AGP Executive Report

Midterms & Healthcare Costs: New polling shows Ohioans are feeling squeezed by healthcare prices ahead of November, with majorities reporting affordability burdens and delaying care, and voters pushing for action on drug costs, care-related fees, and more primary care. Heat & Safety: A heat advisory is in effect across Northeast Ohio, with temps near 90 and dangerous humidity; cities are opening cooling centers with extended hours in Cleveland and options in Canton and other areas. Immigration, TPS & Tragedy in Springfield: The death of 20-year-old Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel has reignited debate over Temporary Protected Status and ICE monitoring, as family members blame deportation fears and supporters say he faced bullying and “shame and humiliation.” Local Government & Schools: West Geauga Schools warns new property tax rules could cut millions over five years while it weighs renewing local levies. Education Transportation: Lakota Local Schools reinstated bus service for students at four private schools after parent pushback, citing increased ridership. Business/Deals: Thoma Bravo is reportedly exploring a $2B-plus sale of Strongsville-based Foundation Software. Community & Planning: Athens residents say road and sidewalk repair planning isn’t fully accounting for pedestrian needs in a “walking majority” city.

Homeschooling in Ohio: The state has removed most oversight for homeschooling, including instructor diploma and academic assessment requirements, and advocates say the change cut paperwork; the number of homeschooled students rose about 15% in 2024-2025. Food insecurity: A new Ohio Hunger Study finds more than half of food pantry households had to skip meals in the past year, and many people with chronic illness or disability reported choosing between medicine and food. Data centers and politics: Trump is pushing back hard on local opposition to AI data centers, calling critics “backwards and poor,” as Ohio and other states tighten rules to sort out which projects are real and fundable. Lake Erie health research: University of Toledo researchers are studying how harmful algae bloom toxins may become airborne and affect people’s lungs. Local public safety: An Ohio man accused of hammering windows at Vice President J.D. Vance’s Cincinnati home pleaded guilty in federal court. Community calendar: Weekend listings include Oktoberfest and other festivals across southwest Ohio.

Business & Jobs: Root Insurance and Carvana are extending their embedded insurance deal through at least August 2028, with the partnership topping 200,000 policies sold. Health Care: Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new Ohio Pediatric Complex Care and Navigation Program after the story of Jayden Zurlinden, aiming to help families find pediatric cancer treatment faster. Immigration & Safety: DeWine called the death of Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel near Springfield a “horrible, horrible tragedy” after his Temporary Protected Status was revoked and he was fitted with an ankle monitor. Politics & Ads: A report highlights how political commercials are handled by broadcasters like WCPO 9 as spending ramps up for Ohio’s competitive races. Local Courts: A man accused of smashing windows at JD Vance’s Cincinnati home pleaded guilty and faces sentencing. Economy & Housing: Keller Williams culture leader Dana Gentry was named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard. Workforce & Industry: Prasco acquired a 130,000+ sq.-ft. pharmaceutical distribution site in Carey, adding cold-chain and automation capacity. Community & Culture: Ohio State Mansfield set its theatre season lineup and auditions for the fall.

Higher Ed Policy: Ohio University professors are raising concerns about new Senate Bill 1 requirements, including mandatory posting of course syllabi with instructor credentials and course calendars, saying it could create a culture of fear. Lake Erie Health: UT and partners are studying whether harmful Lake Erie algae toxins can become airborne, aiming to predict when blooms pose lung risks. Tech + Power Politics: A new look at data-center growth ties the fight to grid strain and national defense priorities, with Ohio lawmakers and voters increasingly split on the issue. OSU China Research Settlement: Ohio State agreed to pay $2.1 million after federal allegations it failed to disclose China ties on NASA/NSF grant applications. Local Economy + Jobs: DeWine and partners approved 13 projects statewide totaling $1.1B+ in investments and thousands of jobs. Schools Budget Pressure: Wauseon schools forecast a potential deficit tied to revenue shifts, including income tax changes. Public Safety + Privacy: Ohio lawmakers are drafting bills to regulate Flock license-plate cameras and limit data sharing and retention. Health Access: MetroHealth opened a 24/7 drive-thru pharmacy as more Ohio pharmacies close.

Water & Environment: Clermont County says it’s ready to sue to force cleanup of toxic coal ash at the former Beckjord plant, warning the unlined ash ponds sit in the Ohio River floodplain near drinking-water wells. Workforce & Training: JobsOhio is launching a JobsOhio Technician Path, offering up to $10,000 per worker to help employers train technicians via apprenticeships or degree programs. Tech & Finance: Nvidia bought $3.5B in MediaTek convertible bonds tied to AI data-center infrastructure, drawing “circular” concerns from investors. Higher Ed Accountability: DOJ says Ohio State failed to disclose researchers’ China funding tied to NASA/NSF grants and reached a $2.1M settlement. Trade & Agriculture: Ohio farmers push back on Trump’s tariff moves, including a 90-day expansion for lower-tariff imported beef, warning it could depress cattle prices. Politics & Trust: A new poll finds 55% of Americans think politicians claiming to help the working class are mainly trying to win votes. Local Tech Governance: Lebanon’s mayor is questioning Flock license-plate reader software controls and safeguards. Infrastructure Planning: Paulding County discussed options for improving the U.S. 24 and County Road 143 intersection as traffic grows.

Data Centers & Local Politics: Chillicothe is moving to slow the spread of new data centers, with city council passing a 60-day moratorium after residents raised concerns and officials said they were caught off guard by the plans. Rural Health & Pharmacy Access: Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health announced $3.15 million in Rural Health Transformation awards to expand pharmacy connectivity and close gaps in rural care. Workforce Training: Ohio’s TechCred program released updated guidelines ahead of its Oct. 1, 2026 application round, aiming to help employers fund technology-focused credentials for workers. Lake Erie Water Quality: The Ohio Lake Erie Commission will host an in-person workshop Sept. 3 on the next phase of Ohio’s Domestic Action Plan to cut nutrient pollution and tackle harmful algal blooms. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Pioneer tied for 141st in Ohio for July scam reports, with one reported online purchase loss. Courts & Filings: Common Pleas civil case filings were received Aug. 28, including multiple debt-collection actions. Business Moves: Spark Dealer Group announced plans to acquire Louisville Outdoor Turf Products, expanding into the Ohio Valley. Medicaid Spending: A West Carrollton analysis found Medicaid “Surgery” billing jumped sharply in 2024, highlighting local spending shifts.

Scam Watch (BBB): Ashley landed in the bottom tier of Ohio cities for July BBB Scam Tracker reports, tied for 141st with 1 report; the BBB says reported losses nationwide hit $12.5B in 2024, up 25%. Local Crime: Westlake police say a Bay Village nurse’s aide used an 86-year-old blind sister’s credit card after claiming power of attorney, making five ATM withdrawals totaling $2,500; she faces felony theft and misuse charges. Rural Health (Medicaid/Pharmacy): The Ohio Pharmacists Association won a $2M grant to expand rural pharmacy connectivity by linking independent pharmacies and clinics to a health information exchange across Ohio’s 73 rural counties. Healthcare Spending (Medicaid): In 2024, London Medicaid providers billed $30 for “Temporary Codes” services, while Conneaut’s “Surgery” category jumped to $4,258. Global Aid (NE Ohio): NEOMED professor Bernhard Fassl is mobilizing help for Nepal flood recovery after a deadly Aug. 26 disaster. Policy/Politics (Data centers): A growing backlash to data centers—noise, water use, and power demand—is showing up in national politics, including on Ohio’s Senate grid. Public Safety (Business): Sweet T’s Cafe in Perry Township is set to reopen after a vehicle crashed into its building; no injuries were reported.

Supreme Court Fight: An Ohio engineer, John Ream, is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a decades-old federal ban on home distilling—after lower courts split, leaving the rule unevenly enforced. Hunting Season: Ohio’s fall opener is nearly here: squirrel and mourning dove seasons start Sept. 1, with reminders about rules like hunting distance and supervision. Local Business: Sweet T’s Cafe in Perry Township plans to reopen Tuesday after a vehicle crashed into the front of the building; no injuries were reported. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Ohio cities continue to rack up reports—Columbus ranks near the top statewide, and multiple cities tied for mid-level rankings in July. State Politics/Economy: Ohio’s governor race is heating up, with candidates trading sharp claims as voters focus on issues like literacy and cost-of-living. Education: A new push highlights Ohio’s struggling reading scores, arguing the next governor must act fast to improve literacy. Wildlife/Food Aid: Ohio plans to use refrigerated deer trailers during hunting season to collect donated venison and help address food insecurity. Tech/Power Backlash: Data centers are fueling political fights over electricity costs and local impacts, with Ohio on the list of states feeling the pressure.

Ohio Politics & Campaigns: Rep. Jim Jordan used fresh social posts to hammer Democrats on crime and taxes while spotlighting local firefighter swearing-ins in Mansfield. Governor Race: The fight between Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy is getting sharper as both sides try to define each other for voters. Public Safety & Scams: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Twinsburg among 57 Ohio cities tied for 84th in July, with debt-collection scams leading; Franklin also logged three scam reports and reported losses totaling about $25,252. Education: Ohio’s literacy push is back in focus as the state grapples with large numbers of students falling short of reading proficiency. State Policy & Local Control: A petition drive in Avon Lake seeks voter approval on tax breaks and rezoning tied to the former power plant site. Economy & Trade: Ohio builders say Trump’s Canada trade war is adding costs and uncertainty, pushing projects on hold. Space & Research: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch Sunday, with Ohio State students and faculty helping shape its surveys. Community & Libraries: Medina County District Library announced fall history and genealogy programs, including in-person events through November. Consumer Watch: Buc-ee’s is facing backlash over a beaver-logo trademark fight with Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek. Sports & Tech Politics: A clash over prediction markets is heating up, with states and companies like Kalshi drawing into a furious legal battle.

Trade & Jobs: A U.S.-Canada tariff fight over steel, aluminum and possibly vehicles is raising uncertainty for Ohio’s auto supply chain, with warnings of higher car prices, plant shakeups and job losses as governments trade retaliatory moves. Courts & Markets: Kalshi’s bid to stop Nevada from enforcing state rules on its sports event contracts was rejected by a federal appeals panel, sending the dispute back to district court. Housing Pressure: Foreclosure filings rose in July—up 10% from a year earlier—signaling continued financial strain even as overall levels stay low by historical standards. Environment & Accountability: Vice President JD Vance is urging the EPA watchdog to investigate the Biden administration’s response to the 2023 East Palestine derailment, after residents raised concerns about health impacts and transparency. Community & Agriculture: The Fulton County Fair is joining “Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer” to boost food bank donations, while OSU Extension and the Ohio AgriBusiness Association plan an Agronomy College for Sept. 9 at the Molly Caren Ag Center. Local Giving: The Do it Best Foundation approved $144,000+ in grants to 21 nonprofits, including Ohio groups.

Data Center Tax Breaks: Ohio and local governments have handed out billions in tax breaks for massive data centers tied to Amazon, Google and Meta deals from the 2010s, with residents pushing back as projects expand and energy needs rise. Local Crime & Courts: A Westlake nursing home aide was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $2,000 from an 86-year-old resident, using ATM withdrawals tied to her shift. Immigration Enforcement: ICE announced new arrests nationwide, including a case involving a Franklin County Ohio kidnapping and rape conviction. Schools & Budgets: Barberton City Schools asked the state for fiscal emergency oversight after forecasts warned it could run out of money by year’s end; Napoleon Area City Schools approved a capital plan for pool, concourse and admin renovations. Public Health: Ohio health officials warned of a measles outbreak affecting Tuscarawas County, with cases tied to unvaccinated residents. Community & Business: Struthers opened a new riverfront park and highlighted growth at RC Outsourcing; Armstrong in North Lima kicked off its “Avenge Hunger” food and pet-supply drive. Sports & Entertainment: NFL owners approved the Seahawks sale and new safety rules, while VOA Country Music Festival announced a move to the Butler County Fairgrounds for 2027.

Trade & Prices: Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, parts and steel are already hitting shelves and factories, with Canada retaliating dollar-for-dollar starting Sept. 8—raising the stakes for Ohio’s auto supply chain and consumer costs. Local Politics & Speech: Ohio Sen. Bill DeMora chalked “Welcome back students! Go Bucks!” on OSU’s campus to challenge the university’s chalking ban, arguing it’s unconstitutional and drawing a First Amendment fight. Data Centers Backlash: Republicans are trying to neutralize voter anger over data centers, but Trump keeps backing the industry—turning the issue into a midterm campaign test that could shape Ohio’s politics. AI & Business: Nvidia’s earnings confirm booming AI chip demand, with CEO guidance pointing to big data-center growth, even as investors worry about concentration and financing risks. Education & Admissions: FairTest says only 161 colleges require test scores for 2026–27, while most are test optional or test free—despite Ivy League moves. Ohio Child Care: Ohio DCY is partnering with Wonderschool to recruit and mentor family child care providers, aiming to expand access statewide. Ohio Higher Ed Tech: Denison was named an AI25 honoree, and OSU launched its first AI design course, signaling more AI-focused training in Ohio classrooms.

Medicaid Eligibility Scrutiny: Ohio Auditor Keith Faber says a public interest audit found Medicaid is lagging on verifying citizenship or legal residency, with 10% of sampled recipients unable to have status confirmed—prompting concerns about taxpayer losses and compliance as new federal rules take effect. Political Ad Backlash: The family of three killed in an I-71 crash is asking Jon Husted’s Senate campaign to pull an ad using their photo, calling it disrespectful and saying the crash video is replayed during ad breaks. Homelessness Safety: Room at the Inn in Marquette, Mich. issued a response after a serious assault outside its warming center, stressing the victim was a guest and highlighting how often people experiencing homelessness face violence. Data Center Fight Hits Ohio: Clermont County Commissioner David Painter was tapped to chair an EPA advisory committee on AI and data center siting, as Kentucky moves to roll back data center tax incentives amid revenue and backlash concerns. Local Health Access: A free dental clinic tied to Choffin’s dental assisting program in Youngstown closed after the program paused due to low enrollment. Community & Business Notes: DigitalC won three national broadband awards in Cleveland; Wigal Hardware will donate 5% of sales to the Belpre Library in Dolly Parton’s honor; and a new Sheetz opened in Mansfield with local giveaways.

Energy & Power: Hull Street Energy bought two PJM peaking plants—Lee County (677MW) in Illinois and Tait Electric (586MW) in Ohio—adding 1.26GW of dispatchable capacity to its Milepost Power platform. Politics & Ohio Economy: A new fight is brewing in the Ohio Senate race over data centers, with Democrats portraying Jon Husted as the “face” of Ohio’s data-center boom and Republicans scrambling over the fallout. Health & Research: Ohio State researchers report tomato-soy juice lowered inflammation markers in healthy adults with obesity, with follow-up funding for a pancreatitis pilot trial. Local Housing: Jefferson County Land Bank broke ground on another “Welcome Home Ohio” house in Steubenville as sales and offers build for multiple properties. Education Policy: Ohio’s statewide cell phone restriction is now entering its first full school year, with districts setting storage and consequences. Business/Tech: Nvidia posted $59.7B GAAP net income and $96.2B revenue for the quarter, with a big AI-driven outlook. Civic/Community: Geauga Theater will close Friday as the city seeks a new operator, while Gates Mills debates its land conservation levy and votes to move it toward the ballot.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Ohio is set to receive $319 million as Meta agrees to pay up to $17.1 billion across states and roll out major Instagram/Facebook changes for users under 18, including tighter daily limits, nighttime blocks, and limits on harmful content. Canada Tariffs and Ohio Stakes: Canada says its retaliatory tariffs are meant to pressure key U.S. states, with economists warning the hit could land hard in the Midwest and Northeast—right as Trump escalates 50% auto-related tariffs tied to the 2027 start date. Kennedy Center Fight: The Trump Justice Department argues the Washington Kennedy Center could face demolition unless major renovations happen, while board actions push to recognize Trump’s name. Ohio Community Growth: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton bought a Miamisburg property for $2.15 million to open a new ReStore, expanding local home-repair and homeownership support. Cybersecurity Crackdown: Federal agents shut down China-linked hacking tools used against U.S. targets, including DOJ and NASA. Local Education Pathway: Wilberforce University signed MacAir Aviation to train students in its new aviation program, pending final approvals. Sports/Local Interest: Wilberforce’s aviation push and Ohio’s Meta settlement are paired with national sports headlines, including the Jed York prostitution sting fallout.

Ohio Election Watch: Thousands of Ohio voters are getting registration and absentee ballot forms in the mail from D.C.-based groups, and election officials say to double-check before sending anything back. Public Safety & Aging: The Ohio Department of Aging is warning older residents about post-storm home repair scams, including door-to-door contractors pushing quick deals or insurance checks. Local Government Finance: Changes to Ohio’s Public Library Fund are starting to hit local budgets, with Rocky River Public Library among systems worried about planning when funding is no longer tied to state revenue growth. Community & Education: Westlake’s Alumni Hall of Fame class of 2026 will be inducted Oct. 1, honoring graduates and educators. Business & Jobs: Kraft Heinz is investing $30 million in its Kendallville plant, with a 10-year tax abatement aimed at retaining 338 jobs. Courts & Immigration: The U.S. Justice Department sued Franklin County Municipal Court over a local rule limiting immigration arrests near courthouses. Sports: The SEC is tightening rules on athletes returning to college after going pro.