AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Response: Ohio’s National Guard and state crews are heading to Perry, Morgan, and Muskingum counties after intense thunderstorms and flash flooding, with a flood warning extended into Aug. 18 and at least one confirmed death in Perry County. Local Governance: Clermont County election officials rejected a petition to dissolve the Village of Batavia after signature and residency challenges, keeping the issue off the November ballot. Ohio Economy & Business: Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel tout Ohio’s CNBC “Top State for doing business” ranking in Youngstown, while the state’s data-center boom keeps driving political debate. Data Centers & Courts: Ohio Supreme Court filings continue in the Trenton data-center moratorium fight over how many signatures are needed to trigger a vote. AI Investment: OpenAI plans a major Ohio data center backed by Nvidia’s up-to-$105B support, tied to SB Energy’s power buildout. Education Policy: Ohio’s chronic absenteeism rules tighten further this fall by counting missed hours (not just days) toward the 10% threshold. Elections & Federal Power: Cities including Columbus and Nashville join lawsuits challenging DHS/FEMA grant conditions that would force changes to local election procedures. Public Safety & Justice: A federal jury awarded a Marietta hospital $5M in a whistleblower-related civil conspiracy case. Ethics Watch: The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Rep. Jimmy Gomez over alleged sexual misconduct.

Flood Response: DeWine is sending extra state resources to Perry, Muskingum, and Morgan counties as weekend rain totals vary widely, with eastern Ohio seeing up to 10 inches and multiple counties under flood warnings. Local Government Finance: Franklin County commissioners approved a Sept. 1 jump in vehicle title fees from $18 to $23, tied to a statewide change that also earmarks part of the fee for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. AI + Data Centers: NVIDIA says it will exclusively host AI compute at SB Energy’s PORTS-Pike campus in Pike County, with OpenAI as the customer, as the project promises major Ohio job and community benefits. Energy + Economy: Ohio reached a milestone with all 88 counties designated “attainment” for air quality, while gas prices reports show premium fuel hitting a low of $4.79 in Geauga County for the week ending Aug. 8. Politics Watch: New allegations and court filings keep swirling around U.S. Rep. Max Miller amid ongoing scrutiny of his conduct and campaign fallout.

Tariff Talks: The U.S. and Canada are nearing a deal to avert Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on select Canadian goods, with possible trade-offs involving steel/aluminum and commitments on energy, defense, and critical minerals. Ohio Courts & Policy: Ohio Supreme Court says Ashville can’t block a vote tied to a data center and gas plant deal, keeping the project on track. Marijuana Prices: A new pricing comparison finds Ohio’s recreational cannabis remains far pricier than Michigan, even as Ohio bars buying from other states. Local Elections: Van Wert County is mostly set for the Nov. 3 ballot, with multiple local levies confirmed and a statewide voting/photo-ID amendment expected pending state approval. Public Safety: Sandusky police are investigating a shooting that hospitalized two people, and Ohio’s Office of Criminal Justice Services recertified dozens of law enforcement agencies under collaborative community-policing standards. Weather/Operations: Franklin County’s Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court temporarily closed due to heavy rain damage, with repairs underway. Immigration Enforcement: ICE says a Denver detainer request was denied, leaving a man at large—another flashpoint in local-federal cooperation.

Ohio Supreme Court: Ashville can’t block a referendum tied to an EdgeConneX data center and natural gas plant deal, after the court ruled the fiscal officer couldn’t refuse to certify the petition—keeping the fight alive for voters. Public Safety: Ohio is pushing “Vision Zero” style road changes as pedestrian deaths rise, with families pointing to speed and lack of protected lanes as key drivers. Elections & Power: A new look at the Midwest says Democrats are contesting more governor and Senate races—including Ohio—as costs of living erode GOP support. Tech & Industry: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest about $3B in an Ohio data-center project tied to OpenAI, even as it scaled back earlier guarantees. Healthcare & Courts: A federal judge lifted a stay blocking Trump’s TPS end for Somalis, setting up deportations of more than 2,400 people. Local Government: Maryhaven’s board adds new directors amid financial distress, after leadership changes and mounting losses.

Firearms Trafficking: A Nevada man, Luis Alberto Osorio, pleaded guilty to straw purchasing and trafficking 140 guns to violent Mexican cartels, including .50-caliber rifles, and faces up to 70 years. Local Crime: A Toledo-area suspect accused of stealing jewelry from a Meijer in Michigan was arrested after a Monroe County chase that ended in a crash. Gun Theft Case: Two Columbus men were indicted in Ashland County on dozens of felony counts tied to the Aug. 3 theft of 27 firearms and a taser from Fin Feather Fur. Public Safety & Weather: A tornado was reported on the ground near Saint Paris, Ohio, as warnings spread across the region; separate storm flooding killed at least six in Indiana. Transportation: I-71 southbound at Pearl Road in Cuyahoga County reopened after a crash closure. Policy Watch: Ohio’s AG is weighing whether hotel and gas price gouging after severe weather violates consumer laws. Immigration Enforcement: Reports say ICE actions are expanding in Ohio, including requirements for Haitian residents in Springfield to report and wear ankle monitors.

Immigration & ICE: Springfield-area Haitians are being forced to report to Ohio ICE offices and wear ankle monitors after TPS ended, with reports of additional detentions in the Butler County Jail and growing community pressure from Catholic sisters and pastors. Elections & GOP money: Elon Musk’s America PAC is preparing a $100M-plus push to boost Republicans in the November midterms, with early focus that includes Ohio Senate races. State politics & policy: Ohio is moving to regulate addiction recovery houses more directly, while the SAVE Act’s federal stall is pushing red states to adopt similar election-security rules locally. Public safety & courts: A Knox County sheriff’s sale lists multiple delinquent-tax foreclosure parcels, underscoring ongoing local legal and property enforcement. Weather & infrastructure: Severe Midwest storms and record flooding have hit Indiana and are also affecting Ohio, with officials urging residents to prepare for continued heavy rain and outages. Local governance: Hancock County commissioners hired outside counsel tied to opioid-funding negotiations with Family Care Ministries. Community & culture: The Great Trail Festival marks its 45th year in Malvern with two weekends of living history and crafts.

Ohio Immigration Enforcement: Springfield’s Haitian community is being told to report to ICE offices in Blue Ash or Westerville and to wear ankle monitors after TPS ended, with advocates calling it a Springfield-focused effort. Ohio Courts & Public Safety: An Akron officer who shot and killed 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker in 2024 was fired as the city agreed to pay $4.75M to the family. Federal Policy & Health: A measles outbreak map shows cases spiking as the Trump administration overhauls childhood vaccine guidance, raising concerns about shifting MMR schedules. Ohio Politics & Campaigns: House Democrats’ super PAC plans to add $6M in Ohio’s 7th District to target embattled Rep. Max Miller amid abuse allegations. Local Government & Infrastructure: Allen County’s new Government Center is on schedule and under budget, with a move-in planned for September/November. Tech & Industry: Nvidia cut its financial backstop for OpenAI’s Ohio AI data center to under $120B, easing investor jitters. Transportation: The FAA says shutting Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport is a non-starter, siding against Mayor Justin Bibb’s push. Public Order: Dayton police will increase patrols to enforce Ohio’s stunt driving law this weekend.

Ohio Government & Courts: A federal judge’s fight over the Kennedy Center’s name is back in the spotlight after the board voted to restore President Donald Trump’s name via a new facade inscription and to rename the plaza “Trump Plaza,” despite earlier court orders. Elections & Federal Enforcement: A ProPublica report says the Trump administration’s push to prosecute noncitizen voter fraud fell apart, producing few cases and even fewer convictions. Ohio Politics & Public Safety: The Ohio State Highway Patrol will run an OVI checkpoint tonight in Clark County (U.S. 40 in Springfield Twp., 7–9 p.m.). Economy & Jobs: WARN filings show International Motors will cut 1,341 jobs in Springfield by October 2026 after a facility sale to Roshel Inc. Workplace Safety: National COSH’s “Fired Up!” week of action targets stronger heat protections, including in Ohio. Local Life & Compliance: Cincinnati homeowners are warned that paid groundhog removal must be done by state-licensed nuisance wild animal control operators. Legal Hot Button: Rep. Max Miller faces a federal lawsuit from his ex-wife alleging he shared a nude photo of their 2-year-old daughter online.

Ohio Courts & Public Safety: The Ohio Supreme Court revived a $1.9M farmworker injury verdict, faulting an appeals court for requiring proof the employer deliberately failed to reattach a tractor safety guard. Weather & Emergency Response: Gov. Mike DeWine warned of overnight flood risk in western/southwestern Ohio, with the Ohio National Guard deployed to Perry County after flooding displaced about 375 people. Elections & Campaign Politics: Cook Political Report shifted Ohio’s 10th and 15th districts from “solid” to “likely” Republican, citing national political pressure ahead of the 2026 midterms. Federal Policy With Ohio Ripples: Trump ordered steam catapults for a new aircraft carrier, and also signed a memo allowing vetted private firms to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign criminal networks under federal oversight. Kennedy Center Fight: The Kennedy Center board voted again to restore Trump’s name and close the main building for two years, setting up another legal clash with a judge’s order. Sports & College Policy: NCAA rules now allow Division I programs to sell uniform advertising; Ohio-focused coverage also notes a new lawsuit seeking a fifth NCAA eligibility year. Local Infrastructure: ODOT awarded Safe Routes to School grants, including $500,000 for Niles Middle School and $77,000 for a sidewalk project in Howland Township.

Immigration Enforcement: A central Ohio Haitian community leader says asylum seekers are being fitted with ankle monitors, having passports collected, and sometimes using a government tracking app when they report to ICE offices. Public Safety: Jefferson Township cleared a construction site after a bomb threat triggered a multi-agency sweep with nine explosive-detection K-9 units; no devices were found and the investigation is ongoing. Local Government: Knox Borough Council is moving toward final wording for parking and traffic changes, including signage aimed at limiting semi-truck routing through a neighborhood intersection. Elections & Voting Access: A new DOJ push targets states’ in-state tuition rules for noncitizens without permanent legal status, with suits filed against New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. Statehouse/Policy: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a slate of appointments, including roles tied to boards and commissions. Ohio Economy: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Washington County at $4.05 (week ending Aug. 8) and the lowest diesel in Medina County at $4.85. Community & Services: Wayne County recognized Child Support Awareness Month, highlighting local support for families.

Max Miller fallout in Ohio: A federal civil-rights lawsuit says U.S. Rep. Max Miller and his attorney published an unredacted nude photo of his 2-year-old daughter online, reigniting scrutiny as abuse allegations continue. Local school governance: Wauseon’s school board bought 42 acres for future growth and re-hired a school psychologist for a one-year term. Animal welfare enforcement: The Columbiana County Humane Society paused new intakes after seizing 113 animals from a farm, with nine dead and charges pending. Public safety and courts: A 13-year-old from Detroit was arrested after a chase in a stolen Rivian SUV near Piqua; a gun was found in the vehicle. State politics and elections: Ohio’s voter-ID debate remains in the spotlight nationally after New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she’d back a state voter ID law while criticizing Trump’s federal proposal. Weather and infrastructure: A lightning strike at Grafton Correctional Institution hospitalized 16 inmates as severe storms hit the Midwest. Energy and environment: DeWine announced major ODOT upgrades across 23 counties, while separate reporting highlights Ohio’s ongoing data-center power and wastewater policy fights.

Severe Weather & Emergency Response: Gov. Mike DeWine warned Ohioans to use “common sense” as storms brought flooding risk, tornado warnings, and widespread outages; a death was reported in Roseville and emergencies were declared in Perry and Muskingum counties. Patriot Games in Ohio: President Trump headlined the Freedom 250 Patriot Games finale in Geneva, Ohio, awarding $250,000 scholarships to two teens and drawing major political and media figures, including ESPN’s Pat McAfee. Ohio Public Safety & Courts: A federal case highlighted bomb threats allegedly made by an Ohio woman targeting Mississippi government offices, tied to the Nolan Wells investigation. Local Government: Celina welcomed Rep. Jim Jordan at Celina Tent, while Conneaut appointed a new fire chief, William “Will” Anderson. Energy Assistance: Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program remains open through Sept. 30 for eligible households needing help with cooling costs. Business/Defense: Joby Aviation announced it will acquire Beavercreek defense contractor Resonant Sciences in a ~$500M deal, expanding its Dayton-area defense footprint.

Severe Weather & Emergency Response: Storms slammed central Ohio, knocking out power for more than 100,000 customers and prompting Columbus officials to open shelters, close roads, and warn of more dangerous weather. Flooding in Perry County: Roseville officials reported one death tied to flooding conditions and urged residents to evacuate as the National Guard’s high-water rescue unit prepared to assist. Ohio Voting Policy: Democrat Amy Acton broke with her party to back Issue 3, which would enshrine Ohio’s voter photo ID requirement in the state constitution. Data Center Governance: Stowe Township residents raised concerns about a possible data center, but local officials said no proposal is before them—highlighting how misinformation can drive local conflict. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. authorities announced multiple federal immigration sentences and charges in Northern Ohio, part of a broader DOJ crackdown. Patriot Games Spotlight: President Trump capped the 2026 Patriot Games finale in Ohio, drawing attention for his appearance alongside ESPN’s Pat McAfee amid ongoing national scrutiny of the event’s political branding. National Security & Transparency: Trump confirmed a covert Air Force One plane switch during a Turkey trip, saying Secret Service and the military ordered it due to a threat.

Election Administration: The GOP is treating poll-worker recruiting like a midterm battlefield, with the RNC saying it has surpassed 2024 sign-ups and deployed staff across 25 states as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day ramps up. Statehouse & Courts: Ohio Auditor of State issued a $3,720.46 finding for recovery against a former University of Cincinnati official over an unauthorized nonprofit donation and improper alcohol purchases. Energy & Utilities: PUCO ordered AEP Ohio to require 180 days’ notice from data center firms before grid connection, aiming to prevent ratepayer cost spikes as Ohio’s data-center boom reshapes power planning. Public Safety & Weather: Severe thunderstorms are driving flood warnings and watches across central and western Ohio, with flash flooding and damaging winds possible. Ohio Politics Under Pressure: White House officials reportedly told Ohio Republicans to cool pressure on Rep. Max Miller to drop his reelection bid despite domestic abuse allegations and an ongoing House Ethics probe. Behavioral Health Policy: Gov. DeWine signed an emergency order to let the state directly certify recovery housing, citing a surge in unregulated facilities and “bad actors.” Local Government Pay: Dayton Daily News’ Payroll Project highlights heavy overtime and top local pay, including Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein’s 2025 gross pay. Business & Defense: Joby Aviation announced a ~$500 million deal to acquire Dayton’s Resonant Sciences, folding it into a dedicated defense unit.

Recovery Housing Oversight: Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order creating a statewide certification program for Ohio recovery housing operators, aiming to curb fraud and unsafe conditions as the industry has surged to more than 1,700 houses. State Watchdog Response: Ohio Auditor Keith Faber backed the move, saying his office has flagged Medicaid and behavioral-health control weaknesses that can waste taxpayer dollars. Congressional Drama: Embattled U.S. Rep. Max Miller will stay on Ohio’s Nov. ballot after the GOP replacement deadline passed, keeping the 7th District race competitive as Democrats press the domestic abuse allegations. Public Health & Policy: Doctors and lawmakers condemned a Trump order that would change childhood vaccine guidance, including splitting the MMR shot and spacing doses. Energy & Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile in Ohio’s counties, with multiple reports of lowest diesel and midgrade prices in the week ending Aug. 1. Local Government: Beavercreek formally adopted the beaver as its city symbol amid the ongoing Buc-ee’s logo lawsuit fallout. Workforce Training: Ashland University won a nearly $500k state grant to expand free training for telecom and broadband careers.

Immigration & Enforcement: A judge cleared the way for Trump’s mass deportation push after ending protections for about 350,000 Haitians, setting up layoffs and ICE sweeps—despite the fact many affected people entered legally under Temporary Protected Status. Congressional Fallout: Ohio Rep. Max Miller will stay in the reelection race as abuse allegations and GOP pressure intensify; he’s also filed paperwork to trigger an ethics investigation into himself. State Government & Courts: Ohio Auditor Keith Faber announced a $2.3 million DOJ grant to expand fraud and crime prosecutions through his office. Health Policy: Red states, including Ohio, are rejecting a Medicaid “grace period” and tightening work-rule enforcement starting in January. Data Centers & Energy: Ohio voters and local officials keep clashing with the data center boom—over electricity costs, water impacts, and local approval fights—while operators in other states are lining up behind stricter grid standards. Public Health: Ohio’s measles outbreak hit 45 cases statewide, with new infections in Wayne and Trumbull counties. Local Governance: Piqua clarified a law director’s misstatement about publication timing for a franchise ordinance.