AGP Executive Report

Sports & Media Education: Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication is rolling out a new undergraduate certificate this fall that blends sports, photography, and strategic communication—open to students in any major. Community Youth Programs: OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy served 30 kids for free this summer in Ironton, with music, media, art, and hands-on learning funded through a $1,500 grant. Tennis in Cincinnati: Peyton Stearns and Marta Kostyuk upset Serena and Venus Williams in doubles at the Cincinnati Open, while Iga Swiatek advanced to the fourth round after rallying past Maria Sakkari. College Football Buzz: The AP preseason Top 25 puts Ohio State and Oregon at No. 1 and No. 2, with Penn State at No. 18. Local Entertainment & Tourism: Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends returns with a new Diablo maze and ride overlays, plus preview nights starting in September. Arts & Culture Calendar: Cleveland Arts Prize named its 2026 winners. Sports Business: The Browns opened a stadium experience sales center in Berea, featuring an “Immersive Cube” virtual tour for prospective buyers.

Sports Photography Education: Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication is launching a new undergraduate certificate this fall that blends sports, photography, and strategic communication—aimed at careers in sports photojournalism, athletic communications, and sports marketing. Community Arts & Learning: OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy returned for a weeklong, no-cost summer program for 30 kids in Ironton, with classes spanning music, media, art, personal finance, yoga, and more. Local Travel & Design: Architectural Digest named Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island as Ohio’s prettiest town, calling it a “recreational paradise” with a Key West-style vibe. Music on Tour: The Jonas Brothers announced “The Burning Up Tour: All Over Again,” adding 45 North American dates starting Sept. 25, with tickets going on sale Aug. 21. Campus Loneliness: A new look at student life argues loneliness is rising on campuses, with less partying and fewer face-to-face social connections than decades past. Ohio Tech & Jobs: NVIDIA will exclusively power AI compute at SB Energy’s PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Ohio, with OpenAI listed as the customer. Health Research: OSU posted a recruiting ClinicalTrials.gov study on using a TENS device for nausea relief in adults with chronic nausea and vomiting. Fashion Week Advocacy: WEModel USA is sending models to Sicilia International Fashion Week in Italy to support child-trafficking prevention youth advocacy. Entertainment & Culture: A Dayton couple’s romance began at a local movie theater, and their story is being shared as a real-life “rom-com” built around classic films.

Sports Photography in Ohio: Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication is rolling out a new undergraduate certificate this fall that blends sports, photography, and strategic communication—open to any major with an application and interview. Youth STEM & Arts: Ohio State Lima’s free “STEAM on the Quad” returns for its 10th year on Sept. 27, with hands-on science, tech, engineering, arts, humanities, and math activities for K-8 students. Local Music Fundraiser: The Lincoln Highway Bluegrass Band is set for a benefit concert Aug. 29 at the Mansfield Playhouse to support the theater’s $5.9 million capital campaign and day-to-day operations. Tennis in Cincinnati: Iga Swiatek advanced at the Cincinnati Open, while Novak Djokovic revealed a long-running health issue worsened by Ohio heat and humidity after his upset loss. Community Events: Multiple Northwest Ohio family and kids listings highlight story times and art activities this week, including an “Art Hub” session at Putnam County Library. Classic Car Spotlight: A 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster owned by Cincinnati’s Harry Yeaggy won Best of Show at Pebble Beach.

Cincinnati Open Spotlight: Novak Djokovic’s Cincinnati run ended in a second-round upset by Thiago Agustin Tirante, with the tennis star describing long-running health struggles as heat and humidity took a brutal toll. Ohio Arts & Film: “Union County,” an Ohio-set addiction drama, is getting attention for casting real drug-court participants and aiming for an unvarnished, non-trope approach to recovery. Sports Media in Ohio: Ohio State football coverage continues to ramp up with player-watch features, including Jermaine Mathews Jr. as an elder statesman in the secondary. Local Entertainment Calendar: Northwest Ohio has a short list of what to do this week, including a “Coffee & Connections” event in Ottawa. Community Milestone: Ohio University Chillicothe marks its 80th anniversary with a free open house featuring music, yard games, and campus-community history. Music News: Slipknot confirmed it will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson, ending a 28-year run. Sports Training & Careers: Ohio University’s Scripps College launches a new sports photography communication certificate aimed at blending visuals, storytelling, and sports industry skills.

Ohio Arts & Education: Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication is rolling out a new undergraduate certificate this fall that blends sports, photography, and strategic communication, aiming to feed careers in sports photojournalism, athletic communications, and sports marketing. Community Spotlight: OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy in Ironton served 30 kids for free this summer, with programming spanning music, media, art, personal finance, yoga, Zumba, and gardening. Cincinnati Sports Buzz: The Bengals are expanding radio-TV partnerships, adding iHeartMedia and WXIX-TV talent to preseason and game coverage. Tennis in Mason: Novak Djokovic fell in the Cincinnati Open second round to Thiago Agustin Tirante after struggling in Ohio heat and humidity; Maja Chwalinska also notched a first win since Roland Garros. Music & Pop Culture: Slipknot confirmed Sid Wilson’s sudden exit, wishing him well. Local Sports Calendar: Marlins vs. Reds is set for Aug. 16 at Great American Ball Park with TV on Reds.TV/Marlins.TV and radio on 700WLW. Leisure & Lifestyle: LeBron James launched a golf-focused YouTube channel, starting with footage from a 2016 Cavaliers reunion trip.

Sports Education in Ohio: Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication is rolling out a new undergraduate certificate this fall that blends sports, photography, and strategic communication—aimed at careers in sports photojournalism, athletic communications, and sports marketing. Community Arts & Youth Programs: OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy on the Ironton campus served 30 kids for free this summer, funded by a $1,500 grant secured by an OHIO Southern graduate, with activities spanning music, media, art, finance, yoga, and more. Cincinnati Open Coverage: Here’s how to watch the Cincinnati Open, including streaming options like Tennis Channel in the U.S. and free coverage in the Philippines via BlastTV. Local Sports Buzz: The Schottenstein Center is set to debut upgraded video board tech for the upcoming year, promising a sharper, bigger fan experience. Weather Watch: Heavy rain and thunderstorms could bring flash flooding risk to parts of Greater Cincinnati this weekend, with flood watches in effect. Football Fun: Akron is letting a fan call plays for a portion of a counting game—“boom or bust” college football, with the coach still in control.

Sports & Media Education: Ohio University’s Scripps College launches a new Sports Photography for Communication undergraduate certificate this fall, blending photojournalism, sports management, and marketing in a 21-credit program open to any major. Community Arts & Wellness: The Marsh Foundation cut the ribbon on a new equine center in Northwest Ohio, expanding youth therapy with an indoor arena and equine specialists. Local Culture & Events: St. Marys SummerFest returns with family activities, 250th birthday programming, and live music through Sunday. Civic Safety (Local): AARP Ohio funds a solar-powered crosswalk with a mural in Ottawa to help seniors and kids reach the library. Arts & Impact Story: A Shaker Heights student helped erase $1.26M in Cuyahoga medical debt, wiping out the balances through a nonprofit partnership. Entertainment Pop Culture: A canceled Marvel “Squirrel Girl”/New Warriors TV project resurfaces with new behind-the-scenes photos and cast memories. Ohio Sports Spotlight: The Miami Marlins host the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Aug. 15 (6:40 p.m. ET).

Ohio University News: OHIO’s Scripps College is rolling out a new undergraduate certificate this fall that blends sports, photography, and strategic communication—21 credits aimed at careers in sports photojournalism, athletic communications, and sports marketing. Local Youth & Community: On OHIO Southern’s campus in Ironton, the Bobcat Academy served 30 kids for a week at no cost, funded by a $1,500 grant secured by an OHIO Southern alum. Film Spotlight (Ohio): Union County, a rural-Ohio opioid recovery drama mixing Will Poulter and Noah Centineo with real adult recovery court participants, opens Aug. 14 at the Gateway Film Center. Music & Pop Culture: CKY released “Beware of the Heartless,” featuring a guitar solo recorded by late Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds. Sports Business/Entertainment: Penn Station’s “Who Dey Tuesday” returns for Bengals fans with a free small sub or half sandwich after home games. Business/Tech: ChatGPT was asked to suggest student-friendly entertainment trends for small college towns, focusing on low-cost, repeatable social experiences.

Ohio University (OHIO) News: OHIO’s Scripps College of Communication is launching a new undergraduate certificate this fall that blends sports, photography, and strategic communication—aimed at careers in sports photojournalism, athletic communications, and sports marketing. Community & Arts/Education: On OHIO Southern’s campus, the Bobcat Academy served 30 kids for a week at no cost, with programming spanning music, media, art, personal finance, yoga, Zumba, sustainability, and gardening. Sports (Local): Columbus Blue Jackets Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski said he wants the team to become a contender to justify staying beyond 2027-28. College Sports: Eastern Illinois women’s soccer opened its season with a 2-0 win over Valparaiso, highlighted by Amelia Mundo’s long-range goal. Pro Sports (Ohio): Texas LB Rasheem Biles, a Pickerington native, is set to face Ohio State in Week 2 after committing to Texas—citing a grudge from how OSU handled his recruitment. Tennis: Cincinnati Open play continued despite rain, with Cameron Norrie advancing to face Alexander Zverev next.

Sports Media & Education: Ohio State men’s basketball is in Puerto Rico for exhibition action and clinics, spotlighting the program’s offseason outreach. Theater at Home: A new guide highlights pro-shot musicals—professionally filmed stage productions—so fans can watch big Broadway moments in theaters. Local Music Spotlight: Folk artist Stella Prince talks Gen Z folk, her upcoming single “Ruby Boots,” and a debut album recorded in Iceland ahead of a WOUB feature. Community Arts & Culture: Milton House Museum’s Signature Event brings the Fisk Jubilee Singers to Milton on Sept. 26, with dance and fundraising built in. Sports Inclusivity: Columbus becomes the first U.S. city to offer free period products at all major sports venues, with Aunt Flow dispensers added across key arenas and stadiums. Tech & Privacy Debate: A new report questions whether police can be trusted with Flock camera and license plate reader systems, citing mistaken stops and surveillance concerns. Campus Life: Ohio University’s Scripps College launches a sports photography certificate blending visual communication, sports management, and marketing.

Sports & Media Education: Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication is launching a new Sports Photography for Communication undergraduate certificate this fall, designed for careers in sports photojournalism, team/event media, video storytelling, and sports marketing. Community Arts & Youth Programs: OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy in Ironton served 30 kids for free this summer, with hands-on sessions spanning music, media, art, personal finance, yoga, and more. Local Crime & Safety: Columbus prosecutors indicted four people in the mistaken-identity killing of 18-year-old Christopher Cooper-Patton. Entertainment & Sports Spotlight: The Cincinnati Open’s Alex Eala earned a first-round bye as she heads into third-round play. Arts & Culture: A new historical marker in Mansfield honors Sarah Daisy Barker Thomas, a Black music teacher and civil rights leader. Public Alerts: Ohio’s AG issued an Endangered Child Alert for missing 17-year-old Landyn Zagorsky as the search continues. Weather Impact: A lightning strike at an Ohio prison hospitalized 16 inmates, with one airlifted.

Ohio Theater Spotlight: Tantrum Theater at Ohio University announced its 2026–2027 season, with student productions and guest artists teaming up on “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Cabaret,” plus tickets now on sale. Community Enrichment: OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy in Ironton served 30 kids for free thanks to a $1,500 grant, mixing music, media, art, yoga and more. Patriot Games in Ohio: President Donald Trump headlined the Patriot Games finale in Geneva, awarding $250,000 scholarships to two teens and drawing major ESPN and White House figures, with the event tied to America’s 250th. WNBA Returns to Cleveland: The Cleveland Sirens unveiled their identity and branding ahead of a 2028 debut at Rocket Arena. Music News: Rod Stewart cancelled his North American farewell tour after a heart procedure, saying he’s disappointed but recovering. Weather & Safety: Severe storms and flooding risk hit Ohio and the Midwest, with lightning sending 16 inmates to hospitals after a strike at an Ohio prison. Local Business/Entertainment: Another Broken Egg Cafe announced more daytime locations, with Ohio among future expansion plans.

Ohio Theater & Education: Tantrum Theater at Ohio University announced its 2026–2027 season, including “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Cabaret,” with student productions built alongside guest artists. Local Arts Access: OHIO Southern’s Bobcat Academy added a free summer week for 30 kids in Ironton after an OHIO Southern graduate secured a $1,500 grant. Social Media Spotlight (Akron-Canton): Oberlin Conservatory voice professor Jaron Legrair hit 1.3M+ followers and earned “Nicest Niche,” while @hikingwithhykes won “Multimedia Master” in the Akron-Canton Top Content Creator competition. Patriot Games in Ohio: President Trump attended the finale of the 2026 Patriots Games at SPIRE Academy in Geneva with Pat McAfee in tow, drawing both cheers and backlash. Sports & Community: Emilynn Haymore of East Surry finished 20th in the U.S. at USA Triathlon Youth Nationals in West Chester. Weather Disruptions: Tornado warnings were canceled in Madison County, but a flash flood warning hit central Ohio, and storms left tens of thousands without power as Columbus coordinated relief.

Local History & Retail Nostalgia: Lazarus’ Columbus legacy is back in focus with photos and a look at the department store’s long-running presence, including the Westland Mall era and historic downtown scenes. Election Operations: Poll worker recruiting is turning into a fresh midterm battleground as parties build election “armies” ahead of 2026. Music & Touring: ZZ Top will continue its Big One tour with a replacement drummer after Frank Beard’s leave, keeping Billy Gibbons and the band rolling. Ohio Tech/Health: Cleveland Clinic launches prescription drone delivery with Zipline, starting with successful drops around Beachwood. Community & Family Fun: The Lake County Fair drew more than 106,000 people and set a record for its 4-H livestock auction, topping $605,000. Sports Health Spotlight: Pro Football Hall of Famer Roger Craig revealed a vascular dementia diagnosis, linking it to concussions from his playing days. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm warnings and flooding concerns hit the region, with damaging winds and heavy rain disrupting commutes.

Health Policy: Doctors and lawmakers are condemning a Trump order that would reshape childhood vaccine guidance, including splitting the MMR shot and pushing more spaced-out visits—critics warn it could raise costs and add burdens for families. Local Spotlight: Cincinnati’s “Cutest Pets” contest is spotlighting nominees like Winslow, Abbie and Adelaide with short stories and community votes. Ohio Arts & Film: “Union County,” starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo, is getting strong early buzz ahead of its release, with Rotten Tomatoes reviews praising its grounded look at opioid addiction and a real-world drug court setting. Sports Business: Cowboys lock in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams with a three-year, $105.9M extension. Community & Youth: Lima’s GenNext program wrapped up with 15 paid summer interns completing 2,400+ hours across city departments and local partners. Public Safety: Canton investigators are looking into a deadly apartment fire that killed two women, with arson suspected.

Patriot Games in Ohio: President Trump is set to attend the 2026 Patriot Games at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, with the three-day high school sports event tied to America’s 250th anniversary and scholarship prizes. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products sold at major retailers including Kroger and Trader Joe’s across 26 states after a salmonella outbreak; separate USDA/health alerts point to the same ingredient supply chain. Local Politics: Ohio Rep. Max Miller will stay in the reelection race amid domestic abuse allegations and an ethics investigation into himself. Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton): Roger Craig revealed he has vascular dementia, while Drew Brees spoke about adversity on his way to enshrinement. Community & Culture: MEDASE Cocktails expanded into Giant Eagle and Market District stores in Ohio and nearby states, and D-Day Ohio added youth reenactments for the Aug. 13-15 Conneaut event. Sports Watch: Fall camp buzz highlights Ohio State WR Devin McCuin as stock rising early.