Lakewood officials demand accountability for continued power outages | Sound of Ideas

00:00 Lakewood demands accountability for power outages 32:45 Nobel Peace Prize winner on threat of nuclear war Tens of thousands of Northeast Ohio residents were without electricity during some of the hottest days of the year last week, and some lost power for up to four days. For cities like Lakewood, residents say power outages happen on a too-frequent basis, and the city's mayor, Meghan George, is demanding accountability from the only energy company serving the city, FirstEnergy. In a statement last week, George called on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the state regulatory agency, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, to press for action against FirstEnergy. This is following a prior investigation into the company last year where PUCO found "probable noncompliance." FirstEnergy was then ordered to invest $12.5 million into the city's infrastructure. Regarding last week's power outages, FirstEnergy put a message on its website to Lakewood customers: "We understand the frustration and hardship recent outages have caused for Lakewood residents, especially during this period of extreme heat," the message read. "Using less electricity can help protect the system and prevent additional outages – and help you manage energy costs during this time of high use." On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk about power concerns with Lakewood leaders, and a reporter covering energy news in the state. The "Sound of Ideas" did invite FirstEnergy to be part of this conversation to share their perspective on the outages, but they declined to participate. Guests: Meghan George, Mayor, City of Lakewood. Ernie Vargo, Law Director, City of Lakewood Kathiann Kowalski, Contributing Reporter, Canary Media Nobel Peace Prize winner on threat of nuclear war During the height of the Cold War, much of the American populous was terrified of nuclear annihilation. They held their breath as President Kennedy warned of rising tensions with the Soviets during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and ducked under their desks as students for bomb drills. They also breathed a sigh of relief when relationships with the USSR were repaired at the end of the 1980s and the Cold War thawed. But some academics continue to warn that we're in fact closer to the possibility of nuclear war than we ever have been. Ira Helfand is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and will be speaking in Northeast Ohio on Thursday night at the invitation of Cleveland Peace Action. He joins the "Sound of Ideas" to explain why he's warning of potential nuclear conflict. Originally aired on the "Sound of Ideas" on July 8, 2026.