AGP Executive Report

Midterm Watch: Early voting is underway in Ohio, where voters will decide close statewide races and Issue 3, a proposed constitutional photo-ID requirement. Secretary of State Frank LaRose has also launched an initiative recognizing first-time voters. Campaign Trail: Vice President JD Vance rallied Republicans in Lima as Ohio’s Senate and governor races draw national attention. Business: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in central Ohio. Courts and Safety: Ohio University faces a federal lawsuit from an employee who alleges it failed to address sexual-harassment complaints. A Dayton-area motorcyclist died Friday after a collision in Riverside, state patrol says. Sports: The Blue Jackets beat the Penguins 3-2 in a shootout, with Kent Johnson scoring the winner.

Midterm Campaign: Vice President JD Vance voted early in Hamilton County before speaking at a Republican rally in Lima, as Ohio’s closely watched governor and Senate races heat up. College Fraud: Three people were indicted over an alleged $20 million scheme involving federal student aid at now-closed Eastern Gateway Community College in the Mahoning Valley. Business Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in central Ohio. Public Safety: Explosions at an Ohio factory left two people missing; separately, the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced the death of an off-duty trooper in a crash. Health: Medina County reported one confirmed and one probable measles case, as Ohio’s 2026 total reached 228 across 21 counties. Fall Outdoors: Most of the state’s foliage is changing, with areas near Newark and Lancaster approaching peak color.

Factory Blast: Explosions tore through an Ohio factory, with two people reported missing. Election-year Pressures: Ohio farmers say diesel costs have jumped more than 67% since February and some fertilizer prices have doubled, adding to voter frustration as key midterm races tighten. Data centers are also emerging as a flashpoint in local campaigns. Business: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical plant in New Albany, expected to create 600 jobs. Public Health: Northeast Ohio measles cases are outpacing last year’s count, and officials confirmed a case in Pike County. Schools: Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School in Oregon will close in December, citing low enrollment and financial strain; parents say the announcement blindsided them. Consumer Protection: Ohio’s criminal investigators returned $15,300 to an Allen County woman who lost money in a crypto ATM scam, part of hundreds of cases involving millions in reported losses.

Eastern Gateway Case: Three people, including the former president of the now-defunct college, were indicted in an alleged scheme to steal about $20 million in public and student-aid funds. Ohio’s Midterms: Early voting is underway in closely watched statewide races, with living costs and data-center development emerging as campaign issues. Jobs and Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical plant in central Ohio, while a truck plant closure has left 1,341 workers jobless. Akron Sewer Costs: Akron and the EPA reached an agreement that could avert a proposed $300 million treatment facility. Housing: Columbus has just over 6,000 active home listings—well below what one local real-estate agent considers a normal supply. Buckeyes: Ohio State hosts Maryland on Saturday before a demanding run of games against ranked opponents.

Midterm Economy: Early voting is underway in Ohio, where close governor and U.S. Senate races are unfolding amid voter concerns about gas, health care and utility costs. A 90-day gas-tax holiday runs through Jan. 2; critics say the $725 million measure offers only temporary relief. Jobs & Energy: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical plant in Ohio, while proposed data centers are dividing communities over jobs, electricity costs and pollution. Safety & Accountability: State lawmakers introduced a bill to set statewide e-bike rules, including age limits, helmets and registration. Separately, 18 Medicaid providers were indicted over alleged fraud totaling more than $355,000. Schools: Ohio won a federal grant worth $9 million over three years for student career exploration, as Ohio University students report leaks and flooding in campus buildings after heavy rains.

Election 2026: Early voting is underway across Ohio, where the governor’s race and U.S. Senate contest are close. Voters have pointed to inflation and the cost of living as key concerns. Manufacturing: Bayer plans to invest $2.2 billion in a new Ohio pharmaceutical manufacturing site, a major addition to the state’s health-care industry. Nuclear Energy: The U.S. Energy Department announced up to $4.2 billion in financing for nuclear plant upgrades in Ohio and Pennsylvania, including work at Perry Nuclear Power Plant. Family Rights: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that a parent must be found unsuitable before grandparents can receive custody, reversing a decision involving a Summit County family. Local Funding: Fulton County commissioners voted to redirect $664,106 in state funding to municipalities and townships for fiscal 2027.

Gas Tax Holiday: Ohio’s 90-day gas tax suspension that began Oct. 4 is already pulling in out-of-state drivers, with Pennsylvania motorists boosting sales at a Conneaut Shell station as prices drop. Domestic Violence Awareness: Ohio University is marking October with events aimed at helping students spot warning signs and find support, including a “Day of Unity” and an interactive screening tied to prevention. Toledo Harbor Dredging: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers scheduled about 750,000 cubic yards of maintenance dredging at Toledo Harbor, a major Great Lakes operation running into January 2027. Rail Safety Numbers: PUCO and the Ohio Rail Development Commission released the 2025 Rail Statistics Report, showing 61 crossing crashes statewide and noting no train-involved crashes in Henry and Fulton counties. Local Child Welfare: Athens County Children Services briefed county commissioners on why placing children is harder than in the past, even as many kids remain safely with families. Data Center Backlash: Pierce Township residents packed a zoning meeting to challenge a proposed data center, while Shalersville Township moved toward tighter zoning rules amid legal threats. Ohio Politics & Courts: Early voting is underway in tight statewide races, and Ohio voters will decide two Ohio Supreme Court justice contests this November.

Ohio Politics: The two candidates for Ohio attorney general, Democrat John Kulewicz and Republican Keith Faber, will debate Oct. 19 at Youngstown State University, moderated by retired journalist Tony Paglia. Public Safety: The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to buckle up, citing thousands of fatal crash victims in recent years who weren’t wearing seatbelts. Courts & Families: A Vinton County case against a grandfather accused of child endangerment involving 16 grandchildren was dismissed after the judge found him incompetent to stand trial, with the court saying it may pursue civil commitment. Crime & Justice: Jury selection begins in the murder trial of Rodney L. Hinton, accused of striking a deputy with his vehicle after police body-camera footage showed his son’s shooting. Business & Jobs: Bayer announced a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in New Albany, targeting about 600 jobs plus major construction work. Local Life: A new Eagle Food & Beer Hall opened in Mason, and Rolling Hills Collectables relocated in McArthur to a bigger space for cards, anime and community events.

AL Playoff Push: Munetaka Murakami kept the Chicago White Sox rolling, driving in runs as they beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 and moved within one win of the ALCS. Fire Safety: Ohio’s Fire Marshal is teaming up with the NFPA for Fire Prevention Week, urging “charge into safety” habits to cut lithium-ion battery fire risk. Road Safety: The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a Williams County crash where a motorcycle rider and passenger were seriously hurt after a driver failed to yield. Minimum Wage: Ohio’s minimum wage rises 3.5% on Jan. 1, 2027—to $11.40 (non-tipped) and $5.70 (tipped)—and the business threshold increases to $420,000. Courts & Crime: Caleb Flynn, a former “American Idol” music pastor, was sentenced to life without parole for murdering his wife. Education: Ohio DEW expanded its probe into testing anomalies, now flagging 52 additional schools statewide. Public Safety/Child Welfare: Dayton police found five children, ages 4 to 12, living alone in a boarded-up home without food or electricity. Politics: New polls show Dr. Amy Acton widening her lead over Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio’s governor race.

Bayer Investment: Bayer announced a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in New Albany, with modular phases starting in 2031 and 2034, aiming for about 600 permanent jobs plus 1,500 construction jobs. Elections Deadline: Ohio’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 election is tonight, with early voting and absentee options starting Oct. 6. Public Health: Hamilton County confirmed its first human West Nile virus case this year after mosquito surveillance. Courts & Crime: The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed an Avon Lake income-tax ballot challenge, leaving the measure for voters; and Caleb Flynn was found guilty of aggravated murder in his wife’s killing, with sentencing set Monday. Local Safety: A pedestrian died after being struck by a car on Hamilton Avenue in Hamilton County. Sports & Community: OHSAA moved all 10 high school soccer state finals to the Columbus Crew’s ScottsMiracle-Gro Field; and the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off in Canfield is set for Oct. 10. Politics & Campaigns: Trump pushed back on New York Times reporting about crowd size at an Ohio rally while continuing midterm campaigning.

Disaster Relief: FEMA approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for seven Ohio counties after August storms and tornadoes, unlocking Individual Assistance and low-interest SBA loans for residents in Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry. Transportation Planning: ODOT and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission released the final feasibility study for a U.S. 23/I-71 connector north of Columbus, including a recommended corridor and early cost and traffic/toll models. Energy Costs: PUCO issued a winter heating reconnect order for Oct. 12–April 16, letting customers reconnect or maintain service by paying no more than $175 plus limited reconnect charges. Public Safety: Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon highlighted accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for deaf and hard-of-hearing families, including vibrating and visual alert options. Elections & Law: The Sixth Circuit ruled Kalshi sports event contracts are gambling under Ohio law, backing DeWine and the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Economy & Jobs: Bayer will invest $2.2B in a New Albany pharma manufacturing campus, aiming for hundreds of construction and permanent jobs. Consumer Relief: Ohio’s 90-day gas tax holiday began Sunday, cutting 38.5 cents per gallon for gas and dropping prices in places like Cleveland. Local Notes: Cleveland Heights protesters plan a Flock camera demonstration Monday, and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith kept rewriting records in a 31-14 win over Iowa.

Ohio Midterms: President Donald Trump crisscrossed southwest Ohio Saturday to boost Sen. Jon Husted and Gov. candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, urging supporters to treat the Nov. 3 election like Trump himself is on the ballot and pushing voter-ID support. Data Centers Clash: Trump defended Ohio’s AI data-center buildout, warning projects could shift to China, while Democrats blocked Husted’s Senate push to stop data centers from driving up power bills. Campaign Moments: Ramaswamy’s near-miss while trying to pick up a child on stage went viral, and Trump’s rally drew fresh backlash after a crude remark and reports of an underfilled gym. Local Cleanup: Lorain’s Black River cleanup moved forward as the river advances in the federal process to come off the polluted waterways list. Sports: No. 5 Ohio State beat No. 14 Iowa 31-14 as Jeremiah Smith piled up record-setting receiving numbers. Public Safety & Courts: Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash in Gallia County, and a federal arrest attempt in Akron ended in gunfire with a man dead.

Ohio State Football: Jeremiah Smith kept his record streak rolling as No. 5 Ohio State beat No. 14 Iowa 31-14 in Kinnick Stadium, hauling in 11 catches for 206 yards and two TDs while breaking multiple OSU receiving marks. Local Sports: In the NHL, Nick Schmaltz scored twice and Utah’s power play powered a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, with Sebastian Cossa stopping 15 in his Utah debut. Midterms & Politics: President Trump campaigned in Vandalia, telling Ohio voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and warning Republicans will “win big,” while also defending his ties with nuclear-armed leaders. Trade & Tariffs: Trump threatened tariffs up to 300% on foreign firms that don’t build in the U.S., pointing to pressure around South Korea’s Alaska LNG investment. Ohio Sports & Community: Ohio Volleyball extended its win streak with two straight wins over Akron, and Ohio Hockey stayed undefeated with an 11-0 rout of Cincinnati. Public Safety: Akron mourns the death of a pedestrian hit by a speeding car in Highland Square as police investigate.

Politics & Elections: New York Times/Siena polling shows Democrats leading in key Senate races, including Ohio, as voters weigh control of the chamber ahead of November. Jobs & Economy: Navistar’s Springfield truck plant is shutting down, laying off about 1,400 workers just days before a Trump rally—an event already reshaping local political momentum. Local Business Closures: Middletown’s Packaging Corporation of America plant plans to close this fall, with 91 layoffs tied to consolidation into a newer Columbus-area facility. Community & Safety: A Hindu temple in Richmond Heights was hit with bricks and reported window damage, with groups calling it a possible hate crime and urging swift action. Public Life: Solon is planting a “mini-forest” on a vacant site with 1,000+ native trees and shrubs to boost canopy and create future park space. Sports (Ohio focus): Ohio State heads to Iowa for a top-15 Big Ten showdown at Kinnick, while Cleveland begins the ALDS at Progressive Field against the White Sox.

Hate Crime Probe: A Hindu temple in Richmond Heights (Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir) was hit with bricks and shattered windows, with the Hindu American Foundation and CoHNA urging Richmond Heights officials and police to act fast; no suspect or motive has been confirmed, but groups say it may be tied to rising anti-Hindu rhetoric. Big Ten Football: No. 14 Iowa hosts No. 5 Ohio State at Kinnick Stadium Saturday (3:30 p.m., CBS) in a top matchup as both teams enter unbeaten in Big Ten play; ESPN’s College GameDay is in Iowa City with Caitlin Clark as guest picker. Local Courts & Consumer Protection: Ohio AG Andy Wilson sued a Cincinnati contractor, alleging unfinished or shoddy home improvement work after upfront payments, with complaints totaling more than $100,000. Economy & Costs: A 90-day Ohio gas tax suspension starts Sunday, cutting costs for drivers but not offering relief for EVs or hybrids, which pay higher registration fees. Sports & Schools: High school football highlights include Moeller winning the GCL South title over Elder and Alter’s Ed Domsitz reaching 400 career coaching wins.

NFL Discipline: San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was suspended for six games and fined $500,000 after an Ohio prostitution sting arrest; the NFL credited him for three games he already missed, making him eligible to return Oct. 20. Ohio Elections: Ohio voters head to the polls Nov. 3 for the Ohio Treasurer race, choosing Seth Walsh (D) or Jay Edwards (R), with both campaigns emphasizing economic development, housing, and accountability. Ohio Governor Race: The contest for governor pits Amy Acton (D) against Vivek Ramaswamy (R), with property taxes and data center growth among the top issues. Schools & Community: OHSAA set Oct. 4-10 as Fall Sports Officials Appreciation Week statewide, honoring nearly 16,000 contest officials. Public Safety: Ohio State Highway Patrol reminded drivers to buckle up after crash deaths tied to unbelted occupants; separate reports also covered a Clark County school bus sideswipe with 14 students onboard and no injuries. Local Economy: Franklin Park Mall in Toledo announced October openings including OFFLINE by Aerie and a permanent Toys “R” Us return.