🎙️ 🎂 It’s Episode 52, and that means Crooked River Cast is officially one year old. Who brought the cake?
Episode 52 kicks off with something every Ohioan noticed this week — the wild winds that swept across the state. Robert even lost power for a bit, but thankfully it came back just in time to record the show.
It’s also a milestone episode. 🎂 Crooked River Cast turns one year old — 52 episodes in the books. Happy birthday to us 🥳 🎉🎈
But the guys quickly pivot to some sobering news. Six U.S. airmen were killed when a military refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq, including three from Ohio. It’s a tough reminder of the sacrifices still being made by service members around the world.
With that, Robert and Tom get into the details of the week’s news.
🇺🇸 Six U.S. Airmen Killed in Iraq Refueling Aircraft Crash
Robert and Tom opened the show on a somber note as news broke that six U.S. airmen were killed when a military refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq during a mission. Three of those lost had strong Ohio ties, making the tragedy especially close to home.
The airmen were identified as:
- Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama
- Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington
- Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky
- Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana
- Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
- Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio
Their deaths bring the number of U.S. troops killed in connection with the conflict involving Iran to 13.
It’s a heavy reminder that even as political debates dominate the headlines, there are still Americans serving — and sometimes paying the ultimate price — overseas.
✝️🕊️God bless these airmen and may they rest in peace.✝️
Source:
🔗: Ohio airmen among 6 dead in US military refueling crash in Iraq, DeWine says | 10tv.com
📰 Media Narratives & the News Cycle
Robert and Tom also talked about how the modern news cycle sometimes feels completely upside down — and how satire can highlight that better than the actual news.
To make the point, they referenced a couple of headlines from The Babylon Bee. The jokes land because they poke fun at how media coverage sometimes seems selective about what gets major attention and what quietly fades into the background.
The guys used the satire as a jumping-off point to discuss how stories involving terrorism, protests, or politically sensitive topics can end up being framed very differently depending on the outlet — and how audiences are left trying to sort out the real story underneath the narrative.
Sources:
🔗: CNN Reports On Japanese Teenagers Who Came To Hawaii For What Could’ve Been A Beautiful Day At Beach- The Babylon Bee
▶️ YouTube: News Media Successfully Avoids Reporting News – The Babylon Bee
🗳 Trump, Voting Laws & the SAVE Act
One of the bigger national stories this week involves former President Donald Trump signaling he won’t sign new legislation unless Congress addresses election integrity through the SAVE Act. The move reignited debate over voter ID laws and federal election oversight. Robert and Tom dug into the ongoing fight over the SAVE Act and election integrity legislation, especially after former President Donald Trump said he wouldn’t sign new legislation unless Congress takes action on election reforms.
Robert initially suggested Democrats were the reason the bill hasn’t moved forward. But Tom pushed back and asked the obvious follow-up: what about Republicans? If they believe the bill is critical, why hasn’t it passed?
That’s when Tom really let loose, arguing that if lawmakers are serious about getting things done, they should get rid of the filibuster and stop hiding behind procedural roadblocks. His point was simple — if Congress actually wanted to move legislation, they could.
Instead, the conversation circled back to the bigger frustration: Washington gridlock. As the guys put it, both parties spend plenty of time blaming each other while the public is left watching what increasingly feels like a political clown show.
Robert and Tom also discuss the ongoing argument about whether voter ID laws suppress turnout or simply standardize election security.
Sources:
🔗: President Trump Vows to Block All New Bills Until Senate Passes SAVE Act on Election Integrity
🔗: Trump says he won’t sign bills until Congress overhauls voting
▶️ YouTube: Ami Horowitz: Do Voter ID Laws Suppress the Black Vote?
🏛 DeWine’s Final State of the State
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered what is expected to be his final State of the State address. The speech focused on economic growth, workforce development, and long-term infrastructure priorities across Ohio.
Robert and Tom break down what stood out — and what might define DeWine’s legacy as he nears the end of his time in office.
Source:
🔗: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delivers his final State of the State address
🐀 Critter Corner
Even in the middle of heavy policy debates, the Ohio legislature keeps moving forward with a wide range of bills.
This week’s Critter Corner covers several proposals making their way through Columbus — from bail reform to election procedures and even how Ohioans might be laid to rest.
One bill would overhaul Ohio’s bail system, placing stricter guidelines on how suspects are released before trial. Another measure would ban ranked-choice voting statewide. And yes, lawmakers are also debating whether Ohio should allow “natural organic reduction,” better known as human composting.
Meanwhile, a controversial proposal to remove fluoride from Ohio’s water supply is sparking strong reactions, and some groups are exploring whether the state’s H2Ohio water program could ultimately go directly to voters.
Sources:
🔗: Ohio bill would reform bail system, put restrictions on suspects
🔗: Ohio House Passes Amended Senate Bill 63 to Ban Ranked-Choice Voting
🔗: Dust to dust: Ohio Senate Bill 323 allows human composting after death
🔗: Debate over fluoride in water heats up at Ohio Statehouse
🔗: Could the H2Ohio clean water program get put on the ballot?
⚖️ HB 6 Case Developments
The long-running FirstEnergy bribery scandal took another turn as a federal judge dismissed certain money-laundering charges against former executives tied to the HB 6 case. Other charges remain in place, meaning the legal battle surrounding one of Ohio’s biggest political corruption cases isn’t over yet.
Robert and Tom discuss what the ruling could mean as the case continues to unfold.
🩺 Abortion Numbers Rise in Ohio
New data shows abortions in Ohio increased significantly in 2025, with many patients traveling from out of state. The shift reflects how changes in laws across the country continue to affect where people seek care.
At the same time, Planned Parenthood is expanding access by rolling out telehealth abortion services — something supporters say could make care easier to obtain, while critics argue it raises regulatory concerns. Planned Parenthood is expanding services by offering abortion care through telehealth.
That development sparked a pretty heated conversation on the show. The guys questioned how much easier the process should become, with Robert joking — somewhat sarcastically — that at this rate “are we going to have an app for this next?”
The broader point they discussed was how rapidly access to abortion services is evolving and how deeply divided people remain on the issue. For some, expanded access is about healthcare availability. For others, it raises serious moral concerns about how society views unborn life.
Sources:
🔗: Abortions in Ohio increased by over 15% in 2025, including many out-of-state patients
🔗: Major abortion provider in Ohio to expand services via telehealth
👶 Tackling Infant Mortality in Cleveland
Cleveland continues to confront one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. A local nonprofit initiative is distributing $1.8 million to community groups focused on improving maternal health, prenatal care access, and education programs aimed at reducing infant deaths.
Robert and Tom highlight why the issue remains a major public health challenge in Northeast Ohio.
Source:
🔗: First Year Cleveland will share $1.8M with local groups to prevent infant deaths
💰 Akron Tightens the Budget
Akron’s mayor is proposing a $785 million operating budget that trims about $14 million from last year’s spending. City leaders say the plan focuses on fiscal discipline while maintaining core services — though budget reductions always come with tough decisions.
🌟 Good Things
🇺🇸 Vietnam Traveling Memorial Coming to Ohio
A powerful traveling memorial honoring Vietnam veterans will make stops in Ohio this spring, giving communities across the state a chance to pay tribute to those who served.
Source:
🔗: Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to stop in Ohio this spring
🍻 Cleveland Breweries Get National Recognition
Cleveland’s craft beer scene continues to get national attention, with multiple local breweries landing on USA Today’s 2026 “10 Best” lists. It’s another sign the city’s brewing culture is thriving.
Source:
🔗: Cleveland craft breweries represent on USA Today’s 10 best lists 2026
☘️ Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns
One of Cleveland’s most beloved traditions is back. The city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade route is set, and thousands are expected to line the streets for the celebration.
Source:
🔗: Everything you need to know for the 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day parade
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