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.
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
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.
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Robert and Tom covered a packed slate this week, bouncing from FBI file drops and election reactions to Ohio levy results, Medicaid questions, school safety, and some lighter Ohio stories to wrap things up. The guys kept the pace moving with plenty of commentary on where government priorities seem to be heading—and who’s paying for it.
🕵️ FBI Files Released 👽 🛸
The show opened with discussion around newly released FBI files and the growing public appetite for transparency. Robert and Tom talked about how these document dumps always seem to raise more questions than answers, especially in today’s political climate where trust in institutions keeps getting tested.
The approval of Tennessee’s new congressional maps triggered intense backlash and chaotic scenes at the state capitol as Republican lawmakers pushed to solidify control ahead of the 2026 midterms. Robert and Tom pointed out that for people who spent years throwing around the word “insurrection,” the footage coming out of Tennessee looked awfully familiar.
Ohio’s primary results gave Robert and Tom plenty to dig into. From the governor’s race to secretary of state battles and Derek Merrin’s rematch against Marcy Kaptur, the political chessboard for November is starting to take shape fast.
The guys also touched on how local elections often tell the bigger story about where voters are really leaning.
The levy conversations continue across Ohio. Some communities approved school funding while others pushed back hard against additional taxes. Robert and Tom talked about the frustration many Ohioans feel balancing rising costs with maintaining schools and services.
Lorain voters approved a levy that students hope will restore programs and opportunities, including dance programs that had been cut. In contrast, Clark and Medina County voters rejected local income tax proposals. The guys joked that the story was turning into a real-life Footloose episode.
One of the biggest conversations of the episode centered around Ohio Medicaid billing concerns involving clusters of companies operating out of the same buildings in Columbus. Robert and Tom questioned how oversight failed for so long and why taxpayers are only now hearing about the scale of the issue.
The discussion also focused heavily on reporting involving Somali-linked home health operations and the broader concerns about accountability inside Ohio’s Medicaid system.
In this week’s Critter Corner, the CDC issued warnings tied to drug-resistant salmonella infections connected to backyard poultry. Robert and Tom joked that even raising chickens isn’t simple anymore, but the story carried a serious reminder about food safety and handling animals properly.
The surveillance conversation returned this week as Central Ohio police departments continue investing heavily in Flock license plate reader systems. The guys also discussed concerns after reports that Dayton-area camera data was allegedly used for immigration enforcement purposes.
The debate over public safety versus privacy isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Ohio’s Supreme Court sided with AEP in a decision tied to coal plant refunds, denying millions back to customers. Robert and Tom questioned once again why utility companies always seem to come out ahead while ratepayers keep absorbing the costs.
One of the more nostalgic conversations of the night centered around WKRP returning to Cincinnati airwaves through “Oasis.” The guys had fun revisiting one of Ohio’s most iconic TV connections and how certain shows never really disappear.
School safety stayed front and center this week after Parma schools announced additional security measures following the Valley Forge incident. Robert and Tom also discussed the alarming trend of threats being made against Northeast Ohio school districts.
An Ohio man hit a $50,000 scratch-off prize on Easter, and apparently his wife didn’t believe him at first. Honestly, probably a smart reaction considering how many people say they “almost won.”
As the weather warms up, Summit Metro Parks rolled out updated biking information for riders looking to hit the trails this season. A solid reminder that Ohio has some fantastic outdoor spaces once you get off the highway.
Summer unofficially starts when Cedar Point opens the gates, and the park is back for the 2026 season with new attractions and updates. Ohioans know exactly what that first coaster ride of the year feels like.
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The show opened with a heavy issue for Tom — and not the political kind. It was the riff from “Just Got Paid” by ZZ Top. Tom played two versions, convinced one was the real one. Robert tried to help… but the mystery remains.
Robert pointed out it was tax week, which made the song choice feel pretty fitting. He also admitted he hadn’t planned to talk about Iran — but Tom quickly steered the conversation to what he sees as a growing concern closer to home.
This past Thursday, the U.S. House approved legislation extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian refugees through 2029. Ten Republicans joined Democrats to pass the bill, and two of them were from Ohio — Mike Turner of Dayton and Mike Carey of Columbus, whose districts include the Springfield area.
Robert and Tom made it clear that this issue isn’t going away. They plan to dig deeper into the details next week.
🌍 Iran Update — What Changed in the Last Few Days
After the opening conversation, Robert shifted to the international stage with an update on Iran, focusing on what had changed in just the last couple of days before the recording. The guys played several clips to walk listeners through the fast-moving developments and why the situation remains volatile.
Robert emphasized that events were evolving quickly — ceasefires, negotiations, and military positioning were all shifting in real time. Recent reports show tensions remain high, with Iran rebuilding military capacity and negotiations continuing under pressure.
The takeaway from the segment was straightforward: This situation isn’t settled, and the next few days could matter just as much as the last few.
(No sources were provided during the segment — the discussion centered on recent developments and analysis.)
🩺 Acton’s Scandal Returns to the Spotlight
Former Ohio Health Director Amy Acton is back in the headlines, and the story isn’t going away quietly. Questions surrounding a past police visit have resurfaced, and critics are pushing hard on transparency and accountability. Robert and Tom explored how old controversies tend to resurface at the worst possible time — especially during a campaign. Robert and Tom took a lighter — but still pointed — approach to the ongoing headlines around Amy Acton. At one point, the guys jokingly asked, “Is Amy Acton always drunk?” — clearly meant as humor, but also as commentary on public appearances and the way political figures are perceived under the spotlight.
⚠️ Putsch Event Controversy — Optics, Messaging, and Political Fallout
Robert and Tom dug into the controversy surrounding gubernatorial candidate Casey Putsch and an event that quickly drew backlash after comments referencing Hitler and Nazi imagery surfaced. What started as a campaign gathering turned into a public relations headache, with one Columbus-area restaurant canceling the event altogether.
The guys focused heavily on the optics — not just the comments themselves, but how quickly messaging can spiral in today’s political environment. Social media posts, campaign stunts, and provocative rhetoric can grab attention, but they can also trigger consequences just as fast.
They also played clips highlighting reactions to the situation and discussed how moments like this can define a campaign — sometimes more than policy ever will.
🏛 Ravenna City Council — Local Government Gets Loud
Local government meetings rarely make headlines, but when tempers flare and residents show up in force, things get interesting fast. The Ravenna council meeting highlighted just how heated community debates can become when citizens feel decisions are being made without their input. In one five-minute video shared on X with over 250,000 views, Ravenna resident Will Hollingsworth passionately makes the case against new AI data centers in his community. Definitely worth a watch and listen.
🏗 Data Centers vs. Neighborhoods — The Fight Moves to Lake County
Data centers promise jobs and tax revenue — but they also bring noise, land use concerns, and big infrastructure demands. Residents in Lake County are pushing back hard, even forcing a vote to slow things down. Robert and Tom framed it as the classic “progress vs. quality of life” debate that more Ohio communities will likely face.
Infrastructure upgrades are coming — but the big question is who gets the bill. Consumer advocates warn that ratepayers may be footing the cost for large-scale energy transmission projects. Robert and Tom dug into the financial ripple effects and why this issue deserves more attention before the invoices start arriving.
📷 More Cameras on the Roads — Safety or Surveillance?
ODOT is installing dozens of new cameras aimed at reducing wrong-way crashes and improving traffic safety. Supporters say it’s about saving lives. Skeptics worry about privacy and government overreach. The hosts explored both sides — and asked whether technology is solving problems or just creating new ones. Sounds like we are now entering the era of “Person of Interest.”
🧪 Ohio’s Regulatory Sandbox — Innovation or Loophole?
Ohio lawmakers are considering a “universal regulatory sandbox,” which would allow companies to test new products and services under relaxed regulations. It sounds innovative — but critics warn it could open the door to reduced oversight. Robert and Tom unpacked what this could mean for businesses, consumers, and regulators alike.
🔍 Expanding Investigator Powers — A Quiet but Powerful Proposal
Another bill moving through Columbus would give state inspectors broader authority to investigate government employees. It’s the kind of change that doesn’t grab headlines — but could significantly shift accountability and oversight across state agencies.
📈 Cleveland Is Growing — But Not the Way You Think
Yes, Cleveland’s population is ticking upward — but the growth is largely driven by international migration. That raises bigger questions about workforce trends, housing demand, and long-term economic sustainability. Robert and Tom highlighted how the headline sounds positive, but the details matter.
Cleveland showing up on a list of the country’s least happy cities sparked a lively conversation. Is it economic pressure? Crime? Weather? Or just perception? The hosts broke down the possible reasons — and whether the ranking reflects reality or reputation.
A recall effort targeting Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb is gaining traction, and tensions outside City Hall are rising. Whether it succeeds or fizzles, Robert and Tom pointed out that the mere existence of a recall campaign signals deep frustration among some voters.
The future of Burke Lakefront Airport is once again under debate, with new proposals on the table. Closing it could reshape Cleveland’s waterfront — but it would also affect major events like the Cleveland Air Show. The conversation highlighted how one decision could ripple across the region’s economy and identity.
A dog in Alliance managed to get itself stuck six feet down a groundhog hole — and lived to tell the tale. Thanks to quick-thinking rescuers, the story had a happy ending and gave everyone a reason to smile. Sometimes the best headlines are the ones with muddy paws.
The actress best known for American Pie is stepping into the subscription-content world. Whether it’s reinvention or curiosity, it’s another reminder that celebrities keep finding new ways to stay relevant in the digital age.
Cleveland legend Bernie Kosar marked five months since his liver transplant with a surprise appearance in a wrestling ring. It’s a comeback story full of grit, humor, and hometown pride — exactly the kind of resilience Cleveland fans love to see.
