China, Medicaid Fraud & Ohio SNAP Fallout — Crooked River Cast Show 61 🎙

Robert and Tom came into this week’s episode with everything from Ohio politics and government waste to gas prices, drones over Lake Erie, and even a quick stop at the ballpark. Robert admitted he temporarily broke his Cleveland baseball boycott thanks to a free work ticket downtown, proudly rocking his old Cleveland Indians gear while checking out the newly renovated “North Coast Social” area at Progressive Field. Tom couldn’t resist reminiscing about the sold-out days of The Jake, while Robert defended his Bumble Berry choice from Fat Head’s despite the inevitable jokes. From there, the guys rolled right into another packed week of headlines.


🇨🇳 Trump in China and the Media Spin

President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026.  (Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

The show opened with plenty of talk about “Chyna,” as Robert joked, while discussing President Trump’s trip overseas and the media reaction surrounding it. Depending on where you get your news, the coverage looked completely different. Robert especially got a kick out of hearing the Chinese national band playing YMCA during Trump’s visit and wondered whether the President busted out the dance moves on stage.

A couple Sean Hannity clips made it into the discussion as Robert and Tom broke down how international optics, media narratives, and political theater all continue to collide.

The conversation also touched on Iran and Cuba, with Robert and Tom reacting to clips and ongoing geopolitical tensions involving both countries. The guys discussed how foreign policy narratives shift depending on which administration is in power and how media framing changes almost overnight.

Sources:
🔗: Interview: Sean Hannity Interviews Donald Trump in Beijing for Fox News – May 14, 2026


💰 Ohio Medicaid Fraud Triggers Massive Funding Freeze

Rep. Brandonnamed Chairman of the new 
@GOPoversight
 Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses. Tons of Medicaid Fraud being investigated within Ohio.

One of the biggest conversations of the night centered around Ohio Medicaid fraud investigations and the fallout that followed. The guys discussed reports showing massive loopholes in the system, including situations where convicted fraudsters were still connected to businesses receiving millions in Medicaid payments.

Robert and Tom were stunned by the numbers being discussed — with estimates ranging into the $4–6 million fraud range in Ohio alone. Tom reacted with a blunt “what the hell?” while questioning how something this large could go unnoticed for so long. The result? A staggering $1.4 billion spending freeze that now has state officials scrambling.

The guys also pushed back on Governor DeWine’s repeated claims that safeguards are in place and the system is under control. According to reporting from Jack Windsor, the reality may look very different behind the scenes. Robert pointed out that Windsor’s reporting paints a far more serious picture than what Ohio leadership has publicly acknowledged.

Tom then asked Robert whether he had seen any of this being covered on local television news, and Robert immediately answered no — saying this story was nowhere to be found on the local news sites. Tom called it “huge news” and pointed out that when working Ohioans come home, turn on the evening news, and try to stay informed, stories like this are barely being discussed at all.

Sources:
🔗: Daily Wire Medicaid Investigation Triggers A $1.4 BILLION Spending Freeze
🔗: Ohio Says Safeguards Exist To Stop Medicaid Fraud, But Admits Massive Loophole
🔗: He Was Convicted For Defrauding The Government. Now Medicaid Pays His Wife Millions.
🔗: Congressman Brandon Gill on X: “I’ve been named Chairman of the new @GOPoversight Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses…”
🔗: Jack Windsor update on the Medicaid Fraud in Ohio


🥫 Ohio Facing SNAP Penalties and Benefit Cuts

Ohio could face a $321 million federal penalty if state leaders fail to reduce SNAP fraud and payment errors, according to a new policy memo from The Buckeye Institute.

The conversation then shifted toward SNAP benefits, fraud penalties, and growing concerns for Ohio families. Ohio could reportedly face a $321 million federal penalty if payment errors and fraud issues are not corrected.

Robert and Tom dug into just how serious the fraud and payment problems have become. According to the report discussed on the show, SNAP payment errors have steadily increased since 2013 and worsened during the COVID era when requirements like face-to-face interviews, reporting checks, and eligibility reviews were relaxed. The guys talked about how loosened oversight opened the door for abuse, underreported income, and suspicious out-of-state EBT transactions.

Ohio’s current SNAP payment error rate sits around 9%, and if that number is not lowered below 6% by 2028, taxpayers could be stuck covering hundreds of millions in penalties. State lawmakers are now pouring millions into fraud detection systems, oversight reporting, and administrative reforms in an attempt to get things under control.

Sources:
🔗: The Buckeye Institute: Ohio Must Adopt SNAP Reforms to Avoid Bill for Waste, Fraud & Abuse » Research » The Buckeye Institute
🔗: Ohio.news on X: “Ohio could face a $321 million federal penalty if state leaders fail to reduce SNAP fraud and payment errors…”
🔗: 1,300 in Cuyahoga County have lost their SNAP benefits, with thousands more at risk | Ideastream Public Media


⚖️ DeWine Picks Yost Replacement

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has chosen Public Safety Director Andy Wilson to replace Attorney General Dave Yost.

Governor Mike DeWine officially announced his replacement pick for Ohio Attorney General, sparking discussion about what direction state leadership may take moving forward.

Robert and Tom talked through the political implications, timing, and what this means for Ohio Republicans heading into future elections.

Source:
🔗: Gov. Mike DeWine announces his pick for attorney general


⛽ Ohio Gas Prices Keep Climbing

Ohio lawmaker proposes temporary gas tax suspension as prices spike at the pump

As gas prices surge across Ohio, state Rep. Ty Matthews is pushing a temporary gas tax holiday to give drivers relief.

Gas prices are back in focus again, and Ohio lawmakers are floating ideas including a temporary gas tax suspension. The guys debated whether these short-term fixes actually help consumers or simply kick problems further down the road.

As always, Robert and Tom kept it practical — Ohioans just want to stop getting hammered every time they pull up to the pump.

Sources:
🔗: Ohio lawmaker proposes temporary gas tax suspension as prices spike at the pump
🔗: How would a federal gas tax break impact Ohioans? Officials weigh in


⚡ Data Centers, FirstEnergy and Ohio’s Power Future

A rendering of a data center in Northwest Ohio to be built by Meta, as announced by JobsOhio on April 9, 2025.

Ohio lawmakers are now taking a closer look at the explosion of data centers popping up across the state. FirstEnergy has been ordered to create new pricing rules as officials try to figure out how massive AI and tech-related power demands could impact everyday customers.

Robert and Tom discussed whether Ohio is truly prepared for the infrastructure strain that could come with this rapid expansion.

Sources:
🔗: FirstEnergy ordered to create data center pricing rules – cleveland.com
🔗: Ohio lawmakers create bipartisan committee to get ‘accurate, relevant’ info on data centers


🎓 Universities Announce Layoffs

Kent State University plans to lay off as many as 45 of its employees due to an $18 million deficit in the university’s next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Central State University expects to lay off many of its employees to avoid financial ruin, according to 91.3 WYSO.

Several Ohio universities are announcing layoffs while simultaneously fighting against proposed consolidation plans. The guys discussed the growing financial pressure on higher education and questioned whether universities are finally hitting a wall after years of unchecked administrative growth.

Source:
🔗: Universities announce layoffs, as the university officials oppose consolidation plan – Ohio News


🚁 Drones Over Lake Erie

For the first time, the U.S. Coast Guard is launching unmanned sail drones to patrol the Great Lakes.

The first two drones on Lake Erie set sail on April 27. Each drone is 33 feet long with a distinctive orange mast that stands 19 feet tall.

One of the more unusual discussions of the night centered around drones operating over Lake Erie. Officials say they’re being used for monitoring and research purposes, but that didn’t stop Robert and Tom from speculating a little about what else could be flying around above the water.

Because let’s be honest — once you say “Lake Erie drones,” people immediately start thinking conspiracy theories.

Source:
🔗: Lake Erie drones, what are they for?


🌟Good Things

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Is Almost Here

Alternatively, the earliest Memorial Day can arrive is May 25, as it does this year.

Memorial Day last fell on May 25 in 2020. After this year, we won’t have another May 25 Memorial Day again until 2037, so enjoy the early three-day weekend while you can.

The guys wrapped up with a reminder that Memorial Day lands especially early this year. Beyond cookouts and long weekends, Robert and Tom reminded listeners what the holiday is actually about — honoring those who served and sacrificed.

Source:
🔗: When is Memorial Day? This year, as early as possible


⚓ USS Cleveland Arrives Home

USS Cleveland arrives in Cleveland ahead of historic commissioning ceremony

A cool Ohio story closed things out as the USS Cleveland arrived in Cleveland ahead of its historic commissioning ceremony. It’s not every day a naval ship carrying the city’s name pulls into town, and the guys thought it was a fitting way to end the show.

Source:
🔗: USS Cleveland arrives in Cleveland ahead of historic commissioning ceremony


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FBI Files, Ohio Medicaid Questions & Election Fallout — Crooked River Cast Show #60 🎙

Robert and Tom covered a packed slate this week, bouncing from FBI file drops and election reactions to Ohio levy results, Medicaid questions, school safety, and some lighter Ohio stories to wrap things up. The guys kept the pace moving with plenty of commentary on where government priorities seem to be heading—and who’s paying for it.


🕵️ FBI Files Released 👽 🛸

The Pentagon is releasing “never-before-seen” files on UFOs. The files, many of which have been under wraps for decades, can now be accessed by anyone online.

The show opened with discussion around newly released FBI files and the growing public appetite for transparency. Robert and Tom talked about how these document dumps always seem to raise more questions than answers, especially in today’s political climate where trust in institutions keeps getting tested.

Source:

▶️ YouTube: The Pentagon just dropped this..


🏛 Tennessee Redistricting Sparks Outrage

Tennessee House passes new congressional map, removing state’s only Democratic black-majority district and causes an outrage.

The approval of Tennessee’s new congressional maps triggered intense backlash and chaotic scenes at the state capitol as Republican lawmakers pushed to solidify control ahead of the 2026 midterms. Robert and Tom pointed out that for people who spent years throwing around the word “insurrection,” the footage coming out of Tennessee looked awfully familiar.

Source:

🔗: Libs of TikTok on X: “BREAKING: Leftist protestors erupt into an unhinged frenzy after Tennessee passed its new Congressional map, eliminating the only remaining Democrat seat in the state. “


🗳 Ohio Primary Results Shake Up Key Races

Photo by: WEWS
Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton win to run in the Ohio Govenor's race.

Ohio’s primary results gave Robert and Tom plenty to dig into. From the governor’s race to secretary of state battles and Derek Merrin’s rematch against Marcy Kaptur, the political chessboard for November is starting to take shape fast.

The guys also touched on how local elections often tell the bigger story about where voters are really leaning.

Sources:

🔗: LIVE Election Results for Ohio Primary – May 5, 2026 (Updated) | wkyc.com

🔗: Game on: Ramaswamy, Acton race to become Ohio governor

🔗: Sprague, Russo pick up secretary of state nominations, Merrin to face off against Kaptur

🔗: Republican Derek Merrin wins primary, will face longtime incumbent Kaptur in key rematch | Ideastream Public Media


🏫 Levies Pass, Fail & Communities React

"Let's Dance!" ending prom scene from the 1984 Footloose movie!

The levy conversations continue across Ohio. Some communities approved school funding while others pushed back hard against additional taxes. Robert and Tom talked about the frustration many Ohioans feel balancing rising costs with maintaining schools and services.

Lorain voters approved a levy that students hope will restore programs and opportunities, including dance programs that had been cut. In contrast, Clark and Medina County voters rejected local income tax proposals. The guys joked that the story was turning into a real-life Footloose episode.

Sources:

🔗: Lorain voters approve school levy; students hope to dance again

🔗: Ohio voters in Clark and Medina counties reject income taxes – Ohio News


💰 Ohio Medicaid Fraud Questions Keep Growing

This is the third part of “Medicaid Millions,” a Daily Wire series exposing billions of dollars in dubious “personal services” payments where people are paid to spend time with their own family.

One of the biggest conversations of the episode centered around Ohio Medicaid billing concerns involving clusters of companies operating out of the same buildings in Columbus. Robert and Tom questioned how oversight failed for so long and why taxpayers are only now hearing about the scale of the issue.

The discussion also focused heavily on reporting involving Somali-linked home health operations and the broader concerns about accountability inside Ohio’s Medicaid system.

Sources:

🔗: Report finds 94 companies billing millions to Medicaid from a single building – governor says no fraud alleged – Ohio News

🔗: Meet The Convicted Fraudster Running A Million Dollar Medicaid Business

🔗: Luke Rosiak on X: “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet on the Ohio home health fiasco. Part 2 drops now! One landlord alone owns 7 buildings in Columbus containing 288 Medicaid firms that billed a quarter billion dollars. And boy, do the characters who are (supposed to be) inside have stories.”

🔗: Luke Rosiak on X: “OHIO MEDICAID PART 3. So you’ve seen the sketchy buildings filled with 100s of Medicaid LLCs, taking millions of dollars each by telling the government they performed unverifiable luxury services for Somalis. Who runs these companies? Let’s pick one random door.


🦠 CDC Warning Over Backyard Poultry

At least 34 people in 13 states have been sickened with salmonella poisoning traced to contact with backyard poultry, including some with infections resistant to common antibiotics, federal health officials said.

Backyard poultry includes birds like chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkeys. The animals can carry germs, including Salmonella, that make people sick.

In this week’s Critter Corner, the CDC issued warnings tied to drug-resistant salmonella infections connected to backyard poultry. Robert and Tom joked that even raising chickens isn’t simple anymore, but the story carried a serious reminder about food safety and handling animals properly.

Source:

🔗: CDC warns of drug-resistant salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry


📷 Ohio Expands Flock Camera Systems

Katie Geniusz/WOSU-Flock Safety ALPR camera in Columbus' University District on East 11th Avenue. There are three more cameras within the block

The surveillance conversation returned this week as Central Ohio police departments continue investing heavily in Flock license plate reader systems. The guys also discussed concerns after reports that Dayton-area camera data was allegedly used for immigration enforcement purposes.

The debate over public safety versus privacy isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Sources:

🔗: Central Ohio police departments have spent nearly $2 million on Flock license plate cameras | WOSU Public Media

🔗: Dayton authorities say that Flock cameras’ data allegedly used for immigration enforcement – Ohio News


⚖️ Ohio Supreme Court Sides With AEP

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that a major utility company does not need to refund customers nearly $75 million after being accused of overcharging to support two unprofitable and scandal-ridden coal plants.

Ohio’s Supreme Court sided with AEP in a decision tied to coal plant refunds, denying millions back to customers. Robert and Tom questioned once again why utility companies always seem to come out ahead while ratepayers keep absorbing the costs.

Source:

🔗: Ohio Supreme Court sides with AEP, denies millions in refunds for coal plants


📺 WKRP Returns To Cincinnati Airwaves

Almost 50 years after the premiere of the WKRP sitcom, a Cincinnati radio station has acquired the call letters and has rebranded “The Oasis” nostalgic rock music format as “WKRP in Cincinnati.”

One of the more nostalgic conversations of the night centered around WKRP returning to Cincinnati airwaves through “Oasis.” The guys had fun revisiting one of Ohio’s most iconic TV connections and how certain shows never really disappear.

Source:

🔗: ‘Oasis’ now living on the air in Cincinnati as WKRP | Ideastream Public Media


🚨 Parma Schools Add New Safety Measures

4 Northeast Ohio school districts threatened on Thursday.The Alliance Police Department confirmed there was an “’anonymous’ robo-voice style call that came into the high school saying there were ’20 pipe bombs’ outside of the school” before 12:30 p.m.

Officers rushed to the high school and Rockhill Elementary School campuses “due to an alarm in which we were not getting a response from the school,” according to APD.The Amherst Exempted Village School confirmed at 10:25 a.m. that Marion L. Steele High School and Walter G. Nord Middle School received a bomb threat.APD completed its sweep of Nord School and cleared the building of any threat by 12:32 p.m., AEVS updated.The Cleveland Metropolitan School District confirmed two threats were received Thursday morning. The threats were against East Tech High School and Buhrer Dual Language Academy.

School safety stayed front and center this week after Parma schools announced additional security measures following the Valley Forge incident. Robert and Tom also discussed the alarming trend of threats being made against Northeast Ohio school districts.

Sources:

🔗: Parma schools boost safety measures after Valley Forge incident

🔗: 5 Northeast Ohio school districts threatened on Thursday


🌟 Good Things

🎟 Ohio Man Wins Big On Easter

One Jefferson County (Ohio) man really did win $50,000 on a scratch-off lottery ticket recently, but his wife reportedly didn’t believe him.

An Ohio man hit a $50,000 scratch-off prize on Easter, and apparently his wife didn’t believe him at first. Honestly, probably a smart reaction considering how many people say they “almost won.”

Source:

🔗: Ohio man wins big scratch-off on Easter; his wife didn’t believe him


🚴 Summit Metro Parks Releases Biking Guide

Mountain Bike Trail
We currently offer over 7 miles of trails at the Mountain Bike Area of Hampton Hills Metro Park in Akron. Riders may choose from beginner, moderate and intermediate trails.

As the weather warms up, Summit Metro Parks rolled out updated biking information for riders looking to hit the trails this season. A solid reminder that Ohio has some fantastic outdoor spaces once you get off the highway.

Sources:

🔗: Biking – Summit Metro Parks

🔗: Mountain Biking


🎢 Cedar Point Is Officially Back

Cedar Point opens for 2026 season this weekend: See what's new this year

The roller coaster capital of the world is back as Cedar Point opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 9.

Summer unofficially starts when Cedar Point opens the gates, and the park is back for the 2026 season with new attractions and updates. Ohioans know exactly what that first coaster ride of the year feels like.

Source:

🔗: Cedar Point opens for 2026 season this weekend: See what’s new this year | wkyc.com


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Political Violence Debate, Supreme Court Fallout & Local Government Decisions — Crooked River Cast Show 59 🎙

Robert and Tom kicked things off with their usual weekly updates. Robert opened with a cheerful “May the 4th be with you”—since this episode drops on Monday, May 4, 2026—though Tom, predictably, wasn’t having it. Not much new on the personal front, except Robert’s back acting up… possibly due to the overwhelming power of his new 5G fiber internet 😅. From there, they dove straight into the big story of the week: the third assassination attempt on former President Trump, and the broader conversation about political violence in America. Let’s roll—because the news sure did this week.


🔪 Suspect’s Photo Raises Alarms Before Attack

Credit: AP
This image contained in a court filing shows suspect Cole Tomas. An enhanced version of the image. (Department of Justice via AP)

Investigators revealed that a suspect involved in the attack had taken a photo posing with knives inside a hotel room before the incident. Robert and Tom pointed to the lack of real reaction to yet another attempt, questioning whether people are becoming numb to it happening at all—and whether security protocols are actually keeping up with modern threats.

Source:
🔗: Suspect took photo with knives in hotel room before correspondents’ dinner attack, investigators say


📞 Who Did Trump Call After the Shooting?

President Trump made an extremely unexpected phone call after the White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting last night — and ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl went public with it on national television.

The aftermath of the shooting sparked intense speculation, including questions about who the former president contacted immediately afterward. The discussion centered on leadership response, communication, and how quickly information spreads in high-stakes moments.

As it turns out, President Trump personally called ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl to check on his safety after the incident—an unexpected move that raised some eyebrows. Trump also said he felt a sense of unity with the media before and after the shooting and made it clear the event should still go on.

He’s talking unity with the same media he calls fake news—maybe they’ll finally see it. Not holding our breath.

Source:
▶️ YouTube: Wait — Trump Called WHO After the Shooting?


⚖️ “It’s Not Both Sides” — The Political Violence Debate

Andy Ngo

@MrAndyNgo
Whenever I had rare opportunity to go on liberal media to discuss violent extremism by Antifa & the far-left, liberals would cite fatally flawed research that says right-wing violence is the real problem. 
@bungarsargon
 explains the flaws in that research.

Robert and Tom pushed back hard on the idea that political violence is evenly distributed across the political spectrum. They highlighted commentary challenging mainstream narratives and questioned how data and media framing shape public perception. The takeaway: accountability matters, and pretending all threats are equal may ignore real patterns.

And at some point, you have to ask—when is Geraldo Rivera going to step away from the camera for good?

Sources:
🔗: ‘This Is A Both Sides Issue- From Babylon Bee
🔗: Andy Ngo on X discussing research on political violence


🏛️ Supreme Court Ruling Could Reshape Congressional Representation

J. Scott Applewhite
/
AP
Democratic Rep. Cleo Fields is seen with members of the Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday at the Capitol. Fields represents the Louisiana congressional district at the heart of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Wednesday to severely weaken the Voting Rights Act.

A recent Supreme Court decision could significantly reduce minority representation in Congress, depending on how district lines are redrawn. Robert and Tom discussed the long-term political consequences and why court rulings on voting laws often have ripple effects far beyond a single election cycle.

Source:
🔗: Supreme Court paves the way for largest-ever drop in Black representation in Congress


🗳️ Election Day Is May 5 — Show Up and Vote

Photo by: WEWS
News 5 Election Guide

With Election Day arriving May 5th, the guys reminded listeners that local elections carry real consequences—sometimes more than national races. School boards, levies, and judicial seats can shape communities for years. Their message was simple: don’t sit this one out.

And really, not much has changed here in Ohio. The state recognizes two major parties—Democrats and Republicans—and one minor party, the Libertarians. Unaffiliated voters can still weigh in on nonpartisan issues and ballot questions.

As for voting rules, you now need to bring a valid photo ID when voting in person. That means an Ohio driver’s license, U.S. passport, or military ID—no more using bank statements or utility bills.

Bottom line: the rules are pretty straightforward. Show up prepared and make your vote count.

Source:
🔗: Everything you need to know about Ohio’s May primary


👨‍👩‍👧 State-Run Family Leave Bill Gains Momentum

Karen Kasler
/
Statehouse News Bureau
Madison Greenspan (center) shares her family's experience as she advocates for paid family leave as Sen. Beth Liston (D-Dublin, right) and Sen. Bill Blessing (R-Colerain Twp.) look on at a press conference on April 23, 2026.

Senate Bill 396 proposes a state-run paid family and medical leave program for Ohio workers. Supporters argue it provides stability during life’s toughest moments, while critics worry about costs and long-term sustainability. Either way, it’s a policy debate that’s heating up.

Source:
🔗: Bipartisan bill would offer state-run paid family, medical leave to Ohio workers


🩺 Assisted Suicide Proposal Sparks Serious Debate

Photo by: Morgan Trau
Family members holding up photos of their deceased loved ones. A group of Ohio Democrats has introduced a bill that would legalize medically assisted death for terminally ill patients.

Another controversial bill would allow medically assisted death in Ohio. Robert and Tom acknowledged the deeply personal nature of the issue, noting that lawmakers are balancing compassion, ethics, and legal safeguards in a conversation that touches nearly every family at some point.

Source:
🔗: Ohio lawmakers introduce bill to allow for medically assisted death


🥃 A 158-Year-Old Distilling Ban May Head to the Supreme Court

Pictured left to right Andrew M. Grossman, John Ream, and Robert Alt. (Photo courtesy of The Buckeye Institute).  The U.S. Supreme Court could be the next step for a case challenging a 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling involving Licking County resident John Ream.

Believe it or not, federal law still bans home distilling—something dating back more than a century. A case involving an Ohio resident could push the issue to the Supreme Court, raising questions about outdated regulations and personal freedom.

Source:
🔗: U.S. Supreme Court could hear challenge to home distilling ban involving Licking County resident


🏚️ Elderly Residents Being Left at Shelters

Eastland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Columbus. Credit: Google Maps.CMS has faulted Eastland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and six others in the past few years related to efforts to discharge patients to homeless shelters, most of which were ultimately carried out.

One of the most troubling stories this week involved nursing homes reportedly discharging elderly patients directly to homeless shelters. Robert and Tom didn’t mince words—calling it a failure of both oversight and compassion.

Source:
🔗: Ohio’s nursing homes are dumping patients at homeless shelters


🚛 Fraudulent IDs Case Sparks Trucking Safety Concerns

Investigators with the Ohio State Highway Patrol are releasing a detailed timeline surrounding 50-year-old Modou Ngom’s history. 

Ngom is accused of killing a family of three earlier this month, after not stopping in an Interstate 71 construction zone in Delaware County. He was indicted on April 16 on three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and four counts of vehicular assault, all felonies.  Prosecutors, however, now say Ngom made no attempt to brake. His indictment shows he also uses the name Lamine Gaye.
Three people, including a 1-year-old, died after a semi-truck plowed into stopped traffic in a work zone on Interstate 71, triggering a pileup involving nine vehicles, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.  The crash happened along I-71 in Delaware County and killed a family of three: Lynnea Soposki, Luke Soposki, and their 1-year-old son, Logan. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was among the first to arrive at the scene.
Modou F. Ngom, 50, of Columbus, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide following the collision. He was booked into the Delaware County Jail.

A semi driver accused of using fraudulent identification has reignited debate about safety standards and certification requirements in commercial trucking. The hosts pointed out that when regulations break down, the risks extend far beyond the driver. More information regarding this semi driver’s citizen status is here: Ohio truck driver charged in pileup that killed 3, including infant

Source:
🔗: Semi driver accused of using fraudulent IDs sparks push for English requirement in driver certification


🎓 Senate Bill 1 — Progress Report With Caveats

The architect of Ohio’s Senate Bill 1 said he’s pleased with compliance with the measure’s mandates so far, but said there is more work to do on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion front, which the bill prohibits.

In an exclusive interview with Ohio.News, state Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, touted the bill’s success but acknowledged some provisions still have some holdouts.

Senator Jerry Cirino says he’s pleased with the progress of Senate Bill 1, but questions remain about how effectively the reforms will address concerns in higher education. Robert and Tom pointed out that despite legislative efforts, some schools may still be continuing DEI-related programming—raising questions about enforcement and what these reforms actually change on campus.

Sources:
🔗: Sen. Jerry Cirino says he’s ‘pleased’ with progress of Senate Bill 1 so far
🔗: Undercover video shows that Bowling Green State still has DEI, while some law schools still require DEI courses to graduate


🚓 Sheriff Raids 911 Call Center in Corruption Investigation

Public Corruption Unit executes search warrants at administration building and 911 center
The Lorain County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants at the County Administration Building and 911 Center amid an ongoing investigation.

Things escalated quickly in Lorain County when the sheriff’s office executed search warrants at a government building and 911 center. The story raised serious questions about transparency, accountability, and trust in local institutions.

Source:
🔗: Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Public Corruption Unit executes search warrants at administration building and 911 center


🏗️ Cuyahoga County Moves Ahead With New Jail Project

Photo by: HOK; Cuyahoga County
A rendering shows the sheriff's administration building near the main entrance to Cuyahoga County's planned corrections campus in Garfield Heights.

County officials cleared a major hurdle in plans to build a new jail, despite ongoing debate over cost and location. Robert and Tom discussed whether taxpayers are getting the full picture—and whether the project will solve the problems it’s meant to address.

Source:
🔗: Efforts to build new Cuyahoga County jail clear major hurdle


🏈 Browns Break Ground — Super Bowl Dreams in Cleveland?

Cleveland Browns groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site of their new stadium, April 30, 2026

The Browns officially broke ground on their new stadium project, fueling speculation about major events down the road—including the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl. Exciting news for fans, but as the guys pointed out, big projects always come with big price tags.

Source:
🔗: Super Bowl in Cleveland? What we learned at Browns stadium groundbreaking event


🌟 Good Things

🌤️ More Daylight Is Finally Here

James Parish
@JamesParishWX
☀️⏰ Longer, brighter days ahead - Cleveland will gain 57 minutes of daylight this May‼️ #ohwx #cleveland #daylight #may

Spring is doing its thing, and Cleveland is gaining nearly an hour of daylight this month. After a long winter, that extra sunshine feels like a small but meaningful win.

Source:
🔗: Cleveland will gain 57 minutes of daylight this May


🎪 Festival Season Is Around the Corner

All America 250-Ohio Events
Join communities across Ohio in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with events that honor the past and ignite the future. From festivals and historical reenactments to art exhibitions and civic conversations, the Events Calendar is your guide to statewide moments of inspiration and celebration. Explore upcoming events and be part of history in the making.

If you’re looking for something to do, Ohio’s festival calendar is starting to fill up fast. From community fairs to statewide celebrations, there’s plenty to look forward to as warmer weather settles in.

Source:
🔗: Festivals and Events – Ohio Festivals and Events Association Events Calendar


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