Property Tax Push, Streaming Wars & School Layoffs Shake Ohio — Crooked River Cast Show 58 🎙

April 27, 2026

The show kicked off with Robert admitting he finally caved to the fiber guy from AT&T — locking in 1 gig up and 1 gig down internet for $17/month. Not bad, right? The guys tossed it to listeners to weigh in: is this a steal or is there a catch somewhere in the fine print?

Help a guy out — send your expertise and thoughts to crookedrivercast@gmail.com. Then, as always, the conversation quickly shifted into the next uncovered fraud story of the week… because they just keep coming.

⚖️ Will Anyone Go to Jail?

In April 2026, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was indicted on federal fraud charges by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The indictment alleges the organization misused donor funds to pay informants to infiltrate extremist groups, with prosecutors alleging this secretly funneled over $3 million to members of hate groups and manufacturing extremism.

There’s a lot of talk about investigations and accountability in Ohio and beyond right now, but the big question remains: will anyone actually face consequences? This week, Robert and Tom dug into the long history of the Southern Poverty Law Center, walking through what the organization has done over the years and the massive amounts of money it collected through controversial business practices.

And yes — the guys pointed out that Alex Jones was right again, at least in raising questions long before the indictment finally arrived. For many listeners, this one felt like confirmation of suspicions that have been building for years.

Sources:

🔗: Southern Poverty Law Center Has Become a Left-wing, Money-grabbing, Slander Machine
▶️ YouTube: Holy f**ing sht..

🗳 Ohio Governor Candidate Drama

A Republican candidate for governor is trying to remove her running mate from the ballot, which is not permitted under Ohio law.

Republican Heather Hill is preparing for the May 5 primary and had been running with Stuart Moats as her lieutenant governor candidate. On Saturday, Hill announced she would replace Moats as her running mate after “irreconcilable differences,” alleging Moats used a racial slur to describe Hill. Moats denied the allegations.

Ohio’s governor race continues to deliver political theater. One candidate is reportedly trying to replace a running mate despite state law — raising eyebrows across the political spectrum. But the guys focused on a detail that seemed missing from coverage: what exactly was the racial slur that sparked the controversy?

According to Robert and Tom, the lack of specifics leaves voters guessing — and in their view, this campaign is going nowhere anyway.

Source:

🔗: Candidate for governor hopes to replace running mate despite Ohio law

🏠 Abolish Property Tax — Momentum Builds

John Plecnik
·
Follow
April 23 at 4:34 PM
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💥305K💥 signatures to abolish property ta❌es in Ohio‼️
Today, Brian Massie and AxOHTax.com announced their committee has collected 305,000 signatures. A minimum of 413,488 valid signatures are required by July 1st to make the November ballot. The committee hopes to collect 620K signatures before filing their petition.

The push to eliminate property taxes in Ohio keeps gaining traction, and the guys walked through the latest signature counts needed to move the proposal forward. Bottom line: they need more people.

If you support abolishing property taxes, now is the time to act. Go find your local signing spot and add your name. If the campaign doesn’t reach the required number of signatures by July, those signatures will be saved and submitted in 2027 instead.

Either way — the message from the show was clear: Get out there and make your voice heard.

Use this link to find your closest location:

🔗: Ax Ohio Tax – AxOHTax

Source:

🔗: Campaign to abolish Ohio property taxes gains momentum — but it still has a long way to go

🏭 Conserve Ohio & the Data Center Debate

Conserve Ohio
@ConserveOhio_
Limiting hyperscale data center growth to preserve our environment.

Initiative by Ohio Residents for Responsible Development

A growing petition effort is targeting large-scale data center development across Ohio, and Robert and Tom spent time reviewing the group behind it — Conserve Ohio. They highlighted how clearly the organization lays out its goals and petition details on its website, making it easy for residents to understand what they’re signing and why.

Whether you support the effort or not, the guys agreed the communication is straightforward and worth reviewing for yourself.

Here is the link to the website: https://conserveohio.com

Sources:

🔗: Conserve Ohio
🔗: Conserve Ohio (@ConserveOhio_)

📺 Lawmakers vs. Streaming Services

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A state lawmaker, fed up with not knowing how to watch Cleveland Cavaliers games without subscribing to a dozen services, is looking into drafting legislation to prevent exclusive streaming deals for professional sports.

"It's a bunch of bull**** is what it is," state Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) said.

Sports fans like DeMora are routinely frustrated when trying to watch their favorite team. WEWS News

Ohio lawmakers are voicing frustration over major sporting events being locked behind multiple streaming platforms — a complaint many families share. During the segment, the guys highlighted several of the services mentioned in the article, including:

• Tubi — an ad-supported streaming service with free movies and TV shows
• Pluto TV — a free streaming service with live linear channels and on-demand titles
• Hoopla — a free digital media service offered through public libraries

The bigger question: how many subscriptions does it take just to watch one game?

Do you pay for multiple streaming services just to keep up with sports? Let us know — email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com.

Source:

🔗: Fed up with big games only on streaming? So are some Ohio lawmakers

💸 Streaming Hacks — Or Just Go Outside?

Netflix subscribers were hit with another price increase this spring as the streaming giant raised the price of its ad-supported tier to $8.99 per month. Its premium tier is now $26 per month.

For a while, cutting the cord was the answer to saving money on TV and movies, but now the cost gap is shrinking.

The firm Deloitte finds average households spend $69 a month on streaming but are increasingly looking for ways to save.

Alongside the policy debate, Robert and Tom had some fun reviewing the so-called “hacks” to lower streaming bills. Some tips make sense. Others feel like common sense dressed up as financial advice. Sometimes the best savings strategy really is turning the TV off.

Sources:

🔗: Hacks to lower your streaming TV bill as subscription costs continue to rise

🎖 Veterans Service Meeting Sparks Tension

American confronts Chuck Hurley, Chair of the Greene County Veterans Services Commission in Ohio about millions of dollars in missing money

Commissioners were appropriated $3.3 million, the Veterans Services Commission only used $1 million
$2.3 million is unaccounted for

A Greene County veterans services meeting turned heated, showing how quickly public discussions can escalate when emotions run high. Robert and Tom highlighted how local government meetings are increasingly becoming flashpoints for frustration.

Source:

▶️ YouTube: Greene County Veterans service chair gets triggered

🏫 Parma Parents — Asking the Right Questions?

PARMA, Ohio (WOIO) - What was expected to be a forum for the Parma community to share concerns turned tense and, at times, chaotic. Thursday night police escorted several speakers and audience members out, cutting public comment short and some school board members walking out.

“We are now going to end public comment,” the board announced.

The highly charged meeting comes days after an 18-year-old student died by suicide Monday in the Valley Forge High School cafeteria, prompting renewed questions from parents and students about safety, mental health resources and security measures across the district.

A tragic situation at Valley Forge High School led to intense reactions at a Parma school board meeting. The guys discussed whether anger is being directed at the right people — and how communication breakdowns can fuel community mistrust. The news is not talking about who this 18 year old is, but on Facebook, Libs of TikTok posted the image and source of info Robert discusses. Here is that link: Libs of TikTok – BREAKING: A student shot herself in Valley Forge High School in Ohio

Source:

🔗: Tense Parma school board meeting follows student’s death at Valley Forge High School

🔒 Cleveland Libraries Offer Free Gun Locks

Multiple branches of the Cleveland Public Library will start handing out free gun safety devices in May 2026.

In a quieter but practical move, Cleveland libraries are distributing free gun locks and lock boxes. It’s a straightforward safety initiative that aims to prevent accidents without getting pulled into political battles. Does this really help?

Source:

🔗: Cleveland libraries offering free gun safes, locks

⚖️ State Senate Targets Local Gun Laws

The Ohio Senate Republicans passed a bill that would penalize local governments for enacting gun safety regulations.Photo by: WEWS

Ohio lawmakers passed legislation designed to penalize cities that adopt stricter gun regulations than the state allows. Supporters call it consistency. Opponents call it overreach. Either way, the tension between state and local control isn’t going away anytime soon. Ohio Senate Republicans passed bill S.B. 278 to stop cities and towns from making their own stricter gun laws. It lets anyone sue a city that breaks the rule. If they win, the city must pay fines, damages, and all lawyer fees. The goal is to protect people’s Second Amendment rights and discourage towns from passing illegal gun restrictions.

Source:

🔗: Ohio GOP senators pass bill to punish cities for gun regulations

🔌 Who Benefits From EV Charging Subsidies?

News 5 Investigators did a deeper dive into a federal taxpayer-funded program to help build more EV charging stations, but there are concerns about big business getting big tax breaks.

Massive taxpayer funding for EV charging infrastructure is flowing across Ohio, but questions remain about who truly benefits. Robert and Tom explored whether these investments are helping communities — or primarily supporting large corporations. Who makes money off of these is the question.

Source:

🔗: Some big businesses benefit from major tax money in EV chargers; supporters say program helps communities

🏗 Jail Project Audit Request

Ygal Kaufman/Ideastream Public Media -The Garfield Heights site of Cuyahoga County's new jail is ready, but questions remain about the approval process

The Cuyahoga County prosecutor is asking for a state audit as the long-delayed jail construction project moves forward. After years of rising costs and controversy, officials want a closer look at how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

Source:

🔗: Cuyahoga County prosecutor requests state audit as jail construction inches closer

👩‍🏫 School Layoffs Hit Ohio Communities

Students protest teacher layoffs inside the Cleveland Board of Education meeting at East Professional Center on Tuesday in Cleveland.-Conor Morris
/Ideastream Public Media

Education budgets are tightening across the state. Akron narrowly avoided layoffs — for now — while Cleveland approved more than 300 job cuts despite protests. Robert and Tom discussed what these decisions mean for students, teachers, and families. By the way, these signs suck, a reflection of the teachers?

Sources:

🔗: Proposals to eliminate 17 Akron Public Schools jobs fail during Board of Education meeting
🔗: Cleveland school board approves 300-plus layoffs as protest breaks out during board meeting

🌟 Good Things

🎸 Pearl Jam Fans Finally Score a Win

After years of complaints about ticket monopolies and sky-high prices, a jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster hold harmful control over major concert venues. It’s not the final chapter — but it’s a step many fans have been waiting for.

Sources:

▶️ YouTube: Jury finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster hold harmful monopoly over big concert venues
🔗: Jury finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster hold harmful monopoly over big concert venues | wthr.com

🎶 $30 Tickets Return to Blossom

Concert season just got more affordable. Live Nation is rolling out $30 ticket deals for select shows, giving music fans a chance to enjoy live entertainment without breaking the bank. That’s a rare piece of good news in today’s economy.

Source:

🔗: Live Nation offering $30 concert tickets – here’s the list

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Crooked River Cast Show 35

November 17, 2025

🔥 Shutdown Fallout, Ballot Battles, Cleveland Shake-Ups & The Horses of North Ridgeville🐎

Robert and Tom kick off this week’s show with a little life update before the headlines hit. Robert’s just back from a work trip to Kentucky — complete with some very respectable bourbon tasting. Check out Justin’s House of Bourbon — while Tom is nursing the aftermath of an unplanned meeting with the ground (and gravity definitely won).

Before diving into the news, Robert throws a question to the listeners:

“What kind of music would you introduce to an 11–15 year old? Suggestions welcome!”

With that, the guys roll straight into another stacked lineup of Ohio stories, political curveballs, and a couple of moments that will make you shake your head and laugh out loud. Let’s get on with it.

🧾 Shutdown Ends — But What About SNAP Money?

The 43-day federal shutdown is finally over, and SNAP benefits are flowing again — but Ohio families are asking what happens next.

Here’s the quick Google breakdown the guys walk through:

Restored Benefits: Ohio has federal guidance to restore full November SNAP payments. Households who only received partial benefits will get the rest, and those who received nothing will be made whole.
Federal Reimbursement: The new funding bill includes $107.5B for SNAP nationwide, restores reserve funds, and guarantees support through September 2026. Stability returns for Ohio’s 1.4 million recipients.
Congressional Pay Politics: The bill also guarantees back pay for federal workers and secures congressional salaries — which, yes, stay untouched during shutdowns under federal law.

And with that crisis wrapped (for now), Robert and Tom pivot into the rest of Ohio’s political circus.

💸 “Free Money for All”… Well, Almost

The buzz around Trump’s $2K “tariff check” proposal continues. Tom and Robert unpack what it really means, who qualifies, and whether Ohioans should expect a surprise deposit — or just political fireworks.

Source:
🔗:What to know about Trump’s $2K tariff check proposal

🏳️‍🌈 SCOTUS Declines Gay Marriage Case

The Supreme Court is sitting this one out. By refusing to revisit same-sex marriage, they’ve stirred up the alphabet-mafia petition crowd — and Ohio grassroots groups are already reacting.

Sources:
🔗:Supreme Court declines to revisit gay marriage decision
🔗:Ohio grassroots group leader ‘breathing a little bit easier’ after SCOTUS same-sex marriage decision

🗳️ Absentee Ballot Bill — A Tightening of the Rules

Ohio’s Senate approved a bill requiring absentee ballots to arrive by Election Day rather than just be postmarked. That shift could’ve tossed out over 3,000 Cuyahoga County ballots last cycle — a stat that made the guys sit up straight.

Sources:
🔗:Republican senators approve bill requiring Ohio absentee ballots arrive by election day
🔗:3,000 Cuyahoga County ballots would have been thrown out if this Ohio bill was law

⚖️ Voter Fraud Cases → DOJ?

Ohio’s Secretary of State is shipping voter-fraud allegations to the Trump DOJ. The guys ask: Is this due diligence or political theater, there is evidence, right? Either way, the investigations are officially federal.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose sent 1,000+ alleged voter fraud cases to the U.S. Justice Department, though past reviews found most claims baseless. Only 167 cases of noncitizens voting occurred over eight years—just 0.0006% of ballots. Critics call the move political “forum shopping,” noting state prosecutors largely declined to act. Experts warn LaRose’s push for federal involvement contradicts his past stance against federal oversight and raises concerns about using stale evidence for partisan goals.

To recap regarding presenting documents at the BMV:
Yes, you are required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or present your Green Card. Once your license is issued, this status is documented. Ohio has implemented a system where, if the license holder is a non-citizen, a small notation appears on the back of the license. This allows poll workers to verify eligibility when checking ID at the polls. And yes, poll workers need to be checking all valid identifications. Link

Source:
🔗:Ohio Secretary of State Sends Voter Fraud Allegations to Trump Justice Department

💼 Income Tax Reciprocity Gets a Shakeup

A new Ohio bill would give workers more control over tax reciprocity credits — especially cross-border commuters. Tom and Robert break down how it affects anyone who lives in one state and works in another.

Source:
🔗:New Ohio House Bill 503 would give earners more power over income tax reciprocity credits

🏘️ Taxing Land Value — A Big Constitutional Swing

Ohio Republicans want to amend the constitution to allow land-value taxation. It’s bold, it’s unusual, and the hosts unpack whether this is a tax revolution or a headache in the making.

Source:
🔗:Taxing land values? Ohio Republican introduces constitutional amendment

👮 Moreno Wants Federal Oversight Update

Senator Moreno is pressing for answers on whether Cleveland’s police department is nearing the end of federal oversight. The guys weigh the politics against the policing realities.

Source:
🔗:I-Team: Senator wants update on possible end to federal oversight of Cleveland police

🚫 Canton Bans Public Comment

Canton City Council shut off the mic — literally. Public comment is banned, and residents are not taking it quietly. Tom and Robert dig into the community’s loud response to being silenced.

Source:
🔗:‘Disappointed, but not surprised’: Canton community reacts to city council’s public comment ban

🏫 Cleveland Schools Closing 29 Buildings

Cleveland is bracing for its biggest school shakeup in decades: 29 buildings closing, 18 emptied out. Parents, staff, and neighborhoods are scrambling — and the guys break down the what and why.

Sources:
🔗:‘Gobsmacked’: Cleveland braces for school district’s biggest school shakeup in decades
🔗:Cleveland’s school district plans to empty out 18 of its buildings. Remaking them could be tricky

⚰️ Living Among the Dead — Cemetery Encampment

Cleveland officials are searching for answers after discovering a homeless encampment inside a cemetery. The guys talk about how this reflects broader struggles in the city.

Source:
🔗:City of Cleveland looking for answers to cemetery homeless encampment

🏳️‍🌈🧥 CLAW… Oh Boy.

Cleveland’s annual leather weekend, CLAW, returns — and not everyone is thrilled. Feelings range from betrayal to hope as the event navigates new cultural tension. Tom and Robert… had thoughts.

Source:
🔗:Amidst Feelings of Betrayal and Hope, Cleveland’s Leather Annual Weekend (CLAW) Leaves Its Namesake City

🌟 GOOD THINGS

🐎 Runaway Horses in North Ridgeville

Four horses sprinting full speed down Center Ridge Road — and the North Ridgeville police handled it like a live episode of Yellowstone: Ohio Edition. A chaotic but surprisingly wholesome moment.

Source:
🔗:Video | North Ridgeville police wrangle 4 horses running down Center Ridge Road

🏈 Bernie Kosar Updates — Hanging Tough

After undergoing a fifth aggressive procedure related to his liver condition, Bernie Kosar is reportedly stable and OK. Browns fans across the state exhaled at once.

Source:
🔗:Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar undergoes 5th ‘aggressive procedure’ while awaiting liver transplant

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