Crooked River Cast Show 30

Taxes, Maps, and Baby Rhinos – Only in Ohio!

This week on the Crooked River Cast, Tom and Robert tackle a packed lineup of Ohio’s latest twists — from tax hikes and redistricting confusion to a brand-new “health emergency” that’s got people talking. They also wrap things up with a few lighter stories that’ll make you smile, proving once again that no matter how wild the headlines get, there’s always something good happening here in the Buckeye State.

So buckle up and hit play — here’s what went down in Show #30 👇

💼 Government Shutdown Update

Federal workers are now suing the U.S. Department of Education, claiming partisan shutdown emails crossed a serious line. The shutdown may have paused some operations, but it didn’t stop the finger-pointing.


👉 Federal workers sue the Education Department over partisan shutdown emails | Ideastream Public Media

🌍 New H-1B Visa Rules Hit Ohio’s Workforce

A fresh $100K fee has employers and hospitals sweating — and it’s especially hitting Ohio’s healthcare sector hard. Tom breaks down how these new visa rules could slow down skilled worker hiring right when we need it most.


👉 New $100K H-1B fee sparks concern in Healthcare and Immigration sectors

💰 Northeast Ohio Tax Levies on November Ballots

Get ready to vote — again. Several local districts across Northeast Ohio are asking for more funding in November, meaning your property tax bill might look a little different depending on your zip code.


👉 Northeast Ohio school district levies on the Nov. 2025 ballot | Ideastream Public Media

🪓 “Ax The Tax” Movement Gains Steam

The grassroots petition Ax Ohio Tax is turning heads — and stirring the pot. While state leaders debate tax relief bills, regular Ohioans are stepping up through the Ohio Tax Panel, an open forum where citizens can actually speak up and get involved. Tom and Robert say it’s time people had a seat at the table instead of just footing the bill.

Property tax increases have gotten out of control — unsustainable and unfair for working families. As Tom put it: “Let’s stop getting bent over with these property hikes!”

👉 Ax Ohio Tax – AxOHTax
👉 House passes bill to allow counties to lower taxes | Ohio News

⚖️ Listener Question: Is Ohio’s Property Tax Constitutional?

A loyal listener asked — and Tom didn’t hold back. With ever-rising valuations, some Ohioans are questioning whether the state’s property tax structure is even legal under the Constitution. Robert dives into how far this question could go if someone decides to push it to court. Let us know your thoughts, email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com

🗺️ Ohio Redistricting Saga, Act II

Still waiting for those new congressional maps? Yep, so is everyone else. The process drags into its next phase, with no final lines drawn — and no shortage of political maneuvering behind closed doors.


👉 No new congressional maps yet, as redistricting process heads to second phase | Ohio News

🚨 Ohio’s New “Health Emergency”

Governor DeWine just signed an executive order banning delta-8 products, while the state also reports a spike in kids accidentally eating marijuana edibles. Tom and Robert discuss whether this is an overreaction or a necessary step in public safety.


👉 DeWine signs executive order temporarily banning delta 8 products | Ohio News
👉 Ohio sees surge in kids accidentally eating marijuana edibles | Morning Digest

🧱 What Is the “Barrier Removal Fund”?

A Cleveland woman who received just $289 in aid turned that small boost into tripled income — showing that sometimes small investments make the biggest difference. But the question remains: how is Ohio spending its “Barrier Removal” funding to replicate that kind of success?


👉 How receiving $289 helped this Cleveland woman triple her income | Ohio News

👉 JobsOhio funding increases as job creation declines: Part 1

🕵️‍♂️ Crime So Low, Akron Needs New Safety Measures?

Akron’s mayor just announced new safety initiatives for Highland Square — and even Tom couldn’t help but ask, “Wait, aren’t crime rates dropping?” The city’s rationale? “Prevention is protection.”


👉 Akron Mayor Shammas Malik outlines new safety measures in Highland Square | WKYC

🏳️‍🌈 If Lakewood Isn’t “Woke Enough”…

Lakewood City Council has passed a first-of-its-kind Gender Freedom Policy, aiming to protect residents from discrimination tied to gender expression. The move has sparked debate — and some applause — across Northeast Ohio.


👉 Lakewood City Council passes Gender Freedom Policy | Cleveland Scene

👉 Lakewood Drafts First-in-Ohio ‘Gender Freedom Policy’ in Response to Anti-Trans Attacks

🏫 Case Western Activists Pay the Price

Case Western Reserve University activists will pay $400,000 in restitution after campus protests caused damages. The university’s message was clear: activism is fine, destruction is not.


👉 Case Western Reserve University activists pay $400,000 restitution | Ideastream Public Media

🛒 Giant Eagle Cuts Prices Through Year’s End

Finally, a win for the wallet — Giant Eagle is slashing prices on select items through the end of 2025. Tom calls it a “grocery store miracle,” and Robert’s just glad the coffee is included.


👉 Giant Eagle to cut grocery prices on certain items through end of 2025 | WKYC

🌞 Good Things

🐎 Saddle Up in Geauga

Get outdoors before the snow hits! Explore scenic horseback riding trails at the Geauga Park District — a perfect fall weekend activity.


👉 Horseback Riding Trails | Geauga Park District

🍺 Cheers to Cleveland Beer Week

Cleveland Beer Week is officially on — local breweries, tap takeovers, and plenty of reason to celebrate Ohio-style.


👉 Cleveland Beer Week Starts Today | Cleveland Scene

🦏 Help Name the Cleveland Zoo’s Baby Rhino!

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has a brand-new baby rhino — and they’re letting the public pick the name. Tom says “Hornelius” is the obvious winner.


👉 Help name the zoo’s new baby rhino | Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

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Crooked River Cast Show 29

🎙️ “Shutdowns, School Levies & Spooky Season”

Tom and Robert are back for episode 29 of the Crooked River Cast — and Ohio’s got no shortage of drama. From the government shutdown’s local ripple effects to the never-ending battle over school levies, the guys tackle it all with their usual mix of facts, fun, and fiery opinions. Plus, a look at Ohio’s haunted hot spots and a milestone birthday for a certain toll road we all love (and love to hate). Buckle up — it’s a wild October ride!

🏛️ Shutdown Showdown — Ohio’s Ripple Effects

Governor Mike DeWine says the federal shutdown isn’t yet hitting Ohio hard, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear.
👉 DeWine: Federal shutdown not having immediate or widespread impact on Ohio — Ideastream
Still, experts warn even a short lapse could slow research, delay grants, and freeze local projects.
👉 What does the federal government shutdown mean for Ohioans? — Cleveland.com

💰 School Spending & Property Taxes — Where’s It All Going?

Ohio homeowners are now paying the 8th-highest property tax rate in the nation — but are schools actually benefiting?
👉 Ohioans are paying eighth highest property tax rate in U.S. — Cleveland.com
Tom and Robert dig into where that money’s going and whether “more funding” has really translated into better outcomes.

Meanwhile, some watchdogs are calling out how property tax levies and “school funding formulas” quietly shift costs onto homeowners.
👉 Pulling the Curtain Back on Ohio’s Public Schools & Property Taxes — Lobbyists for Citizens

🏫 Senate vs. DeWine — The Levy Fight Heats Up

Ohio Republicans just voted to override Gov. DeWine’s veto and restrict how schools and local governments can place certain property tax levies on the ballot.
👉 Ohio Republicans restrict school levies — Cleveland.com

In response, DeWine’s working group rolled out 20 recommendations for reform — some practical, others pure politics.
👉 Ohio working group releases 20 recommendations for property tax reform — Ideastream

And with House Bill 466 making its way through the legislature, questions remain: who really gets to decide how schools raise and spend local dollars?
👉 OH HB 466 | 2025–2026 | 136th General Assembly — LegiScan
👉 This is your school, and you deserve it’: Ribbon cut at new CMSD preK-8 school

🔫 2A Update: Lorain’s Local Battle

Two new Lorain ordinances addressing youth violence — one involving gun restrictions — are inching closer to a council vote.
👉 2 Lorain ordinances to address youth violence move closer to council vote — WKYC

Tom and Robert weigh whether local action helps or hurts Ohioans’ Second Amendment rights — and where this debate heads next.

⚖️ Abortion & Education — Unlikely Allies?

Ohio’s GOP is pushing for a 24-hour abortion waiting period, despite last year’s reproductive rights amendment.
👉 Ohio GOP pushes 24-hour abortion waiting period — Cleveland.com

At the same time, a new bill would require schools to show a fetal development video annually.
👉 Republican bill requires Ohio public schools to annually show video on fetal development — Ideastream

The guys unpack how these two “unrelated” policies seem to march in the same direction — blurring lines between moral messaging and mandated curriculum.

🎭 Celebrezze Drama — Courtroom Chaos Continues

The family feud isn’t cooling off: the retaliation lawsuit against Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze is officially moving forward.
👉 Retaliation Lawsuit Against Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze Can Move Forward — Cleveland.com

Tom doesn’t mince words — calling out that taxpayer dollars are footing the bill for this legal circus. While most of Ohio is tightening belts, one politically connected courtroom battle is draining public funds. Robert’s take? “If it’s personal, it shouldn’t be public money.” The guys agree this saga is a poster child for what’s wrong with the system.

🚨 “Operation Next Door” — Priest Arrested in Ohio Sting

Over 100 people were arrested in a statewide human trafficking crackdown dubbed “Operation Next Door.” Among them: a 76-year-old Cleveland priest who admitted to a prior solicitation offense.
👉 Full story via FOX 8 News

Rob notes that Ohio remains one of the worst states for trafficking, making operations like this crucial.
Tom isn’t convinced — calling it virtue signaling by Dave Yost and saying the story lacks proof of child trafficking. Still, he admits Ohio’s central location makes it an easy pass-through for this kind of crime.

🌾 Tariffs, Taiwan & Ohio’s Farmers – Who’s Feeling the Pain?

As Ohio’s harvest season ramps up, farmers are caught between politics and profits.
👉 As Ohio farmers prep for harvest, many are concerned about profits and politics — Cleveland.com

Ohio farmers are bracing for trade impacts with Taiwan and China, but not all farmers are affected equally.

The twist? Taiwan’s also committing to buy billions in Ohio soybeans and corn — showing that global trade cuts both ways.
👉 Taiwan will buy billions of dollars worth of Ohio soybeans and corn — Ideastream

Mark Meyer, who runs a small organic soybean farm near Marysville, sells primarily within Ohio and nearby states. He says exports aren’t a big issue, and his self-sufficient approach — cultivating with his own seed and building up soil health — keeps costs low. “All I have is my time and fuel,” Meyer says.

Tom and Robert note the divide: small, local-focused farms are mostly doing fine, while large commercial operations exporting to China are complaining about tariffs. One farmer even flipped politically, but 82% of Ohio farmers still identify with the GOP.

📱 Driving Into the Future — The New Ohio App

Ohio’s new driver app is rolling out — a digital tool meant to streamline ID, records, and licensing. But as Tom and Robert dig in, they flag big red lines: who controls the data? What safeguards exist? And is convenience worth the trade?

👉 New Driver App

✅ Good Things — Because We All Need a Breather

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Crooked River Cast Show 28

🍂 Politics, Pumpkins & Porta-Potties

Tom and Robert are back behind the mics for another week of Crooked River Cast, bringing their mix of straight talk, humor, and side-eye at Ohio’s headlines. This week they dig into the new faces running for governor, the fallout from some pretty disgusting reactions to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, and even a sheriff’s deputy who had a very bad day involving a porta-potty. As always, they keep it sharp, funny, and right on point with the news you should know.

🗳️ Meet the Ohio Governor Hopefuls

The governor’s race is heating up—and it’s not just Amy Acton or Vivek Ramaswamy. There’s a whole cast of characters stepping into the spotlight, and Tom and Rob give their take on the contenders you probably haven’t heard of yet.
👉 Meet the lesser-known candidates for Ohio governor | Fox 8 Cleveland WJW

💸 Medicaid Fraud Sweep

Healthcare dollars aren’t supposed to line private pockets, but a new sweep found $1.6 million in Medicaid fraud right here in Greater Cleveland. The guys break it down with their signature commentary.
👉 Greater Cleveland providers indicted in $1.6 million Medicaid fraud sweep – cleveland.com

🚒 Fire Chief Fallout, Council Drama & ☕ Starbucks

Remember the Cleveland Fire Chief who thought it was funny to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s assassination? Well, that post didn’t age well. He’s now out of a job. But the controversy didn’t stop there—when the Cuyahoga Council tried to hold a moment of silence, three members actually walked out. Tom and Rob talk about what that says about politics in Cleveland and the state of public discourse. One Ohio woman was shocked to find a hateful message scrawled on her Starbucks cup at a Kroger’s store. Tom and Rob cover the story and point out how something as simple as ordering coffee shouldn’t turn into this kind of ugliness.

👉 Cleveland fire chief on leave over Charlie Kirk post
👉 3 Cuyahoga County Councilmembers walk out over Charlie Kirk tribute | wkyc.com
👉 Fairview Park outrage over Charlie Kirk comments

👉 ‘I couldn’t believe it’: Ohio woman shocked by hate message left on her Starbucks order

🛂 Lake & Geauga Counties Cozy with ICE

Lake County is openly partnering with ICE, and Geauga County is reaffirming its secret ICE jail contract. The guys dive into what this means for Ohio communities.
👉 Lake County Sheriff’s Office to partner with ICE on immigration enforcement
👉 Geauga County commissioners ‘reaffirm’ secret ICE jail contract – cleveland.com

🚔 Akron Police Review Use of Force

Akron is bringing in PERF to review its police use-of-force policies. Tom and Rob dig into what this actually means—and whether it’s just optics.
👉 Akron to review police use-of-force policies with help from PERF | wkyc.com

🎨 Transformative Art & a $900M Jail

Only in Cleveland: turning a vacant house into “food for art” while simultaneously rolling out renderings of a nearly billion-dollar county jail. The contrast wasn’t lost on Tom and Robert.
👉 Transformative Arts Fund project turns vacant Cleveland house into art | Ideastream Public Media

🔎 Where does the Cleveland’s $3 million Transformative Arts Fund get its fund – Google Search
👉 Cuyahoga County releases first images of new jail campus, a $900M project

🚽 Sheriff’s Deputy & the Porta-Potty Incident

Yes, you read that right. A Cuyahoga Sheriff’s deputy accidentally fired a gun after a porta-potty mishap. Tom and Rob couldn’t let this one slide without some laughs.
👉 Special deputy fires gun after porta-potty incident in Cuyahoga County | wkyc.com

🌟 Good Things

🎃 Pumpkin & 🍎 Apple Picking Season

Cooler weather, family outings, and cider donuts—it’s that time again! The guys highlight some of the best spots in Northeast Ohio.
👉 Best pumpkin patches in Northeast Ohio
👉 Apple Picking in Ohio | Ohio, The Heart of It All
👉 Apple Picking Schedule | Lynd Fruit Farm

🎣 Stocking Ohio Lakes

Good news for anglers—Ohio’s lakes are being stocked with muskies, making for some exciting fishing ahead.
👉 Muskies stocked in 9 Ohio lakes make for ‘excellent fishing’: ODNR

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