Racial Jazz in Cincy
Common Sense Ohio: Cincinnati’s Jazz Festival Smackdown & More—Your Weekly Rundown!
Hey Common Sense Ohio listeners,
Welcome back to another week of real talk and Ohio news that actually matters. If you missed this week’s episode, here’s a quick look at the big stories Brett and Norm tackled—plus some thought-provoking takes you don’t want to miss.
Cincinnati’s Jazz Festival Turns Chaotic
What should’ve been a night filled with sweet jazz rhythms downtown turned into a scene straight out of a wrestling ring. After the festival and a Reds game, racial tensions escalated to violence, leaving five people charged (so far). Brett and Norm dissect what happened, why accountability matters—no matter your background—and the risks of letting “mob mentality” run the show.
Big Takeaway: No excuses for violence. Whether fueled by alcohol or viral Twitter videos, everyone’s responsible for their actions. And Cincinnati needs to keep its law enforcement game strong at big civic events.
Intel in Ohio: Big Promises, Big Problems
Norm gives us the inside scoop on the Intel factory project in Licking County. Are we building a “white elephant” in our own backyard? Turns out, the much-hyped chip plant might be obsolete before it even opens—thanks to tech moving at warp speed and some sketchy contract details no one wants to audit. Taxpayers, you should be asking: Where’s our money really going?
When Media Spins, Do We Really Get the Facts?
From how local press handled the Cincinnati incident to the larger issue of social media “wildfires,” Brett and Norm question how the narrative is being shaped. Why not let the dust settle and get clarity instead of rushing to judgement—or using tragedy for political points?
Is Law Enforcement Getting Left Behind?
Major public events with just two officers on the job? Civic safety needs attention. The show hosts challenge city officials: Step up or risk turning Cincinnati into the next hollowed-out city center.
Quick Hits: Uber’s Policy Shakeup, NPR/PBS, Ohio Sales Tax Holiday & More!
Uber: Is letting customers choose a female driver discrimination, safety, or a little of both? Brett and Norm dig into the slippery slope.
Ohio Sales Tax Holiday: August 1–14. School supplies, clothes, electronics, even pet food (maybe a wedding dress?)—all tax-free!
NPR & PBS Funding: No more government support? Brett thinks it’s an opportunity for them to innovate and thrive with community backing.
Weekly Winners & Losers
Loser: Senator Josh Hawley and the idea of $600 tariff rebates for all—wouldn’t that money be better spent on paying down national debt?
Winner: Sharon Osbourne, honoring Ozzy with the ultimate parade in Birmingham—a fitting, “wild” sendoff.
A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes.
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Thanks for tuning in and keeping Ohio’s news grounded in common sense. Stay cool (and watch out for that infamous corn sweat!)
Until next week,
—The Common Sense Ohio Crew
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
info@commonsenseohioshow.com
Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio
Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.
Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.
Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.
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