AGP Executive Report

Prices and Benefits: U.S. inflation rose to 3.7% in September, adding pressure to household budgets as midterms approach. Social Security recipients are set for a 3.6% benefit increase in 2027—about $75 a month for the average beneficiary—but some say it won’t keep pace with costs. Ohio Energy and Jobs: Sen. Jon Husted convened state officials and business leaders to discuss speeding up federal permits for energy and infrastructure projects. The talks also addressed data centers’ growing power needs and how to prevent their costs from landing on other customers. Business and Education: Cleveland State University received a $10 million gift to overhaul its business programs and prepare students for AI’s growing role in the workplace. Campaign Trail: Barack Obama is boosting Sherrod Brown’s Senate bid and plans to rally in Ohio on Oct. 24. In the governor’s race, Amy Acton campaigned in Columbus while Vivek Ramaswamy renewed calls for a debate.

Energy Costs: A new study estimates Ohio electricity customers could face $16 billion in added costs over eight years as data centers expand, intensifying backlash in a closely watched Senate race. Grid warnings and emergency power measures have added to concerns about shortages and higher bills. Campaign Trail: Trump rallied in Youngstown for Ohio Republicans, where a protester was punched; no charges were filed. Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to campaign in Cleveland on Oct. 24 for Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton. Business: Kroger plans to cut 3,000 corporate jobs over three years as it leans further into AI, while Bayer’s planned $2.2 billion central Ohio pharmaceutical plant signals a major manufacturing investment. Ohio tax revenue also topped projections by more than $200 million. Columbus Schools: Columbus City Schools is considering more building closures amid a budget crunch, prompting concern from parents about the effects on students.

Ohio Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump rallied in Youngstown for Republican candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Jon Husted, drawing backlash after targeting Somali and Haitian immigrants and a protester who was punched at the event. Barack Obama is set to campaign for Democrats Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton. Data Center Debate: The proposed Amazon campus in Butler County faces fresh scrutiny: St. Clair Township is weighing zoning rules, while Trenton voters will decide in November whether to block new large-scale data centers. A separate analysis warns Ohioans could pay billions if regulation lags. Columbus Concerns: Polaris-area residents say late-night car meetups and stunt driving are disrupting neighborhoods, despite repeated calls to police. Travel: Breeze Airways plans year-round nonstop Columbus–Myrtle Beach flights starting May 28, 2027, with fares from $59. Consumer Protection: The FTC alleges an Ohio-based company collected at least $60 million from people seeking help with sextortion threats while failing to deliver promised services; a court has temporarily barred it from operating.

Ohio Campaign Trail: Donald Trump returned to Youngstown to rally for Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, underscoring Republican worries about close races. Democrats nearby focused on rising costs and opposition to data centers. A protester was struck by a rally attendee and escorted out; it was unclear whether anyone was arrested. Business and Jobs: Bayer plans to invest $2.2 billion in a Central Ohio pharmaceutical manufacturing site, a major bet on the state’s industrial economy. College Fraud Case: Three people, including Eastern Gateway Community College’s former president, were indicted over an alleged scheme that diverted nearly $20 million in federal student aid. The college closed last year.

Ohio’s Midterms: Former Sen. Sherrod Brown is campaigning statewide against Sen. Jon Husted, as early voting shows Democrats gaining ground even in strongly Republican counties. President Donald Trump is also set to campaign in Ohio with Husted. Ohio’s midcycle map changes appear relatively modest, though one analysis says they made the 13th District more favorable to Democrats. Energy Costs: Ohio diesel averaged $6.08 a gallon, squeezing farmers, truckers and businesses. A proposed Russian supply deal could help, but an economist said its details remain vague. Data Center Debate: Anger over power-hungry data centers is becoming a political issue in Ohio. Gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says facilities should favor abandoned industrial sites and meet local standards for power costs, water and transparency. Business and Education: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical plant in Central Ohio, while Cleveland State is offering tuition-free education to eligible Ohio residents.

Midterm Watch: Southwest Ohio election officials say bipartisan staffing and established security procedures will protect ballots, even as public trust remains a concern. Data centers are also emerging as a major campaign issue: 18 Ohio counties will vote on related measures, amid worries about higher power bills and community impacts. Election Rules: Ohio regulators have ordered 10 prediction-market companies, including Polymarket and Robinhood, to stop offering sports event contracts in the state, arguing the products violate gambling laws. Ohio Economy: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Central Ohio, a major investment in the state’s industrial base. A new cost-of-living study also puts four Ohio metros among the nation’s 10 most affordable, while a separate index ranks Ohio tied for second in AI-related investor activity. Turnpike Travel: Ohio E-ZPass now works on toll roads in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and parts of Texas, expanding its reach to 24 states.

Rising Costs: Ohio manufacturers and farmers are feeling the squeeze: a North Jackson aluminum producer says tariffs add millions in annual costs, while a Canal Winchester farmer reports diesel up more than 67% since February and some fertilizer prices doubled. Midterm Battleground: Those pressures are sharpening Ohio’s political contest, with Springfield illustrating a split between business-minded Republicans seeking growth and MAGA voters focused on immigration. Banking: Indiana-based Interra Credit Union completed its acquisition of The Hicksville Bank, adding four branches in northwest Ohio and neighboring Indiana after regulatory approval. Major Investment: Bayer plans to spend $2.2 billion on a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in central Ohio, a significant addition to the state’s industrial base. State Finances: Ohio’s temporary gas-tax break is being funded from the general revenue surplus, not the state’s separate rainy-day reserve.

Ohio Midterms: The state’s Senate and governor races are drawing national attention as Republicans defend key seats and candidates court voters worried about rising costs. Data Center Debate: Opposition is growing over projects’ potential effects on electricity bills, water supplies and local communities, putting pressure on Ohio officials weighing new development. Manufacturing Costs: North Jackson aluminum maker Shapes Unlimited says tariffs have added millions in annual costs, with shipping expenses rising too. Investment and Education: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in central Ohio, while Cleveland State’s new free-tuition offer aims to widen access for eligible Ohio students. Cancer Research: Ohio State researchers helped develop a machine-learning approach to design tiny devices that could isolate rare cancer cells from blood more efficiently.

Business & Education: Ohio State’s new Jacobs Family Business Lab gives Fisher College students access to 30 Bloomberg terminals and practical training in finance and emerging technologies. Midterm Politics: Ohio House candidates are courting working-class voters as control of Congress and the state’s political direction loom large; JD Vance has backed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor. Energy & Costs: Ohio’s gas-tax holiday promises relief, though critics say savings may be modest and uneven. A free solar co-op could help Duke Energy customers lower bills, while data-center power demands fuel growing concern. Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing site in central Ohio, and Oklo is investing $4.5 million in Ohio State’s nuclear engineering program.

Ohio Politics: Early voting is underway as the governor’s race and U.S. Senate contest tighten. Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Lima, where his home-state visit doubled as a show of support for Republicans, including gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Business & Jobs: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in New Albany, a major investment expected to begin construction in 2027. Higher Education: Cleveland State University announced free tuition for eligible Ohio students, aiming to widen access to college. Energy Costs: Ohio’s temporary gas-tax holiday is bringing mixed savings, and an agricultural economist says the state’s diesel tax break will offer farmers limited relief. Data Center Debate: Proposed data centers are emerging as a political flashpoint, with Ohio communities weighing energy demand, affordability and local control.

Mahoning Valley Costs: Courts approved water-rate increases for Niles, Youngstown and McDonald, beginning with a 17% hike in January 2027. The district says higher operating costs and dam work are driving the increases. Ohio Campaign 2026: With early voting underway, voters can compare the governor candidates’ plans on living costs, schools and state government; the rivals won’t debate. Central Ohio Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Central Ohio, a major expansion expected to create 600 jobs. Research: Nationwide Children’s Hospital researchers helped map differences in immune-system aging, a step toward identifying disease risks earlier.

Central Ohio Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical plant in New Albany, with about 600 permanent jobs and 1,500 construction jobs expected; production is slated to begin in 2031. Midterm Pressure: Ohio voters are weighing affordability as early voting begins, with rising fuel, grocery and utility costs shaping close statewide and congressional races. Farmers face diesel costs up more than 67% since February and fertilizer prices that have doubled. Power Costs: Data centers are emerging as a flashpoint, as residents and candidates question who will pay for the electricity and grid upgrades needed to support their growth. Eastern Gateway Case: Three people, including the college’s former president, were indicted in an alleged scheme to steal more than $20 million from Eastern Gateway Community College, students and public funds. Consumer Alert: Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation returned $15,300 to an Allen County woman targeted in a crypto ATM scam and says it has assisted in 309 such fraud cases since 2024.

Ohio Politics: Early voting is underway in closely watched governor and U.S. Senate races, with affordability and inflation emerging as key concerns. Voters will also decide Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring photo ID to vote. Eastern Gateway Case: Three people, including the former president of the now-closed community college, were indicted in an alleged scheme to divert about $20 million in public and federal funds. Jobs and Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in central Ohio, expected to create about 600 jobs. Data Center Debate: Proposed projects are stirring local opposition over energy use and community impacts, making data centers a growing issue in Ohio campaigns. Housing: Columbus has roughly 6,100 active listings—well below the supply a local real estate expert says would be normal for the metro area. Fuel Costs: Ohio’s temporary gas-tax suspension is bringing mixed savings at the pump, with some lawmakers arguing the relief does not go far enough.

Ohio Elections: Early voting is underway in closely watched governor and U.S. Senate races, with voters citing inflation and household costs as top concerns. The gas-tax holiday offers mixed relief: some lawmakers estimate savings of about $3 a week, while critics argue it falls short of lasting affordability help. School Finances: Painesville schools warn of deep cuts if voters reject a proposed income-tax levy, after the district says state funding losses and rising costs have widened its budget gap. Data Center Debate: A proposed Wapakoneta project is still in feasibility review, but its potential growth from 50 to 200 megawatts adds to Ohio’s widening debate over data centers, power demand and local control. Business Investment: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical plant in New Albany, a major project expected to create 600 jobs.

Ohio Elections: Early voting is underway in closely watched governor and U.S. Senate races, with voters citing inflation and the economy as top concerns. Polls show Democrat Sherrod Brown leading Sen. Jon Husted, while the governor’s race remains competitive. Major Investments: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Ohio, and the Energy Department is offering Vistra up to $4.2 billion for nuclear upgrades that include Perry and Davis-Besse. Energy Debate: Proposed data centers are drawing local pushback, including concerns over a New Albany project’s power needs.**

Ohio Politics & Elections: Early voting is underway in Ohio for tight governor and U.S. Senate races, with voters citing the economy and inflation as top concerns. GOP Midterms Cash Crunch: Republicans are leaning on a roughly $1 billion war chest, but some strategists worry late spending is driving up ad costs and may not be enough to stop losses. Trump’s Data Center Backlash: At a Vandalia rally, Trump’s “money to be made” pitch for Ohio data centers cooled a crowd, underscoring a growing political fight over whether the projects help or harm communities. Local Government & Courts: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled a homeowners association can appeal a multi-county drainage improvement plan, clearing the way for further legal review. Business & Tech: Riverain Technologies will offer its ClearRead Chest AI through RapidAI’s enterprise platform, aiming to plug into hospital imaging workflows. Ohio Economy & Infrastructure: Toledo Harbor is set for Great Lakes’ largest annual dredging push, supporting major shipping activity and economic impact. Public Safety: A Toledo woman says an abandoned property is drawing rats and pests, while city officials say no responsible owner can be found. Health & Education: Ohio State launched Ohio State Events, a no-cost hub to help planners book meetings and events across its Columbus campus.