Property taxes

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

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Crooked River Cast Show 36

🔥 Epstein Fallout, Ohio Drama, & Holiday Laughs: Your Weekly Buckeye Breakdown

Robert and Tom kick off Show #36 with a full breakdown of their night at the Mammoth concert — the sound, the energy, the crowd, and everything they loved (and didn’t). From there, the show takes a wholesome turn with a significant proud dad moment: Robert shares how his 15-year-old daughter wanted to give a school speech on the SNAP program and not only that — she’s now joined the debate club and dove straight into the topic of the electoral college, questioning how it works and why, after 250 years, there STILL might be a better way. Proud dad energy was off the charts, and the guys ride that warm moment straight into this week’s political madness.

Show #36, and this week’s episode is loaded: the Epstein list fallout continues, healthcare subsidies are vanishing, Ohio lawmakers are doing Ohio-lawmakers’ things, and we even learn what happens when the BMV says your license plate is “too gay.” Plus — laughs, lighter stories, and a few Thanksgiving warm fuzzies. Let’s get into it.

🧨 Epstein List Fallout— “Something Isn’t Adding Up…”

Robert launches into the Epstein segment with his suspicion meter fully pegged. This sudden “list release” and all the connected headlines? It smells off. The timing feels way too convenient and, as he puts it, “like a trap.” Tom agrees — when something this big resurfaces out of nowhere, right before major political moments, it’s almost never by accident.

Robert also brings up a detail strangely absent from most mainstream reporting: Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D–USVI) has a documented history of receiving donations from Jeffrey Epstein. Somehow, nobody wants to talk about that part of the story.

To illustrate how bizarre this whole moment feels, Robert plays a clip from Liberal Hivemind, where the creator breaks down how even some on the left are raising eyebrows. He points to Cenk Uygur (TYT) reacting in real time to revelations during the hearings, and the quote is jaw-dropping:

“I’m on the left. I’m a Democrat. But what the hell was that? That was crazy.
So he’s apparently got these Congress people on speed dial…
He’s watching the entire hearings and texting people different directions.
Did anybody know that Epstein was running our government?”

That’s not coming from a “right-wing source.” That’s coming from TYT territory, which only adds fuel to Robert’s suspicion: why is all this coming out now, and who benefits from this sudden transparency?

The conversation then shifts to the newest person distancing himself from the Epstein fallout: Larry Summers, former Harvard president and longtime political fixture. Summers has announced he is stepping back from multiple public commitments in what he calls a “broader effort” amid renewed scrutiny.

“While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort.”

The guys point out: this isn’t a random bureaucrat. Summers is a major player. And stepping away from high-profile roles right at this moment? Combined with everything else surfacing, it raises more questions than answers. Meanwhile, this story still keeps detonating as more information is released.

Sources:
▶️ YouTube: The TYT just realized how BAD the Epstein drop is for them… LOL

🔗: Larry Summers Steps Back From Another Major Role Amid Epstein Backlash

🥫 SNAP Check-In With Diane

We circle back with Diane as Ohio families continue feeling the aftershocks of the 43-day shutdown. The guys revisit who Diane Howard is. Robert looked into Diane Howard after hearing her comments about Ohioans losing $63 in food assistance. According to the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), Commissioner Diane Howard serves on the Ohio City Incorporated Board of Trustees. So basically, she is an activist?

Sources:

🔗: CMHA – Diane Howard Profile
🔗: You asked, so we’re checking in with Diane

💸 Healthcare Subsidies Set to Expire

Tom and Robert break down what the expiration of federal healthcare subsidies could mean for everyday Ohioans. Premiums across Northeast Ohio are already creeping up, and without congressional action, families could see even bigger jumps.

The guys highlight how this ties into Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s recent vote against ending the government shutdown—she says the bill wasn’t good enough for working families, even though it included $3 million for her district. Robert and Tom question whether political strategy is overtaking practical help at a time when people are already stretched thin.

Robert questions whether political maneuvering is taking priority over Ohioans’ well-being. Tom adds that if subsidies expire, many families could see hundreds of dollars more per month in healthcare costs, at a time when inflation remains high. Why is it that whenever the government gets involved, the price rises?

Sources:

🔗: Northeast Ohioans face sharp health insurance hikes as federal subsidies expire

🔗: U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur votes against ending government shutdown, $3 million for her district

🐀 CRITTER CORNER

(Robert brought it back — and we’re thrilled.)

📜 Catch-All Budget Bill Passes

Ohio lawmakers approve a “do-everything-at-once” bill meant to patch budget issues… and also jam in a bunch of extras, because of course they did. Can you say Omni Bus?

Source:
🔗:Ohio lawmakers ok catch-all budget correction bill, though not without complaints

🛸 New Rules for Police Drones

Lawmakers are working on regulating drones used by police with House Bill 251, sponsored by Rep. Bernard Willis (R-Springfield)- the bill was passed by the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate for consideration. Privacy watchers are keeping receipts.

Source:
🔗:Ohio lawmakers look to regulate use of drones by law enforcement

🐝 Laugh Break: How to Talk to Your Racist MAGA Uncle

Thanksgiving is coming… and so is Uncle Red Hat. Robert and Tom share a comedic survival guide via the The Babylon Bee

Source:
▶️ YouTube: How to Talk to Your Racist MAGA Uncle This Thanksgiving

🏠 Property Tax Chaos Continues

Lawmakers are pushing new tax‑control measures while local auditors brace for major shifts. Youngstown is one of the first to signal big changes, and the ripple effects could reach homeowners across the state.

Sources:

🔗:OH Political News — Property tax chaos continues

🔗: DeWine expected to sign bill giving auditors tax control

🔗: Auditor says new legislation will change property taxes in Youngstown

🌿 The GOP Is Still Messing With Marijuana

Ohio lawmakers continue tinkering with marijuana and hemp policy. Some compromises are floating, but nothing changes immediately.

Sources:
🔗: Ohio Lawmakers burn Hemp, but protect marijuana policy

🔗:Ohio lawmakers my compromise on Marijuana, hemp policy bu no changes to take efffect soon

💉 Hep B Vax Removal for Pre-K?

A new Ohio bill proposes removing Hepatitis B from required preschool vaccines and promoting broader exemptions.

Source:
🔗:Ohio Bill Would Remove Hep B From Required Preschool Vaccines

💰 Did NEO Really Reject New Taxes?

School levies failed across Northeast Ohio — but the bigger question is why. Tom and Robert dig into what voters may actually be signaling.

Source:
🔗:Ohioans refuse to pay more taxes, as school levies fail

🏗️ Lorain vs. the Mega Site

Residents are pushing back against a major industrial “mega site” project — from zoning disputes to concerns about land near the county airport.

Sources:
🔗: Residents push back against proposed ‘mega site’ in Lorain County

🔗: Controversy continues over land near Lorain County Airport

🏳️‍🌈 Your License Plate Is GAY!

A Lakewood man finally celebrates after the state reversed a decade-old denial for his “GAY” vanity plate — and he couldn’t be happier.

Source:
🔗:Lakewood man revels in receiving previously rejected ‘GAY’ license plate

🌟 GOOD THINGS (Because we all need some.)

🧡 Bernie Update

Bernie Kosar continues to recover, and his donor’s mother gives an emotional update.

Source:
🔗:I-TEAM: Mother of liver donor speaks out, Bernie Kosar continues to recover

For more Information on the event 🔗: Lebanon Area Chamber Ohio

🐴 Ohio’s Biggest Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade

Coming next month — an old-fashioned holiday classic.

Source:
🔗:Ohio’s largest horse-drawn carriage parade happening next month

🍪 Gingerbread Competition Time!

The Cleveland Botanical Garden reveals plans for its 2025 gingerbread showdown.

Source:
🔗:Cleveland Botanical Garden plans for 2025 Gingerbread Competition

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving!

Robert and Tom share what they’re thankful for — and want to know what YOU’RE thankful for.

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Crooked River Cast Show 27

Politics, Protests, Property Taxes & Some Good Things 🍂🏈🦋

This week Tom and Robert dive into a whirlwind of headlines that hit Ohio and beyond—from the Charlie Kirk aftermath and free speech questions to property tax deadlines, the Browns’ stadium news, and even the Monarch butterflies making their way through the Buckeye State. It’s another packed episode where the heavy meets the light, and we break it all down for you.

🔥 Free Speech, Charlie Kirk, and the Fire Chief

The assassination of Charlie Kirk continues to spark heated debate—about political violence, about the First Amendment, and about what happens when public officials take a side. Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke has been placed on leave following comments tied to the tragedy. Can you really get fired for expressing an opinion? What does “free speech” mean when you’re at work?

▶️ In this fiery Piers Morgan segment, Steven Crowder and former Congressman Joe Walsh clash over political rhetoric and its consequences. Walsh warns that those fueling division “should be deathly afraid,” while Crowder pushes back, sparking a heated debate on free speech, accountability, and America’s deepening polarization. (Linked image below)

▶️ In this intense segment, political commentator Steve Deace lays out “The 3 Things America MUST DO after Charlie Kirk’s Assassination.” He argues that this moment demands real action—not just outrage—calling for policy change, public accountability, and societal reflection in the wake of rising political violence.(Linked image below)

📜 Ohio Bills in the Wake of Tragedy

In direct response to Kirk’s assassination, Ohio lawmakers are fast-tracking new bills—some aimed at safety, others at harsher sentencing for political violence. It’s a moment that blends raw emotion with rushed policymaking.

📎 Ohio GOP lawmakers seek harsher penalties for political violence
📎 Ohio weighs allowing politicians, judges to carry concealed handguns at work

🔥🎡 Fire, Fairs, and Free Speech?

Ohio’s debate over free speech and accountability isn’t just playing out in city hall—it’s showing up at the county fairgrounds too. Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke is on leave after making comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, raising the question: how far does the First Amendment protect your speech when you’re a public servant?

Meanwhile at the Ashland County Fair, local Democratic Party officers were spotted with political buttons that stirred up plenty of chatter. Between public officials, party politics, and everyday Ohioans, the line between free expression and professional consequences is blurrier than ever.

📎 Cleveland fire chief Anthony Luke on leave over Charlie Kirk comments
📎 Ashland County Fair Democratic Party buttons / officers

😂 Comedy Break – The Babylon Bee Hits Again

Sometimes you need a breather from all the heaviness. This week’s laugh: a wife making plans while her husband is locked in an epic Facebook comments battle for America’s soul.

📎 Babylon Bee article

🏠 Property Taxes – Deadlines Approaching

Ohio’s property tax working group is pushing toward a fall deadline, and lawmakers are back in session. The pressure is on to deliver reforms before the year ends.

📎 Property Tax Working Group deadline nears

🚨 Max Miller Calls in the Guard

Congressman Max Miller is turning heads by saying it’s time to bring in the National Guard to Cleveland. He argues it’s the only way to restore order—but is that really the answer?

📎 Should National Guard troops be deployed in Cleveland?

🏈 Stadium Shake-Up – Browns Score Airport Approval

Big news for Browns fans: ODOT has approved the construction permit for the new Cleveland Browns Stadium in Brook Park. Love it or hate it, this changes the game for sports and travel in Northeast Ohio.

📎 ODOT approves Cleveland Browns Stadium permit

🌳 GOOD THINGS – Because We Need Them

🏞 Ohio State Parks Top the Nation

It’s official—Ohio has the best state parks in the country. Affordable, beautiful, and accessible, they’re a reminder that not all news is bad news.

🦋 Monarch Butterfly Migration

Northeast Ohio is one of the best places to catch the Monarch migration. Pack a camera and enjoy this fleeting natural wonder.

🍁 Fall Colors Forecast – Expect the Unexpected

This year’s dry weather means Ohio’s fall colors may look a little different than usual. Could be muted, could be stunning—we’ll soon see.

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