It’s Episode 20, and Robert and Tom are back with another sharp (and sometimes sarcastic) look at what’s going on across the Buckeye State.

Kicking things off is Senator JD Vance making headlines after calling Akron, Canton, and Cleveland “lawless.”
Local leaders weren’t having it — and neither were Rob and Tom. Expect some strong reactions and a clip or two from the fallout:

• JD Vance called 3 Ohio cities ‘lawless.’ Those cities beg to differ. – WKYC
• Rep. Sykes slams VP Vance for calling Akron, Canton “lawless” cities – Cleveland.com

Next up: the Ohio governor’s race. One candidate has a huge lead in fundraising — but does money win elections?

• Who’s winning the money race for governor? One candidate. By a lot.

Then there’s a new tool in Summit County’s public safety belt: AI is now handling non-emergency calls 24/7. But not everyone’s sold on it:

• Local county now using AI 24/7 to answer non-emergency calls – WKYC
• It’s not just tech companies using AI — NEO businesses do too

Also on the docket:

• Ohio’s upcoming sales tax holiday — useful or mostly smoke and mirrors?
• Mixed reviews come as Ohio’s sales tax holiday nears
• Where’s the weed money? Cities are still waiting on promised cannabis tax revenue.
• Ohio’s cities are owed millions in marijuana taxes – Cleveland.com
• A group called Citizens for Tax Reform is stirring the pot — and we’ve got the audio.
• And Governor DeWine wants to ban prop bets in sports gambling:
• Gov. DeWine calls for ban on prop bets in Ohio

🏡 Meanwhile, Lakewood is cracking down on short-term rentals with new rules being proposed.

• Lakewood City Council proposes legislation on short-term rentals – WKYC

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✨ Good Things This Week:

• SABON, a local ska-punk band, is throwing a record release party at the Grog Shop:
• Cleveland Ska-Punk Band SABON To Play Release Party at Grog Shop
• Some local karate kids from West Chester just brought home medals from the World Championships in Sweden:
• West Chester karate athletes medal at World Karate Championships in Sweden
• And Ryan and Haley hit another milestone in their “50 States in 50 Weeks” journey. Tom gives us the scoop on where they’ve been and what’s next.

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💬 Tune in, sound off, and stay grounded in Ohio — whether it’s taxes, tunes, or tae kwon do, we’ve got your week covered.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.