Crooked River Cast Show 49
🎙️ Tariffs, Tax Talk, DEI Debates & Ohio Politics Getting Wild
Robert and Tom covered a packed slate this episode — from national headlines spilling into Ohio politics to local controversies that just keep getting louder. The guys broke down tariff drama, Democrats making strategic moves, political money questions, education fights, and plenty of Ohio-specific storylines — all with the sharp, no-nonsense commentary listeners expect from Crooked River Cast.
🇺🇸 Tariffs, Politics & The National Stage
Robert and Tom kicked off the show breaking down President Trump taking a temporary hit on tariffs — but they made it clear: this doesn’t look like a defeat, it looks like a pause. The expectation? These measures could come roaring back depending on what happens next.
Then came the part that really lit the fuse — the courts. The guys didn’t mince words, saying several left-leaning Supreme Court justices seriously dropped the ball on this one, and that decisions like this don’t just stay inside Washington — they hit Americans directly in jobs, prices, and long-term economic stability.
They also zeroed in on Democrats choosing to skip the State of the Union, arguing the move may have backfired by handing Trump even more attention and control of the narrative. Would anyone miss them?
Love it or hate it, this segment pulled no punches — and that’s exactly why people are talking.
Source:
🔗: ‘We have alternatives’: Trump vows to reimpose tariffs after SCOTUS ruling
🔗: Dozens of Democrats plan to skip Trump’s State of the Union as protests form
💰 Ohio Power Players Under the Microscope
Ohio’s richest man — Les Wexner — came up as Robert and Tom dug into questions about donations and renewed scrutiny surrounding old connections. The conversation stayed focused on transparency and accountability, asking who’s funding what and why it matters as political seasons heat up.
Source:
🔗: Who has Les Wexner donated to?
🔗: U.S. House Democrats accuse Les Wexner of lying about Epstein ties
🗳️ Ohio Governor’s Race: Big Money, Few Details
The race for governor is already shaping up to be one of the most expensive in state history. Robert and Tom pointed out how tax cuts are getting tossed around by candidates — but specifics are still thin. Plenty of messaging, not much difference yet, just a heavy price tag on campaign funding.
Source:
🔗: Leading candidates for Ohio governor talking about tax cuts, but few specifics so far
🔗: Ohio governor’s race set to become most expensive in state history
🎓 DEI Debates Continue at Ohio Universities
Despite state-level pushback, undercover videos suggest some universities are still pushing DEI-related initiatives. The guys broke down the broader culture war angle and asked whether policy changes are actually changing campus behavior — or just the wording around it. Jennifer Walton-Fisette, a professor and director of educator preparation at Kent State, is caught on camera discussing DEI and stating that getting rid of DEI is an attempt to “keep white men in power.” At the same time, Ohio State University (OSU) administrator Melissa Newhouse was discussing ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at the university today.
For critics, this isn’t speculation — it’s right there on camera. The reaction: if the law changed, why are schools talking about ways around it rather than following it? Full videos linked below.
Source:
🔗: Another Ohio university still pushes the pro-DEI, anti-white, anti-male rhetoric, undercover video shows
🔗: WATCH: OSU Administrator Caught on Hidden Camera Discussing Continued DEI Practices Despite State Ban
▶️ YouTube: Show Clip – University DEI discussion
▶️ YouTube: Ohio State University Administrator Admits School Still Pushes DEI — Then Claims the Video Is AI
🐀 Critter Corner
This week’s Critter Corner was loaded with Statehouse drama. Ohio GOP lawmakers are pushing to dismantle the federal Department of Education, while new bills target school lawsuits and parental rights issues. Robert and Tom unpacked how these moves could reshape education across the state — and why critics say legal fights are just getting started. The links below will keep you busy and shaking your head.
Source:
🔗: Ohio GOP lawmakers to formally pledge support for dismantling of U.S. Department of Education
🔗: Republicans plan to dismantle the Department of Education, saying it will give Ohio more control
🔗: State lawmakers rework bill against schools challenging EdChoice program
🔗: Rep. Jamie Callender criticizes school districts for using tax dollars to fund lawsuit against state
🔗: ‘It’s obviously unconstitutional.’ Vouchers Hurt Ohio speaks out against new Republican bill
🔗: New bill protects Ohio parents who reject their kid’s gender identity
🚔 Cuyahoga County: Not Personal… Apparently
Local politics got a spotlight as Harold Pretel defended a lawsuit involving county leadership, insisting it wasn’t personal. Robert and Tom weren’t fully convinced — and the conversation leaned into how these public disputes shape trust at the local level.
🎙️ Ask Cuyahoga & The Internet Being… The Internet
The return of the Ask Cuyahoga podcast sparked commentary from the guys, who joked that while there are no dumb questions… some come pretty close. It was a lighter segment, but still tied back into how local governments communicate with residents. Take a listen to Myesha Watkins, administrator of the County Office of Violence Prevention, discussing the office’s mission, priorities, and community safety.
Source:
🔗: Cuyahoga County on X – Ask Cuyahoga podcast returns
⛽ When Should You Buy Gas?
A practical segment listeners can actually use — a recent study says Ohio’s “price cycling” means Mondays tend to be the best day to fill up. Robert and Tom compared notes on whether this lines up with real-life experience at the pump. Tom thinks in his area the cost is better on a Tuesday or Wednesday. What do you guys think in your area? Write us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com and let us know.
Source:
🔗: Study: Ohio ‘price cycling’ makes Mondays the best day for gas savings
⚖️ Free Legal Clinics for Immigrants
The city says these clinics are for “immigrants,” a term that covers a wide range of legal statuses. Critics argue the wording avoids a harder question — exactly who the programs are designed to help, and who ends up paying for it. Robert and Tom dug into the bigger question: why the language matters.
The city and local groups keep using the term “immigrants,” which covers a wide range of people — from legal residents to those without status. Critics argue that’s intentional, saying it avoids a tougher conversation about who these services are really meant for and where taxpayer dollars should go.
Source:
🔗: Cleveland Heights immigrants will soon get free legal clinics
🌟 Good Things
🏡 St. Jude Dream Home Success
A little good news to end on — the St. Jude Dream Home raffle sold out, showing just how strong community support can be when it comes to helping kids and families. Did you buy a ticket?
Source:
🔗: 2026 St. Jude Dream Home tickets are sold out
🐟 Lent Fish Fry Season Is Here
That time of year again — fish fry season across Northeast Ohio. Robert and Tom wrapped things up on a lighter note, talking traditions, favorite spots, and just how seriously people take their Friday plans.
Got a go-to fish fry? Send us your favorite spot — we’d love to share it with everyone since we’ve still got plenty of Lent left to go. Email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com and let us know.
Source:
🔗: Fish Fry Guide | Cleveland, Ohio
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