AGP Executive Report

Child Safety Crisis in Hamden: Ohio authorities rescued 16 children from a rural Hamden home after investigators described “pure evil” conditions, including allegations some kids were confined to a single room for years; four adults were charged with felony child endangerment and several children were taken to trauma centers. Grocery Shake-Up: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, adding about 200 stores to its footprint and setting up a major Northeast Ohio grocery rivalry. Heat and Holiday Warnings: An extreme heat wave continues with dangerous heat index readings, while officials urge hydration and cooling-center use ahead of the Fourth of July. River Boating Alert: The U.S. Coast Guard warned of dangerous debris on the Ohio River after heavy rain and flooding, urging boaters to slow down and watch for submerged hazards. Local Public Safety: Cincinnati police say an Ohio assistant attorney general was attacked outside a prosecutor’s office, and a Westlake case involved a 13-year-old driving with marijuana and a loaded handgun in the car. Jobs and Industry: Dayton’s Techmetals plans a 50-job expansion after landing a state tax credit tied to a new coatings center. Weather/Travel Disruptions: A crash involving a car on I-71 led to Western Row Road closures for cleanup and investigation.

NCAA Eligibility Fight: An Ohio judge says he’ll issue a written ruling July 9 on a preliminary injunction request from 24 college basketball players challenging the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model. Child Abuse Case: In Hamden, authorities say 16 children were rescued from “deplorable” conditions, including being confined to a single room for years; parents and grandparents face felony child endangerment charges. Retail Shake-Up: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle’s supermarkets and pharmacies across five states, a move that could reshape shopping options in Ohio. Infrastructure Boost: Ohio’s Public Works Commission released $392.8 million for 678 local projects statewide, including roads, water, wastewater, bridges and stormwater. Extreme Heat Safety: Local agencies continue urging residents to use cooling centers and avoid leaving kids or pets in cars as dangerous temperatures hit parts of Ohio. Local Business & Growth: Gladstone Commercial signed a 10-year lease bringing Ohio Life Sciences to full occupancy in New Albany, supporting a biomanufacturing workforce training push. Sports & Community: Lima’s Star Spangled Spectacular returns Saturday with a drone show, fireworks and family events; Ottawa-Glandorf and Elida advanced in ACME district baseball.

Grocery Deal: Kroger will buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, snapping up 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across northern Ohio and beyond—ending nearly a century of local ownership for the Cranberry-based chain. Antitrust & Food Prices: A DOJ-led multistate settlement with major egg producers will send about 2 million eggs to food banks, after investigators alleged illegal coordination that pushed egg prices higher. Extreme Heat: An Ohio heat wave is straining the power grid and raising outage risk, with extreme heat warnings and guidance urging residents to cool homes, stay hydrated, and plan for possible power loss. Immigration Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, bringing relief to many Ohio immigrants while also fueling worries about what comes next for immigration policy. Local Safety & Work: In Wapakoneta, city leaders are adding cooling breaks and opening air-conditioned public spaces for workers during dangerous summer temperatures. Ohio Business & Jobs: Ukrainian Defense Drones picked Northwest Ohio for its first U.S. assembly and production site, with an $18.4 million investment tied to a first Pentagon contract.

Extreme Heat & Power Strain: Thousands of Northeast Ohio residents are dealing with outages as a heat wave pushes demand higher, with FirstEnergy reporting more than 7,000 customers without power and Cleveland Public Power seeing service interruptions. Public Safety: In Vinton County, authorities rescued 16 children from a “horrific” home in Hamden and arrested four adults on felony child endangerment charges. Housing & Health: Euclid ordered residents out of two condemned apartment buildings, citing dangerous deferred maintenance and residents scrambling to relocate on short notice. Immigration Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court preserved birthright citizenship, bringing relief to immigrant families in Greater Cincinnati. Legal & Courts: The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case challenging limits on party spending in federal elections, a major shift for campaign money rules. Ohio in the News: LeBron James’ next move is the talk of sports, while Ohio’s U.S. Senior Open returns to Scioto Country Club in Upper Arlington July 2-5.

Extreme Heat Watch: A potentially record-setting heat wave is pushing “dangerously hot” conditions across much of the Ohio Valley and Midwest, with Ohio under an Extreme Heat Warning Tuesday through Thursday (and some counties into Friday). Officials are urging hydration, loose clothing, and use of cooling centers as heat index values climb past 100. Immigration/TPS: After the U.S. Supreme Court ended TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, many Haitian Ohioans—especially in Springfield—are facing fear and uncertainty about what happens next, with local leaders and groups pushing back. Local Safety/Crime: Springdale police report a person was hospitalized after being shot through a hotel window; a suspect was seen running from the scene. Transportation/Construction: Ottawa County road closures are scheduled for Norfolk Southern crossing work July 1–7, and ODOT plans lane restrictions on U.S. 20 between Clyde and Bellevue starting July 6. Business/Jobs: South Korea-based Sam Dong Ohio is expanding its Delaware, Ohio production, adding new copper casting equipment and creating 30 jobs. Community/Transit: A Dispatch salary database highlights top earners at COTA, including major executive pay and high overtime for some vehicle maintenance staff.

Fracking Fight in Ohio: The state Oil and Gas Management Commission approved 22 fracking bids opening nearly 15,000 acres of public land, including Egypt Valley and Jockey Hollow wildlife areas and parts of Salt Fork State Park, after a contentious meeting that drew sharp opposition from protesters and wildlife advocates. Immigration Shock in Springfield: After the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, Springfield—home to more than 10,000 Haitians—faces fears of major enforcement and a fast-changing future for residents. Sports Gambling Overhaul: Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill aimed at tightening online sports betting, including limits on bet size and frequency, a ban on credit-card wagers, and restrictions on prop bets and college sports. Public Safety—Heat and Crime: Ohio officials issued urgent heat guidance as extreme temperatures roll in, while Toledo is funding a grassroots violence-interruption effort to curb summer shootings. Local Life: Cleveland’s Heinen’s downtown grocery will close July 31, and Portage County authorities seized fentanyl, meth, cash, and a handgun during Brimfield search warrants.

Heat & Travel: A Heat Advisory is up for much of Ohio, with temps pushing past 100° and officials urging shade and hydration. Gas Prices: AAA says gas is down about 3 cents, averaging $3.79 in the Canton-Massillon area, while diesel also eased to under $5 (about $4.91). Local Economy & Taxes: Greene County’s latest revaluation shows property values jumping $4.759B, with farmland soaring 156.5% as farms get split into residential lots. Community Service: The United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s Day of Action drew about 150 volunteers across 16 sites. Housing: Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley dedicated house No. 118 in Beverly for the Barry family. Public Safety: A missing Alliance-area man’s pickup was found submerged in Stark County’s Deer Creek Reservoir, with a body inside. Road Work: Cincinnati drivers face permanent closures of the Second Street ramps into downtown tied to the Brent Spence Companion Bridge project. Politics & Voting: Ohio’s only 2026 ballot issue is State Issue 3, a GOP-backed voter photo ID amendment for the Nov. 3 ballot.

Heat Safety: The National Weather Service warns a dangerous, humid heatwave will blanket much of the Ohio River Valley and the Great Lakes into the July 4 weekend, with heat index values pushing toward 100–110 degrees and little overnight relief. Local Grants: Ohio’s Office of Criminal Justice Services announced $4.5 million in Justice Assistance Grants for 147 projects across 65 counties, including support for crime prevention efforts in Perry County. Immigration Fallout: DHS says people on temporary protected status must pursue permanent residency or leave, after the Supreme Court ruling that could strip protections for many Haitians living in Ohio. Community & Health: The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter is offering free virtual programs on Alzheimer’s warning signs and dementia stages. Local Culture: Allen County Museum opened a new exhibit celebrating the history, art, and cultural impact of America’s railroads. Sports (Ohio): Pickerington North’s 2026 football schedule sets up early rivalry games and a major matchup against defending champ Olentangy Orange.

Local Food Security: Perry County commissioners forgave nine general fund advances tied to the Silica property purchase and approved paperwork tied to county operations. They also announced a new partnership to bring locally processed meat from the Fill the Freezer campaign to residents at the Perry County Home (Fairview Assisted Living), boosting meal quality through collaboration with United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan counties. Summer Meals: The SE Ohio Foodbank is running the Summer Food Service Program with free meals for eligible children, listing multiple Perry County meal sites and hours. Community & Faith: New Straitsville’s Keep America Beautiful committee donated $1,000 to help cover a Methodist church roof, highlighting ongoing town cleanups, gardening, and food pantry support. Education & Workforce: New Lexington Schools hosted the Appalachian STEM Collaborative at the Perry County Fairgrounds, drawing 175 attendees and featuring Ohio Department of Education and Workforce leadership. Immigration Update: After the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the end of Haitian TPS, Springfield leaders say 12,000 to 15,000 Haitian immigrants live locally and many face uncertainty about next steps. Weather Watch: The National Weather Service warns of dangerously hot conditions across parts of northwest Ohio through July 2, with heat index values up to 105 and limited overnight relief.

PUCO vs. FirstEnergy: The Ohio Public Utilities Commission denied FirstEnergy’s request for more time to respond to outages and for looser outage limits, pointing to major summer 2025 outages in Lakewood and Barberton and disagreement from other parties. Public Safety: An OVI checkpoint is set for tonight in Huber Heights with two locations starting at 6:30 p.m. Courts & Justice: Ohio Supreme Court rejected Mackenzie Shirilla’s latest appeal, ending another attempt to reopen her case. Health & Seniors: Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio is offering free online caregiver programs via Zoom. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of a major heat-and-humidity push ahead of the July 4 weekend, with storm chances returning mid-week. Local Crime: Police are investigating a reported shooting in Cheviot on Glenmore Avenue. Sports (Ohio): The Blue Jackets’ 2026 draft class is out, with the team’s draft day overshadowed by reports about star players’ futures. Education/Schools: OHSAA fined Olentangy Local Schools $10,000 after an investigation tied to Olentangy Orange. Community & Culture: A breast cancer vaccine fundraiser, “Brakes for Breasts,” continues with local auto shop participation.

Ohio State Recruiting: Ryan Day landed 2027 five-star OT Caden Moss (Jackson Academy) as the Buckeyes’ latest commitment, beating Ole Miss, Kentucky, LSU, Oregon and Tennessee and boosting Ohio State’s already strong class momentum. Local Crime: Wayne County coroner identified a homicide victim found in Ohio as 36-year-old Indianapolis resident Shanae Robinson; a 38-year-old Mississippi man is in custody in Preble County. Public Safety: Toledo police arrested Eljay Crisp-Carr, 20, charging him after a shooting at the Old West End Festival wounded 12 people. Immigration Fallout: Springfield’s Haitian community is reeling after the Supreme Court ruling ending TPS for Haitians and Syrians, with residents fearing sudden loss of legal status. Weather & Travel: AAA says 3.48 million Ohioans are expected to travel for Independence Day; Canton-area heat is set to push into the 90s with a heat-wave pattern and storm chances. Road Work: Route 30 ramp closures in Canton are scheduled for the weekend, reopening Monday morning.

Immigration & Jobs: A Supreme Court ruling clearing the way to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians is hitting Ohio hard, with Gov. Mike DeWine calling the policy “a mistake” and Springfield residents fearing sudden work-permit losses. Local Safety: Summit County cities including Twinsburg, Hudson, Green and Stow paused directional drilling after a gas-line strike triggered an explosion that damaged nearby homes. Public Safety & Courts: A Lake County judge sentenced Lakeisha Jackson to 49–53 years to life in the fatal shooting of Wyllyam James Sheffey Jr., while another suspect’s trial continues. Transportation Law: Ohio Rep. Dave Taylor and Florida Rep. Greg Steube introduced the GHOSTRUCK Act to block people outside North America from editing truckers’ electronic logging device records. Business & Industry: United Alloy announced a new Ohio manufacturing plant in the Dayton area, aiming to create at least 60 jobs. Community & Weather: Flash-flood damage continues to be assessed in Stonelick Township after severe storms left homes and yards underwater. Human Story: In Iowa, an Ohio man missing since 1985 was identified after DNA testing tied remains from a Winneshiek County hay barn to his family.

Youth Mental Health: Genesis HealthCare’s Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit in Zanesville has started serving patients, offering short-term support for ages 10–17 in parts of southeastern Ohio where families say outpatient care isn’t enough. Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, triggering protests in Ohio and fears for caregivers, workers, and families facing legal status changes. Voting Rights: Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed Ohio legislation requiring photo ID for mail-in voting, while Ohio Republicans debate whether to override. Weather & Flooding: A flood watch is in effect for parts of the Ohio Valley, including Butler, Warren and Clinton counties, as heavy rain threatens low-lying areas. Sports & Local Economy: Ohio State is moving ahead with major athletics spending plans, while Warren’s RibFest returns with organizers citing 18 months of planning and downtown business boosts. Environment: Lake Erie’s mayfly swarm is drawing attention from anglers and communities, with some light-control steps planned as the hatch peaks.

Immigration Shock in Ohio: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for many Haitians and Syrians, sending shockwaves through Ohio communities; Gov. Mike DeWine warned that more than 10,000 people in Ohio, including about 10,000 in the Springfield area, could face deportation. Voting Rights Fight: Ohio Republicans are weighing whether they can override Gov. DeWine’s veto of a bill requiring photo ID for mail-in voting, with advocates calling it a win for absentee voters. Workplace Safety Push: Public Citizen urged the Senate to reject proposed OSHA funding cuts, warning reduced staffing and enforcement could endanger workers. Healthcare & Patient Safety: Prime Healthcare says 22 of its hospitals earned top “A” grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. Local Jobs Boost: P&G celebrated a $500M expansion in Lima/Allen County, with Ohio MeansJobs Allen County supporting hiring and training for the new facility. Cybersecurity in Schools: Napoleon Area City Schools adopted a cybersecurity framework to comply with Ohio’s HB 96. Crime & Courts: A Lima man was sentenced to 26 years for child pornography charges, and a Findlay juvenile was taken into custody after a shooting. Community & Events: Volunteers held a Day of Action in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and Ohio’s America 250 travel spotlight included the Armstrong Air & Space Museum.

NBA Draft Buzz (Ohio ties): The Bulls selected Columbus Africentric’s Dailyn Swain at No. 15, a home-state scorer now headed to Chicago with big upside and a lot of development ahead. Local Sports: Shelby High’s track stars capped a standout season at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor meet, including Madison Henkel’s national long-jump showing and a girls 4x100 relay spot. Ohio Education & Youth Sports: The OHSAA voted to fully recognize girls flag football for 2026-27, making it the association’s 29th recognized sport. Ohio Business & Jobs: Comstock Metals is opening a solar panel recycling and production facility in Cambridge, aiming to create 20 full-time jobs with support from a JobsOhio grant. Community & Health: The American Red Cross is urging blood donations in Northern Ohio as summer supply dips and demand stays steady. Ohio Lottery: Powerball’s next drawing is set for June 27 with an estimated $348 million jackpot. Civic History: A new Supreme Court of Ohio documentary explores the story of Ohio’s 88 county courthouses.

NCAA Eligibility Fight: Fifteen Division I basketball players sued the NCAA in Hamilton County, arguing the new five-year eligibility model unfairly blocks them from a fifth season after their 2025-26 eligibility ended; a judge denied a temporary restraining order and set a hearing for next week. Housing Politics: A bipartisan housing affordability bill is stuck after President Trump canceled the signing ceremony, tying it to passage of the SAVE AMERICA Act and throwing lawmakers into uncertainty over whether the bill could be vetoed. State Lawmaking: The Ohio House unanimously approved a bill to explicitly define maple tree cultivation for syrup and maple products as “agriculture,” sending House Bill 733 to the Ohio Senate. Local Impact: A Fairfield County report says 137 children were reported missing in 2025, with 97.8% of missing children recovered safely by year’s end. Sports & Ohio Pride: Ohio State surprised Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel with a Ring of Honor induction announcement, and EA Sports revealed Jeremiah Smith is the first 99-rated player at launch in College Football 27. Weather Watch: Forecasts point to scattered showers and storms late week, with heat building into the weekend.