This week on Crooked River Cast, Robert and Tom tackled a mix of international headlines, Ohio politics, crime stories, government spending, surveillance debates, and transportation funding and facts released on Fauci that we already suspected to be true. From President Trump’s announced agreement with Iran and a major cartel strike in Venezuela to Ohio’s ongoing death penalty debate and Cleveland’s decision to walk away from FLOCK cameras, there was plenty to unpack. The guys also wrapped things up with some positive news about lower gas prices and Fourth of July celebrations around Northeast Ohio.
🎥 Tulsi’s Final-Day Bombshell
On her final day as Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard released documents and communications that she says expose how Dr. Anthony Fauci directed U.S. taxpayer funding toward gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, worked with members of the Intelligence Community to suppress information surrounding a possible lab-leak origin of COVID-19, and misled Congress during sworn testimony. Go to ODNI.gov to see for yourself
The release immediately reignited debate over the origins of COVID-19 and whether Americans were misled about what federal officials knew during the pandemic. Robert and Tom discussed the significance of the documents, why the story is gaining traction, and whether the release finally sheds light on questions that have lingered since 2020.
The conversation also turned to Fauci’s controversial preemptive blanket pardon from the Biden administration and the use of an autopen for presidential pardons and other executive actions. If additional investigations or legal challenges emerge, questions about the validity and scope of those actions could become part of a much larger national debate. Will Fauci ever get his day in Federal court?
Sources:
🔗: Tulsi Gabbard Final Day as Director of National Intelligence Statement
🔗: Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) on X
🌎 Trump Signs Iran Deal, Strait of Hormuz Reopens
PPresident Trump announced an agreement aimed at ending the recent conflict with Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. The announcement quickly generated strong reactions online as supporters praised the move as a diplomatic victory while critics questioned what comes next.
Robert and Tom discussed the potential impact on global stability, energy markets, and whether the agreement represents a lasting peace or simply a pause in tensions.
Sources:
🔗: READ IT: The full text of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding
🎯 U.S. Strike Eliminates Tren de Aragua Leader in Venezuela
President Trump announced that U.S. Southern Command carried out what he described as a “swift and lethal kinetic strike” that killed Héctor “Niño” Guerrero, the longtime leader of Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang that the Trump administration designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Trump called the operation an act of justice for victims of violent crimes linked to the gang and praised cooperation between U.S. and Venezuelan authorities during the mission. Reports indicate the strike was conducted in coordination with officials in Venezuela.
Robert and Tom discussed the significance of the operation and what it means for efforts to dismantle Tren de Aragua. The conversation focused on the gang’s reputation for violence throughout the Americas, the administration’s broader campaign against cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and whether the elimination of its leader will have a lasting impact on the group’s operations.
Source:
🔗: Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
👮 Sheriff Explodes At Reporter During Child Predator Press Conference
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods went viral after a reporter asked about an unrelated case during a press conference announcing the results of a sting operation targeting suspected child sex offenders. Clearly frustrated, Woods interrupted the question and told the reporter, “You just pissed me off,” before explaining that the focus should remain on the victims and the arrests that had just been announced.
Robert and Tom discussed the exchange and whether the sheriff’s response was justified. From the sheriff’s perspective, the press conference was meant to highlight efforts to protect children and bring predators to justice, not to shift attention to unrelated topics. And yes, this is a sheriff we would vote for!
Source:
🥊 Terror Plot Targeting UFC Event Raises Concerns
Federal authorities revealed details of an alleged terror plot connected to the Freedom 250 UFC event. Investigators say the suspect had broader political motivations, creating concerns about security surrounding major public gatherings and high-profile political figures.
Robert and Tom discussed the seriousness of the alleged plot, noting that while authorities say the plan was ultimately thwarted, it had the potential to put innocent people in harm’s way. The conversation highlighted the importance of event security and how increasingly heated political tensions can sometimes spill over into real-world threats and violence. And here, another good sheriff- wish we could vote a good one in.
Sources:
🔗: FBI complaint details alleged terror plot targeting Freedom 250 UFC fight
🔗: Nebraska sheriff exposes how DACA loophole put Trump and the nation in crosshairs of UFC terror plot
💰 DeWine Signs Nearly $4 Billion Capital Budget
Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 450, Ohio’s capital budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, authorizing nearly $4 billion in spending for projects across all 88 counties. DeWine said the investments will impact Ohioans both today and for years to come, with funding directed toward infrastructure, community projects, higher education, and other state priorities.
Robert and Tom took a more skeptical view of the massive spending package. While supporters argue the capital budget funds important projects throughout the state, the guys questioned the timing and scope of such a large commitment as DeWine approaches the end of his time in office. They discussed concerns about government spending, accountability, and whether taxpayers will ultimately see the promised benefits from the billions being allocated.
Source:
🔗: DeWine signs nearly $4 billion capital budget
⚖️ DeWine Wants Ohio To End The Death Penalty
Governor Mike DeWine is urging Ohio lawmakers to abolish the death penalty, arguing that the system is costly, inefficient, and has failed to function as intended. After helping create Ohio’s modern capital punishment law decades ago, DeWine now says the state should move away from executions altogether and focus resources on keeping violent offenders behind bars for life.
Robert and Tom focused on the reaction from victims’ families, particularly the story of Rhonda Whitelock, whose lifelong friend Suzanne Taylor and her two daughters were brutally murdered by George Brinkman in 2017. For families still waiting for justice, the governor’s change of heart has reopened old wounds and reignited a debate that remains deeply emotional across Ohio.
The guys also questioned the timing of DeWine’s push with only months remaining in office. While supporters see the proposal as a policy decision, Robert and Tom discussed whether the move could have broader political implications as Ohio prepares for its next gubernatorial election. As they noted on the show, only time will tell how voters and lawmakers respond.
Source:
📷 Cleveland Says Goodbye To FLOCK Cameras
Cleveland’s contract for FLOCK license plate reader cameras is set to expire at the end of the month, and city leaders appear ready to move on. Supporters argue the technology helps solve crimes, while critics continue raising privacy concerns. The discussion highlighted the growing debate over surveillance versus public safety.
Source:
🔗: Cleveland Flock license plate reader contract expiring at end of month
🚓 North Olmsted Police Credit FLOCK Cameras In Arrest
While Cleveland is stepping away from the technology, neighboring North Olmsted recently used FLOCK cameras to help identify and locate a suspect. Robert and Tom compared the two situations and discussed whether tools like these are worth the trade-offs.
Source:
🔗: Flock cameras help North Olmsted Police track down suspect
🚌 RTA Wants A Tax Hike To Stay Afloat
RTA officials are considering asking Cuyahoga County voters to approve a sales tax increase for the first time in nearly 50 years. Depending on the proposal, the increase could generate between $70 million and $140 million annually to help stabilize the agency’s finances and support future growth.
Robert and Tom discussed the challenges of passing any tax increase, especially with major statewide races expected to dominate the election cycle. Even so, both felt this is one proposal that may actually have a decent chance of passing if voters believe the funding is needed to maintain public transit services.
Source:
🔗: Would you be willing to pay a higher sales tax to help RTA?
🌟 Good Things
⛽ Gas Prices Drop Just In Time For Summer Travel
Drivers across Northeast Ohio are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall. With Independence Day travel right around the corner, the timing couldn’t be much better for families planning road trips and holiday gatherings.
Source:
🔗: ‘Thank goodness’: Local drivers react to dropping gas prices amid US-Iran deal
🎆 Fourth Of July Celebrations Return Across Greater Cleveland
Fireworks, parades, festivals, and community celebrations are popping up all over Northeast Ohio as Independence Day approaches. Robert and Tom highlighted some of the events residents can enjoy throughout the region.
Source:
🔗: Fourth of July in Greater Cleveland: Your 2026 Independence Day Party Guide
📢 Subscribe & Share
If you enjoyed this week’s conversation, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss an episode. Share the show with a friend, post your thoughts in the comments, and follow CRC Ohio News on X for stories throughout the week. The best part of Crooked River Cast is hearing from fellow Ohioans, so join the conversation and let us know what you think.