AGP Executive Report

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.

Broadway Buzz: “Schmigadoon!” won best new musical at the Tony Awards, while “Liberation” took best new play and “Ragtime” earned best musical revival—hosted by Pink, with big crowd-pleasing moments and plenty of Ohio pride in the winners’ lineup. Toledo Festival Horror: A shooting near Toledo’s Old West End Festival left 12 people injured, including two in critical condition, as police searched for at least two gunmen and said it appeared the suspects were likely shooting at each other. Local Arts Spotlight: Wellsville murals are featured in the “Ohio 250 Murals Across Ohio” program, highlighting public art as a tourism draw. OSU Legal Update: Ohio State agreed to a $100 million settlement tied to the Richard Strauss abuse claims, ending another major round of litigation with hundreds of survivors. Sports & Community: Salem’s Chaya Murray powered a standout Division III state meet, while local events like Riverfest and the Jamestown Soap Box Derby kept weekend culture rolling.

Toledo Festival Shooting: Police are still hunting at least two suspects after gunfire near the Old West End Festival left 12 people injured, including two in critical condition; organizers canceled Sunday events and authorities asked attendees to share photos or videos as they investigate what sparked the violence. Cleveland Sports Pop Culture: The Cavaliers are auctioning the courtside chair Taylor Swift sat in during Game 3 vs. the Knicks—bids reportedly climbed quickly, turning a playoff seat into a collectible. NFL Media Fight: Roger Goodell says he won’t testify before a House hearing about the NFL’s streaming deals, arguing broadcast TV remains central even as distribution shifts. Local Arts & Community: Dublin’s Teen Buddy Program pairs teens with older adults to reduce isolation, matching participants by shared interests like art. Ohio Sports Spotlight: Denison’s Will Rettig helped the Big Red win the DIII national championship, while Buckeye Girls State begins at Bowling Green State University. Music on the Ground: Corey Hager headlines a free country concert Friday at Richland Carrousel Park in Mansfield.

Toledo Festival Shooting: A gunfight near the Old West End Festival left at least 12 people shot, including two in critical condition, as Toledo police searched for suspects and asked attendees to share photos or video; officials said it appeared at least two people were firing at each other. Local Sports & Community: The OHSAA State Track and Field Championships kept rolling on Day 3 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, with area athletes advancing in events like long jump, pole vault and sprints. Music & Live Events: Download Festival 2026 is set to kick off this week at Donington Park, with Limp Bizkit headlining and organizers sharing guidance for fans on tickets and resale rules. Weather Disruption: Storms with strong winds and heavy rain damaged parts of the Miami Valley, knocking out power and downing trees. Sports Spotlight: The Memorial Tournament in Ohio was delayed by thunderstorms and rain, cutting play short for leaders and setting up a Sunday restart.

High School Sports: Lexington’s 4x800 relay repeated as OHSAA Division II state champions in a 7:47.59 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, while Olentangy’s Joaquin Love earned OSU Wexner Medical Center Boys Athlete of the Week for a four-event state super regional run. More OHSAA Track: Madison Henkel of Shelby won her second straight state long jump title, setting a new state meet and stadium record at 19-11½, and the state track meet faced a weather delay with thunderstorms rolling through Columbus. Local Community & Safety: Garfield Heights permanently shut down basketball courts at Frank J. Debelak Park after a shooting during a teen takeover; one person was shot and expected to recover. Music & Arts: Evanescence released its new album “Sanctuary” and announced more tour dates, while the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus brings “Ancient Gods” Pride Month concerts to the Riffe Center June 13-14. Sports Entertainment: The Memorial Tournament was suspended mid-round due to inclement weather at Muirfield Village in Dublin. Tech & Culture: Meta is reportedly building tent-style data centers for AI chips, and John Glenn Columbus International Airport topped a Wi-Fi speed list.

Sikh Community Spotlight: Akash Pamarthy’s Ohio documentation project highlights how Sikh families keep traditions alive—from gurdwara services and langar meals to turban-tying classes—while blending faith with American life. Youth Protection: A Wellsville-area letter urges Ohio lawmakers to pass HB 849, arguing it would clarify enforcement against illegal, unregulated vape products targeting kids. High School Sports: Heartland Christian’s Claire Liposky won the Div. V discus title with a school-best series of throws, while Salem’s Lucas Adams hit 23 feet-plus to place on the state podium in long jump. Local Arts & Community: Wheeling Fashion Week returns June 7-13 with a full calendar of runway and community events, and the Youngstown JCC reopens its visual arts studio after accessibility renovations. Sports Entertainment: The Browns’ Jared Verse says he’ll “bring his own” style after Cleveland’s Myles Garrett trade, and the NCAA ruled four former Alabama State players permanently ineligible in a reported game-fixing case.

Sports Spotlight: Denver Broncos edge Jonathon Cooper, a former Ohio State standout, was jailed in Colorado on domestic violence and criminal mischief charges; the AP reports he’s due back in court Monday as the team says it’s gathering more info. Local Arts & Culture: Ohio AG Dave Yost sued an ambulance company over alleged deceptive out-of-network billing for patient transfers, seeking restitution and penalties. Golf (Ohio): Ryan Gerard surged early at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, leaning into a “graffiti” swing description as he grabbed the second-round lead. Community Health: A bat in Darke County tested positive for rabies, with officials saying the public risk is low but urging people to avoid wild animals and seek help after possible exposure. Entertainment & Representation: Jenifer Lewis discussed the lasting impact of Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” including her role as Mama Odie and how kids connect with the character. Sports & Travel Crossover: Egypt’s national team trained in Cleveland ahead of the 2026 World Cup and swapped jerseys with Browns kicker Andre Szmyt.

Tour Announcements: Bryson Tiller’s Neo Trapsoul Tour hits North America starting Aug. 27, with a European run in November and UK/Ireland dates in December, plus Majid Jordan as support. Metal Live: Sabaton adds a 2027 UK/Europe arena “Legendary Tour” Part 2 leg with The Legendary Orchestra, starting in April. Local Arts & Culture: Cleveland Cinematheque is getting a new director: Dave Huffman, known for the “Bitchy Vegan Homo” pop-up, steps into the arthouse role at the CIA. Community Spotlight: Warren-Trumbull County Public Library hosted a talk on Ohio fossils, from ancient marine life to Ice Age mammals. Sports (Ohio): Liberty-Benton baseball reaches state for the first time after a 3-1 regional win; West Central Ohio athletes shine on opening day of the OHSAA track meet with multiple state titles. Sports (Pro): Neymar is ruled out of Brazil’s June 6 friendly vs. Egypt as he continues calf rehab ahead of the World Cup. Public Life: Ohio AG Dave Yost reached an agreement with Nexstar to preserve local news independence tied to its Tegna merger.

Local Treasure Hunt: Bellville’s Rusty Farst will open a 100-year-old safe pulled from the Clear Fork River near Ohio 13/97 on Friday, June 5—using a permit approved by village council and with police on hand. Youth Music Access: Hungry for Music, a nonprofit that repairs and redistributes donated instruments, says it places more than 3,000 instruments a year into kids’ hands across the U.S. and 40 countries. Pride in Central Ohio: Multiple Pride celebrations are planned across June, including the Stonewall Columbus Pride March and Festival on June 20. Arts & Community Events: Massillon’s Cruise-In & Music Festival returns June 6 downtown with live music, food trucks, and classic cars. Major Sports Spotlight (Ohio): Ohio State approved about a $100 million settlement tied to allegations against former team doctor Richard Strauss. National Arts Update: Lawyers for the Kennedy Center say staff must remove Trump’s name from the center by June 12. Tech/Shopping: Wayfair opens its first Ohio store in Columbus on June 18 near Polaris Fashion Place.

Local Film Premiere: “Kingsbury Run,” a murder-mystery movie with scenes shot in East Liverpool, premieres Saturday, June 6 at Cleveland’s Capitol Theatre. Community Fundraiser: Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff returns June 6 at Heritage Port with live music, vendors, and proceeds benefiting the Upper Ohio Valley United Way. Ohio Schools & Facilities: Bridgeport Exempted Village School District celebrates leadership changes as Middle School Principal Anne Haverty Lawson retires and the “Bridge” multipurpose facility nears its Aug. 13 opening. Arts & Culture: Warren’s Art on Park kicks off “Black & White on Park” Friday with a free reception and live music, while Youngstown’s JCC gallery hosts “A ‘Designer’ First,” featuring Sam Mastorides through July 26. Sports Business Watch: PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp says a revamped 2028 model is moving toward two tournament tracks and bringing back 36-hole cuts for top events. Big Legal Update (Ohio): Ohio State reached a $100 million settlement with remaining survivors in the Richard Strauss sex abuse case. Weather: Dry conditions continue in the Miami Valley with an air quality alert, then scattered showers and storms arrive by Saturday.