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

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:

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

đź—ł 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:

đź”—: 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 · 💥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:

đź”—: 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:

đź”—: Conserve Ohio
đź”—: Conserve Ohio (@ConserveOhio_)

đź“ş 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:

đź”—: 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:

đź”—: 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

đź”’ 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:

đź”—: 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:

đź”—: 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:

đź”—: 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:

đź”—: 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:

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

🌟 Good Things

🎸 Pearl Jam Fans Finally Score a Win

Pearl Jam fans are known for their extreme loyalty and passionate, multi-generational dedication, often traveling globally for concerts and creating a tight-knit community. Centered around the band's Ten Club and interactive live shows, fans appreciate the band's authentic, non-commercial approach and often engage in deep discussions about the music's emotional impact.

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
đź”—: Jury finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster hold harmful monopoly over big concert venues | wthr.com

🎶 $30 Tickets Return to Blossom

Blossom Music Center

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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