After 67 straight episodes, Crooked River Cast is taking a short three-week summer hiatus.
We’ll be back soon with fresh Ohio news, commentary, and all the stories you’ve come to expect. A short break gives us a chance to recharge and come back ready to dive into everything happening around the Buckeye State.
While we’re away, now is the perfect time to catch up on any episodes you may have missed. With dozens of past episodes covering Ohio politics, local news, interesting events, and the stories that matter to Ohioans, there’s plenty to explore.
And we’d love your help.
If you come across an Ohio news story, community event, or interesting topic you’d like us to cover when we return, send it our way! We enjoy hearing from our listeners, and your suggestions may end up being featured in a future episode.
Email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com with your story ideas, links, or tips.
Thank you for listening, sharing the show, and supporting Crooked River Cast. Have a great rest of the summer, and we’ll see you in just a few weeks with Episode 68!
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
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?
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!
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.
🚓 Ohio Drivers May Soon Have to Identify Themselves During Traffic Stops
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.
🎓 One Year Later: Ohio’s Anti-“Woke” Higher Education Law
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.
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.
👮 Sheriffs Push for an Elected Cuyahoga County Sheriff
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
🎯 U.S. Strike Eliminates Tren de Aragua Leader in Venezuela
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.
👮 Sheriff Explodes At Reporter During Child Predator Press Conference
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
🚓 North Olmsted Police Credit FLOCK Cameras In Arrest
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.
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.
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.
🎆 Fourth Of July Celebrations Return Across Greater Cleveland
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.
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.
