AGP Executive Report

Local Arts & Venues: The Palace Theatre in Columbus marks its 100th year, with a look back at its history as it prepares for major renovation plans. Community Culture: A new owner is reopening the former Studio West 117 in Cleveland/Lakewood as a community-centered space focused on culture, connection, and well-being. Film & Storytelling: Steubenville is gearing up for the inaugural Steubenville International Film Festival (Nov. 6–7), built from a long-running dream to expand arts opportunities at the Sycamore Center. Sports & Spotlight: Ohio’s Ava Parrett earns G-MAC Athlete of the Week after a standout cross-country performance for Ashland University. Music News: New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert dies at 45 after a years-long cancer battle. Library Life: Bluffton Public Library highlights National Library Card Sign-up Month and the wide range of items available beyond books. Cleveland Arts Leadership: The Cleveland Artists Foundation hires Grafton Nunes as director to reignite interest in regional art.

College Football Rankings: Ole Miss jumped into the AP Top 5 after beating LSU 32-24, while LSU fell to No. 10 and Ohio State slipped to No. 7 in the Sunday poll. Local Sports: Catholic Central canceled its third straight high school football game, with Madison-Plains stepping in as the league scrambles for a new opponent. Arts & Education Tech: Huntington University installed a curved LED “Volume” video wall for digital media arts students, bringing virtual production tools used in film, TV, and sports media. Media & Journalism: MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner was denied White House access after a Trump ban on outlets, a move that’s sparked fresh debate about press access. NFL & Pop Culture: Taylor Swift attendance rumors swirl ahead of Colts-Chiefs Sunday Night Football at Arrowhead. Music: Veteran country music journalist Edward Morris died at 90. Community Events: CHP Home Care & Hospice plans its Oct. 8 “Beacon of Hope” dinner and charity auction in Van Wert.

Sports Betting & NFL Promotions: New prediction-market and sportsbook promos are driving Sunday NFL buzz, including Novig’s $25 trade-credit offer for Packers vs. Jets (code AMNY) and ProphetX/Polymarket/BetMGM/Fanatics bet-and-bonus deals tied to Bengals-Texans, Eagles-Titans, Steelers-Patriots, and more. NFL Discipline Watch: The NFL is “likely” to discipline 49ers owner Jed York over an Ohio prostitution arrest, with outcomes depending on whether the team acts proactively. College Football Spotlight: Week 3 delivered major storylines—Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss surged to Heisman-favorite chatter after a win over LSU, while Kentucky stunned Texas A&M in a top-10 upset. Ohio Arts & Culture: Columbus’ Palace Theatre is in the spotlight with photos and ongoing attention around its future renovation plans. Youth Social Media: Meta reached a settlement that includes Ohio, with new limits aimed at reducing teen scrolling on Instagram and Facebook. Community & Local Events: Northwest Ohio family listings include story times, art hubs, and “Dino and Donuts” events this week. Business/Industry: Fruchtman Marketing’s ownership transition moves its fine-jewelry-focused operations from Ohio to Miami.

Public Media Merger: PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media cleared the way to merge, aiming to protect and strengthen public arts, culture, and local reporting across northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania. College Football (Ohio): Ohio State rolled past Kent State 59-3, with WR Jeremiah Smith breaking the program’s all-time receiving yards record and a quick health update on freshman RB Legend Bey’s tweaked ankle. Local Rivalry Drama: Cincinnati erased a 21-point halftime deficit to beat Miami (Ohio) 35-31 in the Victory Bell game. Big Ten Spotlight: Illinois bounced back with a 48-10 win over Southern Illinois, setting up its next trip to Ohio State. Sports Betting & Media Buzz: Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase is at the center of a federal gambling case focused on specific pitches, while Ohio sports coverage continues to mix in heavy promo-code betting chatter. Arts & Community: “Art in the Park” highlighted juried artists across the region, and an older-adult art show in Waverly opens Monday with a people’s choice vote.

Weekend Arts & Community: Fairfield’s Movies in the Park screens “Hamilton” (live stage recording) Friday, while Middletown Arts Center hosts a free block party Saturday and Oxford’s Oxtoberfest brings German food, music, and games. Motorsports in Lorain: The Lorain Ohio Kartplex debuts as a national destination with the United States Pro Kart Series, drawing 130+ racers from around the U.S. and beyond. WNBA Milestone (Ohio ties): Former Ohio State star Kelsey Mitchell set the WNBA single-season scoring record with 33 points for the Indiana Fever. Ohio State Football (watch info): No. 6 OSU hosts Kent State Saturday at noon on FOX, with Jeremiah Smith closing in on the program’s all-time receiving mark. Public Safety Scam Alert: Clayton warns homeowners about an AI fake property tax relief video using bogus program details to lure personal info. Public Media: Ideastream Public Media and PBS Western Reserve announced a merger to strengthen Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania coverage.

Local Sports Buzz: Ohio high school football kept rolling with a full Week 5 slate of results, including Gahanna Lincoln edging Hilliard Darby 10-7 and Ohio teams like Hilliard Bradley (49-14 over Thomas Worthington) and Grove City (42-35 over Dublin Coffman). Big-Time College Football: Week 3 is loaded for Ohio fans, highlighted by LSU at Ole Miss on ABC and the Miami (Ohio) vs. Cincinnati Victory Bell rivalry. Ohio College Hoops: Ohio State landed Illinois point guard Jaxson Davis, a pass-first, defense-minded floor general, adding momentum after a Deng Ngor commitment. Arts & Community: Cleveland State reopened reimagined Fenn Tower after an $18M renovation, bringing 175 rooms and 431 beds back for first-year students. Health & Safety: Cuyahoga Falls High School canceled a football game after a hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak, with a forfeit likely under OHSAA rules. Aviation Fun: Warren County Airport’s Airport Fest 2026 opens runways to the public Saturday with aircraft displays, rides, and live music.

Public Media Merger: PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media in Ohio approved a plan to merge, aiming to strengthen local news and cultural programming across Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Local Arts & Community: Ohio University Zanesville marks 80 years with a Sept. 26 celebration featuring brunch and a campus open house. Theater Spotlight: OHIO Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors,” tackling the challenge of multiple growing Audrey II puppets. Food & Fun: Defiance Rib Fest returns Sept. 26 with Battle of the Bands winners and headliner REkT. Sports on TV: A full slate of college football and other games is set for Sept. 19–20, including Kent State at Ohio State on FOX. Music & Culture: Hayley Williams announces Australian dates for “The Hayley Williams Show,” with tickets going on sale Sept. 22. Pop Culture in Ohio: Snooki dined in Cincinnati at Carlo & Johnny, posting the visit on social media. Quick Local Note: Fairbanks volleyball stays perfect in Ohio Heritage Conference play with a three-set sweep.

Local Theater: Ohio University Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors,” with producer A. Victor Jones revisiting the show’s biggest headache: hauling and building multiple Audrey II puppets—this time rented in advance so the cast can rehearse inside them. Campus Milestone: Ohio University Zanesville marks 80 years of education and community partnership with a Sept. 26 celebration featuring a Bobcat Brunch and campus open house. High School Sports Spotlight: Warwick field hockey sophomore Ella Klazas helped keep the Warriors undefeated with a 1-0 win, scoring via a restart and making key defensive stops. Public Media: Ideastream Public Media and PBS Western Reserve will merge after losing federal funds, aiming to protect regional TV and radio service without planned layoffs. Arts & Community Events: Wauseon launches a “Prepared to Serve. Proud to Protect.” fire department campaign, and Loudonville’s Oktoberfest returns Sept. 26 with beer tastings and live music.

Ohio University Zanesville Anniversary: OHIO Zanesville will mark 80 years of education and community partnership with “Rooted in Excellence. Growing Our Legacy.” on Sept. 26, featuring a Bobcat Brunch and campus open house at 1425 Newark Road. Lancaster Theatre Spotlight: OHIO Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors” again, with a behind-the-scenes focus on building and rehearsing the show’s multiple Audrey II puppets. Athletics Partnership: Ohio Athletics expanded its agreement with OhioHealth, naming OhioHealth the Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Local Arts & Festivals: Grove City’s Arts in the Alley returns Sept. 18-20 with juried art, live music, food trucks, a parade, and a “Voice of Grove City” singing competition. Entertainment & Culture: Head & Shoulders unveiled its HydraZinc Complex for recurring dandruff control, and DQ named its 2026 Vendor of the Year winners, including a Columbus equipment vendor. True Crime (National, with Ohio ties): Former “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn’s murder trial began with jury selection in Miami County.

Ohio University Arts & Community: Ohio University Zanesville marks 80 years with “Rooted in Excellence. Growing Our Legacy” on Sept. 26, featuring a Bobcat Brunch, campus open house, and alumni/community events. Regional Theater Spotlight: OHIO Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors” again, leaning on a major behind-the-scenes effort to bring Audrey II to life with multiple large puppets. Student-Athlete Health: Ohio Athletics expands its partnership with OhioHealth, naming it Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Public Safety & Privacy: Ohio AG candidates clash over Flock camera misuse, with one pushing felony penalties for abuse while defending legitimate law enforcement use. Cancer Research Hope: A Toledo-area report highlights promising blood-test work aimed at catching pancreatic cancer earlier. Local Culture & Fun: Lakewood’s Harvest Fest returns Sept. 24 after a seven-year break, with live music, kid activities, and local vendors. Sports Schedules (Big Ten): Big Ten releases men’s and women’s hoops schedules, including Michigan–Michigan State home-and-home dates and Ohio State’s league slate.

Local Arts & Education: Ohio University Zanesville marks 80 years with “Rooted in Excellence. Growing Our Legacy.” on Sept. 26, featuring a Bobcat Brunch and campus open house. Theater Spotlight: OHIO Lancaster stages “Little Shop of Horrors,” leaning on a multi-puppet Audrey II setup that’s a logistical feat. Sports Tech for Ohio Fans: Sinclair and Nexstar launch a NextGenTV consumer education push starting Sept. 17, with Cleveland and Columbus among the Ohio-area markets. Music & Pop Culture: Metallica extends its M72 World Tour into 2027, adding a Cleveland stop and new North American dates. Ohio Sports Business: OhioHealth becomes Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics under a multi-year deal. Big-Time Entertainment News: Arch Manning apologized to ESPN’s Holly Rowe after joking about an AI-altered “slap” video tied to Texas’ Ohio State win. Business/Media Watch: Forbes’ 400 list puts Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown at No. 224, worth $7.6B.

Ohio University Zanesville Anniversary: OHIO Zanesville will mark 80 years of education and community partnership with “Rooted in Excellence. Growing Our Legacy.” on Sept. 26, featuring a Bobcat Brunch and campus open house. Theater & Community Arts: Ohio University Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors,” spotlighting the behind-the-scenes challenge of building and transporting the show’s growing Audrey II puppets. College Sports Business: Learfield’s Ohio Sports Properties expands its Ohio Athletics deal, naming OhioHealth the Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Performing Arts in the Spotlight: The Kennedy Center closed to the public after its board voted to shut down for renovations, amid a legal fight over whether Trump’s name can appear on the building. Sports Media Controversy: Texas QB Arch Manning apologized after joking about an AI video showing Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN’s Holly Rowe. High School Sports Policy: Suburban League administrators are circulating a petition to push for separate OHSAA state tournaments for public and private schools. Local Sports: Ohio high school football Week 4 highlights from the OPSMA notebook.

Color & Home Design: Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams just unveiled “Celery” as their 2027 Color of the Year, pitching the soft green as a calmer, more balanced shade for everyday spaces. College Sports Culture: Texas QB Arch Manning’s laugh about an AI-made video involving ESPN reporter Holly Rowe and coach Steve Sarkisian has reignited backlash and debate over media, AI edits, and sportsmanship. Local Sports Spotlight: Ohio’s high school sports participation hit a national high, with Ohio ranking third overall for student-athletes—plus a reminder that fans can vote for the Dispatch Boys Athlete of the Week presented by Wexner Medical Center. Theater & Community: Ohio University Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors” again, leaning on big, growing puppets to bring Audrey II to life. Arts & Events: Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater will host Siberian Solstice’s rock-infused Christmas show Dec. 18. Business of Entertainment: Learfield’s Ohio Sports Properties expanded its Ohio Athletics deal, naming OhioHealth as the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics.

Ohio University Lancaster Theater: OHIO Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors” again, with the biggest challenge being the car-sized Audrey II puppets that must be built or rented in multiple sizes. Ohio University Athletics: Learfield’s Ohio Sports Properties expanded its deal with OhioHealth, naming it Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics for all 16 sports. Ohio University (Athens) Leadership: President Lori Stewart Gonzalez delivered the State of the University Address, laying out how OHIO’s Dynamic Strategy is guiding the next phase of the school. Columbus NHL Buzz: The Blue Jackets will host an annual NHL prospects tournament in Columbus in 2028, rotating with other teams. Sports Media Controversy: Arch Manning faced backlash after admitting he laughed at an AI video mocking ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe and coach Steve Sarkisian. Local Arts & Community: Ohio University Zanesville plans an 80th anniversary celebration Sept. 26 with brunch and an open house. Civic Watch: Defiance commissioners discussed funding and design steps for an Ohio EPA wastewater fix affecting homes near Ohio 15.

Ohio University Lancaster Theater: “Little Shop of Horrors” returns to Wagner Theatre at Brasee Hall, with the biggest hurdle being the car-sized, growing Audrey II puppets—this time rented in advance so the cast can rehearse inside them. Ohio University Zanesville: The campus marks 80 years with a Sept. 26 celebration featuring a Bobcat Brunch and campus open house. Sports Medicine in Athens: Ohio Athletics expands its partnership with OhioHealth, naming it Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Cleveland Zoo: Guests can help name a newly born Amur leopard cub, with voting tied to conservation donations. Outdoor & family fun: Headlands Birds Festival returns Sept. 18–20 near Cleveland, plus an Archangel Michael Greek Food Festival runs Oct. 2–4. Community spotlight: Ohio AG Andy Wilson launches “Heart of Kindness,” asking for 250 kindness submissions by Dec. 31. College football buzz: Texas’ comeback over Ohio State keeps reshaping rankings and bowl projections. Local sports participation: Ohio ranks third nationally for high school sports participation, with girls flag football and wrestling driving growth.

Ohio University & campus life: OHIO Zanesville plans an 80th-anniversary celebration Sept. 26 with Bobcat Brunch, campus open house, and alumni/community events on the Zanesville campus. Local theater: Ohio University Lancaster is staging “Little Shop of Horrors” again, leaning on multiple large puppets for Audrey II—this time with rentals arriving two weeks ahead for rehearsal. Sports medicine partnership: Ohio Athletics expands its agreement with OhioHealth, naming it Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports and emphasizing student-athlete wellness. Higher-ed leadership: OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez delivered the State of the University Address, outlining how OHIO’s Dynamic Strategy is guiding next steps. College football buzz (Ohio angle): Texas’ 20-point fourth-quarter comeback over Ohio State lifts the Longhorns to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 while Ohio State drops out of the top five; Oregon also falls after losing to Oklahoma State. Music & community: Dexter hosts the Harold J. Crosby Community Band Camp Sept. 18-20, ending with a free concert. Local sports viewing: The Dodgers visit the Reds Sept. 14 at Great American Ball Park, with TV and radio options listed.