AGP Executive Report

Toledo Festival Shooting: Police are hunting suspects after at least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival; officials say it looked like “at least two people” fired and were likely shooting at each other, with two victims in critical condition and the rest expected to survive. Local Institutions: Euclid Public Library reopened after $18 million renovations, adding a business resource center, upgraded ADA access, new kids and teen spaces, and major electrical/roof/HVAC fixes. Ohio Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court let Alabama use a congressional map NAACP says is “intentionally discriminatory,” a move that could shape redistricting fights nationwide. State Budget Talk: Ohio’s proposed $3.7B construction plan includes nearly $2M for pickleball courts, drawing fresh criticism that schools and infrastructure still lag. Community & Education: Cristo Rey Columbus High School graduated 85 students, awarding $1.9M in scholarships and thousands of service hours. Sports & Culture: Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

Gun Violence in Toledo: At least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival in Toledo on Saturday, with two reported in critical condition. Police said the shooting may have involved at least two people firing at each other and launched an active search for suspects. Ohio Law Enforcement: Cleveland police arrested a 56-year-old man tied to a string of business break-ins, including a May 22 attempted burglary, after linking him to nearby targets. Ohio Courts & Fraud: The DOJ charged four Ohioans in a COVID-era fraud scheme involving false Paycheck Protection Program loan applications totaling about $1.4 million, with prosecutors alleging misuse of funds for personal expenses. Local Community Life: Shawnee’s Tecumseh Theater is being revived after decades of disrepair, while a Zanesville hobby shop turned a Pokémon release night into a community event. Business & Travel: Southwest added a new Columbus-to-Puerto Rico route, boosting seats and expected tourism impact.

Ohio Politics & Elections: A new analysis says GOP-led redistricting has given Republicans a clear edge in the 2026 map fight, but control of Congress could still hinge on a handful of vulnerable races, including Ohio. MAHA Watch: RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement is drawing heat for backing few battleground candidates—especially in the Senate—despite spending and endorsements meant to boost GOP turnout. Data Centers & Energy: Ohio governor nominee Vivek Ramaswamy says data centers should pay for their own electricity and water and argues bans would hurt like pandemic shutdowns. Local Business: Kroger opened a bigger West Chester Marketplace with a Murray’s Cheese shop, sushi kiosk, and Starbucks. Public Safety: The FBI highlighted Michael Marasigan on its Most Wanted Fraudsters list tied to a major bingo fraud case. Health: An Ohio State study links heart attacks to higher risk of later cognitive decline. Sports: Brazil plays Egypt in a World Cup warm-up at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. Senate passed a $70B immigration enforcement bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol after rejecting moves to permanently ban Trump’s settlement fund, setting up a House vote next. Ohio Data & Privacy: Ohio lawmakers are pushing guardrails on license plate camera data sharing as privacy groups warn the systems can track people across states. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Federal-state efforts charged multiple Ohio defendants in pandemic-era and other fraud schemes, including allegations tied to COVID relief and children’s health services. Economy & Cost of Living: A new look at grocery pricing challenges Trump’s claims of “affordable” food, pointing to broader price pressures. Local Business: American Airlines will temporarily suspend nonstop Cleveland-to-Los Angeles flights starting Aug. 5, citing fuel costs and network changes. Community & Health: UC researchers report integrated care for adults with developmental disabilities can cut emergency visits and hospital stays.

Ohio Politics: A voter photo ID constitutional amendment cleared the Ohio Senate and heads to the House, as supporters argue it strengthens election security and opponents warn it could add barriers. Ballot Watch: An initiative to abolish Ohio property taxes missed the November ballot after organizers fell short on signatures; backers say they’ll aim for a future election. Federal/State Health: A DOJ False Claims Act settlement targets an Ohio psychiatric hospital operator over alleged Medicare overpayments, with a 10-year federal exclusion. Medicaid Fraud Spotlight: A hearing transcript highlights claims that Ohio lacked the political will to confront Medicaid fraud, while lawmakers push tighter oversight. Data Centers & Taxes: Ohio’s data-center tax break fight continues, with lawmakers and residents focused on power, water, and local impacts. Business/Local: Columbiana officials seek extra funding to improve an R&L Carriers entrance after an expansion. Community & Safety: A Wayne County clerk helped a resident secure a truck title after nearly three years. Defense/Industry: DLA Troop Support held a Columbus symposium to answer industry questions and expand partnerships.

Medicaid Crackdown: Ohio and federal officials announced new fraud charges tied to more than $42 million, including alleged fake children’s behavioral health services and luxury-car seizures, as the state ramps up a federal-state partnership to share data and pursue assets. Data Center Pause: Gov. Mike DeWine directed the Ohio Tax Credit Authority to pause new data center tax exemption requests while lawmakers study the boom’s local impacts, as communities weigh electricity, water, and ratepayer concerns. Housing Help: Jefferson County Land Bank received $301,000 through Welcome Home Ohio to build three new homes, adding to the program’s push for safe, affordable housing. Local Government Fix: Jefferson County commissioners moved forward on advertising bids for a Justice Center chiller replacement, with work expected later this year. Community Business Impact: Sylvania’s Main Street continues to feel construction pain, with at least two downtown businesses announcing closures. Sports & Local Interest: A new Kroger Marketplace opens Friday in West Chester Township, and Ohio Valley Bank named its 2026 4-H scholarship recipients.

War Powers Clash in Congress: The U.S. House voted 215-208 to require President Trump to pull troops from hostilities with Iran, with four Republicans—including Ohio’s Warren Davidson—joining Democrats; Trump blasted the move as “unpatriotic” while lawmakers framed it as restoring Congress’s authority. Ohio Politics & Elections: A Fox News poll puts Democrat Amy Acton up 50%-49% over Vivek Ramaswamy, a statistical tie, even as prediction markets still lean GOP. Data Center Fight Spreads: Scioto Township in Jackson County is moving forward with zoning as residents push back against a proposed data center; elsewhere, Ohio lawmakers face growing public opposition over the cost and impacts of data centers. State Budget Watch: Ohio’s $3.7B capital improvements proposal cleared the Senate, with funding aimed at northwest Ohio projects including universities, parks, and community facilities. Consumer Protection: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost sued a Mahoning Valley contractor over alleged shoddy home-improvement work after down payments. Local Business: Youngstown council approved sewer work for a business park, and a Warren bookstore is opening with a focus on local self-published authors.

Iran War Powers: The U.S. House passed a war powers resolution to force President Trump to withdraw from the Iran conflict unless Congress approves further action, 215-208 with four Republicans joining Democrats—symbolic for now but a rare GOP rebuke. Ohio Elections: Ohio Senate advanced a plan to put a voter photo ID requirement into the state constitution for the November ballot, turning existing law into a constitutional question. Medicaid Scrutiny: A new task force held its first hearing on fraud risks in Ohio’s Medicaid waiver programs, focusing on home-care payments and oversight gaps. Workforce & Industry: Ohio announced $5M+ for 22 workforce partnerships, including manufacturing and skilled trades efforts. Local Public Safety: Bluffton police arrested a man accused of threatening motorists with a knife at a Circle K. Housing & Growth: Youngstown City Council debated paying for a study tied to SOBE’s downtown steam heat system as the utility faces financial trouble. Sports & Community: East Liverpool’s Maddox Roach heads to the state track meet with the top seed in the 1600.

PGA Tour in Dublin: The Memorial Tournament kicks off Thursday at Muirfield Village with tee times and betting odds spotlighting Scottie Scheffler’s bid to keep rolling. Congress & Ohio politics: Republicans won the redistricting fight, and now voters decide whether the new maps translate into more GOP seats in November. Local development: Mansfield City Council approved a development deal for a new Buc-ee’s on I-71 near Lucas Road, with an opening estimate of Q2 2028. Statehouse drama: Columbus blogger “The Rooster” (D.J. Byrnes) was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant tied to alleged harassing sexually explicit cartoon images sent to a state senator. Courts & property: Multiple Lucas County foreclosure and sheriff’s sale notices were filed, including online auctions in Toledo. Public safety & streets: Youngstown road restrictions were announced for a roof replacement at Stambaugh Auditorium and an emergency sewer repair. Health & research: A lab study suggests a common arthritis drug may reduce RSV in early testing. Business & jobs: AeroVironment plans a $15M Greene County expansion, adding assembly/testing space and about 200 jobs.

Ohio Data Centers: Ohio lawmakers and Gov. DeWine are still wrestling with the fallout from pausing or rolling back data center tax breaks after revenue forecasts missed by more than $1.5 billion, as residents raise concerns about power costs, water use, and local impacts. Local Government: Brook Park is one vote from approving a deal with Cleveland to end a long-running fight tied to the I-X Center area, including a cash buyout and land transfer. Courts & Accountability: Tuscarawas County Common Pleas sentenced former Uhrichsville mayor Mark Haney to 10 days in jail plus restitution and audit costs over improper reimbursements. Business & Jobs: U.S. job openings rose to 7.6 million in April, while hiring stayed cautious. Community & Health: Parkview is recruiting for a trial offering early access to a device aimed at preventing chemotherapy nerve damage. Sports & Culture: Northmor baseball is preparing for a regional title game after a semifinal rally, and a Big Boy steam locomotive tour is set to pass through Fort Wayne and parts of Ohio.

Ohio Budget Watch: Ohio lawmakers are set to review a $3.7 billion capital budget (SB 450) aimed at K-12 school building help, local infrastructure, behavioral health upgrades, prisons, and arts/cultural projects, with notable Columbus-area items including Ohio Historical Center renovations and OSU hall work. Statehouse Accountability: A special audit found former Brush Creek Township fiscal officer Beverly Eichenlaub mishandled township credit card payments and late tax/benefit remittances, triggering nearly $1,700 in findings for recovery. Courts & Rights: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled a man with a domestic-violence conviction can petition to restore gun rights under state law, even though federal limits still block possession until state relief is granted. Healthcare Deal: WVU Health signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System, with a late-September/early-October closing expected. Local Business & Community: A former Nelsonville clerk, Jessica Mount, was hit with a special audit finding tied to missing deposits and improper compensation, with restitution/audit costs totaling $11,306. Data Center Politics: DeWine paused Ohio’s tax exemption for new data center projects after forecasts of major revenue losses, while existing incentives remain in place.

NFL Trade: The Cleveland Browns traded two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Verse plus a haul of draft picks (a 2027 first, 2028 second, and 2029 third). Local Education & Safety: Educators across northwest Ohio took part in an emergency-services bootcamp covering self-defense, de-escalation, EMS, fire service, drones, and more. Ohio School District Cooperation: Girard approved a shared-services deal with Liberty to split a bus mechanic/bus driver role, aiming to save $10,000 to $20,000. Data Center Pushback: Hubbard moved to a 12-month moratorium on data centers after residents raised concerns, while Shalersville residents questioned a proposed data center plan at a community open house. State Politics: Opposition to Ohio SB 113 continues, with critics saying the bill is too vague and could chill DEI-related hiring and efforts in schools. Community & Housing: Youngstown city council will consider up to a $130,000 payment to study the long-term viability of SOBE Thermal Energy Systems, which provides downtown steam heat. Sports & Community: The Mahoning Valley Scrappers open their 2026 season tonight at home, with new changes rolling out for fans.

Ohio Health & Care: A new AARP Ohio study says caregivers for aging parents and other adults are “reaching a breaking point,” with most spending their own money and reporting heavy stress as lawmakers weigh Medicaid home-care reforms. State Courts & Elections: The Ohio Supreme Court upheld customer charges for operating older power plants, a reminder that utility policy is still headed for the courts. Data Centers in the Spotlight: Ohio lawmakers are beginning hearings on data centers’ impacts, as the state pauses or suspends a key tax break amid growing resistance and questions about costs. Public Safety & Local Budgets: Cincinnati is holding final hearings on a plan to eliminate a nearly $30 million deficit, including a hiring freeze and added funding for public safety. Crime Update: A Warren County grand jury indicted a man accused of firing shots into the Maineville Kroger, where two people were hit. Community & Education: Toledo will close Hiawatha Elementary as it opens the new Whitmer Middle School in August, reshaping enrollment and facilities. National Politics: Pelosi rejected two GOP picks for the Jan. 6 committee, and McCarthy pulled his remaining selections.

Data Centers in Ohio: Ohio lawmakers have started reviewing the impact of data centers statewide, with testimony focused on benefits, infrastructure strain, and local community effects as Gov. DeWine pauses future tax exemptions after exemptions reportedly topped $1 billion. School Finance Pressure: New data shows Ohio K-12 districts are under “tremendous” financial stress, with about 20% projecting negative cash balances by fiscal year 2029—the worst rate since the Great Recession. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Ohio is rolling out new Medicaid fraud prevention initiatives aimed at home health and hospice providers, including emergency enrollment enforcement rules for high-risk providers. Kennedy Center Ruling: A federal judge blocked key parts of Trump’s plan to rename and close the Kennedy Center, ordering Trump’s name removed from building and branding. Local Community Calendar: East Liverpool’s Carnegie library kicks off its Summer Reading Club registration today, and CCBDD approved a $2,500 sponsorship for an all-inclusive junior fair all-in livestock show.

Ohio Data Centers: Ohio lawmakers and opponents are gearing up for a June 1 statehouse hearing on data centers, with residents pushing for stronger requirements as AI-driven power demand and rate impacts spark fresh resistance. Statehouse Watch: Ohio schools are projected to hit negative cash balances by 2029 at the highest rate since the Great Recession, with districts already cutting staff and programs to plug gaps. Consumer & Community: A Dispatch investigation highlights how Ohio’s high-volume dog breeders are often cited for neglect, with many dogs ending up in rescues after sick or unsafe conditions. Public Health: Mercy Health released June mobile mammography dates across northeast Ohio, expanding access to 3D screening. Politics & Courts: A federal judge ordered Donald Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center, blocking planned closure/renaming. National Politics: Reports say Trump is privately questioning JD Vance’s readiness for 2028, including doubts about his performance and loyalty. Sports: Cavaliers rowing posted a fourth-place NCAA finish, their best showing in years.

Kennedy Center Fight: A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to remove President Donald Trump’s name and halted plans to close the arts venue for renovations, saying only Congress can change the institution’s name. Ohio Politics & Voting: Ohio lawmakers are pushing to put voter regulation changes into the state constitution, a move that could reshape election rules. Data Center Backlash: Ohio suspended a data center tax break as lawmakers and residents debate costs and impacts on power and budgets. Public Health & Work: The American Heart Association is backing Ohio’s paid leave bill as medical debt concerns grow after heart attacks and strokes. Construction Safety: Investigators are looking into what went wrong after a crane flipped into two Ohio homes, damaging structures and power lines. Local Housing Wins: Lorain County received a $902,000 grant to rehab or build nine homes through the Welcome Home Ohio program. Natural Resources: Sauger are being reintroduced to Ohio rivers and bays, aiming to boost fishing opportunities.