AGP Executive Report

Heat & Holiday Safety: An extreme heat warning for Columbus and central Ohio is set to expire tonight, with a heat advisory running through July 4; highs ease into the low 90s but heat indexes still push past 100, and storms may pop up during the weekend. Sports in Ohio: The U.S. Senior Open is underway at Scioto Country Club in Dublin, with Charlie Wi and Stewart Cink tied atop the leaderboard after opening rounds in brutal conditions. Local Sports Spotlight: Olentangy Orange’s Levi Davis was named Dispatch readers’ high school boys Athlete of the Year after leading the program to its first state title. Public Safety & Crime: Authorities say 16 children were found in “deplorable” conditions in a southern Ohio home, with multiple adults charged; separately, police reports across Austintown, Boardman and Canfield detail thefts, vandalism and arrests. Business & Consumer Watch: Ohio’s EPA and fire crews responded after a Frank’s RedHot truck spill on I-71, and a separate national recall flags certain potato chips over possible salmonella risk. Ohio Policy: Lawmakers introduced a bill to ban online sports betting and restrict wagering to retail only.

Property Taxes & Budgets: Mahoning County commissioners moved to double the owner-occupied tax credit after a triennial property revaluation, with residential values rising countywide by about 24% on average—meaning tax rates could shift even if the percentage hike doesn’t translate 1:1 to bills. Road Safety: Valley patrols are stepping up enforcement against texting drivers, revisiting how the state’s texting-and-driving law is being handled locally as citations rise. America 250 in Ohio: Independence Day plans are rolling out across the Mahoning Valley and beyond, from fireworks and parades to a new Franklin-area historical exhibit opening July 4. Local Schools: Girard City Schools is bringing back an intervention specialist for 2026-27 after earlier cuts, and Niles honored a bus driver retiring after 52 years. Public Safety & Courts: A Warren man already jailed for aggravated murder was indicted on an additional charge tied to allegedly having a deadly weapon while detained. Community & Infrastructure: Youngstown sewer work bids came in under estimate for a major pump station project, and Allen County property tax bills were delayed, pushing the second-half due date to Aug. 12. Sports (Ohio ties): Scioto Country Club hosted the U.S. Senior Open with Stewart Cink and Charlie Wi sharing the early lead.

Public Health: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to explosive diarrhea is spreading—Michigan has 225+ cases in 21 counties, and Ohio has reported cases in Lucas County, with health officials urging safe food handling. Public Safety: A fire at an Econo Lodge in Wooster Township killed three adults trapped in a motel room; investigators are still working to determine the cause. Child Welfare: Ohio authorities say 16 children were found living in “deplorable” conditions in Hamden; four adults face felony child-endangering charges after the case came from a separate investigation. Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an Ohio case involving an Orthodox Jewish man ordered to stop hosting home prayer services, raising zoning and religious freedom questions. Statehouse/Policy: Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno says he’ll reintroduce legislation to end birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court upheld broad birthright citizenship rules. Sports (Ohio): The White Sox open a 4-game series at the Guardians in Cleveland, with starters and odds driving the matchup. Heat & Safety: Extreme heat advisories continue across the region, with officials repeating guidance to cool safely and avoid overloading power systems.

Heat & Safety: The U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club is baking under high-90s heat and a 107 heat index, and the USGA is sticking to its no-riding-cart rule—players walk the course, with hydration stations set up for fans. Local Government: A Scott Street sewer project in Trumbull County is stalled as newly raised annexation requirements threaten scheduling for homes needing connection to the village system. Roads & Infrastructure: Brookfield Township can move ahead with upgrades to three unimproved roads after county acceptance into the highway system. Animal Welfare: Authorities in the Mahoning Valley are responding again to repeated animal abuse complaints, including dogs removed from a Coitsville Township property. Business & Groceries: Kroger announced a $1.65B deal to acquire Giant Eagle, with Giant Eagle stores expected to be reduced only if regulators require it, and the deal targeted to close in 2027. America 250 & Community: Warren’s Packard Band plans a Fourth of July Spectacular with a free America250 history print, while multiple local events are set across the region for July 4.

Supermarket Shake-Up: Kroger has reached a definitive deal to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, adding 197 stores and 11 pharmacies across Ohio and nearby states; the companies say shoppers should see little change until the deal closes in 2027, pending regulators. Extreme Heat Safety: Ohio is in the path of a dangerous heat wave tied to the July 4 holiday, with health experts urging residents to watch for heat stroke and check on neighbors. Public Health Alert: A cyclosporiasis outbreak causing explosive diarrhea has spread to Ohio, with cases reported in Lucas and Monroe counties as investigators work to identify the source. Local Leadership: Dayton Children’s Hospital named Dr. Robert Steele as its new CEO, starting July 1. Sports & Community: Wright State’s Shane Ochs surged at the Ohio Open, and the AirPower History Tour is bringing the B-29 “FIFI” to Toledo Express Airport mid-July for public tours. Business & Jobs: Hyphen Innovations says it has topped $3 million in Air Force research contracts, including work on a hybrid electric turbine engine.

Supreme Court & Voting: The latest term delivered mixed results for Ohioans, including rulings that shape how mail-in ballots can be counted and what limits exist on presidential power and party spending. Disability Rights: Advocates warn recent federal moves could make it easier to institutionalize people with disabilities and roll back protections. Haitian TPS: Coverage highlights the fallout as the Supreme Court ends Haiti TPS, with Ohio immigrant advocates and officials reacting to job and family impacts. Public Safety—Heat: A dangerous heat wave is pushing extreme heat warnings across the Midwest, with Ohio communities opening cooling options and urging heat-stroke prevention. Ohio Health: A Dayton hospital says 17 nurses in its labor and delivery unit are pregnant at the same time, breaking its own record. Local Crime/Justice: Vinton County authorities say 16 children were rescued from “deplorable” conditions in a home; four adults face child endangerment charges. Community & Holidays: Lima officials stress safe fireworks use ahead of the Fourth, while Wapakoneta’s St. Joe Festival returns for its 76th year. Sports: LeBron James is reportedly leaving the Lakers after eight seasons, and Ohio State continues transfer-portal recruiting with a new NFL scout hire.

U.S. Supreme Court: The court struck down federal limits on coordinated political party spending with candidates, citing free speech, a major shift heading into November midterms. Immigration & Rights: It also upheld birthright citizenship and rejected Trump’s attempt to narrow it, while keeping state bans on transgender girls and women in school sports in place. Ohio Elections: The justices ruled mail-in ballots can still be counted if received after polls close, as long as they’re postmarked by Election Day—an outcome Ohio lawmakers had tried to avoid. Heat & Safety: Ohio issued a heat advisory with temps feeling like 105°F or more, urging hydration, limiting outdoor time, and extra care for pets and vulnerable neighbors. Local Jobs & Housing: Cleveland is moving ahead with modular housing plans, selecting MMY U.S. to remake a historic East Side factory and target up to 150 jobs. Business & Industry: Centerra Co-op and Gerber & Sons agreed to a grain partnership starting Aug. 1, with Centerra managing grain supply while Gerber focuses on feed production. Sports: Jalen Duren’s Pistons and Ohio’s boxing scene both stayed in the spotlight, including an all-Ohio WBO lightweight title defense in Cleveland July 4.

Ohio Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Ohio’s ability to count mail-in ballots even when they arrive after Election Day, as long as they’re postmarked by then—an outcome Ohio Republicans had tried to block. Federal Power & Elections: The court also expanded presidential power by upholding Trump firings of other independent agency heads, while letting Fed governor Lisa Cook stay on the job for now. Energy Security: House Republicans advanced a package to harden the electric grid and boost cyber security, including a bill sponsored by Ohio’s Brett Guthrie’s committee. Public Safety (Heat): A Midwest heat wave is pushing into the Ohio Valley, with extreme heat warnings and cooling-center reminders; Toledo also highlighted heat-stroke vs. heat-exhaustion signs. Local Crime & Safety: Toledo police say a 14-year-old was seriously hurt by fireworks after playing without adult supervision. Sports (Ohio): Ohio State baseball catcher Mason Eckelman entered the NCAA transfer portal. Community & Schools: OHSAA released new fall sports divisional assignments for 2026-27.

Immigration & Courts: DHS chief Markwayne Mullin says Haitians on TPS must seek permanent status or leave after SCOTUS ended protections, with major disruption expected for people in Ohio and nationwide. Public Safety: Prevent Blindness Ohio kicks off Fireworks Safety Week (June 28–July 4) with eye-safety tips and resources ahead of Independence Day. Defense & Jobs: Gov. DeWine and JobsOhio announce Ukrainian Defense Drones will build a Northwest Ohio assembly and manufacturing center in Holland, aiming to create at least 300 jobs. Tech & Emergency Response: ConveyConnect launches an AI interpreter built for 911 calls in Columbus, offering instant phone translation with one-touch escalation to live interpreters. Ohio Economy & Power for Data Centers: An Ohio Power Siting Board-approved plan in Licking County would use a natural-gas plant dedicated to a data center, with claims that taxpayers and ratepayers won’t cover costs. Environment: OSU research finds Ohio river water quality improved since the 1970s, with many fish and aquatic insect populations rebounding as pollution fell.

Police Surveillance & Privacy: Dayton-area privacy advocates are pushing for rules or bans on automated license plate readers after Dayton suspended ALPR fixed-site cameras, citing outside access to data tied to immigration-related use. Local Governance & Public Safety: Lorain County’s emergency radio overhaul is moving forward, with officials saying interoperability is “a lot closer” than years ago as MARCS users report reliable communications. Immigration Policy: U.S. Homeland Security says people on temporary protected status should seek permanent residence or leave, following the Supreme Court’s move to end TPS for Haitians and Syrians. Ohio Economy: A new look at Ohio’s job numbers warns the labor force picture is weakening in rural and poorer regions, even as unemployment falls. Community & Culture: Warren Rotary’s Duck Festival raised money for local charities, while Trumbull County’s historical society is running an archaeology camp tied to a verified Underground Railroad site. Sports (Ohio): Cleveland’s Denzel Ward says the Browns need offseason changes after a 5-12 season, and the Guardians rallied late for a 6-5 win over Seattle.

Local Public Safety: Bainbridge Township police say they’ll start enforcing Ohio’s leash law at all township parks and public properties after a Centerville Mills Park shooting tied to an argument; officers will cite anyone releasing a dog from a vehicle without a leash, with extra rules for the fenced dog park. Violent Crime: Cheviot police are investigating a Saturday shooting on Glenmore Avenue that left one man dead and two others injured; no suspect is in custody. Immigration Policy: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says people on temporary protected status should seek permanent residency or leave, following a Supreme Court decision affecting Haitian and Syrian TPS. Environment & Land Use: An editorial urges Ohio residents to fight a Monday decision that could approve fracking on public lands, arguing data center growth is driving new gas plants. Community & Culture: Lorain County’s Ice Cream Social is named an official America 250-Ohio Homecoming & Picnic event, with themed activities and museum tours in Elyria on July 12. Weather: Northeast Ohio faces a heat push with triple-digit feels likely into early next week. Sports: Devin Moran won the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway.

Ohio Public Safety: Cheviot police say a man was killed and two others were seriously injured in a Saturday night shooting on Glenmore Avenue; no suspects are in custody and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Utility Reliability: PUCO denied FirstEnergy’s request for more time to respond to electric outages and to allow more outages per year, pointing to significant summer 2025 outages in Lakewood and Barberton. Local Sports & Community: Calvary Day’s flag football team earned an invite to a Canton national tournament, starting with a 29-0 win before dropping two other games. Ohio State Spotlight: Recruiting momentum continues for Ohio State, with another 2027 WR commitment reported after a recent offensive line addition. Health & Policy: A behavioral health op-ed argues Ohio needs expanded access to mental health care, citing shortage-area conditions. Weather Watch: Severe flooding in central Kentucky prompted deaths reported and a state of emergency, with heavy rain also affecting parts of the Ohio region. Independence Day (Ohio): New Knoxville, Maria Stein, and Lima-area events are gearing up for America 250 celebrations, including parades and a Veterans Appreciation Car Cruise-In.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, and Haitian leaders in Ohio and nationwide are urging TPS holders to stay calm, call senators, and push for Senate protections and permanent residency pathways. Ohio Policy & Economy: Ohio’s data-center boom is back in the spotlight as Gov. DeWine paused new sales-tax exemptions and local governments weigh how to handle power, cooling, and tax breaks amid rising community pushback. Local Public Safety: Toledo police say two men were hospitalized after a shooting on Schwartz Road early Saturday; no suspects are in custody. Ohio Sports: Worthington’s Cory Fidler hit a rare albatross during a work league round at Mental Memorial Golf Course. Buckeye State Sports Recruiting: Ohio State landed 2027 offensive tackle Caden Moss, a major boost to the Buckeyes’ summer recruiting push. Weather: Northeast Ohio is bracing for dangerous long-lasting heat and humidity soon—hydration and limiting outdoor time are key.

Ohio State Recruiting: Ryan Day landed 2027 offensive tackle Caden Moss, a major boost for the Buckeyes’ class as they push into the top of national rankings. Local Courts & Public Safety: A Warren man, Savion C. Woodall, pleaded guilty and received 16 years to life for a corner-store murder; in Columbiana County, Cameron Martin’s trial over the death of his pregnant girlfriend remains set for Oct. 27. Community & Culture: East Palestine is bringing back its Fourth of July decorated bed race after decades, while the River Museum in Wellsville hosted a Harriet Tubman program. Infrastructure & Growth: DeWine rode across the newly reopened Blaine Hill Bridge after nearly two years, and Howland paused fiber-optics work after crews hit a power line. Sports & Local Pride: Champion softball coach Cheryl Weaver retired after 27 years and 540 wins, and Youngstown State is emphasizing “connectivity” as it rebuilds its roster. Statewide Agriculture: OSU Extension named new statewide leaders to guide Extension and 4-H programming across all 88 counties.

NWSL in Columbus: Rose Lavelle is back in Ohio for the NWSL Challenge Cup in Columbus today, with Gotham FC facing Kansas City Current and at least 14,000 fans expected—an early look at what could come with the league’s new Columbus franchise. Energy & environment: Ohio officials are set to vote on opening about 23,000 acres of public lands in eastern Ohio to fracking, including acreage tied to Jockey Hollow and Egypt Valley wildlife areas. PFAS settlement: Chemours agreed to a $450 million deal with federal and state authorities over chronic PFAS pollution, including alleged violations affecting the Ohio River region. Ohio politics & voting: A new push for stricter voter ID is getting renewed attention, with claims that Ohio’s election history shows why ID is needed. Sports (Ohio ties): Lionel Richie postponed his Columbus show after a dizzy spell on tour, and Ohio State football recruiting chatter continues as the staff chases key targets. Business: Cleveland-Cliffs was named GM’s 2025 Supplier of the Year for the ninth time. Road safety: The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious US 33 crash in Logan County that sent two people to OSU Medical Center.

U.S. Immigration: The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a move that could leave many in Ohio facing loss of work authorization and possible detention or deportation. Ohio Voting & Mail: The USPS Postmaster General defended a proposed rule that would block delivery of mail ballots in states that won’t provide voter lists, raising fresh alarms about mail voting access. Ohio Policy & Courts: Ohio’s anti–social media age-verification fight continues after federal courts backed the state’s parental-consent approach for minors. Local Government: Perrysburg Heights trustees declared a property a nuisance and approved steps tied to compliance and public safety. Ohio Sports & OSU: OSU athletics chief Ross Bjork says the department could reach a $500 million annual operating budget soon, while OSU men’s hoops practices are underway with early observations drawing attention. Wildlife: Black bear sightings are increasing around Ohio, with recent reports in the Cincinnati region. Community & Public Safety: Summit County’s 911 dispatch center is using an AI tool to handle non-emergency calls, helping staff focus on 911. Sports Notes: Marietta Post 64 won 5-2 over Clarksburg, and the TinCaps’ winning streak ended with an 8-0 loss to Lake County.