AGP Executive Report

Banking & Finance: GenoaBank promoted Erick Scharer to CFO, expanding oversight of reporting, budgeting and long-term strategy as the community bank pushes growth. Energy Reliability: FirstEnergy says it’s delivering new transformers and other upgrades to reduce Lakewood and West Park power outages, with a September service target. Social Security Policy: Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno and Sen. Elizabeth Warren teamed up to back saving Social Security, including lifting the payroll tax cap to extend solvency. Housing Development: Geneva-on-the-Lake is set to start construction on a 26-home luxury lakeside project, with homes priced around $650,000–$850,000. Manufacturing & Jobs: Schwebel Baking Company will wind down after 120 years, initiating liquidation and WARN-notice layoffs across Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Transit Funding: The RTA board is weighing a Cuyahoga County sales tax levy to stabilize service amid budget pressure. Healthcare & Fraud: DOJ announced a major healthcare fraud takedown involving hundreds of defendants tied to alleged $6.5B in Medicaid/Medicare schemes. Business Leadership: Worthington Enterprises reported fiscal 2026 results, including a 5% dividend increase and board updates. Corporate Moves: Wendy’s named Steve Cirulis CFO and Chief Strategy Officer, signaling a renewed focus on financial discipline and franchisee profitability.

Medicaid crunch in Ohio: A new Commonwealth Fund analysis says federal cuts to Medicaid and expiring ACA subsidies could cost Ohio about 51,200 jobs and shrink the economy by more than $5.4B by 2029, with rural healthcare funding unlikely to fully offset the hit. Voting access fight: Ohio House Bill 472 would require mail voters to mail a photo ID copy, drawing pushback from the ACLU of Ohio as a scam and identity-theft risk for seniors. Kids’ social media rules: The Sixth Circuit cleared Ohio’s parental-consent requirement for children under 16 to use social media apps, keeping the law alive as tech groups challenge it. Data center backlash, Ohio angle: California’s experience shows how high power costs and grid delays can slow data center growth, a useful contrast as Ohio communities debate bans and moratoriums. Local transit investment: WRTA in Youngstown is moving ahead with a new $6.6M–$7M bus barn, funded largely by federal grants, to support growth in the Mahoning Valley. Ohio business & community: Resonance’s “America’s Best Cities” put Columbus (No. 34), Cincinnati (No. 40), Cleveland (No. 41) and Toledo (No. 99) on the national map. Workforce/health: A study using Ohio Fatherhood Survey data links lack of paid paternity leave to higher anxiety and depression risk for new dads.

Ohio Jobs & Industry: Shearer’s Foods is investing in the old GM site in Moraine, launching a multi-pack snack production facility that will bring hundreds of jobs to Montgomery County. Local Infrastructure: Toledo crews have paved part of Arlington Avenue ahead of schedule after a sinkhole tied to an underground waterline break; residents say the sewer smell and construction delays will linger into 2027. Water & Utilities M&A: American Water and Essential Utilities cleared another regulatory hurdle, with Virginia approving their merger; Ohio approval came earlier this year, and a 2027 close is targeted. Public Procurement: Lucas County posted bids for University Parks Trail work from Silica Road to Centennial Road, with bids due July 7. Banking Tech: Huntington Bank and True Link won a 2026 Banking Tech Award for their integrated family banking platform. Healthcare Policy: Ohio Catholic bishops are urging extended Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, citing ongoing danger in Haiti and the risk of destabilizing families and jobs. Business Milestone: The Andersons will ring the Nasdaq Opening Bell June 24 to mark 30 years as a public company. Compliance & Crime: A former North Olmsted pharmacist pleaded guilty in an IRS fraud case tied to diverting pharmacy proceeds into personal accounts. STEM in Schools: Lima City Schools’ Project Lead the Way program is using sun-shadow experiments to teach early STEM problem-solving. Sports Business (Ohio ties): Dublin, Ohio native Connor Murphy signed a five-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers.

Data Centers, Ballot Access: Conserve Ohio says it won’t pursue a 2026 vote to ban most data centers in Ohio; instead it’s shifting signature efforts to the 2027 ballot after missing this year’s submission deadline. Energy & Grid Policy: House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders, including Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), are moving data-center-related electricity bills, including a “Ratepayer Protection Act” aimed at keeping rate hikes off utility customers. Courts & Kids Online: A federal appeals court ruled Ohio can require parental consent for social media use by children under 16, while a judge extended a block on enforcement as the legal fight continues. Medicaid/Benefits Impact: A new analysis projects Ohio could lose 51,000 jobs and $5.3B by 2029 tied to Medicaid and food-assistance cuts and ACA subsidy expirations. Local Government Finance: Auditor of State Keith Faber’s office lists upcoming Ohio public-entity audits for Tuesday, June 23. Education Facilities: West Branch Local Schools approved updates and financing for Knox Elementary heating/cooling and related efficiency upgrades. Stormwater Funding: Columbiana received about $665K in final FEMA funding for storm-sewer upgrades to reduce flooding. Business Moves: Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six acquired Boise sports-card maker ONIT, keeping HQ in Boise while expanding women’s and emerging sports card production.

AI Power Crunch in Ohio: A new report says at least 46 AI data-center developers nationwide are pursuing “behind-the-meter” natural gas generation, totaling 56 GW—nearly tripling gas-fired capacity in development—and Ohio is in the mix, with fast-tracked approvals like the Apollo facility drawing scrutiny. Energy Storage Boom: Korean battery makers are accelerating U.S. expansion into the energy storage system market as EV demand cools, with LG Energy Solution ramping output at sites including Ohio. Ohio Tech & Kids Online: A federal appeals court upheld Ohio’s Social Media Parental Notification Act, clearing the way for parental consent requirements for kids under 16. Healthcare Competition: OhioHealth reached a settlement with the DOJ and Ohio AG in an antitrust case over insurer contract restrictions, with no financial penalty reported. Local Business & Jobs: Avelo added new nonstop routes into Cleveland and Indianapolis from Concord, boosting travel options for Northeast Ohio. Consumer Pressure: Credit card delinquencies are at 15-year highs, and Ohio-based counselors warn interest and minimum payments are trapping households. Workplace Recognition: Parkview Health was named No. 1 nonprofit in North America by Inspiring Workplaces for the second straight year. Community & Culture: The Huntington Sprint Triathlon returns to Bay Village on June 28 after nearly a decade.

Ohio Business & Economy: The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland will host the State of Small Business Symposium in June 2026, bringing together regional leaders to focus on data-driven ways to support job creation and resilience for small firms across Ohio and neighboring states. Local Business Growth: Boom Boss Fireworks is opening a new Akron location with a June 19 grand opening and ribbon-cutting, expanding the Youngstown-headquartered retailer’s footprint in Ohio. Community & Culture (Business Angle): Akron’s Juneteenth “Stronger Together” celebration, led by the Akron Urban League and partners, drew vendors, food trucks, and community programming—an example of local spending and small-business visibility tied to major events. Workforce & Policy: Ohio’s airport system planning is moving forward with an ODOT-led public input push for the Ohio Airport System Plan, with a virtual meeting set for July 19 to shape future funding and improvements. Consumer Finance: A new “Bank King Card” debit card from Redemption Bank aims to help single mothers in government-subsidized housing, with donations tied to new account openings directed to nonprofits serving families. Sports & Local Economy: The WIIC 2026 healthcare and innovation summit on Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands will feature Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez as keynote, signaling continued investment in regional partnerships and economic development.

AI Data Centers in Ohio: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with possible Nvidia backing and a first phase targeted for 2028—an effort that would demand major power, grid upgrades, and large-scale infrastructure. Ohio University & Talent Pipeline: Ohio University’s Board of Trustees reviewed progress on its Dynamic Strategy plan, heard updates on R1 goals, and approved extending its scholarship match program through 2031, with the university’s endowment topping $1 billion for the first time. Severe Weather Disruptions: Northern Kentucky saw two more tornadoes confirmed after Thursday storms, while the Ohio River reopened to boat traffic after downed transmission lines caused a 36-hour shutdown with an estimated $175 million regional impact. Healthcare Spending Watch: New Medicaid billing figures show sharp local increases across Ohio communities, including big jumps in categories like pathology/lab services, evaluation & management, dental, and ambulance/transport. Retail & Consumer: Dollar General plans to open about 450 new stores in 2026, leaning into demand from budget-stretched shoppers. Public Safety: OSHP identified a pedestrian killed in Perry Township after a vehicle struck her on State Route 45; drugs and alcohol are believed to have contributed.

Data Centers & Power Demand: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, potentially backed by Nvidia, with the first phase targeted for 2028—an eye-popping scale that would intensify grid and water/cooling pressures. Local Business & Growth: Ohio University trustees reviewed progress on its Dynamic Strategy plan, including scholarship growth to $83M+ and an endowment topping $1B, while approving an extension of its scholarship match program through 2031. Public Finance & Infrastructure: Boardman schools are seeking a 1-mill, five-year permanent improvement levy for capital upgrades, and Niles approved bond ordinances for street, sewer, and building equipment. Government Contract Scrutiny: A $1.7M no-bid Reflecting Pool water-purification contract tied to J.J. Cafaro’s company is drawing controversy as the algae issue returns. Community & Philanthropy: The Wooster/Orrville NAACP awarded $8,200 in scholarships to five students, and the Salem Community Foundation marked 60 years with a renamed CenterPlex honoring its president. Workforce & Safety: The Ohio State Highway Patrol will hold a recruitment/aviation event in Bowling Green with one-stop testing for applicants.

Data Center Push: OpenAI is reportedly in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with a possible Nvidia-backed plan and a first phase targeted for 2028—another sign of how quickly AI demand is reshaping Ohio’s power and infrastructure needs. Higher Ed Finance: Ohio University’s Board approved extending its scholarship match program through 2031 (with a $2M annual cap) and highlighted endowment growth past $1B, alongside updates to its R1 strategy and FY27 priorities. Local Development: Wayfair opened its first smaller-format Columbus store, testing a reduced-footprint retail model after starting as an e-commerce giant. Tech & Policy: A federal appeals court cleared the way for Ohio to enforce its parental-consent law for social media use by kids under 16, overturning a prior block. Local Business Moves: Delphos opened an Ambrose Drive extension to support Vanamatic’s expansion and future development. Public Scrutiny: Lorain officials faced questions over a “Best Managed City” award that critics say may have been tied to paid advertising. Education Costs: Pike-Delta-York Schools approved 2026-27 class fees across grade levels and course categories.

Ohio Jobs: Ohio’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in May, from 3.9% in April, with 218,000 Ohioans unemployed (down from 232,000). Energy & Utilities: PUCO is set to consider an emergency 145% rate hike for most SOBE Thermal Energy Systems downtown Youngstown customers, as the steam provider faces financial collapse and seeks a path to accurate metering. Local Infrastructure: Youngstown approved change orders that cut a sewage diversion project’s total cost by about $321,738, bringing the final price to about $4.91M. Workforce Pipeline: Valley STEM + ME2 Academy summer camps are giving middle-schoolers hands-on manufacturing and engineering exposure at local industrial sites. Higher Ed & Philanthropy: Ohio University’s Board approved extending its scholarship match program through 2031 (with a $2M annual cap) and reported endowment growth past $1B. IT/Defense Manufacturing: AML3D says it has commissioned its first two large-scale metal 3D printing systems for Newport News Shipbuilding, with more systems ordered for early 2027. Nonprofit Funding: The Wean Foundation awarded $66,442 to 19 resident-led initiatives across Warren and Youngstown. Sports Business: MLB owners proposed major changes to the amateur draft and signing rules in CBA talks, including cutting the U.S. draft from 20 rounds to 12.

Advanced Computing & Power Demand: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with a possible 2028 start and potential Nvidia backing—another reminder that Ohio’s grid and permitting will be tested by AI-scale builds. Nuclear Supply Chain: Centrus says it will supply domestically produced HALEU to Oklo for up to five Aurora powerhouses, including Ohio deployments—good news for local fuel manufacturing and a key bottleneck for advanced reactors. Local Business Closures: Schwebel’s 120-year run is ending; the company will wind down operations through July 4, including its Hebron bakery and other Ohio sites, citing aging equipment, labor costs, and shifting consumer demand. Ag & Food Systems: Ohio farmers are collaborating on a specialty small grains hub to connect heritage-grain growers with wholesalers and bakers, aiming to share infrastructure costs and stabilize supply. Education Funding: Madison Local Schools will combine two operational levies on the November ballot to reduce voter fatigue, while still planning budget cuts if the renewal doesn’t pass. Public Safety & Privacy: An Ohio bill would generally require search warrants for police drone surveillance, but critics warn exemptions could enable broad warrantless monitoring. Digital Equity: Lawmakers are pushing back on withheld BEAD broadband funds, saying states need clearer rules for eligible nondeployment spending. Corporate Finance: The Andersons, Inc. declared a third-quarter 2026 cash dividend of 20 cents per share, payable July 22.

Medicare Fraud: An Ohio doctor, Muna Orra of Westlake, was ordered to repay $997,641 after a federal judge found nearly $1 million in Medicare billing for medically unnecessary genetic testing and braces. Elections & Voting Access: Ohio lawmakers passed a photo-ID requirement for mail-in voting starting in 2027, drawing pushback from voting-rights groups and Secretary of State Frank LaRose. Data Centers & Power Demand: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with a first phase targeted for 2028—raising more questions about grid readiness. Local Business & Jobs: Paladin Envirotech expanded U.S. rare-earth recovery operations, adding processing capacity and new Ohio sites; separately, Schwebel Baking plans to shut down after July 4. Community & Housing: Steubenville is enforcing its Neighborhood Conservation District rules while a city manager fights a workaround attempt by a property owner. Weather & Infrastructure: Severe storms hit the Cincinnati region with tornado warnings and flooding, while Toledo-area harbors received $17M in federal dredging funding. Finance & Seniors: A new estimate warns Ohio seniors could face an average $487 monthly Social Security cut if Congress doesn’t act.

Data Centers & Power Crunch: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with possible Nvidia backing and a first phase targeted for 2028—raising fresh questions about grid upgrades, water, and local impacts. Healthcare Antitrust: The DOJ moved against OhioHealth, seeking an antitrust settlement to end restrictive insurance contract terms that blocked cheaper coverage options for patients. Ohio Energy/Weather Watch: With severe storms possible, Ohio outage maps and utility reporting tools are highlighted as residents brace for potential power disruptions. Banking Recognition: Peoples Bank in Marietta earned Forbes’ “Best-in-State Banks” honor for 2026 for the second straight year. Local Business Moves: Upland Brewing bought Floyd County Brewing Company in New Albany, Indiana, keeping the venue operating during the transition. Food & Retail Restructuring: Red Robin plans to sell 86 company-owned restaurants to franchise operators in a $72.5M deal as it continues its “First Choice” turnaround. Gas Prices Snapshot: GasBuddy reports scattered “lowest price” deals across Ohio counties for regular, midgrade, premium, E15, and diesel during the week ending June 6. Ohio University Updates: Ohio University’s board reviewed strategy progress, scholarship matching, and endowment growth, while also advancing new campus policy drafts for community feedback.

AI Data Centers & Power Demand: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with a first phase targeted for 2028 and potential Nvidia backing—raising big questions about power, water, and grid upgrades. Higher Education Finance: Ohio University’s Board reviewed strategy progress and approved extending its scholarship match program through 2031, while noting the university endowment topped $1 billion for the first time. Local Business & Growth: Howland library’s $2.2M renovation and expansion is set to start mid-July, and Youngstown’s Twisted Roots cut a ribbon on a new downtown location. Consumer & Regulatory Watch: Ohio lawmakers passed a bill to crack down on catalytic converter theft, and another measure gives the PUCO oversight of submetering after a state Supreme Court ruling. Housing & Credit Stress: ATTOM reports U.S. foreclosure filings rose 14% year over year in May. Weather & Risk: A severe storm outbreak is forecast for the Midwest, including parts of Indiana and Ohio’s region, with tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds possible. Public Safety & Fraud: Ohio’s elder-scam problem remains severe, with seniors reporting gift-card losses and other fraud.

Ohio Politics: Gov. Mike DeWine urged lawmakers to abolish the death penalty, arguing executions don’t deter and that money is better spent locking up repeat violent offenders. Higher Ed & Workforce: Ohio University’s Board of Trustees reviewed strategy progress and approved extending its scholarship match program through 2031, while also naming a new student trustee and moving several campus policies into community review. Energy & AI Infrastructure: A Reuters investigation says many natural-gas power plants built to feed data centers are getting approved fast, with limited scrutiny—highlighting Ohio’s growing AI power demand. Biotech in Ohio: Skylark Bio and Forge Biologics announced an AAV development and cGMP manufacturing partnership in Columbus, aiming to advance a hearing-loss gene therapy. Public Safety: The DOJ charged five men in a plot to attack the White House UFC event, with the FBI disrupting the plan after a multi-state investigation that included arrests tied to Ohio. Community & Local Business: Huron County Community Foundation opened its second round of 2026 grants, with funding priorities spanning economic development, education, health, and youth services.

Data Centers & AI: OpenAI is reportedly in advanced talks to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with payments starting once the first phase comes online around 2028 and possible Nvidia backing—an effort that would require major power, transmission, cooling, and water planning. Higher Ed & Workforce: Meta says it will invest $115M in a free “America’s Workforce Academy” to train workers for data center construction and operations, with pilot locations including Ohio. State Budget & Local Projects: Gov. Mike DeWine signed the 2027-28 capital budget, including $10.7M for Youngstown State University improvements and funding for multiple Mahoning/Trumbull/Columbiana projects. Utilities & Costs: PUCO staff recommend steep emergency steam-rate hikes for SOBE Thermal Energy Systems’ downtown Youngstown customers while the company moves toward accurate metering. Local Governance: Lordstown extended its data center moratorium by 180 days as residents push for tighter rules. Community & Economy: Salem’s Super Cruise drew 50,000+ and set a record for its Third Street Food Bank fundraising. Business & Consumer Trends: A new report says Midwest and South states lead on home affordability and homebuilding activity, with Indiana topping the rankings.