China, Medicaid Fraud & Ohio SNAP Fallout — Crooked River Cast Show 61 🎙

Robert and Tom came into this week’s episode with everything from Ohio politics and government waste to gas prices, drones over Lake Erie, and even a quick stop at the ballpark. Robert admitted he temporarily broke his Cleveland baseball boycott thanks to a free work ticket downtown, proudly rocking his old Cleveland Indians gear while checking out the newly renovated “North Coast Social” area at Progressive Field. Tom couldn’t resist reminiscing about the sold-out days of The Jake, while Robert defended his Bumble Berry choice from Fat Head’s despite the inevitable jokes. From there, the guys rolled right into another packed week of headlines.

🇨🇳 Trump in China and the Media Spin

President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. (Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

The show opened with plenty of talk about “Chyna,” as Robert joked, while discussing President Trump’s trip overseas and the media reaction surrounding it. Depending on where you get your news, the coverage looked completely different. Robert especially got a kick out of hearing the Chinese national band playing YMCA during Trump’s visit and wondered whether the President busted out the dance moves on stage.

A couple Sean Hannity clips made it into the discussion as Robert and Tom broke down how international optics, media narratives, and political theater all continue to collide.

The conversation also touched on Iran and Cuba, with Robert and Tom reacting to clips and ongoing geopolitical tensions involving both countries. The guys discussed how foreign policy narratives shift depending on which administration is in power and how media framing changes almost overnight.

Sources:
🔗: Interview: Sean Hannity Interviews Donald Trump in Beijing for Fox News – May 14, 2026

💰 Ohio Medicaid Fraud Triggers Massive Funding Freeze

Rep. Brandonnamed Chairman of the new @GOPoversight Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses. Tons of Medicaid Fraud being investigated within Ohio.

One of the biggest conversations of the night centered around Ohio Medicaid fraud investigations and the fallout that followed. The guys discussed reports showing massive loopholes in the system, including situations where convicted fraudsters were still connected to businesses receiving millions in Medicaid payments.

Robert and Tom were stunned by the numbers being discussed — with estimates ranging into the $4–6 million fraud range in Ohio alone. Tom reacted with a blunt “what the hell?” while questioning how something this large could go unnoticed for so long. The result? A staggering $1.4 billion spending freeze that now has state officials scrambling.

The guys also pushed back on Governor DeWine’s repeated claims that safeguards are in place and the system is under control. According to reporting from Jack Windsor, the reality may look very different behind the scenes. Robert pointed out that Windsor’s reporting paints a far more serious picture than what Ohio leadership has publicly acknowledged.

Tom then asked Robert whether he had seen any of this being covered on local television news, and Robert immediately answered no — saying this story was nowhere to be found on the local news sites. Tom called it “huge news” and pointed out that when working Ohioans come home, turn on the evening news, and try to stay informed, stories like this are barely being discussed at all.

Sources:
🔗: Daily Wire Medicaid Investigation Triggers A $1.4 BILLION Spending Freeze
🔗: Ohio Says Safeguards Exist To Stop Medicaid Fraud, But Admits Massive Loophole
🔗: He Was Convicted For Defrauding The Government. Now Medicaid Pays His Wife Millions.
🔗: Congressman Brandon Gill on X: “I’ve been named Chairman of the new @GOPoversight Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses…”
🔗: Jack Windsor update on the Medicaid Fraud in Ohio

🥫 Ohio Facing SNAP Penalties and Benefit Cuts

Ohio could face a $321 million federal penalty if state leaders fail to reduce SNAP fraud and payment errors, according to a new policy memo from The Buckeye Institute.

The conversation then shifted toward SNAP benefits, fraud penalties, and growing concerns for Ohio families. Ohio could reportedly face a $321 million federal penalty if payment errors and fraud issues are not corrected.

Robert and Tom dug into just how serious the fraud and payment problems have become. According to the report discussed on the show, SNAP payment errors have steadily increased since 2013 and worsened during the COVID era when requirements like face-to-face interviews, reporting checks, and eligibility reviews were relaxed. The guys talked about how loosened oversight opened the door for abuse, underreported income, and suspicious out-of-state EBT transactions.

Ohio’s current SNAP payment error rate sits around 9%, and if that number is not lowered below 6% by 2028, taxpayers could be stuck covering hundreds of millions in penalties. State lawmakers are now pouring millions into fraud detection systems, oversight reporting, and administrative reforms in an attempt to get things under control.

Sources:
🔗: The Buckeye Institute: Ohio Must Adopt SNAP Reforms to Avoid Bill for Waste, Fraud & Abuse » Research » The Buckeye Institute
🔗: Ohio.news on X: “Ohio could face a $321 million federal penalty if state leaders fail to reduce SNAP fraud and payment errors…”
🔗: 1,300 in Cuyahoga County have lost their SNAP benefits, with thousands more at risk | Ideastream Public Media

⚖️ DeWine Picks Yost Replacement

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has chosen Public Safety Director Andy Wilson to replace Attorney General Dave Yost.

Governor Mike DeWine officially announced his replacement pick for Ohio Attorney General, sparking discussion about what direction state leadership may take moving forward.

Robert and Tom talked through the political implications, timing, and what this means for Ohio Republicans heading into future elections.

Source:
🔗: Gov. Mike DeWine announces his pick for attorney general

⛽ Ohio Gas Prices Keep Climbing

Ohio lawmaker proposes temporary gas tax suspension as prices spike at the pump As gas prices surge across Ohio, state Rep. Ty Matthews is pushing a temporary gas tax holiday to give drivers relief.

Gas prices are back in focus again, and Ohio lawmakers are floating ideas including a temporary gas tax suspension. The guys debated whether these short-term fixes actually help consumers or simply kick problems further down the road.

As always, Robert and Tom kept it practical — Ohioans just want to stop getting hammered every time they pull up to the pump.

Sources:
🔗: Ohio lawmaker proposes temporary gas tax suspension as prices spike at the pump
🔗: How would a federal gas tax break impact Ohioans? Officials weigh in

⚡ Data Centers, FirstEnergy and Ohio’s Power Future

A rendering of a data center in Northwest Ohio to be built by Meta, as announced by JobsOhio on April 9, 2025.

Ohio lawmakers are now taking a closer look at the explosion of data centers popping up across the state. FirstEnergy has been ordered to create new pricing rules as officials try to figure out how massive AI and tech-related power demands could impact everyday customers.

Robert and Tom discussed whether Ohio is truly prepared for the infrastructure strain that could come with this rapid expansion.

Sources:
🔗: FirstEnergy ordered to create data center pricing rules – cleveland.com
🔗: Ohio lawmakers create bipartisan committee to get ‘accurate, relevant’ info on data centers

🎓 Universities Announce Layoffs

Kent State University plans to lay off as many as 45 of its employees due to an $18 million deficit in the university’s next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Central State University expects to lay off many of its employees to avoid financial ruin, according to 91.3 WYSO.

Several Ohio universities are announcing layoffs while simultaneously fighting against proposed consolidation plans. The guys discussed the growing financial pressure on higher education and questioned whether universities are finally hitting a wall after years of unchecked administrative growth.

Source:
🔗: Universities announce layoffs, as the university officials oppose consolidation plan – Ohio News

🚁 Drones Over Lake Erie

For the first time, the U.S. Coast Guard is launching unmanned sail drones to patrol the Great Lakes. The first two drones on Lake Erie set sail on April 27. Each drone is 33 feet long with a distinctive orange mast that stands 19 feet tall.

One of the more unusual discussions of the night centered around drones operating over Lake Erie. Officials say they’re being used for monitoring and research purposes, but that didn’t stop Robert and Tom from speculating a little about what else could be flying around above the water.

Because let’s be honest — once you say “Lake Erie drones,” people immediately start thinking conspiracy theories.

Source:
🔗: Lake Erie drones, what are they for?

🌟Good Things

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Is Almost Here

Alternatively, the earliest Memorial Day can arrive is May 25, as it does this year. Memorial Day last fell on May 25 in 2020. After this year, we won’t have another May 25 Memorial Day again until 2037, so enjoy the early three-day weekend while you can.

The guys wrapped up with a reminder that Memorial Day lands especially early this year. Beyond cookouts and long weekends, Robert and Tom reminded listeners what the holiday is actually about — honoring those who served and sacrificed.

Source:
🔗: When is Memorial Day? This year, as early as possible

⚓ USS Cleveland Arrives Home

USS Cleveland arrives in Cleveland ahead of historic commissioning ceremony

A cool Ohio story closed things out as the USS Cleveland arrived in Cleveland ahead of its historic commissioning ceremony. It’s not every day a naval ship carrying the city’s name pulls into town, and the guys thought it was a fitting way to end the show.

Source:
🔗: USS Cleveland arrives in Cleveland ahead of historic commissioning ceremony

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