Best Akron Roundtable Podcasts (2025)

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Major I-90 project on Cleveland’s West Side will impact commute through 2028 | Reporters Roundtable 51:03

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32m ago51:03

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Commuters on Cleveland's West Side had better have a mug of patience in the cupholder beside them: A $173 million dollar construction project starts Aug. 4 and will impact traffic on Interstate 90 through October of 2028. Earlier this week on that stretch of highway, commuters may have needed a pontoon. I-90 in Lakewood and Rocky River was under wa…

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Federal cuts to fair housing programs could lead to increase in evictions, advocates warn 51:35

2h ago51:35

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Four fair housing agencies, including the Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research in Cleveland, have filed a class action lawsuit against DOGE and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, hoping to restore funding that it says helps keep residents in their homes.By Ideastream Public Media

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MetroHealth announces layoffs for 125 non-medical workers | Reporters Roundtable 51:10

22h ago51:10

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After losing $50 million last year and on track to go deeper in the red this year, the MetroHealth System announced yesterday that it's laying off 125 non-medical workers, freezing non-clinical hiring and scrapping an executive bonus program.By Ideastream Public Media

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Federal deregulation efforts could impact workers and businesses in Northeast Ohio 51:58

22h ago51:58

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The U.S. Labor Department unveiled a plan to deregulate industries and reduce employer compliance costs. The proposal targets rules affecting wages, safety and working conditions across sectors such as home health care, agriculture, construction and mining.By Ideastream Public Media

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New head of Downtown Akron Development Corporation hopes to attract businesses and residents 52:09

2d ago52:09

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Christopher Hardesty is the inaugural executive director of the Downtown Akron CDC, which aims to redevelop vacant spaces and help struggling businesses stay in place.By Ideastream Public Media

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How the Scopes trial and controversies over evolution resonate 100 years later 52:05

3d ago52:05

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Historians note that a famous trial from 1925 regarding the teaching of evolution still matters today, as the classroom is still a battleground for controversial ideas.By Ideastream Public Media

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Northeast Ohio millennials reflect on growing up amid rapid technological change 52:14

8d ago52:14

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Local millennials push back on generational stereotypes and open up about what it’s really like to navigate adulthood in a dramatically changing world— from managing student debt and chasing career stability to redefining success and identity in the age of social media.By Ideastream Public Media

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New housing projects in Northeast Ohio are tailored to seniors and aging veterans 51:37

8d ago51:37

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Two development projects in Cleveland will include permanent supportive housing units for veterans experiencing homelessness as well as older adults and individuals with disabilities.By Ideastream Public Media

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Free clinics brace for larger role with Medicaid cuts looming 52:47

10d ago52:47

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Free clinics, a key safety net provider for people who are uninsured and underinsured, are likely to see a demand for their services increase in the coming years. We’ll talk to free clinics in Northeast Ohio about the plan to meet that demand.By Ideastream Public Media

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Northeast Ohio researchers hope to fight misinformation by making science more engaging 51:41

11d ago51:41

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Kirsten Ellenbogen, CEO of the Great Lakes Science Center, is one scientist who signed onto a paper about better communication strategies for scientists and researchers.By Ideastream Public Media

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Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb signals end of fight to keep Browns downtown | Reporters Roundtable 50:37

14d ago50:37

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Bibb said this week he is looking for ideas to develop the Downtown lakefront — without the Browns. Is the fight all but over?By Ideastream Public Media

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Sound of Ideas Community Tour | CVNP at 50 1:12:21

15d ago1:12:21

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The "Sound of Ideas Community Tour" stopped in Peninsula, at Happy Days Lodge, to discuss the 50th anniversary of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.By Ideastream Public Media

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Changes to temporary protected status programs will impact Northeast Ohio communities 51:35

16d ago51:35

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This month, the U.S. ended federal protections from deportation for thousands of migrants from Nicaragua and Honduras. This week, temporary protections were set to end for Afghani immigrants, but an appeals court temporarily blocked the effort.By Ideastream Public Media

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A tale of two franchises, how the Haslams and Dan Gilbert differ in their Northeast investments 51:34

18d ago51:34

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Dan Gilbert's Bedrock company is developing in Downtown Cleveland while the Haslam's are pushing for a new Brown's stadium in Brook Park; both hope it benefits the region.By Ideastream Public Media

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Lawmakers look to override governor’s property tax vetoes in Ohio budget | Reporters Roundtable 50:52

21d ago50:52

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Republican lawmakers will be back at work later this month, interrupting their summer recess, to consider overrides on three of Gov. Mike DeWine's budget line-item vetoes, all focused on property taxes. The governor used his red pen 67 times to strike out items in the massive $60 billion-dollar two-year operating budget. He signed off on the budget…

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Cleveland Clinic’s long-range study looks to unlock biomarkers for brain ailments 51:13

22d ago51:13

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The Cleveland Clinic is in the third year of a first-of-its-kind brain study that was launched in 2022. The aim of the study is to identify biomarkers for neurological disorders earlier and either slow the progression or stop the progression all together. It's estimated that 1 in 6 people worldwide live with a neurological disorder—a broad term tha…

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Where does the opioid overdose epidemic stand in Cuyahoga County and Cleveland? 51:49

23d ago51:49

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Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost to the ever-evolving opioid overdose epidemic. We will discuss where Cleveland and Cuyahoga County stand with regards handling the crisis. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll start by talking about where Northeast Ohio stands in the approach and treatment of those impacted by opioids. We'll also di…

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Transportation experts urge caution on the road during busy traffic and construction season 51:18

29d ago51:18

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AAA predicts that a record 72.2 million Americans will travel during the week of July 4, crowding the roads with extra traffic. Meanwhile, it's the so-called 100 deadliest days of summer -- the time from Memorial Day to Labor Day when the most traffic crashes occur.By Ideastream Public Media

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Examining the new two-year Ohio operating budget and the governor's vetoes 52:40

1M ago52:40

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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed off on the state's new two-year operating budget at the deadline late Monday night into Tuesday. The $60 billion dollar spending plan includes money for a new Browns stadium in Brook Park. The state will chip in $600 million taken from unclaimed funds held by the Ohio Department of Commerce. The budget also flattens Ohi…

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Northeast Ohio experts discuss water safety following rise in drowning deaths 51:21

1M ago51:21

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As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, water safety and drowning prevention guidance is crucial. In the last month, more than five people have died by drowning in Northeast Ohio and dozens more have been rescued on the Cuyahoga River.By Ideastream Public Media

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Northeast Ohio experts discuss major Supreme Court end-of-term rulings 51:20

1M ago51:20

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On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that lower federal judges had overstepped their authority by imposing nationwide injunctions that blocked President Trump's executive order curbing birthright citizenship.By Ideastream Public Media

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Ohio budget includes money for a Browns domed stadium and a flat income tax | Reporters Roundtable 51:08

1M ago51:08

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Ohio's new two-year $60 billion operating budget is off to Gov. Mike DeWine. The budget passed through a reconciliation committee, and both chambers of the legislature this week. The budget is massive coming in at 5,000-plus pages laying out a mix of spending, tax cuts and policy measures. One of the most watched items: whether the state should pic…

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Northeast Ohio international law experts weigh in on US involvement in Iran 51:52

1M ago51:52

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We'll discuss the latest strikes in Iran, and the greater role the U.S. is playing in the Middle East.By Ideastream Public Media

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Northeast Ohio Gen Xers talk growing up analog in a digital world 51:02

1M ago51:02

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Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, is often called the "sandwich generation" because many are simultaneously caring for their aging parents while still supporting their own children. On Tuesday's program, we'll talk to local Gen Xers about life, societal pressures and growing up before the start of the digital age.…

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Talking Foreign Policy| President Trump's international policy shifts 50:18

1M ago50:18

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A panel of foreign policy experts discusses the radical foreign policy changes happening in the second Trump administration, from tariffs to policy in the Middle East.By Ideastream Public Media

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Pushback grows to property tax reform bill that would end inside millage | Reporters Roundtable 51:05

1M ago51:05

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Ohioans have told lawmakers they need to do something about increasing property taxes. While a grassroots effort to put a constitutional amendment before voters to abolish property taxes works to collect petition signatures, a number of other bills and proposals are taking shape at the Statehouse. One of those bills would reduce property tax collec…

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NEO infectious disease experts express concern over changing federal vaccine policies 52:07

1M ago52:07

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently removed members of a vaccine advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say this could impact vaccine rate, availability and insurance coverage.By Ideastream Public Media

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LGBT Community Center of Cleveland turns 50 amid rise of anti-LGBTQ policies 51:58

2M ago51:58

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The center is celebrating this milestone and Pride Month amidst a slew of changing laws and orders on the state and federal levels, from banning gender-affirming care to prohibiting DEI programs at public universities.By Ideastream Public Media

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Northeast Ohio's real estate landscape remains competitive for first-time home buyers 51:47

2M ago51:47

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Between a low supply of houses and sellers accepting cash offers, the housing market for first time buyers is tough right now.By Ideastream Public Media

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Ohio lawmakers enter final stretch for budget negotiations | Reporters Roundtable 51:18

2M ago51:18

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Ohio Senate Republicans passed their version of the budget on Wednesday which included money for a new domed Browns stadium and would over the course of the budget reduce the state's income tax brackets to a flat tax. No Democrats in the Senate voted for the budget. Now negotiations move to a conference committee to work out differences between the…

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Pedestrian safety and recreation is the center of two new Downtown Cleveland projects 51:44

2M ago51:44

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A new trail connecting Downtown Cleveland to the city's west side and creating new one-way streets are aimed at fostering more pedestrian activity and safety.By Ideastream Public Media

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NEO experts discuss the federal troop deployment in California and the new travel ban 51:38

2M ago51:38

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We will talk with academics in politics and law about a newly implemented travel ban as well as the call-up of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles.By Ideastream Public Media

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The state of public school funding will be determined by Ohio's next budget 51:12

2M ago51:12

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Public schools are waiting to see how Ohio will fund K-12 districts, as lawmakers debate different proposals in the next operating budget which needs to be finalized, passed and signed by the end of June.By Ideastream Public Media

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Early diagnosis and individualized treatment can aid those living with ADHD 52:41

2M ago52:41

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On the "Sound of Ideas" we will talk to several people living with ADHD, and a doctor who works in diagnosis and treatment.By Ideastream Public Media

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Senate budget would tap unclaimed funds for Browns new stadium | Reporters Roundtable 51:11

2M ago51:11

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The Ohio Senate this week revealed its initial budget proposal, and it included $600 million for a Browns stadium in Brook Park, but from a new funding source. Instead of backing bonds -- borrowed money with interest -- as the House proposed, the Senate proposed taking $1.7 billion from the state's unclaimed property fund to create a Sports and Cul…

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New Cleveland law orders businesses to be transparent about salaries in job postings 36:49

2M ago36:49

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The new law, which goes into effect in October, was introduced by Ward 17 Councilmember Charles Slife. It also bans employers from asking applicants for their salary history.By Ideastream Public Media

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Ohio Senate budget amendments address school funding, Browns dome proposal 38:09

2M ago38:09

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As the state's new operating budget takes shape in Columbus, we're getting a look at what priorities the Senate has for spending over the next two years.By Ideastream Public Media

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Knight Foundation supports local journalism as news deserts increase 41:02

2M ago41:02

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We’ll talk to the president of the Knight Foundation, which continues to support democracy and independent local news in 26 communities, including Akron.By Ideastream Public Media

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New United Way research shines a light on working households who are still struggling economically 35:50

2M ago35:50

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ALICE is a new term being used by The United Way, it stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Those are individuals who are often working full time and still struggling to make ends meet.By Ideastream Public Media

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East Cleveland mayor convicted on corruption charges | Reporters Roundtable 51:38

2M ago51:38

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A jury convicted suspended East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King yesterday. The jury found King guilty on 10 of 12 corruption-related charges including theft in office and having an unlawful interest in a public contract. King was accused of steering city contracts to businesses owned by him and his relatives. King was accused of steering city contract…

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Experts discuss why talk therapy is on the rise and medication treatment is falling 51:17

2M ago51:17

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Between 2018 and 2021, more people started using talk therapy as part of their mental health care, while using only medication became less common.By Ideastream Public Media

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Budget cuts raise concerns about the ability to track water quality in the Great Lakes 50:12

2M ago50:12

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The Great Lakes provide fresh drinking water to more than 30 million people, power a multi-billion-dollar shipping industry, and create habitats for millions of fish, birds, and other wildlife. Experts say recent federal funding cuts to one prominent lab that monitors the Great Lakes, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, may be puttin…

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Sound of Ideas Community Tour| "Re-entry and Reconciliation" 1:12:51

2M ago1:12:51

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The next "Sound of Ideas Community Tour" is being held in conjunction with the Cleveland Orchestra's Mandel Opera and Humanities Festival and focuses on people reentering society post-incarceration.By Ideastream Public Media

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Some Cleveland Heights residents call on the mayor to step down | Reporters Roundtable 51:05

2M ago51:05

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Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren posted a 15-minute video on social media Wednesday, denying that his wife made antisemitic remarks in text messages and conversation. Residents angrily confronted him at Monday night's City Council meeting, demanding his resignation. He has been under fire since March, when former Akron Mayor resigned as city ad…

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Closure of two Warren hospitals raises questions about private equity firms in healthcare 51:05

2M ago51:05

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A new Mother Jones investigation looked at the role Wall Street played in Steward Health Care's recent bankruptcy, which led to the closures of two hospitals in Trumbull County.By Ideastream Public Media

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Experts discuss what hospice and palliative care are and how they can help 51:41

2M ago51:41

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When it comes to managing serious illness or the final phase of life, surveys show that a majority of Americans say they have at least heard of hospice or palliative care but most admit they may not know a lot about either topic. We're going to talk about both to begin Wednesdays “Sound of Ideas." Later, it's an excerpt from the latest episode of "…

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100 years of Cleveland Public Library: A celebration amid uncertain times for libraries 50:00

2M ago50:00

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The Ohio House's version of the state budget would reduce state funding for public libraries by more than $100 million over the next two years, compared to the Governor’s proposal.By Ideastream Public Media

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Is Cuyahoga County's network of reentry services able to provide for those getting out of prison? 51:01

2M ago51:01

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Several reporters from The Marshall Project - Cleveland are covering how Cuyahoga County's Office of Reentry is working with neighborhood groups to assist with those leaving prison.By Ideastream Public Media

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Frustrated Ohioans want to end property taxes in the state | Reporters Roundtable 51:47

3M ago51:47

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A grassroots effort to eliminate property taxes in Ohio received the green light this week to begin gathering signatures for the proposed ballot measure. Citizens for Property Tax Reform must gather 443,000 valid signatures from 44 of Ohio's 88 by July 2 to qualify for the November ballot. Property taxes and relief have been a major concern for Ohi…

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Environmental threats facing Northeast Ohioans, explained by a cardiologist 50:48

3M ago50:48

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A University Hospitals cardiologist explains how exposure to environmental factors such as air and water pollution may put you at higher risk of developing heart disease and chronic health issues.By Ideastream Public Media