FBI Files, Ohio Medicaid Questions & Election Fallout — Crooked River Cast Show #60 🎙

May 11, 2026

Robert and Tom covered a packed slate this week, bouncing from FBI file drops and election reactions to Ohio levy results, Medicaid questions, school safety, and some lighter Ohio stories to wrap things up. The guys kept the pace moving with plenty of commentary on where government priorities seem to be heading—and who’s paying for it.

🕵️ FBI Files Released 👽 🛸

The Pentagon is releasing “never-before-seen” files on UFOs. The files, many of which have been under wraps for decades, can now be accessed by anyone online.

The show opened with discussion around newly released FBI files and the growing public appetite for transparency. Robert and Tom talked about how these document dumps always seem to raise more questions than answers, especially in today’s political climate where trust in institutions keeps getting tested.

Source:

▶️ YouTube: The Pentagon just dropped this..

🏛 Tennessee Redistricting Sparks Outrage

Tennessee House passes new congressional map, removing state’s only Democratic black-majority district and causes an outrage.

The approval of Tennessee’s new congressional maps triggered intense backlash and chaotic scenes at the state capitol as Republican lawmakers pushed to solidify control ahead of the 2026 midterms. Robert and Tom pointed out that for people who spent years throwing around the word “insurrection,” the footage coming out of Tennessee looked awfully familiar.

Source:

🔗: Libs of TikTok on X: “BREAKING: Leftist protestors erupt into an unhinged frenzy after Tennessee passed its new Congressional map, eliminating the only remaining Democrat seat in the state. “

🗳 Ohio Primary Results Shake Up Key Races

Photo by: WEWS
Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton win to run in the Ohio Govenor's race.

Ohio’s primary results gave Robert and Tom plenty to dig into. From the governor’s race to secretary of state battles and Derek Merrin’s rematch against Marcy Kaptur, the political chessboard for November is starting to take shape fast.

The guys also touched on how local elections often tell the bigger story about where voters are really leaning.

Sources:

🔗: LIVE Election Results for Ohio Primary – May 5, 2026 (Updated) | wkyc.com

🔗: Game on: Ramaswamy, Acton race to become Ohio governor

🔗: Sprague, Russo pick up secretary of state nominations, Merrin to face off against Kaptur

🔗: Republican Derek Merrin wins primary, will face longtime incumbent Kaptur in key rematch | Ideastream Public Media

🏫 Levies Pass, Fail & Communities React

"Let's Dance!" ending prom scene from the 1984 Footloose movie!

The levy conversations continue across Ohio. Some communities approved school funding while others pushed back hard against additional taxes. Robert and Tom talked about the frustration many Ohioans feel balancing rising costs with maintaining schools and services.

Lorain voters approved a levy that students hope will restore programs and opportunities, including dance programs that had been cut. In contrast, Clark and Medina County voters rejected local income tax proposals. The guys joked that the story was turning into a real-life Footloose episode.

Sources:

🔗: Lorain voters approve school levy; students hope to dance again

🔗: Ohio voters in Clark and Medina counties reject income taxes – Ohio News

💰 Ohio Medicaid Fraud Questions Keep Growing

This is the third part of “Medicaid Millions,” a Daily Wire series exposing billions of dollars in dubious “personal services” payments where people are paid to spend time with their own family.

One of the biggest conversations of the episode centered around Ohio Medicaid billing concerns involving clusters of companies operating out of the same buildings in Columbus. Robert and Tom questioned how oversight failed for so long and why taxpayers are only now hearing about the scale of the issue.

The discussion also focused heavily on reporting involving Somali-linked home health operations and the broader concerns about accountability inside Ohio’s Medicaid system.

Sources:

🔗: Report finds 94 companies billing millions to Medicaid from a single building – governor says no fraud alleged – Ohio News

🔗: Meet The Convicted Fraudster Running A Million Dollar Medicaid Business

🔗: Luke Rosiak on X: “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet on the Ohio home health fiasco. Part 2 drops now! One landlord alone owns 7 buildings in Columbus containing 288 Medicaid firms that billed a quarter billion dollars. And boy, do the characters who are (supposed to be) inside have stories.”

🔗: Luke Rosiak on X: “OHIO MEDICAID PART 3. So you’ve seen the sketchy buildings filled with 100s of Medicaid LLCs, taking millions of dollars each by telling the government they performed unverifiable luxury services for Somalis. Who runs these companies? Let’s pick one random door.“

🦠 CDC Warning Over Backyard Poultry

At least 34 people in 13 states have been sickened with salmonella poisoning traced to contact with backyard poultry, including some with infections resistant to common antibiotics, federal health officials said.

Backyard poultry includes birds like chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkeys. The animals can carry germs, including Salmonella, that make people sick.

In this week’s Critter Corner, the CDC issued warnings tied to drug-resistant salmonella infections connected to backyard poultry. Robert and Tom joked that even raising chickens isn’t simple anymore, but the story carried a serious reminder about food safety and handling animals properly.

Source:

🔗: CDC warns of drug-resistant salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry

📷 Ohio Expands Flock Camera Systems

Katie Geniusz/WOSU-Flock Safety ALPR camera in Columbus' University District on East 11th Avenue. There are three more cameras within the block

The surveillance conversation returned this week as Central Ohio police departments continue investing heavily in Flock license plate reader systems. The guys also discussed concerns after reports that Dayton-area camera data was allegedly used for immigration enforcement purposes.

The debate over public safety versus privacy isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Sources:

🔗: Central Ohio police departments have spent nearly $2 million on Flock license plate cameras | WOSU Public Media

🔗: Dayton authorities say that Flock cameras’ data allegedly used for immigration enforcement – Ohio News

⚖️ Ohio Supreme Court Sides With AEP

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that a major utility company does not need to refund customers nearly $75 million after being accused of overcharging to support two unprofitable and scandal-ridden coal plants.

Ohio’s Supreme Court sided with AEP in a decision tied to coal plant refunds, denying millions back to customers. Robert and Tom questioned once again why utility companies always seem to come out ahead while ratepayers keep absorbing the costs.

Source:

🔗: Ohio Supreme Court sides with AEP, denies millions in refunds for coal plants

📺 WKRP Returns To Cincinnati Airwaves

Almost 50 years after the premiere of the WKRP sitcom, a Cincinnati radio station has acquired the call letters and has rebranded “The Oasis” nostalgic rock music format as “WKRP in Cincinnati.”

One of the more nostalgic conversations of the night centered around WKRP returning to Cincinnati airwaves through “Oasis.” The guys had fun revisiting one of Ohio’s most iconic TV connections and how certain shows never really disappear.

Source:

🔗: ‘Oasis’ now living on the air in Cincinnati as WKRP | Ideastream Public Media

🚨 Parma Schools Add New Safety Measures

4 Northeast Ohio school districts threatened on Thursday.The Alliance Police Department confirmed there was an “’anonymous’ robo-voice style call that came into the high school saying there were ’20 pipe bombs’ outside of the school” before 12:30 p.m.

Officers rushed to the high school and Rockhill Elementary School campuses “due to an alarm in which we were not getting a response from the school,” according to APD.The Amherst Exempted Village School confirmed at 10:25 a.m. that Marion L. Steele High School and Walter G. Nord Middle School received a bomb threat.APD completed its sweep of Nord School and cleared the building of any threat by 12:32 p.m., AEVS updated.The Cleveland Metropolitan School District confirmed two threats were received Thursday morning. The threats were against East Tech High School and Buhrer Dual Language Academy.

School safety stayed front and center this week after Parma schools announced additional security measures following the Valley Forge incident. Robert and Tom also discussed the alarming trend of threats being made against Northeast Ohio school districts.

Sources:

🔗: Parma schools boost safety measures after Valley Forge incident

🔗: 5 Northeast Ohio school districts threatened on Thursday

🌟 Good Things

🎟 Ohio Man Wins Big On Easter

One Jefferson County (Ohio) man really did win $50,000 on a scratch-off lottery ticket recently, but his wife reportedly didn’t believe him.

An Ohio man hit a $50,000 scratch-off prize on Easter, and apparently his wife didn’t believe him at first. Honestly, probably a smart reaction considering how many people say they “almost won.”

Source:

🔗: Ohio man wins big scratch-off on Easter; his wife didn’t believe him

🚴 Summit Metro Parks Releases Biking Guide

Mountain Bike Trail
We currently offer over 7 miles of trails at the Mountain Bike Area of Hampton Hills Metro Park in Akron. Riders may choose from beginner, moderate and intermediate trails.

As the weather warms up, Summit Metro Parks rolled out updated biking information for riders looking to hit the trails this season. A solid reminder that Ohio has some fantastic outdoor spaces once you get off the highway.

Sources:

🔗: Biking – Summit Metro Parks

🔗: Mountain Biking

🎢 Cedar Point Is Officially Back

Cedar Point opens for 2026 season this weekend: See what's new this year

The roller coaster capital of the world is back as Cedar Point opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 9.

Summer unofficially starts when Cedar Point opens the gates, and the park is back for the 2026 season with new attractions and updates. Ohioans know exactly what that first coaster ride of the year feels like.

Source:

🔗: Cedar Point opens for 2026 season this weekend: See what’s new this year | wkyc.com

📢 Subscribe & Share

If you’re enjoying the show, make sure to subscribe, share the podcast with friends, and leave a comment. Follow us on X at CRC Ohio News and keep the conversation rolling—because Ohio never runs out of headlines.

Political Violence Debate, Supreme Court Fallout & Local Government Decisions — Crooked River Cast Show 59 🎙

May 4, 2026

Robert and Tom kicked things off with their usual weekly updates. Robert opened with a cheerful “May the 4th be with you”—since this episode drops on Monday, May 4, 2026—though Tom, predictably, wasn’t having it. Not much new on the personal front, except Robert’s back acting up… possibly due to the overwhelming power of his new 5G fiber internet 😅. From there, they dove straight into the big story of the week: the third assassination attempt on former President Trump, and the broader conversation about political violence in America. Let’s roll—because the news sure did this week.

🔪 Suspect’s Photo Raises Alarms Before Attack

Credit: AP
This image contained in a court filing shows suspect Cole Tomas. An enhanced version of the image. (Department of Justice via AP)

Investigators revealed that a suspect involved in the attack had taken a photo posing with knives inside a hotel room before the incident. Robert and Tom pointed to the lack of real reaction to yet another attempt, questioning whether people are becoming numb to it happening at all—and whether security protocols are actually keeping up with modern threats.

Source:
🔗: Suspect took photo with knives in hotel room before correspondents’ dinner attack, investigators say

📞 Who Did Trump Call After the Shooting?

President Trump made an extremely unexpected phone call after the White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting last night — and ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl went public with it on national television.

The aftermath of the shooting sparked intense speculation, including questions about who the former president contacted immediately afterward. The discussion centered on leadership response, communication, and how quickly information spreads in high-stakes moments.

As it turns out, President Trump personally called ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl to check on his safety after the incident—an unexpected move that raised some eyebrows. Trump also said he felt a sense of unity with the media before and after the shooting and made it clear the event should still go on.

He’s talking unity with the same media he calls fake news—maybe they’ll finally see it. Not holding our breath.

Source:
▶️ YouTube: Wait — Trump Called WHO After the Shooting?

⚖️ “It’s Not Both Sides” — The Political Violence Debate

Andy Ngo

@MrAndyNgo
Whenever I had rare opportunity to go on liberal media to discuss violent extremism by Antifa & the far-left, liberals would cite fatally flawed research that says right-wing violence is the real problem.
@bungarsargon
explains the flaws in that research.

Robert and Tom pushed back hard on the idea that political violence is evenly distributed across the political spectrum. They highlighted commentary challenging mainstream narratives and questioned how data and media framing shape public perception. The takeaway: accountability matters, and pretending all threats are equal may ignore real patterns.

And at some point, you have to ask—when is Geraldo Rivera going to step away from the camera for good?

Sources:
🔗: ‘This Is A Both Sides Issue- From Babylon Bee
🔗: Andy Ngo on X discussing research on political violence

🏛️ Supreme Court Ruling Could Reshape Congressional Representation

J. Scott Applewhite
/
AP
Democratic Rep. Cleo Fields is seen with members of the Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday at the Capitol. Fields represents the Louisiana congressional district at the heart of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Wednesday to severely weaken the Voting Rights Act.

A recent Supreme Court decision could significantly reduce minority representation in Congress, depending on how district lines are redrawn. Robert and Tom discussed the long-term political consequences and why court rulings on voting laws often have ripple effects far beyond a single election cycle.

Source:
🔗: Supreme Court paves the way for largest-ever drop in Black representation in Congress

🗳️ Election Day Is May 5 — Show Up and Vote

With Election Day arriving May 5th, the guys reminded listeners that local elections carry real consequences—sometimes more than national races. School boards, levies, and judicial seats can shape communities for years. Their message was simple: don’t sit this one out.

And really, not much has changed here in Ohio. The state recognizes two major parties—Democrats and Republicans—and one minor party, the Libertarians. Unaffiliated voters can still weigh in on nonpartisan issues and ballot questions.

As for voting rules, you now need to bring a valid photo ID when voting in person. That means an Ohio driver’s license, U.S. passport, or military ID—no more using bank statements or utility bills.

Bottom line: the rules are pretty straightforward. Show up prepared and make your vote count.

Source:
🔗: Everything you need to know about Ohio’s May primary

👨‍👩‍👧 State-Run Family Leave Bill Gains Momentum

Karen Kasler
/
Statehouse News Bureau
Madison Greenspan (center) shares her family's experience as she advocates for paid family leave as Sen. Beth Liston (D-Dublin, right) and Sen. Bill Blessing (R-Colerain Twp.) look on at a press conference on April 23, 2026.

Senate Bill 396 proposes a state-run paid family and medical leave program for Ohio workers. Supporters argue it provides stability during life’s toughest moments, while critics worry about costs and long-term sustainability. Either way, it’s a policy debate that’s heating up.

Source:
🔗: Bipartisan bill would offer state-run paid family, medical leave to Ohio workers

🩺 Assisted Suicide Proposal Sparks Serious Debate

Photo by: Morgan Trau
Family members holding up photos of their deceased loved ones. A group of Ohio Democrats has introduced a bill that would legalize medically assisted death for terminally ill patients.

Another controversial bill would allow medically assisted death in Ohio. Robert and Tom acknowledged the deeply personal nature of the issue, noting that lawmakers are balancing compassion, ethics, and legal safeguards in a conversation that touches nearly every family at some point.

Source:
🔗: Ohio lawmakers introduce bill to allow for medically assisted death

🥃 A 158-Year-Old Distilling Ban May Head to the Supreme Court

Pictured left to right Andrew M. Grossman, John Ream, and Robert Alt. (Photo courtesy of The Buckeye Institute). The U.S. Supreme Court could be the next step for a case challenging a 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling involving Licking County resident John Ream.

Believe it or not, federal law still bans home distilling—something dating back more than a century. A case involving an Ohio resident could push the issue to the Supreme Court, raising questions about outdated regulations and personal freedom.

Source:
🔗: U.S. Supreme Court could hear challenge to home distilling ban involving Licking County resident

🏚️ Elderly Residents Being Left at Shelters

Eastland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Columbus. Credit: Google Maps.CMS has faulted Eastland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and six others in the past few years related to efforts to discharge patients to homeless shelters, most of which were ultimately carried out.

One of the most troubling stories this week involved nursing homes reportedly discharging elderly patients directly to homeless shelters. Robert and Tom didn’t mince words—calling it a failure of both oversight and compassion.

Source:
🔗: Ohio’s nursing homes are dumping patients at homeless shelters

🚛 Fraudulent IDs Case Sparks Trucking Safety Concerns

Investigators with the Ohio State Highway Patrol are releasing a detailed timeline surrounding 50-year-old Modou Ngom’s history.

Ngom is accused of killing a family of three earlier this month, after not stopping in an Interstate 71 construction zone in Delaware County. He was indicted on April 16 on three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and four counts of vehicular assault, all felonies. Prosecutors, however, now say Ngom made no attempt to brake. His indictment shows he also uses the name Lamine Gaye.

Three people, including a 1-year-old, died after a semi-truck plowed into stopped traffic in a work zone on Interstate 71, triggering a pileup involving nine vehicles, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The crash happened along I-71 in Delaware County and killed a family of three: Lynnea Soposki, Luke Soposki, and their 1-year-old son, Logan. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was among the first to arrive at the scene.
Modou F. Ngom, 50, of Columbus, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide following the collision. He was booked into the Delaware County Jail.

A semi driver accused of using fraudulent identification has reignited debate about safety standards and certification requirements in commercial trucking. The hosts pointed out that when regulations break down, the risks extend far beyond the driver. More information regarding this semi driver’s citizen status is here: Ohio truck driver charged in pileup that killed 3, including infant

Source:
🔗: Semi driver accused of using fraudulent IDs sparks push for English requirement in driver certification

🎓 Senate Bill 1 — Progress Report With Caveats

The architect of Ohio’s Senate Bill 1 said he’s pleased with compliance with the measure’s mandates so far, but said there is more work to do on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion front, which the bill prohibits.

In an exclusive interview with Ohio.News, state Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, touted the bill’s success but acknowledged some provisions still have some holdouts.

Senator Jerry Cirino says he’s pleased with the progress of Senate Bill 1, but questions remain about how effectively the reforms will address concerns in higher education. Robert and Tom pointed out that despite legislative efforts, some schools may still be continuing DEI-related programming—raising questions about enforcement and what these reforms actually change on campus.

Sources:
🔗: Sen. Jerry Cirino says he’s ‘pleased’ with progress of Senate Bill 1 so far
🔗: Undercover video shows that Bowling Green State still has DEI, while some law schools still require DEI courses to graduate

🚓 Sheriff Raids 911 Call Center in Corruption Investigation

Public Corruption Unit executes search warrants at administration building and 911 center
The Lorain County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants at the County Administration Building and 911 Center amid an ongoing investigation.

Things escalated quickly in Lorain County when the sheriff’s office executed search warrants at a government building and 911 center. The story raised serious questions about transparency, accountability, and trust in local institutions.

Source:
🔗: Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Public Corruption Unit executes search warrants at administration building and 911 center

🏗️ Cuyahoga County Moves Ahead With New Jail Project

Photo by: HOK; Cuyahoga County
A rendering shows the sheriff's administration building near the main entrance to Cuyahoga County's planned corrections campus in Garfield Heights.

County officials cleared a major hurdle in plans to build a new jail, despite ongoing debate over cost and location. Robert and Tom discussed whether taxpayers are getting the full picture—and whether the project will solve the problems it’s meant to address.

Source:
🔗: Efforts to build new Cuyahoga County jail clear major hurdle

🏈 Browns Break Ground — Super Bowl Dreams in Cleveland?

Cleveland Browns groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site of their new stadium, April 30, 2026

The Browns officially broke ground on their new stadium project, fueling speculation about major events down the road—including the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl. Exciting news for fans, but as the guys pointed out, big projects always come with big price tags.

Source:
🔗: Super Bowl in Cleveland? What we learned at Browns stadium groundbreaking event

🌟 Good Things

🌤️ More Daylight Is Finally Here

James Parish
@JamesParishWX
☀️⏰ Longer, brighter days ahead - Cleveland will gain 57 minutes of daylight this May‼️ #ohwx #cleveland #daylight #may

Spring is doing its thing, and Cleveland is gaining nearly an hour of daylight this month. After a long winter, that extra sunshine feels like a small but meaningful win.

Source:
🔗: Cleveland will gain 57 minutes of daylight this May

🎪 Festival Season Is Around the Corner

All America 250-Ohio Events
Join communities across Ohio in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with events that honor the past and ignite the future. From festivals and historical reenactments to art exhibitions and civic conversations, the Events Calendar is your guide to statewide moments of inspiration and celebration. Explore upcoming events and be part of history in the making.

If you’re looking for something to do, Ohio’s festival calendar is starting to fill up fast. From community fairs to statewide celebrations, there’s plenty to look forward to as warmer weather settles in.

Source:
🔗: Festivals and Events – Ohio Festivals and Events Association Events Calendar

📢 Subscribe & Share

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

April 27, 2026

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:

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

🗳 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:

🔗: 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:

🔗: 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:

🔗: Conserve Ohio
🔗: Conserve Ohio (@ConserveOhio_)

📺 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:

🔗: 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:

🔗: 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

🔒 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:

🔗: 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:

🔗: 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:

🔗: 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:

🔗: 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:

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

🌟 Good Things

🎸 Pearl Jam Fans Finally Score a Win

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

🎶 $30 Tickets Return to Blossom

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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