Summer has officially arrived, and before diving into this week’s headlines, Robert and Tom shared some Crooked River Cast breaking news. After today’s episode, the show will be taking a three-week summer hiatus to recharge, regroup, and get ready for what promises to be a busy election season. The news never stops, but everyone deserves a little time to catch their breath. The guys will be back soon, refreshed and ready to tackle whatever Ohio and the rest of the world throw their way.

Now, on to this week’s stories.

🌍 Iran Deal Tested After Drone Attack

Just days after hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East, a drone attack on commercial shipping has raised new questions about the future of President Trump’s proposed agreement with Iran. The incident highlights just how fragile the situation remains and whether diplomacy can survive another round of escalating conflict. When will this really end?

Source:

🔗: Iran deal tested by drone attack as Trump offers up US farm goods

⚖️ Supreme Court Immigration Rulings

The U.S. Supreme Court handed down immigration rulings that could have significant consequences for thousands of Haitian immigrants, including many living here in Ohio. The decisions allow the Department of Homeland Security to end temporary protections for certain immigrants while legal battles continue, creating uncertainty for families and communities across the state. The ground has stopped shaking and the huts have been rebuilt, time to back home folks….and Yes! Save the dogs! Save the cats!

Sources:

🔗: Supreme Court: DHS can end protections for Haitian immigrants, thousands of whom live in Ohio

🔗: Ohio Cities Brace for Impact of Supreme Court Allowing Trump to Take Legal Status Away from Haitians

🔗: Kristina Knickerbocker (@KnickerbockerOH) on X

🗳️ DeWine Vetoes Ohio Mail-In Ballot ID Bill

Governor Mike DeWine surprised many by vetoing legislation that would have required additional photo identification for Ohioans requesting mail-in ballots. Republicans in the Statehouse are already discussing whether they have enough votes to override the veto, setting up another debate over election security and voter access ahead of future elections.

Robert and Tom questioned the governor’s decision, arguing that as his time in office winds down, this veto is another example of what they see as leadership that has fallen short for Ohio. They also wondered whether the move is part of a broader political strategy heading into the next election cycle.

What do you think? Is this the right decision, or is there more to it? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com.

Sources:

🔗: Will Ohio Republicans override Gov. DeWine’s voter photo ID veto?

🔗: Gov. DeWine blocks stricter ID mandate for Ohio mail-in voting

🚓 Ohio Drivers May Soon Have to Identify Themselves During Traffic Stops

An Ohio bill awaiting Governor DeWine’s signature would require drivers to identify themselves during traffic stops. Supporters argue it provides clarity and improves officer safety, while critics question whether the proposal creates unnecessary legal complications. It’s another example of lawmakers trying to redefine the rules of interactions between drivers and law enforcement.

Source:

🔗: Ohio bill requiring drivers to identify selves at traffic stops awaits governor’s signature

🎓 One Year Later: Ohio’s Anti-“Woke” Higher Education Law

It’s been about a year since Ohio’s higher education reform law took effect, and lawmakers are already looking ahead. Supporters believe the legislation is making Ohio colleges more attractive to students, while opponents continue debating its impact on academic freedom and campus culture.

Source:

🔗: Author of Ohio anti-’woke’ higher ed law celebrates college enrollments, lays out what’s next

🚓 North Canton Launches Public Speeding Database

The North Canton Police Department has rolled out a new online speed data website that allows residents to see where speeding problems are occurring throughout the city. The goal is greater transparency and helping residents understand where enforcement efforts are focused. You can check out the website here on this link.

Source:

🔗: North Canton Police Department launches new speed data website

👮 Sheriffs Push for an Elected Cuyahoga County Sheriff

Sheriffs from across Ohio are encouraging Cuyahoga County leaders to return to electing their sheriff rather than appointing one. Supporters argue elected sheriffs provide greater accountability directly to voters, while others believe the current appointment system better serves the county’s needs. It also ties back to last week’s episode, where Robert and Tom discussed two different sheriff stories—highlighting why experienced, accountable leadership in Ohio’s sheriff’s offices matters to communities across the state.

Source:

🔗: Northeast Ohio sheriffs lobby Cuyahoga County Council for an elected sheriff

🏢 What Is the Future of the I-X Center?

The future of one of Northeast Ohio’s most recognizable venues remains uncertain. Event organizers continue expressing frustration after a year of stalled negotiations and unanswered questions about the facility’s future. At the same time, Cleveland officials say a manufacturing project being considered for the property could bring hundreds of new jobs and millions in payroll, leaving many wondering what comes next for the iconic I-X Center.

Sources:

🔗: ‘End of our rope.’ I-X Center event producers speak up after year in limbo, stalled talks

🔗: Cleveland says a manufacturer eyeing the I-X Center could bring 700 jobs, $72M in payroll

🌟 Good Things

💰 Ohio’s Unclaimed Funds Continue to Grow

Ohio still has billions of dollars in unclaimed funds waiting to be returned to residents, including one woman owed nearly half a million dollars. While the funds are available, processing delays are frustrating people who are waiting to receive what is theirs. It’s another reminder to periodically check Ohio’s unclaimed funds database—you never know what might be waiting. What’s the holdup?

Source:

🔗: Woman owed nearly $500,000 in unclaimed funds waits 6+ months as backlog continues

🌊 Gordon Park Gets a Fresh Start

A major transformation is underway at Cleveland’s Gordon Park, where the Cleveland Metroparks has kicked off a $10 million renovation designed to turn the southern portion of the park into a vibrant neighborhood gathering place along the Lake Erie shoreline. The project will feature expanded green space shaded by mature trees, scenic lake views, and a new walking loop that park visitors have long enjoyed.

The renovation is being funded through an $8 million grant from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, along with $2 million from Cleveland Metroparks. Construction is expected to continue through next spring, with the newly renovated park scheduled to reopen in summer 2027, giving Clevelanders an even better place to enjoy the lakefront for years to come.

Source:

🔗: Gordon Park renovation aims to bring community back to the lakefront

📢 Subscribe & Share

If you enjoy staying informed about what’s happening across Ohio without all the noise, be sure to subscribe to Crooked River Cast so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with your friends and family, follow CRC Ohio News on X , and join the conversation. We’ll be taking a short summer break, but we’ll be back soon with more Ohio news, more discussion, and plenty more to talk about.

🎙️ Before we sign off for our summer break, we want to wish everyone a safe and Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary of freedom, we hope you take time to enjoy family, friends, and everything that makes this country special. 🎆 Have an amazing summer, and we’ll be back in a few weeks with more Ohio news and conversation.