AGP Executive Report

Ohio Politics & Policy: Ohio’s Attorney General David Yost was sworn in as Andy Wilson’s successor, while lawmakers and courts keep circling major fights over Medicaid fraud, school oversight, and voter ID. Data Centers & Energy: A cab-less electric truck test is set for Marysville under Ohio’s DriveOhio corridor, as the state debates who pays for the data-center boom and how much power and water they consume. Elections & Campaign Messaging: Candidates nationwide are leaning harder into “ban stock trading” promises, with Ohio’s Sherrod Brown spotlighting lawmakers’ stock trades in ads. Public Safety & Health: A new Ohio law lets K-12 schools carry naloxone/Narcan, as overdose reversal access becomes a bigger focus amid rising teen overdoses. Community & Culture: OSU’s artist laureate Charles O. Anderson will focus on America’s 250th birthday through statewide residencies. Sports: Denison’s baseball team won its first NCAA title, and Ohio high school track continues to deliver standout state-meet moments.

Data Center Tax Breaks: A new tracker finds states have handed out hundreds of millions in incentives to lure data centers, with Washington and Texas leading the pack and Ohio showing up with far fewer awards. Local Public Safety: Mentor police released body-cam from a knife threat and bicyclist assaults that ended in an hourslong standoff and arrest. Crime Search: Authorities are hunting a vehicular homicide suspect after a chase that crossed from Indiana into Green Township, with drones and K-9s involved. Toledo Gun Violence: Toledo marked National Gun Violence Awareness Day with a remembrance ceremony and a push for prevention, including free gun locks at libraries. Community & Culture: Spelman College named Dr. Ayanna Howard—an Ohio State engineering dean and former NASA engineer—as its next president. Northeast Ohio Training: Firefighters in the region ramped up water-rescue drills as summer approaches and Great Lakes drownings remain a concern. Business & Travel: American Airlines will temporarily suspend six routes, including a Columbus-to-LA flight, citing higher jet fuel costs. Lottery: Mega Millions is at an estimated $368 million for tonight’s drawing.

Ohio Courts & Corruption: Ex-FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling were reindicted in Ohio’s long-running $60M bribery scheme, adding new counts after earlier prosecutions ended in mistrial. Federal Immigration Fight: The U.S. Senate passed a roughly $70B package to fund ICE and Border Patrol, but the vote exposed GOP rifts over an “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Ohio and federal officials pushed a broader fraud push, including charges tied to Medicaid, romance and COVID money, as enforcement ramps up. Statehouse Watch (Data Centers): Ohio lawmakers and opponents kept pressing the impact of the data-center boom, as the state paused key tax breaks amid rising power-cost concerns. Local Government & Community: Lisbon’s pool repairs are getting $150,000 in state capital-budget help, while central Ohio’s weekend brings multiple food-and-drink festivals. Sports (Ohio Spotlight): Scottie Scheffler opened the Memorial in Dublin with visible frustration after a water trouble on the 16th. Public Safety & Service: Flags were ordered half-staff across multiple states, including Ohio, for fallen public servants and first responders.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Ohio and federal officials announced charges tied to a $30 million behavioral-health fraud scheme and broader Medicaid, COVID, and other scams totaling more than $50 million, including allegations of claims for services never provided and lavish spending. Statehouse Politics: Senate Republicans narrowly blocked a move to permanently kill Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund, with Ohio Sen. Jon Husted among GOP lawmakers who crossed party lines before the effort failed. FirstEnergy Bribery Case: Summit County grand jurors reindicted former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling in the $60 million bribery scandal after an earlier mistrial, adding 22 felony counts tied to alleged influence over a regulator. Local Public Safety: Akron police asked for help finding missing 72-year-old Maurice Goff, last seen in September 2025, with investigators fearing foul play. Community Help: Lima continued its air-conditioner giveaway for seniors and hosted Little Caesars’ “Love Kitchen” at the Lima Rescue Mission, providing free pizzas to people facing homelessness. Weather & Daily Life: Central Ohio gas prices slid under $4, though analysts warn the dip may not last.

Ohio State Settlement: Ohio State University ratified a $100 million deal with 279 former students accusing campus doctor Richard Strauss of sexual abuse decades ago, following earlier settlements that brought payouts to more than $160 million. Local Accountability: A separate Ohio State committee recommended firing a professor accused of assaulting an independent journalist, saying his actions amounted to workplace violence. Data Center Pushback: States are racing to regulate data centers as residents complain about noise, water use, and power demands, with Ohio lawmakers also weighing the impact of the sector. Medicaid Scrutiny: Ohio’s Medicaid fraud fight stays in the spotlight as lawmakers probe alleged wrongdoing and caregivers warn about sudden changes affecting home health providers. Small Business Relief: The SBA raised its cumulative loan cap by letting borrowers stack 7(a) and 504 loans, doubling the limit to $10 million. Community & Safety: A memorial paddle is set for June 7 from Mount Vernon to Marietta, while a Silver Alert was issued for a missing 15-year-old near the Ohio River. Sports & Culture: The PGA Tour’s remodel vote nears, and Ohio’s summer events calendar keeps rolling with Pride celebrations and local music guides.

PGA Tour Reshuffle: PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp says a proposed 2028 model could split events into two “tracks,” with players fighting to stay on the top tier—details still being worked through with the Tour’s player and competition groups. Browns & NFL Connections: Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken says he’s looking forward to meeting Deion Sanders about coaching Shedeur, while new Browns pass rusher Jared Verse says he was “upset” by the Myles Garrett trade but is now confident after his first practices. Local Development in Lorain: Lorain officials celebrate the deed transfer of the former St. Joseph’s Hospital property to the Lorain County Land Bank, clearing the way for brownfield cleanup and future redevelopment. Ohio State Strauss Fallout: OSU trustees approved a $100 million settlement with Richard Strauss survivors, described as the final step in the long-running abuse cases. Public Safety & Crime: Columbus police identified Isawan Foster as the man shot and killed by officers near Nationwide Children’s Hospital; the shooting is under investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. State Politics: Ohio lawmakers advanced a voter photo ID amendment, while Lorain County commissioners again tabled property tax cut votes after public comment from school officials. Weather: A warm, dry stretch continues across Ohio with rain chances returning later in the weekend.

NBA Finals Buzz: Jalen Brunson’s Knicks are one win from a first title since 1973, and the franchise’s record-book push is turning the spotlight on whether he could become New York’s greatest Knick. Local Government: Whitehall City Council approved a special permit for a Culver’s drive-through on E. Broad St., with construction timing still to be set. City Safety & Environment: Westlake advanced safety and infrastructure work, including a mid-block crossing near recreation fields and required groundwater monitoring at a former landfill site. Community & Culture: Marion’s Junior Service Guild named Rebecca Richardson as its new president, while a Marion Women’s Club art workshop will use historic glass slides to make cyanotype prints. Data Center Fight: Ohio lawmakers heard heavy public pushback on data centers—residents raised concerns about environmental impact, tax breaks, and secrecy—while some cities moved toward moratoriums. Sports Spotlight: Rocky River’s Chuck Harrell reached national finals in LongHorn’s Steak Master Series.

Data Centers & Statehouse Fight: Ohio lawmakers and residents kept pressing the case against the state’s data center tax breaks, with reports highlighting how a pause is reshaping AI expansion and local costs. Local Government & Housing: Cleveland City Council approved new short-term rental rules, while Lakewood neighbors pushed for tighter limits after complaints and police calls tied to nearby rentals. Public Safety: Lorain County announced its countywide public safety radio system is ready for agency use, and Amtrak is working with Lorain County to relocate the Elyria station to a more accessible downtown site. Health & Research: UC opened an imaging research and development center focused on MR studies, and Parkview began recruiting for a trial aimed at preventing chemotherapy-related nerve damage. Courts & Accountability: A lawsuit alleges excessive force by Meigs County deputies during an arrest. Sports & Schools: Jenna Hall left Ohio softball for Illinois; Mizzou landed Ohio’s Jack Marquard; and Ohio lawmakers debated more oversight for EdChoice voucher spending.

Data Center Fight: Ohio’s data center boom is under fresh scrutiny as state leaders and residents argue over who should pay for rising utility and transmission costs, with the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel warning families shouldn’t subsidize big tech power demand. Public Safety Training: Northeast Ohio police are using virtual reality to practice high-stress scenarios, from traffic stops to active shooter situations, aiming to improve split-second decision-making. Housing Push: Gov. DeWine announced more than $26.9 million through the Welcome Home Ohio program to expand housing growth in 57 counties, while noting some counties still haven’t received funds. Statehouse Politics: A Charlie Kirk-named education bill is still stalled in the Ohio Senate six months after passing the House, as lawmakers debate how religion should be taught in schools. Community & Culture: Columbus kicked off Pride Month with its Shellabarger Illuminator Award honoring LGBTQ+ advocate Jose Rodriguez, and OhioSEE continues expanding free eye exams and glasses for young students.

NFL Blockbuster: The Cleveland Browns traded two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Verse plus major draft compensation, including a 2027 first-round pick and additional picks through 2029. Local Sports & Community: The Memorial Tournament tees off this week at Muirfield Village in Dublin, with Scottie Scheffler favored for a third straight win. Weather & Agriculture: Wet, inconsistent spring conditions are shrinking planting windows for Ohio farmers, with corn and soybeans still behind pace in parts of the state. Public Safety: Timberlake Police are handing out free gun locks to anyone who needs one, after a toddler’s accidental self-inflicted shooting death. Health Care: Adena Health and Fairfield Medical Center are exploring an affiliation after years of trying to find a partner. Local Life: Lima’s free summer lunch program returns for 10 weeks, offering meals to kids 1–18 at multiple sites. Crime & Courts: An Akron man, Martinez Williams, was sentenced to life in prison for a 2025 apartment building murder.

Cover Crops: USDA’s Farmers for Soil Health program is reopening enrollment with higher payments—$35 per acre per year on up to 2,000 acres—aimed at boosting cover crop adoption. Fire Safety: Bellaire firefighters battled a Sunday blaze on First Street but were hampered by nonworking hydrants, relying on tanker support to knock down the flames. Local Economy & Jobs: iHeartMedia market president Margie Tasseff is retiring after nearly 40 years, ending a long run in Mansfield and Marion leadership. AI in Ohio: OSU Marion hosts a free June 10 event on how AI is changing classrooms and career pathways. Data Center Tax Fight: Ohio’s pause on data center tax exemptions is drawing local reaction, with chambers and trustees saying they need to review projects case by case. Transportation: ODOT scheduled multiple Central Ohio and Route 39 closures for pavement replacement and bridge painting. Environment: A University of Toledo study warns goldfish released into Ohio waters can disrupt ecosystems and shift lakes from clear to murky. Health & Safety: A 62-year-old diver from Sylvania died during a dive on the SS Cedarville wreck in Lake Huron; investigators say equipment failure doesn’t appear to be a factor.

I-75 Repair Update: Northbound lanes at the Lockland Split reopened ahead of schedule after pavement repairs, part of a larger multimillion-dollar bridge resurfacing project. Powerball Watch: Saturday’s May 30 Powerball jackpot ($170M) had no Match 5 winner; next drawing is Monday with an estimated $180M jackpot. State Track Buzz: Central Ohio athletes earned state meet bids after regional meets, including Gahanna Lincoln’s sweep in Division I and other local qualifiers heading to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. College Baseball: Denison stayed alive in the NCAA DIII College World Series, beating Baldwin Wallace 6-4 and setting up a key rematch with East Texas Baptist. Local Safety: Police are searching for a critically missing 90-year-old man with early-onset dementia in Green Township. Business/Industry: Americhem announced a PFAS-free fiber technology platform aimed at replacing fluorinated barrier finishes. Sports Spotlight: The Browns say Jerry Jeudy remains the “bell cow” after drafting two receivers in the 2026 NFL draft.

Kennedy Center Fight: President Trump blasted a federal judge after a ruling blocked his Kennedy Center renovation and ordered his name removed, calling the judge an “anti Trump Hater” and warning the center could be closed “probably never to open again.” Statehouse & Schools: Ohio lawmakers are pushing more voucher transparency, including requiring scholarship students to take the same standardized tests and adding detailed reporting on how voucher money is used. Roads & Travel: ODOT announced new roadwork adjustments in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, including closures and lane reductions tied to pavement repairs and culvert work. Local Safety: A recreational diver died after an emergency during a Lake Huron shipwreck dive; investigators say equipment and charter operations weren’t factors. Community & Culture: Lima’s Farmers Market opened with 40+ vendors, while Music Matters Ohio collected instruments statewide to expand music access for students. Sports: Bishop Fenwick won the Division II boys volleyball state title; Canfield trustees moved to lock in better gas rates through a township aggregation plan.

Data Centers: Gov. Mike DeWine is pausing Ohio’s data center tax break for new applicants after a forecasting error and mounting backlash, while residents push for a November referendum to permanently ban hyperscale facilities. Elections & Voting Access: Ohio auditor candidate Frank LaRose defended handing unredacted voter data to the DOJ and laid out his fraud-focused agenda at the Akron Press Club. Local Business: Kroger shut down four Starbucks kiosks inside Dublin and Columbus stores, saying it’s part of a plan to run more efficiently. Housing & Development: Salem, Ohio identified a $305M retail “gap” in its economic plan; meanwhile, a senior affordable housing project at Ocie Hill in Mansfield was denied a key tax credit. Public Life & Community: Niles opened Riverside Park after years of planning, and Western Reserve Transit Authority re-elected its board officers. Sports: Hudson and St. Vincent-St. Mary won boys volleyball state semifinals and will play for championships Saturday.

Housing & Grants: Gov. DeWine announced $26.9 million in Welcome Home Ohio grants across 57 counties to expand safe, affordable housing, including foreclosure purchases plus rehab or new construction. Data Centers: Van Wert and QTS unveiled a planned $10B data center campus, touting $200M in tax revenue over 20 years and about 200 jobs, while Ohio continues pausing/reshaping data-center tax breaks amid backlash over costs and impacts. Local Government: Allen County’s new $17M government center remains on schedule, with officials nearing exterior work and aiming for mid-October completion. Education Policy: The Ohio County (WV) school board committee recommended shifting start times 30 minutes later to better match teen sleep patterns. Public Safety & Courts: A Lima man, Terrell Chitman, was sentenced to 16 to 17.5 years for a bar-area shooting that struck a nearby home; in Mercer County, Christopher Wendel pleaded guilty to securities fraud and faces probation plus nearly $1.6M restitution. Community & Health: NexGen Research held a Lima health fair and open house to connect residents with screenings and clinical trials. Sports: Rocky River advanced in OHSAA Division II lacrosse, with goalkeeper Gordon Hudson credited for a key assist.

High School Sports: Delphos St. John’s powered past Delphos Jefferson 17-3 and advances to the district final Saturday at Elida, while Bluffton’s doubles duo Grady Coonfare and Isaiah Kohli finished as state quarterfinalists. Regional Softball: Bloom-Carroll ace Emma Brandt struck out 12 as the Bulldogs beat Dover 3-2 in a regional semifinal, setting up a state-bid matchup with Jonathan Alder. Local Government: Covington’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board set a special meeting May 28 to consider possible action on Hat Tricks’ liquor license. Ohio Politics/Health Care: Opinion argues Vivek Ramaswamy is targeting Ohio’s income tax and Medicaid while critics say he’s stepping outside GOP tradition by criticizing Gov. Mike DeWine’s Medicaid stewardship. Recruiting Watch: Ohio State’s 2027 class is tracking with 13 verbal commitments already, as official visits begin. Community & Public Safety: ODOT warns of recurring weekend closures on I-475 south in Perrysburg/Maumee for pavement repairs; Mansfield’s Juneteenth parade and festival expands June 13 at Mansfield Senior High School. Education/Workforce: Youngstown Innovation Hub highlights aerospace-and-defense manufacturing support and workforce programs.