AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Thick Canadian wildfire smoke is driving dangerous air across Ohio, with Toledo’s AQI topping 150 and Detroit-area readings above 500, prompting statewide Ohio EPA air quality advisories and warnings that conditions may linger as the plume spreads. Public Health: A growing cyclospora outbreak has health officials investigating thousands of cases nationwide; CDC says confirmed cases are rising and more reports are under review, with symptoms that can last weeks without treatment. Local Safety: Carbon monoxide was found in a parked vehicle in Toledo after five people were found unresponsive, killing three and hospitalizing two children. Environment & Wildlife: Ohio conservation groups are tackling invasive plants like honeysuckle that crowd out native species and reduce biodiversity, using removal and herbicide treatments to restore habitat. Water Access: Heritage Trails Park District is getting Ohio Division of Wildlife funding for a new parking lot and boat ramp at Fawnway Farms River Access. Jobs & Industry: Solon approved support for PacSci EMC’s expansion, aiming to add 75 full-time jobs.

Wildfire Smoke & Ozone: Ohio EPA issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory as Canadian wildfire smoke moves in, with central Ohio also facing an ozone alert for July 16 (Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking), urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor time. Air Tragedy (CO): Toledo officials confirmed carbon monoxide in a parked Ford Explorer where five were found unresponsive; three died and two children were critically ill. Cyclospora “Explosive Diarrhea” Outbreak: CDC says 2026 is already the worst year on record for reported cyclospora cases, with a likely linked cluster involving Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia; Ohio reports hundreds of cases near the Michigan border. Food Safety Response: Taco Bell temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution, while experts stress washing helps but heating is the only sure kill. Rural Health Funding: Ohio University received $10M to expand the rural health workforce via Health Workforce Ohio. Bats & Biodiversity: Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District will host Bat Discovery Night at Clendening Lake Marina to highlight Ohio’s largest little brown bat maternity colony. Household Battery Recycling: Ohio EPA and partners will run a battery drop-off at the Ohio State Fair (July 29-31) to prevent fires from improper disposal.

Food Safety Crisis: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak has surged to 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states, with 5,100 more suspected cases under review; Michigan is hardest hit (3,309 cases), and Ohio is reporting hundreds near the border as FDA traces possible produce sources, with lettuce/salad greens still under scrutiny. Public Health Guidance: Officials stress that cyclospora spreads through contaminated food or water, so wash produce well, scrub firm items, and be extra cautious with bagged greens. Air Quality Watch: Canadian wildfire smoke is expected to drift into the Midwest and Ohio over the next few days, potentially reducing visibility and air quality. Water & Waste Concerns: In Washington County, residents worry leaking injection wells could eventually contaminate Marietta’s drinking water as ODNR suspends operations at some wells. Harm Reduction in Ohio: A Cincinnati group says federal funding for fentanyl test strips is set to end, threatening access to a tool credited with preventing overdoses. Conservation Funding: The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is accepting applications for conservation and environmental stewardship grants up to $250,000.

Public Health: The CDC says a “large” cyclospora outbreak is epidemiologically linked across Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, with 1,645 lab-confirmed U.S. cases and 5,100 more under investigation; Michigan has reported about 3,300+ cases and Ohio has hundreds (including Lucas County), and officials warn symptoms can last weeks. Food Safety: Michigan health officials are pointing to lettuce/salad greens as a possible culprit, urging people to buy whole heads, discard outer layers, and avoid bagged lettuce and pre-mixed salad kits while investigations continue. Air Quality: An air quality alert for central Ohio (including Franklin and nearby counties) was extended due to smoke plus hot, sunny conditions that can worsen ozone for sensitive groups. Wildlife Management: Ohio DNR is running special deer hunts at state nature preserves and scenic river lands in 22 counties for 2026-27 to protect native plant communities. Local Land Use: A Mansfield Buc-ee’s referendum petition was rejected for invalid signatures under Ohio law, after city approvals and infrastructure plans moved forward. Workforce: A new Ohio report highlights a rural and food-systems veterinary shortage, citing many vets nearing retirement.

Water & Wastewater: Marietta residents worry brine waste from Ohio injection wells could eventually reach city drinking water, as Washington County injection wells were linked to pressure changes in nearby oil wells and concerns grow about contamination timing. Spill Response: Napoleon officials say drinking water is safe after a liquid fertilizer spill reached the Maumee River, but up to 20,000 fish died when check dams failed during heavy rain. Public Health: A cyclospora outbreak tied to produce is surging—Michigan nears 1,000 cases and Ohio border areas report hundreds—while health officials stress the source isn’t pinned down yet. Energy Costs: A new report warns Ohio summer electricity bills could average over $800, driven by rising demand from data centers and electrification. Wildlife: Cleveland Zoo welcomed a rare Amur leopard cub, the first in Ohio and the zoo’s 144-year history. Air & Climate: An air quality alert was issued for central Ohio counties as hot, record-setting weather continues. Data Centers & Power: Lawmakers and advocates keep pushing back on data center impacts, including bills targeting AI’s pollution and power toll.

Public Health: A fast-growing cyclospora outbreak tied to explosive watery diarrhea is hitting the Midwest hard, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases and Ohio’s border counties already logging hundreds, while investigators still haven’t pinned down the source. Air Quality: An ozone alert was extended for central Ohio counties (Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield), warning of unhealthy levels during hot, still conditions and urging residents to cut vehicle emissions and avoid gas-powered lawn work in the evening. Water & Wildlife: Up to 20,000 fish were estimated killed in the Maumee River after Henry County dams failed following fertilizer contamination; Napoleon says drinking water is being protected by drawing from a reservoir while sampling continues. Local Pollution Concerns: Toledo residents near an Arlington Avenue sewer repair project reported strong odors; city monitoring found no harmful gases at the time, but the line replacement is still underway. Data Centers & Environment: Rep. Greg Landsman introduced a bill pushing for an EPA-backed National Academies study of data center impacts, including air, water, noise, carbon, and waste.

Water Pollution Watch: A USGS decade-long study finds pesticide pollution in Midwest and Great Plains rivers is getting worse, with researchers checking 80 chemicals across 81 sites and warning rain can spike contamination beyond what regular sampling catches. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak has surged to nearly 1,000 cases, and Ohio’s border counties are reporting hundreds too, as investigators look for the source across 28 states. Ohio Water Infrastructure: Oak Harbor is moving toward a $25 million wastewater treatment plant replacement under an EPA compliance schedule, with financing options aimed at limiting rate hikes. Local Environmental Response: Napoleon firefighters launched a hazardous materials response after dead fish were found in the Maumee River; officials traced it to a Houston Creek chemical-spill control dam failure tied to heavy rainfall and took water samples with Ohio EPA. Ecosystem Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expanded critical habitat protections for endangered freshwater mussels across 17 states, including Ohio, to help recover species hit by pollution and habitat loss.

Heat & Health: Forecasters warn a Great Lakes heat dome could push parts of Michigan above 100°F next week, with humidity driving dangerous heat index values—another reminder that extreme heat can hit mental health too. Flooding & Response: Missouri’s deadly, slow-moving storms brought 1-in-1,000-year rainfall, rescues, and evacuations, with impacts stretching toward the Ohio River valley. Water Pollution Watch (Ohio): Oak Harbor is facing a roughly $25 million wastewater treatment plant replacement under an EPA compliance timeline, with construction targeted to start next year and finish by 2029. River Hazards (Ohio): Napoleon launched a HazMat response after dead fish turned up in the Maumee River, with officials tracing the situation to a failed chemical-spill dam tied to heavy rain. Public Health (Ohio region): A major cyclospora outbreak is surging in Michigan, and Ohio’s Lucas County and northwest Ohio have reported hundreds of cases as investigations continue. Local Governance & Environment: Middletown moved to address dust from an abandoned paperboard site by relocating a large gravel pile, aiming to improve neighborhood air quality. Data Centers (Ohio): Springfield activists are pushing a charter change that would restrict new mega data centers, citing power costs and environmental concerns.

PFAS & drinking-water fight in Dayton: Dayton says PFAS from the city’s Fire Training Center near the Mad River Wellfield may be contaminating drinking-water wells, while the Air Force denies the claims; the city is seeking up to $300 million in damages. Local air-quality cleanup: Middletown moved a giant gravel pile from an abandoned Paperboard site to a landfill after residents complained about dust and city testing said samples met Ohio EPA cleanup standards. Public health alert—Cyclospora: A fast-growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” watery diarrhea has sickened nearly 1,000 in Michigan and hundreds across Ohio, with Lucas County reporting 306 cases; officials still haven’t identified the source. Wildlife & rabies vigilance: Health officials warn rabies is rare but serious after bat cases in Butler County and urge anyone exposed to seek immediate care. Privacy in Ohio parks: Five Rivers MetroParks blocked immigration-related searches of its automated license plate reader database after reporting showed other jurisdictions used it for that purpose.

PFAS & Drinking Water: Dayton is facing fresh scrutiny over whether PFAS from its Fire Training Center near the Mad River Wellfield contaminated city drinking-water wells, after PFAS was detected near the training site and the city says it only reported results to Ohio EPA about a year later. Public Health: A fast-growing cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” diarrhea has surged across the U.S., with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000+ cases and Ohio seeing hundreds, while investigators still can’t pinpoint the source; health experts stress careful food and water safety. Extreme Weather: Catastrophic flash flooding in southeastern Missouri killed at least one person and rescued hundreds, including campers trapped when roads washed out, as more storms threatened additional flooding. Privacy & Surveillance: Five Rivers MetroParks stopped outside agencies from searching its automated license plate reader database for immigration-related reasons after local reporting showed repeated queries. Energy & Industry: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured central Ohio highlighting chemical destruction and manufacturing tied to the agency’s push to accelerate cleanup and industrial capacity.

Water Quality & Wastewater: Youngstown City Council is set to consider property purchases and easements for a massive 80-million-gallon wet weather wastewater facility, part of a multi-phase, federally mandated upgrade expected to start this fall. Foodborne Illness: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak has surged to nearly 1,000+ cases and is spreading across state lines, with Ohio reporting hundreds in nearby counties as health officials investigate sources and urge prevention. Pollution Enforcement: Ohio EPA issued violations to two businesses in Toledo after liquid fertilizer was allegedly released into Huston Creek, triggering red water and cleanup efforts, with monitoring underway. Oil & Gas Impacts: ODNR says four injection wells in Washington County have stopped operating amid brine migration concerns, with a third-party study planned for nearby private water wells. Community Funding: Warren City Council approved shifting $1.425M to Inspiring Minds for a community center and added $50,000 for SESCA programming, while also approving other city budget and grant steps. Public Health & Safety: USPS launched a dog-bite prevention push after more than 5,200 carrier attacks in 2025, noting Ohio’s high ranking and urging pet owners to manage dogs during deliveries.

Water & Health: A fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak is hitting the Midwest, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases and Ohio seeing rising numbers too (including Lucas County and northwest Ohio). Health officials still don’t have the source pinned down, but they’re urging careful food handling—especially for raw produce. PFAS Watch: Ohio EPA sampling of Dayton’s sewer system found PFAS levels below aquatic-life thresholds for PFOA and PFOS, offering a clearer look at “forever chemicals” in local wastewater. Outdoor Safety: ODNR is recruiting for its next Natural Resources Officer class, aiming to boost wildlife and visitor protection across Ohio parks and waterways. Wildlife & Community: The Ohio Bird Sanctuary and an ODNR officer helped rescue a weak baby bald eagle, “Little Liberty,” after it fell from its nest. Energy & Industry: Ohio’s corn growers are eyeing new markets—from maritime fuel rules to sustainable aviation fuel and biobased plastics—after a record 17 billion-bushel crop. Land Use & Data Centers: Greenwood County advanced a data-center moratorium and zoning changes after a packed public meeting.

Public Health: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak keeps surging—992 cases reported in the state and more than 2,000 nationwide, with Ohio investigations underway and Lucas County reporting 306 cases as of Wednesday. Data Centers & Water: The Columbus Dispatch presses for local water-use numbers tied to data centers, while Ohio Democrats hit the campaign trail over tax breaks and rising electricity bills tied to the boom. Local Land-Use Fight: Piqua moves forward on a large data center plan, but residents raise alarms about water, power demand, traffic, incentives, and environmental impacts. Air & Climate: A West Nile season is ramping up earlier and harder than in 20+ years, and a northern-lights watch is in effect as a solar storm may bring aurora to many states. Environment & Wildlife: The Maumee River restoration project near Toledo is nearing completion to improve habitat for people and wildlife. Community & Environment: Columbiana County commissioners approve a 2027 budget nearly $1.5M higher than this year.

Public Health: Michigan’s Cyclospora outbreak has surged to 992 cases, with Ohio already reporting hundreds—Lucas County alone logged 306 by Wednesday and northwest Ohio has topped 500—while officials still can’t pinpoint the source; CDC-linked guidance emphasizes careful food handling and hygiene as symptoms can last weeks. Local Air Quality: Middletown residents near the SunCoke Energy plant say odors and black residue have worsened, raising fears about what they’re breathing. Water Pollution Response: Ohio EPA identified contamination in Henry County’s Huston Creek as coming from a fertilizer release tied to Triway Nitrogen, with cleanup underway and road closures still in place. Land & Biodiversity: Hartwood Acres Park in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network, highlighting protected old-growth habitat and biodiversity. Community Cleanup: Toledo groups held a firework-debris pickup at Glass City Metropark, warning that leftover debris can harm waterways, wildlife, and human health. Business & Environment Watch: Ohio’s top “states for business” ranking drew attention alongside ongoing national debate over data centers and their impacts.

Data Centers & Water Stress: A national day of protest against data centers is set for July 18, with Ohio-area organizers and rural residents warning about rising utility costs, heavy water demand, noise, and land-use impacts. Local Governance & Community Power: Ohio conservation advocates are pushing a state constitutional amendment to block very large data centers, arguing rural communities are being steamrolled with little say. PFAS Watch: Ohio EPA officials toured a Columbus PFAS destruction facility, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of “forever chemicals” and cleanup capacity. PFAS in Everyday Life: A new explainer breaks down why PFAS show up everywhere—from non-stick pans to rain gear—and why they persist in water, soil, and people. Public Health: A cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” watery diarrhea has surged past 1,000 cases nationwide, with Ohio reporting hundreds near the Michigan border. Water Quality & Pollution: Ohio EPA identified Triway Nitrogen liquid fertilizer as the source of contamination in Henry County’s Hutson Creek. Outdoor & Wildlife: Volunteers are set to clean up Guilford Lake State Park’s shorelines and lake bed while water levels are low, and Ohio certified a new state record green sunfish from a Williams County farm pond.

Lake Erie Health: Lake Erie Foundation President James V. Stouffer Jr. will speak July 15 at Catawba Island Historical Society on the group’s push for a healthier Lake Erie and the 40% nutrient reduction goals. Public Park Plan: Avon Lake is moving to buy about 23 acres of the former power plant site to create a lakefront park, while rezoning the rest for mixed-use development. Data Center Fight (Ohio): A Trenton group filed a petition to block future data centers larger than 25 megawatts, aiming for a November ballot vote after residents raised concerns about neighborhoods, schools, water, and infrastructure. Energy & Jobs: West Virginia Gov. Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20M in Wood County, creating 120–200 jobs building electrical infrastructure for data centers and AI. Health Alert (Cyclospora): A cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” watery diarrhea is surging; Michigan has nearly 1,000 cases and Ohio’s border counties report hundreds as investigations continue across multiple states. Prison Oversight: A former Dayton Correctional Institution medical administrator resigned and says the state lacked adequate oversight and support amid staffing shortages.