AGP Executive Report

AI in healthcare: A new Ohio State–linked pilot study finds an online patient portal for national cancer trials was easy to use and boosted willingness to stay engaged, while separate research highlights how transparency can raise trust in AI-assisted care—even as higher AI diagnostic accuracy may not always increase patient confidence. Biotech funding: City Therapeutics (Ohio) says it has $99.5M for RNA interference drug testing, including a Factor XI program now in Phase 1. Workforce + data centers: Meta will launch its AI infrastructure workforce academy with training sites including Columbus, aiming to fill construction and build roles for AI data centers. Urban heat tech: Cities are using data tools like lidar to map tree canopies and plan for extreme heat, with predictive analytics becoming part of emergency preparedness. Ohio energy + jobs: A new shale investment dashboard reports about $2.9B in direct investment in Ohio’s shale sector in early 2025. Local governance + courts: Stark County is accepting applications to replace a retiring Family Court judge, while Athens officials face questions after a property owner dropped a lawsuit tied to a fire training mishap. Public safety surveillance debate: Cities continue to push back on AI camera networks, with some officials covering cameras to limit automated tracking.

Data Centers Backlash: Ohio lawmakers are moving to regulate data center development as voters push back over energy use, water impacts, and local quality-of-life concerns, with political caution despite broad public opposition. Public Safety Tech: Ohio launched a new online Ohio Crime Statistics Dashboard to make felony charges, arrests, and sentencing trends easier to explore across all 88 counties. Health & Research: OSU’s mail-in Buckeye Tick Test is helping residents understand tick-borne disease risk by testing submitted ticks for pathogens. STEM for Kids: Eastern Ohio’s Educational Service Center will host a Camp Invention: Spark program for third through fifth graders, focusing on hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math. Health Tech Startups: Westwood-based Kin Health raised $9 million to build a patient-first app that helps people remember and understand doctor visits. Energy & Batteries: Solidion Technology announced new patents for silicon anode battery tech aimed at extreme-climate use, including space and lunar applications. Local Enforcement: Westlake Police stepped up crackdowns on reckless driving around Crocker Park with targeted traffic enforcement. Corrections Policy: Ohio is breaking from large juvenile facilities, launching smaller downsized juvenile justice sites intended to reduce violence and improve rehabilitation.

Ohio Capital Budget: The Ohio Senate’s version of the state capital budget approved June 3 would send more than $12.5 million to West Central Ohio projects, including major funding for Allen County community and health upgrades. AI Public Ownership: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders proposed letting the public take a 50% stake in AI companies via a public wealth fund; Altman backed the idea even if he wouldn’t support the 50% threshold, while Trump also floated a plan for Americans to benefit from AI success. Cybersecurity & Defense: The 179th Cyberspace Wing at Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base held a change-of-command ceremony, with a new commander leading a cyber-enabled air superiority mission. Surveillance Cameras Debate: A nationwide Flock Safety license-plate camera network remains in the spotlight after reporting tied a Texas search to abortion-related questions, intensifying concerns about how camera data is used. Local Tech & Learning: Euclid Public Library reopened after $18 million renovations, adding a business resource center, a technology classroom, improved accessibility, and new children’s interactive space. Health & Community: Dublin’s Teen Buddy Program pairs teens with older adults to reduce isolation and improve mental health, earning a statewide ServeOhio award. Food as Medicine (OSU): Ohio State researchers report tomato-soy juice with plant compounds lowered inflammation markers in adults with obesity after four weeks.

AI Infrastructure & Energy Policy: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine paused billions in data-center tax incentives over concerns about power demand and water use, signaling a tougher look at the AI boom’s real-world costs. Compute Race: Meta is reportedly building tent-style, weatherproof data centers to speed AI chip deployment, underscoring how fast the infrastructure arms race is moving. Ohio Power Costs: Ohio regulators are weighing Duke Energy’s request to raise electric distribution charges by 38%, with some customers facing about $18 more per month starting in 2027. Public Equity in AI: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders to discuss public ownership of AI gains, with Trump also floating a “partnership” idea for Americans to benefit. Health & Food Science: New research links ultra-processed foods to rising young-onset colon cancer and suggests alcohol-related hormone changes may intensify cravings for certain foods. Local Science in Ohio: OSU students are studying turkey populations in Ashtabula County as numbers decline. Community Safety: Toledo police are searching for suspects after at least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival. Education Leadership: Spelman College named roboticist and former NASA engineer Dr. Ayanna Howard as its next president.

AI & Cybercrime: The FBI says Americans lost nearly $900M to AI-generated scams in 2025, with experts warning the next wave will look even more “official” and convincing. AI Policy: Trump, Sanders and Sam Altman are converging on “public ownership” ideas for AI—talks that could seed equity for the public via AI company stakes. Ohio Tech Infrastructure: Meta is reportedly building tent-style data centers to speed AI chip deployment, while Ohio lawmakers face renewed pressure over data-center impacts and incentives. Local Tech & Connectivity: John Glenn Columbus International Airport tops U.S. airports for Wi‑Fi speed, a reminder that connectivity quality can vary wildly by location. Autonomous Freight in Ohio: Cab-less electric trucks are set for real-world testing in Marysville under Ohio’s DriveOhio corridor program. Health & Tech: Ohio State research links heart attacks to higher risk of later cognitive impairment. STEM in the News: SETI updates alien-contact protocols to account for social media, AI and deepfakes—aimed at preventing hype from outrunning science. Weather/Outdoor: Heavy rain around Columbus has left gardens waterlogged, raising root-rot and compaction risks.

Autonomous Freight in Ohio: Einride and EASE Logistics will run two cab-less electric trucks on local roads this summer in Marysville as part of ODOT’s DriveOhio corridor, moving warehouse-to-warehouse cargo while researchers track safety and efficiency. AI Policy Meets Politics: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders pushed for public ownership in AI firms; Trump also floated a plan for Americans to benefit from AI success, underscoring how the AI boom is turning into a political fight over who gets the upside. Ohio Data-Center Debate: A new BGSU/YouGov poll finds Ohio voters are clearer than candidates on data centers, with Vivek Ramaswamy backing them more aggressively than others. Health Research: OSU Wexner reports heart-attack survivors face higher risk of cognitive decline, adding urgency to heart-brain care. Public Safety Tech: Ohio lawmakers are moving to limit sharing of license-plate camera data as privacy concerns grow. Local Tech & Education: Trinity Health System’s medical laboratory science program earned maximum 10-year accreditation, and TCTC students won national honors at BPA in Nashville.

Leadership in Ohio tech education: Spelman College named Dr. Ayanna Howard—an Ohio State engineering dean and former NASA engineer—as its next president, starting Aug. 1, with a focus on robotics, AI, and human-centered technology. AI governance in Ohio law: The Ohio Supreme Court’s Board of Professional Conduct issued an ethics guide for lawyers and judges on using AI, stressing confidentiality, tool vetting, and keeping up with differing court rules. Ohio data for public safety: Attorney General Dave Yost launched an Ohio Crime Statistics Dashboard with 10 years of felony arrest and sentencing data across all 88 counties. Research computing boost: Wright State is expanding hands-on teaching and research using the Ohio Supercomputer Center. Health tech in the lab: Cleveland researchers reported a faster, cheaper lab method to detect fidaxomicin-resistant C. difficile using an antibiotic-enhanced culture medium. EV and battery R&D: GE Aerospace completed a megawatt-class hybrid-electric engine ground test at its Ohio facility, tied to NASA’s electrified powertrain work. Infrastructure and power pressure from AI: Meta’s AI buildout in New Albany, Ohio, is reportedly using large fabric “tents” to speed deployment, while lawmakers push for briefings on foreign influence claims tied to data center protests. Ohio road safety: An OSU aerospace student died after a crash on I-71 in north Columbus.

Ohio Senate Budget: The Mahoning Valley is set to gain major capital support, including more than $13M for Youngstown State University and $3.5M earmarked for the new YSU-Steubenville campus, plus roof, elevator safety, and dental upgrades. Defense Manufacturing Tech: America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining picked winners for a $2M project call aimed at using AI to improve how additive-manufacturing materials are qualified and certified for defense. AI in Courts: Florida’s Supreme Court tightened rules for AI-assisted legal filings, requiring attorneys to verify cited authorities to stop “hallucinated” cases from slipping into court. Data Center Policy: Gov. Mike DeWine ordered a pause on new Ohio data center tax exemption requests while lawmakers study impacts on communities and local benefits. Healthcare Innovation: Phase 3 MS trials report strong results for fenebrutinib (FENhance), targeting both inflammation control and progression mechanisms. Local Tech for Seniors: SCOPE Senior Services is partnering with Cell Phone Repair to expand one-on-one tech help for older adults across the Mahoning Valley. Space & Batteries: Solidion Technology announced 30+ patented lithium anode protection advances aimed at ultra-high energy batteries for space and LEO AI data centers. Energy Corruption Case: Ohio AG Dave Yost says FirstEnergy ex-executives were reindicted in the long-running bribery scheme, adding new counts after earlier mistrials.

Teacher Grants in Allen County: Retired educators in Allen County are sharing how Doctor Jon Rockhold Teacher Grants funded hands-on classroom projects, with 10 grants awarded to local public schools this year. Medical Admissions Scrutiny: The U.S. Department of Justice opened investigations into 15 medical schools over alleged race discrimination in admissions, following prior findings involving UCLA and Yale. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA issued a Strong Geomagnetic Storm watch (G3) for tonight, with aurora visibility possible across much of the Midwest including Ohio, though clouds could interfere. Ohio Corruption Case: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a grand jury reindicted two fired FirstEnergy executives in the $60 million bribery scheme after a mistrial earlier this year. Facial Recognition in Policing: Northeast Ohio police are using facial recognition tools in investigations, including a shoplifting case in Middleburg Heights, while an attorney warns about risks and misuse. Bone-Fracture Testing from Ohio University: Researchers at Ohio University say a vibration-based test could better identify older women at risk for fragility fractures than current scans. Zimmer Landfill Air Testing Push: Clermont County commissioners want air testing for hydrogen sulfide near the Zimmer coal waste landfill after residents report worsening symptoms tied to strong odors. Local Tech Funding: Fulton County accepted a $25,122 Ohio Court Technology Grant and approved road-marking and workforce data-sharing agreements. Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced charges tied to a $30M Ohio Medicaid behavioral health fraud scheme for kids, alongside other fraud cases and an FBI “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list. AI Data Center Politics: Republicans urged the FBI and White House advisors to brief lawmakers on alleged foreign influence behind anti–data center protests, as opposition grows over power, water, and costs. Coal Investment Announcement: Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to push $700M in coal funding, aiming to restart and protect energy assets. Insurance Partnership: Root and Hugo expanded pay-at-your-pace liability coverage with an added full-coverage option for drivers seeking more flexibility.

Neurotech in the real world: Control Bionics says its NeuroNode assistive-communication device is gaining U.S. reimbursement momentum, with states covering about 70% of the population now funding it via the E2513 pathway—supporting distribution deals. Hybrid-electric aviation testing: GE Aerospace completed megawatt-class hybrid-electric propulsion system tests at its Ohio facility under NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration, moving the tech toward flight trials. Space power for extreme conditions: Solidion Technology unveiled a patented extreme-climate battery platform aimed at satellites, LEO AI data centers, and lunar infrastructure, claiming reliable operation from -80°C to +60°C. Workforce funding for Ohio: The state announced $5M+ for 22 Industry Sector Partnership grants, including manufacturing and skilled-trades partnerships in the Mahoning Valley and beyond. Ohio data center tax break pause: Ohio suspended key tax-break measures as opposition grows over AI-driven power demand and forecasts. College sports policy push: Nick Saban backed a bipartisan Senate bill to rein in NIL and transfers, including limits on “free” transfers and coach timing rules. Local STEM wins: Salem-area students earned honors at the State Science Fair, with one project winning a top young scientist award. Community tech debate: Roanoke’s Flock camera expansion and new gunshot-detection plans are drawing renewed constitutional concerns.

Cyber & AI in government: Cleveland’s new CITO, Elizabeth Crowe, is pushing cybersecurity, application management, and AI across city operations, with a 2024 cyber incident cited as a catalyst. Medicaid enforcement: Lawmakers and Ohio officials are pressing for tougher fraud controls after reports of up to $1.2B in fraudulent Medicaid payments, including calls for better tech to verify where home care is actually delivered. Ohio data centers: Ohio lawmakers and opponents are intensifying scrutiny of data center tax breaks as AI-driven power demand and forecasting issues fuel resistance. Workforce & trades: Adena hosted a Mansfield Skills Day connecting students to construction and skilled trades through hands-on demos and competitions. Defense tech: American Rheinmetall and Harbinger announced a UGV and robotics R&D agreement aimed at DoD modernization, alongside Rheinmetall capacity expansion plans in the U.S. STEM research: Otsego-area student Mia Crites earned Best Undergraduate Poster at an Ecological Society of America Great Lakes conference in Cleveland. Local infrastructure deal: Mansfield approved Buc-ee’s to fund $15M in nearby road infrastructure via a public-private surcharge tied to sales tax reimbursement. Public health literacy: Ohio’s Behavioral Health Department launched “Reading for Resiliency,” pairing with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to use shared reading as a prevention tool.

Hybrid-Electric Flight Testing: GE Aerospace says ground tests are complete for a megawatt-class hybrid-electric propulsion system tied to NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration, with flight tests next on a modified Saab 340B in Ohio. Public Health Monitoring: A proposed CDC budget cut would slash funding for the National Wastewater Surveillance System, raising alarms as a new COVID-19 “cicada” variant spreads and early-warning coverage could shrink. Ohio Data Center Backlash: Ohio lawmakers heard from more than 100 residents at a data center hearing, with concerns ranging from environmental impact and tax breaks to nondisclosure agreements and calls for a moratorium. Local Tech & Privacy: Toledo is defending its Flock camera use amid Ohio privacy debates, while other cities have paused or changed programs over concerns about how data is used. STEM in the Community: Akron students helped design a new community schoolyard (“The Bowl”) with a $300,000 build plan featuring a soccer pitch, trail, pavilion, and mural wall. Healthcare Logistics: Cencora and Kite announced a distribution agreement aimed at reducing friction for community access to FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapies. Pediatric Eye Care: A Q&A reviews 24-month real-world outcomes for Abiliti 1-Day, a daily disposable contact lens intended to slow myopia progression in children.

Medical Tech in Cincinnati: The University of Cincinnati opened an Imaging Research & Development Center May 27, built for MR research and clinical trials with a GE HealthCare 3T wide-bore MRI and partners including UC Health, Cincinnati Children’s, GE HealthCare and JobsOhio. Health & Research: A new Phase 3 trial reports daraxonrasib extends survival for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients after chemotherapy stops working, with University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center’s Jordan Winter highlighting the advance. Ohio Jobs & Industry: Gov. DeWine announced eight development projects expected to create 1,618 jobs and $133M+ in annual payroll, spanning automotive, pharma, aerospace/defense and data centers. Data Center Policy Fight: New research from Food & Water Watch argues Ohio’s data center tax incentives can fail to deliver promised benefits for local taxpayers, using the proposed Amazon “Project Galaxy” in Adams County as a case study. Defense Manufacturing Near Dayton: AeroVironment plans a $15M expansion in Greene County for pilot-scale biotech materials, targeting 200 new jobs and $28M in annual regional impact. Digital Business Moves: Vertilocity (HBK) acquired Toledo-based Computol to expand tech advisory, managed IT and security services. Community Tech Voice: Erin Brockovich launched an interactive reporting hub for AI data center concerns, aiming to amplify local impacts like water and power strain. Healthcare Deal Watch: WVU Health signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System, with a planned $800M investment and a late-September/early-October close.

Ohio Public Safety Tech: Northeast Ohio police trained for high-stress encounters using virtual reality at University Circle, practicing de-escalation and active-shooter scenarios in a controlled setup. Ohio Data Center Pushback: Hubbard approved a 12-month data center moratorium after residents raised concerns, while Shalersville residents questioned a proposed Bitdeer/Geis “Technology Information Center” campus at an open house that drew protesters. Ohio Caregiving Costs: New AARP data says more than 2 million Ohio adults provide unpaid care, with most spending their own money and reporting financial hardship. Health Research: A first-of-its-kind hepatitis B drug showed “functional cure” results for some patients, letting them stop treatment without dangerous virus levels. Local Industry & Jobs: Rossford landed OPmobility Exterior USA, a new auto-parts manufacturer expected to create hundreds of jobs. Education Policy Watch: Ohio’s “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act” remains stalled in the Senate after passing the House. Community Science & Learning: Butterfly Pavilion completed a baseline pollinator survey for a Northwest Parkway corridor to guide future habitat planting.

NASA Moon Prep: NASA is testing a regenerative fuel cell at its Cleveland lab that could power long lunar stays where sunlight is unreliable, supporting Artemis landers, habitats, and rovers. Ohio Biomanufacturing: Hikma Pharmaceuticals will expand in Columbus and Bedford with a $267M investment and 350 new jobs, boosting generic medicine capacity. Local Industry Growth: Nexans completed its acquisition of Cincinnati-based Republic Wire, strengthening its U.S. low-voltage cable business tied to electrification and data center demand. Defense Tech: Apogee won a $103.6M Pentagon contract for positioning, navigation and timing services, including work at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. AI Infrastructure Debate: Ohio paused its data center tax break as opposition grows, while Amazon says it improved data center networking with a new architecture aimed at AI-driven traffic. Public Health Research: An Ohio University professor is studying how nicotine affects heart health as vaping and pouches rise. Tech & Policy: A bipartisan group of AGs opposes the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would limit state enforcement of child online safety rules.

AI & Education: Ohio State Marion hosts a free June 10 event on how AI is reshaping classrooms and career pathways, with K-12, higher-ed, and industry panelists. Invasive Pets in Ohio Waters: A University of Toledo study warns that released goldfish can trigger major ecosystem shifts, including murkier water and fewer native food sources. Privacy vs. Policing Tech: Dayton residents and city staff escalate pushback against Flock Safety license plate readers after an internal review flagged policy violations and thousands of search requests. Ohio Data Center Backlash: Ohio pauses/suspends key data center tax breaks as opposition grows over power costs and forecast errors, while lawmakers and residents keep pressing the issue. Clean Energy Jobs: A new report maps the scale of U.S. clean energy manufacturing, highlighting Ohio’s role in the supply chain and the jobs tied to it. Health Tech Deal: Pro Medicus’ U.S. Visage Imaging unit lands a $28M, five-year contract renewal with Allegheny Health Network, adding Visage 7 Workflow. Local Water Safety: Columbiana County plans a public session on its Expanded Potable Well Testing Program, focusing on how groundwater quality is sampled and evaluated.