AGP Executive Report

Ohio Energy & Taxes: Ohio’s 90-day gas and diesel tax suspension kicks in, cutting the state fuel tax to near zero and aiming to ease prices after a politically charged push that lawmakers say will plug a roughly $725 million gap with general revenue. Ohio Politics & Business Climate: President Trump used an Ohio rally to pitch corporate investment plans and warn firms about building in the U.S., while the midterm fight tightens around affordability and cost-of-living concerns. Manufacturing & Jobs: Navistar’s Springfield-area truck plant closure is reported to have laid off about 1,400 workers just days before Trump’s visit, underscoring the tension between campaign messaging and local economic pain. Corporate Moves (Ohio): Ohio Valley Banc Corp. authorized an extension of its stock buyback program through Aug. 31, 2027, keeping the repurchase cap at $5 million. AI & Work: A national report highlights how companies are training AI using large pools of freelancers, while workers worry about job displacement. Local Growth & Housing: A Mansfield-area plan would bring market-rate housing to the former Madison Jr. High site, with a developer moving toward closing out the long process. Business Watch: A new FDA approval expands first-line treatment options for certain CLL patients with Jaypirca.

AI Data Centers & Power Costs: At a Vandalia rally, President Trump defended Ohio’s data-center boom and warned projects could shift to China if the U.S. turns them away, as electricity-bill backlash grows and lawmakers debate ratepayer protections. Trade & Inflation Pressure: Trump’s escalating Canada trade war—tariffs plus import bans—could raise costs for Ohio’s manufacturing and agriculture-linked supply chains ahead of the midterms. Iran Nuclear Claim: Trump said Iran has “virtually given up” nuclear-weapon plans, while oil-price moves remain a key economic talking point. Ohio Campaign & Voter Issues: Trump pushed Ohio voters to back GOP candidates and voter-ID changes, tying the state’s business climate to his agenda. Local Economic Moves: Jefferson County approved a letter of intent for Ivy Tech to donate land for a new animal shelter, supported by READI 2.0 funds. Workforce Shock: AP reported nearly 1,400 layoffs at Ohio’s Navistar truck plant days before Trump’s nearby rally, underscoring how quickly local job news can undercut campaign narratives. Healthcare & Consumer Watch: A church in Ashtabula was vandalized, while separate national coverage highlighted ongoing scrutiny of healthcare practices and consumer recalls.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Packaging Corporation of America will close its Middletown corrugated plant, laying off about 90 workers starting Dec. 1, adding to a rough stretch for Ohio manufacturing after nearly 1,400 layoffs at the nearby Springfield Navistar truck factory. Big Pharma Investment: Bayer plans to invest about $2.2 billion in a new manufacturing site in New Albany, Ohio, targeting roughly 600 high-skilled jobs. Energy Costs & Agriculture: Diesel price spikes are squeezing Ohio farmers heading into harvest, raising pressure on household budgets and farm operations. Healthcare Politics: Trump says Medicare seniors will receive $90 payments for premiums, funded through the Medicare Improvement Fund, as he campaigns in Ohio ahead of the midterms. Ohio Campaign Trail: Trump rallied in Vandalia for GOP Senate candidate Jon Husted and gubernatorial contender Vivek Ramaswamy, while the event also drew a protester interruption. Public Safety: An Akron mother is burying her second son after a fatal pedestrian crash in Highland Square, with police investigating speed and alcohol-related concerns.

Ohio Jobs & Restructuring: WARN filings show six Ohio employers planning layoffs or closures affecting 450+ workers, including PJ Trailer (116) and Ardor Delivery Services (179) in the Dayton area, plus Marc’s discount drugstore closing in Parma (55) and Perstorp Polyols (50) in Toledo. Ohio Politics & Campaign Trail: President Trump is set to rally in Vandalia for Jon Husted as Ohio’s Senate race tightens, with voters citing gas prices and economic worries. Disaster Relief: FEMA approved Individual Assistance for seven Ohio counties hit by August storms and flooding, unlocking housing repairs, rental help, unemployment assistance, and SBA low-interest loans. Business Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2B pharmaceutical manufacturing site in New Albany, targeting 600 jobs and pursuing Ohio tax credit support. Food Safety: A frozen organic berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak tied to Great Value and Trader Joe’s products, with Ohio among affected states. Local Economy & Labor Costs: Diesel price pressure continues to squeeze Ohio-area farmers and trucking during harvest, raising operating costs. Sports Betting & Markets: Kalshi’s classification fight over sports prediction contracts continues as legal uncertainty grows across the $166B U.S. sports betting market. Community & Safety: Akron police say fights at Ellet High School’s football game led to ending the game in the third quarter; one 15-year-old was arrested.

Pentagon Shake-Up: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing a major overhaul of how the military buys and uses technology, including an “Autonomous Warfare Command” and a 120-day study that would pull in defense-tech leaders. Midterm Politics: Trump kicked off a month-long campaign blitz in Oklahoma, tying turnout to his presence as gasoline and inflation pressures weigh on favorability. Ohio Local Tech & Privacy: Dayton says two Flock license-plate cameras were reinstalled without authorization during a pause and must be removed. Housing & Development: University Hospitals is seeking approval to demolish 12 East 115th Street homes in Cleveland, reigniting the preservation-versus-redevelopment debate. Mortgage & Housing Costs: Freddie Mac reports 30-year mortgage rates at 7.28%, the highest in nearly three years, worsening affordability. Education Policy: The Trump administration proposed a federal school-choice scholarship tax credit that would expand eligibility in many states, including Missouri. Healthcare/Medicare: The Senate cleared the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, creating new HCPCS codes for lightweight wheelchair bases. Ohio Economic Development: DeWine and JobsOhio announced five tax-credit-backed projects totaling $431M+ in investments and 1,173 jobs statewide.

Courts & Immigration: Five retired Ohio judges and justices filed an amicus brief backing a Franklin County ban on ICE courthouse arrests, arguing the policy undermines the rule of law and chills immigrant participation in court. Gas Tax Relief (Ohio): Ohio lawmakers approved a 90-day gas tax holiday, with Gov. DeWine set to sign; the state will replace about $725M in lost revenue from surplus funds to avoid disrupting local infrastructure. Gas Tax Relief (Region): Indiana extended its gas tax holiday another 30 days, while Michigan’s Senate is set to debate a similar 90-day pause. Utilities & Household Costs: The Dollar Energy Fund opened its 2026–2027 hardship program for Ohio households facing shutoffs, with expanded support tied to new data-center funding. Retail Labor: Kroger rolled out new mandatory uniforms for about 400,000 employees, aiming for easier customer spotting after recent Ohio pricing scrutiny. Infrastructure Contract: Granite-Super won a $324.8M contract for Cleveland’s Big Creek Tunnel under Project Clean Lake, targeting major reductions in combined sewer overflows. AI & Power Demand: CoreWeave CEO pushed back on claims that data-center opposition will slow AI growth, citing continued strong customer demand.

Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 519 to suspend Ohio’s 38.5-cent gas tax and 47-cent diesel tax for 90 days, though lawmakers and drivers are still debating how quickly savings will show up at the pump. Utility Hardship Help: Dollar Energy Fund opened its 2026–2027 hardship program for Ohio households facing utility shutoffs, with grants applied directly to accounts; the program also expanded funding tied to Ohio Power Company and data center partners. Springfield Manufacturing Uncertainty: Springfield still has no confirmed update on Roshel’s plans after International Motors closed its local plants, leaving workers and city officials waiting for details. Local Business & Consumer Watch: The Better Business Bureau and Container One CEO Glenn Taylor warned buyers nationwide about shipping container scams that copy established dealers’ sites and pricing. Agritourism Resource: Farm Credit Mid-America released an updated free “Farm and Fun” agritourism directory covering Ohio and four other states. Ohio Workforce & Cost Pressure: Ohio’s minimum wage is set to rise 3.5% in 2027, adding to the affordability squeeze facing employers and households.

Minimum Wage Update: Ohio’s minimum wage rises 3.5% on Jan. 1, 2027 to $11.40 for non-tipped workers and $5.70 for tipped workers, and the business applicability threshold increases to $420,000 in annual gross receipts. Healthcare Refunds: The Trump administration has started sending $500 Affordable Care Act refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Ohio, for people who paid full premiums without federal assistance. Energy & Jobs: Gov. Mike DeWine and state officials approved five JobsOhio-backed projects totaling more than $431 million in investment and 1,173 jobs, including a Neptune North data/AI services expansion in central Ohio. Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio’s Senate remains a battleground over bills aimed at limiting data center electricity costs, with Democrats blocking Husted-linked ratepayer protection efforts. Prediction Markets: Kalshi lost another appeal after the 6th Circuit ruled Ohio and Tennessee can regulate its sports event contracts under state gambling laws. Local Economy: Athens County accepted a bid to sell the Athens County Community Cares Resource Center after repeated auction attempts.

AI Data Centers & Community Investment: OpenAI and SoftBank’s SB Energy met with southeastern Ohio officials and businesses tied to the planned Ports-Pike AI data center near Piketon, announcing a $6 million childcare investment as part of broader community spending. Workforce & Transit Funding: ODOT awarded $13.5 million through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program to transit agencies in 13 counties for 19 projects aimed at getting workers to jobs. Ports & Logistics Boost: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins dredging Toledo Harbor’s federal channels under an $11.1 million, two-year contract—supporting more than $1B in annual economic impact. Manufacturing Pipeline for Appalachia: Eureka Energy and GAP Grup announced a North American partnership to represent GAP’s aluminum and solar infrastructure products in the U.S., with a long-term goal of U.S. manufacturing in Appalachia. Cybersecurity Accountability: Michigan AG announced a $2.3 million multi-state settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach, highlighting vendor risk. Food Safety: FDA assigned the highest risk recall level to Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing after possible Salmonella contamination. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reported diesel price snapshots across Ohio counties, underscoring continued volatility heading into fall.

Manufacturing Workforce: A Mahoning Valley coalition argues the next step for Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline is not just recruiting into modern/additive roles, but building “honeycomb” career paths with visible advancement and educator partnerships. Industrial Real Estate: Youngstown broke ground on the 200,000-square-foot Youngstown Technology Park, with phase one targeting light and advanced manufacturing and distribution space by May. Energy & Transportation Costs: Ohio lawmakers advanced a 90-day gas tax holiday proposal as prices stay high; separate reporting shows localized E15 and diesel price lows across multiple counties. School Finance Pressure: Cincinnati Public Schools faces a projected $44.5M deficit and was placed in fiscal caution, with a Nov. levy vote looming. AI/Capital Markets: Miamisburg-based Accelevation priced a $540M IPO for AI data-center infrastructure, signaling investor selectivity as IPO conditions tighten. Data Centers & Policy: Ohio’s gas-tax and data-center politics continue to collide, while regulators and courts weigh rules affecting development. Trade & Jobs: Canada’s PM Mark Carney criticized Stelco layoffs tied to U.S. tariffs, with Cleveland-Cliffs ownership drawing scrutiny. Health & Consumer Watch: A Jackson dispensary reopened after state testing found no contamination; a lawsuit alleges a wrong-leg amputation at a Marietta hospital. Business Risk: A mobile bartending company drew complaints from Michigan/Ohio couples over canceled events and refund issues.

AI & Government Tech: President Trump unveiled a new AI tool aimed at making federal government information easier to access, while again dismissing calls for AI “guardrails.” Ohio Cannabis Insurance: A bipartisan federal CLAIM Act would block insurers from facing penalties just for covering state-legal marijuana businesses; Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson is backing it as industry groups endorse. Trade & Supply Chain: Gene Mack International earned Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) certification, highlighting tighter trade security expectations. Local Business & Real Estate: Dayton Mall’s new owner, Hull Property Group, is rolling out a multi-phase facelift through 2027, including interior upgrades and planned murals. Energy & Cost Pressures: Ohioans can apply for the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership’s Summer Crisis Program by Sept. 30 for help with electric bills and cooling needs. Ohio Economy Watch: A new Suffolk/USA TODAY Ohio Network poll shows Democrat Amy Acton leading in the governor’s race, adding uncertainty to Ohio’s political and economic outlook heading into midterms. Logistics: A CoStar ranking puts Cleveland among the top big-box logistics markets, while bulk carrier capacity remains tight and lead times are stretching. Ohio Public Safety Funding: Cleveland is seeking up to $1.031M in federal funds to replace some public-safety mobile radios.

College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, setting up a national framework for athlete pay and eligibility while granting the NCAA and related groups antitrust protections—now headed to a tight House timeline. Passenger Rail: Toledo will host RailNation Toledo (Oct. 2-4) to push a Midwest passenger rail future, tying the city’s corridor role to jobs, tourism, and regional economic growth. Local Economic Development: Ohio approved a tax credit for Polyethics Industries’ first U.S. plant in Antwerp, targeting 250 jobs and $12M in annual payroll by 2030. Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he’ll hold Kalshi accountable after a federal appeals ruling that Ohio can enforce its sports betting laws against prediction markets. Energy & Transportation Policy: Lawmakers are lining up votes on a 90-day Ohio gas tax suspension, with the bills shifting funding to general revenue and requiring gas stations to pass savings to customers. Housing: Bowling Green received a $1M grant for 117 workforce housing lots tied to major local investment. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Defiance commissioners opened bids for a Sherwood downtown demolition and discussed wastewater fixes near the airport. Health/Business: Sun Pharma and LIB Therapeutics announced a global licensing and manufacturing deal for lerodalcibep (Lyrokaul), expanding Sun’s PCSK9 pipeline.

Ohio Manufacturing & Talent Pipeline: Ohio State President’s opinion argues the “Foundry School” model and university-industry partnerships can power an American manufacturing renaissance and fill hundreds of thousands of vacant jobs. Data Centers & Power Grid: The Ohio Power Siting Board moved a Oct. 27 hearing for AEP Ohio’s 765-kV Baku-Gavin transmission line to Jackson Middle School, tying the project to a planned data center campus in Piketon. Packaging Deal: Adherex Group said it’s acquiring North Canton’s Polymer Packaging to broaden flexible, bakery and protective packaging capabilities. Defense Manufacturing: Metallus landed a five-year Defense Logistics Agency contract worth up to $995M for HF-1 steel used in 155mm artillery ammunition bodies, supporting production in Canton. Local Business & Community: Fricker’s in Huber Heights temporarily closed after a small Sunday fire; Columbus ranked No. 3 for disability-friendliness in a WalletHub study; and the YMCA of Van Wert County received grant funding to expand free water safety and swim lessons. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Athens County’s lowest diesel at $5.64 (week ending Sept. 19) as Ohio averages rose.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Ohio lawmakers face fresh pressure as a bipartisan push would ban NDAs in big tech data center deals, aiming to make projects public and protect ratepayers. Energy & Consumer Impact: GasBuddy reports show diesel and midgrade prices still swinging across Ohio counties, with several “lowest” weekly deals landing in the $4s for midgrade and high $5s for diesel. Jobs & Manufacturing: U.S. Paper Mill plans to restart paper production in Chillicothe by December, hiring up to 350 as it brings back “The Chief” paper machine. Aerospace & Education: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says Ohio has a “good shot” to host a new U.S. Space Academy, with states submitting proposals by Oct. 26. Local Business & Workforce: Mansfield’s Aviation Career Day drew nearly 150 students to explore aviation jobs, from mechanics to other trades. Policy & Health: Ohio’s right to appeal denied insurance claims is getting more attention as lawmakers consider stronger federal penalties for insurers. Transportation: ODOT says northbound I-75 in Cincinnati reopened ahead of schedule after bridge work.

Ag & Food Investment: McCarty Family Farms and Cargill-backed efforts are expanding dairy education with new interactive nutrition exhibits at McCarty’s Kansas learning center and MVP Dairy’s Celina, Ohio site. AI & Energy Pressure: Bill Gates warns AI cooperation is harder than nuclear deals, while new reporting highlights how AI data centers are reshaping U.S. electricity demand—an issue that’s landing in Ohio politics. Data Privacy/Surveillance: Columbus has blinded Flock Safety cameras during an officer-misuse probe, but the broader network across central Ohio remains a flashpoint for residents and policymakers. Local Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows Gallia County’s typical home value rose 8.1% year over year to $175,571 in August 2026. Fuel Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Ashland County regular price at $3.95 (week ending Sept. 19), with Ohio’s statewide regular average at $4.36. Workforce Impact: Two Southwest Ohio companies announced layoffs affecting more than 200 workers, including Ardor Delivery Services’ Centerville closure and Sodexo’s contract termination in West Chester. Sports & Business Tie-In: Browns’ home opener vs. Panthers spotlights local fan economics and attention, while Ohio-area prediction-market promo codes keep drawing mainstream interest.

Ohio Energy & Utilities: AEP Ohio is rebranding as Ohio Power Company and rolling out a redesigned monthly bill starting Oct. 1, aiming to make generation, transmission, and distribution charges easier to understand for its 1.5 million customers. Ohio Tech & Policy: Ohio’s Senate race is heating up around data centers, with lawmakers debating secrecy and oversight as development pressures residents and local infrastructure. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Air Force more than doubled a contract with DZYNE Technologies (Ondas) for long-endurance surveillance drones, with Dayton listed as the contracting activity—an Ohio-linked signal for ISR spending. Auto & Trade: Trump says he approved new fuel economy standards ending the Biden-era EV mandate, promising lower prices and more auto manufacturing in states including Ohio, while Canada’s tariff cuts are blamed for shifting Canadian buyers away from U.S.-assembled cars. Local Business/Community: SOCCo awarded $1,000 to Oak Hill School System for hands-on STEM equipment, supporting lab and field-style learning for about 120 students. Courts & Gambling Markets: A federal appeals decision says Ohio and Tennessee can regulate Kalshi under gambling laws, tightening the rules for prediction markets.