Drones, Data Centers, and the Battle Over Ohio’s Future – Crooked River Cast Show 51 🎙️

Robert and Tom covered a lot of ground in Show #51, jumping from global tensions with Iran to some serious debates unfolding right here in Ohio. The episode dives into the state’s new drone program for first responders, school swatting incidents, the growing fight over data centers and their costs, and whether Ohio is becoming one of the country’s most hostile states for LGBTQ residents. Along the way, they hit the possible end of the I-X Center, new fraud investigations, and wrapped things up with a few genuinely good developments happening around the region.

Before diving into the news, Robert and Tom had to wrestle with a few technical gremlins at the start of the show — so bear with us on that. Maybe it had something to do with Robert’s extracurricular activities the night before… We’ll let the listeners decide. The show also opened with a shoutout and well wishes for John C. Dvorak from No Agenda, the “greatest podcast in the universe,” who announced on last Thursday’s show that he needed a double bypass surgery. The surgery has since taken place, and everyone here at Crooked River Cast is sending prayers and wishing him a speedy recovery.

🌍 Iran Update & Global Tensions

The show opened with a look at the latest escalation in the conflict involving Iran. Statements from Donald Trump about “unconditional surrender” highlight just how intense the rhetoric around the conflict has become. Robert and Tom also looked at the broader implications of continued targeted strikes and what that might mean for stability in the region.

Sources:
🔗: Iran Update Evening Special Report, March 5, 2026 – From UnderstandingWar.org
🔗: Trump: There will be ‘no deal’ to end the war in Iran, except for their ‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER’
🔗: Mamdani Getting Nervous As Trump Keeps Assassinating Muslim Dictators | Babylon Bee

🚁 Ohio Launches First Statewide Drone Program

Ohio is officially rolling out the nation’s first statewide drone program for first responders, something state officials say will improve emergency response and coordination during disasters.

Supporters argue it’s a major technological leap for police, fire, and rescue operations. Critics are already raising questions about privacy, oversight, and whether Ohio has clear guardrails for how this technology will be used long-term.

Source:
🔗: Ohio launches nation’s first statewide drone program for first responders

🚨 Schools Across Ohio Hit With Swatting Threats

Several Ohio schools were placed on lockdown after receiving bomb threats in what appears to be a wave of swatting incidents. These false emergency calls force major police responses and disrupt entire school districts.

Robert and Tom discussed the growing trend of these hoaxes nationwide and the real cost they impose on communities, law enforcement resources, and student safety.

Sources:
🔗: Police called to multiple central Ohio schools after alleged bomb threats
🔗: Several Ohio schools placed under lockdown after threat

🐀 Critter Corner: The Data Center Debate

Data centers are quickly becoming one of the biggest infrastructure debates in Ohio. Lawmakers are now introducing multiple bills that could determine how these facilities impact residents, power grids, taxes, and environmental policy.

One proposal would shield Ohioans from potential electric grid costs tied to large data centers. Another bill would create a commission to study their long-term impact. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are also moving to override Governor DeWine’s veto that would restore a sales tax break for data centers.

Add concerns about air pollution and wastewater discharge to the mix, and you’ve got a policy debate that’s just getting started.

Sources:
🔗: Reps. David Thomas, Tristan Rader introduce bill to shield Ohioans from data center-driven grid costs
🔗: Reps. Gary Click, Kellie Deeter propose new commission to study data center impacts
🔗: Ohio GOP leaders plan override of DeWine’s veto restoring data center tax break
🔗: Data centers’ air pollution associated with lung issues: Report
🔗: Ohio EPA reviewing draft permit to authorize limited increase in data center wastewater discharge

🚛 More Fraud Investigations in Ohio?

New investigations suggest potential fraud issues expanding into industries like trucking and healthcare. The conversation focused on how these schemes operate and whether Ohio regulators are keeping up with increasingly complex fraud networks.

Source:
🔗: FRONTLINES TPUSA (@FrontlinesTPUSA)

🏳️‍🌈 Ohio Ranks High in Anti-LGBTQ Incidents

A recent report places Ohio among the states with the highest number of reported anti-LGBTQ incidents last year. Robert and Tom examined what counts as a hate crime, how those statistics are gathered, and why the issue continues to be politically divisive.

Sources:
🔗: Ohio among states with most ‘anti-LGBTQ incidents’ last year
🔗: What is a hate crime – @3tarddownunder on X

🏟️ The I-X Center’s Uncertain Future

For decades, Cleveland’s I-X Center has hosted everything from car shows to conventions. But the facility recently announced what may be its final event.

Then again… maybe not. A potential deal involving the venue reportedly fell apart, leaving the future of this iconic Cleveland landmark very much up in the air.

Sources:
🔗: I-X Center announces its final show
🔗: I-X Center deal falls apart, leaving future uncertain for historic event space

🌟 Good Things

🎸 Rock and Roll Land Project Moving Forward

The Rock and Roll Land project is taking shape in Northeast Ohio. The development aims to build a music-themed district that celebrates Cleveland’s deep connection to rock history while boosting economic development around the lakefront.

Source:
🔗: Bedrock splits Rock & Roll Land project – NEOtrans

🥤 Ohio Considers Limiting Soda Purchases With SNAP

Ohio is exploring a proposal to restrict soda purchases using SNAP benefits. Supporters say it could promote healthier food choices, while critics argue it may be government overreach.

Regardless of where people land on the policy debate, it’s another example of how states are experimenting with new approaches to public health.

Source:
🔗: No pop for SNAP recipients?

🎤 Political Drama: Crockett vs. Crenshaw

Political sparks flew this week as a heated exchange between Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Dan Crenshaw grabbed headlines. It’s the kind of Washington drama that reminds everyone politics can still deliver a few viral moments. Hey guys, don’t forget Al Greene is gone as well.

Source:
🔗: Crenshaw and Crockett exchange reactions

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Statehouse Drama, Local Headlines & Ohio Curveballs – Crooked River Cast Show 50

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🎙️ Statehouse Drama, Local Headlines & Ohio Curveballs

Robert and Tom are back for Episode #50, and this one hits that classic Crooked River Cast sweet spot — politics, local accountability, oddball Ohio stories, and a few laughs to keep the blood pressure manageable. The show kicks off with a look back at last Tuesday’s State of the Union — did you watch it? The good, the bad, and the ugly… and you can probably guess which adjective applied to what. From statehouse drama and budget headaches to quarantines and possible alien encounters, the guys covered a lot of ground while keeping the conversation sharp, honest, and very Ohio.

🏛️ Statehouse Talk & Political Reality Checks

The episode kicks off with plenty of political back-and-forth, including reactions to a House Democrat walking back a big claim and how messaging often gets messy once the headlines cool off. Robert and Tom dig into the difference between political spin and facts — something listeners know they don’t shy away from.

Source:
🔗: Top House Oversight Democrat ‘misspoke’ on claim Wexner gave Epstein $1 billion

⚖️ The FirstEnergy Trial — Still a Big Deal

IIf you’ve been half-paying attention to Ohio politics, this is the story that keeps coming back around. The guys break down the ongoing bribery trial connected to FirstEnergy, why it matters, and how it continues to shape public trust in state leadership. They also touch on reported meetings tied to the HB 6 scandal, reminding listeners this isn’t just yesterday’s news — it’s still unfolding. And as they point out, parts of this story still aren’t adding up… and neither does some of the reporting from Morgan Trau.

Sources:
🔗: Everything you need to know about the FirstEnergy trial if you haven’t been paying attention • Ohio Capital Journal
🔗: Sen. Husted met with man accused of bribery 2 days before H.B. 6 was introduced

💰 Akron Budget Drama & Taxpayer Frustration

Akron residents are asking hard questions about where their tax dollars are going, and Robert and Tom don’t hold back. With major budget cuts being discussed, the conversation turns toward transparency, accountability, and the growing gap between expectations and reality for local communities.

Source:
🔗: Akron taxpayers call for transparency as district faces $11M in budget cuts

🌩️ “The Sky Is Falling” — Lake County Tax Debate

Lake County officials are warning of major consequences if property taxes disappear — and the guys take a closer look at how these warnings land with everyday voters. Expect a little skepticism, a little sarcasm, and a lot of discussion about how governments communicate risk. Abolish property taxes in Ohio, don’t be a schmuck!

Source:
🔗: Lake County officials warn of ‘catastrophic’ fate if property taxes abolished

🏫 School Leadership Raises? Yeah… That Happened

Nothing sparks conversation like school budget controversies. Robert and Tom tackle the reaction to leadership raises in the Cleveland school district while closures loom. The tone here is exactly what listeners expect — sharp, honest, and asking the questions many people are already thinking.

Source:
🔗: Cleveland Metropolitan School District controversy: leadership raises after school closures

🪲 Ohio Under Quarantine?!

Yes, really. The state declared a quarantine over concerns about the spotted lanternfly, and the guys discuss how something that sounds small can have surprisingly big impacts on agriculture and local economies — plus how quickly headlines can make people panic. Save the grape crops, people… we like our wine! Keep an eye out for egg patches, and if you see one, stomp on it. Just be warned — these little suckers are quick.

Source:
🔗: Ohio declares statewide quarantine over spotted lanternfly concerns

🚔 Sheriff Overtime & Accountability Conversations

Another local issue that sparks debate — overtime practices and public transparency. Robert and Tom explore what listeners should actually pay attention to when these stories surface and why context matters more than headlines. Sounds like a staffing issue, what do you think? Send us an email at crookedrivercast@gmail.com and let us know.

Source:
🔗: 2-17-26 Bloomdaddy Show | Newsradio WTAM 1100

🎣 Fishermen… and👽Aliens?

Every episode needs a curveball, and this one delivers. The guys dive into a strange story about Ohio fishermen and an unexplained encounter that sounds straight out of a late-night radio segment. Real? Probably not. Entertaining? Absolutely. At one point, an “alien” even chimed in, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about where this conversation went.

Source:
🔗: Unexplained: Ohio fishermen’s strange encounter

🌟 Good Things

🚔 Medicaid Fraud Case Wraps Up

Not every headline is feel-good, but there’s always a little satisfaction when accountability catches up. Robert and Tom highlight a local sentencing that closes the book on a major Medicaid fraud case.

Source:
🔗: Lake County woman sentenced in $775,000 Medicaid scheme

🚗 Cars, Chrome & Cleveland Energy

Ending on a lighter note, the guys talk about the final car show at the IX Center — a reminder that Ohio still knows how to bring the horsepower, chrome, and crowd energy. With this being the last show at the IX Center, there’s a little nostalgia mixed in with the engines and excitement. And if you stuck around to this part of the episode, chances are you had some fun going down the rabbit hole of their horsepower-fueled conversation.

Source:
🔗: Buick’s SUV lineup and GMC’s trucks dazzle at Cleveland Auto Show

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Crooked River Cast Show 49

🎙️ Tariffs, Tax Talk, DEI Debates & Ohio Politics Getting Wild

Robert and Tom covered a packed slate this episode — from national headlines spilling into Ohio politics to local controversies that just keep getting louder. The guys broke down tariff drama, Democrats making strategic moves, political money questions, education fights, and plenty of Ohio-specific storylines — all with the sharp, no-nonsense commentary listeners expect from Crooked River Cast.

🇺🇸 Tariffs, Politics & The National Stage

Robert and Tom kicked off the show breaking down President Trump taking a temporary hit on tariffs — but they made it clear: this doesn’t look like a defeat, it looks like a pause. The expectation? These measures could come roaring back depending on what happens next.

Then came the part that really lit the fuse — the courts. The guys didn’t mince words, saying several left-leaning Supreme Court justices seriously dropped the ball on this one, and that decisions like this don’t just stay inside Washington — they hit Americans directly in jobs, prices, and long-term economic stability.

They also zeroed in on Democrats choosing to skip the State of the Union, arguing the move may have backfired by handing Trump even more attention and control of the narrative. Would anyone miss them?

Love it or hate it, this segment pulled no punches — and that’s exactly why people are talking.

Source:
🔗: ‘We have alternatives’: Trump vows to reimpose tariffs after SCOTUS ruling
🔗: Dozens of Democrats plan to skip Trump’s State of the Union as protests form

💰 Ohio Power Players Under the Microscope

Ohio’s richest man — Les Wexner — came up as Robert and Tom dug into questions about donations and renewed scrutiny surrounding old connections. The conversation stayed focused on transparency and accountability, asking who’s funding what and why it matters as political seasons heat up.

Source:
🔗: Who has Les Wexner donated to?
🔗: U.S. House Democrats accuse Les Wexner of lying about Epstein ties

🗳️ Ohio Governor’s Race: Big Money, Few Details

The race for governor is already shaping up to be one of the most expensive in state history. Robert and Tom pointed out how tax cuts are getting tossed around by candidates — but specifics are still thin. Plenty of messaging, not much difference yet, just a heavy price tag on campaign funding.

Source:
🔗: Leading candidates for Ohio governor talking about tax cuts, but few specifics so far
🔗: Ohio governor’s race set to become most expensive in state history

🎓 DEI Debates Continue at Ohio Universities

Despite state-level pushback, undercover videos suggest some universities are still pushing DEI-related initiatives. The guys broke down the broader culture war angle and asked whether policy changes are actually changing campus behavior — or just the wording around it. Jennifer Walton-Fisette, a professor and director of educator preparation at Kent State, is caught on camera discussing DEI and stating that getting rid of DEI is an attempt to “keep white men in power.” At the same time, Ohio State University (OSU) administrator Melissa Newhouse was discussing ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at the university today.

For critics, this isn’t speculation — it’s right there on camera. The reaction: if the law changed, why are schools talking about ways around it rather than following it? Full videos linked below.

Source:
🔗: Another Ohio university still pushes the pro-DEI, anti-white, anti-male rhetoric, undercover video shows
🔗: WATCH: OSU Administrator Caught on Hidden Camera Discussing Continued DEI Practices Despite State Ban
▶️ YouTube: Show Clip – University DEI discussion

▶️ YouTube: Ohio State University Administrator Admits School Still Pushes DEI — Then Claims the Video Is AI

🐀 Critter Corner

This week’s Critter Corner was loaded with Statehouse drama. Ohio GOP lawmakers are pushing to dismantle the federal Department of Education, while new bills target school lawsuits and parental rights issues. Robert and Tom unpacked how these moves could reshape education across the state — and why critics say legal fights are just getting started. The links below will keep you busy and shaking your head.

Source:
🔗: Ohio GOP lawmakers to formally pledge support for dismantling of U.S. Department of Education
🔗: Republicans plan to dismantle the Department of Education, saying it will give Ohio more control
🔗: State lawmakers rework bill against schools challenging EdChoice program
🔗: Rep. Jamie Callender criticizes school districts for using tax dollars to fund lawsuit against state
🔗: ‘It’s obviously unconstitutional.’ Vouchers Hurt Ohio speaks out against new Republican bill
🔗: New bill protects Ohio parents who reject their kid’s gender identity

🚔 Cuyahoga County: Not Personal… Apparently

Local politics got a spotlight as Harold Pretel defended a lawsuit involving county leadership, insisting it wasn’t personal. Robert and Tom weren’t fully convinced — and the conversation leaned into how these public disputes shape trust at the local level.

Source:
🔗: ‘This is not personal’: Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel defends lawsuit against County Executive Chris Ronayne

🎙️ Ask Cuyahoga & The Internet Being… The Internet

The return of the Ask Cuyahoga podcast sparked commentary from the guys, who joked that while there are no dumb questions… some come pretty close. It was a lighter segment, but still tied back into how local governments communicate with residents. Take a listen to Myesha Watkins, administrator of the County Office of Violence Prevention, discussing the office’s mission, priorities, and community safety.

Source:
🔗: Cuyahoga County on X – Ask Cuyahoga podcast returns

⛽ When Should You Buy Gas?

A practical segment listeners can actually use — a recent study says Ohio’s “price cycling” means Mondays tend to be the best day to fill up. Robert and Tom compared notes on whether this lines up with real-life experience at the pump. Tom thinks in his area the cost is better on a Tuesday or Wednesday. What do you guys think in your area? Write us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com and let us know.

Source:
🔗: Study: Ohio ‘price cycling’ makes Mondays the best day for gas savings

⚖️ Free Legal Clinics for Immigrants

The city says these clinics are for “immigrants,” a term that covers a wide range of legal statuses. Critics argue the wording avoids a harder question — exactly who the programs are designed to help, and who ends up paying for it. Robert and Tom dug into the bigger question: why the language matters.

The city and local groups keep using the term “immigrants,” which covers a wide range of people — from legal residents to those without status. Critics argue that’s intentional, saying it avoids a tougher conversation about who these services are really meant for and where taxpayer dollars should go.

Source:
🔗: Cleveland Heights immigrants will soon get free legal clinics

🌟 Good Things

🏡 St. Jude Dream Home Success

A little good news to end on — the St. Jude Dream Home raffle sold out, showing just how strong community support can be when it comes to helping kids and families. Did you buy a ticket?

Source:
🔗: 2026 St. Jude Dream Home tickets are sold out

🐟 Lent Fish Fry Season Is Here

That time of year again — fish fry season across Northeast Ohio. Robert and Tom wrapped things up on a lighter note, talking traditions, favorite spots, and just how seriously people take their Friday plans.

Got a go-to fish fry? Send us your favorite spot — we’d love to share it with everyone since we’ve still got plenty of Lent left to go. Email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com and let us know.

Source:
🔗: Fish Fry Guide | Cleveland, Ohio

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