AGP Executive Report

AI & Jobs: Nvidia confirmed it will back OpenAI’s massive Ohio data center with up to $105 billion in financing, tied to SB Energy’s Pike County campus and aiming to deliver up to 8 gigawatts of compute capacity for OpenAI. Industrial Safety: Toledo crews responded to explosions and a major fire at Brent Industries; one woman was found dead and two employees were unaccounted for as hazardous materials and chemical tanks were involved. Public Safety: Cleveland RTA COO Dr. Floun’say Caver is missing in Hampton, Virginia, prompting a critically missing adult alert. Courts & Tech: A federal appeals court kept blocked, for now, Ohio’s parental consent rule for minors under 16 to create social media accounts. Economy & Daily Life: Ohio gas prices keep climbing, with the state averaging about $4.18 a gallon. Education & Community: Ohio University and OHIO Online earned a national PTK Transfer Honor Roll spot for transfer student support, while MCCTC is set to open a new LEAD Center focused on robotics, cybersecurity, AI, and HVAC training. Sports: Ohio State starts No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25, and Browns safety Grant Delpit says the new scheme puts “a lot on the safeties’ plate.”

AI Data Center Deal: OpenAI has signed a 20-year, 10-gigawatt Ohio data-center lease with SoftBank’s SB Energy, with Nvidia backing part of the financing and aiming to be the exclusive chip provider for the first phase. State Courts & Policy: The Ohio Supreme Court has weighed in on a data-center and natural gas plant vote tied to the Ashville project, keeping the fight moving. Storm Recovery: Ohio’s National Guard is deployed to Perry, Morgan and Muskingum counties after intense thunderstorms and flash flooding, with roads closed and at least one death confirmed. Public Health: Ohio is expanding its PFAS firefighting foam takeback program, funded by the DuPont settlement, to help more fire departments safely dispose of toxic AFFF. Healthcare Quality: Mary Rutan Hospital earned top recognition for fast stroke treatment through Ohio State’s Telestroke Program. Sports & Community: Ohio State is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25, and the Browns opened a new stadium experience sales center in Berea. Local Notes: A rabies bait campaign runs Aug. 7-25 across Northeast Ohio; the Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley will close in parts for repairs starting Aug. 24.

AI Infrastructure Deal: Nvidia says it will invest $1.5 billion in SoftBank-backed SB Energy and secure up to 8 gigawatts of AI computing capacity for an OpenAI-linked data center campus in Pike County, with initial power coming online in phases starting in 2028. College Football Buzz: The AP preseason Top 25 puts Ohio State at No. 1 and Oregon at No. 2, a rare 1-2 Big Ten start, while Ole Miss lands at No. 9. Public Safety: A welfare check in Texas led to the arrest of a man facing a murder charge after his estranged wife was found dead in his apartment. Local Crime: Cuyahoga County is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a vehicular homicide suspect, Roosevelt Adams. Corrections & Community Impact: Former Catholic priest Geoff Drew, convicted of child rape, is released and expected to live in a Cincinnati halfway house while officials warn he remains dangerous. Health Access in Appalachia: Ohio National Guard’s GuardCare clinic in Southeast Ohio delivered thousands of free medical, dental, and vision services to hundreds of residents. Education & Opportunity: Ohio University and OHIO Online again earned national recognition for helping transfer students succeed, landing on the 2026 PTK Transfer Honor Roll. Sports (High School): Week 1 of Greater Cincinnati high school football kicks off Thursday at Paycor Stadium with Moeller vs. Princeton.

Latter-day Saint Temples: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Cleveland Ohio Temple on Sunday, marking a long arc of church history in northeast Ohio and “prophecies fulfilled.” Local Health Access: Ohio National Guard’s GuardCare 2026 delivered 3,092 free medical, dental, and vision services to 491 people in southeast Ohio. Education & Workforce: Bryan City Schools opened a new career-tech education center, backed by a $2.5 million state equipment grant, with plans to expand skilled trades and advanced manufacturing training. Tech & Power: Nvidia revised its OpenAI Ohio data-center support, with reporting saying the initial guarantee is now under $120 billion, down from $250 billion. Public Safety & Accountability: Fairview Park’s leisure pool remains closed as officials cite humidity and HVAC/power problems, while a councilman presses for answers. Crime & Community Trust: Toledo police say multiple Flock cameras were vandalized or cut down, reigniting debate over surveillance. Sports: Iga Swiatek rolled past Emiliana Arango at the Cincinnati Open; Brandon Inniss earned a preseason Paul Hornung Award watch spot. Roads: OSHP urged commercial drivers to secure loads after debris incidents.

Public Safety: Ohio BCI is investigating a Genoa Township officer-involved shooting at Sharon Woods Metropark that left an armed sexual assault suspect dead after a stop attempt. Violence in Lorain: A gunfire incident at a Lorain Airbnb left an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy dead; police arrested 19-year-old Alexander Gibbons on multiple charges. Road Deaths: A 37-year-old woman from Plano died after police say she ran across State Highway 121 and was hit by an SUV; in Stark County, a tree fell onto a Jeep, killing the driver. Scams Watch: Painesville ranked 56th statewide for July BBB Scam Tracker reports, with three reports totaling about $157, mostly online purchase scams. Weather & Flooding: Flood warnings and water rescues continued in central Ohio after heavy rain and a tornado warning; more storms were possible. Community Health: Ohio National Guard’s GuardCare 2026 delivered free medical, dental, and vision care to hundreds in Southeast Ohio, including vaccinations and hundreds of lab visits. Education & Access: Ohio University and OHIO Online earned a national PTK Transfer Honor Roll spot for supporting transfer students, while Ohio University Chillicothe marked its 80th anniversary with a free public open house.

Severe Weather Watch: Columbus-area forecasts warn of strong storms with damaging winds, heavy rain, and a flood watch through the weekend as saturated ground raises the risk of repeat flooding. Tornado Update: Reports say a damaging tornado touched down near Saint Paris, with warnings extending toward Fletcher and other nearby towns—seek shelter immediately. Public Safety—Police Shooting: Investigators are looking into an officer-involved shooting at Sharon Woods Metro Park in the Columbus area; no officers were hurt. Chase Turns Violent: Cincinnati police say an attempted abduction led to a chase in Green Township that ended with shots fired near a school; a suspect and victim were taken to hospitals. Ohio Lottery: Powerball and Pick 3 midday results for Aug. 15 were released. Ohio State Football: Ryan Day paused plans after an injury to Austin Siereveld, while true freshman Luke Fahey is pushing for QB2 and the team moved senior day to the opener vs. Ball State to focus on Michigan. Cincinnati Open: Novak Djokovic lost to Thiago Agustin Tirante in hot, humid conditions; Djokovic’s U.S. Open run is next. AI/Data Centers: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest up to $3B in SoftBank’s SB Energy for an OpenAI data center project in Ohio, with credit support discussions also underway. Community Health: Ohio National Guard GuardCare 2026 delivered free medical, dental, and vision care to hundreds in Southeast Ohio. Local Crime: A suspected Meijer jewelry thief from Toledo was arrested after a Monroe County chase. Policy Debate: A new Ohio House bill would require vehicle passengers to provide identification during police stops, drawing civil-liberties criticism.

Education & Opportunity: Ohio University and OHIO Online earned a spot on the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll for boosting transfer student success, with the schools citing support systems that help students transition and finish degrees. Health Access: GuardCare 2026 brought record free medical, dental, and vision services to Southeast Ohio—3,092 services for 491 patients over three days at Ohio University’s Heritage Hall. Central Ohio Weather: A flood watch is back for central Ohio from Aug. 15 through the morning of Aug. 16, with heavy rain, damaging winds, and a chance of flash flooding; residents are urged to avoid low-lying areas. Public Safety: An OVI checkpoint in Clark County led to three arrests, including a felony OVI case tied to prior convictions. Crash Update: A Butler County rollover crash killed one and injured three after a vehicle struck a utility pole; impairment is believed to be a factor. Local Numbers: Mahoning County reported 86 pre-K students in 2024-25, down sharply from the prior year, as Ohio’s overall enrollment continues to fall. Scam Tracker: Delta is among cities tied for 84th in Ohio for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with two reports logged.

Immigration Enforcement: Springfield’s Haitian community is being told to report to Ohio ICE offices and wear ankle monitors after TPS ended, with residents describing a Springfield-focused effort. Airport Politics: The FAA and Ohio’s senators oppose Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s push to shut down Burke Lakefront Airport, citing limited airspace capacity. Transportation Planning: ODOT unveiled plans for a diverging diamond interchange at I-75 and County Road 99 in Findlay to ease congestion and improve safety. Local Government & Voting: A Republican lawmaker is pushing a bill to lower the signature threshold for citizens to get certain local issues on Ohio ballots. Public Safety: Parma police body-cam footage is at the center of a lawsuit alleging excessive force against a 13-year-old, while the Findlay PD plans more details on a fatal officer-involved shooting. Health & Environment: Ohio EPA traced a gas odor and evacuation at Mercy Health St. Rita’s to a leaking underground tank at a nearby gas station. Storm Aftermath: SWEPCO sent about 250 workers to restore power in Ohio after severe storms and flooding. Tech & Economy: Nvidia reportedly cut its proposed financial guarantee for an OpenAI data center in Ohio to under $120B. Community Good News: AARP Ohio funded a solar-powered crosswalk in Ottawa, and the Marsh Foundation opened a new equine center for youth therapy. Food Recall: Tomato soup kits sold in Ohio and Pennsylvania were recalled over possible Listeria contamination.

OVI Crackdown: Ohio State Highway Patrol plans an OVI checkpoint tonight on Meridian Road between Austintown Township and Youngstown, running 10 p.m. to midnight with saturation patrols. Severe Weather Aftermath: Sixteen people were hospitalized after a lightning strike at Grafton Correctional Institution in Lorain County injured 19 inmates; authorities report no deaths. Community Health Access: Lutheran Social Services of Northwest Ohio broke ground on a $3.2 million Toledo expansion adding mental health space, a training center, and an accessible food pantry, due to open in Spring 2027. Local Food Security: Washington County’s “Farm 2 Table” effort is going year-round, combining livestock purchases and fresh meat donations to food pantries. Politics & Voters: A Fox News poll shows Sherrod Brown leading Jon Husted in Ohio’s Senate race by 8 points, with inflation and high prices topping voter concerns. Public Safety Next Up: Another Marion County OVI checkpoint is set for Saturday evening; the location will be announced Saturday morning. Jobs: International Motors plans to cut 1,341 jobs in Springfield by October 2026 as part of a facility sale.

Severe Weather & Flood Response: Gov. Mike DeWine toured storm damage in Perry and Muskingum counties after heavy rain triggered widespread flooding and major infrastructure damage; he also warned flash flooding could continue as more storms move in, with power outages affecting more than 171,000 customers statewide. Public Safety: At Grafton Correctional Institution, 16 inmates were hospitalized after a lightning strike during a summer storm; staff performed CPR and used defibrillators as nurses rushed to the yard. Wildlife Protection: An endangered eastern hellbender shut down an ODOT road project in Belmont County for two days while crews coordinated with wildlife officials and the Columbus Zoo for safe relocation. Courts & Politics: NetChoice is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block Ohio’s parental consent requirement for some social media accounts for minors under 16, arguing it could cut off access before the high court rules. Immigration: A Haitian community leader says asylum seekers in central Ohio are being fitted with ankle monitors and required to surrender passports when reporting to ICE, with some also asked to use a government tracking app. Local Watch: Toledo residents are pushing to demolish a long-vacant home they say has become a magnet for trash, trespassers, and syringes. Education & Community: Ohio University and OHIO Online earned a national PTK Transfer Honor Roll spot for supporting transfer students, while GuardCare 2026 delivered thousands of free medical, dental, and vision services to Southeast Ohio residents.

Ohio State Fair Unclaimed Funds: Fairgoers kicked off claims for missing money at the Ohio Department of Commerce kiosk, with about 1,561 visitors starting claims totaling $675,451.70 and an average find of $432.70 per person. Severe Weather Aftermath: Storm damage is still being tallied across Ohio, including Green Township where residents reported major tree and powerline damage and lingering outages. Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison: At Grafton Correctional Institution in Lorain County, 16 inmates were hospitalized after a lightning strike; officials say one remains in serious condition and others are stable. Local Help for Families: In Lima, the Food Fort handed out free food kits and clothing partners, while the Lima Samaritan House raised money for its housing program with its “Raisin’ Bread” celebration. Crime & Courts: Rep. Max Miller faces a new federal lawsuit from his ex-wife over the alleged release of a sensitive nude photo involving their child. Missing Teen Search: Ohio’s AG issued an Endangered Child Alert for Landyn Zagorsky, 17, as search efforts continue in Vienna Township and nearby counties. Lottery: Powerball and Pick 3 midday numbers were released for Aug. 12.

Severe Weather & Power: Storms kept Ohio in the dark Wednesday, with thousands still without electricity after Tuesday’s damaging winds and flooding; Emergency Response: Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for parts of Ohio and activated the National Guard for high-water rescues in Perry and Muskingum counties; Prison Lightning Incident: Sixteen inmates were hospitalized after lightning struck an Ohio prison complex in Grafton, with one airlifted and no reported deaths; Airspace Security: NORAD intercepted a civilian aircraft over Geneva during Trump’s Patriot Games, using flares to get it out of restricted airspace; Local Watchdog Moment: A “Boycott Buc-ee’s” trend is being driven by Ohio locals—while Beaver’s Mini Mart sales surge amid Buc-ee’s trademark dispute; Community & Safety Help: Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program is still accepting applications through Sept. 30 for cooling bills and repairs; Education Numbers: New state enrollment figures show declining student counts in several Ohio counties, including big drops in early grades; Missing Teen Alert: The AG issued an Endangered Child Alert for a missing 17-year-old in Vienna Township, with search efforts expanding across nearby counties.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Central Ohio was hit hard by storms with damaging winds, flooding and power outages, including a flash flood warning for multiple counties and a tornado warning that was later canceled; emergency managers urged residents to report damage and stay alert as conditions lingered. Public Safety Response: Columbus sent government employees home early to clear downtown ahead of more storms, while county EMA directors coordinated relief and advised residents on safety steps. Patriot Games Spotlight: President Trump capped the Patriot Games in Geneva, Ohio, drawing both attention and backlash over a controversial national-anthem salute; ESPN’s Pat McAfee also joined the event, sitting with Trump and helping keep the spotlight on youth sports. Education Funding: Gov. DeWine announced $2.5 million for Structured Literacy Centers at Akron, Bowling Green and Miami to expand Science of Reading training for teachers. Tech & Environment: Ohio EPA dropped a proposal that would have streamlined data center wastewater discharge permits after heavy public pushback. Business/Finance: Nvidia’s latest big financings tied to AI projects eased some credit-market jitters but also raised fresh concerns about circular financing risks. Crime & Courts: An Ohio mother and two partners face murder charges after a 7-year-old was found dead in a closet in Cincinnati; separately, the NCAA and Big Ten sought to move an OSU NIL pay suit to Ohio.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Central Ohio is under a flood watch as storms roll through again, with strong winds and heavy rain already causing widespread damage and outages. Storm Damage: A car was swept off I-71 near downtown Columbus during the severe weather, and officials are still sorting out whether it was tornado activity or straight-line winds. Power Outages: Thousands are without electricity, with AES Ohio reporting nearly 17,650 customers out as of late morning. Local Crime: Two Mercer County residents face homicide charges in the death of a 3-year-old boy; the coroner ruled cocaine toxicity and police say the adults left the home to buy cocaine before the child was found unresponsive. Toledo Pharmacy Theft: A pharmacy delivery driver was threatened during a hold-up; police arrested a suspect on unrelated warrants after the stolen vehicles were tracked. Business/Defense: Joby Aviation will buy Dayton-based Resonant Sciences for about $500 million, expanding Joby’s defense work. Politics: Ohio Republicans were urged to “back off” pushing embattled Rep. Max Miller out of his reelection bid, even as allegations continue. Sports Media: Sinclair plans a new regional “Pittsburgh Sports Tonight” live show launching Aug. 31 across stations including WTOV in Steubenville. Community & Culture: Ohio Goes to the Movies spotlights Neil Armstrong and Auglaize County film history as part of America’s 250th. Public Safety/Infrastructure: The William Natcher Bridge reopened after a fire under the structure was deemed cosmetic, with repairs coordinated alongside ongoing maintenance.

State Fair Boost: Ohio State Fair’s Sale of Champions raised about $396,000, including $270,000 for the Virgil Strickler Youth Reserve Program that has funded scholarships for decades. Higher Ed & Civics: Ohio Republicans introduced the Strengthening Ohio Civics Act, pushing required civics coursework through university “civics centers” and creating an Ohio Civics Board to set curriculum. Courts & Police Powers: A Sixth Circuit panel ruled a small-town police chief is protected by qualified immunity in a hemp-farmer civil rights suit, saying the officer had probable cause to search, impound, and arrest. Energy & Costs: Sen. Sherrod Brown is spotlighting an Ohio utility scandal as energy prices keep climbing. Public Safety & Weather: The William H. Natcher Bridge over the Ohio River was closed after a fire near a support structure; in Toledo, most city pools shut early due to budget and staffing. Local Crime: Ohio State Highway Patrol says a chase in Ashland County led to the recovery of 27 stolen guns and a stolen taser, with two Columbus men arrested. Sports: Cleveland Browns rookie Spencer Fano won the starting left tackle job after a scuffle with Jared Verse.