Sound of Ideas

The federal government restarted collections following a five-year pause, which could impact five million borrowers with millions more on the precipice of going into default, according to the Department of Education.

Climate data shows that we're experiencing longer growing seasons, which means more pollen and allergens.

Cleveland Hopkins Airport will be getting a major makeover in the next decade. The city unveiled a $1.1 billion renovation including a new terminal that will open in 2032, and other enhancements including more parking and a new Regional Transit Authority Red Line rapid transit station. Mayor Just Bibb said in announcing the makeover that in order to be a world class city, Cleveland needed a world class airport. He also acknowledged he’s heard the complaints about the airport’s bathrooms. We will talk about the renovation of the airport to begin this week’s Friday Reporters Roundtable.

The National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a partnership that will focus on studying the root causes of autism spectrum disorder using Medicare and Medicaid enrollees' data.

We will talk with the League of Women Voters of Ohio about the recognition of women's achievements and author Allison Tyra talks about her new book, "Uncredited."

Cleveland’s infant mortality rate is significantly higher than the national average. A new birthing center in the city’s Hough neighborhood aims to improve outcomes for Black and brown mothers and children.

As part of Akron's yearlong bicentennial celebration, the city has planned various events through the summer, including the Heart of Akron Festival on July 3 and 4.

Akron’s board of education accepted the resignation of the current superintendent and hired its next district leader without a search. It all happened in one very long meeting this week. Out is Michael Robinson who leaves after less than two years leading the district. An investigation found allegations that he bullied and intimidated staff were credible. In is Mary Outley. She’s twice been the interim superintendent and was tapped for the job when the board put Robinson on leave earlier this month due to the investigation into complaints against him. We will begin the Friday “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with the district’s change in leadership.

On May 4, 1970, members of the Ohio National Guard fired into a crowd of Kent State University demonstrators, killing four and wounding nine students. Events are planned on campus from May 2–4 to commemorate the day.

For years, scholars have been drawing parallels to the evolution of the Roman Republic and the modern United States.

Gov. Mike DeWine started the H2Ohio program in 2019 to address water quality issues in Ohio, but it could see massive cuts if cuts in the House version of the budget are incorporated into the final spending document.

Sandra Morgan was appointed to serve as East Cleveland's interim mayor in late February, following the suspension of Mayor Brandon King, who soon faces trial for corruption-related charges.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb delivered his state of the city Wednesday and said the city needs to be resilient due to cuts and proposed cuts from the Trump administration and Congress. Washington is not coming to save us, the mayor said. He touched on the accomplishments made in his first term and touched on a number of other topics. Bibb said the city will push forward on its plan to develop the lakefront, part of a city on two waterfronts vision. The mayor said the plan will not rely on whether the Browns remain Downtown. He put the chances of the team leaving for a new domed stadium in Brook Park at 50%. We will talk about the state of the city address on the Friday “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.”

According to the United Nations, food waste now accounts for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Catholics worldwide are mourning the death of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff died Monday, one day after he blessed the Easter crowds gathered in Rome. Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of social justice with his primary concern for the world's poor and a focus on environmental stewardship.

The issue of microplastics continues to grow as a threat to public health and the environment. Local researchers and engineers are tackling the problem through educational programming and innovative filtration technology.

The Cleveland Public Market Corporation has been running the West Side Market since April of 2024.

The board of the Akron Public Schools placed Superintendent Michael Robinson on paid administrative leave this week after an independent investigation found credible allegations of abusive behavior, bullying and retaliation toward staff. The board held a special meeting this week after receiving the report. Robinson signed a five-year contract with Akron Public Schools in the summer of 2023 and is on leave pending board action. We will begin Friday’s “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable” with Education Reporter discussing the report and why not all board members voted to place the superintendent on leave.

Some academics think that President Trump's 100+% tariffs on China could have an adverse effect on the state's farmers, who export a lot of corn and soybeans.

Cleveland's urban tree canopy stands at 18% and is rapidly declining. Community groups like the Cleveland Tree Coalition and Holden Forests & Gardens are working together to reverse the trend.