AGP Executive Report

Education & Equity: Youngstown City Schools says it’s finally moving past “academic distress,” earning a 3-star state report card rating for the first time in more than 20 years—while leaders warn the work is far from done. School Budgets: North College Hill schools face about $1.8M in cuts for 2027-28 and are bringing a 1.25% income tax levy back to the November ballot after voters rejected it in May. Arts & Heritage: Toledo Museum of Art is partnering with Ethiopia on a long-term plan involving about 380 Ethiopian works, with five items already identified for return. Environment & Community Spaces: Shaker Heights is pushing a roughly $31M Doan Brook restoration to remove a failing 170-year-old dam and reshape Horseshoe Park. Local Governance: Athens City Council discussed recurring flooding and clogged storm drains, with a proposed plan expected to be presented next week. Culture & Community: Bethel College named Amy Marshall as campus pastor, aiming to rebuild structure for student-led ministries. Health Policy: DOJ settlements require at least six major hospitals to stop gender-affirming hormones and surgery for transgender youth under 19. Sports & Local Pride: Ohio’s basketball program begins a roster reset with nine new players as official practice starts.

Healthcare & Community: Ohio State Wexner Medical Center joins the Association of Membership Medicine Professionals as a founding institutional partner, backing membership-based primary care models. Education Finance: Barberton City Schools is placed in fiscal emergency after missing required deficit-reduction plans, triggering state oversight. School Accountability: A recovery finding targets closed Columbus charter school Eagle Charter Schools of Ohio for $46,131.35 in overfunding tied to final student data. Immigration & Media Solidarity: The Bulwark plans a Springfield-focused event in Dayton to spotlight the Haitian community after the end of Temporary Protected Status and the death of Pierre Damas Bel. Local Culture & Food: Slutty Vegan signs for Cincinnati, its third Ohio market this year, while Christkindlmarkt Dublin announces vendors for its inaugural German Christmas market. Public Life & Safety: Community leaders in Cleveland condemn Nazi imagery tied to Husted campaign hiring. Workforce & Wages: Hocking County leaders discuss low local weekly wages and the need for higher-paying jobs.

Cost of Living & Politics: Gas prices are climbing fast—AAA puts the U.S. average at $4.4786 and Ohio at $4.5155, with diesel jumping to $6.5107 nationally and $6.7677 in Ohio. Ohio gubernatorial candidates Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy both pushed for fuel-cost relief, with Acton calling for an emergency gas tax holiday. Education & Community: Crestview Local Schools discussed flood-related early dismissal after heavy rain and shared updates on athletic facility upgrades, while Antwerp Local Schools received its state report card rating and heard construction on a bus garage is on track. Healthcare & Aging: Van Wert County Council on Aging will host a free “Medicare 101” session on Sept. 29 to explain coverage changes and enrollment windows. Immigration & Human Rights: Human Rights Watch says the U.S. has deported hundreds of Haitians, including people with pending asylum claims, and urges action to reinstate Temporary Protected Status. Culture & Local Books: Covington’s new used bookstore, The Wordcage, opened in Latonia with plans for community events and author signings.

Ohio Politics & Money: A crypto-backed super PAC, Fairshake, is reportedly ready to spend at least $30 million to block Sen. Sherrod Brown’s return to the U.S. Senate, tying the push to Democrats stalling the CLARITY Act—while Brown faces Sen. Jon Husted in Ohio’s special election. Education & Opportunity: ReadOhio is expanding across 42 counties, with Mid-Ohio ESC leading new literacy coaching and educator training as the state adds 50 coaches and more free credentialing. Local Culture & Community Spaces: Studio West 117’s LGBTQ+ community hub in Cleveland/Lakewood is getting a second life after Deairius Houston won the auction, aiming to turn the former venue into a culture-and-well-being destination. Public Health & Safety: United Against Fentanyl is bringing “Say Fentanyl” to Capitol Hill with bereaved families urging candidates to name the drug driving overdose deaths. Learning & Livelihood: A new report highlights Ohio’s student-debt pressure, with Ohio ranking among the highest states for student debt burdens. Tech & Schools: Marietta City Schools launches an AI pilot focused on data security and digital literacy. Sports & Identity: A “Million Frog March” rally is set for Sept. 26 in Warren, blending family-friendly activism with environmental and civic engagement ahead of early voting. Higher Ed Reality Check: Muskingum County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for the 2018 cohort sits at 20.3%, far below Ohio’s statewide public four-year rate.

Education & Tech: Marietta City Schools launches a district-wide AI pilot with MagicSchool AI, aiming for digital literacy while protecting student data. Public Health: Ohio State–commissioned research finds many Gen Z adults skip primary care, and local health experts urge regular visits to catch problems early. Local Education Watch: State report cards show growth in Columbus, while enrollment data continues to spotlight shifting school populations across Ohio counties. Community & Faith: A 65th annual Holocaust memorial at Kol Israel Foundation in Cuyahoga County draws candle-lighters and descendants to remember the six million. STEM & Space: NASA Glenn opens for the Cleveland Space Race 5K, turning a space-weekend into a hands-on public moment with astronauts and Artemis-themed fun. Culture & Community Events: Paulding’s NatureFest returns as a free fall nature-and-gardening day for families. Safety & Community Response: North Olmsted mourns two separate shootings that left three people dead, as residents rally around affected families. Civic Debate: Defiance residents push back on data centers with a ballot measure and moratorium, reflecting wider Ohio anxiety about AI’s local impacts.

Ohio Politics & Campaigns: Vivek Ramaswamy is pushing back on “AI regulation” talk while tying the governor’s race to Ohio’s data-center boom and affordability concerns. Election Math & Redistricting: A new forecast says Trump’s push for gerrymandered districts is unlikely to save Republicans in the House—and could even help Democrats. National Mood: An NBC News poll finds Trump’s approval at a second-term low (41%) and more voters blaming him for hurting the economy. Healthcare & Community Impact: Genesis HealthCare is holding enrollment info sessions as it plans to end certain Medicare Advantage and Medicaid contracts starting Jan. 1. Education & Enrollment: Preble County’s Eaton High School led 2024-25 enrollment, as Ohio’s overall student population keeps shrinking. Civic Life: Franklin County and other central Ohio counties are recruiting poll workers, with pay and training details for the Nov. election. Local Culture & Family Fun: Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal is set to expand its water exhibit, adding an interactive water-cycle play space. Sports (Ohio-relevant): Ohio State rolled over Kent State 59-3 in Week 3, while the weekend’s bigger national storyline featured Ole Miss beating LSU in Lane Kiffin’s return. Community Spotlight: Covington’s Business Council created the Katie Meyer Spirit of Covington Award to honor a downtown revitalization and Pride Center leader. Immigration & Grassroots Aid: Cultural Capital Haiti is backing Haitian-led projects, including a women’s community center in Lafon focused on livelihoods and support for women and girls.

Public Media: PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media approved a merger to protect local news and cultural programming across northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Education & Access: Capital University in Bexley launched the Dr. Jared R. Tice Family Trailblazer Endowed Scholarship for students from Appalachian counties in Ohio and West Virginia, with a first-generation preference. Community Arts: Waverly’s Area Agency on Aging District 7 kicks off its 44th Annual Older Adult Art Show next Monday, with public voting and categories from painting to photography. Politics & Identity: Rep. Marcy Kaptur released anti-trans “gender ideology” ads, while Ohio’s broader election fight keeps pulling culture and schools into campaign messaging. Immigration & Health Support: Hamilton County’s 513 Relief bus rolled through Cincinnati with free resources for teen pregnancy, including supplies and mental health support. Culture & History: A new comic spotlight, Black Terror #16, ties Alex Schomburg artwork to a 1946 warning about fascist recruitment of WWII veterans. Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety employees were offered voluntary exits as cities push back on surveillance cameras.

Southwest Ohio Weekend Picks: Fairfield screens “Hamilton” for free, Middletown hosts a community block party, and Oxford’s Oxtoberfest brings German heritage, food, and live music. Education & Health Pathways: University of Findlay and Ohio University launch an early assurance medical school pathway for biology/biochem majors. Local Housing Build: Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio team up for the “Bobcat Build,” turning a campus drop-off area into a home for a southeast Ohio family. Community, Culture, and Storytelling: The Third Annual ALAS Festival spotlights Appalachian authors, poets, storytellers, and artists, anchored by keynote speakers Sharon Hatfield and Rachel Sager. Workforce Second Chances: A Cincinnati manufacturing operation tied to Procter & Gamble is hiring people rebuilding after incarceration, with one worker crediting the job for her GED and new life. Sports & Local Pride: Lorain’s Lorain Ohio Kartplex hosts national pro kart racing, and Ohio State’s golf club course is seeing Korn Ferry Finals Tour momentum from Indian-origin players. Civic & Public Safety: A Ravenna school bus crash sent children with minor injuries to the scene; investigations continue.

Cleveland Clinic & CSU Campus Growth: Cleveland Clinic opened two major research buildings, adding 300,000 square feet and dozens of labs to its innovation push, while Cleveland State University reopened reimagined Fenn Tower after an $18M renovation and is eyeing more campus projects. Education & Equity: New Ohio State research finds kids with Child Protective Services contact miss more school and feel less connected; after-school STEM access is rising nationally, but rural gaps remain. Local Schools Under Pressure: Elyria City Schools is pursuing an operational levy after years without new operating money, warning cuts if it fails. Immigration & Community Impact: ICE lodged detainers tied to fatal crashes and Ohio jail bookings after the end of Haitian TPS, while a Haitian pastor was reportedly spared deportation at the last minute. Arts & Civic Life: A Madison map-and-song cycle event spotlights how communities tell their own stories, and protests continue over Trump’s Kennedy Center demolition threats. Health & Prevention: Mahoning County leaders received a grant tied to an infant mortality summit, and Preble County proclaimed Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Public Media Merger: PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media approved a merger to protect local news and cultural programming across Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Transit Accessibility: GCRTA won a $20M federal grant to make seven Green Line stations accessible, with platform and ramp upgrades. Education & Reading: Ohio report cards show reading gains after the science-of-reading rollout, plus a WalletHub ranking that still puts Ohio in the bottom half for teachers. Community & Faith: A Cleveland Pride gospel set turned into a healing singalong, showing how faith music can reshape public joy. Immigration & Civic Life: Springfield’s Haitian TPS-linked nonprofit support network faces uncertainty, while Sinclair hosted Constitution Day voter-registration programming. Arts & Culture: OHIO Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors,” with the logistics of building and transporting its iconic puppets. Environment & Energy: The only Ohio national forest, Wayne, is set for fracking after a federal lease sale. Local Economy: Ohio’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3% in August. Civic Tech/Privacy: Ohio’s fight over Flock cameras continues, with new pushback and policy debate.

Public Media: Ideastream Public Media and PBS Western Reserve announced a merger after losing $4M in annual federal funds, with no layoffs planned and all staff expected to be retained. Higher Ed & Teaching: Ohio State’s Ravi Bellamkonda delivered his first State of the University address, while Ohio University’s CTLA launched fall book groups on teaching with AI and joyful online instruction. Local Arts: OHIO Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors,” leaning on big, growing puppets to bring Audrey II to life. Campus Civic Life: The League of Women Voters brought voter registration help to Youngstown State University ahead of the midterms. Politics & Culture: A Senate Democrat blocked immediate passage of a House data center ratepayer bill, keeping the fight over energy costs in the spotlight. Community & Education Data: New enrollment snapshots show which Ohio schools topped their counties in 2024-25, alongside a statewide look at bachelor’s completion rates. Education Anniversary: Ohio University Zanesville will mark 80 years with a Sept. 26 celebration featuring brunch and an open house.

Ohio Education & Community Building: Ohio University Zanesville marks 80 years with a Sept. 26 celebration featuring a Bobcat Brunch and campus open house, spotlighting decades of regional partnership. Teaching & Learning: OHIO’s Center for Teaching, Learning and Assessment launches fall book groups on teaching with AI and on making online instruction more human. Campus Life & Culture: OHIO Lancaster stages “Little Shop of Horrors” again, leaning on big, growing puppets for Audrey II. Student Support & Research Skills: OHIO Libraries rolls out a self-paced tutorial course on research, responsible AI use, and how to find and borrow materials. Housing & Service: OHIO and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio plan the “Bobcat Build,” turning a campus drop-off circle into a home for a local family. Sports Medicine: OhioHealth becomes Official Healthcare Provider for Ohio Athletics, expanding care across 16 sports. Legal & Public Safety: Ohio Supreme Court rules sex offenders must register the “place of employment address” where they actually work, even temporarily in another county. Local Immigration & Community: A Lockland bike shop offers refuge and community for Mauritanian immigrants, with volunteers refurbishing donated bikes. Midwest Politics & Schools: Ohio report cards show literacy gains and mixed district results, while Clark-Shawnee earns the top Clark County overall rating. Health & Consumer Tech: Head & Shoulders introduces HydraZinc Complex, pitching scalp recovery alongside dandruff control. Crime Trial: Jury selection begins in Miami County for Caleb Flynn, accused of murdering his wife and staging a break-in.

Ohio University Community Life: OHIO Zanesville marks 80 years with a Sept. 26 “Rooted in Excellence. Growing Our Legacy.” celebration, plus brunch and an open house. Campus Teaching & Learning: OHIO CTLA is rolling out fall book groups on teaching with AI and joyful online instruction, alongside “Grants 101” sessions for faculty. Student Support & Tech: OHIO Libraries launches a self-paced tutorial course on research skills and responsible AI use through Canvas Commons. Community Building: OHIO and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio plan a “Bobcat Build” home project in Chillicothe starting late October. Local Governance & Safety: Central Local Schools board approves hires and a library levy presentation; Toledo-area police say e-bike laws lag behind real-world riding. Education Outcomes: Ohio report cards show statewide gains, with math/English up and absenteeism down, while districts like Cleveland and others see category shifts. Culture War in Courts: The Kennedy Center’s emergency closure faces another legal fight as Rep. Joyce Beatty seeks an emergency hearing. Privacy & Policing: Ohio AG and police union push for penalties and tighter rules around Flock camera misuse. Data Centers & Costs: The U.S. House advances a ratepayer protection approach aimed at stopping electricity upgrade costs from landing on everyday consumers.

Ohio Education & Community: Ohio University Zanesville marks 80 years with a Sept. 26 celebration, including a Bobcat Brunch and campus open house, spotlighting decades of regional partnership. Campus Life & Learning: Ohio University CTLA is rolling out fall book groups on teaching with AI and joyful online instruction, plus a Grants 101 series for faculty and researchers. Student Support & Housing: OHIO and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio launch a “Bobcat Build” to construct a home on campus for a local family in Chillicothe, aiming to boost access to safe, affordable housing. Athletics & Health: Ohio Athletics expands its partnership with OhioHealth as Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Local Culture & Service: Goodwill opens a grocery-style “Community Cupboard” in Aurora to tackle food deserts with fresh produce and staples. Tech & Media: Sinclair and Nexstar launch a NextGenTV consumer education campaign starting Sept. 17, including Cleveland and Columbus. Schools Watch: Springfield City Schools earns a 2.5-star state report card rating, with leaders citing broad student growth and gap closing alongside early literacy challenges.

Ohio Education & Community: Ohio University Zanesville is marking 80 years with a Sept. 26 celebration, including a Bobcat Brunch and campus open house. Teaching & Learning: OHIO CTLA is rolling out fall book groups on teaching with AI and joyful online instruction, plus a Grants 101 series for faculty and researchers. Accessibility & Student Support: OHIO Police and Student Accessibility Services launch the Blue Envelope Program to help neurodivergent students communicate during higher-stimulus interactions. Campus Life & Culture: OHIO Libraries debuts a self-paced Library Tutorial Course on Canvas Commons, including AI literacy. Community Impact: OHIO and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio plan a “Bobcat Build” homecoming project in Chillicothe, starting with a campus build site. Local Civic Memory: OHIO’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Challenge returns at Peden Stadium for the 25th anniversary. Arts & Sports Medicine: Ohio Athletics expands its OhioHealth partnership as Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Policy Watch (Ohio): A bill from Rep. Tristan Rader would reimburse customers for outage losses via food/medicine credits and automatic bill credits. National Culture Flashpoint: Arch Manning apologizes to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after joking about an AI-altered slap video. AI & Power: A “pro-human” AI event brings together Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon to push for human-controlled development. Measles Update: Pennsylvania confirms a fourth measles death as the outbreak grows.

Higher Ed & Community: Ohio University Zanesville marks 80 years with a Sept. 26 celebration, plus campus open house and alumni events. Teaching & Learning: OHIO faculty can tap new fall workshops on thriving in academia, AI in teaching, and grants “101,” while libraries roll out a self-paced tutorial course that includes AI literacy. Accessibility in Public Safety: Ohio University Police and Student Accessibility Services launch the “Blue Envelope” program to help neurodivergent students communicate during high-stimulus interactions. Housing & Belonging: OHIO and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio plan a “Bobcat Build” home in Chillicothe, starting late October. Tech, Policy & Privacy: Trenton holds a town hall on Flock cameras as privacy advocates push back on surveillance claims. Culture & Arts: The Simon & Garfunkel Story returns on a 2027 North American tour, and Ohio University Lancaster stages “Little Shop of Horrors,” with the big puppet challenge front and center. Sports & Youth: Ohio Athletics expands its OhioHealth partnership as official healthcare provider. Education Costs: Published in-state tuition and required fees hit $14,460 at Wood County’s Bowling Green State University-Zanesville (2024-25 data).