent sexual abuse of children. Kevin Fisher, Zac Hunley and Austin McComas have been calling themselves the "Cleveland Predator Patrol," and they've been carrying out their own brand of vigilante justice inspired by the primetime television show, "To Catch a Predator," hosted by Chris Hansen from 2004 to 2007. Law enforcement officials say this is making their jobs harder, but Fisher, Hunley and McComas say that the authorities aren't going far enough. Today, we'll talk about their controversial methods with Ideastream Public Media reporter Ygal Kaufman, who has been following this group for months. Fisher and Hunley will also join us in studio to talk about their motivations, what they've seen over the past year, the legal repercussions they've faced, and whether they plan to continue what they've been doing. Read Ygal Kaufman's feature story on the "Cleveland Predator Patrol" here: https://www.ideastream.org/law-justice/2026-11-12/on-patrol-with-clevelands-sexual-predator-hunters Guests: - Kevin Fisher, Co-founder, Cleveland Predator Patrol - Zac Hunley, Co-founder, Cleveland Predator Patrol - Ygal Kaufman, Journalist, Ideastream Public Media

Veterans Services Today is Veterans Day, a national holiday that recognizes and honors those who have served the U.S. military. This population can sometimes struggle with unique challenges, such as access to housing, healthcare and other social services. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, veteran homelessness has declined by 56% since 2009. But the problem persists nationwide. More than 32,000 veterans remained unhoused last year. In Ohio, homelessness among veterans is increasing faster than people can be placed into permanent housing. A September census from Frontline Services found 142 unhoused veterans in Cuyahoga County alone. There are organizations working to address the need, but funding and capacity remain limited. The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless opened its Navigation Center in August and provides critical overnight refuge to people experiencing homelessness. The Norma Herr Center in Cleveland also opened late this summer. It offers emergency transitional shelter and serves more than 200 people every night. FrontLine Service has operated the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program since 2011. The program helps veterans access immediate shelter and move quickly into permanent housing. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," hosted by Stephanie Haney, we'll hear more about how the program works. Later, we'll hear from Brian Winzig, an Army veteran in Medina who recently retired from service and is now helping connect his fellow veterans with social services in Medina County. Guests:- Corrie Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, FrontLine Service- Shawna Gurley, Director of Emergency Housing, FrontLine Service- Brian Winzig, Service Officer, Medina County Veterans Service Office Measles outbreaks continue nationwide Measles cases are continuing to rise across the country, with more than 5,100 confirmed cases reported in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and New York City. Last week, New York and Wisconsin each reported their first measles-associated deaths in more than 30 years. Both victims were infants. In Ohio, the Department of Health reports at least 310 cases across 25 counties. Ashtabula and Wayne counties have the highest numbers. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Symptoms most often include a fever and rash. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine, the disease was largely contracted by infants. Today, cases are being reported across all age groups, including adolescents and adults. The Pan American Health Organization, a United Nations agency, is now reviewing whether the United States should lose its measles-elimination status in light of this increase in cases. To end the hour, we'll explore what to look out for this cold and flu season and what these trends tell us about the greater spread of infectious disease. Guest:- Claudia Hoyen, M.D., Director of Pediatric Infection Control, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's

Diabetes diagnoses are rising in Cleveland and across the country. In Cleveland, more than 13% of adults have diabetes, up from 10% in 2005, according to the city's latest public health data. The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 40 million adults have diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes nationwide, or about 12% of the country, and estimates another 115 million adults have prediabetes, and many may not even know they have it. There are different types of diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that accounts for about 5% of all diabetes cases, and is commonly diagnosed in children or younger people. Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," hosted by Stephanie Haney, will focus on Type 2 diabetes that is primarily a metabolic and lifestyle-related condition. It used to mainly be diagnosed in adults over 45, but is now increasingly being seen in younger people, according to recent studies. Diabetes can lead to major health complications if not addressed, such as heart disease or stroke. We're going to talk about diabetes prevention and management with health experts and we'll hear from someone participating in a prevention program. Guests:- Eileen Seeholzer, M.D., Medical Director, Weight Loss Surgery & Weight Management Center, Co-author, STRIDES Diabetes Prevention program, MetroHealth- Raymond Weeden, STRIDES program participant- Katrese Minor, Director of Community Health Initiatives, Cleveland Department of Public Health Resources:MetroHealth STRIDES Diabetes Prevention Program CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program

null Midterms and the Middle East Affordability and economic concerns were at the forefront of last week's midterms and voters are keen to connect the Trump administration's foreign policy choices with their cost of living. A poll from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs leading up to the midterms found that affordability issues far outweighed any other for voters. The poll also found that 86% of respondents connected the U.S. war with Iran as being bad for their cost of living. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," hosted by Stephanie Haney, we'll talk about the aftermath of the midterms and what may lie ahead of the Trump administration's foreign policy in the Middle East. While we here in the U.S. continue to parse through the results of our midterms, Israel also recently held elections. Those elections mean change in leadership for our main ally in the region. President Donald Trump has also made remarks about pulling military aid for Israel. We'll learn more about how the U.S. relationship with Israel may evolve moving forward. Guests: - Ross Harrison, Senior Fellow and Book Series Editor, Middle East Institute - Ori Yehudai, Ph.D., Chair in Israel Studies and Associate Professor, The Ohio State University Diabetes Prevention Diabetes diagnoses are rising in Cleveland and across the country. In Cleveland, almost 16% of adults have diabetes, up from 10% in 2005, according to the city's latest public health data. The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 40 million adults have diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes nationwide, or about 12% of the country, and estimates another 115 million adults have prediabetes, and many may not even know they have it. There are different types of diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that accounts for about 5% of all diabetes cases, and is commonly diagnosed in children or younger people. Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," hosted by Stephanie Haney, will focus on Type 2 diabetes that is primarily a metabolic and lifestyle-related condition. It used to mainly be diagnosed in adults over 45, but is now increasingly being seen in younger people, according to recent studies. Diabetes can lead to major health complications if not addressed, such as heart disease or stroke. We're going to talk about diabetes prevention and management with health experts and we'll hear from someone participating in a prevention program. Guests: - Eileen Seeholzer, M.D., Medical Director, Weight Loss Surgery & Weight Management Center, Co-author, STRIDES Diabetes Prevention program, MetroHealth - Raymond Weeden, STRIDES program participant - Katrese Minor, Director of Community Health Initiatives, Cleveland Department of Public Health

The origins of CRT and the power of language Critics of critical race theory like President Donald Trump call it "racist" and "toxic propaganda." Supporters say it has been used as a political weapon beyond its intended origins as a legal and academic framework for understanding the role race plays in American society and history. Canton-native Kimberlé Crenshaw is one of the founding scholars of critical race theory and the one who actually coined the term. Her work, alongside other legal and civil rights scholars, that originated in the '70s and '80s, has shaped how we know and understand critical race theory today. Crenshaw released a new memoir earlier this year, "BACKTALKER," detailing how her upbringing in Northeast Ohio has shaped her theories, her activism, and how she understands power, race and social systems. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," hosted by Stephanie Haney, we'll talk to Crenshaw ahead of a conversation with Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder, a professor at Oberlin College teaching "BACKTALKER" this semester, at 12 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9., at Oberlin's Carnegie Building. Guests:- Kimberlé Crenshaw, "BACKTALKER," Author; Isidor and Seville Sulzbacher Professor of Law, Columbia Law School; Co-founder & Executive Director, African American Policy Foundation- Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder, Associate Professor of Sociology, Oberlin College; Executive Director, Oberlin Center for DEI Innovation & Leadership Kent State University professor allegedly violated Senate Bill 1 Ohio Senate Bill 1 became state law in 2025 with the aim of limiting diversity, equity and inclusion programs and reducing bias in public universities in Ohio. Critics say S.B. 1 harms academic freedom and restricts discussions on controversial topics. One of its first tests has come in an investigation against a Kent State University adjunct professor who has been accused of anti-Christian bias, which he denies. Ideastream's Conor Morris joins the last half of the "Sound of Ideas" to tell us more about where the investigation stands and how S.B. 1 is affecting educational institutions across the state. A request for comment from S.B. 1's sponsor, state Senator Jerry Cirino (R-18), did not receive a response. We also invited the professor being investigated to be part of this conversation, but he wasn't able to join us. Guest:- Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media

Ohio Democrats made significant gains in the midterm election, winning the governor’s office for the first time in 20 years and reclaiming several statewide offices, congressional seats and state Supreme Court seats. But whether those victories signal a lasting political realignment or a response to this election’s candidates and issues remains to be seen. Mercy Health will close the labor and delivery unit at St. Joseph Hospital in Warren and move deliveries to St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital in Youngstown. The change will leave Trumbull County without a hospital labor and delivery unit. Mercy Health cited a shortage of OB-GYNs in the area and limited access to neonatal care as reasons for the move. Nurses and county officials have called for a reversal of the decision. Nine Cuyahoga County school districts collected a combined $28.5 million in excess property taxes after the county failed to adjust certain tax rates following its 2024 property reappraisal. Rather than issuing refunds, the districts will repay taxpayers by reducing collections from certain levies over the next two to three years. An Ohio appeals court has temporarily put on hold a lower court ruling that reinstated Glenville High School to the state football playoffs. The emergency stay allows the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s original sanction against Glenville and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to remain in effect while the appeal proceeds. OHSAA said in a statement following the ruling that University School will play Salem in its second-round Division III quarterfinal game Friday night. We'll discuss these stories and more on the Friday Reporters Roundtable hosted by Mike McIntyre. Guests:- Gabriel Kramer, Reporter and "NewsDepth" Host, Ideastream Public Media- Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

With Democrats picking up dozens of seats in Congress nationwide, the balance of power in has flipped from Republican control. One of those seats was Ohio’s 7th Congressional district, in a hotly contested race between the winning challenger Democrat Brian Poindexter and Republican incumbent Max Miller, whose campaign was plagued by resurfaced allegations of domestic violence which he has denied. With the deeply personal and aggressive campaign trail now behind him, Poindexter joins Thursday’s episode of “Sound Of Ideas” with host Stephanie Haney to talk about his priorities for when he takes office in January. Guest: - Brian Poindexter, Representative-elect, Ohio US House District 7