AGP Executive Report

Data Centers in Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the Ohio Tax Credit Authority to pause new data center tax exemption requests while lawmakers study impacts, after residents raised concerns about water and energy use. Local Governance: Warren City Council moved toward a permanent ban on new data centers, citing strain on water, wastewater, utility rates, and neighborhood character. Tech & Health Research: Trogenix dosed the first patient in its Phase I/II TGX-007 gene therapy trial for glioblastoma at Ohio State University Hospital and NHS Lothian. STEM Education & Workforce: Trumbull Career & Technical Center students earned national honors at the BPA conference, including top finishes in video production, virtual multimedia, and 2D computer animation. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Youngstown officials sued over the 2024 Realty Tower explosion and a receiver warned SOBE Thermal Energy Systems may soon fail to pay for boilers, risking downtown steam heat. Community Tech & Literacy: The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County launched its 2026 Summer Discovery reading program with free events and prize books.

Data Center Policy Shock in Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine is pausing new sales-tax exemption requests for data centers while lawmakers study the impact; the break cost nearly $1.6B in 2025, far above earlier estimates, and officials say the pause will buy time for a closer look at local effects. Local Governance, Cleveland Angle: Cleveland leaders are debating how to handle data centers with “nuance,” including zoning for “data cloud” facilities and concerns about siting them in neighborhoods like Slavic Village. Tech Workforce Pipeline: Southern State Community College added two fast-track computer science certificates—Datacenter Specialist and Technical Support—aimed at entry-level roles and aligned with industry cert paths. Banking Tech Leadership: Northwest Bank named Chad Ballard as CIO to modernize platforms and scale technology initiatives, including AI efforts he led at Wells Fargo. STEM Research & Weather: A new study links Corn Belt irrigation and shallow groundwater to more frequent and longer-lasting thunderstorm complexes, with Ohio included in the region. Internet Safety Push: Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority over online child protections. Defense Tech Update: The Navy plans to homeport up to eight Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines at Naval Base Kitsap, replacing Ohio-class boats. Ohio Infrastructure Work: USACE began $1.1M maintenance dredging at Rocky River Harbor to keep Lake Erie navigation safe for recreation. AI & Antitrust Warning: DOJ signaled that AI-driven pricing tools can trigger criminal antitrust liability if competitors use shared outputs based on non-public pricing data.

Crime & Tech: Argentine police say they arrested two Chilean men tied to a transnational burglary ring targeting high-profile athletes’ homes in the U.S. and Argentina, with extradition requested by the U.S. Ohio Education: Opponents are pushing back hard on an Ohio K-12 bill that would ban diversity and inclusion offices and training, calling the rules too vague to enforce fairly. Libraries & Learning: Ohio libraries are leaning into summer programs—reading, STEM, and meals—to fight learning loss and food insecurity. Energy & Rates: FirstEnergy filed a three-year Ohio grid plan seeking about $800M a year for upgrades, plus more for vegetation management. AI & Health: Ohio State researchers reported a breakthrough on RNA interference, and Cleveland Clinic research links Viagra’s sildenafil to a lower Alzheimer’s risk. Local Power: Westlake temporarily suspended its electric aggregation program as energy prices rose.

AI in City Hall: ClearGov just launched an AI-powered platform that turns city budget documents into interactive, public-friendly summaries—plus two-way feedback via polls and messaging—already piloted by places including Cleveland and Southwest Public Libraries in Ohio. Healthcare Tech in Ohio: OSU researchers published new work explaining a key step in RNA interference, a long-standing gene-silencing mystery that could help drug design. Local STEM Push: Ohio is doling out $26M in Choose Ohio First STEM scholarships across 59 colleges, with funding starting in 2027-28. Data Center Backlash Goes Federal: A new national fight over data centers and electricity demand is now hitting Congress, with lawmakers debating moratoriums and consumer-rate protections. Education Access: Swarthmore announced free tuition for eligible families up to $200,000 starting 2027-28. Ohio Tech & Industry: Insulation Labs (with Owens Corning) won an innovation award for using AI to improve efficiency and customer service.

AI Election Alarm: Ohio Republicans are already using deepfakes—an Ohio GOP video mocked Gov. nominee Amy Acton with AI-made footage that “never happened,” and lawmakers are now weighing AI political-ad disclaimer rules as experts warn generative AI can blur the line between misleading and legal. Federal Research Shakeup: An Ohio Forest Service research station in McArthur is among dozens “under evaluation” for closure as the agency reorganizes and critics say it’s a data-cutting move that could shrink forestry science. Data Center Fight Moves to Congress: The debate over power-hungry data centers is escalating from states to Washington, with lawmakers pushing consumer-rate protections while communities brace for higher bills and more political pressure. Ohio Tech Policy: Ohio is also seeing fresh scrutiny of incentives—state sales-tax breaks for data centers are being called a costly giveaway. Local Tech in Action: Ohio’s School Safety Center is rolling out mobile camera trailers for after-hours events, adding more eyes where security gaps show up.

Funding Uncertainty: Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge’s management MOA is headed toward a possible end, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signaling it may withdraw oversight of the roughly 50,000-acre site—an outcome local supporters say they can’t afford. Medical Tech in Action: A 19-year-old Ohio woman paralyzed after a drunk-driving crash is learning to walk again using a robotic exoskeleton (ReWalk), marking a major milestone for her recovery. Public Art Push in Columbus: The Greater Columbus Arts Council is collecting community ideas through a Public Art Suggestion Map, but funding and approvals remain the bottleneck for major projects. AI Crime Crackdown: Federal prosecutors announced early major cases under the Take It Down Act, targeting AI deepfake pornography and naming victims. Data Center Politics: A new fight is moving to Congress as lawmakers debate how to handle data centers’ electricity demands and community pushback. Safety Update, SoCal: After days of fear over a damaged chemical tank, officials say the catastrophic explosion risk is eliminated—though evacuations for about 50,000 residents stayed in place.

Redistricting Showdown: A fresh push to redraw House maps is reigniting the fight over who controls Congress in 2027, with courts and new Supreme Court rulings (like Louisiana v. Callais) opening more rounds of partisan mapmaking across the South. Ohio Politics: In Ohio’s Senate race, Sherrod Brown is leaning hard on turnout and “change” messaging even as Democrats struggle to win back red-state seats. Education Policy: The U.S. Education Department is moving fast on Workforce Pell rules, plus new accreditation proposals that would lower barriers for new accreditors—while critics warn it could squeeze academic independence. Ohio Schools & AI: Marietta City Schools is piloting Magic School AI next year at no cost, with a district committee to track compliance. Defense & War: The Pentagon says 13 U.S. service members have died in the Iran war effort, as diplomacy with Iran appears close to a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tech & Industry in Ohio: Ohio’s Polymer Industry Cluster is opening R&D funding proposals to help startups move materials from concept to commercialization. Public Safety: Southern California’s damaged chemical tank still has 50,000 residents under evacuation orders, even as officials say a crack may reduce the worst-case explosion risk.

Transportation Policy: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced the $580B, five-year BUILD America 250 Act 62-2, adding a White House-backed rail safety provision that could complicate floor support. It also funds highways and rail through 2031 and adds a new annual EV registration fee. Public Safety: In Southern California, crews keep spraying a damaged chemical tank in Garden Grove as officials weigh whether it may crack, leak, or explode; about 50,000 residents remain under evacuation with no return timeline. Foreign Affairs: The U.S. and Iran are reported to be near a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with uranium concessions and timelines still being worked out. Ohio Tech & Industry: Western Erie County’s aging power line rebuild starts this summer in a $51.4M project, while Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub launched a polymer-focused Synthe6 Materials Accelerator for nine startups. Local Governance: Kent State is expanding Mobile Flashes community health outreach with a $1.75M gift.

Public Safety Crisis: In Garden Grove, California, officials are still trying to stabilize an overheated chemical tank after 40,000 residents were ordered to evacuate with no clear return timeline; no injuries were reported, but broken “gummed up” valves mean crews can’t remove the chemical or relieve pressure, and experts warn that if it leaks or ignites, contamination could spread for days. Sports-Tech Spotlight: Indy 500 tires are still made by hand—about 5,000 per race—now using more sustainable inputs like recycled steel bead wire and palm-oil-waste-derived materials. AI & Crime: Two men were charged federally for publishing sexually explicit AI deepfakes of celebrities under the “Take It Down Act,” with up to two years in prison. Ohio Education: Ohio University launched a fully online psychology master’s starting Fall 2026, built for working professionals with an accelerated, asynchronous schedule. Local Tech & Community: OSU Marion expanded STEM workshops to more Central Ohio counties, extending hands-on learning beyond campus.

Safety Tech in Ohio: A bipartisan Ohio Senate bill would require bars and restaurants to keep drink-testing devices on hand, able to flag drugs like ketamine, GHB, and Rohypnol in under five minutes—aimed at cutting down drink spiking and the assaults that can follow. Higher Ed Access: Ohio University is launching a fully online Master of Science in Psychological Science starting Fall 2026, built for working professionals with an asynchronous, fast-track structure. AI and Crime: Two men face federal charges for creating and publishing explicit celebrity deepfakes under the Take It Down Act, with up to two years in prison. Data Center Backlash: Ohio’s big sales-tax break for data centers is costing far more than forecast—hundreds of millions more each year than earlier estimates—raising fresh questions about who benefits. Local Tech in Schools: A new survey finds districts are leaning on chemical/acoustic monitoring and AI camera systems, alongside other tools, as they try to harden campus safety.

Ohio Economy: Ohio’s unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in April, down from 4.1% in March, as nonfarm jobs rose by 7,800—gains in manufacturing and construction helped offset declines in mining and logging. AI & Policy: The White House’s AI executive order hit a snag after a sudden postponement, leaving tech firms bracing for a new government oversight approach. Data Centers & Taxes: Ohio’s big sales-tax break for data centers is costing far more than forecast—$555M in 2024 and $1.57B in 2025—raising fresh questions about who benefits. Tech in the Real World: Google unveiled more “agentic” Gemini tools, including a proactive personal AI assistant, as the company pushes deeper into AI product rollouts. Healthcare Workforce: A new study warns nearly 1 in 10 surgeons left clinical practice between 2013 and 2020, fueling concerns about future shortages. Local Tech Education: Lycoming Career and Technology Center celebrated its Class of 2026, highlighting hands-on training for students headed into health and tech careers.

Infrastructure Push: The $580B BUILD America 250 Act cleared the House Transportation committee, aiming to supercharge bridge work and revive the Highway Trust Fund, with a big rail-safety focus and new money for roads, transit, and bike access. Auto Turnaround: Stellantis is betting nearly $70B on a product-heavy reset across its North American brands, with Ohio plants watching for higher utilization. Ohio Tech Policy: The Ohio Senate passed an AI bill that would require watermarks on AI-generated content and target identity fraud and simulated child sexual content, now headed to the House. Healthcare Compliance: Federal enforcement is tightening across health systems, pushing leaders toward earlier coordination and more proactive monitoring, including more AI-driven risk work. EV Security Debate: U.S. lawmakers are advancing a plan to ban low-cost Chinese EVs and even Chinese car computer hardware/software, arguing national security and data privacy risks. Memorial Day Reality Check: Gas is near a four-year high and travel chaos is expected, with some states also facing a colder-than-Christmas weekend.

Rare Earth Deal: Critical Metals locked in a 15-year Western rare earth offtake with REalloys for Tanbreez concentrate, aiming to strengthen non-Chinese magnet supply chains. Downtown Dollars: Columbiana County’s Port Authority opens applications June 1 for downtown building renovation and signage grants, targeting walkable hubs like Salem and Lisbon. Auto Turnaround Watch: Stellantis’ nearly $70B FaSTLAne 2030 plan—11 new North American vehicles over five years—could boost underused U.S. capacity, including Toledo. Clinical Trials Access: NexGen Research is hosting a drive-through health fair May 29 to connect underserved residents with screenings and upcoming clinical trials. Ohio Data Center Backlash: Ohio’s AI/data-center fight keeps heating up as Cleveland-area groups push against broad bans while others argue for “sensible regulations.” Health Research Breakthrough: Cleveland-area scientists report nitric oxide can broadly regulate gene splicing—and lower levels in Alzheimer’s brains track with worse outcomes.

Data Center Backlash, Ohio Style: Ohio’s biggest data-center sales-tax break is costing far more than promised—about $555M in 2024 and $1.57B in 2025, with local taxes adding more lost revenue, raising fresh questions about who benefits and whether forecasts were wildly low. Local Governance: Yellow Springs moved fast with an emergency ordinance putting a moratorium on new data-center zoning permits, while Ohio business groups argue for “smart growth” instead of bans. Health & AI: A new survey finds most doctors think hantavirus coverage is overstating risk even as patient questions rise, and federal prosecutors charged two men with AI deepfake porn under a newer “Take It Down” law. Workforce & Care: Research also flags a surgeon “mid-career” exit risk, and Ohio’s medical world continues to grapple with malpractice exposure and coverage rules. Tech in Public Life: Clariti launched an AI Studio to help local governments understand how AI could speed permitting and reduce delays.

Education-to-career Momentum: Ohio University’s Music Industry Summit is going student-first and free for students, educators, and alumni—highlighting how schools are building real industry pathways beyond the classroom. Behavioral Health Research: Bierman Autism Centers says its PEBBL program is moving from year-one results into testing whether a new ABA skill-sequencing order holds up in everyday therapy sessions, with more validation planned for late June. Local School Staffing: Wellsville and Salem school boards approved staffing and administrator contract changes, underscoring how districts are reshaping leadership and support roles heading into the next school year. Community Tech in Action: CCCTC welding students built modified carts for Columbiana County’s Emergency Management Agency to move radiological equipment—hands-on engineering tied directly to public safety. Policy Pressure on AI in Health: Ohio lawmakers are pushing back on Medicare’s WISeR prior-authorization AI model, aiming to stop new AI-driven requirements. Public Safety & Tech Oversight: A House Judiciary push targets Colorado’s sanctuary policies, including demands tied to Flock camera data sharing—another reminder that surveillance tech is now a political flashpoint.

Ohio AI Lawmaking: The Ohio Senate unanimously passed SB 163, making it a crime to create, share, or possess AI-made sexual material involving minors, and requiring watermarking for generative AI content. Health Policy Clash: Congressional Democrats are pushing to force a vote to end Medicare’s AI prior-authorization pilot after a GAO finding that the program should have been submitted to Congress. Medicaid Fight: Gov. Mike DeWine pushed back on claims of Medicaid fraud failures, saying Ohio will mandate GPS monitoring for home health providers. Local Tech & Safety: A small Ohio community is rallying for a 15-year-old severely burned in a classroom science experiment fire in Jamestown, with local businesses and a GoFundMe stepping in. Data Centers & Power: Ohio’s Transportation Review Advisory Council approved $123.1M in major projects, while separate coverage highlights growing community backlash against data centers. Environment & Recycling: A report says Starbucks’ “widely recyclable” plastic cups still aren’t getting recycled when tracked in-store.