Ohio Podcast

Iran Deal Tested, DeWine Vetoes Mail Ballot Bill & What’s Next for the I-X Center — Crooked River Cast Show #67 🎙

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

The United States struck Iranian military targets after accusing Tehran of attacking a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to target US positions in retaliation, escalating tensions and casting fresh doubt over a fragile ceasefire in West Asia.

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 on Thursday allowed President Donald Trump to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants, meaning they could be subject to deportation.

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

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has vetoed legislation that would have required the vast majority of voters to provide their photo ID to cast a mail-in ballot. "H.B. 472 is all burden for so little benefit," DeWine said in his veto message Wednesday evening.

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

n Ohio bill that would explicitly criminalize refusing to provide basic identifying information during a traffic stop, clarifying what some law enforcement officials have called a gray area in state law, is awaiting Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature. House Bill 492, sponsored by Reps. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) and Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison), passed the Senate on June 10 after passing the House in November.

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

Brielle Shorter, a 20-year-old Ohio State University student, protests against Senate Bill 1 on Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal).

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 is making its speed data public. Residents can now see data collected by officers through a new website. Data on accidents and traffic stops is now available online. Residents can also see which streets police are monitoring for speeding.

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

Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel speaks to Cuyahoga County Council with sheriffs from Northeast Ohio behind him on June 23, 2026.

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?

Fed-up show producers are sharing details about behind-the-scenes efforts to keep events at Cleveland's I-X Center for the next few years — as complex real estate talks make compromise seem unlikely.

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

Photo by: News 5 News 5 interviewed a woman, who moved away from Ohio to avoid a domestic situation, and is waiting for nearly $500,000 in unclaimed funds to help her rebuild her life.

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 now underway at Gordon Park on Cleveland’s east side. Cleveland Metroparks has officially started a $10 million renovation project aimed at turning the southern section of the park into a new neighborhood gathering space along the lakefront. Cleveland Metroparks said this redesign is all about opening the lakefront back up to the community.

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.

Tulsi’s Bombshell Exit, Trump’s Iran Deal & Ohio’s Death Penalty Debate — Crooked River Cast Show #66 🎙

This week on Crooked River Cast, Robert and Tom tackled a mix of international headlines, Ohio politics, crime stories, government spending, surveillance debates, and transportation funding and facts released on Fauci that we already suspected to be true. From President Trump’s announced agreement with Iran and a major cartel strike in Venezuela to Ohio’s ongoing death penalty debate and Cleveland’s decision to walk away from FLOCK cameras, there was plenty to unpack. The guys also wrapped things up with some positive news about lower gas prices and Fourth of July celebrations around Northeast Ohio.

🎥 Tulsi’s Final-Day Bombshell

Tulsi Gabbard's annoucement on her last day as Direction of National Intelligence - releasing evidence of how Dr. Fauci provided millions in US taxpayer dollars to fund dangerous gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab and lied to suppress the truth about his actions and hide the virus' lab-leak origins and lied to Congress while under oath in 2024.

On her final day as Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard released documents and communications that she says expose how Dr. Anthony Fauci directed U.S. taxpayer funding toward gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, worked with members of the Intelligence Community to suppress information surrounding a possible lab-leak origin of COVID-19, and misled Congress during sworn testimony. Go to ODNI.gov to see for yourself

The release immediately reignited debate over the origins of COVID-19 and whether Americans were misled about what federal officials knew during the pandemic. Robert and Tom discussed the significance of the documents, why the story is gaining traction, and whether the release finally sheds light on questions that have lingered since 2020.

The conversation also turned to Fauci’s controversial preemptive blanket pardon from the Biden administration and the use of an autopen for presidential pardons and other executive actions. If additional investigations or legal challenges emerge, questions about the validity and scope of those actions could become part of a much larger national debate. Will Fauci ever get his day in Federal court?

Sources:

🔗: Tulsi Gabbard Final Day as Director of National Intelligence Statement

🔗: Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) on X

🔗: MAZE (@mazemoore)

🌎 Trump Signs Iran Deal, Strait of Hormuz Reopens

Trump signs Iran memorandum of understanding as expert weighs in on risks Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior Iran program director Behnam Ben Taleblu reacts to President Donald Trump signing a memorandum of understanding with Iran after returning from the G7 in France.

PPresident Trump announced an agreement aimed at ending the recent conflict with Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. The announcement quickly generated strong reactions online as supporters praised the move as a diplomatic victory while critics questioned what comes next.

Robert and Tom discussed the potential impact on global stability, energy markets, and whether the agreement represents a lasting peace or simply a pause in tensions.

Sources:

🔗: READ IT: The full text of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding

🎯 U.S. Strike Eliminates Tren de Aragua Leader in Venezuela

arynewstv 1w CARACAS: The leader of the transnational gang Tren de Aragua was killed in a joint operation by the United States (US) and Venezuela, authorities in the South American nation said on Friday - June 19, 2026

President Trump announced that U.S. Southern Command carried out what he described as a “swift and lethal kinetic strike” that killed Héctor “Niño” Guerrero, the longtime leader of Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang that the Trump administration designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Trump called the operation an act of justice for victims of violent crimes linked to the gang and praised cooperation between U.S. and Venezuelan authorities during the mission. Reports indicate the strike was conducted in coordination with officials in Venezuela.

Robert and Tom discussed the significance of the operation and what it means for efforts to dismantle Tren de Aragua. The conversation focused on the gang’s reputation for violence throughout the Americas, the administration’s broader campaign against cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and whether the elimination of its leader will have a lasting impact on the group’s operations.

Source:

🔗: Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)

👮 Sheriff Explodes At Reporter During Child Predator Press Conference

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods exploded on a reporter who ignored the subject of his press conference -- a sting conducted to capture child sex offenders -- and asked about an unrelated case.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods went viral after a reporter asked about an unrelated case during a press conference announcing the results of a sting operation targeting suspected child sex offenders. Clearly frustrated, Woods interrupted the question and told the reporter, “You just pissed me off,” before explaining that the focus should remain on the victims and the arrests that had just been announced.

Robert and Tom discussed the exchange and whether the sheriff’s response was justified. From the sheriff’s perspective, the press conference was meant to highlight efforts to protect children and bring predators to justice, not to shift attention to unrelated topics. And yes, this is a sheriff we would vote for!

Source:

🔗: Breitbart News posted a video on X: “This press conference is solely for those pieces of sh*t who are right there!”

🥊 Terror Plot Targeting UFC Event Raises Concerns

Douglas County Sheriff says DACA recipient planned White House UFC attack Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson details the arrest of Abraham Alvarez, accused ringleader in an alleged UFC event attack plot at the White House. Alvarez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, received DACA status under the Obama administration. Sheriff Hanson expressed frustration that Alvarez "never should have been here" and highlighted how the policy put the nation and community at risk.

Federal authorities revealed details of an alleged terror plot connected to the Freedom 250 UFC event. Investigators say the suspect had broader political motivations, creating concerns about security surrounding major public gatherings and high-profile political figures.

Robert and Tom discussed the seriousness of the alleged plot, noting that while authorities say the plan was ultimately thwarted, it had the potential to put innocent people in harm’s way. The conversation highlighted the importance of event security and how increasingly heated political tensions can sometimes spill over into real-world threats and violence. And here, another good sheriff- wish we could vote a good one in.

Sources:

🔗: FBI complaint details alleged terror plot targeting Freedom 250 UFC fight

🔗: Nebraska sheriff exposes how DACA loophole put Trump and the nation in crosshairs of UFC terror plot

💰 DeWine Signs Nearly $4 Billion Capital Budget

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday signed the capital budget bill for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, a nearly multi-billion spending plan that funds projects in all 88 Ohio counties.

Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 450, Ohio’s capital budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, authorizing nearly $4 billion in spending for projects across all 88 counties. DeWine said the investments will impact Ohioans both today and for years to come, with funding directed toward infrastructure, community projects, higher education, and other state priorities.

Robert and Tom took a more skeptical view of the massive spending package. While supporters argue the capital budget funds important projects throughout the state, the guys questioned the timing and scope of such a large commitment as DeWine approaches the end of his time in office. They discussed concerns about government spending, accountability, and whether taxpayers will ultimately see the promised benefits from the billions being allocated.

Source:

🔗: DeWine signs nearly $4 billion capital budget

⚖️ DeWine Wants Ohio To End The Death Penalty

Photo by: WEWS File Suzanne Taylor with daughters Taylor Pifer and Kylie Pifer

Governor Mike DeWine is urging Ohio lawmakers to abolish the death penalty, arguing that the system is costly, inefficient, and has failed to function as intended. After helping create Ohio’s modern capital punishment law decades ago, DeWine now says the state should move away from executions altogether and focus resources on keeping violent offenders behind bars for life.

Robert and Tom focused on the reaction from victims’ families, particularly the story of Rhonda Whitelock, whose lifelong friend Suzanne Taylor and her two daughters were brutally murdered by George Brinkman in 2017. For families still waiting for justice, the governor’s change of heart has reopened old wounds and reignited a debate that remains deeply emotional across Ohio.

The guys also questioned the timing of DeWine’s push with only months remaining in office. While supporters see the proposal as a policy decision, Robert and Tom discussed whether the move could have broader political implications as Ohio prepares for its next gubernatorial election. As they noted on the show, only time will tell how voters and lawmakers respond.

Source:

🔗: Her best friend, kids were murdered. She hopes lawmakers ignore DeWine’s change of heart on the death penalty.

📷 Cleveland Says Goodbye To FLOCK Cameras

Is Immigration and Customs Enforcement tapping into Flock safety cameras in Cleveland Heights? City Council says no, but took legislative action on Monday as a precaution.

Cleveland’s contract for FLOCK license plate reader cameras is set to expire at the end of the month, and city leaders appear ready to move on. Supporters argue the technology helps solve crimes, while critics continue raising privacy concerns. The discussion highlighted the growing debate over surveillance versus public safety.

Source:

🔗: Cleveland Flock license plate reader contract expiring at end of month

🚓 North Olmsted Police Credit FLOCK Cameras In Arrest

North Olmsted Police say flock cameras flagged a vehicle that was stolen during an aggravated robbery in Cleveland.

While Cleveland is stepping away from the technology, neighboring North Olmsted recently used FLOCK cameras to help identify and locate a suspect. Robert and Tom compared the two situations and discussed whether tools like these are worth the trade-offs.

Source:

🔗: Flock cameras help North Olmsted Police track down suspect

🚌 RTA Wants A Tax Hike To Stay Afloat

Greater Cleveland RTA Board considers asking for an additional sales tax to close deficit.

RTA officials are considering asking Cuyahoga County voters to approve a sales tax increase for the first time in nearly 50 years. Depending on the proposal, the increase could generate between $70 million and $140 million annually to help stabilize the agency’s finances and support future growth.

Robert and Tom discussed the challenges of passing any tax increase, especially with major statewide races expected to dominate the election cycle. Even so, both felt this is one proposal that may actually have a decent chance of passing if voters believe the funding is needed to maintain public transit services.

Source:

🔗: Would you be willing to pay a higher sales tax to help RTA?

🌟 Good Things

⛽ Gas Prices Drop Just In Time For Summer Travel

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas dropped to $3.99 per gallon and locally in Warrensville Heights, FOX 8 found $3.42 per gallon at the GetGo on Miles Road.

Drivers across Northeast Ohio are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall. With Independence Day travel right around the corner, the timing couldn’t be much better for families planning road trips and holiday gatherings.

Source:

🔗: ‘Thank goodness’: Local drivers react to dropping gas prices amid US-Iran deal

🎆 Fourth Of July Celebrations Return Across Greater Cleveland

Fourth of July in Greater Cleveland: Your 2026 Independence Day Party Guide Get ready to party with our top picks for local Fourth of July celebrations, including parades, concerts and more.

Fireworks, parades, festivals, and community celebrations are popping up all over Northeast Ohio as Independence Day approaches. Robert and Tom highlighted some of the events residents can enjoy throughout the region.

Source:

🔗: Fourth of July in Greater Cleveland: Your 2026 Independence Day Party Guide

📢 Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this week’s conversation, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss an episode. Share the show with a friend, post your thoughts in the comments, and follow CRC Ohio News on X for stories throughout the week. The best part of Crooked River Cast is hearing from fellow Ohioans, so join the conversation and let us know what you think.

It’s Episode 52, and that means Crooked River Cast is officially one year old. Who brought the cake? Crooked River Cast Show 52 🎙️ 🎂 

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.

Source:
🔗: Judge dismisses money laundering charges against former FirstEnergy executives in HB 6 bribery trial, leaves rest of indictment intact

🩺 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.

Source:
🔗: Akron Mayor Shammas Malik proposes $785 million operating budget that would cut $14 million from last year’s spending

🌟 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

Subscribe & Share

If you enjoy the show, subscribe and share Crooked River Cast so more people can join the conversation about Ohio news and politics.

Follow us on X at CRC Ohio News and keep the discussion going between episodes.

And as always — thanks for listening.