Show #74 kicks off with Robert giving a sermon to his dearly departed dishwasher. It’s been three weeks, and apparently getting a new dishwasher in stock was a bit of a search — but thanks to Grok, he found one! And just like that, it’s back to happy wife, happy life. We also had some sound issues during the show. We’re not exactly sure what happened there, but thanks for chugging through the technical difficulties with us. Hey, maybe the AI can help with that, too?
We also got an email from one of our producers, Sir Jay Stroke, with some boots-on-the-ground information about ICE activity — an interesting update you’ll want to hear. Then Robert wanted to share some of his favorite clips from the RNC. So, enough of the dishwasher drama… let’s roll!
😂 RNC Convention Clips
Next up, Robert has some of his favorite clips from the RNC — and this isn’t your typical political convention recap.
Trump has a knack for coming out at these events and doing a little comedy routine to get the crowd fired up. The clips Robert picked are the kind of schtick he uses to entertain the room, and whether you like him or not, you have to admit the guy can put on a pretty good stand-up routine.
No links here, guys. You’re going to have to listen to the show for these ones. Trust us — they’re pretty funny.
📷 Flock Cameras: Ohio Communities Are Starting to Say “Enough”
The biggest discussion of the episode centers on Flock license plate reader cameras and the growing backlash surrounding their use.
In Lorain County, Sheriff Jack Hall announced that the county is ending its Flock program after the company raised the price of its two-year contract by nearly 80 percent. The county had been paying $58,650 and was facing a new price of about $105,000. Hall said the technology had been useful to law enforcement, but he could not justify the increased cost to taxpayers.
The discussion then moves beyond Lorain County. Reynoldsburg has also announced that it is shutting down its Flock system, following an investigation into alleged misuse of the technology by two police officers. In Columbus, Mayor Andrew Ginther suspended the city’s use of Flock cameras while an officer’s alleged misuse is investigated. That case involved searches of a single vehicle more than 200 times. Columbus currently has 65 cameras, and the city’s contract is scheduled to expire in December.
That leaves a much bigger question hanging over the technology: How do communities balance a tool that can help solve crimes with privacy, oversight, data access and the possibility of individual misuse? Robert and Tom take a look at that growing Ohio debate.
Sources:
🔗: Flock cameras to come down in Lorain County: Here’s why
🔗: Sheriff Jack Hall cancels his Flock camera contract after the price goes up 79 percent
🔗: Ohio city says get the Flock out of here
🔗: Ginther suspends Columbus’ use of Flock license plate cameras, citing officer’s alleged misuse
🎻 Cleveland Orchestra Contract Talks Could Get Loud
This one comes courtesy of one of our producers, Sir Jay Stroke, who dropped this story into the mix for Show #74. Thanks, producer!
Cleveland Orchestra musicians have authorized a strike as they negotiate a new contract, with the current agreement set to expire September 23. Musicians are seeking raises and pointing to a significant pay gap between Cleveland and musicians in the other major U.S. orchestras. The timing is particularly interesting, with the contract expiration coming just days before a scheduled European tour.
Robert and Tom dig into what could happen if the musicians do walk — and what a strike could mean for one of Cleveland’s most recognizable cultural institutions.
Source:
🔗: Cleveland Orchestra Musicians May Strike This Year
🏫 Ohio’s School Testing Troubles Get Bigger
Next up is another story that keeps expanding: irregularities in Ohio’s spring state testing.
The state initially identified problems involving Cleveland-area schools, including three Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools and 12 Cuyahoga County charter schools. Students’ tests are being reviewed for unusual patterns, including answers being changed from incorrect to correct and other testing anomalies.
But the issue isn’t limited to Cleveland. State officials have now identified significant testing anomalies at 52 additional school buildings around Ohio, including schools in Cuyahoga and Summit counties. The state says the review is ongoing, and the findings could ultimately affect student scores, report cards and potential disciplinary action.
That’s a lot of questions for parents, students and schools — and Robert and Tom dig into what the state’s expanding investigation could mean.
Sources:
🔗: Ohio flags testing irregularities at 15 Cleveland area schools
🔗: State flags testing anomalies at 52 additional Ohio school buildings
🗳️ Amy Acton, the Canfield Fair Incident & What the Video Shows
The conversation turns to the incident involving Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair — and the guys take a closer look at the video and some of the conflicting descriptions of what happened.
Social media clips from Adam from Price Hill and Jack Windsor raise questions about the original characterization of the incident, while newly released video from WLWT appears to show something quite different from the initial reports. Robert and Tom break down what they’re seeing, including the claims of an “armed man” lunging at Acton and the video showing Havas never actually getting near her.
The bottom line? There are enough discrepancies here to make you want to watch the footage and decide for yourself.
Sources:
🔗: Adam from Price Hill (@still_hustling)
🔗: Suspect pleads not guilty after Canfield Fair incident involving Dr. Amy Acton
▶️ YouTube: Man arrested in incident involving Amy Acton that injured multiple people at Canfield Fair
▶️ YouTube: Video gives new insight into security incident at Amy Acton campaign event
🐀 Critter Corner
Critter Corner gets a quick-hit treatment this week with a look at several pieces of legislation moving through the Ohio Statehouse.
First up is House Bill 457, which would create new aggravated-murder offenses tied to political motivation and political victims, along with mandatory prison terms for politically motivated offenses of violence. The bill is currently in the Ohio House Judiciary Committee.
Then there is House Bill 292, creating the Ohio Defense and Space Advisory Commission and a program intended to support Ohio’s defense, aerospace and space industries. The legislation has passed both chambers and was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine.
And finally, House Bill 210 takes aim at catalytic converter theft, increasing penalties, adding requirements for scrap-metal dealers and restricting motor vehicle salvage dealers from purchasing or accepting catalytic converters.
A quick trip through the Statehouse, with plenty to chew on.
Sources:
🔗: House Bill 457 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio House of Representatives
🔗: House Bill 292 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Senate
🔗: New Ohio law targets catalytic converter thefts with tougher penalties, restrictions
🌟 Good Things
🌳 Aurora Park at Geauga Lake
The old SeaWorld and Wildwater Kingdom property at Geauga Lake is getting a new life. Aurora’s new park is taking shape, with the first phase of Aurora Park at Geauga Lake expected to open in October.
What was once an abandoned eyesore is becoming a new community destination — and that’s exactly the kind of Ohio turnaround story we like to see. To learn more about the project, click here.
Source:
🍷 Crocker Park Wine Festival
Looking for something to do around Northeast Ohio? The Crocker Park Wine Festival returns Friday and Saturday, September 18–19, giving Westlake another reason to head out for a weekend of wine, food and entertainment.
Source:
🔗: Home – 2026 – Crocker Park Wine Festival – Cleveland Wine Festival – Sept. 18-19, 2026
🎨 Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival
And in Cleveland, the Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival takes over the neighborhood on Saturday, September 19. It’s another chance to get out, support local artists and enjoy one of Cleveland’s most creative neighborhoods.
Source:
🔗: Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival – Tremont, Ohio
📢 Subscribe & Share
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