Cleveland Growth Questions, Data Center Battles & Political Controversies — Crooked River Cast Show 57 🎙
The show opened with a heavy issue for Tom — and not the political kind. It was the riff from “Just Got Paid” by ZZ Top. Tom played two versions, convinced one was the real one. Robert tried to help… but the mystery remains.
Robert pointed out it was tax week, which made the song choice feel pretty fitting. He also admitted he hadn’t planned to talk about Iran — but Tom quickly steered the conversation to what he sees as a growing concern closer to home.
This past Thursday, the U.S. House approved legislation extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian refugees through 2029. Ten Republicans joined Democrats to pass the bill, and two of them were from Ohio — Mike Turner of Dayton and Mike Carey of Columbus, whose districts include the Springfield area.
Robert and Tom made it clear that this issue isn’t going away. They plan to dig deeper into the details next week.
🌍 Iran Update — What Changed in the Last Few Days
After the opening conversation, Robert shifted to the international stage with an update on Iran, focusing on what had changed in just the last couple of days before the recording. The guys played several clips to walk listeners through the fast-moving developments and why the situation remains volatile.
Robert emphasized that events were evolving quickly — ceasefires, negotiations, and military positioning were all shifting in real time. Recent reports show tensions remain high, with Iran rebuilding military capacity and negotiations continuing under pressure.
The takeaway from the segment was straightforward:
This situation isn’t settled, and the next few days could matter just as much as the last few.
(No sources were provided during the segment — the discussion centered on recent developments and analysis.)
🩺 Acton’s Scandal Returns to the Spotlight
Former Ohio Health Director Amy Acton is back in the headlines, and the story isn’t going away quietly. Questions surrounding a past police visit have resurfaced, and critics are pushing hard on transparency and accountability. Robert and Tom explored how old controversies tend to resurface at the worst possible time — especially during a campaign. Robert and Tom took a lighter — but still pointed — approach to the ongoing headlines around Amy Acton. At one point, the guys jokingly asked, “Is Amy Acton always drunk?” — clearly meant as humor, but also as commentary on public appearances and the way political figures are perceived under the spotlight.
Sources:
🔗: Acton’s team defends 2019 police visit as a ‘simple argument’ amid GOP criticism
🔗: OPINION: Media Parrots Amy Acton’s ‘Simple Argument’ Line on 2019 Incident – Questions Go Unasked
🔗: Ohio Health Director’s Mother Comes Forward to Set the Record Straight About Daughter’s Troubled Past
⚠️ Putsch Event Controversy — Optics, Messaging, and Political Fallout
Robert and Tom dug into the controversy surrounding gubernatorial candidate Casey Putsch and an event that quickly drew backlash after comments referencing Hitler and Nazi imagery surfaced. What started as a campaign gathering turned into a public relations headache, with one Columbus-area restaurant canceling the event altogether.
The guys focused heavily on the optics — not just the comments themselves, but how quickly messaging can spiral in today’s political environment. Social media posts, campaign stunts, and provocative rhetoric can grab attention, but they can also trigger consequences just as fast.
They also played clips highlighting reactions to the situation and discussed how moments like this can define a campaign — sometimes more than policy ever will.
Sources:
🔗: Columbus-area restaurant cancels event for Ohio governor candidate, citing Hitler and Nazi comments
▶️ YouTube: Leftist dude thought he was tough… UNTIL THIS HAPPENED!!
🔗: Casey Putsch on X: “Drive your German car to the Brewery and Beer Hall rally and I’ll buy you a beer!”
🔗: Ohio gubernatorial candidate with rifle invites Ramaswamy to play ‘Cowboys and Indians’
🏛 Ravenna City Council — Local Government Gets Loud
Local government meetings rarely make headlines, but when tempers flare and residents show up in force, things get interesting fast. The Ravenna council meeting highlighted just how heated community debates can become when citizens feel decisions are being made without their input. In one five-minute video shared on X with over 250,000 views, Ravenna resident Will Hollingsworth passionately makes the case against new AI data centers in his community. Definitely worth a watch and listen.
Sources:
🔗: Not in my backyard: Ohio residents force vote for yearlong moratorium on local data centers
▶️ YouTube: Ravenna City Council meeting
🏗 Data Centers vs. Neighborhoods — The Fight Moves to Lake County
Data centers promise jobs and tax revenue — but they also bring noise, land use concerns, and big infrastructure demands. Residents in Lake County are pushing back hard, even forcing a vote to slow things down. Robert and Tom framed it as the classic “progress vs. quality of life” debate that more Ohio communities will likely face.
Source:
🔗: Lake County community upset over proposed data center location
⚡ Who Pays for Ohio’s Power Line Upgrades?
Infrastructure upgrades are coming — but the big question is who gets the bill. Consumer advocates warn that ratepayers may be footing the cost for large-scale energy transmission projects. Robert and Tom dug into the financial ripple effects and why this issue deserves more attention before the invoices start arriving.
Source:
🔗: Ohio Consumers’ Counsel says power line proposal will cost electric consumers
📷 More Cameras on the Roads — Safety or Surveillance?
ODOT is installing dozens of new cameras aimed at reducing wrong-way crashes and improving traffic safety. Supporters say it’s about saving lives. Skeptics worry about privacy and government overreach. The hosts explored both sides — and asked whether technology is solving problems or just creating new ones. Sounds like we are now entering the era of “Person of Interest.”
Sources:
🔗: Queue warning system traffic cameras coming to Cleveland
🔗: ODOT installs more than 30 new cameras across Franklin County to curb wrong-way drivers
🧪 Ohio’s Regulatory Sandbox — Innovation or Loophole?
Ohio lawmakers are considering a “universal regulatory sandbox,” which would allow companies to test new products and services under relaxed regulations. It sounds innovative — but critics warn it could open the door to reduced oversight. Robert and Tom unpacked what this could mean for businesses, consumers, and regulators alike.
🔍 Expanding Investigator Powers — A Quiet but Powerful Proposal
Another bill moving through Columbus would give state inspectors broader authority to investigate government employees. It’s the kind of change that doesn’t grab headlines — but could significantly shift accountability and oversight across state agencies.
Source:
🔗: Lead investigator of state employees in Ohio would get new power under Republican bill
📈 Cleveland Is Growing — But Not the Way You Think
Yes, Cleveland’s population is ticking upward — but the growth is largely driven by international migration. That raises bigger questions about workforce trends, housing demand, and long-term economic sustainability. Robert and Tom highlighted how the headline sounds positive, but the details matter.
Source:
🔗: Greater Cleveland population sees modest growth, fueled by international migration
😐 Cleveland Lands in the “Unhappy” Top 10
Cleveland showing up on a list of the country’s least happy cities sparked a lively conversation. Is it economic pressure? Crime? Weather? Or just perception? The hosts broke down the possible reasons — and whether the ranking reflects reality or reputation.
Source:
🔗: 10 unhappiest cities in the United States
🗳 Recall the Bibb Bobblehead?
A recall effort targeting Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb is gaining traction, and tensions outside City Hall are rising. Whether it succeeds or fizzles, Robert and Tom pointed out that the mere existence of a recall campaign signals deep frustration among some voters.
Source:
🔗: Petitioners file to recall Mayor Justin Bibb, dispute follows outside city hall
✈️ What Happens to Burke Airport?
The future of Burke Lakefront Airport is once again under debate, with new proposals on the table. Closing it could reshape Cleveland’s waterfront — but it would also affect major events like the Cleveland Air Show. The conversation highlighted how one decision could ripple across the region’s economy and identity.
Sources:
🔗: What happens to Cleveland Air Show if Burke Airport closes
🔗: City gets new offer for Burke Airport
🌟 Good Things
🐾 One Very Determined Pup
A dog in Alliance managed to get itself stuck six feet down a groundhog hole — and lived to tell the tale. Thanks to quick-thinking rescuers, the story had a happy ending and gave everyone a reason to smile. Sometimes the best headlines are the ones with muddy paws.
Source:
🔗: Alliance dog rescued after getting stuck 6′ down a groundhog hole
🎬 Shannon Elizabeth Tries Something New
The actress best known for American Pie is stepping into the subscription-content world. Whether it’s reinvention or curiosity, it’s another reminder that celebrities keep finding new ways to stay relevant in the digital age.
Source:
🔗: Shannon Elizabeth of ‘American Pie’ joins OnlyFans
🏈 Bernie Is Back — And Still Fighting
Cleveland legend Bernie Kosar marked five months since his liver transplant with a surprise appearance in a wrestling ring. It’s a comeback story full of grit, humor, and hometown pride — exactly the kind of resilience Cleveland fans love to see.
Source:
🔗: Bernie Kosar marks 5 months since his liver transplant with cameo in the pro wrestling ring
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