AGP Executive Report

Local Government: Austintown trustees will pick an interim successor after Robert Santos’s resignation, with seven applicants in the mix and the appointee set to run in 2027. Public Records & Accountability: A Clintonville Area Commissioner says Columbus delayed “Zone In” research responses for about 90 days and plans legal action. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its cyclospora recall, warning consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia; lawsuits are also moving forward. Air Quality & Policy: Sen. Bernie Moreno says he’ll introduce a bill to sanction Canada over wildfire smoke harming Ohio and other states, as haze and flight disruptions continue. Defense & Industry: The Pentagon awarded $7.1 million to Martin Materials Solutions to expand space-qualified cover glass manufacturing in Twinsburg, Ohio. Road Safety: Ohio State Highway Patrol and partners plan an I-270 enforcement blitz targeting reckless driving. Health Tragedy: Toledo authorities report a carbon monoxide incident in a vehicle killed a grandmother and four grandchildren.

Food Safety & Health: Federal CDC/FDA officials traced a multistate cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with Ohio reporting 1,192 cases as of July 18 and more than 1,600 sick nationwide; Taco Bell says it will stop using the implicated supplier while regulators work to determine what remains on shelves. Local Government: Delaware County approved a leadership shakeup across corrections, Human Services, the Public Defenders Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office, including a new interim warden and permanent public defender. Elections & Security Claims: Declassified materials released by the Trump administration renew claims that China obtained massive U.S. voter data, while Ohio election officials dispute any “breach.” Public Safety: Delaware County and other regions continue responding to serious incidents, including a Boardman police case where a suspect remains at large after an alleged shooting. Economy & Politics: A CNBC “Top State for Business” ranking sparked debate in Ohio over what the metric does—and doesn’t—measure. Environment & Cross-Border Tensions: Wildfire smoke from Canada continues to trigger air quality alerts across the Midwest and Northeast, while Trump threatens Canada with tariffs over the pollution.

Food Safety Fallout: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce from a Mexico-linked supplier tied to Taco Bell is the likely source of a fast-growing cyclospora outbreak, prompting Taco Bell to pull affected lettuce nationwide and Taylor Farms to remove the implicated product from the U.S. market. Ohio Courts: A Vinton County judge issued a gag order in the Gary Siders Jr. child-endangerment case to protect jury selection. Child Welfare Funding: Lorain County Children’s Services is seeking a new 0.45-mill levy on the Nov. 3 ballot to keep investigating abuse and neglect. Elections & Security: Ohio election officials in Washington County say voter systems stay offline and voting machines never connect to the internet amid renewed hacking claims. Wildfire Smoke Politics: Trump escalated pressure on Canada over wildfire smoke, while Ohio GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno floated sanctions. Public Safety Tech: Milford residents protested Flock cameras over privacy and data-retention concerns.

Election Security & Trump Claims: Ohio officials weighed in after Trump’s primetime speech alleging China stole 220 million U.S. voter files and reviving election-fraud claims; Secretary of State Frank LaRose said the information is “concerning” and needs investigation while arguing Ohio is “getting it right” on election security. Medicaid & Community Impact: Ohio suspended Medicaid payments to dozens of home health providers tied to a fraud probe affecting Bhutanese-Nepali communities, with advocates saying suspensions are punishing people before findings. Utilities & Cost Pressure: Residents packed a PUCO hearing opposing AES Ohio’s proposed distribution-rate increases, arguing electric costs keep climbing and questioning a potential BlackRock-led parent deal. Public Health: The CDC and FDA confirmed Taco Bell shredded iceberg lettuce from a Mexico supplier as a source of a cyclospora outbreak affecting Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia; Ohio also saw the first federal lawsuit tied to the outbreak. Environment & Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed AQI readings to hazardous levels, including Toledo above 800, and sparked U.S.-Canada political friction. Ohio Governance & Development: Youngstown advanced a $1.19M sewer contract tied to possible development, while the Ohio Power Siting Board asked the state Supreme Court to dismiss a solar case over an expired grid deal. Local Ballot: Miamisburg voters will consider a 0.5% continuing income tax levy in November to cover district operating expenses.

White House Security: Two of eight indicted suspects in a drone-and-sniper plot targeting the White House UFC event pleaded not guilty in federal court in Ohio; trial is set for Sept. 14. Public Health: Ohio’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps surging, with the Ohio Department of Health reporting more than 1,200 cases and 88 hospitalizations as investigators focus on a likely food source tied to lettuce and Taco Bell-linked cases. Local Government: A Columbus coalition, Our City Our Say, delivered 23,000 signatures to push a November charter change that would shift the city from its hybrid council system toward ward-like district voting. City Hall & Licensing: Cleveland council member Austin Davis is calling for liquor-license scrutiny after a TownHall owner pleaded guilty to felony attempted strangulation, arguing Ohio law should bar similar operators. Education & Courts: An Ayersville school board member was arrested on a felony charge tied to “inappropriate” online communication with an undercover officer. State Policy & Safety: Michigan is launching a July 20 enforcement push for its Move Over law, with Ohio included in the neighboring-state effort.

Ohio Elections & Governance: Cook Political Report moved Ohio’s governor race to “toss-up,” adding pressure on GOP nominee Vivek Ramaswamy as “likeability” concerns grow. Public Safety & Courts: Toledo confirmed carbon monoxide in a parked SUV where five were found unresponsive and three died; investigators are now looking at how the gas entered the vehicle. Education Policy: A proposed law would require employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings, aiming to curb pay secrecy that leaves applicants guessing. Data Centers & Taxes: New reporting shows Ohio data centers have won major property tax breaks—millions in forgone taxes for big tech—raising questions about whether local deals go too far. Immigration & Local Impact: Springfield, Ohio, is bracing after the Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to end Haiti Temporary Protected Status, with residents and advocates warning of major community strain. Health & Outbreaks: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Ohio and nearby states among the hardest hit as officials track likely food sources. Higher Ed & Sports: The Protect College Sports Act faces legal and political headwinds as NCAA and conference leaders debate how to rein in spending and tampering.

Public Safety: Toledo officials confirmed carbon monoxide in a parked Ford Explorer where 3 adults died and 2 children were hospitalized after a flat-tire stop. Courts & Civil Liberties: A Vinton County child endangerment case is drawing First Amendment questions after a judge issued a gag order restricting parties from speaking. Health & Consumer Protection: Ohio AG Liz Murrill joined a multi-state settlement with 23andMe over its 2023 genetic data breach, with limited recovery for claimants. Justice System: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled prosecutors can appeal when a judge sets aside a jury’s guilty verdict, expanding appellate review of those decisions. Elections & Voting Rules: Secretary of State LaRose announced a $1M grant to recruit and train poll workers ahead of November, while voters were warned about inaccurate registration mailings. Statehouse/Policy: A new Ohio law requires drivers and passengers to identify themselves during traffic stops, and a separate Ohio Supreme Court decision expanded prosecutor powers. Local Government: Kettering residents heard plans for a 14% water rate increase tied to aging infrastructure. Criminal Justice: A Summit County child rape trial began in Portage County with 10 counts facing the defendant. Religion & Land Use: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an Ohio home-prayer zoning dispute involving an Orthodox Jewish man in University Heights.

Child Welfare Crisis: Ohio AG Andy Wilson is backing Vinton County prosecutors after 16 children were found confined in a 12-by-12 room in “house of horrors” conditions in Hamden, with a judge issuing a gag order as details emerge about the family’s alleged neglect and state benefits. Public Safety & Courts: A new Ohio law (HB 492) will require drivers and passengers to disclose name, address, and DOB during certain traffic stops, expanding tools for law enforcement and raising new questions about compliance. Elections & Voting Infrastructure: Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced a $1 million grant to boost poll worker recruitment and training ahead of the November general election. Statehouse/Policy: Gov. Mike DeWine signed bills into law, including education changes tied to parents’ rights, while Ohio lawmakers continue to debate how to fund and regulate key services. Health: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to raw produce has sickened people across dozens of states, including Washington, with Ohio residents urged to watch for symptoms and protect themselves. Local Government: Hamilton City Council is set to vote on ordinances that would end its dispensary moratorium by setting zoning and conditional-use rules for cannabis shops. Infrastructure: Brent Spence Bridge Corridor work is closing Cincinnati-area highway ramps and exits, reshaping commutes around Gest Street and I-71 access.

Election Administration: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced a $1 million grant push to recruit and train more poll workers ahead of the November general election, including updated requirements for county boards. Public Safety & Surveillance: Huntington City Council approved a $2 million, five-year citywide Flock Security surveillance system after an eight-hour meeting, despite privacy concerns. Courts & Appointments: Gov. Mike DeWine appointed state Sen. Nathan Manning to the 9th District Court of Appeals, with a November 2026 election required to keep the seat. Child Welfare Funding: Ohio approved $1 million in emergency aid for Vinton County as it absorbs foster-care costs after 16 children were removed from the Siders “house of horrors” case. Health & Food Safety: A growing cyclosporiasis outbreak is hitting Ohio and nearby states hard; Michigan Taco Bell locations reportedly stopped serving certain produce items as investigators look for the source. Immigration Enforcement: Reports say the Trump administration ordered ICE to suspend most vehicle stops after deadly shootings, renewing scrutiny of enforcement tactics. Local Infrastructure: Newburgh began riverfront stabilization work along the Ohio River, with trail and parking impacts through early August.

Ohio Elections: Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced a $1 million initiative to recruit and train more Ohio poll workers for the November general election, with county election boards getting funds based on registered voters. Local Government & Energy: Vandalia and Trotwood voters will decide in November whether to approve utility aggregation programs aimed at lowering electric and natural gas rates, with residents able to opt out. Public Safety & Courts: Ohio Rep. Max Miller is facing a lawsuit tied to domestic-violence allegations, while a separate case in Ohio involves an indicted man accused of injuring multiple officers during a traffic stop. Higher Ed & Sports Law: Eleven college athletes filed a class-action lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s new age-based, five-year eligibility model, setting up another legal fight over who gets to play. Environment & Health: A major “forever chemicals” PFAS lawsuit in North Carolina settled out of court, and Ohio residents raised concerns about potential drinking-water contamination tied to brine waste injection wells. Business & Infrastructure: KBR won an $866 million advisory contract for work at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and a Youngstown council request seeks public support to keep a struggling grocery store open. EAS Preparedness: Ohio broadcasters released details on the state’s Emergency Alert System plan and how alerts are triggered across counties.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Ohio AG Andy Wilson announced 9 indictments tied to an alleged west Columbus trafficking ring that used narcotics to coerce women into commercial sex work and allegedly laundered proceeds through a floral business. Child Welfare & Courts: In Vinton County, court records say six of 16 children found in “deplorable” conditions should have been in school, but authorities couldn’t locate the family; separate filings include felony endangering children counts. Public Safety & Health: A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, is showing up in Ohio and researchers warn it may be more potent than fentanyl and harder to reverse. State Policy: Ohio’s new traffic-stop law requires drivers and passengers to identify themselves, and Ohio also moves to issue SNAP benefit cards with embedded chips. Local Government & Jobs: OMEGA opened a new headquarters in New Philadelphia, and Hamilton is rolling out a post-college scholarship to help curb “brain drain.”

Ohio Election & Voting Access: A new wave of criticism targets Ohio’s election changes after a U.S. Supreme Court “grace period” ruling, with one editorial arguing Ohio Republicans have “stolen voters’ power” by making ballots harder to count. Public Safety & Courts: Ohio is set to pay Marcus Sapp $506,717.03 after his wrongful imprisonment was overturned, with more compensation tied to a separate lost-wages case. Corrections & Data: The Montgomery County Jail Coalition pushed for a public jail roster dashboard, but the sheriff’s office says the data already exists and won’t adopt the dashboard format. Health Policy: Gov. DeWine signed SB 162 cutting insurers’ takeback window from two years to one year while extending provider appeals from 30 to 60 days. Education Policy: DeWine’s “Success Sequence” education program is now law, with teaching starting in 6th grade. Local Government: Wayne County Recorder’s Office moved recorded-document indexes online, with deeds searchable back to 1812. Business & Infrastructure: A state committee recommends phasing out Ohio’s “impractical to transport” student labels after 22,000+ cases, arguing it worsens funding and access gaps.

Immigration & Voting Rights: Rep. Mike Turner says Ohio leaders are urging the Trump administration to let Springfield’s Haitian TPS holders stay, after a Supreme Court decision and a short work-authorization extension through July 24 keep the deadline in play. Statehouse & Public Safety: Ohio lawmakers are pushing a Campus Self-Defense Act that would let students 18+ store and access nonlethal self-defense tools in campus housing, with penalties for institutions that don’t comply. Energy & Environment: Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission action is drawing backlash, but an industry leader argues energy development and park protection can coexist. Housing & Labor: A national housing report flags a skilled-worker shortage as a major drag on new home construction, adding pressure to an already tight market. National Politics: The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham is prompting reactions from Ohio officials and raising questions about Senate leadership and the future of his policy agenda.

UFC Plot Fallout: Federal prosecutors say eight men were indicted in Ohio for a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack targeting a White House UFC event, with charges tied to murder and terrorism conspiracies on federal territory. Ohio Elections & Voting Rules: Ohio House and Senate leaders say they’ll introduce a bill to move the 2012 presidential primary from March to May to allow time for redistricting feedback, while opponents push for a repeal effort. Governor Race Strategy: A new column argues Ohio’s governor hopefuls are dodging specifics, leaving voters to choose largely on candidate image and limited policy detail. Public Safety & Courts: Judges are pushing back on threats to court independence as lawmakers and officials debate how far government should go in shaping election and legal processes. Health Policy: Ohio lawmakers are weighing ways to stop “surprise billing,” including arbitration and benchmarking, after data showed out-of-network charges hit a meaningful share of emergency and in-network hospital care. Consumer Protection: Ohio AG Anne Lopez and other attorneys general are urging the FCC to tighten rules that block scammers from using legitimate phone numbers for robocalls. Data Centers: In neighboring Pennsylvania, candidates spar over how to regulate data center growth, with both sides criticizing the other for flip-flopping. Medicare Costs: A quick explainer highlights SSA-44, a Medicare form that can reset IRMAA surcharges after certain life changes if filed within 60 days.

Federal Court & Local Zoning: A judge ordered Wilmington to redo key ordinances tied to Amazon’s proposed $4B data center after homeowners said they weren’t properly notified under Ohio’s open meetings law. Public Safety & Law: Gov. Mike DeWine signed a new Ohio traffic-stop law requiring drivers and passengers to identify themselves; refusal is now a misdemeanor. Health Policy: Ohio lawmakers are debating how to curb medical “surprise billing,” with proposals focused on arbitration versus benchmarking payments. Courts & Judicial Independence: Former Ohio Supreme Court justices joined a “March of a Thousand Robes” in Columbus as judges push back on politicized courts. Child Welfare Crisis: Ohio is expected to award $1M to help Vinton County care for 16 “almost feral” siblings rescued from a squalid home while prosecutors pursue serious charges against family members. Crime & Justice: An FBI arrest in Convoy led to a federal child pornography charge against Bradley J. Brown. Tech & Jobs: Sinclair Community College is expanding Ohio’s unmanned aerial systems training, including an indoor flying range and a new national training center. U.S. Security: Eight men were indicted in Ohio over an alleged thwarted drone and sniper attack targeting the White House UFC event.

Federal Court & Security: Eight men were indicted in Ohio on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges tied to a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack targeting the UFC “Freedom 250” event at the White House, with prosecutors saying the plot involved amassing weapons, drones, explosives and communications gear after a threat was flagged in early June. Ohio Courts & Elections: Secretary of State Frank LaRose says only 27 possible 2020 election fraud cases surfaced out of nearly 6 million votes, with most referrals going to county prosecutors or the attorney general. Judicial Independence: Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly joined judges touring Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan to warn students and communities about growing politicization threats to courts. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Gunshot-detection audio sensors are drawing renewed controversy over accuracy, privacy concerns and placement issues, including reports of cities pausing use. Child Welfare Crisis: Vinton County is seeking state help and prosecutorial support after 16 siblings were removed from a squalid home, straining medical and care costs. Local Government: Salem City Council approved a 2027 tax budget projecting higher spending than revenue, while Salem leaders frame it as a compliance document with potential “hard choices” if new revenue doesn’t arrive.