AGP Executive Report

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, potentially with Nvidia backing; the first phase is expected to come online in 2028, with a buildout cost projected at $500B+ and major power and grid upgrades required. Rare Earth Supply Chain: REalloys says it secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock tied to a Pentagon deadline to cut China-origin magnet materials from defense supply chains by 2027. Ohio University Finance & Growth: OHIO trustees reviewed year-two progress on its Dynamic Strategy plan, highlighted R1 momentum, and approved extending its Scholarship Match Program through 2031 (with a $2M annual cap); the endowment topped $1B for the first time. Ohio University Governance: Gov. DeWine appointed Connor Gaugler as a student trustee, and the university opened 30-day community review for several draft policies. Voter Registration Raid: Federal agents raided the offices of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative in Cleveland, seizing computers tied to its 2024 voter registration work. Education & Local Budgets: Ohio school districts face shifting funding pressures, including Grand Valley Schools seeking public input on financing impacts. Job Market: Ohio initial unemployment claims rose by 1,613 last week, according to state data. Community & Business Events: A one-year-later cleanup effort continues after the 2025 Ohio County floods; meanwhile, local tourism and small-business activity show up in staycation research and regional events like the Fostoria Glass Show & Sale.

Prediction Markets/Regulation Fight: Former SEC chair Gary Gensler says Kalshi is “flat wrong” that sports bets are swaps subject to CFTC oversight, arguing Dodd-Frank doesn’t apply—an Ohio appeals-court fight that could ultimately reach the Supreme Court. Local Business Growth: Chick-fil-A confirmed its first Zanesville restaurant is expected to open later in 2026, a $1.3M build projected to create 80–120 jobs. Banking Leadership: First United Bancorp/First United Bank and Trust approved Chris Bruce to join its board, adding CPA and tax/compliance expertise. Food Safety: Whispering Pine Bakery in New Concord issued a voluntary recall of multiple fry pie varieties due to undeclared milk allergens. Elections/Legal Pressure: An Ohio voter-rights group, Ohio Organizing Collaborative, says the FBI raided its Northeast Ohio offices and questioned staff and volunteers in a voter-fraud probe. Gaming/Real Estate: Penn Entertainment opened a new hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus, adding 203 rooms and projecting 150 new jobs. Economic Stress in Agriculture: Farm-related Chapter 12 bankruptcies hit a six-year high in April, up 130% year over year, as costs and fuel prices squeeze growers. Workforce for Data Centers: Meta announced a $115M “America’s Workforce Academy” to train workers for data center construction, starting in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas. Civic Accessibility: Athens reminded property owners that sidewalks must meet ADA standards or face daily fines.

Ohio University Governance: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Connor Gaugler as a student trustee, an economics and political science major focused on civic engagement and environmental economics. University Policy Updates: Ohio University’s executive staff policy committee put 10 policies out for community review (June 10–July 10) and approved non-substantive updates to job classification and graduate-study guidance. Rare Earth Supply Chain: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare earth feedstock tied to a Pentagon deadline to cut China-origin materials from defense supply chains. Appalachian Freedom Heritage: Ohio University Southern is documenting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor through a new documentary and oral-history project. Local Community Support: Grocery Outlet in Boardman launched a hunger-relief drive for the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, aiming to raise $10,000. Public Health & Safety: East Liverpool water officials warned customers about earthy/musty taste and odor and plan system flushing starting June 15. Courts: Trumbull County jurors convicted Ashaud Johnson in the Feb. 11 shooting death of Da’Mar McKinney; sentencing is set later.

Rare Earth Supply Chain: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock via Patriot Exploration & Mining, aiming to close a defense supply gap ahead of a 2027 push to cut Chinese-origin magnet materials. Healthcare & Compliance: Cleveland Clinic agreed to commit $2M to “detransition” care under a DOJ settlement tied to inaccurate insurance claims for minors, while also planning a new Brecksville outpatient facility opening in late 2027. Ohio Politics & Voting: Ohio lawmakers advanced a new photo ID requirement for mail voting starting with the 2027 election, alongside a related constitutional amendment measure headed to the ballot. Local Education Governance: Petitioners are pushing to return Cleveland Metropolitan School District to an elected school board after school closures and layoffs under the mayoral-controlled system. Workforce & Training: ABC and Meta launched a $115M America’s Workforce Academy to train data-center construction workers, with Ohio included. Business Expansion: Scramblers opened its first Illinois location in Bloomington, expanding an Ohio-founded breakfast/brunch brand.

SNAP Fraud Crackdown: The Ohio House approved chip-enabled EBT cards to curb skimming and PIN theft after more than $17 million in benefits was stolen from 34,000+ households since June 2023, with $3 million earmarked for upgrades. Local Utilities & Governance: Youngstown’s SOBE Thermal Energy Systems sent 10-day disconnection notices to downtown customers over unpaid bills, while Gov. Mike DeWine said neither the capital budget nor the rainy-day fund will bail out the private utility. Data Center Pushback: Howland Township approved a six-month moratorium on data center zoning approvals as officials review impacts and draft new rules. Workforce & Education: Meta launched a paid skilled-trades training push tied to AI data center construction, aiming to plug job gaps with job guarantees. Community Business & Growth: Applegreen plans to open Popeyes outlets at roadside locations, creating up to 450 jobs across its U.S. footprint including Ohio. Small-Town Quality of Life: Mansfield’s Renaissance Theatre opened registration for its summer Broadway Camp, with scholarships available.

Ohio Data Centers: Ohio lawmakers are set to vote on proposals tied to the state’s first data center rules, with local leaders and industry pushing back while others warn the boom could strain budgets and property rights. Skilled Trades & AI Buildout: Meta is rolling out its $115 million “America’s Workforce Academy” to train workers for AI data center construction, with Ohio among the target states for free training and job offers. Corporate Governance: Grocery Outlet reshuffled its C-suite, naming dual EVP appointments as it continues its growth push. Health Care Fraud & Consumer Protection: Ohio is in the spotlight as multistate actions against GS Labs continue, including settlements tied to overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests. Inflation Watch: Nationally, the CPI jumped 4.2% year over year, and President Trump publicly leaned into the inflation headline rather than treating it as a problem. Local Business & Community: KAV Health Group opened new Izzy’s House sober living homes in Lima, expanding recovery housing options. Auto Safety: Honda recalled 880,000+ vehicles over rear suspension corrosion risk, including models sold in Ohio. Public Safety: Investigators kept searching a Hamilton sewer system after human remains were found, looking for additional evidence tied to a missing Butler County resident.

AI Infrastructure & Data Centers: OpenAI is reportedly in talks to lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center in Ohio, potentially at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, with Nvidia-backed funding signaling the next phase of AI buildouts. Workforce Development: Meta is pushing an “America’s Workforce Academy” model with paid training and job guarantees for data center construction trades, while Ohio leaders are also spotlighting workforce needs as the state positions itself as an AI hub. Public Finance Modernization: Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague launched Buckeye Billfold, a digital wallet option for paying state agencies, including credit cards, ACH, and cryptocurrency (with conversion to dollars at payment time). Water Safety: Ohio received $201.7 million from the U.S. EPA to help communities identify and replace lead service lines statewide. Local Economic Growth: Allen County won a $2 million state grant for road upgrades tied to a growing business hub, including access for major employers like an Amazon distribution center. Housing/Development: Youngstown’s school board is weighing a long-term tax exemption request tied to redeveloping the former Mahoning Bank Building downtown. Energy Choice: A guide explains how Ohio’s electricity choice program works and how the PUCO oversees competitive suppliers. Legal & Governance: The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments on whether rejecting an order for emergency hospitalization can amount to obstructing official business or resisting arrest. Community & Business Spotlight: Wilson Sporting Goods in Ada highlighted its NFL football manufacturing and a new “REVO” football for flag football. Civic/Nonprofit: Ohio University Southern is documenting African American history along the Ohio River corridor through a new documentary project. Fraud/Accountability: A House hearing put the Southern Poverty Law Center under fresh scrutiny over alleged informant and extremist-group funding issues.

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.