AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Public Safety: With TPS ending, Haitians in Ohio are reporting “call-in” letters and check-ins tied to possible ICE action, while Gov. Mike DeWine says he’s heard no plans for raids in Springfield. Local Justice: Mackenzie Shirilla, convicted in a 2022 crash, has filed a federal petition seeking a new trial after Ohio’s Supreme Court declined review. Health & Environment: USDA will spread oral rabies vaccine bait in Ohio starting July 31, including Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties—residents are urged to leave bait and keep pets away. Reentry & Jobs: The Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio will hold its first job fair Aug. 19 to help inmates find work before release. Sports (Ohio): Cleveland beat Cincinnati 6-1 to take the Ohio Cup and clinch the series; Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith says this is his final season and Ryan Day points to a tougher 2026 schedule and “small margins” fixes. Statehouse/Policy: Two Ohio lawmakers push a ballot question to let 16- and 17-year-olds vote. Business: CSB Financial Inc. completed an IPO tied to its conversion, with shares expected to trade on OTCQB as CSBA.

Public Health: Ashtabula officials say COVID-19 levels are rising in untreated city wastewater, flagged as a moderate increase by the Ohio Wastewater Monitoring Network. Local Business: EarthWise Pet Nutrition Center & Groombar is holding a grand opening in North Canton this weekend with discounts, free nutrition consultations, and grooming plus self-wash. Energy & Climate: The University of Dayton says a waste-heat-to-power project in Washington Court House is now supplying all of its electricity needs through a long-term deal with AES Ohio and Tallgrass. Defense & Procurement: Air Force acquisition leaders say contracting professionals expect faster equipment buys as decision-making authority shifts to lower levels, and Gen. Dale White urged the defense community to treat acquisition as a warfighting function. Food Safety Lawsuits: Federal cases tied to the Cyclospora outbreak allege Taylor Farms had prior warning after earlier produce-linked outbreaks, setting up a fight over what the company knew and when. State Policy: Ohio lawmakers advanced major bills including tougher catalytic converter theft enforcement and a SNAP cybersecurity upgrade requiring chip-enabled EBT cards. Weather & Safety: AAA and the National Weather Service warn Ohio drivers about large hail risks this weekend, urging people to pull over and protect head and eyes. Social Security: SSI recipients in Ohio will get August payments a day early on Friday, July 31.

Immigration & TPS: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called Trump’s plan to end Haitian TPS a “mistake,” saying it would send people “back to hell,” as communities brace for possible ICE activity. Local Response: Springfield’s mayor urged Haitian residents to seek legal help and plan for enforcement after TPS ends, while Findlay said it’s coordinating resources through a local task force. Public Safety & Crime: A “violent” street gang probe in Ohio led to 10 arrests tied to firearms and drug trafficking. In Adams County, rapper Afroman filed a new lawsuit against a former sheriff’s sergeant over a 2022 raid. Health & Food Safety: Federal investigators still have multiple open Cyclospora cases in Ohio, with only one outbreak tied to a specific food. State Politics: Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton backed a conditional moratorium on data centers unless costs, union labor, transparency, and environmental standards are met. Sports & Business: Ohio State and Notre Dame both unveiled major jersey patch deals; Electra announced a $850M Springfield production site creating about 1,975 jobs. Odds & Numbers: Ohio Lottery winners included a big Mega Millions and Pick 3 midday run.

College Sports Finance: Ohio State will start this fall featuring JPMorgan Chase jersey patches across all 36 varsity teams in a deal reported at about $15–17 million a year, part of a broader NCAA shift that allows corporate logos on uniforms. Local Public Safety: Ohio County authorities say a man is in custody after a shooting left a victim dead in Horse Branch; investigators found the murder weapon in a pond and believe the two knew each other. Immigration & Community Impact: After the Supreme Court move ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, about 30,000 Haitians in Columbus are losing work authorization, and advocates warn of possible ICE enforcement while local groups ramp up emergency support. Retail & Jobs: IKEA is coming to Northeast Ohio, with a small-format store planned for Crocker Park in Westlake opening in spring 2027. Health & Families: A Toledo-area nonprofit is hosting a back-to-school health fair with screenings, school supplies, and physicals at the Wayman Palmer YMCA on Aug. 8. Crime & Courts: Two women attacked at Case Western Reserve University won a multi-million-dollar lawsuit settlement tied to a student assault case. Arts & Community: Lakewood Art Fest returns for its 49th year, filling downtown with 170+ regional and national artists and live music.

Water & Utilities: Ohio EPA issued a violation to the City of Girard over a reported 53% water deficiency, though city officials say the figure is likely overstated and are running internal meter audits. Public Safety & Weather: Severe storms battered southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley, knocking out power for thousands and prompting warnings for damaging winds, hail, and possible flooding. Local Government Accountability: Lakewood is pressing FirstEnergy through the legal process after outages during a heat wave, aiming for fewer equipment-related failures and faster restoration. Immigration: Gov. Mike DeWine called Trump’s planned Haitian deportation push a “mistake,” warning it could hurt Ohio’s economy and endanger people returning to Haiti as TPS ends. Courts & Justice: A former Ohio solicitor general tied to the Danny Lee Hill case was confirmed to the U.S. Sixth Circuit, a move tied to Hill’s death-penalty appeals. Community & Crime: North Royalton held a vigil after building commissioner David Smerek was killed at work; in Berea, a puppy allegedly thrown from a third-story window is recovering. Sports: The Reds-Guardians Ohio Cup opener was postponed by rain and set for a Tuesday doubleheader. Business & Jobs: Union health and welfare funds are seeking final court approval for $180M in opioid settlements involving major retailers and drugmakers. Infrastructure: ODOT plans a 45-day closure of U.S. 33 from Upper Arlington to Dublin starting Aug. 3.

AI & Data Centers: Nvidia is in advanced talks to back OpenAI’s Ohio data-center lease with a reported $250B financing guarantee, tied to a SoftBank-linked 10-gigawatt campus in Piketon—though terms could still change or talks could fall apart. Public Health: CDC says most this summer’s cyclospora/cyclosporiasis cases in Ohio aren’t tied to the big iceberg-lettuce outbreak, with Ohio reporting thousands of illnesses while investigators keep searching for other sources. Courts & Consumer Rights: Ohio Supreme Court ruled a foreclosure appeal isn’t automatically moot if a stay wasn’t secured and the home was sold—borrowers may seek restitution. Foodborne Illness Lawsuits: Three people sued after alleging cyclosporiasis from Ohio Taco Bell meals, seeking more than $1M combined. Traffic Safety: Two seriously injured in an Auglaize County two-vehicle crash near St. Marys; and a separate I-71 three-vehicle serious crash sent one man to OhioHealth Mansfield with serious injuries. Local Development: Hocking Hills is set to get Ohio’s first mountain coaster, with construction starting soon and opening expected in late winter/early spring 2027. Sports (Big Ten): Big Ten preseason media rankings put Ohio State first, Oregon second, and Indiana third, with Michigan slotted lower than expected.

AI & Industry: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to back OpenAI with about $250 billion in financing guarantees for a massive 10-gigawatt data center project in southern Ohio, tied to a SoftBank energy plan; the WSJ says total project costs could top $500 billion, with details still unresolved. Local Economy & Workforce: Cincinnati is launching a paid Building Inspector Training Academy to help fill a looming code-inspector shortage, training new inspectors through a yearlong program. Education & Policy: Ohio State’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity has had its student organization status revoked for 10 years after hazing and alcohol rule violations, with an appeal window open. Public Safety: A crash-prone stretch of I-80 near the Ohio border saw a speed limit drop to 50 mph in a work zone through the end of construction season. Community & Crime: A man died after a shooting at a Put-in-Bay bar; a suspect was taken into custody and faces murder charges. Sports & Culture: Ohio’s Horseshoe ranks No. 1 among Big Ten home stadiums in a USA TODAY ranking, while local fairs and community events keep rolling across the state.

Iran Tensions: Ohio GOP Rep. Mike Turner said the U.S. should keep pressure on Iran over nuclear ambitions, but admitted Trump has “not a lot of options” in a conflict where “Iran has a vote,” as Democrats call for ending the war. School Tragedy: Princeton City Schools mourned two staff deaths—STEM teacher Carlee Bongiorno and paraprofessional/coach Justin Randle—who died one day apart. Severe Weather: Ohio confirmed nine tornadoes from July 21 storms, including EF1 and EF0 touchdowns across multiple regions. Public Safety: OSHP is investigating a serious I-71 crash in Richland County involving a Bronco, Lexus, and tow truck; Cleveland EMS reported separate gunshot incidents—one man critical and two people shot on the West Side in serious condition. Wildlife/Outdoors: Ohio is asking residents to help count wild turkeys and ruffed grouse in July and August. Health Watch: CDC is sending “disease detectives” to Ohio to support the cyclosporiasis investigation as case counts climb. Sports/OSU: Ryan Day spoke on the intense pressure of the Ohio State–Michigan rivalry, while Matt Patricia’s defense rebuild remains the big offseason question.

Emmy Night for Ohio Valley TV: WDRB News brought home nine Emmys at the Ohio Valley Emmy Awards in Louisville, including wins for investigative reporting, health/medical coverage, and live news production. Local Sports: Columbus Crew beat FC Cincinnati 2-1 in the “Hell is Real” derby, with Dániel Gazdag’s first-half penalty kick proving decisive. Public Safety: A child was airlifted to Cincinnati Children’s after an ATV crash in Butler County; in Lorain, police arrested a 16-year-old in the fatal shooting of 67-year-old Robert Lewis. Health Watch: The CDC is sending “disease detectives” to Ohio for a three-week cyclosporiasis investigation as case counts keep climbing. Politics & Voting: A federal appeals court blocked key parts of a Trump mail-voting order in 23 states, a setback that could escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court. Travel for Buckeye Fans: Airlines are adding 25 flights for five major Ohio State football weekends, including extra capacity for the Sept. 12 trip to Texas. Community & Events: The Ohio State Fairgrounds opened a new Ohio-themed children’s carousel, and a VFW in Zanesville hosted a back-to-school kids’ party with free bags and activities.

Public Health: The CDC is sending “disease detectives” to Ohio for about three weeks to help trace cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) cases as Ohio reports 2,574 illnesses, with most showing up after June 20. Public Safety: A Toledo man, Halee Thornton Jr., was arrested and is accused of firing shots in two separate incidents on the same day—hitting a woman’s car in one and striking a man’s home in the other. Courts & Child Welfare: Gary Siders Jr., accused in Ohio’s “house of horrors” case involving 16 children, is seeking a psychiatric and competency evaluation, with his lawyer arguing he may not be fit to stand trial. Immigration Enforcement Accountability: Ohio Immigrant Alliance released a new report alleging widespread sex and physical abuse by ICE and Border Patrol agents, calling for tighter oversight. Statehouse Watch: A ranked choice voting ban bill advanced with a sharp partisan split in the Ohio General Assembly, while lawmakers also logged major floor votes tied to utility regulation and fee waivers for people experiencing homelessness.

Public Health: The CDC says a massive cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has now spread to nine states, including Ohio, with nearly 2,000 illnesses reported and dozens hospitalized; investigators are still working to pin down the source and scope. Local Health & Safety: Ohio is also facing a veterinarian shortage, with state officials warning it could reach 600 to 1,000 by the early 2030s, driven largely by debt and pay pressures. Housing & Cost of Living: A new report finds Ohio renters need to earn at least $23.82 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment—well above what the average renter makes. Environment & Energy: Activists in Washington County are pushing ODNR for a deeper study into brine migration after injection wells were shut down over concerns about drinking-water impacts. Roads & Travel: PennDOT cut the speed limit to 50 mph on I-80 in Mercer County during reconstruction, with added safety measures planned. Sports (Ohio): Ohio football was picked fourth in the MAC preseason coaches poll as the 2026 season approaches. Community: Athens hosts an art event celebrating Sandy Plunkett’s Southeast Ohio retrospective book, with a July 30 meet-and-greet at the Southeast Ohio History Center.

Housing & Homeownership: Portage County Land Bank’s first Welcome Home Ohio sale is helping a Ravenna couple move from renting to a renovated home, showing how state-backed rehab and land bank partnerships can expand options for families. Elections Watch: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is warning voters about confusing mailers from outside groups that may target already-registered people and use outdated or misleading information. Public Safety & Health: The CDC is sending “disease detectives” to Ohio for the Cyclospora outbreak as Summit County case counts surge; meanwhile, Ohio is also seeing rising mosquito activity after hot, humid weather. Cost of Living: A new report says Ohio renters need to earn at least $23.82 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment, highlighting a widening wage-rent gap. Community & Crime: Attorneys donated 112,000 pro bono hours statewide, while police report no arrests in a Cleveland East Side shooting that left a 19-year-old dead. Local Business: Ridi Stores is expanding in northwest Ohio after buying three gas stations, with branding and loyalty upgrades planned.

Cyclospora Outbreak: Ohio health officials say diarrhea cases tied to the Cyclospora parasite are climbing, with Erie County reporting 102 confirmed cases and most linked to bagged lettuce or Taco Bell; the FDA also flagged a separate new outbreak with at least 72 illnesses as Michigan and other states report surges. Food Safety Update: Mexico’s health ministry says tests of Taylor Farms lettuce and water samples came back negative, even as U.S. investigations continue and the larger multistate outbreak remains under scrutiny. Local Health & Grants: Toledo’s Zepf Center received $1.5 million in federal funding to connect people facing mental health and substance use challenges to housing, jobs, and care through its HOPE program. Rural Broadband: Paulding Putnam secured $13.1 million in federal support to expand fiber-to-the-home service in unserved areas, with Indiana construction planned to start in spring 2029. Community & Business: Kroger reopened its Brewers Yard store in Columbus with a dedicated section for Black-owned brands. Public Safety/Infrastructure: ODOT scheduled a triple-lane closure on I-275 in Hamilton County this weekend for resurfacing. Sports/Local Culture: Lima Aquatic Park is planning “Christmas in July,” Veterans Appreciation Day, and Glow Stick Night to close out summer.

Public Safety & Courts: An Indian-origin former medical resident in Ohio was sentenced to six months in jail for secretly recording hospital staff in a restroom, and must register as a sex offender for 15 years. Water Tragedy: A boater’s photo may be the “last picture” of five adults who drowned in the Scioto River while trying to help a distressed swimmer, as authorities identify the victims. Statehouse Watch: Ohio lawmakers advanced multiple bills, including one to create an Ohio Defense Commission and fund for the defense industry, plus measures expanding pharmacy licensing for wild animal rehab and requiring free academic intervention for struggling students. Justice Department Clash: Rep. Jim Jordan referred former special counsel Jack Smith to the DOJ over allegations of false testimony about the Trump probe. Local Government & Housing: Columbus City Council is moving ahead with data center regulations after residents pushed for a moratorium. Weather: Tornadoes touched down across Ohio Tuesday, including confirmed twisters in the Youngstown area. Business & Infrastructure: Temporary modular bridges were installed on the Cedar Point Causeway in Sandusky ahead of major reconstruction later this year. Sports: The Blue Jackets signed goalie Jet Greaves to a three-year, $15 million deal.

Tragedy on the Scioto River: Authorities say five adults drowned in Powell after trying to rescue a struggling swimmer, including two married couples from Honduras; a passing boater’s photo is believed to show the group moments before the deaths. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A water main break closed Ohio 741 in Moraine, with detours and repair timing uncertain. Local Government: Sylvania schools approved a 1% earned income tax paired with a 1.7-mill property tax reduction for the Nov. ballot after voters rejected a larger operating levy. Education & Community Support: Salvation Army’s Tools for School program is taking Lucas County backpack registrations. State Politics: Ohio Democrats are targeting at least six Statehouse seats to break the GOP supermajority. Weather Aftermath: Pierce Township residents continue tornado cleanup after Tuesday storms. Legal/Justice: Ohio Supreme Court upheld a judge’s denial of a murder defendant’s request for postconviction DNA retesting. Business/Travel: Akron-Canton Airport launched a walk-up store selling local farm and small-business goods. Sports: Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese made the NFLPA Rising Stars list; David Gabriel Georges committed to Tennessee over Ohio State and Ole Miss.

Drug Bust: The FBI dismantled a 16-person organized drug trafficking ring in Mansfield tied to the New Millennium Car Wash, alleging cocaine, crack, and oxycodone distribution after a seven-year investigation. Aerospace Jobs: CFM’s Open Fan engine cleared preliminary design reviews, moving toward manufacturing for a ground test demonstrator by 2030, while Electra announced an $850M Springfield, Ohio aircraft production site. Local Government & Safety: Marion city councilman pushes to ban Flock AI cameras as more Ohio agencies deploy them; meanwhile, Drums on the Ohio changed parking plans due to construction near Reitz High School. Public Health: A major cyclospora outbreak is driving recalls and investigations nationwide, with Ohio tied to the broader surge in cases. Weather & Emergencies: Tornadoes and severe storms hit the region, including a confirmed tornado in southwest Ohio and damage reports around Youngstown. Courts & Legal: Ohio State Bar certified 14 new paralegals; an Ohio appeals decision addressed armed-at-home conduct during a 911 call. Community & Crime: Police in Maple Heights warned residents about scams involving bogus city employees.