AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Civil Rights: A Washington attorney allegedly exploited thousands of immigrants seeking legal status by fabricating domestic abuse and trafficking stories for humanitarian visas, with lawsuits claiming clients were kept in the dark while fees drained accounts. Local Governance & Safety: Buckeye Lake’s boater training marks five years, offering hands-on navigation help and free hazard maps for central Ohio’s busiest waterway. Community & Belonging: Cincinnati’s queer spaces are shifting beyond bars—into sports leagues, choirs, sober venues, and mutual-aid hubs—as longtime gathering spots close under rising costs. Education & Schools: Ohio’s Columbus City Schools face a state investigation into testing results after “anomalies” were flagged, spotlighting how accountability systems hit classrooms. Workplace Culture: OneEighty earns Top Workplaces recognition for a fifth straight year in northeast Ohio, based on employee survey feedback. Sports & Identity: Beyond the Fourth, a Supreme Court sports ruling on transgender girls’ participation keeps reshaping how communities talk about fairness, youth, and faith.

Education Accountability: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is investigating Columbus City Schools after the district flagged “anomalies” in spring 2026 state testing at Independence and Walnut Ridge High Schools, with scores for those schools to be invalidated. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis is spreading across the U.S., with cases confirmed in 17 states and warnings that routine lab testing often misses it—Ohio readers are likely to see more guidance as the outbreak expands. Community & Culture (America 250): Youngstown postponed two America 250 downtown events due to heat and thunderstorms, rescheduling them for early August. Local Life & Tradition: New Richmond’s Fourth of July cardboard boat regatta returns with creative, glue-free builds and a veterans-focused race. Workplace Culture: Redwood Living in Northeast Ohio earned three 2026 Top Workplaces honors, including Northeast Ohio, real estate, and compensation/benefits awards. Energy & Industry: Centrus Energy secured a $900M DOE task order to move its HALEU enrichment work in Piketon from demonstration to commercial operation.

Touring & Music: Les Claypool’s Claypool Gold Tour brings Primus, Claypool Lennon Delirium, and Fearless Flying Frog Brigade together in rotating lineups, with Ohio as a stop on the road. Ohio History & Identity: A new look at why Ohio is called the “Mother of Presidents,” tying the state’s presidential and vice-presidential legacy to its post–Civil War political power. Child Care & Work: Ohio’s Child Care Cred program is extended through 2027, but low employer participation means only a small number of families are enrolled—advocates want more businesses to sign up. Health Care Policy: Behavioral health providers warn Ohio Medicaid’s new prior-authorization rules could delay care once service limits are reached. America 250 Culture: Mansfield plans a July 4 celebration with stops in 1881 and 1976, using local landmarks to connect the Declaration’s story to the present. Immigration & Civil Rights: Activists plan a July 9 rally outside the Supreme Court for the 14th Amendment’s equal protections, with Ohio listed among the traveling groups. Community & Arts: The CAT in Columbiana is staging “1776” this November, aiming to spark conversations about the nation’s founding debates. Local Growth: Youngstown’s Central Tower renovation picked up another $2M state tax credit as it moves toward turning a historic downtown landmark into mixed-use apartments and offices.

College Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act cleared the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee and is headed for a likely July floor vote, aiming to bring order to NCAA athletics and add antitrust protections for student-athletes. Courts & Eligibility: An Ohio judge is set to rule next week on a lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s age-eligibility changes for college basketball players. Immigration & Rights: Supreme Court fallout continues to roil Ohio communities as lawmakers push to end birthright citizenship and advocates warn about the real-world impacts of TPS ending for Haitians and Syrians. Local Identity Clash: Columbus deleted a Somali-flag claim after backlash, with Somali leaders saying the reaction reflects bigotry. Public Media & Education: WGTE Public Media named Adam Fineske its new president/CEO, bringing a local education leader to the station’s 75th-year push. Community Safety: Vinton County authorities say 16 children were found in a single contaminated room, with four adults charged in the case. Food & Everyday Life: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, with few changes expected for shoppers. Culture & Sports: LeBron James’ next move is still the big question as he leaves the Lakers, while Bosnia’s World Cup run is fueling hope among Utah’s Bosnian community. Environment & Health: A report warns gas plants for U.S. data centers could drive major climate emissions, and Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is prompting Ohio investigations.

IndyCar at Mid-Ohio: The Honda Indy 200 kicks off the second half of the season at Lexington, with Alex Palou entering as the driver to beat after a dominant first half. Cleveland Food Lore: A look at why the Polish Boy hot dog—kielbasa, fries, barbecue sauce, coleslaw—captures Cleveland’s mix of roots and reinvention. Photography & Local Arts: Cincinnati Art Museum announces “Nancy Rexroth: Secrets of My Power,” a major career retrospective opening Oct. 2 tied to the 50th anniversary of “IOWA.” Wellness & Home Fitness: PersonalHour expands its Dublin, Ohio manufacturing and fulfillment for Pilates reformers, aiming to speed delivery and improve construction. Community Safety & Fireworks: A reminder to think about neighbors and animals before lighting fireworks, plus local heat-and-water guidance for holiday events. Libraries & Youth Programs: Rodman Public Library rolls out July activities from science kits to a Minecraft scavenger hunt and a steel drumming workshop. Local Education Leadership: Lakewood City Schools names Allison Aber as its new HR director. Sports & Culture Calendar: Minerva’s Geneva College group New Song performs July 6, and the River Museum hosts Harriet Tubman programming in Wellsville. Media Business Moves: Cumulus sells two stations to Family Life Ministries, reshaping radio lineups across the Youngstown-Warren area.

Immigration & Civil Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s attempt to limit automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S., a win Ohio immigrant advocates are celebrating even as other immigration rulings continue to rattle Haitian and other communities. Trans Rights in Sports: The court also upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in female sports, with a USA TODAY state-by-state look showing how widespread these rules already are. Ohio Schools & Sports: The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced 2026-27 winter basketball division changes for 36 central Ohio teams, including New Albany girls dropping to Division II and Worthington Kilbourne moving up to Division I. Local Governance & Preservation: Columbus will review and “modernize” historic preservation standards, drawing concerns from preservationists who worry new rules could weaken protections in districts like German Village. Health & Lifestyle: A new Ohio State Wexner Medical Center survey finds young adults are less likely to have a primary care doctor and less likely to get recent checkups. Tech & Education: Ohio schools are scrambling to keep up with AI use as states push for clearer policies and training.

Local Education Updates: East Liverpool’s superintendent highlighted summer supports like credit recovery, enrichment, and meal delivery, plus a $55,000 grant for facility maintenance. Wellsville’s board hired Kylie Exline as superintendent and Sarah Palm as treasurer, with Exline moving from interim to a two-year contract. Arts & Community: Marietta’s July First Friday returns with public art, live demonstrations, and a hands-on T-shirt printing fundraiser tied to America’s 250th. Immigration & Faith: In Springfield, Haitian church leaders marked an anniversary while uncertainty hangs after TPS was revoked; local Catholic groups also hosted a workshop to help residents support migrants. Policy & Culture: Gov. DeWine criticized the Supreme Court’s TPS decision as a job-killer for Ohio, pointing to Haitian community contributions. STEM & Learning: YSU lecturer Sarah Jenyk won a Blackboard course design award for a personal financial literacy class. Health & Everyday Life: Ohio boating officials urged safer summer trips by reminding people that alcohol and cannabis use while operating a boat is illegal. Sports & Local Pride: A Boardman native co-wrote a Josh Ross single that hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

Sports & Community: AMA Pro Racing mourns Dan Bromley, who died after a crash at the Lima Half-Mile. Local Culture & Pride: Westerville’s July 4 lineup is set—Vets 5K, Uptown parade, and fireworks under the “250 Years Strong, We All Belong” theme. Public History for Families: The John & Annie Glenn Museum and National Road & Zane Grey Museum offer free July admission for eligible Ohio 4th graders and up to three guests via America 250-Ohio’s History Pass Plus. Environment & Activism: Ohio’s Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved fracking bids for about 15,000 acres of state wildlife and park land in eastern Ohio, drawing renewed activist pushback. Health & Science: A new study led by NYU Langone researchers explains how acute myeloid leukemia cells invade lungs and drive breathing problems. Immigration Policy: The Supreme Court’s TPS decision keeps reverberating, with renewed calls for extensions and permanent-status pathways for Haitians and Syrians. Tech & Privacy: Dayton covered Flock Safety camera lenses to block data collection, as the company’s surveillance footprint tops 100,000 units nationwide. Arts & Learning: A Honeoye strawberry festival spotlights the berry’s history and its Cornell-developed “Holiday” roots.

Immigration & Community Impact: The Supreme Court’s move to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians is rippling through Ohio, with Homeland Security urging people to seek permanent status or leave—while Ohio leaders and local communities brace for uncertainty. Education & Safety: Ohio school districts are increasingly arming staff members, even as teacher shortages and funding strain continue to hit classrooms. Higher Ed & Tech: Ohio universities are expanding AI tools for students and faculty, raising fresh questions about learning, fairness, and unintended consequences. Local Culture & Books: The Mahoning Valley Book Bazaar is set for Nov. 7, bringing authors and vendors together for a one-day “book crawl” style event. Business & Community Growth: Black-owned businesses in Ohio are showing strong payroll growth, signaling momentum in local entrepreneurship. Outdoor Lifestyle: A roundup of budget-friendly Ohio outdoor getaways spotlights summer plans close to home. Sports & Youth: LA28’s Day of Sport drew 13,000+ young athletes nationwide, reflecting growing access to youth sports. Arts & Heritage: America 250 programming includes local Declaration of Independence readings across Ohio communities.

Immigration & Community Impact: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told CNN that migrants on temporary protected status (TPS) should seek permanent residence or leave, after the Supreme Court cleared the way to end protections for many Haitians and Syrians. Ohio Politics: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine pushed back on CNN, arguing deportations would be a “mistake” because Haitians are vital to Ohio’s manufacturing, food, and health care workforce—and because returning to Haiti isn’t safe. Local Action Guide: Haitian leaders and advocates released a practical “what to do now” guide for Springfield and Columbus-area TPS holders, pointing people to legal and community resources as guidance shifts. Arts & Lifestyle: A Canton “hidden icon” spotlighted the Rhoda Wise House and Grotto, drawing visitors for its long-running local spiritual history. Education & Agriculture: Ohio State students showcased research that turns classroom curiosity into real-world solutions for farming, water quality, crop monitoring, and food safety. Nature: Ashland County volunteers reported 344 sandhill cranes in Ohio’s 2026 Midwest Crane Count, down from 2025.

Independence Day & America 250: Central Ohio towns are rolling out fireworks, parades, 5Ks and multi-day celebrations—Columbus’ free Red, White & BOOM! hits July 3 with a 10 p.m. Genoa Park blast, alongside events like the 43rd annual Doo Dah Parade. Public Health: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4 million NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment by helping rural primary care clinics prescribe medications with structured support across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Faith & Community Traditions: Steubenville Youth Conferences are celebrating 50 years, with organizers pointing to a long-running formula of prayer, sacraments and sending teens back into their communities. LGBTQ+ Life: Cincinnati’s 53rd annual Pride parade and festival drew an estimated 300,000 people, even as Pride events nationwide face shifting support. Immigration & Human Rights: Catholic bishops renewed calls to extend TPS after the Supreme Court backed ending protections for Haitians and Syrians, warning of moral and family crises. Local Culture & Food: Monroe County School District named Emmanuel “Manny” Gomez Santa as director of food services, bringing military and food-safety experience to district meals.

Immigration & Community Safety: Ohio pastor Carl Ruby says Springfield’s Haitian families are facing new fear after the Supreme Court ended TPS for Haitians, warning churches and local life will take an economic and emotional hit. Policy & Human Rights: National Haitian leaders urge TPS holders to avoid panic and push Congress for protections and permanent residency pathways. Local Governance & Accountability: Geauga County got a clean audit opinion for 2024, but Ohio’s auditor flagged a $215.6 million property-tax reporting misstatement and federal COVID-relief filing gaps. Arts & Culture Funding: State Sen. Shane Wilkin announced $14M+ for southern Ohio projects in the capital budget, including upgrades tied to parks, a museum, and amphitheater improvements. Public Health & Care Planning: Hospice of Northwest Ohio is promoting free advance-directive conversations for National Healthcare Decisions Day. Tech & Environment: A new report warns AI’s energy and water demands could surge, undercutting “efficiency will save us” arguments. Travel Tips: A bedbug-risk report puts Ohio among the states most likely to see travelers encounter the pests. Sports & Identity: BYU landed four-star receiver Blake Wong, choosing BYU over Ohio State, UCLA, Oregon, and Utah.

Immigration & Faith: Ohio bishops and Catholic leaders are urging Congress to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians after the Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to end protections, warning of moral and community fallout. Local Schools & Courts: Ohio Supreme Court dismissed six Lancaster City Schools property tax valuation cases, limiting school boards’ ability to appeal certain valuations. Workforce & Education: Paulding County BAC is pushing career pathways and workforce readiness by expanding CTE and apprenticeship links; Ohio also awarded $5.06M to 22 Industry Sector Partnership workforce collaborations. Community & Pride: Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling hosts “A History of the Pride Movement,” while the 7 Circle of Kindness recycling drive returns to Dayton for hard-to-recycle drop-offs. Arts & Sports Culture: ELF is spotlighting women’s soccer fandom with the NWSL Challenge Cup, and Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance runs a two-day song-and-audition workshop in Wheeling. Health & Nonprofit: United Way of the Ohio Valley awarded $425,773 to 15 legacy nonprofit partners focused on essential services and collaboration.

Immigration & Community Impact: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and local advocates are reacting to the Supreme Court’s move to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, with Springfield residents gathering to grieve and prepare for what comes next. Local Governance & Housing: The politics around a bipartisan housing push are getting messy, with Sen. Tommy Tuberville arguing the plan would benefit “people here illegally,” after Trump abruptly paused signing. Healthcare Access: Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill to expand access to menopause care, part of a growing national push for better coverage and workplace support. Public Health & Care Quality: Valley View Health Centers in Pike County adds CARF accreditation for mental health services for children and adolescents, while nurse practitioner Ali Penn earns an Ohio State University preceptor award. Community & Faith: Ohio’s faith and community leaders are organizing in response to TPS changes, and a Day of the Christian Martyr observance is being promoted by Southern Baptists. Local People & Places: Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management welcomes Tyler Wiemken as a real estate associate in northwest Ohio. Sports & Youth: A new boys basketball coach is returning to the sideline in Ohio, and the Stanwood Camano Soap Box Derby keeps kids outside and racing.

Immigration & Human Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, leaving hundreds of thousands facing deportation and work-permit limbo, while also backing a move that could revive strict asylum limits at the border—sparking protests and grief from faith and community leaders, including in Ohio. Ohio Community & Disability Support: Ohio Treasurer Sprague marked a decade of the STABLE Account program, highlighting growth in tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities and medical conditions. Workforce & Education: Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Teacher Boot Camps brought teachers into local manufacturing and healthcare workplaces to connect classroom learning with in-demand career pathways. Local Culture & Inclusion: Steubenville’s Special Connections Summer Bash Carnival returns as a free, accessible event for families of all abilities. Sports & Youth: A Marietta native, Turner Hill, is surging in minor league baseball as he chases a big-league call-up, while Moon Brook Country Club partners with First Tee for a six-week junior golf and character program. Arts & Events: The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall as part of America 250 programming, mixing state exhibits with a distinctly political vibe.

Immigration & Human Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, putting about 350,000 Haitians and 6,100 Syrians at risk of fast-track deportation—an Ohio-focused blow that has DeWine calling it a “mistake” and local groups scrambling over passports and legal help. Local Civic Life: Columbus police disabled Flock Safety camera network functions after privacy and immigration-enforcement concerns, while the Columbus Partnership faces leadership instability that critics say signals weakening “Columbus Way” civic glue. LGBTQ+ Community: LGBTQ+ Lorain County is hosting free SafeZone Training in Elyria ahead of Pride weekend, offering LGBTQ+ 101, inclusive language, and allyship basics. Culture & Community Institutions: The Athens News shut down after nearly 50 years, citing advertising decline and raising questions about the future of local journalism. Education & Youth: A Southwestern Jefferson County school board in Indiana adopted a new cell-phone policy starting July 1, limiting phones during the school day. Health & Safety: Richland Public Health opened vendor registration for a Mansfield Free Community Health Day aimed at broad wellness support.