The City Club of Cleveland Podcast

June 22 marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River fire. This wasn't first fire on the river, or even the biggest, but it put Cleveland in TIME magazine's report on the nation\'s environmental problems. As a result of efforts to clean up our environment, the Cuyahoga River is healthy and vibrant. However, global warming is proving to be a new threat. A panel explains at 2019 State of the Great Lakes.

Like many mid-sized Midwest central business districts, it can be argued that Downtown Cleveland is on an upward trajectory. How do we maintain the forward momentum? How do we ensure this investment reaches all corners of Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods? And what should leaders be thinking about next in their vision for Downtown Cleveland? A conversation with local and national leaders on the unique economic, residential, transportation, and growth issues facing Downtowns in the Midwest.

In many cities, including Cleveland, economic development professionals are working with anchor institutions, foundations, and community organizations to develop workforce development and entrepreneurship programs and ownership models to reverse this troubling trend

Paula Stone Williams knew from a young age that she was transgender. But as she became a parent and prominent evangelical pastor, she feared that coming out would mean losing everything. In 2012, she told her family and started living as a woman. Paula Stone Williams, along her son, Senior Pastor of Forefront Church Jonathan Williams, shares her story.

Candidates Armond Budish (D) and Peter J. Corrigan (R) explain their platforms and differences and why they deserve your vote. Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish is seeking his second term in office. Peter J. Corrigan is a senior executive with 35+ years of experience in business.

With Jim Renacci running for the U.S. Senate, the 16th congressional seat is open for the first time in eight years. The 16th congressional district is located in the north-central portion of Ohio and includes all of Wayne county and portions of Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Summit counties. Anthony Gonzalez is the Republican nominee, and Susan Moran Palmer is the Democratic nominee.

It can be argued we\'re living in an era that celebrates and elevates wealthy philanthropists. Dozens of the world\'s billionaires, including Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffet, and Mark Zuckerberg, have signed The Giving Pledge, promising to give away at least half of their wealth to solve social problems. Largely, the reaction to these individuals and their philanthropic pursuits has been positive. However, some critics are beginning to surface. Author Anand Giridharadas explains.

Earlier this year, David Folkenflik from NPR visited the City Club and emphasized the importance of journalism. And, although the way we engage with news is changing with the rise of social media, freedom of the press remains one of the pillars of the United States - a First Amendment right that has been fiercely protected. A City Club Youth panel explains the role of the press.

The Ohio Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state of Ohio. With Mike DeWine running for Governor of Ohio, this position is open for the first time in eight years. Join us as candidates Steve Dettelbach (D) and Dave Yost (R) explain their platforms and differences, and why they derserve your vote.

Over the last several years, the debate over free speech on college and university campuses has become the dominant issue facing higher education. Robert J. Zimmer, Ph.D., President of The University of Chicago, has emerged as a leading voice advocating for the freedom of speech and academic freedom on college and university campuses. President Zimmer shares his thoughts free speech.