AGP Executive Report

Kennedy Center Fight: Crews began stripping President Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center facade after a federal court order, with a tarp obscuring the work as the center said it complied—another high-profile clash over federal naming power. Ohio Voting Rights: The FBI raided the Ohio Organizing Collaborative in Cleveland tied to a voter fraud investigation, with leaders calling it politically motivated and alleging intimidation. Data Center Policy: Ohio EPA approved a hyperscale wetland destruction permit for a major data center project in Scioto County, despite community opposition, underscoring how permitting decisions can move fast even when local residents push back. AI Data Center Politics: In Congress, lawmakers have floated AI data center restrictions, but most bills stalled amid GOP splits and heavy lobbying from tech firms. Ohio Higher Ed: Ohio University trustees advanced policy reviews and extended a scholarship match program through 2031, while a new NIH grant targets expanding opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across Ohio and West Virginia. Local Law Enforcement: Clermont County charged Bethel Police Chief Chad Essert with child sex abuse offenses tied to alleged abuse while he worked as a teacher, with extradition pending.

Kennedy Center Fight: Workers removed President Trump’s name from the Washington venue after a federal court order, but a tarp stayed up over scaffolding, leaving the public moment half-hidden while the legal fight continues. Ohio Law Enforcement: A Bethel, Ohio police chief was arrested in Florida and charged with 70 counts of child sex offenses tied to alleged abuse while he worked as an instructor/teacher years ago. Ohio Voting & Courts: The FBI raided an Ohio voting rights organization, escalating fears of a pre-midterm crackdown and sparking outrage from Ohio Democrats. Statehouse Watch: Ohio Republicans advanced a voter photo ID amendment for the November ballot, while lawmakers also pushed Medicaid fraud prevention and other election-related changes. Data Centers & Power: New reporting highlights how AI-driven data center growth is colliding with local politics and permitting pressures, with Ohio still wrestling over rules and tax breaks. Higher Ed & Health: Ohio University trustees reviewed strategy updates and expanded scholarship matching, while an NIH grant aims to scale opioid use disorder treatment support across dozens of Ohio and West Virginia clinics.

Election Integrity & Federal Pressure: The FBI searched the Cleveland office of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, seizing files and computers while staff say agents also visited leaders’ homes—sparking accusations of intimidation ahead of hotly contested statewide races. Voting Rules: Arizona advanced a ballot measure requiring photo ID for voting, including mail-in ballots, adding to the national push that Ohio lawmakers have also backed. Data Centers & Politics: A new national look at data-center growth finds the issue is driving campaign conflict in competitive House districts, with voters focused on power bills, water use, and farmland impacts. Ohio Education & Families: Akron After School is expanding after-school childcare at select elementary schools via a YMCA partnership, aiming to help working families and improve attendance. Ohio University Updates: Ohio University trustees reviewed strategy progress and R1 plans, while a new NIH grant targets scaling opioid-use-disorder treatment support in primary care across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. National Court Fight: Workers removed Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center facade after a judge ordered compliance, with the center citing weather delays before finishing the job.

Federal Voting Crackdown: FBI agents raided the Cleveland office of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, seizing computers and documents tied to the group’s 2024 voter registration push, while leaders called it intimidation ahead of hotly contested fall races. Legal Fight Over Arts Naming: After courts rejected attempts to delay, workers removed President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in Washington early Saturday, following a judge’s ruling that only Congress can authorize the change. Ohio Higher Ed & Health: Ohio University trustees reviewed strategy updates and approved extending a scholarship match program through 2031; separately, an NIH grant will expand an Ohio-based model to improve primary-care treatment access for opioid use disorder. Local Governance & Public Safety: Youngstown officials effectively shelved a planned “safety campus” after spending ARP money on design work, while FEMA officials reported Columbiana County met preparedness targets in a radiological drill tied to the Beaver Valley plant. Community & Civic Life: A Marine Corps League flag exchange in Elida marked Flag Day, and a Hubbard nonprofit is expanding motorcycle-community outreach that uses sewing patches to open conversations about grief and suicide prevention.

Election Integrity & Federal Pressure: An Ohio voting rights group, the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, says the FBI raided its Cleveland-area offices, seized devices, and interviewed volunteers and members as part of a voter-fraud probe—raising fears of a broader crackdown ahead of the midterms. Voting Rules: Ohio lawmakers approved a photo ID requirement for mail-in voting that won’t take effect until November 2027, while voters will also decide a separate constitutional photo ID amendment this fall. Statehouse Policy: Ohio House action advanced a data-center regulation push, but the plan stalled amid a fight over tax breaks and how far the rules should go. Public Safety: Police arrested a suspect in the Toledo festival shooting that left 12 people wounded, and a separate case saw an Ohio police chief arrested in Florida on a 70-count indictment alleging sexual abuse of a minor. Courts & Rights: A federal judge denied the Kennedy Center’s bid to pause an order to remove Trump’s name while it appeals. Sports Betting Regulation: Former SEC chair Gary Gensler filed a brief arguing sports prediction markets aren’t swaps and should not fall under CFTC swap rules.

Ohio Elections: Ohio lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment enshrining photo ID for voting, with voters set to decide it Nov. 3, 2026; the measure would also tighten absentee voting rules and create an alternative verification path for voters with religious objections. Statehouse & Policy: Republicans also backed new mail-voting photo ID requirements for the 2027 election, even as the constitutional amendment heads to the ballot. Higher Ed & Research: Ohio University named Connor Gaugler as a student trustee, while Ohio University researchers won a major NIH grant to expand opioid use-disorder treatment in primary care across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Courts & Legal: Ohio State approved a $100 million settlement with 279 victims of former doctor Richard Strauss, and Ohio Supreme Court dispute-resolution leaders discussed how mediators are using AI while protecting confidentiality. Public Safety: ODNR is seeking submissions for a new “Letters to Home Trail” at Mohican State Forest honoring Ohio service members. Health & Reproductive Rights: Ohio doctors urged lawmakers to back off a bill requiring a 24-hour waiting period before abortion procedures. Local Government: Jefferson County put a proposed spec building on hold, citing lost state funding and the need for more financial support.

Voter ID Push: Ohio lawmakers sent two major election changes forward—an absentee mail requirement for photo ID starting in 2027 and a constitutional photo-ID amendment headed to the November ballot. Statehouse Wrap: The legislature also advanced Medicaid fraud crackdowns (including chip-enabled EBT cards), a nearly $4B capital budget, and a gun-storage “lockbox” option for law enforcement. Cleveland Schools: A petition drive is underway to restore Cleveland Metropolitan School District to an elected school board, after years of mayoral control and recent school closures and layoffs. Healthcare & DOJ: Cleveland Clinic agreed to put $2M toward “detransition” care under a DOJ settlement tied to alleged insurance-coding issues for minors. Utilities: PUCO approved Aqua Ohio water and wastewater rate increases, rejecting a higher fixed customer charge. Public Safety Training: Ohio’s 13th Public Safety Leadership Academy graduates 30 law enforcement leaders after 11 weeks of OSU-accredited training. Local Government & Data Centers: In Warren County, residents and officials debated data-center impacts and local regulatory handling, with activists pushing for a “no” stance. Transportation/Immigration Enforcement: Ohio downgraded 1,200 foreign-born truckers’ CDLs after new federal documentation rules.

Opioid Treatment Expansion: Ohio University researcher Berkeley Franz won a nearly $4M NIH grant to scale a primary-care model for prescribing medication for opioid use disorder across about 40 Ohio and West Virginia clinics, aiming to close the gap between proven treatment and real-world practice. SNAP Fraud Crackdown: The Ohio House approved chip-enabled EBT cards to reduce skimming and PIN theft after more than $17M in SNAP benefits was stolen from 34,000+ households (with $3M earmarked for upgrades). Violent Offender Monitoring: The Ohio House advanced the Reagan Tokes and Patrick Heringer Act, pushing real-time GPS monitoring for violent offenders after release. Ohio Courts: The Ohio Supreme Court reinstated Geauga County Judge Timothy Grendell to the practice of law after his suspension and required education. Data Center Fight: Ohio lawmakers are still clashing over data center regulations and tax breaks, while Ohio farmers warn proposed eminent domain changes could weaken property rights. Toledo Shooting Update: Toledo police are seeking a second shooter and a suspect tied to the Old West End Festival mass shooting that left 12 injured. Local Government: Solon’s charter review recommends eliminating the ward veto system; Washington Township’s zoning commission advanced data-center-related updates.

Elections & Voting Rules: Ohio Senate Republicans advanced a bill requiring photo ID for absentee voting starting in 2027, while lawmakers also race to enshrine voter ID in the state constitution; the measure includes fee waivers for people experiencing homelessness and limited exceptions for military, overseas, medical, disability, mobility, and religious reasons. State Courts & Local Power: The Ohio Supreme Court heard a home-rule challenge over whether cities can ban flavored tobacco and vapes despite a statewide limit on local bans. Public Health & Opioid Care: An Ohio University team won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand primary-care prescribing support for opioid use disorder treatment across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Healthcare Accountability: A jury found an Ohio nursing home liable in a West Chester death lawsuit, and Ohio AG Brenna Bird announced a multistate GS Labs settlement tied to overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests. Education Policy: Ohio House passed changes to K-12 math education (Senate Bill 19) after lawmakers cited persistent statewide math proficiency gaps. Tech & Law: An Ohio appeals court ruled Google isn’t a common carrier under Ohio law. Business/Defense: ARC Aerospace plans a new West El Paso manufacturing center for missile and counter-drone systems. Energy & Environment: Solar continues to outpace coal in new U.S. generation data despite political headwinds.

Veterans & Community: Honor Flight brought hundreds of Ohio-area veterans to Washington, D.C., including Vietnam Marine Thomas “Rocketman” Breeds, whose “last chopper of the night” story underscores why the trips still matter. Statehouse & Courts: The Ohio Supreme Court heard a case on whether refusing an emergency hospitalization order can be obstructing official business or resisting arrest, while lawmakers advanced a Purple Heart plate change for surviving spouses. Public Finance: Treasurer Robert Sprague launched the Buckeye Billfold digital wallet for paying state agencies, and Ohio received $201.7M to reduce lead in drinking water by replacing lead service lines. Higher Ed & Child Welfare: ODHE named new Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation schools to support foster care-connected students. Local Government: Youngstown’s school board weighed a 15-year tax exemption tied to redeveloping the historic Mahoning Bank building, while Youngstown tenants faced a potential steam shutoff after a disputed bill. Policy & Politics: Ohio’s voter ID push and redistricting fights continue to shape the 2026 map and election rules. National/World: The U.S. carried out new airstrikes on Iran after an American helicopter crash, and the Maine Senate primary put Graham Platner on track for a general election against Susan Collins.

Voter ID Push: Ohio Republicans are moving to enshrine photo ID voting rules in the state constitution, with debate over whether mail voters should also have to provide ID. Redistricting Strategy: The DLCC laid out new state legislative targets it says will shape future map fights, underscoring how statehouses now drive national power. Home Rule in Court: The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments in a challenge to a state ban on local flavored tobacco and vape restrictions, with cities arguing home rule can’t be used to block local action. Sex Offender Employment Case: Ohio justices are weighing what counts as a sex offender’s “place of employment” after a Tier 3 offender worked at a children’s camp through a staffing arrangement. Energy & Industry: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned it will take “many months” to return to normal after an energy crisis. Medicaid Enforcement: Ohio’s AG James secured $36.5 million from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling. Economy & Jobs: JobsOhio announced a $300M job readiness fund aimed at closing talent gaps, while a new small-business survey flagged rising price plans amid inflation worries. Policy Watch: Lawmakers advanced a carbon capture bill that would let companies inject CO2 underground and override some landowner objections.

Toledo Mass Shooting: Ohio officials condemned a weekend shooting near Toledo’s Old West End festival that left 12 people injured; police say there were likely two shooters and are still searching for suspects. Statehouse Childcare Oversight: An Ohio House committee advanced multiple childcare bills, including measures aimed at improving access and cracking down on childcare funding fraud. Elections & Ballot Access: A push to eliminate Ohio property taxes missed the signature goal and won’t appear on the November ballot, with organizers pivoting to 2027. Ohio Attorney General Transition: Andy Wilson officially began serving as Ohio’s attorney general after Gov. Mike DeWine tapped him following Dave Yost’s departure. Ohio Courts & Accountability: Ohio State approved a roughly $100M settlement with hundreds of former student-athletes alleging abuse by a longtime doctor. Local Governance: Swanton council discussed a food-truck ordinance, including permit and insurance questions, while Perry Township trustees approved a retroactive fund transfer to correct a paperwork gap. Public Safety & Health: DeWine signed a bill designating “EMS Week in Ohio,” and Ohio Cyber Academy celebrated its first graduating class.

Toledo Mass Shooting: Police say at least 12 people were injured in gunfire near the Old West End Festival, with the final day canceled as investigators continue a manhunt and ask witnesses for tips. Ohio Public Safety: Gov. Mike DeWine urged drivers to slow down during the state’s “100 deadly days of summer,” citing recent crash and fatality numbers and focusing enforcement on teen and drunk drivers. EMS Policy: DeWine signed HB 311 making the third full week of May “EMS Week in Ohio.” SNAP Restrictions: USDA lists Ohio among states rolling out limits on what SNAP recipients can buy, including non-nutritious items like soda and candy. Health Care & Courts: Cleveland Clinic reached an agreement with DOJ and Ohio AG to stop gender-affirming care procedures for minors, including a fine and a commitment to support “detransitioners.” State Government & Fraud: House Oversight Chairman James Comer pushed federal anti-fraud bills tied to returning fraud-flagged payments and building permanent fraud analytics. Veterans Health Tech: VA rolled out a new electronic health record system at four Ohio/Kentucky facilities, expanding modernization for more veterans and clinicians.

Ohio Supreme Court: A lawsuit over whether cities can ban flavored tobacco is headed to the Ohio Supreme Court on June 9, with the case testing “home rule” power for local governments that have targeted menthol cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco. Data Centers: Lawmakers heard from big tech defending data centers while residents pushed back hard over water, power, and secrecy deals—another sign Ohio’s development fight is turning into a policy sprint. Public Safety: Toledo’s Old West End Festival shooting left 12 injured (two in critical condition) as police hunt suspects after officials said the gunmen were likely firing at each other. Criminal Justice Tech: Outgoing AG Dave Yost launched an Ohio Crime Statistics Dashboard, putting felony charges and sentencing trends from the past decade online for all 88 counties. Medicaid & Fraud: Gov. DeWine signed emergency rules to speed Medicaid provider revalidation for higher-risk fraud targets, as disabled Ohioans warn proposed Medicaid payment limits for family caregivers could upend care. Higher Ed/Settlements: OSU is set to end its Strauss abuse litigation with a $100M settlement covering hundreds of survivors. Business/Health Tech: Kin Health raised $9M to build a patient-first app that helps people understand and follow doctor instructions.

Toledo Mass Shooting: Police are still hunting at least two suspects after gunfire near the Old West End Festival left 12 people injured, including two in critical condition; Gov. Mike DeWine, Sen. Jon Husted, and Rep. Marcy Kaptur condemned the violence as organizers canceled remaining events and authorities asked attendees to share photos and video. Statehouse Capital Budget: The Ohio Senate advanced a $3.7B capital budget version that includes more than $12.5M for West Central Ohio projects, with major funding for parks, community facilities, and construction through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. Elections & Voting Rules: A voter ID constitutional amendment push is moving through Ohio’s GOP-led process, with supporters citing popularity in polling while critics argue the amendment is unnecessary and politically driven. Ohio Courts & Accountability: A Butler County jury returned a $12.5M verdict against Chesterwood Village in a wrongful death case, including $1.5M in punitive damages. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Bodycam footage in a West Chester Township officer-involved shooting shows a suspect holding a knife to a woman’s throat before being shot; multiple agencies are investigating. Military & Tech: Ohio’s 179th Cyberspace Wing held a change-of-command ceremony, naming a new commander for the Guard’s cyber-enabled mission. Local Politics & Community: Buckeye Girls State selections were announced, and a Preble County GOP women’s group is offering $1,000 scholarships for eligible students.

Toledo Mass Shooting: Police say at least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival, with two victims in critical condition, and investigators believe at least two shooters were firing at each other; Toledo police are still searching for suspects and asking attendees to share phone photos and video. Ohio Budget & Local Politics: A proposed $3.7 billion construction plan (SB 450) is drawing attention for funding pickleball courts, a reminder that Ohio’s GOP leaders are leaning on “all politics is local” priorities. Columbus Housing Watch: A “Your Week in Columbus” report spotlights the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority CEO’s pay and the agency’s push to generate revenue through its own developments as it tries to address affordable housing shortages. Ohio Courts/Policy (National Spillover): Coverage of the War Powers fight over Iran and broader federal moves underscores how Ohio lawmakers’ foreign-policy debates are increasingly tied to national funding and enforcement fights. Sports & Community: Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up in Cleveland, drawing a large downtown crowd, while the week’s biggest local public-safety story remains the Toledo shooting.