Ohio Elections

Tulsi’s Bombshell, UFO Files & Ohio Voting Battles — Crooked River Cast Show #65 🎙

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.

💥 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:

▶️ YouTube:  BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard Drops Bombshell Intelligence On U.S.-Funded Biolabs Around The World

👽 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:

▶️ YouTube: Pentagon releases third batch of declassified UFO files

📊 Shock Poll Shows Democrats Leading in Ohio

A new Fox News poll shows Democratic candidates holding leads in Ohio’s U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races despite the state’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:

🔗: Shock poll shows Democrats leading Ohio governor, Senate races

🐀 Critter Corner

🏛️ What Did They Pass Before Break?

COLUMBUS, Ohio — 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:

🔗: Here’s what passed before Ohio lawmakers went on summer recess

🪪 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:

🔗: Ohio Senate passes resolution to put voter photo ID amendment on Nov. ballot

📬 Ohio Adds Voter ID Requirement for Mail Ballots

Ohioans soon will be required to provide a photo ID when voting by mail – 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:

🔗: Ohio adds new photo ID requirement for mail voting for 2027 election

🚨 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:

🔗: Ohio voting rights group says it was raided by the FBI

🔗: What to know about the Ohio Organizing Collaborative after FBI searches

⚖️ 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:

🔗: DOJ settlement: Cleveland Clinic agrees to cease gender-affirming care for minors for 20 years

🔗: Cleveland Clinic agrees to 20-year ban on gender-related treatments for minors in DOJ settlement

🏠 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 — 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:

🔗: Constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes in Ohio will not appear on November ballot

🚧 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:

🔗: Business owner to governor: Discuss fixes for Euclid Avenue or we’ll shut it down with demonstrators

🌟 Good Things

🎬 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:

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

⛵ 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:

🔗: Cleveland Metroparks unveils new sailing center and waterfront restaurant at 55th Street Marina

📢 Subscribe & Share

Enjoyed the conversation? Be sure to subscribe to Crooked River Cast so you never miss an episode. Share this show with friends and family, follow CRC Ohio News on X for daily headlines and commentary, and join the conversation by letting us know which stories caught your attention this week. Your support helps keep independent Ohio-focused discussions growing every week.

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

🔔 Subscribe & Share

If you like independent Ohio-based commentary without the corporate filter — subscribe, share the show, and help spread the word.
🐦 Find us on X – CRC Ohio News and join the conversation