AGP Executive Report

AI & Power Crunch: OpenAI is reportedly in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with a first phase targeted for 2028 and potential backing from Nvidia—another reminder that Ohio’s AI buildout is racing ahead of grid upgrades. Local Governance & Safety: Columbus police say a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on Broad Street near Reynoldsburg, with multiple vehicles striking the person after the initial crash. Workforce Rules: Ohio lawmakers passed changes that would let 14- and 15-year-olds work later—up to 9 p.m. on certain nights—while keeping limits on school nights. Justice & Voting Tensions: The FBI searched the Cleveland offices of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, a progressive voter-engagement group, drawing accusations of intimidation. Health & Treatment Access: An Ohio University researcher won a nearly $4 million NIH grant to expand primary-care support for opioid use disorder treatment across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Sports: Ohio State’s Vaughn Harber punched a U.S. Open ticket after a strong finish and playoff in Westerville.

Ohio Politics & Courts: A federal court fight over the Kennedy Center’s name removal played out publicly after a judge ordered Trump’s name taken down, with crews prying lettering off overnight. Weather & Public Safety: Severe storms and tornado warnings hit the region, including tornado warnings for parts of Butler and Clarion counties and additional warnings extending into Ohio; thousands lost power after Sunday storms. Health & Consumer Safety: The FDA issued a Class I recall for alfredo sauce sold in 41 states due to potential Salmonella contamination. Ohio Communities & Institutions: Ohio University trustees reviewed strategy updates, approved scholarship matching through 2031, and announced a new Marching 110 practice facility; the university also secured a major NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment support in primary care. Local Crime & Justice: Authorities identified a St. Paul woman after 30 years using DNA genealogy, with the case still active and no arrests reported. Sports (Ohio): The Reds were floated as a possible trade destination for a second-base upgrade, while Ohio State recruiting continues to draw attention from top prospects.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Federal energy regulators are set to decide by end of June how AI data centers should connect to the grid, including whether the bill lands on households or on the companies driving the demand—an issue that could shape Ohio’s growth plans and electricity rates. Ohio Politics & Health Coverage: The Ohio Senate passed SB 160 to stop insurers from forcing mid-year medication switches for non-medical reasons, aiming to protect patients from coverage changes that disrupt treatment. Public Safety: A former Ohio police chief, Chad Essert of Bethel, was arrested in Florida on a 70-count indictment tied to alleged child sex offenses dating to his time as an instructor and teacher. Fishing Restoration: Ohio is ramping sauger restoration in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers and western Lake Erie, with stocking continuing through 2027 after the release of 130,000 saugers. Ohio University Updates: Ohio University trustees reviewed strategy progress, approved extending a scholarship match program through 2031, and announced new library access to UpToDate starting July 1. Community & Culture: Ohio University is hosting a Juneteenth Festival June 19 in Athens, with music, food trucks, vendors, and kids’ activities.

Kennedy Center Name Removal: Workers removed President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center’s facade after a court order, but a tarp still covers the area as the venue complies with the ruling. Local Crime: Toledo police arrested Deji Lee, 53, in the Saturday shooting death of John Smoot, 53. Public Safety: A fatal crash shut down State Route 555 in Morgan County, and a separate Mansfield crash killed a motorcyclist after a rear-end collision. Health & Research: Ohio State researchers say early-onset colorectal cancer may be biologically distinct, with links to ultra-processed foods and gut bacteria. Business & Energy: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center campus in Ohio, potentially with Nvidia backing. Ohio University Updates: OHIO trustees reviewed strategy progress, and the university announced a new Juneteenth festival and access to UpToDate starting July 1. Community & Culture: Thousands packed the Dayton Air Show for Day 1, while Westerville’s Cheryl’s Cookies founder Cheryl Krueger died at 74.

AI & Data Centers: U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie is calling for investigations into whether foreign actors, including China, are fueling opposition to AI and data centers, citing “reasonable suspicion” tied to ads he says correlate with spending. Local Governance: In Warren County, officials moved ahead with data center rules instead of a moratorium, setting distance limits from homes and property lines and requiring closed-loop cooling to reduce water use. Public Safety: Goshen Township police honored two officers with a life-saving award after they used an AED and started CPR during a May cardiac arrest. Ohio University: OHIO trustees approved extending a scholarship match program through 2031 and shared updates on R1 strategy, while the university also announced a new NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment support in primary care. Community Calendar: Ohio events mark Juneteenth, including festivals and music-focused gatherings across central Ohio. Food Recall: A frozen pizza snack recall is expanding to 21 states, including Ohio, over possible metal contamination.

Voting Rights Under Fire: An Ohio voter-registration group, the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, says the FBI raided its offices and questioned staff, calling it political intimidation ahead of key elections. Health Care Policy: Cleveland Clinic will halt gender-affirming care for minors for the next two decades under a DOJ agreement, a major shift with national fallout. Courts & Health Coverage: A federal court blocked a Trump rule that plaintiffs said added fees and barriers to affordable Affordable Care Act coverage. Local Government: Delaware County pushed its 2026 second-half property tax deadline from July 10 to Aug. 17 after state law changes delayed bill printing. Public Safety: A Bethel, Ohio police chief was arrested in Florida after a 70-count child sex indictment tied to alleged abuse years ago. Environment & Recreation: Winton Lake water activities were suspended after a sewage leak and elevated E. coli were found. Wildlife Watch: Ohio wildlife officials collared a nearly 600-pound black bear to track movements as sightings hit record levels. Business & Jobs: GM will end production of its biggest Silverado trucks, with ripple effects including shutdown plans at an Ohio plant. Food Safety: Whispering Pine Bakery recalled multiple fry pie varieties due to undeclared milk allergens. Community & Culture: Ohio University is rolling out new campus resources and events, including Juneteenth programming and expanded library access to UpToDate.

AI & Data Centers: Vertiv says it has completed its acquisition of ThermoKey, expanding heat-rejection and thermal management capacity for AI data centers, with added manufacturing reach in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. State Politics: Ohio lawmakers are pushing voter photo ID changes again, with a constitutional amendment headed to the November ballot and new mail-in requirements for 2027 elections. Health & Justice: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4 million NIH grant to expand primary-care treatment access for opioid use disorder across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Public Safety: A small plane crash killed a pilot after hitting a home in Scioto County; the FAA and NTSB are investigating. Crime: Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment in Ohio alleging a migrant-child smuggling scheme using fraudulent sponsorships and forged documents. Local Life: Ohio University is hosting a Juneteenth Festival June 19 in Athens, with live music, food trucks and family activities. Weather/Travel: ODOT reported an overturned semi on I-75 near Ezzard Charles Drive, sending debris across lanes and causing major backups.

Public Safety: Ohio logged a record 537 black bear sightings across 69 counties in 2025, with wildlife officials saying bears are reestablishing themselves and advising residents to secure trash and remove food sources like bird feeders. State Politics: Ohio House lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment that would require photo ID for in-person voting, and GOP leaders also pushed new rules for absentee mail ballots that would require voters to submit a copy of a valid photo ID starting in 2027. Policy & Industry: The Ohio Senate informally passed a heavily revised data center regulation bill, but a last-minute fight over extending a sales tax break left the measure unlikely to move substantively until after November. Local Government: Teachers and parents in Cleveland are circulating a petition to return the district to an elected school board, arguing mayoral control has led to major school closures and layoffs. Health & Research: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4 million NIH grant to expand primary-care support for prescribing medications for opioid use disorder across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Community & Sports: West Central Ohio notched 16 players on All-Ohio softball teams, and Moeller High School is set to play for a Division I state baseball championship Friday after beating Perrysburg 8-6.

Opioid Treatment Expansion: Ohio University researcher Berkeley Franz won a nearly $4M NIH grant to scale a primary-care model for prescribing medications for opioid use disorder across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia, aiming to close the gap between proven treatment and real-world practice. School Event Security: Ohio’s School Safety Center expanded its Camera Trailer Program, now with eight mobile trailers available at no cost; they’ve been used at 13 statewide events to help monitor crowds and respond faster. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Gov. Mike DeWine announced new Medicaid fraud prevention steps, including a six-month provider moratorium for new home-health and hospice businesses and payment suspensions for high-risk providers. Voting Outreach: Sec. of State Frank LaRose sent 153,750 “Grads Vote” packets to graduating seniors statewide to boost registration and recruit poll workers. Public Safety—Toledo Festival Shooting: Police continue a manhunt after gunfire at Toledo’s Old West End Festival left 12 injured, with two in critical condition. Local Health & Access: Lima Public Library construction continues with a temporary entrance move while accessibility upgrades like an elevator and universal changing table are underway. Community Spotlight: Adams County held its first Pride celebration, bringing LGBTQ+ events closer to home for residents who previously had to travel far. Weather & Disruptions: Midwest storms knocked out power for hundreds of thousands and disrupted travel, including major flight delays around Chicago.

Public Safety & Justice: The Ohio House passed “Katelyn’s Law,” removing the statute of limitations for crimes tied to murder, including abuse of a corpse, sending the bill to the Ohio Senate. Elections: Ohio Senate Republicans advanced a proposal requiring photo ID for absentee voting starting in 2027, as lawmakers also push a voter ID constitutional amendment. Health & Fraud: The Ohio House passed a bill tightening Medicaid personal care services with more GPS tracking and higher penalties, aimed at cracking down on fraud. Data Centers & Water: A new statewide report says Ohio has enough water for data centers in the near term, but warns public trust and infrastructure capacity will shape what comes next. Local Control: A Washington County commissioner urged lawmakers to give counties more say over data center tax incentives, including requiring county approval before sales tax exemptions take effect. Courts & Local Power: The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments over whether cities can ban flavored tobacco and nicotine products. Toledo Shooting: Toledo police say the Old West End Festival shooting involved two rival groups and released suspect descriptions; all 12 victims survived. Healthcare Access: OhioHealth will close the maternity unit at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware County effective July 31. Community & Culture: Phoenix Theatres in North Olmsted is preparing a rare 70mm film auditorium experience. Weather: NWS updated the severe weather outlook for central Ohio, with storms most likely between noon and 8 p.m.

Data Center Policy Fight: Ohio lawmakers are moving fast on a sweeping data center bill that would rein in sales tax breaks (generally cutting them in half), cap local property tax abatements at 50%, and add rules touching water use, testing, and utility billing—after recent deals that gave Meta, Google, and Amazon 100% exemptions for up to 40 years drew sharp backlash. Local Impact & Debate: Builders and local leaders defended data centers as job and tax-base drivers, while opponents warned about power and water strain, noise, and limited long-term employment. Public Finance Tech: Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague launched the Buckeye Billfold digital wallet for payments to state agencies, with cash and checks still available. Health & Safety: Ohio received $201.7M to reduce lead in drinking water by replacing lead service lines. Courts: The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments on whether refusing an emergency hospitalization order can count as obstructing official business or resisting arrest. Violence & Crime: Toledo police investigated a mass shooting at a street festival that left 12 injured, with a man later shot and killed in a separate incident. Sports & Community: Browns guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement after 12 seasons; Youngstown’s downtown redevelopment plans drew school-board tax-exemption discussion; and a ribbon-cutting is set for Twisted Roots in Youngstown.

NFL & Local Sports: Browns guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement after 12 seasons in Cleveland, and coach Todd Monken says a starting QB decision between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders likely won’t come until fall. College Sports & Law: A new antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA, arguing limits on what colleges can pay athletes violate state NIL laws, including Ohio. Ohio Courts: The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments over whether cities can ban flavored tobacco and vapes under home-rule powers. Public Safety & Crime: Police are still searching for suspects after a Toledo street festival shooting left at least 12 injured. Economy & Housing: A report highlights rising mortgage distress and how cuts to federal housing support are hitting Ohio affordability and counseling services. Health & Tech: VA expanded its electronic health record rollout to four more Ohio/Kentucky sites. Weather & Travel Safety: Troopers warn of speeding after a 140 mph stop on the Ohio Turnpike and note ongoing storm risks across the region. Business/Workforce: JobsOhio announced a $300 million fund aimed at preparing and connecting workers with employers, while Akron transit workers rejected a contract proposal.

STEM Workforce: Ohio’s Choose Ohio First program will award 59 new scholarships worth more than $26 million to boost STEM talent, with funding starting for the 2027-28 school year. Public Safety: Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff urged residents to take heat and sun precautions, including sunscreen, hydration, and watching for heat exhaustion signs. Courts & Justice: The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments on whether newer DNA testing methods could change outcomes in a rape and robbery case, focusing on how courts should treat DNA results that don’t match the victim or defendant. Gun Violence: Toledo’s Old West End festival shooting left 12 people wounded; police say suspects were likely shooting at each other and are still seeking information. Local Government: Ohio County residents packed a school board meeting to oppose a proposal for later start times. Infrastructure: Cleveland crews responded to a major water main break in Little Italy, closing part of Mayfield Road. Traffic Tech: Kirtland Hills selected Sitestream for a five-year, fully managed speed camera program with two enforcement cameras. Health & Food: A new Ohio State study suggests tomato-soy juice may help reduce chronic inflammation markers.

Toledo Festival Shooting: A mass shooting near Toledo’s Old West End Festival left 12 people injured, and police say they’re still searching for suspects; the final day of the community event was canceled as victims were reported stable and witnesses were urged to come forward. Public Safety: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is urging drivers to slow down during the “100 deadly days of summer,” pointing to rising crash deaths and serious injuries and focusing enforcement on teen and drunk drivers. Healthcare & Policy: The Cleveland Clinic reached an agreement with the DOJ to stop gender-affirming care for minors, while the VA rolled out a new federal electronic health record system to four more Ohio/Kentucky sites. Statewide Accountability: Ohio’s attorney general transition and fraud crackdown efforts continue, including federal-state action targeting Medicaid and other fraud schemes. Local Economy & Tech: New Albany defended data center growth at an Ohio Statehouse hearing, while Brightspeed said its fiber build is nearly 65% complete statewide and fully finished in multiple communities. Everyday Life: Federal student loan rules starting July 1 will narrow repayment options for Ohio borrowers, and Hamilton police are stepping up education as e-bikes and electric dirt bikes show up more often on city streets.

Toledo Mass Shooting: Police say at least 12 people were hurt after gunfire erupted near the Old West End Festival; investigators believe two gunmen were “probably shooting at each other,” and a manhunt is ongoing with no arrests reported. Statehouse & Local Control: The Ohio Supreme Court will hear a case on whether cities can ban flavored tobacco under home-rule powers, with major implications for local regulation. Data Centers Backlash: Lawmakers are taking testimony as Ohio Joint Data Center Committee meets again, while residents and activists push for limits and more transparency around the boom. Public Safety: Westlake Police are cracking down on reckless driving around Crocker Park with saturation patrols and more tickets. Transportation: ODOT plans nightly Central Interchange ramp closures in Akron this week, with detours posted. Health & Community: OSU’s mail-in Buckeye Tick Test is helping residents check ticks for disease risk, and the State Fire Marshal warns Ohio could surpass last year’s fire death totals. Local Life: Kravitz Deli opens a new Salem location, and Window World hosts an open house for its Youngstown Design Center.

Toledo Festival Shooting: Police say at least two gunmen were likely “shooting at each other” during the Old West End Festival, leaving 12 people wounded (including a 14-year-old) and no suspects in custody; victims are reported stable and investigators are asking for photos/videos. Local Public Safety: Akron police report two bystanders hospitalized after a Highland Square shooting; a 26-year-old man is in critical condition. State Budget: The Ohio Senate’s capital budget version would send more than $12.5 million to West Central Ohio projects, including parks, community centers, and health facility upgrades. Health Department Leadership: Wood County’s health commissioner Ben Robison is leaving for the Ohio Department of Health; Rachel Aeschliman was named interim commissioner starting June 11. Ohio River Search: Crews found a body during the search for a missing kayaker near New Richmond; ODNR and the coroner are involved. Sports & Community: J.T. Poston won the Memorial in a playoff after a rain delay; Taylor Swift’s courtside Cavs chair is up for auction. Lottery: Powerball jackpot is estimated at $225 million for June 8 after no top-prize winner on June 6.