Taxes, Maps, and Baby Rhinos – Only in Ohio!
This week on the Crooked River Cast, Tom and Robert tackle a packed lineup of Ohio’s latest twists — from tax hikes and redistricting confusion to a brand-new “health emergency” that’s got people talking. They also wrap things up with a few lighter stories that’ll make you smile, proving once again that no matter how wild the headlines get, there’s always something good happening here in the Buckeye State.
So buckle up and hit play — here’s what went down in Show #30 👇
💼 Government Shutdown Update
Federal workers are now suing the U.S. Department of Education, claiming partisan shutdown emails crossed a serious line. The shutdown may have paused some operations, but it didn’t stop the finger-pointing.
👉 Federal workers sue the Education Department over partisan shutdown emails | Ideastream Public Media
🌍 New H-1B Visa Rules Hit Ohio’s Workforce
A fresh $100K fee has employers and hospitals sweating — and it’s especially hitting Ohio’s healthcare sector hard. Tom breaks down how these new visa rules could slow down skilled worker hiring right when we need it most.
👉 New $100K H-1B fee sparks concern in Healthcare and Immigration sectors
💰 Northeast Ohio Tax Levies on November Ballots
Get ready to vote — again. Several local districts across Northeast Ohio are asking for more funding in November, meaning your property tax bill might look a little different depending on your zip code.
👉 Northeast Ohio school district levies on the Nov. 2025 ballot | Ideastream Public Media
🪓 “Ax The Tax” Movement Gains Steam
The grassroots petition Ax Ohio Tax is turning heads — and stirring the pot. While state leaders debate tax relief bills, regular Ohioans are stepping up through the Ohio Tax Panel, an open forum where citizens can actually speak up and get involved. Tom and Robert say it’s time people had a seat at the table instead of just footing the bill.
Property tax increases have gotten out of control — unsustainable and unfair for working families. As Tom put it: “Let’s stop getting bent over with these property hikes!”
👉 Ax Ohio Tax – AxOHTax
👉 House passes bill to allow counties to lower taxes | Ohio News
⚖️ Listener Question: Is Ohio’s Property Tax Constitutional?
A loyal listener asked — and Tom didn’t hold back. With ever-rising valuations, some Ohioans are questioning whether the state’s property tax structure is even legal under the Constitution. Robert dives into how far this question could go if someone decides to push it to court. Let us know your thoughts, email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com
🗺️ Ohio Redistricting Saga, Act II
Still waiting for those new congressional maps? Yep, so is everyone else. The process drags into its next phase, with no final lines drawn — and no shortage of political maneuvering behind closed doors.
👉 No new congressional maps yet, as redistricting process heads to second phase | Ohio News
🚨 Ohio’s New “Health Emergency”
Governor DeWine just signed an executive order banning delta-8 products, while the state also reports a spike in kids accidentally eating marijuana edibles. Tom and Robert discuss whether this is an overreaction or a necessary step in public safety.
👉 DeWine signs executive order temporarily banning delta 8 products | Ohio News
👉 Ohio sees surge in kids accidentally eating marijuana edibles | Morning Digest
🧱 What Is the “Barrier Removal Fund”?
A Cleveland woman who received just $289 in aid turned that small boost into tripled income — showing that sometimes small investments make the biggest difference. But the question remains: how is Ohio spending its “Barrier Removal” funding to replicate that kind of success?
👉 How receiving $289 helped this Cleveland woman triple her income | Ohio News
👉 JobsOhio funding increases as job creation declines: Part 1
🕵️♂️ Crime So Low, Akron Needs New Safety Measures?
Akron’s mayor just announced new safety initiatives for Highland Square — and even Tom couldn’t help but ask, “Wait, aren’t crime rates dropping?” The city’s rationale? “Prevention is protection.”
👉 Akron Mayor Shammas Malik outlines new safety measures in Highland Square | WKYC
🏳️🌈 If Lakewood Isn’t “Woke Enough”…
Lakewood City Council has passed a first-of-its-kind Gender Freedom Policy, aiming to protect residents from discrimination tied to gender expression. The move has sparked debate — and some applause — across Northeast Ohio.
👉 Lakewood City Council passes Gender Freedom Policy | Cleveland Scene
👉 Lakewood Drafts First-in-Ohio ‘Gender Freedom Policy’ in Response to Anti-Trans Attacks
🏫 Case Western Activists Pay the Price
Case Western Reserve University activists will pay $400,000 in restitution after campus protests caused damages. The university’s message was clear: activism is fine, destruction is not.
👉 Case Western Reserve University activists pay $400,000 restitution | Ideastream Public Media
🛒 Giant Eagle Cuts Prices Through Year’s End
Finally, a win for the wallet — Giant Eagle is slashing prices on select items through the end of 2025. Tom calls it a “grocery store miracle,” and Robert’s just glad the coffee is included.
👉 Giant Eagle to cut grocery prices on certain items through end of 2025 | WKYC
🌞 Good Things
🐎 Saddle Up in Geauga
Get outdoors before the snow hits! Explore scenic horseback riding trails at the Geauga Park District — a perfect fall weekend activity.
👉 Horseback Riding Trails | Geauga Park District
🍺 Cheers to Cleveland Beer Week
Cleveland Beer Week is officially on — local breweries, tap takeovers, and plenty of reason to celebrate Ohio-style.
👉 Cleveland Beer Week Starts Today | Cleveland Scene
🦏 Help Name the Cleveland Zoo’s Baby Rhino!
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has a brand-new baby rhino — and they’re letting the public pick the name. Tom says “Hornelius” is the obvious winner.
👉 Help name the zoo’s new baby rhino | Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
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