The Ohio Advocate: Recent Episodes
The Ohio Advocate
The Ohio Advocate, a grassroots progressive radio show broadcasting each Sunday at 11am on FM 97.7/AM 1570 in the Youngstown-Warren area.
This week, we say farewell. Matt and Justin announce their decision to take a hiatus from the show, what it means to them, and what the future of The Ohio Advocate holds.
We made sure to include some news and a feature for this show though, too! Matt and Justin give another update on August Issue 1, the Republican power grab aimed at keeping power out of the hands of Ohio voters, instead giving it to the legislature. They also discuss a bill introduced by Ohio Republicans that would eliminate sales tax on all sales of guns and ammo in the state.
Matt interviews Raven Cruz Loaiza, the Mediation Response Coordinator at Dayton's Mediation Response Unit. The MRU is an organization that handles non-violent 911 calls, sending a mediator instead of an armed officer to help defuse the situation. They discuss how the unit is able to work both alongside and separate from Dayton's police force, and the success they've seen over the year plus that they've been operating.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this bonus extended segment, Matt and Justin reminisce about the past stories they've covered, the feature interviews the team did, and their contribution to news and opinion in Ohio politics. They reflect on the past, and look towards the future.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss a new bill moving through the statehouse that discriminates against transgender people, and they give an update on August Issue 1, which would take power away from Ohio's voters and give it to the legislature. They also talk about a bipartisan bill would legalize marijuana in Ohio, and the Cleveland Food Bank's plan to provide free meals to children all summer long.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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This week, Matt and Justin talk about a newly introduced bill in the Ohio House of Representatives that would establish universal healthcare in Ohio. They also discuss changes to the state budget that would expand the free lunch program for school kids, the Ohio Senate passing the DATA act, and how last year's cash bail constitutional amendment has thrown the whole pretrial release system into jeopardy.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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This week on The Ohio Advocate, Matt and Justin discuss the City of Cleveland's plan to provide paid parental leave to all its employees, activists' plan to derail the Republicans' plan to take power away from the people of Ohio, the US Supreme Court recognizing a transgender person's correct pronouns for the first time, and unlikely allies teaming up to take on the companies who are dumping toxic fracking waste water.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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This week, Matt and Justin talk about protests in Columbus against the legislature’s plan to take power away from the people of Ohio, the movement for marijuana legalization to appear on this November’s ballot, updates on the injunction against Ohio’s abortion ban, and a court case that could limit future toxic algae blooms on Lake Erie.
As always, music has been generously provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss the EPA's newly released dioxin soil test results from East Palestine, some very stupid comments from US Senate candidate Bernie Moreno (R), Cuyahoga County Council taking on wage theft, and youth voter registration in Ohio.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin give an update on Ohio Republicans' effort to take power away from the people and make it harder to amend the Ohio Constitution. Then they take a deep dive into the newly released 2023 budget for the state of Ohio, discussing the new tax brackets, some major projects that are getting funding, and a slew of tax breaks that are going to wealthy people and large corporations.
For our feature this week, we take a listen to speeches given by leaders in the movement to get justice for Jayland Walker, who was murdered by the Akron police department back in June of last year. With the recent announcement of the grand jury's decision to not charge the eight officers who fired nearly 100 rounds at Jayland, there is renewed vigor in the Justice for Jayland movement. As a warning to our listeners, some of these speeches include detailed accounts of police violence.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin talk about a newly proposed Ohio tax on large corporate landlords, aimed at helping keep rents down. They also talk about how Ohio's Attorney General Dave Yost is working to stop student loan forgiveness of graduates who were defrauded by for-profit universities.
Matt sits down with Akron mayoral candidate Marco Sommerville, and discusses his plan and vision for the city, and how he would lead if elected mayor.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin talk about Norfolk Southern deleting video from inside of the locomotive that derailed in the East Palestine disaster, and a new Ohio House bill that would ban fracking and oil drilling under Lake Erie.
Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez interviews Jose-Arnulfo Cabrera from the Young Latino Network about their Liberation Lab Earth Day event, which is coming up soon, on Saturday April 22nd.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode of The Ohio Advocate, Matt and Justin cover H.B. 68, a blatant attack against the rights of transgender children, and S.B. 83, a blatant attack on free speech within Ohio's universities. Both of the bills are sponsored by and being pushed by the Ohio Republican Party.
Matt interviews Joshua Schaffer, candidate for Mayor of Akron, about his vision for the city, and how he plans to improve the lives of Akronites.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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This week, Matt and Justin discuss House Bill 103, which would force right wing fantasy versions of history into classrooms statewide. They also talk about how scientists are sounding the alarm on fracking wells in Muskingum County, and give multiple updates surrounding the abortion rights ballot initiative here in Ohio.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's show, Matt and Justin discuss a proposal from Ohio Republicans for tax cuts for the wealthy, and Cincinnati's plan to sell its publicly owned railway to Norfolk Southern for $1.6 billion.
Matt interviews Tara Mosley, candidate for Mayor of Akron, about her vision for the city, and how she plans to improve the lives of Akronites.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss the upcoming Ohio constitutional amendment that would secure abortion rights across the state and the conservative pushback against it. They also give an update on the bribery trial of Larry Householder, Secretary of State Frank LaRose's plan to pull Ohio out of an anti-voter fraud group, and the insane things that Ohio Republicans said at CPAC.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin dive into the health impacts of the East Palestine derailment disaster, and then talk about the Secretary of Transportation's proposal to stop accidents like this from happening again. They also discuss how Ohio children will lose healthcare access due to the ending of pandemic-era Medicaid enrollment expansion, and how Fox 8 Cleveland's photojournalist union is fighting for higher wages.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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This week on The Ohio Advocate, Matt gives a quick update on new information coming out of East Palestine about the train derailment disaster, he talks about a signature gathering campaign to get abortion rights on the ballot this year in Ohio, and an effort led by Republican Attorney Generals to ban the drug Mifepristone from being mailed to patients.
For our feature interview, Matt talks with Jeff Swertfeger, from Greater Cincinnati Water Works, about Cincinnati’s preparations to keep their drinking water safe from the chemicals released at the East Palestine rail disaster.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin give an update on the East Palestine train derailment/environmental disaster, with all the new facts that have come to light since last week's episode. They also discuss Governor DeWine's plan to allow fracking wells to be drilled on state lands.
The first in a new series of features with each candidate in the race, Matt interviews Shammas Malik, candidate for Mayor of Akron, about his vision for the city and how he would improve the lives of Akron residents.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss the devastating train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, as well as it's human and environmental consequences. They also tackle a proposal from Ohio Senate Republicans that would weaken child labor laws, Senate Bill 30.
Kevin Naughton talks to Rachel Breece from Project RISE in Akron, about their efforts to assist children within Akron Public Schools that are facing housing insecurity.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin give an update on the unionization push at REI Cleveland, as well as the unjustified firing of an Amazon warehouse employee in Cincinnati, who was leading the charge to form a union in that warehouse.
Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez interviews Maggie Scotece from the Abortion Fund of Ohio, about the launch of their new legal access program, which offers brief legal advice to our community regarding the rapidly changing legal landscape of reproductive health in Ohio.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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On this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss the trial of former Speaker of the House Larry Householder, over bribery charges stemming from the HB6 / FirstEnergy scandal. They also give an update on the fight for the future of the White Pond wetlands in Akron, Ohio's huge union gains in 2022, and Cleveland City Council's plan to eliminate 190 million dollars worth of medical debt held by Cleveland residents.
As always, music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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This week, Matt and Justin discuss the dark money behind HB 507, the "nAtUrAl GaS iS aCtUaLlY gReEn EnErGy" bill, the new voter ID law in Ohio, workers at REI Cleveland unionizing, and the upcoming civilian oversight board for Cleveland's RTA police.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin give an update on the labor negotiations between Akron Public Schools and the teachers union, and they discuss the ending of emergency extended SNAP benefits, a lawsuit that's taking on Ohio's "school choice" voucher program, and HB6's legacy on the state of Ohio's green energy targets.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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Hey Ohio, we're back from our break! In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss an upcoming teachers strike in Akron, record numbers of Ohioans turning to food banks for their groceries, a surprise upset in the Ohio Speaker of the House election, and what consumer and environmental groups have to say about a proposed base rate increase from Columbia Gas.
As always, music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode of The Ohio Advocate, Matt and Justin discuss a pair of bills pushed by Republicans that seek to make it harder for Ohioans to vote, and a recently passed bill that opens up Ohio parks to fracking and redefines what counts as "green energy".
Matt interviews Meghan Lugo, assistant professor at the University of Akron, about the campaign to save the White Pond wetlands in Akron from being redeveloped into unaffordable housing and retail space.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin talk about a bill in the Ohio House that would increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour, and another bill that would drastically change the process of how we amend Ohio's constitution.
Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez from IRTF Cleveland chats with international delegates in El Salvador and Honduras about the 42nd anniversary of the death of two Cleveland women in El Salvador along with the “State of Exception” that has been called in each country.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss the possibility of marijuana legalization being on the ballot next year in Ohio, Republicans attempt to limit the power of the state Board of Education, a bill working its way through the state legislature that would effectively ban gender affirming care for transgender youth, and a US Supreme Court case that could limit the rights of Medicaid patients.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin talk about the EPA's failure to regulate the release of toxic chemicals from ash ponds at coal power plants, and a new report issued by the House of Representatives on the causes of the current inflation crisis.
Daphne Carr talks to Kathie Chaffee Gaige from the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown, about the fight to draw new legislative districts in Ohio.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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Matt and Justin give an in depth analysis of the results of the midterm election in Ohio. They cover everything from the US Senate race, state House and Senate races, local elections, and ballot issues.
Music has been graciously provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss the city of Lakewood's sewer system dumping raw sewage into Lake Erie and the resulting lawsuit from the EPA, and a Supreme Court case that could give corporations extra power to punish striking workers.
Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez interviews Tori Hamilton and Dr. John Flores from IRTF (Inter-Religious Task Force) Cleveland about ballot Issue 2, why it's a bad constitutional amendment, and why we should vote against it.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin talk about how Ohioans are subsidizing unprofitable, polluting coal power plants, and how state environmental groups are asking the EPA to revoke Ohio's authority to regulate fracking wells.
For this week's feature interview, Glenn Hall interviews Piet Van Lier from Policy Matters Ohio. They discuss State Issue 1, public safety, bail in Ohio and what a more equitable Justice system would look like for our state.
As always, music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss how low income Ohioans are being charged higher rates for electricity, and give a summary of the Tim Ryan vs JD Vance Senate debate.
Daphne interviews Karen Schubert from the Youngstown Fall Lit Festival, focusing on “places that make us”- a title taken from the 2020 documentary focused on Youngstown’s contemporary struggle to build a sustainable community.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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This week, Matt and Justin talk campaign finance. First, they discuss the huge amounts of money being spent on this year's midterm election, both nationally and within Ohio. After that, they talk about a DNC panel's decision to reject a ban on "dark money" in Democratic primary elections.
In this week's feature interview, Daphne Carr talks with Liz Nalepa, Voter Registration Organizer with the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown, about this November election cycle, the status of redistricting, and how to get involved in local election protections.
Music has been provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss Ohio Republican candidate JR Majewski lying about his military service, and Senate candidates Tim Ryan and JD Vance finally agreeing to two debates.
Chrissy Stonebraker Martinez interviews LaTonya Goldsby from BLM Cleveland and Jacob Wourms from Campaign Zero, about Cleveland City Council trying to extend and expand their contract with surveillance tech company ShotSpotter using American Rescue Plan money.
As always, music provided by Danimal Sound.
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This week, Matt and Justin have a short discussion about the Electoral Count Act, and Trump's anti-American speech at his Youngstown rally. Our producers Kathleen Caffrey and Chrissy Stonebraker Martinez sit down with Susan Smith to discuss Chrissy and Susan's experiences at delegates to the World Women's Congress.
Music for this episode provided by Danimal Sound.
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On this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss Frank LaRose denying a Democratic candidate access to the ballot in a statehouse race, the increase in the number of women registering to vote in Ohio after the repeal of Roe v. Wade, adopting a care response model for non-violent 911 calls, and the deal that was struck to avert the railroad unions going on strike.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss Mike DeWine's unwillingness to debate his opponent in the governor's race, Nan Whaley, the upcoming debate in the Cuyahoga County Executive race, the Shooting of Donavan Lewis by Columbus Police, and the upcoming increase in funding going to the IRS.
As mentioned during the show, if you'd like to submit questions for the Cuyahoga County Executive debate, you can do so at this link.
Music graciously provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin give an update on the Columbus teachers union's strike, they discuss a Medicaid contractor overcharging for prescription drugs, the Biden administration's plans for student loan forgiveness along with Tim Ryan and J.D. Vance's reactions to it, and they have an in depth discussion about the latest news on the murder of Jayland Walker by the Akron police department.
As always, music has been graciously provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin talk about how you can get a payday from the FirstEnergy/HB6 scandal, a pair of Ohio constitutional amendments you'll see on your ballot this upcoming election day, the Columbus teacher's union strike, and changes to the way money is allocated to Ohio public schools.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
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In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss violent threats against a polling location in Toledo, how the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act will affect Ohioans, Governor DeWine's ties to the FirstEnergy/HB6 bribery scandal, and the FBI raid at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
This week, Matt and Justin discuss the latest polling in the Ohio Senate race, a new and innovative way to clean up toxic water runoff from old abandoned mines, and the disparity between worker and CEO pay in Ohio.
Chrissy Stonebraker Martinez interviews members of the NE Ohio Workers Center about their new campaign, Guardians for Fair Work.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
In this week's episode, Matt and Justin discuss the rising number of COVID cases in Ohio, Butler County's recent ban on new wind and solar power projects, and senate candidate JD Vance's controversial comments on domestic violence.
Daphne Carr interviews Dr. Ken Schneck, editor of the Buckeye Flame, about the abundance of Ohio communities who hosed trans-rights rallies this July and how to be an ally in these dark times for LGBTQAI+ Ohioans.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
In this episode, Matt and Justin talk about the Ohio Supreme Court once again rejecting a set of proposed maps from the Ohio Redistricting Commission as an unconstitutional gerrymander. They also discuss FirstEnergy's new updates to the electric grid, as well as their role in the HB6 scandal.
To access the petition that was mentioned during the FirstEnergy segment, please visit this link. The petition calls for the revocation of FirstEnergy's corporate charter.
For the feature piece this week, Daphne Carr interviews Lynn Anderson about SOBE Energy Solution's plan to put a waste to energy plant in downtown Youngstown.
Matt and Justin discuss the Columbus area Intel factory and the CHIPS Act being held up in Congress, out of state corporations buying up Ohio homes, the murder of Jayland Walker by Akron police and the ensuing protests, and Governor DeWine's initiative to increase police department budgets.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
This week, Matt and Justin discuss how Republicans are able to pass heavily restrictive abortion bans when the majority of the state opposes it, J.D. Vance trying to impose his religious views on others, and the Canton City School District taking a stance for educational freedom.
Chrissy Stonebreaker Martinez interviews Raymond Green from the Freedom BLOC (Black Led Organizing Collaborative), a local Akron community organizing group, about the murder of Jayland Walker by the Akron police department, and how the community is responding to this tragedy.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
This week,'s episode is entirely dedicated to the rulings coming out of the US Supreme Court. Matt and Justin discuss a host of rulings recently announced that haven't been getting much press coverage but are still vitally important. For our feature, we discussed the repeal of Roe v Wade and the attack on reproductive rights with Alana Belle, deputy director of Ohio Womens Alliance, Chrissy Stonebreaker Martinez, co-director of the Inter Religious Task Force on Central America, and organizer with Our Revolution Ohio, Kathleen Caffrey.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
This week, we have a special double length feature from our own Kathleen Caffrey! She interviews Amy Cox and Melissa VanDyke, two candidates for the Ohio House of Representatives, about how progressives can reach out to folks in rural communities.
Music courtesy of Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss how shrinkflation affects you, a UAW unionization drive at Ultium Cells in Lordstown, the Ohio legislature's attempts to lower training requirements for teachers that want to carry firearms in schools, and a recent Supreme Court ruling that affects your 4th amendment rights.
Matt interviews Brian Mallory, Monica Hummerick, and Peter Horth from the Poor People's Campaign about their upcoming Moral March on Washington, a rally demanding economic justice for America's poor and underprivileged.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
Matt talks about the current gas price hikes, and legislation passed by the U.S. House that aims to address it. Glenn and Chrissy interview local leaders in the movement for Palestinian liberation. Music provided by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin give an update on the redistricting battle in Ohio, and discuss Starbucks unionization efforts, police surveillance networks, the fight to get marijuana legalization on the ballot this year, and issues with Youngstown's water meters.
Kathleen Caffrey interviews Greg Coleridge from Move to Amend Ohio about their efforts to reduce the effect of money in politics, and their current fight to revoke FirstEnergy's corporate charter.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
This week, Matt and Justin give an update to the possible expansion of passenger rail in Ohio, and discuss the housing crisis in the Mahoning Valley, the health impacts of Akron's rubber industry, and the deal to sell the Lordstown auto plant to Foxconn.
Daphne Carr speaks with our new producer, Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez, about the recent reproductive justice rallies across Ohio, building truly intersectional movements, and the devastating impact of criminalization and defunding of reproductive healthcare on our communities.
Music provided by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss results from the May 3rd primary, give an update on the fight to draw fair legislative districts in Ohio, and discuss a bill that would make it harder for large corporations to buy up huge amounts of homes across the state. Daphne talks with Erica Putro, veteran educator in the Mahoning Valley, about Ohio's "don't say gay", anti-LGBTQ bill, HB 616. Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt interviews Pat Gsellman, the program director for Akron Waterways Renewed, about modifications to the City of Akron's consent decree with the EPA. You can learn more about this project by visiting the website for Akron Waterways Renewed.
Matt and Justin discuss an amendment to Akron's agreement with the EPA concerning their wastewater treatment system, and the leaked Supreme Court ruling stating their intent to overturn Roe v. Wade. Kathleen Caffrey interviews Piet VanLear from Policy Matters Ohio about the need for bail reform. Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss the shrinking of America's middle class, the latest of the redistricting fight in Ohio, a bill that would abolish state income taxes, and the effects of inflation on food prices and people's budgets. Kathleen Caffrey interviews Sally Smith, a student worker at Kenyon College, about the recent push to unionize student workers at Kenyon. Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss alternate financing schemes that take advantage of hopeful homeowners, new student loan forgiveness waivers, an update on the redistricting battle in Ohio, and the prevalence of dark money groups working to influence elections. Glenn interviews Erin Timms about the upcoming Youngstown May Day Festival. Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss potential changes to voter ID laws in Ohio, federal funding for public transportation, the upcoming demolition of a historic Akron building, and new laws surrounding overtime pay. Daphne talks with Alexis Smith, co-group leader of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Mahoning Valley, about Earth Day events and steps everyday people can take to support climate justice. Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss issues with transparency within Ohio's Medicaid program, the unfortunate ending multiple programs that aim to reduce childhood hunger and poverty, the ongoing drama around redistricting in Ohio, a proposed new jail in Cuyahoga County, and federal subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing. Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss a major proposed expansion of passenger rail service in Ohio, a plan to implement a citizen legislature in the statehouse, campaign finance violations from a candidate running for governor, and more news on the corruption and fallout from the FirstEnergy HB6 bribery scandal. Kathleen Caffrey interviews Tony Delorio about the working conditions at the company Amy's Kitchen. Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss Ohio Republicans' effort to impeach Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor, AIPAC funding the campaigns of politicians involved in the January 6th Capitol insurrection, and a fight nearly breaking out at an Ohio GOP primary debate. We also hear segments from the 22nd annual social justice teach in by the Cleveland-based group the InterReligious Task Force on Central America, including host Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez, Prof. Paul Edward Montgomery Ramirez, Kareem Henton, and Veralucia Mendosa. Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss Larry Householder’s bribery trial, Russian business ties to the Ohio GOP, DeWine’s appointment of “voter fraud” conspiracist Christina Hagan-Nemeth to the Elections Board, and discussion about gas price misinformation. Kathleen talks with Bill Phillip about the Ohio voucher system. Music by Danimal Sound.
Our first ever episode of Ohio Advocate, providing news analysis on Ohio’s pressing issues. Matt and Justice discuss Ohio’s COVID numbers, healthcare providers suing Ohio for the right to abortion, the economic impact of the Russian War against Ukraine, Ohioan’s support for Ukraine, and Electoral redistricting. Matt talks with Donna Plunkett on making Ohio a “model democracy state.” Music by Danimal Sound.
Matt and Justin discuss an Ohio House bill that would ban short term rentals, House bills that would ban so called “divisive concepts” in K-12 schools, and Mike Gibbons’ self-funded GOP campaign. Daphne talks with Brian Mallory Ohio Poor People’s Campaign tri-chair about their 2022 campaign. Music by Danimal Sound.