AGP Executive Report

Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton): Larry Fitzgerald’s enshrinement weekend is in full swing, with Drew Brees also celebrated in Canton ahead of Saturday’s ceremony, plus Hall of Fame Game buzz featuring Carson Beck’s strong debut for Arizona and Haynes King’s late heroics for Carolina. Sports & Ohio Pride: Women’s decathlon action hits Oberlin, where Eagle River’s Jordyn Bruce heads into the Women’s Decathlon World Championships with two bronze medals already in hand. Local Arts & Community Film: TriCity Theatre in Jackson is hosting a free screening of “HOLLER” as part of Ohio Goes to the Movies, with director Nicole Riegel expected to attend. Fashion & Entertainment: Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Fashion Show brought big style to the spotlight. Food & Fair Fundraising: The Henry County Fair in Napoleon is joining a statewide “Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer” contest to stock local food banks. Public Service & Memorials: Lima City Schools is preparing to dedicate a Veterans Wall of Honor recognizing nearly 800 graduates, while Auglaize County’s Junior Fair livestock sale spotlighted young exhibitors’ hard work. Legal/Media: A federal judge partially tossed Designer Shoe Warehouse’s declaratory judgment complaint against Sony Music, keeping a wider social media music-infringement fight alive.

Trademark Drama: Buc-ee’s is suing Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek over a beaver logo, arguing the small shop’s red-lettered mascot is too close to its own—while Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore says there’s more to the story. Sports & Entertainment Spotlight: The NFL preseason kicks off in Canton with the Hall of Fame Game, where undrafted rookie QB Haynes King leads the Panthers to a 33-30 comeback over the Cardinals. Ohio History in Mansfield: The public can attend an Aug. 12 dedication of a new Ohio Historical Marker honoring Sarah Daisy Barker Thomas and the Barker family. Community & Arts: Springfield’s Zima Automotive is backing Stevie’s World of Wiffleball, supporting families facing serious medical challenges. America’s 250th: Patriot Games for ages 14-17 run Aug. 9-11 in Ohio with 120 athletes competing for $250,000 in scholarships, with ESPN schedule details updated. Music Buzz: Carrie Underwood teases her rock-forward Sunday Night Football anthem return.

Mega Millions: Ohio-based financial advisers say if you win, keep it quiet, stay organized, and talk to a tax attorney/accountant and a financial adviser before deciding on cash vs. payments. Road Safety: Ohio’s “Phones Down. It’s the Law” campaign pushes drivers to stop handheld calls/texting and reminds police can pull over distracted drivers as a primary offense. Canton Football Buzz: The NFL Hall of Fame Game kicks off Thursday with the Panthers vs. Cardinals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, with NBC/Peacock coverage and Hall of Fame weekend spotlight on Luke Kuechly and Larry Fitzgerald. Local Sports Media: SOJC alum Bri Amaranthus is bringing her Emmy-winning sports journalism career back home to cover the Ducks more closely. Accessibility in Montgomery County: Washington-Centerville Public Library installed an adult-size height-adjustable changing table using ARPA funds to improve dignity and safety for visitors and caregivers. Music & Community: The Cincinnati Open returns with $260M in upgrades, expanded fan zones, and a Community Weekend aimed at making tennis more welcoming.

NFL Hall of Fame Game (Canton): The Panthers and Cardinals kick off the 2026 preseason Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, with NBC carrying the game and the Class of 2026 (including Luke Kuechly and Larry Fitzgerald) celebrated around it. Pro Football Hall of Fame TV plans: The enshrinement ceremony for Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Fitzgerald, Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri runs Saturday starting at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL Network. Local food & community: Venice’s Thai Bistro marks its 21st birthday with a major expansion and plaza purchase, adding accessibility upgrades and new art. Tech/entertainment crossover: Onconetix says Realbotix’s humanoid robot will appear as a character on an Emmy-awarded streaming series. Ohio civic/arts-adjacent: Cleveland launches a weekly downtown farmers market starting Sept. 1, with live music and chef demos. Sports betting promos: Multiple new-user offers are circulating for the Hall of Fame Game, including DraftKings bonus bets and Polymarket/Kalshi referral deals.

Ohio Arts & Community: Perrysburg’s “Throwback Thursday” brings back Nine Lives for a live set at Music at the Market (7–8:30 p.m. Thursday). Local Music Spotlight: Spencer Hatcher heads to the Rockingham County Fair main stage Aug. 11, opening for Clay Walker. Health Justice (Multi-State): Community Catalyst launched “Voices for Health Justice 3.0,” expanding organizing and policy work across nearly a dozen states. Ohio Politics & Ethics: House Speaker Mike Johnson says Max Miller abuse allegations are “domestic events,” while Miller stays in the race after passing a key deadline. Sports (Ohio Connections): Gonzaga landed Dayton guard Javon Bennett after an Ohio court ruling cleared his fifth year; Cleveland’s Jerry Jeudy clarified a viral “four fingers” clip as his daughter’s age. Columbus Development: NRP Group broke ground on OSU East, a 336-unit upscale community near major transit corridors.

WNBA in Cleveland: The Cleveland Sirens unveiled their distinct identity at Rocket Arena, aiming to be “very separate” from the Cavaliers brand as the league expands in 2028. Music & touring: Weezer announced The Gathering Tour dates across Europe, the UK and Asia, with Taking Back Sunday as support, plus North American fall dates. Documentary film fest: Chagrin Documentary Film Festival revealed 75 selected films from 31 countries for its Oct. 6-11 run in Chagrin Falls. Local arts & community: Cleveland Clinic pledged $1 million to help build a teaching kitchen at Cleveland’s West Side Market, boosting nutrition education and programming. Sports culture in Ohio: The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game kicks off the NFL preseason in Canton, with Arizona vs. Carolina at 8 p.m. ET. Pop culture: Perez Hilton’s career is spotlighted in photos as Miami authorities responded to reports tied to a TikTok livestream. Legal/entertainment-adjacent: Buc-ee’s sued a small Ohio store over a beaver mascot logo, escalating the chain’s ongoing legal reputation.

Food Safety & Local Life: A cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce has many Ohioans skipping lettuce and switching to alternatives after the recall, with reports of thousands sick nationwide and two deaths in Michigan. College Sports Watch: Ohio State starts the preseason Coaches Poll at No. 1, while Indiana lands No. 6; Kentucky is shut out of the Top 25 entirely. Court-Driven Roster Chaos: Indiana’s Stephen Daley is returning for 2026-27 after a Colorado eligibility injunction, adding to the scramble around the NCAA’s eligibility rules. Ohio Politics Under Fire: U.S. Rep. Max Miller says he’ll stay in his reelection race amid House Ethics scrutiny over domestic abuse allegations and fallout from a leaked “sensitive” photo. Ohio Entertainment & Community: Cleveland’s City Stages brought Korea’s Insane Park & the Generals to the CMA for a high-energy outdoor set in Ohio City. Sports & Streaming: Columbus Crew hosts Atlas FC in Leagues Cup 2026, with match coverage and viewing options circulating for Ohio fans.

Ohio Politics & Accountability: A lawyer for U.S. Rep. Max Miller admitted Tuesday that he accidentally released “private images” of Miller’s daughter while assembling documents tied to domestic-abuse claims, saying it was “completely unintentional.” Local Governance: Lakewood’s school board agreed to reopen and redo an elementary restructuring plan after a settlement over Ohio Open Meetings Act violations, including new public votes and Open Meetings Act training. Sports Media & Community: WKTN named official radio partner of the Findlay Force, expanding Northwest Ohio hockey coverage alongside high school sports. Entertainment & Theme Parks: Kings Island is adding a Jason Voorhees “Jason Blood Reign” haunted maze for Halloween Haunt 2026. Fashion/Pop Culture: Kelly Osbourne publicly asked ex Sid Wilson for “child support” amid Slipknot-related controversy. Tech & Culture: OpenAI drew backlash after hosting a luxury influencer retreat, with critics pointing to AI ethics and data-center concerns. Sports (Ohio): Ohio high school fall sports dates are set, with football Week 1 starting Aug. 20-22.

Browns Training Camp (Pads): The Browns hit their first padded practice in Berea, with the offense finally producing in the end zone and the defense snagging multiple interceptions, plus a few heated moments that included a punch during drills. Big Ten Volleyball on TV: The Big Ten announced 93 nationally televised matches for 2026, and FOX will air the Big Ten Volleyball Tournament Championship match on Nov. 25—an all-new milestone for women’s college volleyball. Local Health & Community: Mercy Health St. Rita’s in Lima is expanding women’s health, pediatric “Mercy Tots,” and adolescent behavioral health services, while the Lima Rotary Club awarded $1,000 scholarships to 14 nontraditional students. Arts & Culture: Whistler’s Mother is temporarily “missing” from the Musée d’Orsay and will be on view at Tate Britain in London during the summer retrospective. Sports & Entertainment Watch: Serena and Venus Williams received a doubles wild card for the Cincinnati Open, setting up a return to the court together. Public Safety: A mother in Lucas County Children Services custody is demanding answers after her 6-year-old drowned in Bowling Green.

Slipknot Watch: Reports say Sid Wilson was permanently ousted from Slipknot, but the band’s Jim Root posted a “don’t believe everything you read” message, keeping fans guessing. Ohio Sports & TV: The NFL preseason kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton (Cardinals vs. Panthers, Aug. 6), and local viewers can catch it on NBC/Peacock/NFL+/Fubo. AI Literacy in Ohio Colleges: A new push for AI minors and “AI literacy” courses is spreading beyond computer science as hiring cools for entry-level coding roles. Local Arts & Community: ODNR’s America 250 “Walk Through History” event returns to Independence Dam State Park with reenactors, demos, and a War of 1812 wreath-laying ceremony. Entertainment for Horror Fans: Six Flags announced “Jason: Blood Reign,” a new Friday the 13th haunted maze coming to Kings Island in Ohio for Halloween events. Ohio Politics Meets Culture: Coverage continues on Ohio Rep. Max Miller amid domestic abuse allegations and calls for him to step down. Weekend Plans: Bluffton’s History Day (chicken BBQ, local business history) and PorchFest planning highlight more Ohio arts-and-music community stops.

Ohio Politics: U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur was hospitalized after a hit-and-run crash while on her way to church in Toledo; her office says injuries are non-life-threatening and she’s alert. Ohio GOP Fallout: Sen. Bernie Moreno escalated the fight over domestic abuse allegations against his ex-son-in-law, Rep. Max Miller, saying Miller “should not serve” and needs “serious psychological help,” while Miller denies the claims and says he won’t drop out. Local Sports & Community: The 174th Auglaize County Fair is underway in Wapakoneta with family entertainment, livestock competitions, and live music, including a demolition derby and harness racing. Ohio Entertainment/Arts: At the Ohio State Fair, CFAES is turning a summer tradition into a hands-on classroom experience. Sports Business: The Dodgers traded for Tarik Skubal, setting up his debut Tuesday at Wrigley Field—another reminder of how quickly MLB’s star market is moving.

Baseball & Legacy: Larry Doby’s story gets renewed attention as the first Black player in the American League is remembered for breaking barriers after segregation-era stints and wartime service. Local Sports & Community: The Cleveland Browns’ training-camp rookie spotlight and a Paul Warfield history piece keep Ohio football and pro sports culture front and center. Music & Local Impact: Barry Manilow will award a $10,000 prize to a Columbus music teacher at his Aug. 2 show, supporting underfunded school programs. Fashion & Pop Culture: Zendaya’s best vintage fashion moments highlight how archive looks are becoming a sustainability play. Arts & Events: The FEST returns to ForeFront Field in Avon on Aug. 15 with Christian artists, Mass, and fireworks. Sports for Families: The 2026 Little League Softball World Series guide covers teams, ages, and rules for Aug. 2-8. Health & Safety: The Red Cross declares a national blood crisis, with type O supplies especially tight.

Ohio Arts & Hobbies: The Y-Bridge Arts Festival in Zanesville wrapped up with local stained-glass artist Bill Bird highlighting how festivals bring exposure to home studios and commissions. Sports (Local + National): A rainy, enthusiastic debut for the Women’s Professional Baseball League drew more than 4,000 fans to Springfield, Ill., with Mo’ne Davis and the Los Angeles Queens taking the field. MLB (Ohio): At Great American Ball Park, Pirates-Reds hit a rain delay in the sixth inning, with Cincinnati officials later giving an all-clear to resume outdoor activities. Entertainment & Community: Ohio’s hobby scene got a boost as bonsai enthusiasts gathered in Avon for the second annual Bonsai in the Park, featuring live demos and workshops for beginners and longtime growers. Weather Impacting Events: Severe storms and tornado warnings disrupted Gen Con in Indianapolis, briefly halting the convention mid-session. Ohio Sports Business: Ohio awarded $20 million for a broadband fiber project along U.S. 30, aiming to connect colleges, local governments, and health care facilities across multiple northwest counties.

Arts & Community: The Y Bridge Arts Festival kicked off July 31 on the Zane State College and Ohio University Zanesville campus, with more than 60 regional artists, food trucks, live entertainment and kids’ activities continuing Aug. 1. Local Arts Abroad: Columbus-based Artway Inc. is spotlighting Ghanaian creativity after a cultural exchange that produced a documentary and exhibitions back home. Music: Tyler Hubbard released “902180,” a solo heartbreak anthem, and shared tour dates that include an Oct. 8 stop at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Sports (Ohio): The Gus Macker Zanesville 2027 tournament is returning with a confirmed venue partnership between Ohio University Zanesville, Zane State College and the YMCA. Sports (MLB): The Pirates visit the Reds at Great American Ball Park Aug. 1 (6:40 p.m. ET). News You Can Use: Ohio’s 2026 high school football season start dates are now out, with action beginning in August.

College Sports Legal Shakeup: A Colorado judge granted a preliminary injunction letting NCAA athletes from the high school class of 2022 regain eligibility for the upcoming season, setting up major ripple effects for the transfer portal. Ohio State Fair Learning Push: Gov. Mike DeWine helped open the new Ohio Agriculture Center, and CFAES says the fair is turning into a hands-on classroom with research, youth leadership, and exhibits across the grounds. Local Consumer Scam Alert: Ohio’s attorney general-linked complaints tied to a women’s empowerment Facebook group report losses topping $482,000, with dozens of victims across the Miami Valley and beyond. Cybersecurity for Businesses: A Lima panel urged companies to slow down, verify requests, and train staff to avoid costly online fraud. Community Good News: Superior Credit Union donated $1,000 to help a Lima nonprofit buy a van for peanut-butter-and-jelly lunch deliveries, while the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis and set a Lima blood drive for Aug. 12. Sports & Media: Tony Romo was placed on leave from CBS NFL coverage after an arrest on suspicion of DUI.

Ohio State Fair Opening: Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and First Lady Fran DeWine helped kick off the 171st Ohio State Fair in Columbus, celebrating major Expo Center upgrades including the new Ohio Showcase Building and Children’s Carousel. Local Hospitality/History: Carrollton’s Van Horne ballroom is back after a 2½-year restoration, now offering original ballroom access plus five themed bed-and-breakfast suites. Music & Community: Pelotonia’s 18th annual Ride Weekend returns Aug. 1-2 with an all-new downtown loop and expects 8,000+ cyclists, including a record 1,000+ cancer survivors. Health & Aging: Ohio State Wexner Medical Center experts explain the difference between Alzheimer’s and other dementias, focusing on symptom patterns and what to do if you’re worried. Sports Spotlight: The Guardians’ Kyle Manzardo and Travis Bazzana powered an Ohio Cup win over the Reds, while Cincinnati braces for a big weekend of sports, concerts and a world record attempt amid storm watch. Policy Watch: Ohio lawmakers advanced Katelyn’s Law (HB459), creating a felony for moving or removing human remains to prevent discovery.