News, Topics, Banter of the Week

Cedar Point Adventures, a Southern Ohio Road Trip & the Growing Fight Over Data Centers — Crooked River Cast Show #71 🎙

The guys kick off Show #71 the way they usually do: catching up on the week. Robert found himself back at Cedar Point for more summer fun, while Tom took a driving adventure through southern Ohio that included raw milk, a farm, wine, cider and one particularly funky stop along the way. Then the conversation turns to new developments in vaccines and cancer research, Amazon’s drone delivery ambitions, and the increasingly heated debate over data centers, electricity and whether Ohio communities should have more say over what gets built in their backyards. The episode wraps up with a little Oktoberfest news in this week’s Good Things.

🎢 Cedar Point, Southern Ohio and One Funky Road Trip

Bent Ladder is a hard cidery and winery located at Rittman Orchards in Doylestown, OH
Bent Ladder Winery

Before getting into the news, Robert and Tom spend some time catching up on their respective weeks. Robert, apparently not tired of roller coasters yet, made another trip to Cedar Point.

Tom, meanwhile, headed south for a driving adventure and made several interesting stops along the way. His route included Bent Ladder, Ohio Raw Milk, Zoe Farms, Rohr’s Wine Room, and The Funky Truckeria. If you’re listening along and wondering exactly where Tom ended up, these are the places he visited.

Sources:

🔗: Bent Ladder

🔗: Ohio Raw Milk

🔗: Zoe Farms

🔗: Rohr’s Wine Room

🔗: The Funky Truckeria

💉 A New Flu Vaccine and a Possible Shift in Cancer Treatment

A stock image of a medical professional filling a syringe. Moderna and Merck are studying an mRNA therapy that could help reduce melanoma recurrence.

Tom’s news this week starts with some interesting developments in medicine. One involves a new flu vaccine specifically geared toward older adults, while another looks at the potential impact Moderna and Merck’s cancer vaccine research could have if the technology continues to deliver promising results.

The conversation looks at what these developments could mean beyond the headlines. Medical advances always come with questions about availability, cost and how quickly new treatments move from research into everyday care, but the possibility of better protection against flu and new approaches to fighting cancer certainly gives people something worth watching.

Sources:

🔗: A new flu vaccine geared to older people is coming soon

🔗: Moderna’s cancer vaccine could change America in 7 surprising ways

🚁 Amazon Wants to Drop Your Packages From the Sky

An Amazon Prime Air delivery drone on display in 2023. JASON REDMOND/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Robert’s news begins with Amazon’s continued push into drone delivery. The idea of having packages delivered through the air has been talked about for years, but now the technology is increasingly moving from futuristic concept to something people may actually encounter.

Of course, that also raises plenty of questions. How practical is it? Where will these drones fly? How much noise will they create? And how comfortable are people with having delivery drones regularly moving through their neighborhoods?

Source:

▶️ YouTube: WKYC Channel 3

⚡ Data Centers, Electricity and the Fight Brewing Across Ohio

"Community Reported" pins show data submitted by concerned residents across the US about AI data centers. Note that locations might be approximate, covering reported ZIP codes or nearby areas.

The biggest discussion of the episode focuses on data centers and the growing concern surrounding their impact on Ohio communities.

As more companies build the massive facilities needed to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence, communities are beginning to ask some basic questions: How much electricity do these facilities require? Who pays for the infrastructure? What happens when a project is proposed near homes, farms or established communities? And how much control should local residents have over the decision?

The guys look at reports from central and northeast Ohio, along with videos and commentary examining just how significant the power demands of AI and data centers could become. The conversation goes beyond simply being for or against data centers. These projects can bring investment and development, but the infrastructure required to support them is substantial, and Ohio is now finding itself in the middle of a much larger national conversation.

That debate has also reached the courts. In Ashville, the Ohio Supreme Court cleared the way for an anti-data center referendum to move forward, giving voters a chance to weigh in on a proposed project. Meanwhile, the issue of electricity and utility infrastructure continues to be a major part of the conversation, with AEP Ohio and other players facing increasing scrutiny.

The discussion also looks beyond Ohio at the broader effort to track where AI data centers are being proposed and how communities across the country are responding. Whether you’re excited about AI, concerned about your electric bill, worried about development near your home or simply trying to understand why these enormous facilities are suddenly popping up everywhere, this is an issue that isn’t going away anytime soon.

Sources:

▶️ YouTube: WBNS 10TV

▶️ YouTube: News 5 Cleveland

▶️ YouTube: Benn Jordan

▶️ YouTube: Piedmont Media

🔗: AEP Ohio Archives

🔗: Ohio Supreme Court greenlights Ashville anti-data center referendum

🔗: U.S. AI Data Center Awareness & Issue Map

🌟 Good Things

🍻 Cleveland Oktoberfest Is Back

The Cleveland Oktoberfest Committee Delivers a 6-Day Blockbuster Event, Sept 4-7 & Sept 11-12, 2026

Cleveland Oktoberfest is returning for two weekends this September, bringing plenty of food, drinks, music and Oktoberfest fun back to the area. The event will once again take place at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, with some new additions planned for this year’s celebration.

If you’re looking for a reason to get out and enjoy the beginning of fall in Northeast Ohio, this might be one worth putting on the calendar.

Source:

🔗: Cleveland Oktoberfest to return for 2 weekends in September: Here’s what’s new this year

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COVID’s Long Shadow: Amy Acton, Ohio’s Pandemic Response & the 2026 Governor’s Race — Crooked River Cast Show #69 ☯️ 🎙

Robert kicks off the show with something a little more personal than politics—he’s in the middle of dealing with a Zelle scam. If you’re unfamiliar with Zelle, it’s a digital payment service similar to Venmo or PayPal that scammers have increasingly targeted. The guys encourage listeners to learn how these scams work so they can avoid becoming the next victim.

Sources:

🔗: This Zelle Scam Is Emptying Bank Accounts in Minutes 😳

▶️ YouTube: THIS Zelle Scam Is DEVASTATING — Your Bank Won’t Save You!

From there, the conversation shifts to Ohio’s 2026 governor’s race and one of its most controversial candidates: former Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton. Looking back on the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert and Tom argue that many of the assurances and policies promoted during that period have not held up under later scrutiny. They discuss their belief that Ohio’s pandemic response relied heavily on fear-based messaging and criticize Acton’s continued defense of her actions, despite her remaining a respected figure among many Democrats and public health supporters.

The hosts also touch on the broader national debate surrounding pandemic-era decision-making, including criticism of former federal officials such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, before asking whether Ohio voters are ready to revisit that chapter as they choose their next governor. While neither host is especially enthusiastic about the current field of candidates, they conclude that voters will have to decide which option they believe is the better of an imperfect set of choices.

🦠 Amy Acton, COVID-19 & Ohio’s Political Future

parody cartoon of Governor Mike Dewine and Dr. Amy Acton by Dave Stofka of Stofka
Visitors at all 88 Ohio county fairs this summer will see a life-size cutout of Acton, displayed by Ohio Republicans in hopes of tying her to the pandemic shutdowns. 2026

The discussion begins with the growing reality that COVID-19 is no longer just history—it’s campaign material. Robert and Tom examine how Amy Acton’s tenure as Ohio’s health director has become a defining issue in the race for governor. Well, let’s roll down memory lane and revisit some of the clips of Acton’s past to refresh everyone’s memory of her statements.

Acton is now revisiting those early months through interviews and keynote speeches, presenting herself as a steady leader who faced impossible choices. At the same time, the hosts compare those retrospective interviews with what she actually said during the daily COVID briefings in 2020, discussing whether her messaging and predictions held up over time.

Robert also references a comprehensive Google search compiling Acton’s public record throughout the pandemic, using it as a timeline to revisit executive orders, interviews, public statements, and media coverage. The discussion includes reactions from physicians such as Dr. Simone Gold, whose criticism of pandemic policies became nationally known, and how differing viewpoints continue to shape the public debate.

The guys also discuss more recent developments, including Amy Acton campaign cut-outs appearing at county fairs that tie her directly to Ohio’s COVID response. Whether viewed as accountability or political theater, Robert and Tom note that the pandemic remains impossible to separate from her campaign for governor.

Sources:

🔗: The long shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic creeps into the race for Ohio governor

🔗: OHIO exclusive: Dr. Amy Acton shares insights from early pandemic with medical students

▶️ YouTube: Dr. Amy Acton answers when and how will the coronavirus quarantine end?

▶️ YouTube: Full interview: Dr. Amy Acton on early days of pandemic and how to move forward two years later

🔗: Robert’s Google Search: amy acton covid record

▶️ YouTube: A cut-out tying Dr. Amy Acton to COVID-19 response appears at Ohio fairs

▶️ YouTube: Dr. Amy Acton reflects on events of COVID pandemic during keynote speech for Case Western Reserve University conference in Cleveland

▶️ YouTube: Dr. Amy Acton to Ohioans: Don the mask, don the cape

🔗: Dr. Simone Gold (@drsimonegold)

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Flock Cameras, Privacy Concerns & Remembering John C. Dvorak — Crooked River Cast Show #68 🎙

We are back! After a month away from the microphones, Robert and Tom returned with plenty to talk about. The show opens on a somber note as they reflect on the passing of podcasting legend John C. Dvorak before diving into one of Ohio’s biggest ongoing debates: Flock Safety cameras. From Cleveland City Council to privacy concerns, security breaches, and citizen pushback, this episode takes a deep look at the technology that’s quietly spreading across communities—and the questions that come with it.

🎙 Remembering John C. Dvorak

John C. Dvorak, in heaven with Jesus

The episode begins with the sad news of the passing of John C. Dvorak, longtime co-host of the best podcast in the universe, No Agenda. Robert and Tom share their thoughts on what his loss means to the No Agenda community and the podcasting world as a whole.

Robert reflects on the uncertainty surrounding the future of No Agenda, wondering how Adam Curry will carry on after losing his longtime friend and co-host. So as of now, Curry appears fully active and running No Agenda solo (with the promised fill-in co-hosts rotating in).

ITM JCD, now and forever.

📹 Cleveland City Council Renews Flock Cameras

What the cameras look like: Flock Safety and Motorola Solutions

The main topic of the episode focuses on Ohio’s rapidly expanding network of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras. The temporary extension keeps Cleveland’s 100 license plate readers operating while officials seek bids for a replacement before the contract expires in December.

Robert and Tom begin with Cleveland City Council’s decision to renew the city’s Flock Safety contract despite concerns voiced by some council members. The discussion explores the balance between public safety and personal privacy, as well as how these camera systems continue to spread across Northeast Ohio.

Source:

🔗: Cleveland City Council Warily Approves Flock Safety Renewal

🚔 Flock Cameras Targeted in Lorain County

what the cameras looks like:Genetec and Leonardo.

The conversation then shifts west as multiple Flock cameras in Lorain County were vandalized.

The guys discuss why some residents have become so opposed to the technology that they are taking matters into their own hands. Whether driven by privacy concerns or frustration with increased surveillance, the incidents illustrate just how controversial these systems have become.

Source:

🔗: String of vandalized Flock cameras spans Lorain County

🤖 Breaking Down the AI Behind the Cameras

What the cameras look like from Neology and Axon.

Beyond simply reading license plates, Robert and Tom examine the artificial intelligence powering Flock cameras.

They discuss how AI can identify vehicle characteristics, patterns of movement, and other information that many people may not realize is being collected. The conversation raises broader questions about how much surveillance technology is becoming part of everyday life.

Source:

▶️ YouTube:  Breaking The Creepy AI in Police Cameras

🔓 When Surveillance Gets Hacked

One of the biggest concerns surrounding these systems is what happens when the data falls into the wrong hands.

The guys discuss reports of a Flock-related data leak and the alarming possibilities when sensitive vehicle information becomes accessible to unauthorized users. It’s a reminder that while technology can help solve crimes, it also creates new cybersecurity risks and overreach.

Source:

▶️ YouTube: This Flock Camera Leak is like Netflix For Stalkers

🏛 Citizens Push Back

DeFlock - An open-source project mapping license plate readers

The discussion wraps up with an example of local residents speaking directly to government officials.

Robert and Tom highlight testimony presented before the Dunwoody, Georgia City Council regarding a proposed Flock Safety contract. The hearing demonstrates that debates over privacy, transparency, and surveillance are happening across the country—not just in Ohio.

The episode also touches on DeFlock, a growing movement encouraging communities to reconsider or oppose expanded license plate reader networks. Check out your area, let us know what you are seeing, and email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com.

Sources:

▶️ YouTube: My testimony at Dunwoody, GA city council hearing regarding a Flock Safety contract.

🔗: DeFlock

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