AGP Executive Report

Ohio University Arts & Culture: OHIO shared plans for a permanent home for the Marching 110, plus updates on scholarships and endowment growth, while OHIO Libraries opened the Sara Gilfert Collection, spotlighting the Southeast Ohio papermaker and community arts leader. Juneteenth in Athens: OHIO’s 2026 Juneteenth Festival is set for June 19 at Richland Avenue Park with music, food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, and a rain backup at the Athens Community Center. Local Theater: Stage Left Players brings Little Shop of Horrors to Lisbon’s Trinity Playhouse for two weekends starting June 19. Sports Spotlight: The Greater Toledo Classic tees off tournament week with defending champ Mia Hammond and sponsor exemptions, and Ohio’s high school baseball season ends with All-Ohio teams across divisions. Community & Safety: Columbus Zoo faces a fight over township ticket fees, Salem confirmed an EF-1 tornado, and Butler County reported a third rabies-positive bat.

Ohio University Updates: The OHIO Board of Trustees heard progress on its Dynamic Strategy plan, including R1 momentum, a scholarship match that’s topped $83M, and an endowment surpassing $1B—plus approval to extend the scholarship match through 2031. Marching Band Milestone: OHIO says the Marching 110 will soon get a permanent practice facility with turf, a director’s tower, and safety-focused amenities, funded by alumni gifts. Juneteenth in Athens: OHIO’s Juneteenth Festival returns June 19 with music, food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, and a rain plan at the Athens Community Center. Arts & Archives: OHIO Libraries opened the Sara Gilfert Collection, spotlighting the papermaker and educator behind Paper Circle. Sports & Local Culture: Taylor Swift’s courtside Cavs-Knicks chair sold for $7K at auction, and the Youngstown Walk of Fame announced 2026 inductees Billy Beck and Rick Ward. Community Spotlight: United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties is launching a “community superheroes” campaign with public voting and billboards. Big State News: Gov. DeWine signed a $3.7B capital improvements budget, including funding for schools and projects like parks, theaters, and museums.

Ohio University updates: The OHIO Board of Trustees reviewed year-two progress on its Dynamic Strategy plan, pushed FY27 priorities, and approved extending the Scholarship Match Program through June 30, 2031 (with a new $2M annual cap). Campus arts & culture: OHIO also announced plans for a permanent, purpose-built home for the Marching 110 practice facility, funded by alumni Shawn and Tracey Hurley. Juneteenth in Athens: OHIO is hosting a Juneteenth Festival June 19 (1–4 p.m.) at Richland Avenue Park with music, food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, and volunteer sign-ups. Preserving local art history: OHIO Libraries opened the Sara Gilfert Collection, digitized and supported by the Ohio Arts Council, spotlighting the Southeast Ohio papermaker and educator. Community arts events: Salem Bible Methodist Church welcomes the Legacy Quartet June 21; Salem also hosts a free abolitionist history walking tour June 15. Music review: Modest Mouse’s “An Eraser and a Maze” gets a local spotlight.

Ohio University Updates: The OHIO Board of Trustees reviewed Dynamic Strategy progress, R1 plans, and growth in scholarship support, including extending the Scholarship Match Program through 2031 with a $2 million annual cap. Marching 110 Facility: OHIO also announced a new purpose-built practice home for the Marching 110, funded by alumni gifts, with turf and training amenities. Juneteenth at OHIO: The university’s 2026 Juneteenth Festival is set for June 19 at Richland Avenue Park with music, food trucks, vendors, and kids’ activities. Arts & Archives: OHIO Libraries opened the Sara Gilfert Collection, spotlighting the Southeast Ohio papermaker and community arts leader. Community Spotlight: Bluffton’s Icon’s BHS artist of the month is senior Lexy Lehman, and the Bluffton American Legion golf outing highlighted veteran-focused quilt giving. Big Stage, Big News: The Kennedy Center removed President Trump’s name from its facade after a court order, though workers’ tarp coverage left the change unclear. Columbus Arts Festival: The festival will close early today due to incoming thunderstorms, while Sunday jazz plans continue.

Ohio Wine Spotlight: Ohio Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge visited Lincoln Way Vineyards to tout Wine Month’s growth, saying the grape and wine industry adds about $6.6 billion to the state economy and supports roughly 41,000 jobs. Campus Arts & Culture: Ohio University trustees heard updates on R1 strategy and scholarships, while the Marching 110 prepares for a permanent practice facility funded by alumni Shawn and Tracey Hurley. Juneteenth in Athens: OHIO’s 2026 Juneteenth Festival is set for June 19 at Richland Avenue Park with music, food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, and a rain plan at the Athens Community Center. Local Arts Archives: OHIO Libraries opened the Sara Gilfert Collection, preserving the work of the Southeast Ohio papermaker and community arts leader. Performing Arts News: The Kennedy Center’s Trump-name removal remains in limbo behind a tarp after a court order. Sports & Entertainment: The Reds host the Diamondbacks June 14, and AEW’s Cincinnati Summer Blockbuster aired with Kenny Omega vs. Bad Dude Tito.

Ohio University Campus Life: OHIO trustees heard updates on the Dynamic Strategy plan, R1 progress, and a scholarship match that’s grown giving to $83M+; the Foundation’s match program is extended through 2031 with a $2M annual cap. Marching Band Facilities: The Marching 110 is getting a permanent practice home—turf field, instruction tower, and safety-focused amenities—funded by alumni Shawn and Tracey Hurley. Juneteenth in Athens: OHIO’s 2026 Juneteenth Festival runs June 19 (1–4 p.m.) at Richland Avenue Park with music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a rain backup at the Athens Community Center. Arts & Archives: OHIO Libraries opened the Sara Gilfert Collection, spotlighting the Southeast Ohio papermaker and fiber artist’s work and teaching, plus materials tied to her community arts nonprofit Paper Circle. Community Sports: Fulton County Jaguars brought home medals at the 2026 Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games and were recognized statewide for Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraising. Local Culture & Storytelling: Ohio University Southern is documenting African American local history along the Ohio River corridor through the documentary “Telling Our Story – The African American Experience.”

Ohio University Arts & Culture: OHIO is rolling out major new support for campus creativity, from a new Marching 110 practice facility to a Sara Gilfert archival collection and Juneteenth Festival programming. Community Events: Steubenville’s 30th-annual Dean Martin Hometown Festival kicks off this week with music, film, and classic-era tributes. Local Arts & Learning: Ohio University Libraries is opening the Sara Gilfert Collection, spotlighting the papermaker and educator’s work and teaching materials. Civic & Public Life: Federal agents raided the Ohio Organizing Collaborative’s Cleveland offices tied to its 2024 voter registration push. Arts Institution Fight: The Kennedy Center missed a deadline to remove President Trump’s name after courts denied emergency delays. Education & Youth Safety: A school bus driver in Licking County was charged after allegations he showed sexually explicit videos to students. Sports & Entertainment: Ohio State is finalizing a home-and-home with Vanderbilt, and NCAA outdoor track wrapped with Arkansas taking the men’s team title.

Ohio University Arts & Culture: Ohio University is preparing a permanent home for the Marching 110, with a new practice facility and Hurley Field planned for later this year, funded by major alumni gifts. Juneteenth in Athens: OHIO’s 2026 Juneteenth Festival is set for June 19 at Richland Avenue Park, with live music, food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, and a rain plan at the Athens Community Center. Local Arts Archives: Ohio University Libraries opened the Sara Gilfert Collection, spotlighting the Southeast Ohio papermaker and fiber artist’s work and teaching, with digitized materials supported by arts partners. Sports Betting Court Fight: Former SEC chair Gary Gensler says sports bets aren’t swaps, filing in a federal appeals case that could shape how Ohio regulates prediction markets. Community Safety & Local News: A postmaster is urging dog owners to prevent bites during delivery hours as USPS launches its National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign. Entertainment & Hospitality: Penn Entertainment officially opened a new hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus, adding 203 rooms and planning more expansions later in 2026. Outdoor & Family Fun: F&M Bank’s Great Briefcase Hunt returns June 15 with weekly clues and a $10,000 prize. Sports Spotlight: University High softball catcher Olivia Masoner was named the 2026 Johnny Bench Award recipient.

Ohio University Arts & Culture: Ohio University is rolling out a new, purpose-built practice facility for the Marching 110—funded by a major Hurley family gift—plus fresh library programming tied to Juneteenth and newly processed archives like the Sara “Sally” Gilfert collection. Community Music & Festivals: The Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling is hosting a free “Celebration of Black Music” as a Juneteenth preview, while Wing Fest returns to Centre Market with live music, a Kid Zone, and proceeds supporting local health care. Big-Stage Country: Buckeye Country Superfest is back at Ohio Stadium in Columbus Saturday, headlined by Tyler Childers with Sierra Ferrell, Lord Huron, Flatland Cavalry and more. Local Arts Access: The JCC in Youngstown reopened an updated Paul and Yetta Gluck School of Visual Arts space, expanding accessibility and adaptable supplies for artists of all abilities. Youth STEAM: The Mazza Museum in Findlay is running an “Intergalactic Problem Solvers” STEAM camp for grades 5–8, mixing coding, rover building, and rocket demos. Sports Spotlight: Liberty-Benton’s historic baseball run ends in the Division V state semifinals, and St. Henry’s season ends in the Division VI semis.

College Football Buzz: ESPN’s panel ranks Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith as the No. 1 returning receiver for 2026, with Indiana transfer Nick Marsh landing at No. 5. Local Sports & Entertainment: The Meadows is hosting a Friday family fun night to spotlight harness racing, with Foiled Again on hand and a full card of races. Community Events: Lorain’s Port and Rockin’ on the River team up for a free Flag Day concert June 14 at Black River Landing featuring the Patriots Symphonic Band. Arts in Ohio: Renaissance Performing Arts Association announced its 2026-27 season for Mansfield, including Broadway titles, major concert series, and a new seating renovation at the Renaissance Theatre. Film & Media Business: Kinepolis is buying 13 Showcase Cinemas in the U.S. for $30 million, including one Ohio location. Civic Life: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose visited Buckeye Girls State at Bowling Green State University to stress voting and leadership.

Broadway & Youth Theater: Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield opened registration for its annual Broadway Camp for ages 8-13, with sessions June 15-18 and June 22-26, including a staged “Showz!” option plus scholarships. NBA Finals Celebrity Spotting: Taylor Swift watched the Knicks’ historic 29-point comeback in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, wearing a “Stevie Knicks” shirt and celebrating the 107-106 win that puts New York up 3-1. Local Author Spotlight: Robin Yocum, a former crime reporter, kicked off East Liverpool’s “On the Same Page” summer reading program with a luncheon tied to his novel “The Last Hitman.” Fashion With a Cause: Wheeling Fashion Week’s Centre Market clothing swap pushed sustainable style through reuse and community exchange. Community Events & Culture: D-Day Conneaut returns to Ohio in August, and Leetonia is set to celebrate a splash pad restroom grand opening with family activities. Sports & Entertainment Business: Brandy Clark is set to perform at DeYor Performing Arts Center, ranked among the New York Times’ greatest living American songwriters.

Ohio Supreme Court: Home-rule fights over flavored tobacco and vape bans head to the Ohio Supreme Court, with cities challenging a statewide limit. Toledo Festival Shooting: Toledo police hunt suspects after a shooting between rival groups at a neighborhood festival left 12 people wounded, including a “second shooter” suspect. Local Arts & Community: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre is staging “Cinderella” through July 12, a family-friendly Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Sports & Entertainment: ROH Global Wars Cincinnati adds a triple-threat for the ROH TV title (AR Fox vs. Action Andretti vs. Lio Rush) and Athena vs. Syuri for the women’s championship. Health & Recovery: KAV Health Group opened new Izzy’s House sober living recovery homes in Lima, expanding structured support for men, women, and couples. Tech & Culture: A new tracker called “AI Money Watch” tracks dark money from an AI super PAC, aiming to show which candidates are being funded. Sports Betting/World Cup Guide: A Columbus viewing guide lays out how to watch the 2026 World Cup on FOX/FS1 and streaming options.

Community Arts & Music: Left End is set to play its “Final Ride” Oct. 10 at Powers Auditorium, reuniting a classic Mahoning Valley lineup for one last run. Performing Arts: St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Archbold is kicking off its 10th anniversary free concert series in July, bringing in acts like the Raleigh Ringers. Local Culture & Community: A sold-out knitting/crocheting crowd packed Tinseltown in Boardman for a private screening of “The Sheep Detectives,” organized by Three Sheep Gallery and Workshop. Youth Arts: The DEA Youth Dance Program held a three-day camp in Lima, teaching tap, ballet, and jazz while giving kids home costumes and props. Sports & Spotlight: Howland sophomore Kellan Shipman swept medals at the state meet, including his first career gold in seated shot put. Libraries & Learning: Salem and Columbiana public libraries received Guiding Ohio Online grants for tech training support. Ohio River History: Ohio University Southern is documenting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor in a new documentary project.

Cedar Point Safety Update: Siren’s Curse riders at Sandusky were left stuck during technical delays, with the park saying safety systems kept guests safe and the ride restarted after checks. Local Sports & Talent: Princeton High guard Kam Mercer earned a USA Basketball U17 training camp spot in Colorado Springs, continuing Ohio’s pipeline of young players. College Hoops Buzz: Purdue will play an exhibition at Purdue Fort Wayne on Oct. 22, giving fans in the region an early look at the 2026-27 Boilermakers. Music & Touring: Jeff Tweedy announced new solo tour dates, including a Kent, Ohio stop on Oct. 21. Community Arts & History: Ohio University Southern is documenting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor in a new documentary project. Food & Dining: A Cincinnati steakhouse, Alara in Madisonville, abruptly closed after opening in March 2024, with OpenTable cancellations notifying diners.

Community Pride: Wheeling’s “Pride On The Plaza” returns Saturday, 3-9 p.m., with a “Free to Be” theme and local artists and nonprofits spotlighting LGBTQ+ community pride. Music & Arts: Osees surprise-released the new album “OFF COURSE,” while LOOP Youngstown dedicated its new arts and culture home on Mahoning Ave., giving local creatives a permanent hub. Local Giving: Wings and Rings’ car and bike nights raised $6,324.50 for the West Ohio Food Bank, supporting meals for families facing food insecurity. Film Spotlight: Canfield native Mary Elizabeth Monda walked the Tribeca red carpet as producer of “Caity,” a coming-of-age story premiering at the festival. Sports & Policy Shock: A Texas judge cleared QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, setting off fresh debate over college sports integrity. Health & Safety: Brookfield evacuated about 80 residents from Addison Healthcare Center after a fire alarm call; crews contained the fire and no injuries were reported. Obituary: Pulitzer-winning historian Gordon S. Wood, 92, died after being struck by a car.

Toledo Festival Shooting: Police say 12 people were injured in gunfire near Toledo’s Old West End Festival; the festival’s final day was canceled and investigators are still hunting for suspects with victims and witnesses being interviewed. SNAP Restrictions: USDA lists 23 states, including Ohio, moving to restrict SNAP purchases of non-nutritious items like soda and candy, with implementation dates rolling through summer and fall. Kennedy Center Name Change: The Kennedy Center removed Trump’s name from its website and materials after a federal judge ruled the board lacked authority to rename the congressionally established memorial. Broadway Buzz: “Liberation” won big at the Tony Awards, with Brooklyn playwright Bess Wohl making history as the show’s feminist Ohio story took top honors. Theme Park Pop Culture: Disney World replaced Aerosmith with a Muppets ride featuring a cover of Blur’s “Song 2,” adding another 90s-rock moment to the entertainment mix. Local Service Spotlight: Ohio University Southern is documenting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor through a new documentary project built on oral histories.