AGP Executive Report

Ohio Politics & Elections: A Trump-linked plan for $5,000 “dividend” checks if Republicans win midterms is drawing sharp pushback from lawmakers and economists, who question how it would be paid for and what it could do to inflation and the budget. Midterm Money: Trump and Elon Musk super PACs are ramping up spending, reserving tens of millions in TV ad time in key races, including Ohio. Local Campaign Fallout: Ohio Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign fired a top staffer after a Nazi-related social media profile photo surfaced. College Sports Policy: Sen. Ted Cruz promoted his Protect College Sports Act on ESPN’s College GameDay, but he was met with heavy boos from the crowd. Ohio Higher Ed: Ohio University is rolling out new faculty workshops and student learning resources, including AI-focused teaching sessions and a self-paced library tutorial course. Data Centers & AI Backlash: A Wells Fargo tracker says local data-center moratoriums have surged nationwide, with Ohio among the states seeing the most restrictions as communities push back over power, water, and costs.

Midterms & money promises: A new AP report says Donald Trump’s pitch to send Americans $5,000 checks if Republicans win is getting pushback from lawmakers and economists, with concerns about inflation and how it would be paid for. Ohio politics & local impacts: Data-center buildouts are heating up as an election issue, with a Wells Fargo tracker showing local moratoriums jumping to 374 nationwide—Ohio is named among the states seeing the most restrictions. Defense & aerospace: The Air Force Research Laboratory awarded BlueHalo a contract worth up to nearly $100M for orbital combat-related research, and Boeing received a $13.4B Air Force contract modification tied to foreign military sales. Local Ohio community notes: Westerville marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at First Responders Park with a World Trade Center steel memorial; Wauseon discussed a levy renewal that would keep school funding stable; and Mahoning County commissioners backed an expansion of the Mahoning River Water Trail. Education in Ohio: Ohio University announced multiple fall workshops and a new library tutorial course, including AI literacy training for students.

Trump “Dividend” Checks: President Trump is again floating $5,000 payments to Americans if Republicans win in November, but members of Congress and economists are pushing back over legality, cost, and inflation risk. Ohio Higher Ed Updates: Ohio University is rolling out new faculty workshops and library training, including AI literacy and grants “101” sessions, as it leans into its “Dynamic Strategy.” OSU-Texas Ticket Prices: One day before kickoff, resale prices for Ohio State vs. Texas remain steep, with lowest listings still in the hundreds. Ohio Education Outcomes: A new NCES snapshot shows Ohio’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic or Latino students is 54.4% for the 2018 entering cohort. Agriculture & Competition: Farmers told USDA officials that fertilizer prices feel out of control, with concerns about competition and transparency. Sports Business: Browns pass-rusher Jared Verse is focused on a 1-0 start as Cleveland opens the season, while OSU’s Week 2 slate keeps national attention on Ohio football.

Ohio Higher Ed & Governance: Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez laid out plans for the school in her State of the University address, while Ohio’s broader higher-ed debate continues after an overhaul that critics say is reshaping tenure, DEI, and course oversight. Workforce & Career Pathways: Gov. Mike DeWine announced Ohio will receive $50 million in federal Talent Search funding to put advisors in middle and high schools and help low-income students map college and career options. Health Care Relief: Trump says nearly 1 million Americans will get $500 ACA refund checks starting in October, as the proposal faces skepticism over cost and timing. Politics & Money: Trump’s promised $5,000 “dividend” for adults if Republicans keep Congress is drawing legal and budget questions, with GOP leaders and critics trading barbs. Local Development: Fairborn’s Skyway Plaza site-readiness work is set to begin soon, aiming to attract defense-related tenants. Cancer Support: Ohio launched a pediatric complex care navigation program to help families of children with cancer find resources faster. Environment: Ohio EPA awarded nine $5,000 scholarships to future environmental leaders across the state. Free Speech Rankings: Ohio State, Kent State, Oberlin, and the University of Dayton received failing grades in FIRE’s latest campus free speech rankings. Sports (Ohio): Ohio football hosts Jacksonville State Saturday, with the home opener framed around keeping a strong Peden Stadium streak going.

Ohio Higher Ed Funding: Ohio University is inviting faculty and staff to learn about its 1804 Institutional Impact Challenge, with two Sept. info sessions and up to $15,000 awards (deadline Oct. 2). Lake Erie Naming Fight: A Pennsylvania Republican is pushing a House resolution to rename Lake Erie as “Lake Pennsylvania,” arguing it better reflects where anglers and visitors come from, including Ohio. Trade Tensions: The U.S.-Canada tariff war escalated with U.S. import bans on Canadian goods, including a broad alcohol crackdown starting Sept. 29. Local Infrastructure: Conneaut Harbor dredging wrapped up Sept. 10, finishing about a third faster than planned to keep Lake Erie shipping moving. Public Safety & Health: CDC data shows overdose deaths are down, with naloxone access and harm-reduction supplies cited as key drivers. Politics & Money Promises: Trump’s $5,000 “dividend” pledge is drawing GOP split and legal questions, while he also announced $500 ACA rebate checks for about 1 million people. Business: GE Aerospace agreed to buy Cleveland-area castings supplier CPP for about $11.75B, aiming to expand engine-part capacity.

Politics & Economy: President Trump promised a “Trump Dividend” of $5,000 to every U.S. adult if Republicans keep the House and Senate, a plan that would likely cost more than $1 trillion and still needs Congress—VP JD Vance quickly tried to soften the pitch, suggesting tariffs could help pay for it. Ohio Transportation & Privacy: Bipartisan Ohio lawmakers urged the state to halt and revoke Flock automated license plate reader permits, arguing public roads shouldn’t become private surveillance. Local Courts: Ohio Open Doors is set to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at the Hamilton County Courthouse with tours and talks featuring judges and county officials. Defense & Ohio Industry: The U.S. Air Force awarded $149M for bunker-busting bomb warhead case production, including Ohio-based Superior Forge and Steel and Cincinnati’s Faxon Machining. Public Safety: An Ohio State study says more than half of child injuries in crashes involved improper restraint or no restraint at all. Business/Tech: Sen. Bernie Moreno says he’ll push federal legislation to claw back state and local tax incentives for data centers. Community: The final “Second Saturday” of the year runs 5–9 p.m. this weekend at the Weirton Event Center with local vendors and live music.

Education Funding: Ohio is set to receive a $50 million federal Talent Search grant to place advisors in middle and high schools and support 20,000 low-income, first-generation students over five years. Local Economy & Housing: Orange Village is weighing a plan to redirect some new property-tax revenue from a townhome development into a village-controlled fund, a move that could affect Cuyahoga County’s tax base. Tech & Research: Ohio State is partnering with Google to create on-campus space at the university’s Innovation District, giving students access to DeepMind tools and a research ambassador internship. Energy & Industry: Pierce Township is facing a proposed 300-megawatt data center plan despite a moratorium through early 2027. Public Safety: A Loudonville dog breeder accused of cruelty and sexual conduct with animals appeared in Ashland Municipal Court; bond was set at $25,000 and he was ordered to have no contact with animals. Health & Workforce: Miami University opened a CedarTech location in Cleveland to expand its Urban Bridges initiative and classroom space for students and partners.

Rural Health: Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health announced $3.15 million in Rural Health Transformation Program awards to boost pharmacy connectivity in rural Ohio, with the Ohio Pharmacists Association getting $2 million and the state Board of Pharmacy receiving $1.15 million. Justice Funding: The Ohio State Bar Foundation approved $375,000 in grants to 12 Ohio nonprofits through its Racial Justice Initiative, backing projects aimed at challenging systemic racism and improving access to justice. Trade War Hits Ohio Businesses: The U.S. escalated its dispute with Canada with new import bans and tariffs, including restrictions on Canadian alcohol, motorcycles, and dairy products—measures that take effect later this month and could ripple through regional supply chains. Campus Speech: Four Ohio colleges and universities received failing grades in the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s latest free speech rankings, reflecting student concerns about discussing major political issues on campus. Ohio Politics & Safety: The Amy Acton gubernatorial campaign remains in the spotlight after an armed incident at the Canfield Fair, with law enforcement holding a suspect and officials urging calm as the race heads into the final stretch. Public Records: The Ohio Auditor’s office listed upcoming audit releases for Sept. 10, covering multiple local governments and public entities.

Ohio Education & Jobs: Bowling Green State University’s Wood County reported a 46.9% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic/Latino students (2018 cohort), with 69 of 147 earning degrees by 2024. Local Community & Housing: Rogers opened $13 million Olive Street Apartments, a 60-unit attainable housing project with Huntington financing and Walton Family Foundation support. Politics & Safety: A Supreme Court fight over TV election ad rules is heating up, while Ohio’s campaign season also faces renewed scrutiny after an armed incident involving gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton. Midterms & Messaging: Republicans are leaning harder into culture-and-security themes, including Islam as a campaign issue, as control of Congress tightens. Business & Growth: Huntington named Brant Standridge president, and Black Tech Week selected Columbus as its 2027 host city. Health & Policy: A new study finds warning labels on social media can reduce teen use, landing after Meta’s $18B settlement. Sports (Ohio): Week 1 AP poll reaction keeps Ohio State’s Texas trip front and center.

Ohio Politics & Safety: Dr. Amy Acton’s campaign is back on the trail after an armed man allegedly lunged at her at the Canfield Fair, injuring multiple people; officials and candidates across Ohio condemned the violence as police made arrests and investigated. Midterm Stakes: With Labor Day events underway, Ohio’s Senate and governor races are framed as key battlegrounds, while national coverage points to Trump’s sagging popularity as a risk for Republicans heading into November. Trade & Costs: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods—hitting steel, dairy, appliances and more—are set to pressure Ohio and other Rust Belt states tied to Canada trade, even as the U.S.-Venezuela oil deal is unlikely to move gas prices soon. Healthcare Access: Gov. Mike DeWine and ODH launched a pediatric complex care navigation program to give families a single point of contact after a child is diagnosed with cancer. Agriculture Watch: Ohio State researchers urge soybean growers to scout for red crown rot as they work to determine how widely the disease has spread since the first confirmed case. Local Life & Community: Ohio University’s Voinovich School is rolling out free resilience learning sessions for older adults, and Ohio’s voter registration push continues with deadlines ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Sports (Big Ten): Week 1 power rankings keep Ohio State near the top as the Buckeyes prepare for Texas.

Ohio Politics: Ohio’s governor race stays in the spotlight after an armed man, Patrick M. Havas, was arrested for allegedly lunging toward Democratic nominee Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair; Acton was not hurt, but people were knocked down, and Havas faces assault and disorderly conduct charges. Campaign Trail: Acton later used her medical training again at Cleveland’s Labor Day parade, helping two people during separate emergencies. Senate Watch: A Nate Silver forecast says Democrats could be ahead in Ohio and in 9 of 12 competitive Senate races, raising pressure on Republicans heading into November. Fraud Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Lebanon tied for 56th in Ohio for July scam reports, and Grove City tied for 18th with six reports. Education Equity: New federal figures highlight Ohio’s ongoing bachelor’s completion gaps, including 37.1% for Black students statewide (2018 cohort through 2024). Tech & Power: Data centers remain a political flashpoint as candidates respond to voter concerns about electricity, water, and land use.

Political Violence in Ohio: An armed man, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, lunged toward Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair in Mahoning County, knocking down attendees and injuring several people; Acton was unharmed and stayed to help an injured bystander before the suspect was arrested with weapons including two handguns and brass knuckles. State Policy & Identity: Ohio’s BMV will no longer accept the Declaration of Gender Change form to update the gender marker on a driver’s license, pushing people toward amended birth certificates and adding delays and legal uncertainty. Courts & Local Government: Common Pleas civil filings were received Sept. 4, including multiple debt and negligence-related cases. Back-to-School Safety: Ohio education and commerce officials are urging families to talk about alcohol, cannabis, and financial habits as students head back to campus. Ohio Business/Tech: A report highlights “AI slop” storefront food images that can mislead customers, with Ohio University experts weighing in. Sports (Ohio angle): Ryan Day said he held back star receiver Jeremiah Smith in Ohio State’s opener to keep him fresh for next week’s Texas showdown.

Ohio Courts: A Perrysburg man accused of pandering sexually oriented material, Louis Bauer, 74, was found competent to stand trial in Wood County after a court-ordered evaluation. GOP Politics: House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain said she’s backing Rep. Max Miller’s reelection “with an R behind their name,” despite abuse allegations and calls from other Republicans to step aside. Midterms & Money: Republicans are ramping up for the Senate fight as GOP-held seats once seen as safe are now “toss-ups or lean Democratic,” while a Trump-aligned group is reported to be pouring $10 million into the Texas Senate race. National Security & Energy: The U.S.-Iran conflict remains unresolved, with reporting that troop deployments could extend into 2027, while gas prices stay elevated heading into Labor Day. Ohio Voters & Fraud: Ohioans are urged to check registration ahead of National Voter Registration Day (Sept. 15), and BBB Scam Tracker data shows Columbus and other Ohio cities continue to see scam reports. Local Economy/Community: Wood County Park District is drafting a 2028-2037 plan, weighing renewal of its 1-mill levy with a proposed increase.

Ohio Politics & Courts: Ohio Attorney General sued the J. Peterman Company, alleging it repeatedly denied refunds to customers tied to the “Seinfeld” catalog brand. Elections & Campaigns: Republicans are spotlighting battleground Senate races at their first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, with Ohio’s candidate list included as some warn the event could backfire. AI & Data Centers: New reporting says Trump’s pro–AI data center stance is creating political risk for Republicans as voters largely oppose nearby facilities, and GOP strategists worry about the public-opinion fight. Health & Research: OSU researchers say blocking a protein called SET could weaken glioblastoma defenses and make tumors more vulnerable to existing treatments like radiation. Mental Health: A new specialized outpatient suicide-care clinic opened in Burlington, Vermont, expanding access to targeted therapies. Local Services: LifeCare Alliance took over a Meals on Wheels contract for several Dayton-area counties, aiming to keep meal delivery steady after a provider closed. Road Safety: Ohio State Highway Patrol is ramping up Labor Day enforcement to reduce deadly crashes and protect roadside workers. Sports (Ohio): Ohio State routed Ball State 56-3 in Week 1, then turns to a road trip to Texas.

Labor Day Safety: Ohio State Highway Patrol is stepping up road presence this Labor Day weekend after last year’s reporting period saw 27 deaths in 23 crashes, with 17 involving impaired drivers—officials also warn about risks to tow and roadside crews working near traffic. Local Health Access: Mercy Health’s mobile mammography unit is scheduled for Perrysburg (Sept. 14 and 21) and Rossford (Sept. 29), offering 3D screenings for women 40+ by appointment. Community Response: More than 100 people joined a peace walk in Springfield honoring Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian immigrant who died by suicide earlier this week. Education Outcomes: New federal data highlights wide gaps in bachelor’s degree completion rates across Ohio counties and student groups, including very low rates for some Black students in Stark County and Hispanic students in Licking County. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Ohio cities including Columbus and Piqua seeing online purchase scams and reported losses, underscoring ongoing fraud risk. Courts/Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court revived a policy allowing party committees access to cheaper TV and radio ad rates ahead of the midterms.

Mental Health Access: Vermont opened the Asha Clinic, a specialized outpatient program focused exclusively on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to connect patients with proven therapies. Ohio Public Safety & Local Government: Ohio mayors are pushing a “Core Cities” plan for more state dollars, including a public safety fund to cover part of local police and fire payrolls. Courts & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court revived GOP access to discounted TV and radio ad rates ahead of November, a potential boost for Republican committees. Trade & Costs: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. products are set to take effect Tuesday, with analysts saying the package is broader than the U.S. measures it answers. Ohio Business/Industry: JSW Steel reported August crude steel production up 3% year over year, while its Ohio output fell 11%. Community & Health: A Toledo family says a private learning center moved classes to a home basement without a refund, raising questions for parents. Sports (Ohio): Ohio State opens Week 1 hosting Ball State, with quarterback Julian Sayin and key offensive pieces returning.