Ohio politics podcast

Drones, Data Centers, and the Battle Over Ohio’s FutureCrooked River Cast Show 51 🎙️

Robert and Tom covered a lot of ground in Show #51, jumping from global tensions with Iran to some serious debates unfolding right here in Ohio. The episode dives into the state’s new drone program for first responders, school swatting incidents, the growing fight over data centers and their costs, and whether Ohio is becoming one of the country’s most hostile states for LGBTQ residents. Along the way, they hit the possible end of the I-X Center, new fraud investigations, and wrapped things up with a few genuinely good developments happening around the region.

Before diving into the news, Robert and Tom had to wrestle with a few technical gremlins at the start of the show — so bear with us on that. Maybe it had something to do with Robert’s extracurricular activities the night before… We’ll let the listeners decide. The show also opened with a shoutout and well wishes for John C. Dvorak from No Agenda, the “greatest podcast in the universe,” who announced on last Thursday’s show that he needed a double bypass surgery. The surgery has since taken place, and everyone here at Crooked River Cast is sending prayers and wishing him a speedy recovery.

🌍 Iran Update & Global Tensions

The show opened with a look at the latest escalation in the conflict involving Iran. Statements from Donald Trump about “unconditional surrender” highlight just how intense the rhetoric around the conflict has become. Robert and Tom also looked at the broader implications of continued targeted strikes and what that might mean for stability in the region.

Sources:
🔗: Iran Update Evening Special Report, March 5, 2026 – From UnderstandingWar.org
🔗: Trump: There will be ‘no deal’ to end the war in Iran, except for their ‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER’
🔗: Mamdani Getting Nervous As Trump Keeps Assassinating Muslim Dictators | Babylon Bee

🚁 Ohio Launches First Statewide Drone Program

Ohio is officially rolling out the nation’s first statewide drone program for first responders, something state officials say will improve emergency response and coordination during disasters.

Supporters argue it’s a major technological leap for police, fire, and rescue operations. Critics are already raising questions about privacy, oversight, and whether Ohio has clear guardrails for how this technology will be used long-term.

Source:
🔗: Ohio launches nation’s first statewide drone program for first responders

🚨 Schools Across Ohio Hit With Swatting Threats

Several Ohio schools were placed on lockdown after receiving bomb threats in what appears to be a wave of swatting incidents. These false emergency calls force major police responses and disrupt entire school districts.

Robert and Tom discussed the growing trend of these hoaxes nationwide and the real cost they impose on communities, law enforcement resources, and student safety.

Sources:
🔗: Police called to multiple central Ohio schools after alleged bomb threats
🔗: Several Ohio schools placed under lockdown after threat

🐀 Critter Corner: The Data Center Debate

Data centers are quickly becoming one of the biggest infrastructure debates in Ohio. Lawmakers are now introducing multiple bills that could determine how these facilities impact residents, power grids, taxes, and environmental policy.

One proposal would shield Ohioans from potential electric grid costs tied to large data centers. Another bill would create a commission to study their long-term impact. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are also moving to override Governor DeWine’s veto that would restore a sales tax break for data centers.

Add concerns about air pollution and wastewater discharge to the mix, and you’ve got a policy debate that’s just getting started.

Sources:
🔗: Reps. David Thomas, Tristan Rader introduce bill to shield Ohioans from data center-driven grid costs
🔗: Reps. Gary Click, Kellie Deeter propose new commission to study data center impacts
🔗: Ohio GOP leaders plan override of DeWine’s veto restoring data center tax break
🔗: Data centers’ air pollution associated with lung issues: Report
🔗: Ohio EPA reviewing draft permit to authorize limited increase in data center wastewater discharge

🚛 More Fraud Investigations in Ohio?

New investigations suggest potential fraud issues expanding into industries like trucking and healthcare. The conversation focused on how these schemes operate and whether Ohio regulators are keeping up with increasingly complex fraud networks.

Source:
🔗: FRONTLINES TPUSA (@FrontlinesTPUSA)

🏳️‍🌈 Ohio Ranks High in Anti-LGBTQ Incidents

A recent report places Ohio among the states with the highest number of reported anti-LGBTQ incidents last year. Robert and Tom examined what counts as a hate crime, how those statistics are gathered, and why the issue continues to be politically divisive.

Sources:
🔗: Ohio among states with most ‘anti-LGBTQ incidents’ last year
🔗: What is a hate crime – @3tarddownunder on X

🏟️ The I-X Center’s Uncertain Future

For decades, Cleveland’s I-X Center has hosted everything from car shows to conventions. But the facility recently announced what may be its final event.

Then again… maybe not. A potential deal involving the venue reportedly fell apart, leaving the future of this iconic Cleveland landmark very much up in the air.

Sources:
🔗: I-X Center announces its final show
🔗: I-X Center deal falls apart, leaving future uncertain for historic event space

🌟 Good Things

🎸 Rock and Roll Land Project Moving Forward

The Rock and Roll Land project is taking shape in Northeast Ohio. The development aims to build a music-themed district that celebrates Cleveland’s deep connection to rock history while boosting economic development around the lakefront.

Source:
🔗: Bedrock splits Rock & Roll Land project – NEOtrans

🥤 Ohio Considers Limiting Soda Purchases With SNAP

Ohio is exploring a proposal to restrict soda purchases using SNAP benefits. Supporters say it could promote healthier food choices, while critics argue it may be government overreach.

Regardless of where people land on the policy debate, it’s another example of how states are experimenting with new approaches to public health.

Source:
🔗: No pop for SNAP recipients?

🎤 Political Drama: Crockett vs. Crenshaw

Political sparks flew this week as a heated exchange between Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Dan Crenshaw grabbed headlines. It’s the kind of Washington drama that reminds everyone politics can still deliver a few viral moments. Hey guys, don’t forget Al Greene is gone as well.

Source:
🔗: Crenshaw and Crockett exchange reactions

🔊 Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode of Crooked River Cast, make sure to:

  • Subscribe so you never miss a new show
  • Share the episode with friends who want to stay informed about Ohio politics and news
  • Follow us on X at CRC Ohio News
  • And keep the conversation going

Crooked River Cast Show 50

Leave a Comment /

🎙️ Statehouse Drama, Local Headlines & Ohio Curveballs

Robert and Tom are back for Episode #50, and this one hits that classic Crooked River Cast sweet spot — politics, local accountability, oddball Ohio stories, and a few laughs to keep the blood pressure manageable. The show kicks off with a look back at last Tuesday’s State of the Union — did you watch it? The good, the bad, and the ugly… and you can probably guess which adjective applied to what. From statehouse drama and budget headaches to quarantines and possible alien encounters, the guys covered a lot of ground while keeping the conversation sharp, honest, and very Ohio.

🏛️ Statehouse Talk & Political Reality Checks

The episode kicks off with plenty of political back-and-forth, including reactions to a House Democrat walking back a big claim and how messaging often gets messy once the headlines cool off. Robert and Tom dig into the difference between political spin and facts — something listeners know they don’t shy away from.

Source:
🔗: Top House Oversight Democrat ‘misspoke’ on claim Wexner gave Epstein $1 billion

⚖️ The FirstEnergy Trial — Still a Big Deal

IIf you’ve been half-paying attention to Ohio politics, this is the story that keeps coming back around. The guys break down the ongoing bribery trial connected to FirstEnergy, why it matters, and how it continues to shape public trust in state leadership. They also touch on reported meetings tied to the HB 6 scandal, reminding listeners this isn’t just yesterday’s news — it’s still unfolding. And as they point out, parts of this story still aren’t adding up… and neither does some of the reporting from Morgan Trau.

Sources:
🔗: Everything you need to know about the FirstEnergy trial if you haven’t been paying attention • Ohio Capital Journal
🔗: Sen. Husted met with man accused of bribery 2 days before H.B. 6 was introduced

💰 Akron Budget Drama & Taxpayer Frustration

Akron residents are asking hard questions about where their tax dollars are going, and Robert and Tom don’t hold back. With major budget cuts being discussed, the conversation turns toward transparency, accountability, and the growing gap between expectations and reality for local communities.

Source:
🔗: Akron taxpayers call for transparency as district faces $11M in budget cuts

🌩️ “The Sky Is Falling” — Lake County Tax Debate

Lake County officials are warning of major consequences if property taxes disappear — and the guys take a closer look at how these warnings land with everyday voters. Expect a little skepticism, a little sarcasm, and a lot of discussion about how governments communicate risk. Abolish property taxes in Ohio, don’t be a schmuck!

Source:
🔗: Lake County officials warn of ‘catastrophic’ fate if property taxes abolished

🏫 School Leadership Raises? Yeah… That Happened

Nothing sparks conversation like school budget controversies. Robert and Tom tackle the reaction to leadership raises in the Cleveland school district while closures loom. The tone here is exactly what listeners expect — sharp, honest, and asking the questions many people are already thinking.

Source:
🔗: Cleveland Metropolitan School District controversy: leadership raises after school closures

🪲 Ohio Under Quarantine?!

Yes, really. The state declared a quarantine over concerns about the spotted lanternfly, and the guys discuss how something that sounds small can have surprisingly big impacts on agriculture and local economies — plus how quickly headlines can make people panic. Save the grape crops, people… we like our wine! Keep an eye out for egg patches, and if you see one, stomp on it. Just be warned — these little suckers are quick.

Source:
🔗: Ohio declares statewide quarantine over spotted lanternfly concerns

🚔 Sheriff Overtime & Accountability Conversations

Another local issue that sparks debate — overtime practices and public transparency. Robert and Tom explore what listeners should actually pay attention to when these stories surface and why context matters more than headlines. Sounds like a staffing issue, what do you think? Send us an email at crookedrivercast@gmail.com and let us know.

Source:
🔗: 2-17-26 Bloomdaddy Show | Newsradio WTAM 1100

🎣 Fishermen… and👽Aliens?

Every episode needs a curveball, and this one delivers. The guys dive into a strange story about Ohio fishermen and an unexplained encounter that sounds straight out of a late-night radio segment. Real? Probably not. Entertaining? Absolutely. At one point, an “alien” even chimed in, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about where this conversation went.

Source:
🔗: Unexplained: Ohio fishermen’s strange encounter

🌟 Good Things

🚔 Medicaid Fraud Case Wraps Up

Not every headline is feel-good, but there’s always a little satisfaction when accountability catches up. Robert and Tom highlight a local sentencing that closes the book on a major Medicaid fraud case.

Source:
🔗: Lake County woman sentenced in $775,000 Medicaid scheme

🚗 Cars, Chrome & Cleveland Energy

Ending on a lighter note, the guys talk about the final car show at the IX Center — a reminder that Ohio still knows how to bring the horsepower, chrome, and crowd energy. With this being the last show at the IX Center, there’s a little nostalgia mixed in with the engines and excitement. And if you stuck around to this part of the episode, chances are you had some fun going down the rabbit hole of their horsepower-fueled conversation.

Source:
🔗: Buick’s SUV lineup and GMC’s trucks dazzle at Cleveland Auto Show

🔊 Subscribe & Share

If you’re enjoying the conversations, don’t forget to:

  • Subscribe so you never miss an episode
  • Share the show with someone who follows Ohio politics and culture
  • Follow Robert and Tom on X at CRC Ohio News
  • Keep the conversation going — your feedback fuels the show