AGP Executive Report

AI Data Centers & Power Deals: OpenAI will lease a massive Ohio AI data center for 20 years, with Nvidia backing up to $105B, while SoftBank’s SB Energy plans major local energy buildout to supply the campus. Local Economy & Jobs: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel touted CNBC’s “Top State for Business” ranking in Youngstown, pointing to job growth and permitting improvements. Energy & Infrastructure: State Route 14 to the Ohio Turnpike in Streetsboro stayed closed into Tuesday morning after a hazmat fuel spill from an overturned tanker. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in 29 states were told to stop using recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits over possible listeria contamination; Henkel also recalled Schwarzkopf Osis Grip mousse due to pressurized can leak/burst risk. Business/Legal: A federal jury awarded a Marietta hospital $5M in a whistleblower-related civil conspiracy case. Community & Public Services: Ohio National Guard deployed to Perry, Morgan and Muskingum counties after severe storms and flash flooding, with at least one death confirmed in Perry County.

AI Infrastructure Deal in Ohio: Nvidia says it has secured land, power and “shell” capacity at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Pike County, with SB Energy building and operating the data center for OpenAI; the initial phase targets 4.25 gigawatts, with up to 8 gigawatts available, and the campus is positioned to support major AI compute growth. Big Capital Commitment: Nvidia will invest $1.5 billion in SB Energy to back the project, with additional funding tied to an SB Energy IPO path, underscoring how chipmakers are moving beyond hardware into power and site development. Storm Response & Flood Watch: Gov. Mike DeWine is sending extra Ohio State Highway Patrol, ODOT crews and National Guard support to Perry, Muskingum and Morgan counties after renewed flooding, with officials citing heavy weekend rainfall and ongoing debris/traffic needs. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports Geauga County’s lowest premium gas hit $4.79 in the week ending Aug. 8, while Ohio’s premium average rose to $5.08. Local Scam Snapshot: BBB Scam Tracker shows Oberlin tied for 141st in Ohio for July with one reported scam, as Ohio cities continue to rank high in fraud reports. Retail Expansion: L.L.Bean is set to open Aug. 28 at Greene Town Center in Beavercreek, its first Greater Dayton store.

AI & Data Centers: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest up to $3B in SoftBank’s SB Energy for an Ohio OpenAI data-center push, while Nvidia also unveiled financing backstops that could mobilize $500B+ in third-party capital for AI compute—shifting more risk and funding to buyers and lenders. Trade Policy: The U.S. and Canada are nearing a deal to avert Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods, with possible swaps involving energy, defense, and critical minerals. Public Safety (Roads): Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging commercial drivers to secure loads after a rise in debris incidents, warning that even small unsecured items can trigger serious crashes. Consumer Costs (Cannabis): A new pricing comparison finds Ohio recreational marijuana remains far more expensive than Michigan, even as Ohio bans buying from other states. Local Economy & Community: Ohio State Lima’s “STEAM on the Quad” returns for its 10th year as a free, hands-on learning event for K-8 students. Weather & Recovery: Flooding risk is easing in parts of the Midwest after deadly storms, though more rain is expected further east. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Ohio cities continue to rack up reported scams, with online purchase schemes leading many of the losses.

AI Data Centers & Power Demand: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest up to $3 billion in SoftBank’s SB Energy for an Ohio data center campus tied to OpenAI, as the project’s credit support and earlier funding guarantees get recalibrated—another sign Ohio’s AI buildout is turning into a major capital and financing story. Local Governance & Referendums: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Ashville can’t block a referendum effort over an EdgeConneX data center and natural gas plant deal, keeping the fight in voters’ hands. Manufacturing & Jobs: GM is again shifting its EV strategy, including planned temporary layoffs tied to retooling at a Lansing facility, raising fresh questions about where the next auto jobs will land. Economic Development: Superior Plastics plans a more than $5 million expansion in Logan County, expected to create 25 jobs. Public Safety & Streets: Ohio continues pushing “Vision Zero” style road design changes as pedestrian deaths remain a concern, with Cincinnati-area families pressing for safer corridors. Consumer/Community Watch: Buc-ee’s filed a trademark lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek over a similar beaver logo, escalating a local branding fight with national attention. Infrastructure Updates: ODOT announced multiple Pike County road impacts, including SR 220 closures and SR 32 lane changes. Health & Community Stability: Maryhaven’s board was updated as the behavioral health nonprofit faces financial distress, including reported debts exceeding $2.4 million.

Ohio Education & Community Support: A $1,500 grant helped OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy in Ironton provide a free week of summer learning and meals for 30 kids, with hands-on sessions led by local experts and faculty. Public Safety & Courts: Two Columbus men were indicted on dozens of felony counts tied to the Aug. 3 theft of 27 firearms and a taser from Fin Feather Fur in Ashland. Manufacturing & Auto Supply Chains: GM is backing out of its Indiana battery-cell joint venture with Samsung SDI and restarting production at its Ohio battery venture after a seven-month shutdown, aiming to rightsize EV battery inventory. AI Infrastructure & Finance: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest up to $3B in SoftBank’s SB Energy for an OpenAI data-center project in Ohio, with financing support discussed around $100B and a possible initial guarantee under $120B. Weather & Recovery: Crooksville residents are beginning flood cleanup after severe flooding damaged homes, with volunteers stepping in to help with demolition and rebuilding. Food Safety: Walmart recalled 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Ohio, due to possible listeria contamination. Aviation & Policy: The NBAA praised the FAA and Ohio senators for opposing closure of Burke Lakefront Airport. Business & Workforce: Ohio’s U.S. Sen. Jon Husted toured Anduril and Path Robotics in Columbus, highlighting defense tech and AI-driven manufacturing support for workers and employers.

Ohio Fraud Watch: Hudson is tied for 141st in Ohio for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with just one report—part of a broader pattern where Ohio cities keep showing up in national fraud loss lists. Consumer Costs & Energy: GasBuddy data shows one Columbiana County station hit the week’s lowest E85 price at $3.54 (week ending Aug. 8), while Ohio’s average E85 held at $3.40. Local Housing & Tax Enforcement: Knox County public notices list foreclosure actions for delinquent land taxes, including parcels in Howard Township, underscoring how unpaid bills can quickly turn into property sales. AI & Power Demand: Nvidia’s Ohio OpenAI data-center backing reportedly shrank amid risk concerns, while Ohio regulators are pushing utilities to prepare for data-center energy needs. Storm Impacts: Midwest flooding and outages continue to disrupt Indiana and spill into Ohio, with emergency declarations and FEMA requests in play. Community Relief: A 20-year-old Ohioan helped erase $1.2M in medical debt for 1,148 Cuyahoga-area residents using a $10,000 fundraising effort. Politics & Spending: Elon Musk’s America PAC is reportedly planning $100M+ to support Republican candidates in the November midterms, including early focus on Ohio. Workforce & Education: OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy ran for a week at no cost to families via a grant, offering meals and enrichment for local kids.

Ohio Data Centers: Nvidia cut its proposed financial guarantee for OpenAI’s Ohio AI data center to under $120B (from about $250B), aiming to ease investor concerns as talks continue on the full 10-gigawatt project. Food Safety: Walmart Marketside tomato bisque soup kits were recalled in 29 states, including Ohio, after routine testing showed a presumptive listeria risk; no illnesses reported. Infrastructure & Jobs: The U.S. DOT is sending $40M to Fairfield, Ohio to close two dangerous at-grade rail crossings and build a new bridge over CSX tracks. Local Housing Reuse: A Williams County land bank discussed possible uses for the former Kunkle school site, including potential purchase and redevelopment options. Community & Health: A Shaker Heights student helped erase $1.26M in medical debt for 1,148 Cuyahoga County residents using a $10,000 fundraising effort. Aviation Policy: The FAA says shutting Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport is a non-starter, citing future airspace demand. Business Leadership: Paulding Area Chamber named Jen Rosebrook as its new executive director.

Manufacturing & Jobs: International Motors plans to cut 1,341 jobs at its Springfield, Ohio operations by October 2026 as part of a facility sale to Canadian defense firm Roshel, one of the biggest Ohio WARN-driven layoffs in five years. Retail & Food: Kroger is closing dozens of stores nationwide, with multiple shutterings reported in Illinois and Wisconsin as the company consolidates operations; separately, Walmart recalled a refrigerated soup kit in 29 states due to possible listeria contamination. Business Growth & Deals: MFG Chemical acquired West Chester-based AP Tech, expanding its water-treatment chemistry portfolio. Franchising: Minnie Bird added a strategic advisor and signed a three-unit franchise deal in the greater Columbus market as it ramps national growth. Local Economy & Services: Downtown Cleveland launched a community survey after the closure of Heinen’s to shape what grocery options should replace it. Workforce & Education: Paulding County’s Business Advisory Council added a workforce navigator role funded by a $100,000 state grant to connect schools and employers. Compliance & Consumer Notes: Cincinnati homeowners are being reminded that Ohio groundhog removal services must be handled by state-licensed nuisance wild animal control operators. Energy & Rates: PUCO will consider rehearing requests over Youngstown’s SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions emergency steam rate increases, with potential hikes up to 163% during the heating season.

EV Manufacturing: GM and LG Energy Solution are restarting battery cell production at their Ultium Cells plant in Warren after seven idle months, bringing about 1,400 workers back to the line as EV demand stabilizes. Energy Costs: Gas prices are climbing again in Northeast Ohio, with AAA reporting Cuyahoga Falls around $4.47 a gallon and Ohio’s statewide average near $4.25. Local Business & Community: Georgette’s “Perk Patrol” coffee delivery in Maumee keeps showing up at local workplaces and partners with Sunshine Communities to fund programs for people with disabilities. Food Safety: A multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded, with Ohio mentioned among states seeing additional suspected cases. Cyber & Trade Policy: The Trump administration moves to vet private firms for offensive cyber operations against foreign criminal networks, while also announcing new drone tariffs affecting major import sources. Governance & Transparency: Findlay postponed a planned data-center learning meeting with New Albany over transparency concerns, pointing residents to the city’s website instead. Sports Business: Ohio University’s Scripps College launches a new undergraduate certificate combining sports, photography, and strategic communication. Retail/Branding: Michaels is rolling out a new experiential store format, with its concept already debuted in Easton, Ohio.

Labor Market: Initial jobless claims rose to 209,000 last week, with Michigan and New York driving the jump, while continuing claims dipped below 1.8 million—an uneven signal for hiring. Energy & Fuel Costs: GasBuddy data for the week ending Aug. 8 showed Washington County’s cheapest midgrade at $4.05 and Medina County’s lowest diesel at $4.85, with Ohio averages edging up. Local Government & Infrastructure: Franklin County approved nearly $440,000 to replace and repair aging warning sirens after residents questioned why tornado alerts didn’t sound during Aug. 11 storms. Tech, Privacy & Kids Online: South Dakota AG Jackley said jury selection begins in a 33-state federal lawsuit against Meta over alleged COPPA violations involving children under 13. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño salsa and guacamole in 12 states (including Ohio) over salmonella risk, separate from an ongoing cyclospora outbreak. Ohio Business & Growth: Strickland Brothers opened its eighth Ohio oil-change shop in Celina, expanding its 10-minute, no-appointment model. Healthcare & M&A: Reese Consumer Health agreed to buy Australian Dream, aiming to expand topical pain relief distribution. Sports Business: Columbus became the first U.S. city to offer free period products at all major sports venues, adding Huntington Park to the list.

Storm Recovery: AES Ohio reported 1,137 customers without power Wednesday after multiple rounds of severe weather, with Champaign County hit hardest (657 outages) and Clark County also heavily affected (868 outages earlier). Education & Growth: Wauseon school board approved buying 42 acres next to its campus to support future expansion and ease traffic on County Road 13/Oak Street, while also re-hiring a school psychologist for a one-year term. Public Safety & Courts: A repeat federal bank robber pleaded guilty in Miami Twp. KeyBank case, facing up to 20 years; prosecutors said he fled with more than $9,000. Health & Consumer Risk: Whole Foods issued precautionary jalapeño recalls tied to a Salmonella concern, with affected products sold in multiple states including Ohio. Local Economy: Erie-Ottawa International Airport released updated ODOT economic impact figures showing $97.27M in annual output and 379 supported jobs. Higher Ed & Workforce: Case Western Reserve University won a $2.93M NIH grant to develop a rapid, chairside oral cancer test through an academic–industrial partnership. Business & Community: Ohio University’s Scripps College launched a new sports photography communication certificate, and OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy provided a week of free summer learning for 30 children via a $1,500 grant.

Joby Aviation expansion: Joby Aviation is buying Beavercreek defense contractor Resonant Sciences in a roughly $500M deal, adding about 250 Dayton-area employees and boosting Joby’s defense and autonomy ambitions. Energy & data centers: Babcock & Wilcox signed with Siemens Energy to start work on 1GW of steam turbine-generator sets for data center power via its FastPower program. Ohio power reliability: After severe Midwest storms, thousands of Ohio customers were still without power Wednesday morning, with AES Ohio reporting 2,130 outages as of 7:35 a.m. Local housing planning: Bluffton’s MHCO is seeking a zoning change to build senior duplexes, with a public planning commission meeting set for Aug. 13. Public safety: OSHP is urging commercial drivers to secure loads as construction traffic rises and debris-related incidents increase. Healthcare workforce: A hospice staffing shortage is pushing providers to use technology to improve recruitment and retention. Consumer/business updates: Root and TheZebra.com partnered to speed up auto insurance quotes and policy purchases; Henkel issued a nationwide recall of Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair cans in multiple states including Ohio. Global market pressure: Fresh US-Iran shipping attacks are keeping oil prices elevated, with Brent and WTI both up.

AI Infrastructure & Finance: Nvidia is teaming with major Wall Street firms to raise about $500 billion for AI infrastructure, but critics warn it could resemble “circular deals” and spread risk across markets. Local Education & Budgets: Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s new forecast shows it could run out of cash in four years, even after consolidation and layoffs aimed at cutting deficits. Public Safety & Utilities: Enbridge Gas is marking National 811 Day with safety training upgrades and a $25,000 grant to Ohio811 for a mobile excavation simulator. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded jalapeño-related salmonella recalls tied to a broader outbreak, adding more pressure on retailers and supply chains. Ohio Politics & Voting Rules: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton is backing Issue 3, locking Ohio’s photo ID requirement into the state constitution. Cyber/Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data show Ohio cities remain heavily targeted, with West Union among the state’s lower-reporting cities. Community & Workforce: Huntington Bank and United Way packed 2,000+ backpacks for Mahoning Valley students, while Ohio’s 80 Acres Farms says it will close its indoor farm and lay off 166 workers.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio regulators ordered AEP Ohio to require data center firms to give 180 days’ notice before grid connection, aiming to prevent ratepayer cost hikes as new generation is lined up and customers cover related costs. M&A/Defense Tech: Joby Aviation agreed to buy Dayton-based Resonant Sciences for about $500 million, folding its profitable RF and mission systems into a dedicated defense unit. Public Finance/University Compliance: Ohio Auditor of State issued a $3,720.46 recovery finding against former University of Cincinnati research official Patrick Limbach over an unauthorized donation and personal alcohol purchases. Weather & Business Disruption: Severe thunderstorms and flood warnings hit the Ohio Valley; central Ohio saw thousands without power after early storms. Local Business & Growth: Chicken Salad Chick announced a new Fairview Park location with a grand opening set for Aug. 25. Workforce/HR Services: OPOC.us plans to add up to 375 jobs in Worthington, expanding its employee benefits and HR services as employers seek healthcare cost control. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reported Ohio with 881 scam reports in July 2026, continuing a broader national fraud-loss trend. Health Innovation: Cleveland Clinic launched prescription drone delivery with Zipline around Beachwood, marking a long-term home-delivery effort. Business & Community History: Columbus’ Lazarus retail legacy gets a photo-history spotlight as the store’s past is revisited. Corporate Hiring/Expansion: Asurint earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, highlighting continued growth in background screening services.

AI Infrastructure Finance: Nvidia is teaming with Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs and KKR to back AI compute financing platforms aimed at raising $500B+ for data-center buildouts, treating AI infrastructure like an investable asset class. Ohio Consumer Protection: Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson filed a class-action bid against Roblox, alleging the platform misled investors about child-safety steps and failed to protect kids, seeking $21.5M tied to pension funds. Public Health Policy: Doctors and lawmakers condemned a Trump order that would change childhood vaccine guidance, including splitting MMR into separate shots and pushing more spaced visits. State Economic Development: Ohio’s Brownfield Remediation Program opens Aug. 11 with about $120M available for cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites. Workforce & Education: Cedarville won a $100K Choose Ohio First grant to expand scholarships for graduate pharmacy students. Local Business & Community: Beavercreek formally adopted the beaver as its city symbol amid the Buc-ee’s trademark fight; Urban Wholistics in Toledo received a $1,300 donation to expand homegrown-food education for seniors and families. Energy & Weather: AEP restored power after a storm knocked out service citywide in Kenton, with flood watch warnings in the area. Health & Safety at Home: Youngstown-area groups delivered 70 CPR training kits to help residents learn CPR quickly at home.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing products sold at major retailers (including Kroger, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and others) across 26 states after a Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico; the FDA/CDC say hundreds have been sickened, and consumers should check “best if used by” dates through mid-August. Local Economy & Community: Toledo’s Jeep Fest brought more than 1,400 Jeeps downtown and drew visitors from out of state, with last year’s event estimated at $8.3M for the local economy. Public Accountability: Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber announced a $2.3M DOJ grant to expand efforts against Medicaid fraud, drug and human trafficking, and other crimes. Healthcare Access: Ohio’s Next Generation MyCare is now statewide for dually eligible Medicare/Medicaid residents, streamlining claims processing under four managed care plans starting with auto-assignment letters and a 60-day change window. Energy & Infrastructure: A Miami County transmission project outreach effort is underway for 765-kV lines, raising local questions about impacts as developers seek to meet growing regional power demand. Business Growth: Cintas earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Companies to Work For list, highlighting pay, stability and development.