AGP Executive Report

AI Infrastructure & Data Centers: Multiple reports say Nvidia is in talks to back OpenAI’s massive Ohio data-center build, with figures ranging from a $250B to $500B financing/guarantee—fueling fresh debate over who pays for power and permitting as lobbying surges. Food Safety & Litigation: A growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taco Bell and Taylor Farms has triggered new lawsuits, including at least one filed in Ohio, as CDC figures climb and investigators keep hunting the source. Immigration & Labor: As TPS ends for Haitians, businesses and workers in Ohio and beyond brace for labor shortages while ICE activity is expected to ramp up. Energy & Weather: Severe thunderstorms left thousands without power across southwest Ohio, with outages reported in multiple counties and crews working to restore service. Workforce & Training: A virtual trade school and other hiring-focused efforts point to rising demand for skilled trades as data-center construction accelerates. Local Business/Finance: Union Home Mortgage’s Ron Haddad hit a Top 25 production milestone; Truist named John Stucker Middle Market Sales Leader. Public Health Policy: A survey suggests some states worry about SNAP sustainability under new federal rules shifting more costs to states.

AI Infrastructure Financing: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to back a roughly $250B financing guarantee for OpenAI’s planned Ohio data center, tied to a massive 10-gigawatt project—sparking fresh debate about “circular” AI deal dynamics and whether the scale is financially sustainable. Data Center Policy Clash: Ohio’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton is calling for a conditional moratorium on new data centers, arguing they must meet conditions like environmental standards, community benefit agreements, and covering utility costs. Power & Grid Strain: Severe thunderstorms hit southwest Ohio and the Cincinnati region, leaving tens of thousands without electricity across counties including Montgomery, Warren, and Hamilton, with crews working through restoration. Energy Infrastructure Pushback: Residents and officials are challenging an Indiana-to-Ohio natural gas pipeline segment over concerns about wells, groundwater, and emergency response impacts. Manufacturing & Defense: Anduril unveiled its first finished FQ-44 “Fury” autonomous combat drone at Arsenal-1 near Columbus, highlighting Ohio’s growing defense manufacturing footprint. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak continues to spread across multiple states, with consumers reporting they’re buying less produce as investigators work to narrow the source. Local Roads & Construction: Final paving is underway on a new U.S. 22 and Jamison Road roundabout in Ohio, with lane closures expected through September. Workforce & Agriculture: USDA and Georgia finalized a cooperative interstate shipment agreement to expand market access for state-inspected meat processors, adding to the program’s reach.

AI Infrastructure Deal: Nvidia is reportedly in talks to backstop about $250B in financing so OpenAI can lease SB Energy’s 10GW Ohio data center campus in Piketon, with Nvidia also discussing additional funding for the chips—terms not finalized and the deal could still fall apart. Food Safety & Retail: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce is reshaping shopping habits, with a CBS News/YouGov poll finding 40% of Americans are eating or buying less produce; FDA also says a key positive sample finding was a false positive, while the recall notice’s brand abbreviations drew criticism. Utility Rates in Ohio: Youngstown and the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel are pushing for rehearing in the SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions steam heat rate hike case, where increases could reach 163% during the heating season. Renewables for Data Centers: Meta signed a 172MWdc solar PPA with Lightsource BP for the Mowata Solar project in Louisiana, following a prior Ohio PPA—another sign of how power procurement is driving energy deals. Local Economic Development: Gov. DeWine announced $11.9M for demolition and site prep across 73 counties to clear blighted properties for redevelopment. Construction/Infrastructure: ODOT-related updates include a Ballville Bridge deck replacement in Fremont with a roughly 30-day closure.

AI Infrastructure Financing: Nvidia is reportedly in advanced talks to guarantee about $250B in financing to help OpenAI lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center campus in southern Ohio being developed by SoftBank’s energy arm, with power access tied to U.S. government control and separate Japan-backed funding; the full project cost could reach $500B, underscoring how chipmakers are moving into dealmaking for AI buildouts. Energy & Grid Affordability: A coalition of major businesses is urging Ohio and other states to modernize the power grid, speed clean-energy interconnection, and expand efficiency and demand-flex programs to keep energy affordable as costs and reliability concerns rise. Public Health & Food Supply Chain: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms has expanded to nine states, including Ohio, with the FDA/CDC investigation widening and the processing facility temporarily shut down—hitting restaurant and grocery traffic. Ohio Higher Ed: Ohio University says multiple graduate programs ranked in the top 100 nationally, and its online RN-to-BSN program was named top in Ohio and third-best in the nation by Nurse.org. Local Industry Sustainability: GMi Companies in Lebanon is touting a nearly net-zero rooftop solar installation expected to cover almost all facility electricity and cut costs long-term.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The CDC and FDA expanded the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico to 9 states, with 1,947 lab-confirmed illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations; Ohio is among the hardest hit as investigators deploy “disease detectives” for several weeks and consumers are urged to avoid recalled products. Retail Recalls: Walmart pulled 11 products this week, led by Marketside bagged iceberg salads and shredded lettuce linked to the outbreak, advising customers to throw items away or return for refunds. Ohio Workforce & Business Travel: A Voice of Business piece highlights Dayton International Airport’s momentum as Breeze Airways adds new routes this fall, with the Dayton Area Chamber and JobsOhio playing key roles in airline service development. Local Agriculture Partnerships: Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio hosted a farm tour underscoring how state and federal support helps connect Ohio growers to food banks and reduce produce waste. Energy & Industry Policy: New reporting says the Trump administration acknowledged canceling $7.6B in clean-energy grants based on the political identity of recipient states, reigniting debate over job impacts and permitting. Data Centers & Ohio Economy: A study co-authored by Capital University’s Justin Ross points to major local economic effects from hyperscale data centers, using Microsoft’s Indiana build as a benchmark.

Food Safety & Public Health: The CDC is sending “disease detectives” to Ohio for a three-week push to trace cyclosporiasis cases as the outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce expands to nine states and nears 2,000 illnesses, with Ohio reporting 2,574 cases and most after June 20. Consumer & Business Impact: Taylor Farms says it pulled potentially implicated lettuce and issued a broader recall, while the FDA/CDC investigation continues and more states report lab-confirmed infections. Energy & Industry Policy: A court filing says the Trump administration canceled billions in clean-energy grants based “solely” on the political identity of the recipient state, intensifying scrutiny of federal funding decisions that could affect Ohio-linked supply chains and projects. Ohio Manufacturing & Jobs: Electra announced an $850M Springfield, Ohio facility to build its EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft, targeting up to 800 planes per year and nearly 2,000 jobs. AI & Infrastructure: Ohio-area concerns keep rising as data centers face pressure over energy, water, and farmland impacts, while regulators and courts weigh proposals.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell has expanded to nine states, with 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations, as investigators keep tracing the supply chain and a separate second outbreak is under review. Local Food Economy: In response to outbreak fears, some shoppers are shifting to local produce, with farmers markets reporting sharp lettuce sales spikes. Clean Energy Policy: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants based on which states voted for Kamala Harris, a claim Democrats call “weaponizing” federal funding. Workforce Development: Ohio is rolling out new industry-recognized high school credentials starting with the class of 2030 to better align graduation with job skills. Industry & Jobs: Youngstown State University is launching a new advanced manufacturing innovation center to connect students, faculty, and industry on applied projects. Solar Labor Watch: A union is raising concerns that a solar project in Harrison County is using out-of-state workers while local members are shut out. Local Infrastructure Planning: Harrison County officials are advancing planning to connect the Conotton Creek Trail to Main Street in Jewett.

Sanitary Sewer Funding: Trumbull County secured grants for a $3.4M Weathersfield Crain Drive neighborhood sanitary sewer project, but residents still must pay to tap in; construction starts in October with 180-day timelines and 68 properties served. Roadwork & Safety: PennDOT cut I-80 speeds to 50 mph in Mercer County work zones through mid-November and added rumble strips and updated signage. Healthcare Workforce: Ohio could face a shortage of 600–1,000 veterinarians by the early 2030s, with debt and pay gaps cited by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Food Industry & Public Health: Taylor Farms issued a fresh statement amid the expanding Cyclospora outbreak, saying it removed potentially implicated product, broadened recalls, and suspended central Mexico iceberg lettuce sourcing while reviews continue. Local Government & Data Centers: Columbus residents packed a council hearing pushing for a data center moratorium and stronger water, sewer, and decommissioning protections. Manufacturing & Business: Complete Pest Solutions named franchise veteran Dave Roemer CEO as it targets improved franchisee profitability and operations. Workplace Security: OhioHealth is rolling out weapons-free screening at hospitals, including Van Wert, as healthcare violence concerns rise. Construction Finance: Lakota Local Schools approved a $223M replacement bond issue for grades 6–12 renovations and new elementary schools. Aerospace Materials: Cincinnati’s A&P Technology is partnering with Albany Engineered Composites to accelerate next-gen braided composite manufacturing for aerospace and defense.

Data Center Ratepayer Fight: Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge with 200-plus new signatories, adding major utilities and data-center firms and framing it as a way to stop households from absorbing AI buildout costs. Ohio Manufacturing & Jobs: Youngstown broke ground on a renovated Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense, aiming to add advanced manufacturing space and shared equipment to grow the region’s supply chain. Broadband Buildout: altafiber is partnering with Westerville to deploy a fiber network over three years, targeting 15,000 locations and using the city’s community data center as a long-term base. Food Safety Shock: The CDC expanded a cyclospora outbreak to more states tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms; Taco Bell is running $1 “lettuce-free” promos to win back customers. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Hancock County commissioners backed a plan to study Brown’s Island as part of a Market Street Bridge replacement route. Energy Policy Pressure: FERC warned PJM stakeholders to agree on governance reforms by September or face regulator action, amid rising scrutiny over transmission costs tied to demand growth. Retail & Community: Perrysburg Township approved ballot language for a five-year fire department levy, while a new Blair & Bloom boutique is set to open at Eastwood Mall.

Ohio Agriculture & Rural Health: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton toured Henschen Family Farm in Auglaize County, pressing for new corn/soy markets, fully funded OSU Extension, and better rural mental health access. Great Miami River Safety: Hamilton’s low dams could be removed after an ODNR H2Ohio grant backs a river overhaul aimed at reducing drownings and injuries tied to dangerous currents. Food Safety & Manufacturing Impact: FDA flagged a new cyclosporiasis outbreak (72 cases) as Ohio’s total climbs past 2,500; Taylor Farms temporarily shut its central Mexico processing facility tied to the outbreak, while Taco Bell ran a lettuce-free $1 promotion to steady demand. Housing Affordability: COHHIO says Ohio renters need $23.82/hour to afford a basic two-bedroom, up as the wage gap widens. Ohio Data Centers & Water Permits: Ohio EPA declined to finalize a general NPDES permit for data centers, and governor candidates spar over how to regulate growth. Energy/Tech Policy: A new “ratepayer protection” push has governors and utilities backing the idea that data centers should pay grid upgrade costs. Aviation/Ohio Jobs: Farnborough coverage highlights IndiGo’s massive LEAP engine order, pointing to thousands of GE Aerospace jobs across Ohio. Invasive Pests: Northwest Ohio communities step up spotted lanternfly control with traps and tree-of-heaven removal.

Data Centers & Power Costs: 23 governors signed Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, aiming to keep households from paying higher utility bills tied to AI data centers, with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine among signers. Local Regulation Fight: Columbus City Council is moving forward with data-center rules on water use and sewer discharge after residents demanded a moratorium instead. Ohio Infrastructure: Acrow installed temporary modular steel bridges on the Cedar Point Causeway in Sandusky ahead of major reconstruction starting fall 2026. Bridge Rehab: Work has started on a $1.7M rehab of the 4th Street SE bridge over Nimishillen Creek in southeast Canton, with deck replacement targeted for completion by October. Food Safety & Industry Impact: The cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce remains in flux as federal investigators probe additional cases and traceability gaps; Taco Bell is also rolling out a $1, lettuce-free item to steady consumer confidence. Workforce/Tech Growth: ZenaTech completed its acquisition of Dayton-based BA Land Professionals, expanding Drone-as-a-Service into Ohio. Business & Finance: Bread Financial posted its Q2 2026 performance update and declared quarterly dividends.

China-Linked Automakers: A U.S. Senate Commerce panel advanced a bill that could bar sales of Chinese-connected vehicles, with a 15% Chinese-ownership threshold raising questions for Mercedes-Benz and pushing automakers to rework supply and ownership plans. Defense & Budget: House Republicans adopted a $95B reconciliation framework aimed at Iran war funding, Pentagon needs, farm aid, and voting law changes—now headed to the Senate. Ohio Manufacturing Safety: Police and company officials are investigating a fatal shooting at Carter Lumber’s door manufacturing facility in Mason, with a person of interest reportedly in custody. Food Supply & Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated produce keeps expanding, with Ohio among states seeing more cases as federal agencies track multiple clusters and continue testing. Local Agriculture Response: Toledo-area farms launched a weekly produce membership program as shoppers seek local options amid outbreak concerns. Storm Damage Cleanup: Pierce Township residents and utility crews are clearing tornado and wind damage after a confirmed tornado touched down. Aerospace Jobs Watch: Electra’s $850M Springfield, Ohio aircraft production push continues to draw attention for nearly 2,000 jobs and major regional investment. Energy Costs & Politics: Ohio lawmakers renewed pressure on state and federal leaders over rising electricity and gas bills, tying costs to policy decisions. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternflies are reported “everywhere” across Ohio, with Cincinnati residents urged to scrape egg sacs and remove tree of heaven.

Additive Manufacturing Expansion: Beehive Industries says it’s buying Nikon SLM Solutions’ ultra-large-format NXG 600E metal printers to scale high-throughput 3D-printed components for aerospace and defense, including serial production work tied to CP1 aluminum and Ti-6Al-4V. EV Supply Chain Update: LG Energy Solution plans to restart production at its Warren, Ohio battery plant with GM after a six-month shutdown, recalling about 850 workers in phases and targeting full output in Q4. Semiconductor Rumor Check: SK Hynix denies reports it’s pursuing Intel’s Ohio fab, saying it hasn’t decided on any acquisition while pointing to its own U.S. advanced packaging investment. Energy & Permitting: Ohio EPA chose not to finalize a statewide general wastewater permit for data centers, while noting individual permits will still meet Clean Water Act standards. AI Power Grid Fight: Landowners across states including Ohio are challenging utilities’ eminent domain plans for transmission lines built largely to serve data centers. Food Safety Watch: Cyclospora cases tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continue to climb nationally, with Ohio among the affected states and Taylor Farms recalling implicated products. Agriculture Policy Pressure: Ohio farmers are facing sharply higher property taxes since 2005, renewing calls for relief tied to CAUV valuation changes. Local Business/Jobs: Kimberly-Clark’s Trumbull County plant is set to get a new 2.6-mile access road, with construction phases starting in 2027 and extending into 2029.

Aerospace Jobs & Investment: Electra.aero picked Springfield, Ohio for its $850M EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft production site, aiming to launch a major regional manufacturing footprint. Defense & Tech Manufacturing: Anduril provided a public update on its South Central Ohio drone manufacturing ramp-up, including plans to hire thousands tied to its Arsenal-1 operations. Energy Markets: EQT missed quarterly profit expectations as natural gas prices softened, but raised its 2026 production outlook for the Appalachian Basin. Food Safety & Supply Chains: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to roil Ohio-area consumers and restaurants, with FDA and Mexico disputing details while lawsuits and recalls expand. Legal/Regulatory: An Ohio hemp law challenge failed in federal court, limiting the state’s ability to enforce the reclassification during appeal. Road & Infrastructure: ODOT and local projects are driving lane closures and bridge work across the region, including Arlington Road bridge replacement and other resurfacing and waterline-related disruptions. Public Safety Tech: A road-safety advocate is raising crash-safety concerns about non-breakaway mounting posts used for camera and gunshot detector systems. Data Centers & Power/Water Debate: New reporting highlights how data centers are becoming flashpoints over land, electricity, and water use—an issue Ohio communities are watching closely.

Auto Supply Chain Shift: A Cleveland-area electronics maker, Eagle Wireless, is ramping up to replace Chinese connected-car hardware as federal rules phase it out—aiming to grow from about 140 employees to 1,000 in three years. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed air quality alerts across Ohio and much of the Midwest, with officials urging residents to limit outdoor activity as PM2.5 levels spiked. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms lettuce remains under investigation even after FDA walked back one positive test as a false positive; the recall still covers multiple states including Ohio. Data Centers & Power Costs: A House committee narrowed a data center energy bill to focus on large facilities and require states to consider standards that push data centers to cover grid upgrade costs. Biotech in Ohio: Cincinnati Children’s was activated as the seventh qualified treatment center for Abeona’s ZEVASKYN gene-modified therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Solar Recycling: Comstock Metals signed a services agreement to recycle solar manufacturing byproducts from Illuminate USA’s Pataskala, Ohio operations. Local Business: Big Brand Tire & Service is acquiring Belle Tire, expanding a major auto service footprint across Ohio and nearby states.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states, including Ohio, tied to the Cyclospora outbreak; the FDA later walked back an earlier positive lab result as a false positive but said the investigation still points to lettuce from central Mexico and consumers should follow recall guidance. Public Health Guidance: A University of Maine food safety expert urged people to use core hygiene and cross-contamination prevention steps to reduce Cyclospora risk while the outbreak continues to be tracked across multiple states. Local Industry & Community Impact: Cincinnati-area residents reported flash flooding after heavy rain, with city crews prioritizing debris removal in neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Oakley, Madisonville and California; officials said a state emergency is still under consideration. Waste & Infrastructure: Neighbors near Rumpke’s Colerain Township landfill expansion say blasting is cracking homes, while Rumpke says vibrations are within legal limits. Energy & Policy: A House proposal would push FERC to coordinate with utilities and data center developers on ways to prevent data centers from driving up Ohio and other households’ electric bills. Legal/Regulatory: An Ohio federal judge allowed 10 businesses to keep selling hemp products and THC drinks while a lawsuit challenges Ohio’s low-THC beverage ban. Ag Outlook: Late frost and a wet spring have some Ohio wheat growers worried about yield potential as USDA reports show mixed crop conditions. Corruption Case: Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis and his wife pleaded guilty in a public contracting kickback scheme tied to a business park.