A Weekly Podcast for Northeast Ohioans
Crooked River Cast is hosted by Robert and Tom
Two lifelong Northeast Ohioans bringing sharp commentary and dry humor to the region’s news, politics, and everyday absurdities. From the bizarre to the bureaucratic, they say what others won’t.
Our goal is to help give our listeners a better view and understanding of what is happening in the great state of Ohio. We focus on northeast Ohio news and politics. CrookedRivercast@gmail.com You can also find us on X: https://x.com/CRCOhioNews
Crookedrivercast.com
Crookedrivercast@gmail.com
- Venezuela situation, ICE Shooting, Iran. CLIPS
- Nick Shirley shows us why we can’t have nice things. CLIPS
- Dewine says what fraud?
- JD Vance house attacked by a He/She.
- Vivek & Amy announce running mate.
- Ohio lawmakers think Airships are still a thing.
- AI in Ohio Schools. Yay!
- Measles!
- Super Flu!
Good Things:
- Medina’s Christmas movie.
- Winter fun at Lock 3 in Akron.
- Crooked River Cast Show 43
🎙️ New Year, Same Madness Venezuela, ICE Shooting Fallout, Ohio Politics & a Super Flu?
Robert kicks off the first show of the new year with a travel story just about everyone can relate to — TSA inconsistency.
Fresh off the New Year holiday travel, he breaks down how airport security rules seem to change depending on which terminal you’re standing in, especially when it comes to legally traveling with a firearm. Same federal rules, wildly different enforcement — and plenty of frustration for travelers trying to do things the right way.After a quick detour down Travel Lane, Robert and Tom shift gears and dive straight into Venezuela chaos, an ICE shooting, Ohio political absurdities, AI in schools, measles fears, and some good news from around Northeast Ohio.
No victory laps. No look-backs. Just what’s happening right now.
🇻🇪 Venezuela, Iran & “Big Trouble”
The guys dig into the Venezuela situation and the political messaging surrounding it, including reactions to President Trump’s comments about voter support. Meanwhile, unrest continues in Iran as demonstrations spread and reports of dozens of protesters killed raise serious questions about where this goes next.
Sources:
🔗: President Trump says his voters loved the Venezuela attack — here’s what they think
🔫 ICE Shooting Sparks National Reaction
An ICE agent was seriously injured during a 2025 arrest attempt, a detail resurfacing after a recent Minneapolis shooting that’s now fueling protests and outrage nationwide. Tom and Robert break down what’s being reported — and what’s being spun.
Sources:
🔗:Officer in fatal Minneapolis shooting had previously been dragged by car, Vance says
🔗: Ice agent in Minneapolis shooting was seriously injured in 2025 arrest attempt
🔗: X – Musk demands the immediate ARREST of Somali UN Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman
🧾 DeWine: “What Fraud?”
Governor Mike DeWine responds to viral claims of widespread fraud tied to Somali daycare providers. Allegations, counterclaims, and a lot of heat — with multiple sides saying the story isn’t nearly as simple as social media wants it to be. Hold on to your seats, the links are plenty on this one, guys.
Sources:
🔗: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine defends Somali daycares amid fraud claims🔗:Gov. DeWine addresses child care fraud prevention effort
🔗: EXCLUSIVE: Ohio daycare center owner says allegations of widespread fraud are ‘insulting’
🔗: X – Massive fraud in Ohio is ongoing
🔗:Day 1 into our Columbus, Ohio fraud investigation
🔗: X – Operation Somali Buckeye – 1
🔗: X – Operation Somali Buckeye – 2
🏠 JD Vance’s Home Targeted
Police say vandalism at Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home was driven by mental health issues — another reminder of how politics and personal safety are colliding more often than anyone’s comfortable with.
Sources:
🔗: ‘Mental health issues’ drove man to vandalize VP JD Vance’s home, lawyer says🔗: Police investigate incident at Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home, suspect in custody
🗳️ Vivek & Amy Make It Official
Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton announce their running mate, officially locking in the ticket and setting the tone for what’s shaping up to be a loud Ohio political season. On the Republican side, Vivek Ramaswamy chose the leader of the Ohio Senate President, Rob McColley as his running mate. On the Democratic side, Dr. Amy Acton picked the former head of the Ohio Democratic Party, David Pepper.
Sources:
🔗:Ramaswamy announces running mate🔗:Amy Acton chooses David Pepper as running mate
🔗:Adding a funny from The Rooster on X
☁️ Airships… Seriously
Yes, really. Ohio lawmakers are once again talking about advancing modern airship research. Robert and Tom react accordingly.
Source:
🔗:Ohio lawmakers reintroduce bill to advance modern airship research
🤖 AI in Ohio Classrooms
Ohio schools are moving ahead with AI guidance in classrooms — raising questions about innovation, oversight, and how fast this is all happening.
Source:
🔗:How Ohio schools are set to use AI in the classroom
🦠 Measles Returns
Measles cases are confirmed in Cuyahoga County, prompting health officials to issue reminders and warnings.
Source:
🔗:Cuyahoga County Board of Health monitoring 3 confirmed, 1 probable case of measles in local children
🤧 The “Super Flu”
Doctors say this flu season is hitting harder and spreading faster — with Cleveland Clinic experts explaining what’s different this time around.
Source:
▶️ YouTube: ‘Super flu’ spreading: Cleveland Clinic doctor explains what makes this flu season different
🌟 GOOD THINGS
🎬 Christmas in January — Medina Movie in the making
Medina businesses keep the holiday vibe alive as a Christmas movie films downtown. Proof that sometimes small towns just get it right.
Source:
🔗: Christmas in January: Medina businesses extend holiday decor for movie filming
⛸️ Winterblast at Lock 3
Ice skating, lights, and winter fun continue at Lock 3 in Akron through February — get out of the house and enjoy it. Lock 3 Park
Source:
🔗:Winterblast at Lock 3
🔔 Subscribe & Share
New year, same mission. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it, and find the guys on X. Word of mouth keeps Crooked River Cast rolling.