AGP Executive Report

Toledo Mass Shooting: Police are still hunting at least two suspects after gunfire near the Old West End Festival left 12 people injured, including two in critical condition; Gov. Mike DeWine, Sen. Jon Husted, and Rep. Marcy Kaptur condemned the violence as organizers canceled remaining events and authorities asked attendees to share photos and video. Statehouse Capital Budget: The Ohio Senate advanced a $3.7B capital budget version that includes more than $12.5M for West Central Ohio projects, with major funding for parks, community facilities, and construction through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. Elections & Voting Rules: A voter ID constitutional amendment push is moving through Ohio’s GOP-led process, with supporters citing popularity in polling while critics argue the amendment is unnecessary and politically driven. Ohio Courts & Accountability: A Butler County jury returned a $12.5M verdict against Chesterwood Village in a wrongful death case, including $1.5M in punitive damages. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Bodycam footage in a West Chester Township officer-involved shooting shows a suspect holding a knife to a woman’s throat before being shot; multiple agencies are investigating. Military & Tech: Ohio’s 179th Cyberspace Wing held a change-of-command ceremony, naming a new commander for the Guard’s cyber-enabled mission. Local Politics & Community: Buckeye Girls State selections were announced, and a Preble County GOP women’s group is offering $1,000 scholarships for eligible students.

Toledo Mass Shooting: Police say at least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival, with two victims in critical condition, and investigators believe at least two shooters were firing at each other; Toledo police are still searching for suspects and asking attendees to share phone photos and video. Ohio Budget & Local Politics: A proposed $3.7 billion construction plan (SB 450) is drawing attention for funding pickleball courts, a reminder that Ohio’s GOP leaders are leaning on “all politics is local” priorities. Columbus Housing Watch: A “Your Week in Columbus” report spotlights the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority CEO’s pay and the agency’s push to generate revenue through its own developments as it tries to address affordable housing shortages. Ohio Courts/Policy (National Spillover): Coverage of the War Powers fight over Iran and broader federal moves underscores how Ohio lawmakers’ foreign-policy debates are increasingly tied to national funding and enforcement fights. Sports & Community: Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up in Cleveland, drawing a large downtown crowd, while the week’s biggest local public-safety story remains the Toledo shooting.

Medicaid Fraud & Oversight: A new Ohio-focused debate is heating up around HB 795, with families and disability advocates warning it could cut off Medicaid-funded paid family caregiving. Public Health Spending: Local Medicaid bills show sharp growth in ambulance and transport services in Port Clinton (+57.5% in 2024) and rising orthotic-related outlays in Westlake (+30.7%). Federal Enforcement & Fraud Politics: The White House’s fraud task force is spotlighting Medicaid and other scams, while Ohio officials testify before a fraud task force and observers argue about whether enforcement will actually fix budget problems. Immigration & Enforcement Funding: Senate Republicans split with Trump during a $70B immigration bill fight, including votes tied to the White House ballroom and a Justice Department compensation fund. Data Center Tax Fight: Illinois paused data center tax incentives, fueling Ohio’s ongoing debate over whether incentives should be halted or reshaped. Local Governance & Safety: Gratis, Ohio moved to terminate its police chief after an investigation into ICE-related school welfare checks and leadership concerns. Economy & Travel: Southwest added Puerto Rico routes, including new service from Columbus, while Honda is pitching hybrid tech from its Ohio factory at Indy 500. Everyday Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile in late May, with some Ohio counties seeing midgrade regular lows around the mid-$4 range.

Vape Safety Push: Ohio lawmakers are urged to pass HB 849, framed as a practical way to help communities and police sort legal from illegal vape products before they reach kids. Campaign & Data Centers: A new BGSU/YouGov look finds Ohio voters’ views on the data-center boom don’t neatly match GOP nominee Vivek Ramaswamy’s pitch, while Democrats keep distance on how much the state should encourage. Property Tax Ballot Fight: The Ax tax abolition effort won’t make the Nov. 3 ballot after missing signature targets, but organizers say they’ll aim for November 2027 instead. Immigration Law: The Senate advanced a $70B immigration enforcement bill after rejecting moves to permanently ban Trump’s settlement fund, keeping the fight alive over how the money can be used. Public Safety & Local Justice: A parole hearing is set for the killer of Niles Officer John Utlak, as his sister presses for parole denial; meanwhile, Youngstown prosecutors indicted three men in a North Side robbery case. Emergency Preparedness: Columbiana County is running a FEMA-graded drill for a simulated Beaver Valley nuclear power plant emergency.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House passed a resolution limiting Trump’s Iran war powers, with Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson among the Republicans voting with Democrats—setting up a tense Senate fight. Immigration Enforcement Funding: The Senate cleared a $70B immigration enforcement bill after months of drama over Trump’s $1.8B “settlement fund,” rejecting efforts to permanently ban it. PFAS Pollution Ruling: A federal appeals court tossed an injunction against Chemours over PFAS “GenX” discharges into the Ohio River, overturning a lower court’s order. Fraud Crackdown in Ohio: DOJ announced a state-federal partnership in Ohio to target health care and other fraud, alongside a new push to prosecute Medicaid schemes. Data Center Backlash: Ohio’s debate over AI/data center impacts continues as other states move to tighten or pause incentives, while Ohio officials face growing scrutiny over costs and oversight. Local Safety & Courts: ODOT advanced a major SR 32/247 intersection safety redesign in Adams County; meanwhile, a Medina County woman faces serious child sexual abuse material charges.

Ohio Budget Watch: Ohio’s $1.2B tax surplus is back in the spotlight, with debate over whether to return it to taxpayers or spend it on ongoing needs. Public Safety & Schools: The Ohio School Safety Center expanded STOP THE BLEED® training so schools and staff can respond to severe bleeding with direct pressure, packing, and tourniquets. Attorney General & Media: AG Dave Yost struck an agreement with Nexstar to preserve local news independence tied to its Tegna merger. Fraud Crackdown: DOJ and Ohio officials announced new charges tied to a $42M Ohio fraud sweep, including Medicaid schemes. Courts & Tech: Florida’s Supreme Court tightened rules after AI “hallucinations” appeared in filings—Ohio readers should watch how other states respond. Statehouse Politics: Ohio Senate advanced a fast-tracked voter photo ID amendment to the November ballot. Local Party Power: Trumbull County Republicans elected Denny Malloy as GOP chairman, while FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling were reindicted in the HB6 bribery case. National Politics: In Washington, GOP senators joined Democrats to block Trump’s White House ballroom plan, showing cracks ahead of midterms.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown (Ohio): Federal and state officials announced a “war against fraud” in Ohio, charging 14 people in schemes totaling nearly $60M, including a $30M alleged behavioral-health billing fraud for children and other scams; Ohio also suspended 49 high-risk home health providers while DOJ and the FBI rolled out a “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list. DOJ Leadership & Politics: President Trump said he’ll nominate acting AG Todd Blanche for a full term, even as lawmakers fight over a proposed $1.8B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund—an issue that’s already split Republicans, including Ohio’s Sen. Jon Husted. FirstEnergy HB6 Retrial Push: Former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling were reindicted on public corruption charges tied to the HB6 bailout, after an earlier mistrial. Election Law (Ohio): The Ohio Senate advanced a fast-tracked voter photo ID amendment to the November ballot. Local Governance/Environment: Clermont County wants air testing near the Zimmer landfill after residents report hydrogen sulfide odors and health complaints. Courts/Arts: A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to remove Trump’s name by June 12, and lawyers say staff must switch back to “John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.” Crime (Ohio): A pastor and school bus driver were arrested in Deshler on alleged child sex crimes.

Ohio Abortion Ballot Fight: Ohio AG Dave Yost rejected proposed ballot language that would shift abortion regulation from the constitution to the legislature, saying the summary misstated the amendment’s scope and petitioners can revise and resubmit. War Powers Clash: The U.S. House passed a war powers resolution to force President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran or get congressional approval, 215-208 with four Republicans (including Warren Davidson of Ohio) joining Democrats—another rebuke as the Senate weighs its own path. OSU Sex Abuse Settlement: Ohio State agreed to a $100 million settlement with about 280 remaining survivors of former team doctor Richard Strauss, ending years of litigation over allegations of abuse from 1978-1998. Medicaid Caregiver Crackdown: Ohio lawmakers advanced a revised anti-fraud Medicaid bill that would bar family members from being paid to provide personal care to disabled Ohioans, while advocates warn it could push more people into nursing homes. Data Center Tax Break Pause: Ohio moved to halt or pause AI data-center tax incentives amid backlash over costs and revenue projections, keeping the debate alive at the Statehouse. Local Governance: St. Clair Township trustees approved the 2027 tax budget and set road, fire, and police funding totals within the 10-mill limit.

Medicaid Fraud Oversight: Rep. Brandon Gill’s task force hearing put a spotlight on alleged $1.2B in Ohio Medicaid waiver fraud, with Gill and others arguing home-based care billing and false testimony are driving losses and calling for stronger verification and tracking. Statehouse Data Center Fight: Ohio lawmakers kept pushing hearings on data centers after Gov. DeWine paused major tax breaks tied to AI power costs and forecasting, as residents packed the Statehouse to demand accountability and protections for water, farmland, and public health. Congressional Redistricting Watch: A week of GOP map wins is setting up a high-stakes midterm test—Republicans could gain roughly 10 House seats from new districts, while Democrats argue the political math still favors them. College Sports Law Push: Senators backed the Protect College Sports Act, aiming to reduce NIL chaos and lawsuits while preserving Olympic and women’s sports—an issue Ohio fans will feel as Congress tries to reshape the rules. Ohio Courts & Guns: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled on gun-rights restoration for some federally barred owners, while separate reporting highlighted how illegal guns in Rochester increasingly trace back to out-of-state dealers, including Ohio.

Data Center Fight: Ohio’s Select Committee on Data Centers heard from more than 100 residents warning about environmental harm, secrecy via nondisclosure agreements, and the cost of tax breaks—while many pushed for a moratorium. Local Governance: Cortland approved a one-year data center moratorium to “put the brakes” on permits and force a zoning code review; other communities are also moving toward limits. Reproductive Rights: An Ohio Senate committee is set to hear support for a 24-hour abortion waiting period under HB 347, which would require a pre-procedure visit despite a court ruling blocking a similar prior provision. Congress & Sports Law: Rep. Jim Jordan invited NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to testify June 10 on the league’s broadcast deals and streaming practices, including whether the Sports Broadcasting Act’s antitrust exemption is being used to harm consumers. Elections Security: Mahoning County’s Board of Elections reported more water leaks damaging absentee materials and threatening poll-book operations. Affordability: A new Brookings analysis finds Ohio households are increasingly unable to make ends meet, with single-parent households hit hardest. Public Safety/Utilities: Ohio811 is warning excavators about new call-before-you-dig and damage-reporting rules taking effect June 9. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings highlighted mixed outcomes across Ohio nursing homes, with some facilities scoring above the state average while others fell below.

Medicaid Oversight: Ohio Auditor Keith Faber is set to testify June 3 before a U.S. House task force on Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse, highlighting systemic control weaknesses found in recent audits. Courts & Guns: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that people barred from gun possession after state and federal convictions can petition to restore Ohio firearms rights when the bans stem from the same case. Capital Budget: Ohio lawmakers are moving toward review of a $3.7 billion capital budget (SB 450) covering K-12 school construction, behavioral health, prisons, Clean Ohio loans, arts and cultural projects, and state facility upgrades. Data Centers: Ohio continues to reel from the fallout of pausing/suspending major data center tax breaks amid fiscal and local power-cost concerns, with new scrutiny on the deals. Public Safety Law: Fulton County commissioners backed an amendment to strengthen Sierah’s Law, expanding the offender database and public access provisions. Local Accountability: The Auditor of State issued findings for recovery against a former Brush Creek Township fiscal officer over late fees and improper credit card payments. Crime & Justice: A Toledo man sentenced in a 2022 murder case was granted permission to seek a new trial after a coroner review challenged the original homicide conclusion.

Housing & Jobs: Gov. Mike DeWine announced $26.9M in Welcome Home Ohio grants to expand safe, affordable housing in 57 counties, with 25 counties still awaiting funds. Education Policy: A Charlie Kirk–named bill letting teachers discuss religion’s influence on U.S. history has stalled in the Ohio Senate for six months after passing the House. School Culture Fight: Opposition is mounting against Ohio SB 113, which would restrict DEI in public schools, with critics calling it vague and potentially chilling. Immigration & Courts: A campaign-finance watchdog says GEO Group gave $250K to a super PAC aligned with Rep. Jim Jordan, prompting an FEC complaint. Public Health: OhioSEE is providing free eye exams and glasses to students in about 230 districts across 15 counties. Local Government: Hubbard approved a 12-month data center moratorium after residents raised concerns. Cybercrime: A Latvian negotiator tied to the Karakurt ransomware operation was sentenced in federal court in Ohio to 102 months. Elections & Voting Rights: Youngstown-area leaders protested the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act setback, arguing it pushes Section 2 closer to “life support.” Data Center Tax Breaks: Ohio approved a new $42.3M tax exemption for two Columbus-area data centers, even as the state pauses other incentives.

Trump’s Base Wobble: A new poll snapshot shows White working-class voters without college degrees turning net-negative on Trump’s job performance, a warning sign for GOP turnout ahead of the midterms. Kennedy Center Fight: A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to remove Trump’s name and blocked the planned renovation closure, escalating a high-profile legal battle tied to Congress’s control over the memorial. Ohio Courts & Accountability: Former Cuyahoga County Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze was sentenced to 60 days in jail for records tampering, underscoring pressure on Ohio’s judiciary. Election Rules Watch: Ohio lawmakers and election officials keep circling voter-process changes, including disputes over ballot procedures and broader concerns about voter confidence. Public Safety: South Euclid police fired pepper spray projectiles after fights broke out at Bexley Park, while the Coast Guard investigated a security breach at Station Cleveland Harbor. Statehouse Economics: Ohio paused data center tax breaks amid growing resistance, as lawmakers weigh impacts on tax revenue and policy priorities. Crime: A Columbus-area man accused of shooting two Mifflin Township officers took a plea deal, with decades-long exposure still on the table.

Ohio Senate Watch: A new poll of Ohio lawmakers puts the spotlight on the U.S. Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Jon Husted, with lawmakers leaning Republican but leaving room for a competitive comeback. Data Center Policy: Ohio lawmakers have begun reviewing the impact of data centers as Gov. DeWine pauses key tax breaks and a bipartisan committee weighs benefits, costs, and infrastructure strain. Legal Fight Over Privacy: A trash-bag “revolt” in Dayton highlights growing backlash against Flock license plate readers after an internal review flagged alleged policy violations and immigration-related search requests. First Amendment in the Courts: A federal lawsuit challenges Ohio BMV rules for rejecting personalized vanity plates, arguing inconsistent enforcement and free-speech problems. Health Care Oversight: Ohio is tightening Medicaid fraud prevention with new initiatives aimed at home health and hospice providers. Federal Courts, Ohio Ties: A judge blocked Trump’s Kennedy Center renaming plan and ordered his name removed—an Ohio congresswoman’s lawsuit at the center of the fight. Local Public Safety: Youngstown police indicted a 24-year-old after a chase tied to law-enforcement database alerts; separately, the Toledo Zoo fielded a bomb threat later deemed not credible.

Data Centers Tax Break Pause: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has suspended the sales-tax exemption for new data center projects after the state’s costs ballooned—about $1.6B in 2025 versus far smaller projections—while residents push for a November ballot fight to permanently ban hyperscale sites. Statehouse Medicaid Work-Requirement Pressure: Across GOP-led states, Medicaid work requirements are colliding with budget crunches, with lawmakers weighing cuts to health care and other programs. Ohio Schools Budget Strain: New projections show 120+ Ohio school districts could hit negative cash balances by 2029, the worst rate since the Great Recession, driving staffing and program cuts. Ohio Fraud Politics Backlash: A new wave of “anti-fraud” messaging is being criticized as racist and politically motivated, with opponents arguing it’s being used to justify harsh Medicaid policy changes. Federal Courts & Ohio Politics: A Bozeman man pleaded guilty to threatening to assault Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), underscoring the security and legal fallout around high-profile political figures. Public Safety: Ohio State Highway Patrol and local agencies warned of summer driving risks after Memorial Day weekend, when fatalities spike. Local Notes: Toledo Zoo bomb threat was deemed not credible after police response. National Election Legal Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule in major election-related cases that could reshape how ballots and campaign money are handled.

Kennedy Center Fight: A federal judge ordered President Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center and blocked the planned closure/renovation, prompting Trump to lash out online and say he’ll shift control to Congress. Ohio Elections & Voting Rules: Ohio lawmakers moved to enshrine voter regulations in the state constitution, while ranked-choice voting’s push keeps losing ground, including Ohio’s new ban. Data Centers & Tax Breaks: Ohio paused data center tax incentives after controversy over the size of the benefits, as the broader fight over who pays for AI-era growth heats up. Labor & EV Jobs: Ultium Cells in Lordstown delayed a promised June return for about 850 union workers, citing EV market changes. Immigration Detention: An interfaith vigil in Youngstown targeted immigration detention at NEOCC, as courts also ordered a detained pregnant Ghanaian asylum seeker and her son to return home. Public Safety: Police say an Ohio woman broke into her ex-husband’s home and shot him twice while he slept. Cold Case: Cincinnati identified a decades-old homicide victim known as “Baby Angel” as Velina Jeter.