Cleveland Metroparks

Tulsi’s Bombshell, UFO Files & Ohio Voting Battles โ€” Crooked River Cast Show #65 ๐ŸŽ™

This week on Crooked River Cast, Robert and Tom dive into a packed lineup of national headlines and Ohio political drama. From Tulsi Gabbard’s explosive claims about U.S.-funded biolabs and another Pentagon UFO document release to major voting law changes in Ohio, there’s plenty to unpack. The guys also discuss a surprising new Ohio poll, an FBI raid involving a voting rights organization, Cleveland Clinic’s settlement with the DOJ, and why one Ohio business owner is threatening to shut down a major roadway. Plus, a pair of uplifting Good Things stories to end the show on a positive note.


๐Ÿ’ฅ Tulsi Says Goodbye With a Bang

Tulsi Gabbard Bombshell US Funded Biolabs around the world

As Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard announced the release of intelligence documents she says reveal decades of U.S. government funding for more than 120 biological laboratories across over 30 countries. According to Gabbard, some of these facilities have conducted research involving hazardous pathogens, and she argued that information about their existence and funding had been withheld from the public.

Gabbard also pointed to concerns about gain-of-function research, highlighted President Trump’s executive order ending federal funding for such research overseas, and said intelligence agencies are now collecting additional information about the labs, their activities, and the pathogens they may contain. The announcement has already sparked debate over transparency, national security, and the oversight of international biological research programs.

Source:

โ–ถ๏ธ YouTube:  BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard Drops Bombshell Intelligence On U.S.-Funded Biolabs Around The World


๐Ÿ‘ฝ Pentagon Releases Third Batch of “Files”

The Pentagon has released a third batch of declassified files related to unidentified anomalous phenomena. NBC News' Courtney Kube reports on what the files contain and disclose.

The Pentagon has released another collection of declassified UFO-related documents, fueling ongoing public fascination with unidentified aerial phenomena. Robert and Tom discuss whether these disclosures provide meaningful answers or simply generate more questions.

Source:

โ–ถ๏ธ YouTube: Pentagon releases third batch of declassified UFO files


๐Ÿ“Š Shock Poll Shows Democrats Leading in Ohio

A new Fox News poll shows Democratic candidates holding leads in Ohioโ€™s U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races despite the stateโ€™s recent Republican dominance.

A new poll is raising eyebrows across the state, showing Democratic candidates leading key Ohio races for governor and U.S. Senate. The results have generated plenty of discussion about voter sentiment, campaign strategy, and whether the numbers represent a lasting trend or a temporary snapshot.

Source:

๐Ÿ”—: Shock poll shows Democrats leading Ohio governor, Senate races


๐Ÿ€ Critter Corner

๐Ÿ›๏ธ What Did They Pass Before Break?

COLUMBUS, Ohio โ€” APRIL 20: The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal)

Before heading out for summer recess, Ohio lawmakers pushed through several pieces of legislation and resolutions. Robert and Tom break down some of the biggest actions taken during the final stretch and discuss what they could mean when lawmakers return.

Source:

๐Ÿ”—: Here’s what passed before Ohio lawmakers went on summer recess


๐Ÿชช Voter ID Amendment Will Be on the November Ballot

Ohio Senate passes resolution to put voter photo ID amendment on Nov. ballot_2026

Ohio voters will have an opportunity this November to weigh in on a proposed constitutional amendment dealing with voter photo identification requirements. The measure could permanently place voter ID requirements into the state constitution if approved.

Source:

๐Ÿ”—: Ohio Senate passes resolution to put voter photo ID amendment on Nov. ballot


๐Ÿ“ฌ Ohio Adds Voter ID Requirement for Mail Ballots

Ohioans soon will be required to provide a photo ID when voting by mail โ€“ a major change to a voting method that previously had been exempted from the strict voter ID requirement Republican lawmakers passed following the 2020 presidential election.

Ohio lawmakers also approved new identification requirements for absentee voting beginning with future elections. The change expands photo ID requirements beyond in-person voting and is expected to impact how mail ballots are requested and processed.

Source:

๐Ÿ”—: Ohio adds new photo ID requirement for mail voting for 2027 election


๐Ÿšจ Ohio Voting Rights Group Raided by FBI

FILE - An FBI seal is displayed on a podium before a news conference at the field office in Portland, Ore., Jan. 16, 2025. AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File

An Ohio voting rights organization found itself at the center of attention after FBI agents conducted searches connected to an ongoing investigation. The situation has generated significant discussion across the state regarding election-related organizations and federal investigations.

Sources:

๐Ÿ”—: Ohio voting rights group says it was raided by the FBI

๐Ÿ”—: What to know about the Ohio Organizing Collaborative after FBI searches


โš–๏ธ DOJ Settles with Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic agrees to 20-year ban on gender-related treatments for minors in DOJ settlement Cleveland Clinic will pay $308,000 to resolve false billing allegations and commit an additional $2 million for restorative care for people who have detransitioned.

The Department of Justice and Cleveland Clinic have reached a settlement involving gender-related treatments for minors. The agreement establishes restrictions that will remain in place for years to come and has become one of the most talked-about legal and healthcare stories in Ohio.

Sources:

๐Ÿ”—: DOJ settlement: Cleveland Clinic agrees to cease gender-affirming care for minors for 20 years

๐Ÿ”—: Cleveland Clinic agrees to 20-year ban on gender-related treatments for minors in DOJ settlement


๐Ÿ  Property Tax Petition Won’t Make the Ballot

Brian Massie, a campaign leader and the co-founder of AxOHTax, announced early Friday that the group hasn't reached its goal of collecting 620,000 signatures. Facing a July 1 deadline to submit petitions to the Ohio Secretary of State, he and fellow volunteers have decided to hold off โ€” for now.

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at eliminating property taxes in Ohio have hit a major roadblock. The measure will not appear on this November’s ballot, leaving advocates to consider their next steps and keeping the property tax debate alive for the future.

Source:

๐Ÿ”—: Constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes in Ohio will not appear on November ballot


๐Ÿšง Fix the Potholes or We Shut It Down

After years of dealing with crumbling pavement, a businessman is giving the state an ultimatum: tell the community when Euclid Avenue will be repaired, or demonstrators will shut down the busy road.

A frustrated business owner is warning state leaders that deteriorating road conditions along Euclid Avenue are hurting local businesses and creating safety concerns. The threat of organized demonstrations highlights growing frustration over infrastructure issues and delayed repairs.

Source:

๐Ÿ”—: Business owner to governor: Discuss fixes for Euclid Avenue or we’ll shut it down with demonstrators


๐ŸŒŸ Good Things

๐ŸŽฌ TikTok Video Gives Back Big

ary Eron, who has worked in movie theaters for decades, was going about a typical shift at a theater in Maryville when 21-year-old Brooklyn Green noticed her pushing a janitorial cart and hauling trash.
What began as a simple act of kindness inside a Tennessee movie theater has turned into more than $146,000 in donations for an 85-year-old employee after a stranger shared her story online.
Mary Eron, who has worked in movie theaters for decades, was going about a typical shift at a theater in Maryville when 21-year-old Brooklyn Green noticed her pushing a janitorial cart and hauling trash.
Green didn't know Eron personally. But after seeing the longtime employee still working at age 85, she decided to post a video on TikTok and launch a GoFundMe campaign to help Eron retire.

Sometimes the internet gets it right. After a TikTok video highlighted an 85-year-old movie theater employee still working to make ends meet, viewers responded in a big way. Donations poured in from across the country, turning a simple viral moment into a life-changing act of generosity.

Source:

๐Ÿ”—: TikTok video of 85-year-old movie theater employee sparks $146,000 in donations from strangers


โ›ต Cleveland Metroparks Unveils Sailing Center

The Cleveland Metroparks is officially opening a first-of-its-kind destination along Lake Erie, bringing sailing, education, recreation and waterfront dining all together under one roof.

The new Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center is now open at the E. 55th Street Marina, marking the first public community sailing center of its kind on Lake Erie in Ohio.

Northeast Ohio’s waterfront just got a major upgrade. Cleveland Metroparks officially unveiled a new sailing center and waterfront restaurant at the 55th Street Marina, creating another destination for residents and visitors looking to enjoy Lake Erie. The Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center is located at 5555 North Marginal Road at the E. 55th Street Marina and is now open to the public. Here in this article are some great images of the center.

Source:

๐Ÿ”—: Cleveland Metroparks unveils new sailing center and waterfront restaurant at 55th Street Marina


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Meteor Madness, Mega-Site Battles & Hormone Therapy Headlines โ€” Ohio Politics Heats Up While Medina Looks to the Sky – Crooked River Cast Show 53

Meteor Madness, Mega-Site Battles & Hormone Therapy Headlines โ€” Ohio Politics Heats Up While Medina Looks to the Skyย 

The episode opened with Robert asking Tom how his week went โ€” though, sorry listeners, you never quite get the answer, as Robert jumped into a story of his own. A flat tire on I-77 during a business trip could have been a nightmare, but it turned into a moment of appreciation thanks to an ODOT plow crew who pulled up behind him and shielded him from traffic while he swapped the tire. It was a reminder of the everyday heroes on Ohioโ€™s roads before the conversation turned to the sad news of Chuck Norrisโ€™ passing and the many stories that followed โ€” from local government showdowns to courtroom drama, and yes, an honest-to-goodness meteor lighting up northern Ohio.

They also dug into the latest developments in the FirstEnergy corruption trial, statehouse legislation that could impact healthcare access, and some eyebrow-raising national stories. As always, the guys kept it sharp, skeptical, and grounded in what matters to Ohioans.


๐Ÿฅ‹ 10 Ways to Honor Chuck (Yes, That Chuck)

The show kicked off with a tongue-in-cheek tribute that only the Babylon Bee could deliver. Itโ€™s satire, sure โ€” but it set the tone for a lively episode that balanced humor with heavier headlines. Sometimes a little levity is exactly what you need before diving into politics and policy.

Source:
๐Ÿ”—: 10 Ways To Honor Chuck Norris | Babylon Bee


๐ŸŒ Iran Update โ€” Allies Draw a Line

Robert and Tom discussed the latest geopolitical tension involving Iran โ€” and the reality check that comes when allies donโ€™t automatically fall in line. The takeaway: international politics is rarely simple, and coalition-building is harder than press conferences make it sound.

Source:

โ–ถ๏ธ: YouTube: Watch Japanese PM’s Reaction

โ–ถ๏ธ: YouTube: BREAKING: European allies make MAJOR pivot on Strait of Hormuz


โš–๏ธ Antifa Cell Convicted in Texas Terrorism Trial

A major federal terrorism case wrapped up in Texas, with members of an Antifa-linked group convicted in connection to an attack on an ICE facility. The hosts highlighted how rare terrorism convictions are in domestic protest-related cases โ€” and what that could mean for future prosecutions.

Sources:

๐Ÿ”—: MAZE (@mazemoore)

๐Ÿ”—: All Members of Texas Antifa Cell Convicted in First Federal Terrorism Trial
โ–ถ๏ธ: YouTube: Verdict reached in highโ€profile Prairieland ICE attack trial


โ˜„๏ธ Meteor In Medina!

If you heard a boom or saw a flash recently, you werenโ€™t imagining things. A meteor streaked across Northeast Ohio, sparking excitement, curiosity, and โ€” naturally โ€” a wave of local pride. Leave it to Clevelanders to turn a cosmic event into merch within hours.

Sources:
๐Ÿ”—: Meteor explosion over Northeast Ohio sparks quest for fragments across Medina County
๐Ÿ”—: Cleveland meteor apparel is here to help you remember what you survived


๐Ÿ›๏ธ FirstEnergy Trial โ€” Husted Testifies as Jury Takes the Case

One of the biggest corruption cases in Ohio history is now in the juryโ€™s hands. Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted took the stand, adding another high-profile moment to a trial that has already reshaped the stateโ€™s political landscape. Robert and Tom emphasized just how consequential the verdict could be โ€” not just legally, but politically.

Sources:
๐Ÿ”—: US Sen. Jon Husted takes stand the stand in FirstEnergy corruption trial
๐Ÿ”—: Closing Arguments In Trial Of Former FirstEnergy Execs | Newsradio WTAM 1100
๐Ÿ”—: Jurors receive case in FirstEnergy corruption trial


๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Senate Race Tightens โ€” Brown vs. Husted

Polling shows the Ohio U.S. Senate race is essentially a dead heat. Healthcare costs are emerging as a top voter concern, and both candidates are leaning into that issue. The hosts noted that this race could become one of the most closely watched contests in the country.

Source:
๐Ÿ”—: Poll Shows Ohio U.S. Senate Race Statistically Tied With Health Insurance a Big Concern Among Voters


๐Ÿ—๏ธ Communities Push Back on Mega Projects

Local governments are drawing lines in the sand. New Russia Township voted against a proposed mega development site, while Wellington took a proactive step by banning data centers altogether. Itโ€™s a reminder that small-town officials can still wield big influence when residents speak up. You have to respect communities that stand together and make their voices heard. Thatโ€™s local government in action โ€” just the way our founding fathers intended.

Sources:
๐Ÿ”—: New Russia Township trustees vote against Lorain County mega site
๐Ÿ”—: ‘Weโ€™re just being proactive’: This small Lorain County town is banning data centers


๐Ÿ€ Critter Corner


๐Ÿฉบ Menopause & Pharmacy Bills Move Through the Statehouse

Two healthcare-related bills are gaining attention in Columbus. One would expand access to menopause hormone therapy, while another aims to broaden treatment options through pharmacies. The conversation highlighted a growing push to make routine care faster and more accessible โ€” especially in underserved areas.

Sources:
๐Ÿ”—: Bill would make it easier for Ohio women to get access to menopause hormone therapy
๐Ÿ”—: Lawmakers consider bill to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Ohio communities


๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Ballot Drop Boxes Debate Heats Up

Election policy is back in the spotlight, with lawmakers considering legislation tied to ballot drop boxes. As always, the debate centers on balancing voter access with election security โ€” a topic that shows no signs of cooling down.

Sources:
๐Ÿ”—: EXCLUSIVE: Secretary of State candidate Robert Sprague criticizes Democratic pro-ballot drop box bill


๐ŸŽญ Drag Performance Ban Faces Legal Challenge

Ohioโ€™s proposed restrictions on drag performances continue to draw national attention. Testimony from performers and advocates has underscored the legal and cultural stakes, while lawmakers weigh how far government regulation should go. The issue has sparked strong opinions on both sides, with many parents and community members saying this is about setting reasonable boundaries and keeping adult-oriented entertainment away from children. Weโ€™ll see how the courts ultimately weigh in..

Source:
๐Ÿ”—: Drag queens testify against Ohio performance ban


๐Ÿˆ Browns Unclaimed Funds Fight Moves Forward

A court ruling blocked part of Ohioโ€™s plan to use unclaimed funds for stadium projects โ€” but the legal battle isnโ€™t over yet. Robert and Tom pointed out that taxpayer dollars and public trust are both on the line.

Sources:
๐Ÿ”—: Ohio Unclaimed Funds for Sports Stadiums Law Blocked by State Court but Not Federal


๐ŸŒŸ Good Things

๐ŸŽค Afroman Wins His Case

Sometimes the underdog wins โ€” and this time it came with a beat. Rapper Afroman scored a legal victory in a civil case that drew national attention. The guys couldnโ€™t resist celebrating the outcome with a little musical flair.

Sources:
๐Ÿ”—: ‘America won’ | Jury sides with rapper Afroman in Adams County civil trial
โ–ถ๏ธ: YouTube: Afroman – Will You Help Me Repair My Door (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)


๐ŸŒณ Get Outside โ€” The Metroparks Are Calling

As winter loosens its grip, thereโ€™s no better time to reconnect with Northeast Ohioโ€™s greatest natural asset: the Metroparks. Whether itโ€™s hiking, biking, or just clearing your head, fresh air remains one of the best free therapies around.

Source:
๐Ÿ”—: Outdoor Recreation | Cleveland Metroparks


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