AGP Executive Report

Ohio Midterms: Barack Obama plans an Oct. 24 Cleveland rally for Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton as both face high-profile Republican challengers. Separately, campaign mailers boosting independent Senate candidate Greg Levy were funded by a super PAC whose vendor shares an address with a Trump-linked group, according to federal filings. Youngstown Rally: A woman protesting at President Donald Trump’s rally was assaulted by attendees; Trump called her a paid protester and mocked her, according to reports. Jobs: Kroger plans to cut 3,000 corporate jobs over three years as it expands its use of AI. Clean Water: Gov. Mike DeWine highlighted H2Ohio projects replacing lead pipes and reducing road-salt pollution. Winter Outlook: Forecasts point to a warm, dry Ohio winter amid a strengthening El Niño, though cold and snow remain possible. Buckeyes: No. 4 Ohio State visits No. 5 Indiana Saturday, with the Buckeyes’ reshuffled offensive line facing a Hoosiers defense that leads the Big Ten in sacks. Fraud Case: A Brecksville man pleaded guilty to wire fraud in an investment scheme that prosecutors say defrauded victims of more than $3 million.

Ohio Politics: President Donald Trump rallied in Youngstown for Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as tight midterm races draw national attention. A protester was assaulted by rallygoers, then mocked by Trump. Trump also promised federal help for Youngstown’s steam-heating system and announced a submarine repair center in Cleveland, but its location, timeline and job count remain unclear. Privacy and Policing: A Sharonville police lieutenant was indicted on an allegation he used Flock cameras 29 times to track someone for personal reasons. Athens plans to let its Flock contract expire, while Upper Arlington weighs tighter rules. Energy Costs: A new analysis estimates unchecked data-center growth could add $16 billion to Ohio electricity bills from 2027 to 2034, intensifying debate over regulation and tax breaks. Infrastructure: ODOT closed a Tuscarawas County bridge after inspectors found serious cracking in a damaged beam; no reopening date has been set. Jobs and Schools: Kroger plans to cut 3,000 corporate jobs over three years, and ClassWallet missed Ohio’s deadline to deliver a functioning scholarship-payment system.

Ohio Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump rallied in Youngstown for Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as tight races approach the Nov. 3 midterms. He attacked Democrats and immigrants; a protester was punched by a rally attendee and removed by police. College Fraud Case: Three people, including former Eastern Gateway Community College president Michael Geoghegan, face felony charges over an alleged scheme that diverted nearly $20 million in federal student aid. The college closed last year. Jobs and Investment: Two projects totaling $290 million are planned for Monroe and Middletown, with 158 new jobs expected and 127 more retained. Fatal Crash: A 57-year-old Monclova man died after his car struck a train in Lucas County late Sunday; the crash remains under investigation. Road Closures: ODOT plans daytime inspections of three Zanesville bridges Tuesday and Wednesday, with a Mount Perry Road I-70 ramp closure scheduled Oct. 19–23.

Ohio Elections: President Donald Trump is set to rally in Youngstown for Republicans as polls show his Ohio approval at 36%, Democrat Sherrod Brown leading Sen. Jon Husted by six points, and Democrat Amy Acton ahead of Vivek Ramaswamy in the governor’s race. Early voting also shows Democrats gaining ground: in counties Trump carried by 20 points or more, the GOP’s early-vote advantage has narrowed from 30 points in 2024 to five. Public Health: Ohio’s measles cases have topped 230, and Pike County has confirmed a case. Road Safety: Ohio lawmakers are proposing a ban on e-bike and scooter use by children 13 and younger, along with helmet requirements. Buckeye Football: Ohio State beat Maryland 45-16 and now turns to an unbeaten Indiana team in a major Big Ten showdown.

Public Health: Ohio’s measles count has topped 230, with Medina County reporting its first case of the year and a new case confirmed in Pike County. Transportation: ODOT released its final feasibility study for a proposed U.S. 23–I-71 connector north of Columbus, including a recommended route, cost estimates and traffic and tolling models. 2026 Campaign: Donald Trump is heading to Youngstown to rally for Sen. Jon Husted as he faces Sherrod Brown in a close race; Ohio’s governor contest is also drawing national attention. Gaming Regulation: Ohio regulators ordered 10 prediction-market companies, including Polymarket and Robinhood, to stop offering event contracts the state considers illegal sports betting. Jobs and Investment: Bayer selected Central Ohio for a planned $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. College Football: Ohio State beat Maryland 45-16 and now faces a top-five showdown at Indiana.

Ohio Elections: Early-voting data show Democrats making gains compared with 2024, including in counties that strongly backed Trump. The shift comes as Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton lead in recent polls of their races against Jon Husted and Vivek Ramaswamy. Public Health: Ohio’s measles cases have topped 230, with Medina County reporting its first case of the year. Health officials urge vaccination and caution around symptoms. Business: An aluminum-products maker in North Jackson says tariffs have added millions of dollars in annual costs, as Ohio manufacturers face uncertainty over trade policy. Road Safety: State lawmakers are weighing stricter e-bike rules, including helmets, registration and a minimum age of 18, amid a rise in injuries among young riders. On the Field: Ohio State beat Maryland 45-16, while Ohio opened Homecoming with a 31-14 win over Central Michigan. Public Safety: A 48-year-old woman died when her SUV crossed the center line and collided with a combine in Clinton County; the State Highway Patrol is investigating.

Guardians: Cleveland completed a stunning comeback, beating the White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 to reach the ALCS against Tampa Bay. José Ramírez homered, and Gavin Williams struck out 12. Ohio State: The fifth-ranked Buckeyes beat Maryland 45-16, led by four touchdown passes from Julian Sayin and two scoring catches by Jeremiah Smith. Coach Ryan Day said penalties and turnovers must be cleaned up before a tough stretch. Women’s Hockey: Ohio State swept reigning national champion Wisconsin, winning 5-3 to open the season and make an early statement. Midterm Politics: Ohio voters are weighing costs and the economy ahead of November’s election. In North Jackson, an aluminum manufacturer says tariffs have added millions in annual costs; in Chillicothe, some voters are questioning their support for Republicans over affordability and immigration concerns. District 33: Democrat Michael Kripchak is challenging Republican state Sen. Al Cutrona, citing education funding, property taxes and community input on data centers as key issues.

Election 2026: Early voting is underway in Ohio’s closely watched governor and U.S. Senate races. Vice President JD Vance rallied in Lima for Republican candidates, while Democrats focused on rising costs. Ohio State: The fifth-ranked Buckeyes hosted Maryland in Columbus, looking to build on last week’s win over Iowa ahead of a tougher stretch. Public Safety: One person suffered life-threatening injuries and another was hurt in a head-on crash involving a semi on U.S. 33 in Logan County. A motorcyclist died in a separate Riverside crash Friday. Campus Investment: Oklo is investing $4.5 million to help Ohio State launch an undergraduate nuclear engineering major, upgrade labs and fund scholarships. Health: Ohio doctors urge residents to get flu shots before Halloween as cases rise, allowing time for the vaccine to take effect before Thanksgiving. Columbus Trees: Green Columbus is giving away 3,000 trees to help reduce the city’s uneven canopy coverage.

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.