SNAP Benefits

Crooked River Cast Show 46

🎙️ Kill Trump? ICE Chaos, SNAP Crackdowns & Ohio’s Political Meltdown

Robert and Tom are back with another jam-packed episode of Crooked River Cast, breaking down a wild week in Ohio politics, national outrage spilling into local streets, and the policies hitting your wallet and your commute. From a Democratic AG candidate igniting national backlash, to ICE protests on the ice (yes, really), to the mystery of what happens to all that dirty data center water — this episode covers it all, Ohio-style.

Let’s get into it 👇

🔥 Ohio Dem AG Candidate Says He’ll “Kill Trump”

One Ohio Democratic Attorney General candidate set the internet on fire after posting a video saying voters should elect him so he can “kill Trump.” The backlash was immediate — and bipartisan — forcing a walk-back statement while raising serious questions about judgment and rhetoric in statewide races. Can you say TDS?

Sources:
🔗: Backlash erupts after Ohio Democratic AG candidate posts about ‘killing’ Trump: ‘Absolute psychopath’

🔗: BREAKING: Ohio Democrat AG Candidate Behind Viral ‘Kill Trump’ Video Issues Statement to The Ohio Press Network

🔗: South Euclid state Rep. Elliot Forhan’s hostile behavior justified legislative punishments, report concludes.

🔗: DaveYostOH – on X

📘 Facebook: DoucheBag Profile

🥫 SNAP Changes Start Now

Work requirements for SNAP benefits are expanding, and more Ohioans will soon need to meet employment thresholds to stay eligible. The changes are already underway — and they’re happening amid inflation, layoffs, and uncertainty. OMG, it’s 3 %! Do you agree this is good news? Let us know, email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com

Source:
🔗: More people will soon be required to work to receive SNAP benefits

🏁 Who Is Casey Putsch?

Engineer. Entrepreneur. Political outsider. Casey Putsch is making noise as a GOP candidate for Ohio governor, challenging the establishment and even Vivek Ramaswamy’s orbit. Robert and Tom break down who he is, what he stands for, and why his message is landing with some voters.

Sources:
🔗: Casey Putsch for Ohio Governor Endorsement Speech
🔗: Who is Casey Putsch? Meet the GOP candidate challenging Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor

🧊 ICE Official Resigns to Run for Office

A top ICE official has resigned to run for a battleground congressional seat in Ohio — instantly drawing attention from both sides of the immigration debate. This 28-year-old, number 2 at ICE she is going after Marcy Kaptur’s 43-year position. Look out for Madison D. Sheahan! Can you say driven and badass?

Source:
🔗: Top ICE official resigns to seek battleground congressional seat in Ohio

🏛️ Maple Heights Mayor Launches Auditor Campaign

Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell is officially in the race for Ohio Auditor, adding another name to an already crowded statewide contest.

Source:
🔗: Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell launches campaign for Ohio auditor

🤐 Mount Orab “Mega Site” NDA Raises Eyebrows

Brown County residents want answers after Mount Orab Village Council signed an NDA tied to a mysterious “mega site.” Transparency? Not so much. Keep up with what is going on in your county, stick together, this is screevy.

Source:
🔗: Brown County residents seek answers after village signs NDA related to ‘mega site’

💧 Dirty Data Center Water — Where Does It Go?

Ohio EPA is reviewing discharge permits as data centers expand — but what happens to the wastewater they produce? It’s a question that’s only getting louder as development accelerates.

Source:
🔗: Ohio EPA reviewing data center discharge permits amid water quality concerns

🚔 Lake County Sheriff Shrugs Off Snow

The Lake County Sheriff is under fire after refusing to declare a snow emergency — because, apparently, snow doesn’t scare him. Residents? Less amused. It is winter and this is Lake County.

Source:
🔗: Lake County sheriff faces backlash over snow emergency policy

Use this link from OHGO for all your traffic update people!🔗: OHGO

🏫 What’s the Deal With School Closings?

Parents are questioning how — and when — districts decide to close schools during extreme weather. Robert and Tom dig into the inconsistency and frustration.

Source:
▶️ YouTube: Parents question school closure policies during extreme weather

🧊 Cleveland Protests ICE… On the Ice

Hundreds marched through downtown Cleveland protesting ICE following deadly shootings in Minnesota, bringing national tension straight to Ohio streets. Professionally printed the signs for a fully funded protest.

Source:
🔗: Hundreds protest ICE, march through city streets in downtown Cleveland following deadly shootings in Minnesota

🚨 Brooklyn City Official Fired After ICE Comment

A Brooklyn city official has been fired after a controversial social media comment tied to the Minnesota ICE shooting sparked outrage.

Source:
🔗: Brooklyn city official fired after social media comment about Minnesota ICE shooting

🌟 Good Things

🛷 All Downhill From Here

Sledding, skiing, tubing, and tobogganing season is here — and Northeast Ohio has options. Get out there, have some fun!

Source:
🔗: Going downhill: Where to sled, ski, innertube and toboggan in NE Ohio

🚴 Ohio Guy Bikes Across Frozen Great Lakes

One Clevelander biked across all five ice-covered Great Lakes this winter — because why not? Eric McKinney’s own winter plans: be the first recorded person in the world to bike on all five Great Lakes.

Source:
🔗: Meet the Clevelander Who Biked Across All Five Ice-Covered Great Lakes This Winter

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Crooked River Cast Show 36

🔥 Epstein Fallout, Ohio Drama, & Holiday Laughs: Your Weekly Buckeye Breakdown

Robert and Tom kick off Show #36 with a full breakdown of their night at the Mammoth concert — the sound, the energy, the crowd, and everything they loved (and didn’t). From there, the show takes a wholesome turn with a significant proud dad moment: Robert shares how his 15-year-old daughter wanted to give a school speech on the SNAP program and not only that — she’s now joined the debate club and dove straight into the topic of the electoral college, questioning how it works and why, after 250 years, there STILL might be a better way. Proud dad energy was off the charts, and the guys ride that warm moment straight into this week’s political madness.

Show #36, and this week’s episode is loaded: the Epstein list fallout continues, healthcare subsidies are vanishing, Ohio lawmakers are doing Ohio-lawmakers’ things, and we even learn what happens when the BMV says your license plate is “too gay.” Plus — laughs, lighter stories, and a few Thanksgiving warm fuzzies. Let’s get into it.

🧨 Epstein List Fallout— “Something Isn’t Adding Up…”

Robert launches into the Epstein segment with his suspicion meter fully pegged. This sudden “list release” and all the connected headlines? It smells off. The timing feels way too convenient and, as he puts it, “like a trap.” Tom agrees — when something this big resurfaces out of nowhere, right before major political moments, it’s almost never by accident.

Robert also brings up a detail strangely absent from most mainstream reporting: Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D–USVI) has a documented history of receiving donations from Jeffrey Epstein. Somehow, nobody wants to talk about that part of the story.

To illustrate how bizarre this whole moment feels, Robert plays a clip from Liberal Hivemind, where the creator breaks down how even some on the left are raising eyebrows. He points to Cenk Uygur (TYT) reacting in real time to revelations during the hearings, and the quote is jaw-dropping:

“I’m on the left. I’m a Democrat. But what the hell was that? That was crazy.
So he’s apparently got these Congress people on speed dial…
He’s watching the entire hearings and texting people different directions.
Did anybody know that Epstein was running our government?”

That’s not coming from a “right-wing source.” That’s coming from TYT territory, which only adds fuel to Robert’s suspicion: why is all this coming out now, and who benefits from this sudden transparency?

The conversation then shifts to the newest person distancing himself from the Epstein fallout: Larry Summers, former Harvard president and longtime political fixture. Summers has announced he is stepping back from multiple public commitments in what he calls a “broader effort” amid renewed scrutiny.

“While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort.”

The guys point out: this isn’t a random bureaucrat. Summers is a major player. And stepping away from high-profile roles right at this moment? Combined with everything else surfacing, it raises more questions than answers. Meanwhile, this story still keeps detonating as more information is released.

Sources:
▶️ YouTube: The TYT just realized how BAD the Epstein drop is for them… LOL

🔗: Larry Summers Steps Back From Another Major Role Amid Epstein Backlash

🥫 SNAP Check-In With Diane

We circle back with Diane as Ohio families continue feeling the aftershocks of the 43-day shutdown. The guys revisit who Diane Howard is. Robert looked into Diane Howard after hearing her comments about Ohioans losing $63 in food assistance. According to the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), Commissioner Diane Howard serves on the Ohio City Incorporated Board of Trustees. So basically, she is an activist?

Sources:

🔗: CMHA – Diane Howard Profile
🔗: You asked, so we’re checking in with Diane

💸 Healthcare Subsidies Set to Expire

Tom and Robert break down what the expiration of federal healthcare subsidies could mean for everyday Ohioans. Premiums across Northeast Ohio are already creeping up, and without congressional action, families could see even bigger jumps.

The guys highlight how this ties into Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s recent vote against ending the government shutdown—she says the bill wasn’t good enough for working families, even though it included $3 million for her district. Robert and Tom question whether political strategy is overtaking practical help at a time when people are already stretched thin.

Robert questions whether political maneuvering is taking priority over Ohioans’ well-being. Tom adds that if subsidies expire, many families could see hundreds of dollars more per month in healthcare costs, at a time when inflation remains high. Why is it that whenever the government gets involved, the price rises?

Sources:

🔗: Northeast Ohioans face sharp health insurance hikes as federal subsidies expire

🔗: U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur votes against ending government shutdown, $3 million for her district

🐀 CRITTER CORNER

(Robert brought it back — and we’re thrilled.)

📜 Catch-All Budget Bill Passes

Ohio lawmakers approve a “do-everything-at-once” bill meant to patch budget issues… and also jam in a bunch of extras, because of course they did. Can you say Omni Bus?

Source:
🔗:Ohio lawmakers ok catch-all budget correction bill, though not without complaints

🛸 New Rules for Police Drones

Lawmakers are working on regulating drones used by police with House Bill 251, sponsored by Rep. Bernard Willis (R-Springfield)- the bill was passed by the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate for consideration. Privacy watchers are keeping receipts.

Source:
🔗:Ohio lawmakers look to regulate use of drones by law enforcement

🐝 Laugh Break: How to Talk to Your Racist MAGA Uncle

Thanksgiving is coming… and so is Uncle Red Hat. Robert and Tom share a comedic survival guide via the The Babylon Bee

Source:
▶️ YouTube: How to Talk to Your Racist MAGA Uncle This Thanksgiving

🏠 Property Tax Chaos Continues

Lawmakers are pushing new tax‑control measures while local auditors brace for major shifts. Youngstown is one of the first to signal big changes, and the ripple effects could reach homeowners across the state.

Sources:

🔗:OH Political News — Property tax chaos continues

🔗: DeWine expected to sign bill giving auditors tax control

🔗: Auditor says new legislation will change property taxes in Youngstown

🌿 The GOP Is Still Messing With Marijuana

Ohio lawmakers continue tinkering with marijuana and hemp policy. Some compromises are floating, but nothing changes immediately.

Sources:
🔗: Ohio Lawmakers burn Hemp, but protect marijuana policy

🔗:Ohio lawmakers my compromise on Marijuana, hemp policy bu no changes to take efffect soon

💉 Hep B Vax Removal for Pre-K?

A new Ohio bill proposes removing Hepatitis B from required preschool vaccines and promoting broader exemptions.

Source:
🔗:Ohio Bill Would Remove Hep B From Required Preschool Vaccines

💰 Did NEO Really Reject New Taxes?

School levies failed across Northeast Ohio — but the bigger question is why. Tom and Robert dig into what voters may actually be signaling.

Source:
🔗:Ohioans refuse to pay more taxes, as school levies fail

🏗️ Lorain vs. the Mega Site

Residents are pushing back against a major industrial “mega site” project — from zoning disputes to concerns about land near the county airport.

Sources:
🔗: Residents push back against proposed ‘mega site’ in Lorain County

🔗: Controversy continues over land near Lorain County Airport

🏳️‍🌈 Your License Plate Is GAY!

A Lakewood man finally celebrates after the state reversed a decade-old denial for his “GAY” vanity plate — and he couldn’t be happier.

Source:
🔗:Lakewood man revels in receiving previously rejected ‘GAY’ license plate

🌟 GOOD THINGS (Because we all need some.)

🧡 Bernie Update

Bernie Kosar continues to recover, and his donor’s mother gives an emotional update.

Source:
🔗:I-TEAM: Mother of liver donor speaks out, Bernie Kosar continues to recover

For more Information on the event 🔗: Lebanon Area Chamber Ohio

🐴 Ohio’s Biggest Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade

Coming next month — an old-fashioned holiday classic.

Source:
🔗:Ohio’s largest horse-drawn carriage parade happening next month

🍪 Gingerbread Competition Time!

The Cleveland Botanical Garden reveals plans for its 2025 gingerbread showdown.

Source:
🔗:Cleveland Botanical Garden plans for 2025 Gingerbread Competition

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving!

Robert and Tom share what they’re thankful for — and want to know what YOU’RE thankful for.

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Crooked River Cast Show 33

🎙️ The SNAPocalypse, School Levies, and Pepper Spray Football?!

Tom and Robert are back behind the mics for Crooked River Cast Show #33, opening the show with a laugh (and maybe a little disappointment) about another Halloween with zero trick-or-treaters. Turns out, when your houses are tucked away where no candy-hunting kids dare to roam, the candy bowl stays full — and that’s okay.

From there, the guys roll right into Ohio’s latest wave of chaos: the SNAPocalypse brought on by the government shutdown, bills threatening to rewrite school funding, a pepper-spray fiasco on the high school gridiron, and some good news tucked in at the end to keep things balanced.

Grab your coffee (or maybe something stronger), because this one’s a ride.

💸 The SNAPocalypse Hits Home

As the government shutdown drags on, 1.4 million Ohioans could lose SNAP benefits — and the ripple effect is hitting everything from food pantries to Head Start programs. Local air traffic controllers are even protesting the shutdown’s impact on safety and pay. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has created a free pantry of food items to assist air traffic controllers, TSA officers and other employees affected by the federal government shutdown are taking advantage of the program.

👉 SNAP benefits set to expire for 1.4 million; Ohio looking at options
👉 State providing $25 million for food assistance as loss of SNAP benefits looms
👉 Cuyahoga County leaders address SNAP cut-offs
👉 Ohio Head Start programs lose funding amid shutdown
👉 Air traffic controllers protest shutdown

🏫 A New Bill to End School Levies?

An Ohio legislator is floating an idea that could replace local school levies entirely, promising a more “equitable” funding system. But with EdChoice and voucher debates still raging, this might just open another can of worms for public schools. Under SB 93, school districts would no longer be able to levy property or income tax levies. Instead, Brenner proposes a statewide 20-mill property tax, to be distributed across public and charter schools. He also suggests raising the state sales tax by 1.75%, bringing the total tax to 7.5%. All of the additional sales tax revenue would go directly to education funding.

👉 Ohio legislator proposes school finance system without local levies

🌿 New Marijuana & Hemp Rules… “For the Children,” Of Course

Lawmakers are cracking down on hemp products — while marijuana gets a pass. Apparently, “the children” are the reason, though adults who rely on CBD for pain might disagree. It’s another round of political smoke and mirrors from the Statehouse.

👉 Statehouse advances bill to tighten Ohio marijuana, hemp laws
👉 Marijuana wins while hemp loses in Ohio House’s bipartisan bill

💰 Inside the Ohio Teachers’ Pension Mess

The hits just keep coming for the Ohio Teachers’ Pension Fund. This week, former STRS board members Rudy Fichtenbaum and Wade Steen are facing trial in Columbus, accused of steering massive contracts toward a barely-tested investment outfit called QED Technologies.

The case blew open after a whistleblower memo hinted at a potential $65 billion corruption scheme—yes, billion. If convicted, the two could be permanently banned from any future public pension roles.

Tom and Robert break down what this could mean for Ohio’s teachers who’ve watched their retirement funds swing from one scandal to the next — and why trust in state-level “fiduciary duty” is starting to sound like a punchline.

👉 Ohio teachers’ pension fund corruption trial begins

🔦 Spotlight Ohio: Hocking Hills 🌲

This week’s “Spotlight Ohio” takes us to Hocking Hills, a destination that never disappoints. Whether you’re hiking, hitting up the quirky Pencil Sharpener Museum, grabbing a pint at Hocking Hills Brewing, or touring the Columbus Washboard Company, this is one slice of Ohio worth the road trip. Turn your phone off, get some fresh air and vitamin D and disconnect…

👉 Hocking Hills Official Visitors Website
👉 Columbus Washboard Company
👉 Pencil Sharpener Museum (link issues may happen on this, try googling this and the same link works, don’t know!)
👉 Hocking Hills Brewing Co.

💼 Cuyahoga County Budget Cuts

Cleveland’s home county is tightening the belt — again. Rising healthcare costs mean spending cuts across departments, and local agencies are bracing for impact. Instead of calling it what it is — a major cut — county leaders are selling this as a “strategic reduction.” Employee furloughs are off the table (for now), and they claim they’re just trimming line items to “preserve high-impact programs.” Tom didn’t buy it for a second. He said, “If a government finance director was a dietician, and I gained 50 pounds this year and 30 next year, he’d tell me I lost 30 pounds.” Robert jumped right in — “Exactly. That’s the dodge. Cutting the increase and calling it savings.” Calling this a “strategic reduction” masks the impact. It’s not just trimming fat — it’s cutting muscle from services that vulnerable residents rely on.

👉 Cuyahoga County’s proposed budget reduces spending

🏈 Pepper Spray at the 50-Yard Line?!

Yep, you read that right. A Massillon High School football game ended with police using pepper spray to break up a sideline brawl. The viral clip has everyone talking about where the line between school sports and police presence really should be.

👉 Ohio Police Deploy Pepper Spray at Brawling High School Players – YouTube
👉 St. Louis school demands accountability in Massillon police incident

💵 Ohio High School Athletes Getting Paid?

Thanks to a recent court ruling, Ohio high school athletes can now temporarily sign NIL deals — meaning they can earn money off their name, image, and likeness. A big win for the kids… but for how long?

👉 Ohio high school athletes can temporarily sign NIL deals

🌞 Good Things

⏰ Lock the Clock Movement

The push to finally ditch Daylight Saving Time is picking up again — and most of us are cheering. Maybe one less thing to forget this fall?

👉Making daylight saving time permanent: Where all 50 states stand | wkyc.com

💸 Unclaimed Funds Challenge

The state up north (you know which one 👀) is challenging Ohioans to see who can claim more forgotten cash. Time to check those old accounts! OH!

👉Ohio and Michigan face off in friendly unclaimed funds challenge | wkyc.com

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