AGP Executive Report

AI Workforce & Data Centers: Meta is rolling out “America’s Workforce Academy,” a $115M, free, paid-training program with industry credentials and job guarantees for skilled trades tied to AI data center buildouts, launching first in Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana and Texas. Local Housing & Development: Columbus entrepreneur Letha Pugh is expanding into affordable housing, with a modular home project in Driving Park slated to begin leasing in July. JobsOhio Talent Push: JobsOhio announced a $300M job readiness fund to train and connect Ohio workers with employers, aiming to help 50,000 people over 10 years. Health & Fraud: Ohio AG Letitia James secured $36.5M from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling, while Ohio also saw continued Medicaid fraud enforcement headlines. Business Operations: Huntington said it’s on track for up to $500M in cost savings and revenue synergies from its Cadence Bank integration. Consumer & Community: PRN Funding expanded home-care invoice factoring into Ohio, and AAUW in Lima is accepting donations for its major used-book fair fundraiser. Courts & Compliance: Ohio Supreme Court is weighing how to define “place of employment” in a sex-offender case tied to a kids’ camp. Local Economy Notes: A Cincinnati steakhouse, Alara, abruptly closed despite reservations, and GSA Equipment added Yellow Jacket mini skid loaders to its lineup.

Meta Workforce Academy: Meta is rolling out a “America’s Workforce Academy” to train skilled trades for AI data center construction, with job guarantees after graduation; the pilot includes Ohio and other states tied to Meta’s data center buildout. Ohio Solar on Landfills: Mansfield is moving toward a 25–35 MW solar project on two closed landfills, but it hinges on securing local power buyers via power purchase agreements. Childcare Oversight: The Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee advanced multiple childcare bills, including measures aimed at boosting access and tightening fraud investigations around publicly funded childcare. Property Tax Ballot Setback: A grassroots push to eliminate Ohio property taxes missed the signature target for the November ballot and is now shifting focus to 2027. Ohio Fraud Crackdown: Ohio and federal partners announced a broader fraud enforcement push, including action tied to pandemic-era loan fraud. Local Business & Community: Wings and Rings’ Car and Bike Nights raised $6,324.50 for the West Ohio Food Bank, supporting meals for families facing food insecurity.

Biotech Funding: City Therapeutics, an Ohio-linked RNAi drug developer, raised $99.5M to advance Factor XI–targeting therapies into Phase 1 testing. Health & Law: Cleveland Clinic agreed with the DOJ and Ohio AG to stop gender-affirming care for minors and will pay a $308,000 fine, while also committing $2M for “detransitioners.” Ohio Layoffs: Two employers filed WARN notices in May—First Brands Group (110 jobs) and Wood Group USA (92 jobs)—impacting 200+ workers. Broadband Buildout: Brightspeed says its Ohio fiber network is nearly 65% complete, with service now available to 350,000+ homes and businesses. Retail Expansion: Dutch Bros plans new Ohio openings this summer, including a Dayton location. Local Infrastructure: Knox Public Health received $175,000 to help residents replace or repair failing septic systems. Corporate Moves: Chemed’s Roto-Rooter acquired a south Texas franchise territory for about $12M. Sports Media Pressure: A House Judiciary report renews scrutiny of the NFL’s media rights structure and antitrust exemption.

Data Centers & Power Grid: Big tech (Meta, Amazon, Google, Microsoft) faced tough questions from Ohio lawmakers as residents push back on environmental and power-grid impacts and complain about nondisclosure deals and tax breaks. Health Tech Funding: Westwood’s Kin Health raised $9 million in seed funding to build a patient-first app that transcribes and summarizes doctor visits so patients can better understand diagnoses and next steps. Local Business Expansion: Kravitz Deli opened a new Salem location after a soft opening, with a grand opening scheduled for today. Economic Development: North Jackson Commerce Park is moving from planning to reality, welcoming its first tenant, Shapes Unlimited, in an 80,000-square-foot facility and setting up future industrial builds. Community & Small Business Support: NSCC in Archbold is hosting a free business financing workshop focused on helping veteran-, women-, and minority-owned founders navigate capital. Workforce & Care Policy: Ohio lawmakers are weighing changes that could cut Medicaid payments to family caregivers, with disabled Ohioans warning it could upend daily support. Public Safety & Accountability: Ohio’s prison reentry problem remains stark, with a report noting about one-third of released people are likely to be re-arrested within three years. Housing Grants: DeWine and ODOD announced $26.9 million in Welcome Home Ohio grants to expand safe, affordable housing across 57 counties, including a land trust serving Henry and Fulton counties.

Nursing Home Liability: A Butler County jury hit Chesterwood Village with a $12.5 million wrongful-death verdict, including $1.5 million in punitive damages, finding the facility and operators breached Ohio’s Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights in the death of an 83-year-old resident. AI Policy & Ownership: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders floated public ownership in AI firms via a public wealth fund; Trump also signaled openness to letting Americans benefit from AI success. Sports Business & Local Identity: Browns corner Denzel Ward says he wants to stay in Cleveland after the Myles Garrett trade, framing it as “Ohio against the world” as the team resets its roster. Energy Costs (Ohio): GasBuddy data shows Ohio regular prices averaging $4.52 for the week ending May 30, with Pickaway County’s low at $4.48 and Fayette County’s midgrade low at $4.64; diesel stayed volatile statewide. Public Sector Upgrades: Euclid Public Library reopened after $18 million in renovations, adding a business resource center, tech classroom, and major building systems work. Community Fundraising: Women for Greater Akron Charities marks its 80th anniversary with its June 26 Charity Golf Classic, with proceeds supporting local shelters, food banks, and arts.

Healthcare & Seniors: CMS data show Northwood Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Ohio, is a for-profit facility with an overall CMS score of 2 in early 2026, below Ohio’s 3.2 state average, plus two fines totaling $34,976. Public Safety: Toledo police are investigating after multiple people were shot near the Old West End Festival, sending attendees into panic and to local hospitals. Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is adding Puerto Rico capacity, including new Columbus, Ohio service, expected to drive about $2.3 million in economic impact and thousands of extra arrivals. Local Community & Environment: Lima residents used the city’s Spring Cleanup dumpsters to haul bulky trash, while Allen County promoted native plants and rain barrels to support pollinators and stormwater control. Business & Labor/Legal: DOJ charged four Ohioans with pandemic-era fraud, and Ohio’s Supreme Court approved a natural gas rate hike for Duke Energy customers. Sports & Local Economy: Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up at Huntington Bank Field, drawing 64,311 fans to downtown Cleveland.

Ohio Economy & Industry: Honda is leaning on its flexible Ohio plants to push more hybrid models, with May sales hitting a monthly record for hybrids (42,583 units) as the company tries to “right the ship” ahead of the Indy 500. Business Moves: Kroger opened a new West Chester Marketplace in Ohio, a $35M, nearly 123,000-square-foot upgrade with added amenities like a Murray’s Cheese shop, Starbucks, sushi kiosk, and drive-thru pharmacy. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data shows Ohio midgrade and premium prices remain volatile, with statewide midgrade averaging $5.08 (week ending May 30) and premium averaging $5.61; Clark County diesel hit $5.09. Fraud & Enforcement: A White House task force led by J.D. Vance says it has paused major Medicare payments tied to fraud and pursued large-scale enforcement actions, with Ohio mentioned in the push. Local Business/Community: The Ohio Tobacco Museum’s annual dinner and reverse raffle raised $13,500 in cash prizes and inducted four longtime tobacco growers, while the museum plans landscaping and accessibility upgrades. Tech & AI Infrastructure: Meta is reportedly building tent-style data centers in Ohio to speed AI chip deployment amid delays and cancellations across the sector. Sports Business (Ohio tie-in): The Browns’ Myles Garrett trade to the Rams continues to ripple through Cleveland’s front-office and roster planning, including talk around Denzel Ward’s future.

Energy & Politics: President Trump says the federal government will spend $700M to build or refurbish coal power infrastructure, using the Defense Production Act to support 13 existing plants and two new ones, with projects including West Virginia and Alaska. Ohio Economy & Housing: A proposed Ohio constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes won’t make the Nov. 3 ballot after AxOhioTax again missed signature requirements; the group says it will target a 2027 ballot instead. Education & Workforce: Trinity Health System’s School of Medical Laboratory Science in Steubenville earned maximum 10-year NAACLS accreditation, citing strong outcomes and retention. Local Business & Community: Leadership Mahoning Valley recognized 41 graduates at its June 3 ceremony, highlighting its 41-year track record of developing regional leaders. Healthcare Watch: CMS data show Worthington Healthcare Center in Wood County received an overall CMS rating of 2 in Q1 2026, while The Woods on French Creek Nursing & Rehab Center earned five stars in Lorain County and Valley View Health Campus posted four stars in Sandusky County. Sports Business: The Cleveland Browns’ blockbuster Myles Garrett trade to the Rams for Jared Verse and draft picks is driving immediate roster and fan attention.

Ohio Consumer Protection: Ohio AG Dave Yost sued an ambulance company, alleging deceptive out-of-network billing and failure to disclose estimated transport costs, seeking restitution and penalties. Energy & Utilities: Mansfield began sending electric aggregation opt-out/enrollment letters for NOPEC’s program, with residents automatically enrolled unless they choose another option. Higher Ed & Research: Wright State expanded hands-on research and teaching using Ohio Supercomputer Center resources. Environmental Enforcement: A federal appeals court vacated a pollution injunction against Chemours’ Washington Works plant, after finding legal and factual errors in the lower court’s order. Fraud Crackdown: DOJ launched a state-federal partnership in Ohio to target health care and other fraud, alongside enhanced oversight and a new FBI “Most Wanted Fraudsters” push. Local Business/Community: YBI kicked off its Shark Tank-style startup competition in the Mahoning Valley, while a former school building redevelopment highlighted mixed-use growth. Sports/Business Angle: The Chicago Bears advanced plans to move to Hammond, Indiana, after Illinois failed to pass incentives—raising new regional economic questions.

Ohio Tax & Budget: Ohio’s $1.2 billion tax surplus is back in the spotlight, with debate over whether to return it to taxpayers or funnel it into programs like schools and Medicaid. State Legal & Courts: Florida’s Supreme Court is tightening rules for AI in court filings, requiring attorneys to verify cited legal authorities—an issue Ohio courts and lawyers are watching closely. Attorney General & Media: Ohio AG Dave Yost reached an agreement with Nexstar to preserve local news independence tied to its Tegna merger. Fraud Crackdown: The FBI unveiled a new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, including a Guam bingo fraud convict, as federal-state fraud enforcement ramps up. Energy & Politics: Ex-FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling were reindicted in Ohio’s HB6 bribery case, extending a long-running corruption fight. Public Health & Logistics: Facing Fentanyl and trucking partners launched “Hope Hits the Highway” to expand naloxone awareness. Housing & Local Development: Jefferson County Land Bank won more Welcome Home Ohio funding to build three new homes, while other counties move forward on facility upgrades. Workforce & Training: Flying HIGH’s Professional Development Center held graduations for trade and counseling credentials, highlighting Ohio’s push to connect training to jobs.

Data Centers & Tax Policy: Microsoft told Ohio lawmakers it will stop using NDAs and won’t seek local property tax abatements for Ohio data center projects, as Meta, Google and Amazon faced the same scrutiny at a new bipartisan statehouse committee. Cybersecurity & Employment: Former Hogan Transports employees filed multiple class actions in federal court alleging a breach exposed sensitive personal data and that the company delayed notifying workers. Fraud Crackdown: Federal and Ohio officials announced charges tied to a $30M alleged children’s behavioral health services fraud scheme, alongside a broader Ohio fraud push that includes Medicaid-related allegations. Corporate Transparency: Ohio will share corporate registration records with the DOJ’s National Fraud Detection Center to help spot shell companies and fraud networks. Local Business Growth: Wayfair opens its first Ohio store in Columbus on June 18 near Polaris. Retail Expansion: Mansfield City Council approved plans for a second Ohio Buc-ee’s location, targeting 2028. Energy & Power: Talen Energy won remaining regulatory approvals to acquire 2.6 GW of gas generation in PJM territory, expanding its capacity. Public Works: Clermont County commissioners want air testing near the Zimmer landfill after residents report health impacts from hydrogen sulfide odors. Community & Grants: Fulton County accepted a $25,122 Ohio AG Court Technology Grant, while Archbold expanded its Community Reinvestment Area boundaries.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House passed a war powers resolution directing President Trump to end hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorizes further action, 215-208, with Ohio’s Warren Davidson among four Republicans joining Democrats—an unusually direct rebuke that’s still largely symbolic. Medicaid Home Care Crackdown: Ohio lawmakers advanced a bill that would bar family members from being paid by Medicaid to provide personal care, while disabled residents warn it could push more people into nursing homes. Workforce Funding: The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition won a $250,000 state Industry Sector Partnership grant to expand K-12 and workforce training tied to local manufacturing needs. Local Tax Pressure: Columbiana County school treasurers urged commissioners to weigh the impact of a proposed “piggyback” homestead exemption on school finances before approving it. Business Growth: ENCON Equipment’s Jordan Mitchell was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 East Central finalist. Community & Infrastructure: Poland Village moved forward on a plan to wrap/paint ODOT electric traffic signal control boxes to improve streetscape appeal.

Medicaid Oversight: Federal lawmakers grilled Ohio’s Medicaid waiver fraud risk, citing reports of up to $1.2B in fraudulent payments and pushing for stronger verification tech for home-based services. Small Business Pressure: Downtown Sylvania continues to squeeze Main Street businesses—Bandit’s Main Street Eats plans to close by end of June, and Finch & Fern is going storefront-only July 25 due to construction and rising costs. Workforce & Skills: A new look at warehousing maintenance careers highlights how hard it is to hire and retain capable technicians, with people skills mattering as much as fixing automation and materials-handling equipment. Public Safety Incident: Three people were hospitalized after a chemical reaction at the Akron Water Plant produced chlorine gas, triggering a shelter-in-place order and a temporary plant shutdown. Defense & Jobs: Gov. DeWine approved an Aerovironment expansion in Greene County, backed by $7M in tax credits, projecting 200 new jobs and major payroll growth. Business Growth: Pioneer Physicians Network is adding Salem Family Care to expand independent primary care into Columbiana County starting Jan. 1, 2027. Ohio Economy Snapshot: Central Ohio companies moved up in the Fortune 500, including Cardinal Health staying at No. 15 and Vertiv climbing to No. 414. Tech & R&D: CAS launched CAS Connections to plug trusted scientific content and agentic AI into researchers’ existing tools. Local Economy/Real Estate: A report says “starter homes” are still available in Ohio but harder to find as prices rise and inventory tightens.

Data Center Showdown: Ohio lawmakers heard from more than 100 residents at a Select Committee hearing, with speakers pushing for a moratorium over environmental impacts, tax-break costs, and nondisclosure agreements—while Piqua-area organizers gather signatures for a constitutional amendment. Local Action: Cortland moved faster, passing a one-year emergency moratorium to pause permits and force a zoning code review. Affordability Pressure: A Brookings analysis finds Ohio households are under strain—over 40% can’t make ends meet, and 73% of single-parent households are squeezed—tying the stress to housing, food, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and utilities. Nursing Home Watch: CMS Q1 2026 ratings spotlight mixed outcomes across Ohio facilities, including Vancrest of New Carlisle (3 stars) and Arbors West (2 stars), alongside higher performers like Indian Lake Rehabilitation Center (5 stars). Entrepreneur Support: Northwest State Community College hosts a free business financing workshop for underserved founders, with lenders and funding education. Congress & Sports Media: Rep. Jim Jordan asks NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to testify on the league’s broadcast and streaming deals.

Federal criminal case hits Stark County: Washington Township volunteer assistant fire chief Donald Morrow was suspended after federal child pornography charges, with investigators tracing an alleged Dropbox account to him and finding CSAM files on a hard drive. Major Ohio infrastructure push: The first crane arrived on the Ohio River to kick off the $4.4B Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, starting meaningful in-water work toward a companion bridge completion targeted for 2031. Ohio Medicaid oversight: Ohio Auditor Keith Faber will testify June 3 before a U.S. House task force on Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse, citing systemic control weaknesses from recent audits. Data center tax break reversal: Ohio paused/axed new data center tax incentives after forecasting errors and growing resistance, keeping some ongoing projects eligible while the debate continues. Cleveland Browns blockbuster with big economic ripple: Browns GM Andrew Berry said the Myles Garrett trade to the Rams hinged on a deal that included Jared Verse plus premium draft picks; Garrett’s contract changes helped make it work. Local business activity: Marco’s Pizza opened in New Haven with a June 3 grand opening, while Toledo crews reported no injuries after a car crash into a west Toledo business prompted building inspections. Defense tech jobs in the Dayton area: AeroVironment plans a $15M Greene County expansion near Dayton, targeting about 200 new jobs and $28M in annual regional impact.

NFL Trade: Cleveland dealt two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Verse plus draft picks (2027 first, 2028 second, 2029 third), a blockbuster move enabled by contract option timing changes. Housing & Community Development: Gov. Mike DeWine announced $26.9M+ in Welcome Home Ohio grants to expand safe, affordable housing across 57 counties, with 25 counties still awaiting funding. Cybersecurity & Courts: A Latvian ransomware negotiator tied to Karakurt/TommyLeaks/SchoolBoys was sentenced in federal court in Ohio to 102 months for helping run attacks that included healthcare and even a 911 shutdown. Local Governance: Hubbard approved a 12-month data center moratorium after residents raised concerns, while nearby communities keep debating how growth projects affect local services and costs. Business/Finance Basics: Ohio’s Division of Financial Institutions urged “spring cleaning” for money habits, citing widespread financial stress and setbacks. Education & Workforce: A northwest Ohio educator bootcamp showed teachers safety-services career paths like EMS, fire, and law enforcement. Local Business Ops: Girard schools approved a shared-services deal with Liberty to share a bus mechanic, aiming to cut costs while keeping transportation staffed.