Cleveland, Ohio - Ohio's Treasurer Robert Sprague aims to amend state legislation to permit investments in digital currency.
We're referring to House Speaker Matt Huffman as the voice of reason on Today in Ohio.
Listen online here.
Editor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, joined by editorial board member Lisa Garvin, impact editor Leila Atassi, and content director Laura Johnston.
You've been sharing many ideas and recommendations with Chris regarding our newsroom-based social media account, where he posts about our current thoughts and topics.cleveland.com. You may register here:https://joinsubtext.com/chrisquinn.
Here's what we're focusing on today:
Who could be accountable for directing our state's tax funds towards something as dubious as cryptocurrency, and who, fortunately, is opposing it?
There have been many news reports over the years regarding rising youth crime, but it's uncommon to see 9- and 10-year-old children facing the most severe felony charges. This occurred on Wednesday in Cuyahoga County. Who was charged, and what were the accusations?
Cleveland authorities are recklessly considering an impractical plan to reintroduce traffic cameras. How much backlash will this decision face? Additionally, which city in Cuyahoga County is currently generating the highest revenue from these cameras?
What is the total amount Sherrod Brown has collected for his Senate campaign in the past six weeks since he launched it, and how many of those contributions are from small donors, which are crucial? How does this compare to Jon Husted's fundraising?
According to Leila and Laura, the midges emerging from Lake Erie this week are as loud as motorcycles on a highway. Leila keeps mentioning that the seasons without midges are becoming shorter. Is she accurate?
Let's return to the topic of culture wars and coded language within our cherished State Legislature. What exactly is the Success Path, and why is there proposed legislation concerning it?
What is the reason some individuals in Lake County are demonstrating against their sheriff's office?
What is a banana ball and why are tickets so difficult to obtain that you need to participate in a lottery?
The federal government shutdown has not only disrupted travel plans at airports and certain federal parks. Several tourist attractions in Ohio are also closed. Which ones?
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Read the automated transcript below. Since it's a computer-generated transcript, it contains many errors and misspellings.
Chris Quinn (00:01.496)
People who listen to this podcast know I really value self-sufficiency, and I might have gotten a bit too excited earlier this year when Laura learned how to use a chainsaw. But this week, she moved on to the next level. She took apart a refrigerator and fixed a faulty ice maker. So, welcome to the latest episode of This Old House. Ha ha ha. Just joking. It's today in Ohio.
Laura (00:09.731)
my gosh.
Laura (00:19.318)
You
Laura (00:23.735)
Thanks to chat GBT, let's just be clear
Chris Quinn (00:29.228)
The exceptionally distinctive news podcast conversation fromcleveland.comAnd the Plain Dealer. I'm Chris Quinn, joined by our distinguished panel, Lisa Garvin, Leila Tasi, and the tool belt pack, Lara Johnston. So Lara, how could someone in charge of our state tax money suggest putting it into something as dubious as cryptocurrency, and who is there to stop them?
Laura (00:55.073)
I really enjoy when you prompt me to clarify the reasons behind our lawmakers' actions because I often find it difficult to grasp what's going through their minds. And honestly, it's incredibly valuable. The idea that we're considering House Speaker Matt Huffman as a voice of reason would have never appeared on my list of expected events for this year. However, we are discussing House Bill 18. It is introduced by Republicans and aims to increase the state treasurer's authority to invest temporary funds. These are public funds not required for everyday expenses, which could be directed towards various investments, including cryptocurrency.
It's not yet committed, so it might be allocated towards US Treasury bills, government bonds, or money market funds. However, Treasurer Robert Sprague seems to have an interest in this. His policy director informed legislators that the objective is to establish the fund as a long-term investment vehicle for Ohio, with up to 10% of the funds potentially directed towards new investment categories, such as cryptocurrency. They mention their safeguards, but I believe the safeguard should be, don't allocate my tax money into cryptocurrency.
Chris Quinn (01:50.706)
A few points to consider. Cryptocurrency isn't actually money. It isn't tied to anything like dollars, yen, or other global currencies. Instead, it's only valued based on what people are willing to pay for it. Additionally, it experiences extreme fluctuations. Another important fact is that government investments are meant to be the most secure and cautious options available. However, throughout history, these rules have consistently been relaxed.
There's a final scandal where taxpayers lose millions of dollars. Before I arrived in Cleveland, there was a major one in Cuyahoga County, a significant investment scandal that cost a lot of money. The main point is to be as cautious as possible to safeguard tax funds. Putting money into something like cryptocurrency is completely unacceptable and should never occur. I can't believe the treasurer, who is also running for another position, was he aiming to be attorney general? He kept changing his mind and spinning the wheel, but
Laura (02:46.475)
Yes, I think so. Correct, musical chairs.
Chris Quinn (02:49.194)
Yeah, but he's terrible. He's a terrible leader. And now he's proposing this. I'm certain that if this occurs, taxpayers will end up losing millions of dollars at some point in the future. And Matt Huffman is completely correct in sounding the alarm and saying, I just don't see it.
Laura (03:06.657)
Right, exactly. And I'm glad about that because he's saying, I think these are types of things that are risky. We need to take a long, serious look at them. And I just don't understand why they're pushing this right now. He says, we truly want to lead. We have to show our country and the world that we're ready to back our words with action. Like my mouth isn't on cryptocurrency. This isn't something that Ohio is known for, as far as I know. And I don't know why Ohio should be at the forefront of this. It's just one of those things like
Ohio already faces enough challenges, so why are we creating additional ones?
Chris Quinn (03:38.818)
Look, you'd be better off buying baseball cards. At least they have a physical item at their core. This is absurd. We've witnessed it repeatedly. Large sums of cryptocurrency funds vanishing into the hands of fraudsters. There's no way our tax money should be used in this manner. Anyone who proposes such an idea should be removed from office because they're foolish. Sprague is a fool.
Laura (03:42.626)
Hahaha!
Laura (04:02.187)
and he is running for secretary of state. that's something that isn't going to happen obviously this year or next year, but just keep that in mind.
Chris Quinn (04:05.4)
Secretary of State, okay.
Chris Quinn (04:09.728)
Well, that's the news for today. Perhaps tomorrow he'll be governor again. He served as governor for about a day and then it's unclear what happens next. You're listening to Today in Ohio. We've encountered many news stories over the years regarding rising youth crime, but it's uncommon to see nine- and ten-year-old children charged with the most severe felonies. This occurred on Wednesday in Cuyahoga County. Lisa, who is being charged and with what?
Laura (04:13.795)
That’s true. That’s true.
Lisa Garvin (04:34.136)
Prosecutors have filed charges against a 10-year-old girl and a nine-year-old boy for rape, attempted murder, and additional offenses related to an attack on an autistic five-year-old girl that occurred on September 13th. The incident took place near the Collidwood Athletic Center on East 148th Street. Prosecutor Mike O’Malley stated, honestly, he has never encountered anything like this before. He mentioned, as you know, the extreme violence and shocking nature of this crime committed by children against another child.
These individuals are among the youngest ever facing violent crime charges in Ohio this year. The previous instance in Cuyahoga County occurred in 2018, when a 10-year-old boy was determined delinquent for murdering his stepmother. A five-year-old victim was reportedly taken to the field as described by young witnesses.
A 10-year-old girl, who apparently guided this child into the field, was involved in attacking her. They hit her with a rock, choked her, removed her clothing, and sexually assaulted both of them. The boy and the girl sexually abused the victim and left her in the field. She remained there for two hours before being discovered naked, curled up in a fetal position, and required hospitalization for several days afterward. Her mother stated, "They just shattered my daughter's spirit."
The young individuals are, the young people of interest have not yet been placed in a detention facility, but they will be presented in juvenile court on a later date.
Chris Quinn (05:50.018)
The most frightening aspect for me is that I don't believe our system is capable of altering the path of these children. Clearly, nine and ten-year-olds don't come up with such actions by themselves. There must have been abuse in their past. An adult must have done this to them at some point. So how can they be both victims and suspects?
Lisa Garvin (05:58.199)
No.
Chris Quinn (06:16.184)
Does society do it? Understand why you're charging them. This is terrible and it gets them into the system. Perhaps the simple solution is to remove them from their current homes, since they clearly aren't receiving what they need there. But I just don't know how the court can manage this to make a change, because that's the role of juvenile court. When kids go off track, these two are far off track. How do you help them reach adulthood as...
as successful individuals. It's one of the most terrible things I've ever witnessed.
Lisa Garvin (06:51.126)
Well, you're assuming they come from a neglectful home. That might not be the case. They could simply be cruel. They might have been raised watching video games and violent television. We truly don't know. And likely, some of them were victims of abuse. What bothers me about this is that there were several young children who witnessed what occurred and later spoke to the police, describing what happened in great detail, yet none of them stepped in while it was happening.
Chris Quinn (07:17.582)
And it's one of the worst tragedies to occur in a long time. It's a tough situation for everyone involved in the system. You're listening to Today in Ohio. Let's discuss some more ill-advised elected officials. Cleveland officials are recklessly considering the nearly impossible plan of reintroducing traffic cameras. How disliked is this decision? Which town in Cuyahoga County is currently making a fortune from the cameras?
Leila (07:47.141)
Oh, Chris, officials in Cleveland are facing significant criticism over this issue. The plan to reintroduce traffic cameras is highly unpopular, and there's already been a strong reaction. Keep in mind, Cleveland residents previously voted three to one in 2014 to prohibit the use of these cameras unless a police officer is physically there to issue the ticket. However, while Cleveland is discussing this, some surrounding areas are making substantial profits. Leading the way isn't Lindale.
However, Newburgh Heights, Newburgh Heights, generated an astonishing $4.3 million from only two cameras on Harvard Avenue within one year. This amount surpasses that of any other city in Cuyahoga County, including Lindale, which is often criticized for its use of traffic cameras. Additionally, it has that well-known speed trap near the Memphis Kitty Park. Other neighboring suburbs are also benefiting. Parma earned approximately $1.5 million, while Parma Heights received around $840,000 and East Cleveland nearly $3 million.
The key is to place cameras in school areas. This prevents the state from reducing local government funding, which typically happens on a one-to-one basis with camera earnings. As Cleveland explores bringing back its traffic cameras to address dangerous driving, the issue is whether it would be financially viable, and whether residents would ever accept the city attempting this.
Chris Quinn (09:14.562)
Well, consider this, what we just discussed, what you just mentioned, is why people don't trust the city here. If this were genuinely about safety, I believe more individuals would agree that safer streets are necessary. However, when you examine what Newberg is doing and what Lindale is doing, as well as what East Cleveland is doing, it has nothing to do with safety. It's all about how much money can be made by using these. That's why Cleveland voters rejected it. It was purely a money move.
And Jean Campbell was candid about it when she initiated it. We need the funds. That's why we're proceeding. We have to increase our budget. This undermines the entire safety rationale. The advantage of traffic cameras is that they don't show bias. I mean, there was a discussion a few years back regarding the university circle police. What was it? 90 percent of those stopped were black. And it was absurd. They claimed they didn't target anyone. But the statistics contradicted that.
Traffic cameras don't operate that way. They apply the same rules to everyone, but Cleveland wouldn't implement this to improve safety. Their real motivation would be to increase their budget, and the voters aren't buying it. Our reporter did come across a significant discussion on Reddit where people were clearly not accepting this, correct?
Leila (10:28.776)
Sure, they referred to it as a financial scam. Others claimed it was a form of coercion. A Reddit user suggested that Cleveland should hire a third party to collect money from drivers. Well, I'm not going to support that. I'll say no to that, he stated. However, it was intriguing because, despite all the anger, some residents of Cleveland acknowledged that the city's driving habits have become somewhat unmanageable. And one person commented, basically, I don't like trams...
Chris Quinn (10:42.094)
the
Lisa Garvin (10:53.143)
Yes ma’am.
Leila (10:55.936)
I'm just as aware of traffic cameras as anyone else, but the driving in the city is chaotic. Another person mentioned they disliked the old cameras, but they're beginning to change their mind after witnessing drivers running red lights and speeding through traffic at 40 miles an hour or more than the speed limit. That's somewhat the issue that city officials have focused on, or they claim that's what's behind their push for these cameras. But, as I said, school zones are really their main approach.
Pass the needle through the state law, as that is the only area where you can place cameras without needing to sacrifice some of the local government funding received from the state.
Chris Quinn (11:33.922)
I wonder if a more effective approach would be for Mike DeWine to establish a specialized highway patrol unit that can be deployed to cities for a month at a time to manage traffic. This strategy was used during the violent crime surge involving the Qias and Hyundai's, as well as the chaos that was occurring. The highway patrol was sent in, resulting in a significant operation that proved successful. Justin Bibb coordinated all these agencies.
I took a few trips in it and they made it more subdued. Perhaps that's the approach—having a unit dedicated to improving cities. I'm certain Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo would all gain from it. Plus, residents concerned about safety would at least witness some progress.
Leila (12:19.532)
I believe they should add more of those speed bumps. Have you ever driven over one at full speed? They can lift your car if you aren't aware you're going over it, unless you slow down. Just.
Lisa Garvin (12:19.886)
Ugh. I despise those items.
Lisa Garvin (12:29.877)
That’s true.
Chris Quinn (12:29.942)
No, they are effective. They function properly. They are good. They tend to slow things down. That would make a difference in areas with persistent issues.
Leila (12:37.024)
Certainly. They could simply deploy many of those to the issue. You might notice individuals reducing their pace.
Laura (12:40.707)
You recently made the point about the radar, like how you know you won't get a ticket even if it catches you in that area.
Lisa Garvin (12:41.89)
But then.
Leila (12:51.02)
You're right. I believe there's a psychological impact on most individuals where, when they notice their speed exceeds the limit, they tend to slow down, even if they don't want to.
Lisa Garvin (12:53.997)
Mm-hmm.
Laura (13:04.012)
Right.
Chris Quinn (13:04.206)
I'm somewhat surprised that traffic cameras are so effective in these other suburbs now, because if you're using Google Maps or any other traffic apps, they alert you that you're approaching a camera. I mean, you even get warned if there's a police officer using radar, and then it asks if he's still there. So I'm surprised that so many people are getting caught. They must not be using navigation systems in their cars.
Laura (13:30.723)
I mean, you just go under that bridge in Lindale, and I do it every time I go to the office, right? Everyone slows down to 20 miles an hour. Like, I don't think you could get a cop, even if there are other cars around, and even if you've never been there before, you're like, why is everyone moving so slowly? Yeah, but I don't really know what Lindale is.
Lisa Garvin (13:45.87)
So it serves as a deterrent. Therefore, the cameras act as a deterrent. Hmm, who could have imagined that?
Chris Quinn (13:51.296)
Now, they're a cash generator, Lisa. That's what they are. It's a way to build a budget, but that's not the right approach. You're listening to Today in Ohio. How much has Sherrod Brown collected for his Senate campaign in the six weeks since he announced it? And how many of those contributions are the crucial small donations? How does this compare to John Husted,
Lisa Garvin (13:53.301)
So what?
Laura (14:12.963)
Approximately $8 million has been raised in just six weeks since he launched his campaign. So, he's consistently accumulating donations. Out of these, 97% were under $100. The average contribution amounted to $24.36. He received support from 25,000 Ohio residents across all 88 counties in the state, as stated in his press release. As of late last night, we had not yet received the complete report. We will continue to monitor this situation. However, John Huston is not receiving the same level of attention.
$3.8 million during the same period from July to September. He has now reached almost $8 million, but not for the entire year. So this is already becoming a very costly race. The Republicans were boasting that Houston raised the highest amount of any candidate in the year prior to the election. I mean, we're in for another year of this. Just to be clear.
Chris Quinn (15:06.252)
Sure, I understand. And ultimately, it all boils down to the economy. They will all spend a lot of money. Every time we report on these elections, we end up mentioning it's the most expensive election in Ohio's history. However, much of this will depend on where the country stands at this time next year.
Laura (15:17.005)
Mm-hmm.
Laura (15:23.043)
And there are, in fact, other individuals participating in the race. There are a few additional underdog Democratic candidates, including a man who invested $5 million of his own funds, Fred Odie, an entrepreneur from Luring County. I haven't heard of him before. I'm not sure he has a real chance, but we'll just keep increasing the intensity.
Chris Quinn (15:42.034)
Sure, I'll be curious to see if Brown utilizes the message of stopping the allocation of all our tax dollars to wealthy individuals. It appears to be the most effective message the Democrats have at both the state and national levels, although they aren't necessarily poor at crafting messages. The Democratic Party is quite dysfunctional. But that's the message. That's what I believe will connect with people. They've taken your money and given it to the rich. The wealthy become even wealthier.
Laura (15:51.81)
Yeah.
Chris Quinn (16:11.488)
And you don't. You're tuned into Today in Ohio. According to Leila and Laura, Lisa, the midges emerging from Lake Erie this week resemble motorcycles on a highway. You and I don't reside near the water, so we aren't hearing that continuous noise. Leila keeps mentioning that the seasons without midges are becoming shorter. Is she correct?
Lisa Garvin (16:27.662)
Yes, and it primarily depends on the temperature of not just the water in Lake Erie, but also the sediment at the lake's bottom. We spoke with Travis Hartman, a fisheries biologist from the Department of Natural Resources, who mentioned that the extended warmth of Lake Erie has led to a late-season hatching of midges, which are now swarming across northeast Ohio.
And Laura mentions that she needs to keep her mouth shut while jogging in the morning to avoid eating anything for breakfast. This is unusual for mid-October, but it's not unheard of. Therefore, midges spend most of their life in the larval stage within the sediment at the bottom of the lake. They then emerge as adults when the water temperature rises to approximately 60 degrees, which typically occurs in the spring.
However, the current water temperature in Lake Erie is approximately 66 degrees, which is significantly higher than the October average. Additionally, Hartman mentions that the sediment at the lake's bottom is also warmer. As a result, unusually warm autumns are leading to more late-season activity. This phenomenon was notably observed in 2007 during the Cleveland Indians versus New York Yankees playoff game at Progressive Field, which was broadcast on television.
television and they were overwhelmed by midges. it seems they had to pause the game for a few minutes. they also mention that mayflies can appear in October when the conditions are suitable.
Chris Quinn (17:49.656)
But yesterday, when we were in the office and Layla and Laura were discussing it, they made it seem like these noises are so loud that they get into your head, and you feel like you need to distance yourself from them. Now Layla is wondering if she lives too close to the lake, right, Layla?
Leila (18:04.308)
Sure, here's a paraphrased version of your text: "Actually, my husband mentioned one day that if he had known how bad the midges were, he wouldn't have chosen to live in Bay Village. It's really bad. I believe this is a significant issue affecting our quality of life. Something needs to be done about it immediately."
Chris Quinn (18:11.534)
You
Chris Quinn (18:20.802)
Well, Lara talks about running as Lisa mentioned, and she's got him sniffing around her...
Laura (18:25.351)
And I don't reside close enough to the lake to have them at my house right now. We do experience midges at my home currently, occasionally, though not in the past few days. However, when you run through them, you can see a swarm right near the streetlight because it's dark outside, and you can hear them. Then you know you're about to run straight into a cloud of them. I'm flailing my arms, trying to breathe. I'm making a ptit, ptit, ptit sound, like spitting. My dog is looking at me, wondering what's going on.
It's not enjoyable. It only lasts a few days when it's truly that bad, but you wouldn't want to go near a group of angry females. It's not good.
Chris Quinn (19:04.866)
But Lisa, in the spring when we were being bothered by insects, those were midges, weren't they?
Laura (19:10.21)
Mm-hmm.
Lisa Garvin (19:10.476)
Sure, sure, and I've never encountered such a dense midge population. I'm roughly six miles from the lake as a crow flies, and I've never seen midges this thick as I did this year.
Chris Quinn (19:19.544)
But we aren't seeing them at all anymore, are we? We don't have them. Yeah, that's strange.
Lisa Garvin (19:21.278)
No, I have not seen any.
Laura (19:23.841)
Well, because it occurs, you know, twice a year when the lake bed reaches that temperature. But yes, when you have a lake that's that warm, it's pushing it back. Like the lay was correct. We're experiencing longer periods, you know, later into the season midyear.
Chris Quinn (19:38.702)
Alright, you're tuned into Today in Ohio. Let's return to the topic of culture wars and coded language within our state's legislative body. What exactly is the success sequence, and why is there pending legislation concerning it, Leila?
Leila (19:50.405)
So legislators in Columbus are strongly advocating for this bill. It's called the success sequence. Part of what every Ohio student studies from sixth grade through 12th grade is what they're aiming for. They want this concept integrated into the curriculum. Here's the underlying idea. If you complete high school, secure a full-time job, and get married before having children, you're supposedly much less likely to experience poverty. Supporters of this, primarily Republicans, including the bill's sponsor, Senator Al Cutrona,
state that this is a straightforward and empowering approach to achieving financial security. They reference studies from organizations such as the Brookings Institution and the conservative American Enterprise Institute, demonstrating that individuals who adhere to these guidelines are largely not poor in adulthood. However, critics argue that it's not that simple, and it isn't neutral either. Brookings' own subsequent research revealed that even when Black Americans follow all of these steps,
they continue to experience worse economic results compared to white Americans. Opponents such as Planned Parenthood, Advocates of Ohio, Abortion Forward, and Teachers’ Unions claim that the bill supports a very limited, moralistic perspective on success that does not represent the varied experiences people actually have. One teacher mentioned that success cannot and should not be measured by a single, strict standard. Therefore, Senate Bill 156 would mandate the State Education Department
To develop this curriculum centered on the success sequence. Local school districts would have the option to decide how to implement it. For high school students, at least one required class for graduation would need to incorporate it. This proposal is paired with another bill that would establish a natural family month between Mother's Day and Father's Day, indicating the ideological framework in which it is being developed.
Chris Quinn (21:37.58)
Sure, I just don't think there's a reason for laws regarding this, do you? It's something that already happens. I really don't get why they're making it part of the law that schools must do this. It's starting to feel more and more like Jerry Serino's college bill, where the goal is to establish doctrine for students to indoctrinate them.
Leila (21:42.392)
Great.
Leila (22:00.313)
Right, it doesn't address anything. Essentially, this is establishing a moral code that measures value through marriage and employment, while overlooking the systemic obstacles that trap people in poverty, regardless of how diligently they adhere to these so-called guidelines. So, essentially, instructing children that achievement is a list of individual decisions without recognizing issues like racism, poorly funded schools, or limited access to childcare.
You know, that's just, they're referring to it as empowerment, but it's really just brainwashing.
Chris Quinn (22:35.062)
Before long, they might start mandating that they learn how to invest in cryptocurrency. You're listening to Today in Ohio. Lisa, why are some individuals in Lake County demonstrating against their sheriff's department?
Leila (22:40.068)
Ha
Lisa Garvin (22:47.406)
Well, there's a group known as the Lake Geauga Fights Back Network, who are organizing an ICE protest event on Monday, October 20th, outside the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Painesville from 6 to 7 p.m. They are opposing the sheriff's decision to enter into an agreement with ICE that permits deputies to ask questions, hold individuals, and initiate deportation processes based on someone's immigration status. As we are aware, there are many...
Hispanics, Mexicans, especially in Painesville and Lake County, with 6% of Lake County's population born outside the United States, and 5% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Therefore, protesters claim that the agreement they are managing with ICE detainees undermines trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. The protest follows a week of public reaction from residents.
county gatherings to voice their concerns, and they're asking, you know, the sheriff to step back from this deal. Organizer Rachel Rodriguez states that they're fed up with funds being redirected from local needs to focus on, you know, important members of the community.
Chris Quinn (23:57.998)
Well, in peril, the immigrant population in Lake County plays a significant role in the agricultural economy. And if farmers lose the ability to hire these workers, they won't be able to succeed. Therefore, I believe that the business community in Lake County would urge the sheriff's department to step back. However, you know, every government agency, when they see financial opportunities, tends to jump in. The government is currently offering a substantial amount of money for this kind of assistance.
Lisa Garvin (24:04.738)
Correct.
Lisa Garvin (24:27.766)
I had a friend who was an immigration attorney with numerous clients in Painesville, and I attended a few of her meetings. I was surprised to see how protective the people in Painesville are towards their Hispanic community. So, I'm not shocked to witness this protest gaining momentum. I hope to see many people there.
Chris Quinn (24:45.632)
Okay, you're tuned into Today in Ohio. What is banana ball and why are tickets so difficult to get that you need to enter a lottery, Laura?
Laura (24:53.325)
Well, people enjoy this humorous baseball program because it's more of an entertainment show than a traditional game. I haven't watched it yet, but I've entered the lottery for tickets for next September when Banana Ball will be at Progressive Field. And it's not the Savannah Bananas. It's their league that they were involved in establishing. So, I think it will feature the party animals and the Indianapolis clowns hosting this kind of event. So what they do is they play
Baseball, they emphasize enjoyment and continuous entertainment. Therefore, they have a variety of unique rules and on-field activities, along with a significant emphasis on the fan experience, featuring both unpredictability and organized dance routines. I've seen pictures of the players performing a can-can kick line. So, it's creative rules, I suppose it's just a bit quirky and enjoyable.
Chris Quinn (25:44.454)
When I was young, it was mostly up to me to seek out my own entertainment. Sure, you might do a few activities each year, like visiting an amusement park or similar, but for the most part, you were left to your own devices with your friends. It seems like now, parents feel they need to plan something new every week to take their children to, which leads to absurd situations like this.
Laura (26:04.291)
That's a fascinating viewpoint. I believe our society is significantly more child-centric than it was during my childhood. Consider the sheer amount of businesses that cater to children, for instance? We had places like Chuck E. Cheese, which were around. However, the trampoline parks and major events seem to be relatively new developments. I suppose parents appreciate these activities, otherwise they wouldn't be purchasing tickets. Still, parents also attend shows like Descendants or the Zombies World Tour.
Chris Quinn (26:18.112)
Hahaha
Laura (26:34.177)
I'm not sure. You might be correct. There's more emphasis on offering that for children, but hopefully this is enjoyable, wholesome family entertainment. I mean, as you said, it's sold out. It's really popular. You can't just try to get tickets. You have to enter a lottery before October 31st, and then they'll let you know if you've been selected for the tickets. In the meantime, you're on a mailing list for everything that group wants to send you.
Leila (26:56.9)
Isn't this similar to the Harlem Globetrotters style? I mean, that came before the trend of constantly trying to entertain children.
Chris Quinn (26:56.951)
I know.
Laura (27:00.437)
Yes. Yes.
Chris Quinn (27:00.589)
Yeah.
Laura (27:05.667)
true.
Chris Quinn (27:07.084)
Even though that was more about adults than kids. I mean, the Harlem Globetrotters were great athletes who could do many things. So I don't know. When I was a kid, I knew about him, but it was something that adults were just as interested in as kids. I don't know. This just seems silly. It's like a nine-inning long hot dog race, you know, they, I mean, it just wouldn't. Yeah, I mean, it's just the one interesting thing is if a fan catches a foul ball, the batter is out.
Laura (27:28.695)
with twerking umpires.
Leila (27:31.748)
Chris Quinn (27:36.428)
That's quite an odd situation. Basically, it seems like there's a lot of things like this now that are targeted at children, which didn't used to be around. No, I just think it's kind of ridiculous. If I were a parent who had to take my child to this and pay a lot of money, apparently the resale market for tickets is really expensive. I just shake my head and wonder, what happened to kids going out and having fun.
Laura (27:45.923)
Chris is going to start shouting, get off my lawn.
Laura (28:01.123)
playing at the Sandlot.
Chris Quinn (28:06.49)
You're tuned into Today in Ohio. The federal government shutdown has not only disrupted travel plans, airports, and some national parks. Tourist attractions in Ohio have also been closed. Laila, which ones?
Leila (28:18.37)
Sure, some of these places have been closed due to the shutdown. It's somewhat disheartening. The top one on the list is the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton. This is the biggest military aviation museum globally. It's currently closed. This museum houses presidential aircraft, the B-2 stealth bomber, and exhibits related to the Wright Brothers. The nearby Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, which includes the Wright Cycle Company shop, has also closed.
In the northern region, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor is closed, as are the William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati and the National First Ladies Museum in Canton, which we have previously discussed. Additionally, if you're planning to enjoy the view from Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial on Put-in-Bay, that observation deck is also closed and will remain so for the next two years due to upcoming renovations.
However, there are some positive aspects. Ohio's sole national park is still accessible, although the visitor center and ranger activities have been temporarily halted. Additionally, various state-operated or privately managed presidential sites continue to be open, such as the Warren G. Harding home in Marion, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum in Fremont, and the Grant Boyhood Home in Georgetown. Consequently, tourism organizations claim that these closures are already negatively affecting their local economies, while the US Travel Association estimates that the nationwide shutdown has resulted in losses exceeding $2 billion thus far.
And each passing day results in fewer tourists, postponed journeys, and lost chances for communities that heavily rely on tourism revenue.
Chris Quinn (29:45.752)
Speaking about national parks, ours receives excellent feedback from guests, but our videographer, John Panna, has created a few funny videos where he humorously reads some of the one-star reviews. Give him a watch. It's available on YouTube's.cleveland.comchannel, John Panna National Park. You're tuned into Today in Ohio. That's all for the Thursday edition. Thanks, Laura. Thanks, Lisa. Thanks, Leila. Appreciate you joining us. We'll be back on Friday to conclude a week of news.
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