Crooked River Cast Show 48

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🎙️ Tariff Revolt, ICE Theater, Mega-Site Meltdowns & Burke’s Million-Dollar Question

Robert and Tom kicked off Episode 48 on Valentine’s Day — and before diving into politics, they kept it simple: tell your significant other you love them every day, not just when the calendar tells you to. Solid advice. Then, without missing a beat, it was straight into the primaries and the current political landscape. Episode 48 — this one moves fast. From six House Republicans bucking Trump on Canadian tariffs, to Ohio GOP hesitation, to Northeast Ohio cities taking symbolic swings at ICE, to zoning boards shutting down mega developments — and yes, the never-ending Burke Lakefront Airport debate — this episode hits national tension and local dysfunction in one sweep.

Let’s go!

🇨🇦 6 House Republicans Rebuke Canadian Tariffs

In a move that surprised some conservatives, six House Republicans joined Democrats to block tariffs on Canada — a notable fracture in party alignment.

Is this economic realism? Political positioning? Or a preview of deeper divides?

Source:
🔗: 6 Republicans join Democrats to rebuke tariffs on Canada in blow to Trump

Ohio Republicans are also navigating their relationship with Trump carefully.

Source:
🔗: Ohio GOP leader says no to Trump election plan

🧠 Immigration & the “White Privilege” Narrative

The immigration debate continues to evolve — and this time the focus is on how enforcement is framed, and whether “white privilege” narratives clarify the issue… or muddy it even further. Robert and Tom unpack the online crossfire, the political messaging from our representatives today versus years past, and the shift in tone over time. They also revisit a 1996 quote from Chuck Schumer: “The number one reason people come to the U.S. illegally is to defraud systems like Social Security, and I want to stop it.” Same issue. Very different messaging. Check out the links below and decide for yourself.

Sources:

🔗: How white privilege plays into immigration enforcement: Our Best Life

🔗: Gunther EaglemanTM (@GuntherEagleman) on X
🔗: Sherrod Brown (@SherrodBrown) on X
🔗: Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) on X

🏛 NEO Cities Vote to Oppose ICE Legislation

Several Northeast Ohio municipalities passed or debated resolutions opposing proposed Ohio ICE legislation.

Bold? Symbolic? Pure politics? Robert and Tom ask the obvious question — what actually changes after these votes?

Sources:
🔗: Akron City Council makes decision on controversial immigration issue
🔗: Cleveland City Council passes emergency resolution opposing proposed Ohio ICE legislation | wkyc.com
🔗: East Cleveland passes ‘GT*O’ legislation related to ICE agents

🌾 New Russia Township Says No to Mega Site

Residents in New Russia Township pushed back against a proposed mega development site, arguing farmland preservation matters more than industrial expansion.Local zoning boards are becoming battlegrounds.

Source:
🔗: ‘We want our farms’: Zoning commission recommends denying mega site development

And in Central Ohio, another large project gets blocked:

Source:
🔗: Proposed 680-acre data center in Central Ohio denied by local authorities after concerned residents push back

💸 Cuyahoga County’s Overtime Problem & Political Feuding

Tensions among top county officials are reportedly boiling over — and overtime spending is part of the story. Governance is hard. Public feuding doesn’t help. And when you look at the numbers? The top six overtime earners in 2025 all made more than $120,000 in overtime! Now, can we vote on a sheriff to be elected in Cuyahoga County?

Source:
🔗: The most powerful officials in Cuyahoga County government are openly feuding

🚨 $10 Million Bribery Scheme — Convictions Land

Two brothers and a former East Cleveland mayoral assistant were convicted in a $10 million bribery scheme. It’s another reminder that corruption stories in Northeast Ohio don’t seem to take a year off. Can you say their names better than Tom? Zubair Mehmet Abdur Razzaq Al Zubair, Muzzammil Muhammad Al Zubair, and Michael Smedley! Tom actually said the names pretty well… and then kept saying them. It became a thing. 😄 This scam has been going on since 2020! Jeez…come on, somebody knew!

Sources:
🔗: Pair of brothers, ex-East Cleveland aide convicted in $10 million bribery scheme
🔗: East Cleveland brothers charged in multi-million-dollar scam | wkyc.com

✈️ What Should Happen to Burke Lakefront Airport?

Burke reportedly loses around $1 million a year — and much of its revenue comes from parking. So what’s the plan? Keep it? Redevelop it? Let the debate continue indefinitely?

Sources:
🔗: Burke Airport, Which Loses $1 Million a Year, Makes Most of Its Revenue From Parking
▶️ YouTube: Cleveland City Council digs into the dirt at Burke Lakefront Airport

🌤 Good Things

🌅 The Days Are Getting Longer

Sunsets are getting later — and Sunday marks a seasonal milestone. Longer days. Better moods. We’ll take it.

Source:
🔗: Cleveland’s sunsets are getting later — and Sunday brings a key milestone

🌊 Irishtown Bend Repair Complete

After years of work, the Irishtown Bend stabilization project is complete — protecting the shipping channel and opening the door for future riverfront development. A rare infrastructure win.

Source:
🔗: Port of Cleveland Completes Irishtown Bend Stabilization

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Crooked River Cast Show 47

🎙️ Groundhog Games, Courtroom Chaos, & Ohio at a Crossroads

Robert and Tom kick off Show #47 the only way Ohio knows how — arguing about the weather. Is it a longer winter or an early spring? This year, Groundhog Day predictions come courtesy of two groundhogs and a cat called Casmir, and frankly… we’re all just hoping one of them is right. For the record, Casimir and Phil agree about this year’s weather, while Buckeye Chuck predicts an early spring. From there, the show barrels straight into hard news, judicial corruption, Ohio education shakeups, and legislative madness — with a much-needed dose of Good Things to close it out. Buckle up.

🚨 Life in Prison for Man Who Tried to Kill President Trump

This one hits hard. The man convicted of attempting to assassinate President Trump in 2024 has been sentenced to life in prison. Robert and Tom react to the ruling, the media framing, and what it says about political violence in America today.

Source:
🔗: Man convicted of trying to kill Trump in 2024 sentenced to life in prison

⚖️ Judge Blocks Trump From Ending Haitian TPS

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians — delaying what could have been a massive displacement. Robert and Tom discuss the legal reasoning, political implications, and how this decision directly affects communities right here in Ohio and a few fireworks between Robert and Tom start off early in the show.

Sources:
🔗: Judge blocks Trump administration from ending protections for Haitians
▶️ YouTube: Crisis Delayed: Judge Blocks Imminent Haitian Exodus in Springfield

🏛️ How Corrupt Is Ohio’s Judiciary?

This segment raises eyebrows. Explosive footage claims judges can be bought with bribes in Ohio immigration courts. Robert and Tom dig into what this means for trust in the legal system — and why Ohio keeps finding itself in these headlines.

Source:
🔗: Exclusive: Bombshell Footage Claims Judges Can Be Bought With Bribes in Ohio Immigration Courts

👩‍⚖️ Judge Celebrezze Pleads Guilty

Former Cuyahoga County Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze has pleaded guilty to record tampering. Another blow to public confidence — and another example fueling concerns about accountability in Ohio’s courts.

Source:
🔗: Former Cuyahoga County Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze pleads guilty to record tampering charge

🎓 Ohio Schools: A New Direction?

Ohio schools are weighing a major shift — moving away from property taxes and toward income taxes for funding. Meanwhile, Canton schools have approved $18 million in cuts, with layoffs likely.

Robert and Tom unpack what this means for parents, taxpayers, and the future of public education. As expected, fireworks fly when their perspectives diverge — a reminder that honest disagreement is part of the conversation.

Sources:
🔗: Ohio schools consider switching from property taxes to income taxes
🔗: Canton school board approves plan to cut $18M from budget, layoffs are likely

🪓 AxeTheTax.org

The conversation turns to tax reform and the push behind AxeTheTax.org. Robert and Tom discuss who’s behind it, what it would change, and why it keeps resurfacing in Ohio politics. Will it get on the ballot? Ohioans who want to take action can go directly to the site to sign the petition.

Source:
🔗: Official Committee to Abolish Ohio’s Property Taxes – AxOHTax!

🐀 Critter Corner

Because Ohio legislation is always… something.

📜SB 341 – Would stop underage marriage in Ohio

Source:

🔗: Ohio would block all underage marriage under new legislation

📜HB 79 – Would “protect” Ohio referees from assault

Source:

🔗: Ohio lawmakers continue to push for bill protecting sports officials after recent altercation

📜HB 304 – Would extend school recess time

Source:

🔗: Ohio bill would extend recess for kids

Speed Cameras – Who’s actually getting paid?

Sources:

▶️ YouTube: 3News Investigates: Cashing in on speed camera fines
🔗: 3News Investigates: Who profits from speed cameras?

Public Service Reminder: Don’t eat yellow or white snow

Source:

🔗: Snow may look clean, but it can contain pollutants

🌟 Good Things

Let’s end on a high note — because Ohio delivers.

🏅 Ohio Will Host Olympic Events in 2028
For the first time ever, Ohio will host events tied to the 2028 Olympics. Yes, really.

Source:

🔗: Ohio to host 2028 Olympic tournament for the first time in state’s history

🐕 Dog Rescue That Feels Like Winter
A heartwarming rescue as tri-state crews save a dog from a partially frozen pond. First responders raced against time to rescue a dog that had fallen into a partially frozen pond. Quick action, teamwork, and cold-water training made the difference — and the dog made it out alive.

Source:

🔗: Tri-State crews save dog from partially frozen pond

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Crooked River Cast Show 46

🎙️ Kill Trump? ICE Chaos, SNAP Crackdowns & Ohio’s Political Meltdown

Robert and Tom are back with another jam-packed episode of Crooked River Cast, breaking down a wild week in Ohio politics, national outrage spilling into local streets, and the policies hitting your wallet and your commute. From a Democratic AG candidate igniting national backlash, to ICE protests on the ice (yes, really), to the mystery of what happens to all that dirty data center water — this episode covers it all, Ohio-style.

Let’s get into it 👇

🔥 Ohio Dem AG Candidate Says He’ll “Kill Trump”

One Ohio Democratic Attorney General candidate set the internet on fire after posting a video saying voters should elect him so he can “kill Trump.” The backlash was immediate — and bipartisan — forcing a walk-back statement while raising serious questions about judgment and rhetoric in statewide races. Can you say TDS?

Sources:
🔗: Backlash erupts after Ohio Democratic AG candidate posts about ‘killing’ Trump: ‘Absolute psychopath’

🔗: BREAKING: Ohio Democrat AG Candidate Behind Viral ‘Kill Trump’ Video Issues Statement to The Ohio Press Network

🔗: South Euclid state Rep. Elliot Forhan’s hostile behavior justified legislative punishments, report concludes.

🔗: DaveYostOH – on X

📘 Facebook: DoucheBag Profile

🥫 SNAP Changes Start Now

Work requirements for SNAP benefits are expanding, and more Ohioans will soon need to meet employment thresholds to stay eligible. The changes are already underway — and they’re happening amid inflation, layoffs, and uncertainty. OMG, it’s 3 %! Do you agree this is good news? Let us know, email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com

Source:
🔗: More people will soon be required to work to receive SNAP benefits

🏁 Who Is Casey Putsch?

Engineer. Entrepreneur. Political outsider. Casey Putsch is making noise as a GOP candidate for Ohio governor, challenging the establishment and even Vivek Ramaswamy’s orbit. Robert and Tom break down who he is, what he stands for, and why his message is landing with some voters.

Sources:
🔗: Casey Putsch for Ohio Governor Endorsement Speech
🔗: Who is Casey Putsch? Meet the GOP candidate challenging Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor

🧊 ICE Official Resigns to Run for Office

A top ICE official has resigned to run for a battleground congressional seat in Ohio — instantly drawing attention from both sides of the immigration debate. This 28-year-old, number 2 at ICE she is going after Marcy Kaptur’s 43-year position. Look out for Madison D. Sheahan! Can you say driven and badass?

Source:
🔗: Top ICE official resigns to seek battleground congressional seat in Ohio

🏛️ Maple Heights Mayor Launches Auditor Campaign

Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell is officially in the race for Ohio Auditor, adding another name to an already crowded statewide contest.

Source:
🔗: Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell launches campaign for Ohio auditor

🤐 Mount Orab “Mega Site” NDA Raises Eyebrows

Brown County residents want answers after Mount Orab Village Council signed an NDA tied to a mysterious “mega site.” Transparency? Not so much. Keep up with what is going on in your county, stick together, this is screevy.

Source:
🔗: Brown County residents seek answers after village signs NDA related to ‘mega site’

💧 Dirty Data Center Water — Where Does It Go?

Ohio EPA is reviewing discharge permits as data centers expand — but what happens to the wastewater they produce? It’s a question that’s only getting louder as development accelerates.

Source:
🔗: Ohio EPA reviewing data center discharge permits amid water quality concerns

🚔 Lake County Sheriff Shrugs Off Snow

The Lake County Sheriff is under fire after refusing to declare a snow emergency — because, apparently, snow doesn’t scare him. Residents? Less amused. It is winter and this is Lake County.

Source:
🔗: Lake County sheriff faces backlash over snow emergency policy

Use this link from OHGO for all your traffic update people!🔗: OHGO

🏫 What’s the Deal With School Closings?

Parents are questioning how — and when — districts decide to close schools during extreme weather. Robert and Tom dig into the inconsistency and frustration.

Source:
▶️ YouTube: Parents question school closure policies during extreme weather

🧊 Cleveland Protests ICE… On the Ice

Hundreds marched through downtown Cleveland protesting ICE following deadly shootings in Minnesota, bringing national tension straight to Ohio streets. Professionally printed the signs for a fully funded protest.

Source:
🔗: Hundreds protest ICE, march through city streets in downtown Cleveland following deadly shootings in Minnesota

🚨 Brooklyn City Official Fired After ICE Comment

A Brooklyn city official has been fired after a controversial social media comment tied to the Minnesota ICE shooting sparked outrage.

Source:
🔗: Brooklyn city official fired after social media comment about Minnesota ICE shooting

🌟 Good Things

🛷 All Downhill From Here

Sledding, skiing, tubing, and tobogganing season is here — and Northeast Ohio has options. Get out there, have some fun!

Source:
🔗: Going downhill: Where to sled, ski, innertube and toboggan in NE Ohio

🚴 Ohio Guy Bikes Across Frozen Great Lakes

One Clevelander biked across all five ice-covered Great Lakes this winter — because why not? Eric McKinney’s own winter plans: be the first recorded person in the world to bike on all five Great Lakes.

Source:
🔗: Meet the Clevelander Who Biked Across All Five Ice-Covered Great Lakes This Winter

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