
Sound of Ideas
Local News
The "Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's weekday morning news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio.
Location:
Cleveland, OH
Description:
The "Sound of Ideas" is Ideastream Public Media's weekday morning news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio.
Twitter:
@WCPN,soundofideas
Language:
English
Contact:
1375 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1835 216-916-6301
Email:
news@wcpn.org
Episodes
Report questioned racial disparity in Cleveland driving stops, arrests | Reporters Roundtable
12/12/2025
A new assessment from the federal monitor overseeing Cleveland's implementation of the consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice found that police stop Black drivers disproportionately more than drivers of other races. The city has been under the federally mandated consent decree for a decade after being found to engage in a pattern and practice of unconstitutional policing. The goal is to improve operations and restore community trust. The story begins our discussion of the week’s news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” The Cleveland Metropolitan School District this week voted unanimously to greenlight a massive reorganization that will reduce the number of schools by a third. The district said the changes are needed to align its footprint with current enrollment, which has steadily declined over the last few decades. The legislature passed sweeping legislation that will make changes to the state's laws for recreational marijuana and intoxicating hemp. The senate passed SB 56 this week and it's up to the governor to sign it. Cuyahoga County two-year, $2 billion budget this week that includes significant cuts to social service programs. Some members described it as the "worst" budget since this form of government began in 2011. This week a judge weighed in on a legal challenge to the state's plan to use $600 million in unclaimed funds to help fund construction of a new Browns stadium in Brook Park. A lawsuit challenging the funding mechanism is working its way through the courts, and a judge denied an appeal to block the plan while the case is going on. Major League Baseball this week approved the sale of the Akron Rubber Ducks baseball team to Prospector Baseball Group. Ken Babby, the principal and founder of Fast Forward Sports Group, has owned the team since 2012 and oversaw its rebranding from the Akron Aeros to the Ducks. He recently became CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays. Guests: -Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Zaria Johnson, Environment Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
Duration:00:48:57
CMSD leaders, community discuss major consolidation plan happening next school year
12/11/2025
CMSD Consolidation PlanThis week, the school board for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District approved a major consolidation plan that will cut the total number of schools in the district by a third due to years of declining enrollment. Starting next fall, there will be 18 fewer buildings, and the district will operate 29 fewer schools. District CEO Warren Morgan said the plan is also a way for the district to save money and improve academic offerings. Some parents and teachers have concerns about this major change, including crowded buildings, unique programs going away and how the moves will impact families with special needs. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we've invited Morgan on the program to talk more about the plan and what's ahead. We'll also hear from the school board chair, the head of the teachers union, a parent and a student. Guests:- Warren Morgan, Ed.D., CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan School District- Sara Elaqad, Board Chair, Cleveland Metropolitan School District- Marilia Tsirikos Karapanos, Junior, Campus International High School- Allison Jacobs, Parent- Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media The Menu: Best Food Stories of 2025It's time once again for "The Menu," our bi-weekly series where we dig into Northeast Ohio's food scene with the help of the folks over at Cleveland Magazine. The end of 2025 is quickly approaching, and this is our final installment of The Menu this calendar year. We'll wrap up some of the best food stories and trends of 2025 and look ahead to 2026. Guests:- Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine- Christina Rufo, Reporter, Cleveland Magazine
Duration:00:51:15
Experts say honest conversations about death make us better prepared for it
12/10/2025
Cleveland Death Society inspires open conversations about mortality For many people, death is a taboo topic. It can feel uncomfortable, even controversial, and it's something people often avoid until they no longer can. But experts say making space to talk about death can also bring a surprising sense of relief and connection. So how do we face our fear of death, demystify it, and get more comfortable speaking honestly about it? In recent years, "death cafés" have emerged as informal gatherings, often in bars or coffee shops, where people come together simply to talk about mortality. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear from a local group, the Cleveland Death Society, which hosts these open, agenda-free conversations about loss and end-of-life experiences. And it's a timely moment for this discussion. For many, the winter holiday season can intensify feelings of grief and make them harder to navigate. Guests:- Kimberly Garchar, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy, Kent State University- Brandi Lynn Wiles, Founder, Cleveland Death Society- Gabriela Gomez, M.D., Resident Physician, Harvard Radiation Oncology Program Meet the new president and CEO of the Port of Cleveland The Port of Cleveland is a major economic driver of the region supporting some 23,000 jobs and contributing more than $4.7 billion to the Northeast Ohio economy annually. The organization's influence reaches far beyond just goods that are being transported through docks on the lakefront. They are involved in financing large housing projects, environmental endeavors and reshaping the banks of the Cuyahoga River. And now the Port of Cleveland has new leadership, as former CEO Will Friedman stepped away from the job after 14 years. Guest:- Jeff Epstein, President and CEO, The Port of Cleveland
Duration:00:50:30
Many women go through menopause without support or access to treatment
12/9/2025
Menopause is a normal and often undiscussed life stage In recent years, celebrities have been more outspoken about their experiences with menopause, with some negative, and some positive. Actress Gwenyth Paltrow said she could feel the hormonal shifts happening in her body. She said, "You're all of a sudden furious for no reason." While actress Traci Ellis Ross said, "I'm the sexiest I've ever been. And when I say that, I mean I feel the most myself." Actress Naomi Watts experiences perimenopause in her later 30s. She said, "I'd wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. My skin was dry and itchy. My hormones were all over the place. I remember feeling so confused and alone, like I didn't have control over my own body." Watts said there was not a lot of support for her at the time. She said there's an "unwritten code of silence. Women should suck it up and cope, because that's how generations passed have done it." Last month, the Food and Drug Administration removed "black box" warning labels from hormone drugs used to treat menopause symptoms, after years of urging from doctors and patients that the warnings were not supported by science and overstated risks from cancer to dementia. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk to doctors and a patient about menopause and perimenopause. We'll discuss misconceptions, stigma, and new access to treatment for millions of women going through this life stage. Guests: - Rachel Pope, M.D., OB/GYN & Chief of Female Sexual Health, University Hospitals - Juliann Sutton, Patient - Erika Kelley, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, University Hospitals & Associate Professor, Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Duration:00:50:42
Who is legally responsible when hazing in high school sports occurs? | Law of The Land
12/8/2025
Law of The Land: Hazing allegations at Ursuline High School High school sports can be an incredibly formative time for students—building teamwork, bonding and leadership skills. But what happens when camaraderie turns into hazing? Hazing is when someone is expected or forced to do something that hurts or humiliates them, in exchange for acceptance into a group. Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're looking at the legal aspects of this issue, including who is responsible when hazing happens, and when is a school required to step in. This installment of our "Law of the Land" series is in light of four separate lawsuits that were recently filed against Ursuline High School, a Catholic school in Youngstown, all of which accuse the school of looking the other way, in three instances when members of its football program allegedly assaulted and harassed each other, and other students, and in one instance involving an alleged pre-planned attack on a student on school grounds. After the lawsuits came out, Ursuline High School made staff and oversight changes, which we'll discuss, and also suspended the football season for most of this year, acknowledging that students violated their code of conduct and did things that they called morally wrong. We'll also talk about how hazing culture occurs, how to respond when accusations are made and how to keep students safe from attacks in the first place. We invited leaders at Ursuline High School to join us, but they declined and instead shared a statement made jointly with the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Guests:- Subodh Chandra, Attorney, Chandra Law- Jeffrey Herman, Attorney and Victim's Advocate, Herman Law- Zach Slates, Head football coach, Minerva High School- Doug Ute, Executive Director, Ohio High School Athletic Association Meet Cleveland City Councilmember-elect Tanmay Shah Later in the hour, it's a new installment of our series "Get to NEO a Leader," where we talk to officials from across the 22 counties in the listening area that we cover. We'll meet Tanmay Shah, who was just elected as the Cleveland city councilmember for Ward 12. At 29, he's set to become the youngest member of council—and the only newcomer this fall to unseat an incumbent. Shah defeated Councilman Danny Kelly by a razor-thin margin, just nine votes, and ran as a democratic socialist. We'll talk with the councilmember-elect about his win and what he hopes to bring to City Hall. Guest:- Tanmay Shah, Cleveland City Council, Ward 12
Duration:00:50:03
Greater Cleveland RTA mulls service changes| Reporters Roundtable
12/5/2025
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority riders will see service cuts in the coming year. Work is already being done to decide which buses, trains and trolley routes will be impacted. The changes are in an effort to save more than $11 million in the new budget. The transit authority has already announced that Wi-Fi will not be available on trains, buses and trolleys beginning later this month. We will begin this week’s “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with a discussion on the proposed changes as well as the rest of the week’s top stories. Ohio needs to do more to make roads safer for drivers and passengers according to a national safety group. The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety released its state reports and gave Ohio a "yellow" or caution rating. U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno says the time has come to end dual citizenship. Being an American, he declared, is "all or nothing." He's backing legislation that would prevent U.S. citizens from holding citizenship in another country. So if you are an American Citizen and have Irish citizenship, for example, because your grandmother was born there, you have to pick one. An LGBTQ+ entertainment development in Lakewood will close at the end of the month. Opened in 2022, Studio West 117 included bars, restaurants and a gymnasium. This week Cleveland City Council signed off on the exit deal for the Browns. The Haslam Sports Group, which owns the team, will vacate the existing Downtown stadium for a new enclosed stadium to be built in Brook Park. The current timeline would have the Browns open the season in the new stadium in the fall of 2029. Ohio lawmakers want to further restrict where convicted sex offenders can live. The state already has laws that prevents such offenders, and those who commit any crimes against children, from living near schools, preschools and child care facilities. This bill would also prohibit residency near the victims themselves. Gov. DeWine vetoed a bill that would have expanded the hours 14- and 15-year-olds could work throughout the school year from a 7 pm clock out to 9 pm. The legislature approved the expansion, which Democrats opposed on the grounds it was a way for businesses to secure cheap labor. The governor thinks young kids shouldn't be working late, except maybe on their homework. Guests: -Glenn Forbes, Supervising Producer of Newscasts, Ideastream Public Media -Gabriel Kramer, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
Duration:00:50:25
New brain implant helps local man manage Parkison's Disease
12/4/2025
Rand Laycock, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, has been dealing with the disease through new technology called "adaptive deep brain stimulation."
Duration:00:50:03
Experts examine how disrupted sleep patterns signal deeper health concerns
12/3/2025
The average person will spend roughly a third of their life asleep, yet the importance of sleep is often overlooked. Sleep affects how we learn, work and maintain relationships, and poor sleep has been linked to a range of physical and mental health challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three adults in the U.S. doesn't get enough sleep on a regular basis, and experts attribute this to both lifestyle pressures and the growing presence of technology. At the same time, trends related to sleep and rest are growing in popularity on social media. On TikTok, some users view sleep as a time to allow skin and hair products to work overnight, a trend called the "morning shed." There's also "bed rotting," where people spend long stretches in bed scrolling online or watching tv. And sleep supplements like melatonin gummies are growing in popularity, as are "at-home" sleep remedies. Are these trends helpful or harmful to our sleep? We'll explore this question and more. Guests:- Nicoleta Olteanu, M.D., Adult and Pediatric Sleep Medicine, MetroHealth- Eric Yeh, M.D., Sleep Medicine, University Hospitals- Wendy Troxel, Ph.D., Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation
Duration:00:50:01
Meet some of the 2025 Crain's Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 honorees
12/2/2025
For more than 30 years, Crain's Cleveland Business has been honoring young leaders across Northeast Ohio. Each year, the publication features 40 innovators to watch in diverse spaces, from mental and physical health, to sports and entertainment, the sciences, public service, policy development and beyond. The one thing they all have in common is that they're not even 40 years old. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll introduce you to seven of this year's 40 under 40 honorees ranging in age from 27 to 38, including a psychiatrist, an events booker, a real estate professional, and an astronomer to name a few. Guests:- Brooke Lowery, Senior Vice President of Booking and Events, Cleveland Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Arena- Poojajeet Khaira, M.D., Psychiatry Resident Physician and Academic Chief Resident, MetroHealth- Carmen Daniel, Ed.D., Business and Community Engagement Specialist, Heights Career Tech Consortium- Ty Stimpert, Community Outreach Program Manager, Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute- Maryam Kiefer, Senior Director of Public Policy, United Way of Greater Cleveland- Kevin Moss, Senior Vice President, CBRE- Monica Marshall, Astronomer, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Duration:00:50:46
Do US strikes against Venezuelan ships violate international law? | Talking Foreign Policy
12/2/2025
Over the past three months, the U.S. Navy has conducted airstrikes against numerous foreign vessels in the Caribbean, killing more than 75 people. Critics question its legality.
Duration:00:49:50
Northeast Ohio food banks and pantries meeting increased need
11/26/2025
Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around food. But for many hardworking families and individuals in Northeast Ohio, there is growing uncertainty where to find that next meal. Then, we learn about Harry Houdini's war on spiritualism with Brad Ricca, local author of the new book "Lincoln's Ghost."
Duration:00:50:53
Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs, makers and artists urge shoppers to stay local this holiday season
11/25/2025
Shop local this holiday season After experiencing a large dip during the pandemic, holiday shopping has been steadily rising over the last few years, with a record 186 million people planning to shop from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday this year, according to the National Retail Foundation. While Black Friday is the most popular day to shop, 67 million people plan to shop specifically on Saturday, with 80% of those saying they want to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday. Ohio has more than 90,000 small retail businesses, who employ almost 180,000 workers in the state, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. We're going to devote Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas" to highlighting the entrepreneurs, makers and artists from across Northeast Ohio who rely on this time of year to keep doing what they love. Guests: -Mike Brighton, Owner, Gray Dog Comics -Corbin Wandling, Production Manager, Nosh Butters -Lori Parnell, Founder and Maker, Black Culture Candles -Dominic Caruso, Communications Director, Downtown Akron Partnership -Charlie Malta aka Guice Man, Artist -Tessa Lebaron, Artist -Maureen Ater, President and CEO, ArtsinStark
Duration:00:49:41
Northeast Ohio chefs suggest inclusive Thanksgiving dishes for plant-based or gluten-free diets
11/24/2025
2025 Annual "Sound of Ideas" Friendsgiving With Thanksgiving just days away, people may be in the midst of gathering ingredients to pull together that perfect holiday feast. But what happens when the people around the dinner table can't eat the traditional dishes? Monday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll host our annual "Friendsgiving" show where we invite Northeast Ohio chefs to share food, cooking advice and Thanksgiving memories with us. This year, we're focusing on dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and nut-free options. We've asked four Northeast Ohio chefs to share their inclusive dishes they've created and offer Thanksgiving cooking wisdom for home cooks. They'll also reflect on their personal journeys with plant-based living and share how they're navigating a changing restaurant landscape. Here's what the Northeast Ohio chefs prepared this year: Porscha Phillips (side):- Braised Greens with Smoked Jackfruit Adam Schwieterman (side):- Vegan Stuffing- Baked Kale and Quinoa Salad Teala Lewis (main):- Signature Soul Plate- Fried Oyster Mushrooms accompanied by Macaroni & Cheese, Collard Greens, and a Sweet Potato Cornbread Muffin- Seared Lions Mane- Mushroom over a bed of Red Skinned Garlic mashed Potatoes accompanied by steamed Broccolini. Caitlin Shea (dessert):- Maple Pecan Pie Guests:- Adam Schwieterman, Executive Director, Local Roots Market and Cafe- Porscha Phillips, Executive Chef, The Vegan Club- Teala Lewis, Owner, Garden of Soul- Caitlin Shea, Owner, Philomena Bake Shop
Duration:00:50:30
Ohio lawmakers pass a flurry of bills, including property tax measures | Reporters Roundtable
11/21/2025
Ohio lawmakers put the pedal to the metal in Columbus this week, passing dozens of bills on a variety of issues, chief among them, property tax relief. Four bills addressing rising property taxes are on the way to the governor. Proponents say collectively the bills will save taxpayers $2 billion in the coming years. We will begin Friday’s “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with the flurry of activity in Columbus. A six-member committee worked overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning on a bill that places restrictions on intoxicating hemp products -- eventually banning them -- and tweaked the existing recreational marijuana statute. The work on the bill, however, still needs a final vote in the Senate because that chamber adjourned long before work on the bill was complete. Another priority for Republicans in the marathon legislative session this week: Further tightening Ohio's election rules and voter registration. Senate Bill 293, which has received approval in both chambers, now goes on to Gov. DeWine, who has said previously that he doesn't see the need to sign off on more voting restrictions for Ohio voters. State regulators have ordered FirstEnergy to pay a quarter of a billion dollars -- most of it to its customers -- as penalty for its actions in the bribery scheme to pass the nuclear bailout bill also known as House Bill 6. The multi-million dollar bribery scheme resulting in the passage of the wide-ranging energy bill, which directed ratepayer money to aging nuclear plants and gutted renewable energy standards. Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former Republican state party chair Matt Borges were convicted and imprisoned for their roles. As the Haslam Sports Group moves forward with its plan to build a new covered stadium in Brook Park, Cleveland officials have set a deadline for the team to leave the current Downtown stadium. The Browns lease expires after the 2028 season but includes two one-year renewal options. Guests: -Glenn Forbes, Supervising Producer for Newscasts, Ideatream Public Media -Zaria Johnson, Environmental Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
Duration:00:50:25
How to avoid 'phubbing,' or phone snubbing, your loved ones during the holidays
11/20/2025
The holidays are upon us, bringing a time for more gatherings, more shared meals, and more chances to be present with the people we love. But in a world wired to our phones, how do we make sure that being together really means being together? Thursday on the "Sound of Ideas," we're diving into how children can stay safe on the internet, how adults can navigate their own social media use and how devices, while powerful tools for connection, can also drive a wedge between us. On one hand, smartphones help us stay in touch, share memories and learn. On the other hand, they carry risks. A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that among preteens ages 11 to 12, having a phone in the bedroom was linked to shorter sleep duration and greater sleep disturbances. During the hour, we'll also talk about healthy digital habits and fostering spaces that feel friendly to both devices and intimate connection. And, we'll get into "phubbing," or phone snubbing. It's the act of ignoring those around us in favor of our screens. It's a real phenomenon, and its effects can be more than just annoying. Guests:- Maureen Kyle, Host, "Parenting Playbook," Fox 8 & Communications Consultant- Shane Tilton, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Writing and Multimedia Studies, Ohio Northern University- Francesca Varga, Senior Prevention Coordinator, Community Prevention Services, Prevention Action Alliance
Duration:00:51:20
Inside the Bobby George domestic violence case plea deal with special prosecutor Jane Hanlin
11/19/2025
In August 2024, the city of Cleveland raised allegations against Cleveland and Columbus business owner Bobby George, including charges of attempted murder, rape, strangulation, kidnapping and felonious assault. More than a year later, on Nov. 3, that case was resolved when George pleaded guilty to attempted strangulation of a woman he was dating at the time. The case was handled by a special prosecutor from Jefferson county, Jane Hanlin, who was assigned the case after Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael O'Malley recused himself to avoid the appearance of a conflict because he had accepted campaign donations from the George family. The difference between the initial charges presented and the final plea deal George entered into have raised questions about whether he was overcharged to begin with, or received a lenient deal due to wealth and influence. On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll examine the case with the special prosecutor who handled it. We invited George's defense attorneys, Kevin Spellacy and Diane Menashe, to take part in the conversation, but they didn't return our requests for interviews. Guests:- Jane Hanlin, special prosecutor on the Bobby George case- Retired judge Michael Donnelly, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice and adjunct professor for Cleveland State University School of Law- Terry Gilbert, Criminal defense attorney If you or someone you know is in need of support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), by texting "START" to 88788, and online at thehotline.org.
Duration:00:50:30
Workers seeing health insurance rates rise may have to make difficult decisions
11/18/2025
On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas, we'll explore the health insurance landscape, and why those who buy their insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace are seeing major spikes. Then, we will talk about public corruption and its impact. It's the focus of a cross-cultural dialogue happening in Cleveland this week. Health insurance premiums are rising nationwide The longest federal government shutdown in history finally ended last week after 43 days, but the matter at the center of the shutdown remains unresolved over the fate of the Affordable Care Act tax credits that help make health care more accessible for those buying insurance on their own through the marketplace. An extension of those tax credits was not included in President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," approved by lawmakers in July, so those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. A Senate vote has been promised for later this year as part of the deal to end the shutdown, but if there are no changes, millions of Americans are at risk of seeing very large spikes in their premiums or even losing insurance, if they can't afford it. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we're going to talk to experts about the cost of insurance going up for people on the marketplace, and even for those on employer plans. We'll also hear from people impacted by those costs and ask — where do we go from here? Guests: - Jaclyn Shlapack, Lorain Resident - Kathleen Cooke, Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits, CBIZ - Taylor Wizner, Health Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Emma Wager, Senior Policy Analyst, Program on the ACA, KFF Public corruption impacts economies and public trust It's estimated that trillions of dollars that would benefit the public are lost each year due to public corruption including bribery, embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion. Developed and emerging nations both must confront public corruption and the impact it can have on institutions and public trust. Tuesday in Cleveland, the topic of corruption and how to address it will be the focus of a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the Council for International Programs USA. It's a nonprofit organization founded in Cleveland by Dr. Henry Ollendorf, a Jewish refugee, to help train German social workers after World War II. The organization has grown globally with a mission to promote international understanding through professional development and cross-cultural exchange programs. The meeting and panel discussion will be hosted by the law firm of Jones Day. Among those taking part in the panel will be a delegation of prosecutors from the Romanian National Anticorruption Directorate brought to the United States by the Congressional Office of International Leadership to give emerging leaders from post-Soviet states firsthand exposure to the U.S. system of participatory democracy and free enterprise. The Council of International Programs USA will be recognized at the meeting by the Congressional Office of International Leadership for its decades of hosting international delegations in Cleveland and other U.S. cities. Guests: - Justin Herdman, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio - Veronica Dragalin, former Chief Prosecutor, Anti-corruption Prosecution Office, Republic of Moldova
Duration:00:50:41
New sports betting rules in Ohio take shape following gambling scandal
11/17/2025
On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll look at changes to sports betting in Ohio following the high-profile federal indictments of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz on charges related to rigging bets on specific pitches, and explain the Cleveland Municipal Income Tax filing requirements that resulted in surprise audits for many longtime workers and residents in back-to-back "Law of the Land" segments. MLB, Ohio's Casino Control Commission and sports betting companies agree to regulation changes Federal indictments against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have rocked Major League Baseball and the sports betting world. In response to these charges of rigging bets on specific pitches, MLB worked together with the Ohio Casino Control Commission and sports betting companies to come up with mutually-agreed upon new regulations governing what's known as microprop bets, limiting them considerably compared to what was allowed before. In this installment of our series "Law of the Land," on Sound of Ideas, we'll explain the sports betting regulation changes, and look at the other legal problems that have come up surrounding betting in Ohio in both the NFL, involving famed Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, and NBA, related to allegations of faking an injury to help gamblers win against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is a former Shaker Heights High School basketball star, along with how and why the rules differ for college sports. Guests: - Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications for the American Gaming Association - Eric Chaffee, John C. Hutchins Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law - Joe Scalzo, Sports Business Journalist for Crain's Cleveland Business Cleveland Municipal Income Tax audits surprise longtime workers and residents Over the last several months, workers and residents in Cleveland received tax audit notices in the mail warning of potentially large fines from the Central Collection Agency, which is part of the City of Cleveland's Division of Taxation. The notices informed individuals they needed to submit income tax returns and other forms that many recipients had never heard of, telling them they may have earned income which is subject to Cleveland's Municipal Income Tax. We'll clear up the confusion on exactly what's required when it comes to paying and filing the city of Cleveland's employment and residence taxes, in Monday's installment of our "Law of the Land" series on "Sound of Ideas." Guest: -Mary Sasmaz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Accountancy at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management
Duration:00:50:34
Indictment of two Guardians pitchers puts focus on betting in sports | Reporters Roundtable
11/14/2025
The Guardians star closer Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz were indicted this week, charged with throwing pitches that bettors wagered would happen and profiting from the bets. Clase is accused of engaging in the enterprise for years and even texting and talking on the phone with a co-conspirator about it during a game. The FBI took Ortiz into custody Sunday in Boston. Federal agents took Clase into custody Thursday in New York. Each has been released on bond after entering pleas of not guilty to federal charges. We will begin the Friday’s “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with investigation into Clase and Ortiz and the impact it could have on sports as well as laws governing betting in Ohio.
Duration:00:49:42
Food experts say veganism is becoming more popular and accessible in Northeast Ohio
11/13/2025
Northeast Ohio plant-based food lovers discuss the growing popularity of vegan foods and goods in the newest installment of our biweekly series, "The Menu."
Duration:00:50:45