Controversial security firm that Vivek Ramaswamy hired for protection goes out of business

·32 min·3 clips

A security firm protecting Vivek Ramaswamy's family employed an accused drug trafficker, leading to its abrupt shutdown.

The episode opens with the story of Arc Protection Group, a security firm hired by Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that closed after reporting revealed unlicensed guards and one facing federal drug charges. The hosts discuss the potential danger this posed and the owner's decision to leave the 'political arena.' This leads to a discussion on a proposed state law, backed by Governor Mike DeWine, to extend Ohio State Highway Patrol security to gubernatorial nominees and other candidates, with debate over cost and eligibility criteria. The conversation shifts to a practical weather issue: many Northeast Ohio municipalities have depleted road salt supplies ahead of a major storm, forcing prioritization of main roads and sparking debate about salt's environmental impact. Next, the show covers the resolution of a long-standing dispute where the state of Ohio delayed distributing marijuana tax revenue to host cities like Cleveland, which finally received over $740,000. The hosts criticize state officials for attempting to circumvent the voter-approved law. A significant segment is devoted to Donald Trump's note to Norway's leader suggesting he might be less concerned with peace because he didn't get a Nobel Prize, with hosts condemning the behavior and the silence of Ohio Republican lawmakers when asked for comment. The episode includes a summary of over 500 reader responses, which expressed anger, fear, and frustration at Trump's rhetoric and the political silence. Other topics briefly covered include a vague state model policy for AI in schools, a $2 million county loan to renovate the historic Park Synagogue into an arts center with Oberlin College, and Ohio Turnpike traffic and revenue data showing a slight traffic dip but a revenue increase following toll hikes.

As heard by us

A security firm's shutdown leads into Ohio disputes over licensing, marijuana money, and public accountability.

The episode opens with a concrete accountability story: a private security firm hired by Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy shuts down after Cleveland.com reporting found unregistered guards and a guard arrested on federal drug trafficking charges.

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Want Ohio accountability with a sharp detour into marijuana money? Press play.

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