AGP Executive Report

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.

Toledo Festival Shooting: Police in Toledo say at least 12 people were hit by gunfire near the Old West End Festival Saturday night, with two victims in critical condition; authorities believe at least two shooters may have been firing at each other and are still searching for suspects, urging anyone with phone photos or video to come forward. State Public Safety: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called the incident “senseless,” saying summer festivals should be safe for families as the investigation continues with witness interviews and review of area footage. Outdoor Health Watch: Richland County tick season is drawing more attention, with officials warning people to prevent bites and remove attached ticks quickly to lower Lyme risk. Ohio Sports & Weather: The Memorial Tournament in Dublin resumed Sunday after Saturday play was suspended by bad weather, while OHSAA state track action continued in Columbus with local athletes advancing and winning on Day 3. Soccer in Cleveland: Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up at Huntington Bank Field, with Endrick scoring the winner.

Public Safety: Toledo police are searching for suspects after multiple people were shot near the Old West End Festival, with victims taken to nearby hospitals and roads closed around the scene. Weather & Travel: Severe thunderstorm warnings hit central Ohio (including Columbus and surrounding counties) with damaging wind gusts and hail, while the Memorial Tournament’s third round was repeatedly delayed or halted by storms. Health: Tallmadge High School science teacher Michelle Eynon, 48, died unexpectedly from an aggressive form of leukemia; a GoFundMe has been set up for her family. Courts & Fraud: The DOJ charged four Ohioans in a COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program fraud scheme tied to $1.4 million, alleging false loan applications and misuse of funds. Energy Costs: Duke Energy is seeking Ohio approval to raise electric distribution charges by 38%, with some customers potentially paying about $18 more per month starting in 2027. Local Sports: Lexington won the Division II 4x800 state title again, and St. Xavier captured a back-to-back Division I lacrosse championship.

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.