AGP Executive Report

Ohio Supreme Court: The Ohio Supreme Court upheld two budget-bill laws limiting how healthcare providers can contact crime and accident victims, saying later amendments cured any “one-subject rule” problems and sending the case back for remaining issues. Data centers & energy politics: At an Ohio energy affordability summit, officials pushed faster permitting for major infrastructure as voters grow more opposed to data centers amid rising power bills and water/utility strain. Surveillance cameras: An Ohio GOP lawmaker proposed banning most Flock-style license plate readers without a search warrant and restricting sale of surveillance data, after local agencies paused use over privacy and misuse concerns. Higher ed & federal funding: The U.S. House passed a bill barring universities from federal funding if they participate in boycotts against Israel, setting up a Senate fight. Workforce & manufacturing: A “Foundry School” initiative aims to train millions for U.S. manufacturing, while a zinc die casting conference in Montreal highlighted growth in EVs, drones, data centers and energy storage. Local business & community: Purina opened a $550M automated pet-food plant in Ohio; Ohio’s SNAP recipients can use the Ohio Direction Card at farmers’ markets statewide; and Nelsonville announced its first Bigfoot Festival for Oct. 2–4.

Food & Consumer Safety: The FDA announced a nationwide voluntary recall of certain epinephrine injections from Ohio-based American Regent due to cracked/leaking vials and sterility/particulate concerns. Public Health & Affordability: Florida will receive 5.67 million eggs for food banks as part of a nationwide egg price-fixing settlement, expanding free distribution through Feeding Florida. Local Business & Infrastructure: Mason business owners say downtown’s “Mason Mile” hasn’t seen enough of the city’s promised investment, despite millions spent elsewhere. Workforce & Education: Northwest State Community College extended President Todd Hernandez’s contract through June 30, 2031, citing regional workforce and training goals. Energy & Utilities: FirstEnergy named Jon Dormo VP of Generation Project Development to plan and develop new power generation as demand grows. Civic Life: Parents in Lakota Local schools are volunteering as crossing guards after the district pulled staff from off-campus crosswalks. Community Events: The Ohio Fish & Shrimp Music Festival returns Sept. 12 at Freshwater Farms, adding the Freshwater Games for the first time in Champaign County. Health Policy & Tech: A growing debate over AI in schools continues, with local districts taking different approaches than NYC’s move to discontinue many pre-high-school AI tools.

OSU Settlement: Ohio State University agreed to pay $2.1 million to resolve federal claims it didn’t fully disclose researchers’ China-linked affiliations and funding tied to NASA and NSF grant applications. Local Business & Jobs: SafeGrain named Paul Kamm as CEO, continuing the Dayton-based grain monitoring company’s push to expand its dealer network and solutions. Wealth Management Deal: Sequoia Financial Group (Akron) acquired Boulder’s BSW Wealth Partners, adding $2.3B in client assets and expanding in Colorado. Auto Repair Standards: Zima Automotive (Springfield) joined the Motorist Assurance Program, aiming to boost transparent inspections and repair communication. Food Safety: Ohio consumers were warned about a voluntary recall of Kofinas Garlic Mediterranean Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil due to unapproved garlic essential oil flavoring; updates also continued on a jasmine rice recall. Public Safety/Surveillance: Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey is set to address growing scrutiny of Flock camera use and license-plate reader concerns. Infrastructure Disruption: A crash on I-680 in Youngstown led to lane closures during the morning commute.

Pediatric Cancer Support: Ohio’s Department of Health is rolling out a Pediatric Complex Care Navigation Program to help families of kids with cancer find doctors, trials, and insurance, funded with federal grant money. Manufacturing Workforce: Akron-area leaders at Akron Rubber Development Laboratory are weighing how automation and workforce development can offset retirements as manufacturing output per worker is expected to rise while jobs decline in Summit County. Power Grid Expansion: A proposed GridGrowthWest plan could bring new 765-kV and 345-kV transmission lines through rural Champaign County, with residents raising concerns as the project seeks permissions. Disaster Aid Request: Gov. Mike DeWine asked President Trump for a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration for 23 Ohio counties after August storms, floods, and tornadoes, citing major and minor damage to homes and businesses. Data Center Politics: A new super PAC-backed campaign is targeting Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin voters to build support for data centers amid local fights over land use and power strain. Local Business Closure: Mario’s Spa in Aurora has closed, leaving the property up for sale. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Brecksville and Tipp City each logged one scam report in July, while Ohio’s fraud losses keep climbing nationwide.

Real Estate & Celebrity Finance: Travis Kelce bought a $5.35 million, 1895 lakefront Bratenahl mansion (“Moyenage”) near where he grew up, a deal tied to a recent renovation and backed by local brokerage records. Biotech & Clinical Research: The Gabrail Cancer and Research Center says the FDA cleared an investigator-initiated trial to proceed, testing a T-cell engager approach for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with enrollment targeted for Q4 2026. Consumer & Retail Risk: J. Peterman appears to have shut down after Ohio AG-related claims that the company failed to deliver orders and make refunds, with customer service reportedly unreachable. Local Courts: The Third District Court of Appeals heard two Defiance-area cases, including an insurance dispute over an ATV crash on private property. Great Lakes Economy: U.S. Army Corps dredging wrapped up in West Harbor (Marblehead) and is underway in Conneaut Harbor, supporting boating and commercial navigation. Business Restructuring: Red Robin completed most of its restaurant closings, selling 108 units for about $89.4 million as part of its debt-reduction plan. Public Safety & Compliance: Tallmadge City Schools pushed back on claims about spirit signs, saying Ohio Edison asked for removal due to safety and attachment rules. Healthcare Access: Life Line Screening rolled out a blood test aimed at estimating Alzheimer’s risk using p-tau217.

Marijuana Rules: Powell City Council extended its dispensary moratorium to Dec. 31, 2027, keeping zoning talks in motion as Ohio’s adult-use market keeps expanding. Local Government & Services: Toledo’s new five-year trash contract with Republic Services adds “teeth,” including penalties tied to missed pickups and faster cart delivery and complaint response. Food Safety: Hodo, Inc. recalled more than 10,000 cases of Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu after ink from printed packaging “may have migrated” into the product, affecting 29 states. Real Estate: Travis Kelce reportedly bought a $5.35 million lakefront mansion in Bratenahl, highlighting continued Northeast Ohio demand at the high end. Data Centers & Local Control: Ohio Supreme Court ordered Trenton to allow a vote on a data center ban, setting up a special election after the city blocked certification. Workforce & Industry: Northeast Ohio’s NEO-SMART won up to $160M over a decade for advanced manufacturing training, with LCCC helping build employer-ready talent pipelines. Public Safety: East Cleveland rolled out a heavy security plan for the Shaw High School reunion, urging residents to leave weapons at home. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker showed Chardon and Newcomerstown among Ohio cities reporting July scams, with counterfeit product schemes topping the list.

Retail & Logistics: Boscov’s is upgrading its omnichannel fulfillment with Manhattan Associates’ ActiveOrder to unify store inventory visibility and enable faster options like ship-from-store and BOPIS. Food Safety: Crystal Temptations is recalling Chocolatey Eyeballs sold in multiple states, including Ohio, after whey (milk allergen) wasn’t declared on labels. Banking & M&A: NexTier Bank has completed a legal merger with Riverside Bank of Dublin, with an operational merger expected in November; NexTier also continues consolidating with Manor Bank. Courts & IP: A federal judge ruled J.M. Smucker’s Uncrustables trademark lawsuit against Trader Joe’s can proceed. Real Estate: ArcelorMittal Tubular Products USA bought a former bank building in Shelby for $280,000. Consumer & Community: Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted is adding eight businesses this year, including a Toys “R” Us. Tech & Cybersecurity: CBTS launched Forge Agents, aiming to help mid-market firms build secure enterprise AI agents in days. Healthcare Access: Mercy Health announced September mobile mammography dates via its Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center unit. Utilities Costs: Ohio’s Consumers’ Counsel explains why electric bills keep rising, pointing to generation, transmission, and delivery costs plus data-center demand. Insurance: Foxquilt launched an admitted errors & omissions product with availability including Ohio. AI Infrastructure IPO Watch: SoftBank-backed SB Energy filed for a U.S. IPO, targeting $5B–$7B and citing strong AI data-center demand.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Nestlé Purina officially opened a new $550M pet food plant in Batavia (Clermont County), adding 430+ jobs now and targeting 500+ over the next year. Workforce Development: JobsOhio launched a technician-training incentive aimed at filling Ohio’s technician shortage, with employers eligible for funding as workers progress through approved programs. Healthcare Access: MetroHealth opened a 24/7 drive-thru pharmacy on its campus as more Ohio retail pharmacies close, reporting 40%+ of transactions going through the window. Research Security: Ohio State University agreed to pay $2.1M to resolve federal allegations it failed to disclose China ties tied to NASA/NSF grants. Fraud & Compliance: Federal agencies announced a nationwide trucking fraud crackdown, shutting down 110+ driver-training providers tied to English proficiency failures. Local Economic Growth: Paulding County outlined plans for Antwerp Square, a 90-acre mixed-use development with 345 homes and shovel-ready commercial space. Consumer Safety: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Garrettsville and Holgate each logged low single-digit scam reports in July, while fraud losses remain high nationwide. Public Policy: A bill would reclassify horses as companion animals, potentially increasing penalties for abuse. Digital IDs: Ohio Mobile ID expanded to Android via Google Wallet, letting residents present licenses digitally at select venues and TSA checkpoints.

Great Lakes Circular Economy: The first 100% Great Lakes Fish performance report says 24.3 million pounds of fish byproducts are now being productively used, generating about $3.4 million in value and avoiding 9.6 million pounds of carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions. Pharma Logistics Expansion: Prasco is buying a 130,000+ square-foot distribution facility in Carey, adding cold-chain, automation, and secure storage to expand its Ohio footprint. Healthcare Tech Partnership: WellBeam is partnering with Kettering Health and Alternate Solutions Health Network to modernize home-health collaboration by embedding home-care workflows into EMR-integrated physician processes. Workforce Pipeline: JobsOhio launched the JobsOhio Technician Path incentive to help employers build earn-and-learn technician programs, tied to the broader $300 million experiential learning push. Education Funding Pressure: Conneaut Area City Schools warned of major budget gaps tied to state funding and tax changes, with potential levy needs and forecast impacts through 2027. Severe Weather Impact: Central Ohio’s August recap highlights multiple tornadoes and major flooding, including record rainfall and widespread disruption. Business & Politics: DeWine and Lt. Gov. Tressel promoted Ohio’s “best state for business” ranking during a Springfield stop, while Ohio’s governor race continues to draw heavy attack-ad spending. Tech/AI Industry Watch: Nvidia announced a $3.5 billion investment in MediaTek, and Meta is testing robots for repetitive data-center maintenance in Ohio.

Housing & Mortgages: A new Zillow study says the U.S. housing market is splitting: luxury sales rose 6.2% year over year, while starter-home sales fell 5.2%. Starter inventory is up and price cuts are more common (25% of starter homes vs. 20% of luxury homes), giving first-time buyers more negotiating power—if they can still save for a down payment. Ohio Consumer Protection: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Manchester tied for 56th among Ohio cities in July with 3 reported scams, while statewide fraud losses keep climbing; the FTC says Americans reported losing $12.5B to fraud in 2024. Local Nonprofit Funding: The Ohio SPCA is asking for public support to keep operating the Allen County Humane Society after grants and donations declined amid tough economic conditions. Healthcare Spending Watch: Medicaid “Surgery” billing in West Carrollton jumped to $166 in 2024 (up from $20 in 2023), highlighting how local claims can swing. Rural Health Tech: The Ohio Pharmacists Association won a $2M grant to connect rural pharmacies and clinics to a Health Information Exchange. Ag Infrastructure: Superior Ag opened a new $20M Ohio River fertilizer terminal, boosting storage and distribution for regional farmers.

Local Business & Community: Akron hosted the Black Business Wall Street Experience, with the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County bringing 50+ vendors together to boost local spending and close wealth gaps. Healthcare Infrastructure: The Ohio Pharmacists Association won a $2M grant to expand rural pharmacy connectivity, linking independent pharmacies and health partners to a Health Information Exchange to improve care coordination. Power Grid Planning: Fairfield County residents can weigh in on a major 765-kilovolt transmission project at an Oct. 1 open house in Lancaster, part of a broader effort to add capacity for rising demand. Public Safety & Local Economy: Sweet T’s Cafe in Perry Township plans to reopen after a vehicle crash damaged the front of the business, with promotions to offset lost revenue. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Warren logged six scam reports in July, while multiple Ohio cities remain in the mid-to-lower ranks with small but persistent totals. Health Costs at the Local Level: Medicaid “Surgery” spending jumped sharply in Conneaut in 2024, rising to $4,258 from $1,223 the year before, while Mason saw Surgery-category Medicaid bills rise to $453 in 2024.

Local Business Disruption: Sweet T’s Cafe in Perry Township is set to reopen after a vehicle crashed into its building; the owner says no one was hurt and the shop will run promotions to make up for lost revenue. Public Safety & Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Struthers and Winchester each tied for 141st among Ohio cities in July with one reported scam; nationwide, the FTC says fraud losses hit $12.5B in 2024. Healthcare Supply Chain: Two IV-saline recalls were issued after concerns about particulate contamination—B. Braun (zinc oxide) and Baxter (fiberglass)—with distribution to U.S. facilities. Sports Business & Labor: The Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Dolphins QB Quinn Ewers, sending a 2028 sixth-round pick—another reminder of how roster moves can shift team economics. Tech & Automation: Meta is testing robots in data centers, including in Ohio, signaling more automation pressure on physical tech jobs. Trade & Ohio Economy: Reports on the U.S.-Canada trade war highlight uncertainty for Ohio’s auto and construction supply chains as tariffs raise costs and delay building decisions. Consumer Markets: Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble stock analysis flags underperformance versus the Nasdaq despite its mega-cap scale. Community & Food Access: Ohio plans to use five refrigerated trailers to store donated deer during hunting season, turning venison into protein for residents facing food insecurity.

Home Health Growth: Viemed Healthcare (Viemed Healthcare, Inc.) says its home ventilation business has a big runway, targeting low-20% revenue growth in 2026 (about $317M revenue, $66M EBITDA) as it leans on complex respiratory care and adds sleep-resupply and maternal-health lines. Sports Sponsorships: College football is rolling out jersey patch deals after NCAA rules took effect Aug. 1, letting schools add up to two commercial logos on uniforms; Ohio State reportedly signed JPMorgan Chase, while other schools have already lined up major brands. Retail Fraud Watch: Franklin ranked among Ohio’s higher scam-report cities in July, tied for 56th with three BBB Scam Tracker reports; the BBB notes online purchases drove most reported losses. Industrial Real Estate: A Vandalia warehouse over 425,000 square feet sold for $37.6M, part of a broader Midwest logistics push by Sparrowhawk. Trade War Pressure: Ohio businesses and consumers are feeling the Canada-U.S. tariff fight, with one builder saying uncertainty is delaying new construction and pushing sourcing changes. Politics & Business Climate: Ohio governor candidates are trading sharp attacks as they try to define themselves and each other ahead of a high-stakes campaign.

Local Business & Community: Riverreach Construction in Ohio adopted an orange kitten found crying inside a Komatsu excavator, with the crew planning to raise Sue as a shop cat—Komatsu even sent safety-themed merch. Consumer & Legal Risk: A federal appeals court ruled Nevada can keep regulating Kalshi’s prediction-market contracts, setting up a possible U.S. Supreme Court fight and blocking sports/election trading in Nevada. Public Safety & Utilities: Belpre residents face potential natural gas disruptions after Knox Energy Cooperative warned 43 customers could be disconnected this winter due to declining gas output from supplier Wilson Energy. Local Economy & Jobs: Kraft Heinz is investing $30 million in its Kendallville plant, with a 10-year tax abatement aimed at retaining 338 jobs. Animal Welfare Enforcement: USDA suspended a Hancock County chinchilla breeder’s license for 21 days after inspectors found hundreds of extra animals and serious veterinary-care violations. Small Business/Nonprofit: NEOMED is mobilizing global health resources for Nepal disaster recovery, including student and faculty support focused on health and safe-water needs. Business Litigation: Trader Joe’s must face Smucker’s trademark suit over “Uncrustables” copycat sandwiches after an Ohio federal judge said Smucker sufficiently pled fame to survive dismissal. Sports & Media (Ohio angle): Ohio Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign is getting harder as Trump’s national conflicts and trade tensions with Canada intensify.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: Ohio manufacturers are warning that data-center electricity demand forecasts may be overstated, driving up generation and transmission costs without clear transparency on how forecasts are built. Economic Development Tax Credits: Ohio’s Tax Credit Authority reviewed 13 business projects tied to nearly $310M in new payroll and $1.1B in investment, including expansions in Hicksville and Leipsic and other statewide job-creation deals. Defense Manufacturing: Metallus in Canton and Perry Township is getting nearly $100M in U.S. Army-backed equipment funding to support artillery-munitions steel output, with JobsOhio also involved. Banking Expansion: Superior Credit Union held a ribbon cutting for a new Defiance location, with plans to lease additional space to other businesses. AI Finance & Backing: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang defended the company’s AI investment approach, arguing traditional funding models fall short and pointing to strong data-center revenue growth. Illegal Dumping Enforcement: Ohio AG Andy Wilson announced a second round of grants totaling more than $1M to help communities clean up illegal dump sites and deter repeat dumping. Local Business Spotlight: D4 Auto Spa is expanding mobile vehicle detailing in Ohio, bringing interior/exterior services directly to customers’ homes or workplaces. Non-Emergency Medical Transport Tech: Bambi, a NEMT dispatch and scheduling software firm, won the NEMTAC Innovation Award for a second straight year. Political Money Watch: Corporate political donations hit a record $646M so far for the 2026 midterms, according to a watchdog analysis. Housing Supply: A new report says the U.S. housing market still has tight inventory, with “zombie homes” edging down but vacancy staying low.

NFL & Reputation Risk: San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York’s Ohio prostitution arrest is now under NFL review under the league’s personal conduct policy, with a suspension possible. Ohio Public Safety: A Gibsonburg man accused of stabbing an Ohio officer in the neck was charged with felonious assault after a bank scuffle; the officer was able to fire and the suspect was later arrested. Construction Jobs: A national construction employment analysis found Ohio added 13,700 jobs from July 2025 to July 2026, but warned tariffs, highway funding uncertainty, and data-center opposition could threaten momentum. Healthcare & Recalls: Baxter recalled certain IV saline lots nationwide, including shipments to Ohio, after fiberglass contamination was found; separately, Whole Foods expanded a Class I recall of jalapeño-linked Salmonella dips and guacamole across multiple states including Ohio. Foodborne Illness Watch: The FDA/CDC say the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has grown to 20 states, including Ohio, with 11,485 reported illnesses. Local Governance: Avon Lake’s Ward 2 councilwoman was reappointed to Ohio EPA’s Materials Management Advisory Council. Business/Community: Superior Ag opened a $20M Ohio River fertilizer terminal in Indiana, aimed at improving regional supply reliability for farmers.