AGP Executive Report

AI & Data Centers: Microsoft is expanding a biomimicry approach to more than 20 data centers, using an Azure-based “Ecosystem Intelligence” tool to measure biodiversity, noise and water impacts around sites. Federal Policy: The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the bipartisan Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act, which would route more NOAA funding to the Great Lakes Commission for research and conservation. Ohio Tech & Education: University of Dayton received a $1.4M Gates Foundation grant to build AI tools that streamline public school improvement plan reviews, aiming to cut paperwork and speed support for districts. Cyber/Privacy & Courts: Ohio’s debate over Flock camera use keeps heating up, with state officials pushing for tougher penalties for misuse while courts and privacy advocates watch closely. STEM in the Classroom: New Knoxville School won a $1,201 Toshiba STEM grant for “Bionic Innovations,” where students will design and test robotic prosthetic hands with muscle sensors. Healthcare Tech: OhioHealth was named Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics under an expanded multi-year partnership with Ohio University. Environment & Public Health: A new poll finds Americans’ concern about AI’s environmental impact is rising fast, with 53% saying they’re extremely or very concerned.

AI in Teaching: Ohio University’s Center for Teaching, Learning and Assessment is rolling out fall 2026 book groups on “Teaching With AI” and online instruction, plus a spring 2027 hybrid certification track (“From Scholarly Teaching to Research”) that funds faculty projects and supports research methods. Library Tech & Literacy: OHIO Libraries added a self-paced Canvas Commons tutorial covering research skills, responsible AI use, and how to find and borrow materials. Campus AI Infrastructure: Ohio State is partnering with Google Cloud to create a dedicated on-campus Google space in its Innovation District, giving researchers access to Google AI models and DeepMind connections. Semiconductor Supply Chain: Reuters reports SK hynix is exploring a deal with Intel that could bring US memory-chip production to Intel’s Ohio plant, potentially via leasing or a joint venture (South Korea approvals may be needed). Data Centers & Power Costs: The US House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, pushing states to consider rules so data centers help cover grid upgrade costs instead of shifting bills to families. Privacy & Surveillance Tech: Ohio’s Flock camera debate continues as local and state officials weigh safeguards and penalties for misuse. Health Tech: A Toledo report highlights a promising blood test approach for earlier pancreatic cancer detection using AI-linked markers.

Semiconductors & AI Supply Chain: SK Hynix is exploring a first-of-its-kind deal with Intel to make memory chips in the U.S., with Reuters reporting possible use of Intel’s Ohio capacity or a broader venture with cloud partners—aimed at easing AI-driven memory shortages. Energy & Trade: First Solar plans to withdraw its TOPCon patent complaint at the USITC while continuing related U.S. court cases, after shifting trade pressure on solar inputs. Public Tech & Privacy: Ohio AG Andy Wilson is pushing to criminalize misuse of Flock cameras, arguing the tool should not be used for personal surveillance. Civic Data: Toledo launched a Prosecutor’s Office Dashboard with public case data back to 2018, including timelines and demographics. Education & Health Policy: DeWine signed a law letting Ohio schools and camps stock and use any FDA-approved epinephrine device, including nasal spray alternatives. Local Tech in Practice: Ohio University rolled out an AI-literacy library tutorial course for students, plus new teaching-focused book groups. School Outcomes: Garfield Heights City Schools fell to a 2.5-star state report card rating as absenteeism remains severe.

AI Chips & Jobs: Reuters reports SK Hynix is in talks with Intel on a first-of-its-kind deal to make memory chips in the U.S., with one scenario leasing part of Intel’s Ohio facility—an AI-data-center boost that could also face political pushback. Autonomous Freight in Ohio: Ohio’s first driverless truck tests are moving on limited routes, using AI plus cameras and lidar, with “purple light” signaling—still mostly confined to private or semi-private roads under current law. Surveillance Cameras Under Scrutiny: Trenton Police Chief Patrick Carr held a town hall defending Flock plate readers and tightened outside access, while an earlier audit-log probe found “traffic infraction” searches that conflict with claims of non-enforcement use. Data Centers vs. Rural Communities: Ohio’s data-center boom is drawing backlash as residents say they weren’t told about rezoning and expansion plans, fueling fights over annexations and trust. Medical Tech: OSU Wexner Medical Center researchers report IV buprenorphine can match opioid pain relief in non-ventilated MICU patients while reducing respiratory depression and oversedation. Education & AI Literacy: Ohio University is rolling out new faculty workshops and a student library tutorial course that includes responsible AI use. Climate Policy: The EPA’s latest rollback of power-plant emissions controls is framed as pushing U.S. pollution cuts back by about a decade.

Ohio Higher Ed, AI & Research Support: Ohio University is rolling out new faculty and student help sessions, including “Thriving in the Academy” workshops, a “Grants 101” series, and a library tutorial course on responsible AI use; it also offers an AI-focused book group for instructors. State Policy & Defense Tech: Gov. DeWine signed a bill creating the Ohio Defense and Space Commission to boost defense and aerospace investment, research, and manufacturing. Local Tech Governance: Pioneer Village (and other Ohio communities) is moving to slow data-center growth amid concerns about power use and community impacts, while Toledo City Council is set to discuss responsible AI use. AI Regulation Debate: DeWine said AI regulation should come from the federal government for uniformity, and lawmakers continue to clash over “light touch” versus stricter guardrails. Education Outcomes: Ohio released 2025-2026 school report cards with star ratings and major changes for some districts, including Cincinnati Public Schools. Energy & Industry: Federal regulators approved large natural gas pipeline expansions tied to Ohio and Pennsylvania gas reaching the Southeast. Sports Tech Safety: Major U.S. leagues and unions urged regulators to crack down on bettor harassment with lifetime sportsbook bans.

Ohio University AI & teaching support: OHIO CTLA is rolling out fall 2026 faculty development and student-facing tools, including a “Teaching With AI” book group and a new self-paced Library Tutorial Course on Canvas Commons with an AI literacy module. Grants & research training: OHIO also invites faculty to “Grants 101” sessions and a spring 2027 certification track for scholarly teaching research. Student-athlete healthcare partnership: Ohio Athletics expanded its deal with OhioHealth, naming it Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Local public safety tech debate: Athens police and the sheriff’s office say their Flock license-plate camera systems help solve theft and hit-and-run cases, while public concern continues. Manufacturing & jobs in The Plains: Athens County Port Authority is negotiating space for CCC Plastics to build a plastic production facility, targeting 25 new full-time jobs. Defense supply chain: The Pentagon announced a $450M investment in The Elmet Group to expand U.S. tungsten processing and reduce China reliance. Health & rankings: Cleveland Clinic Children’s and Lurie Children’s both earned major U.S. News pediatric honors. Climate policy shift: EPA is expected to repeal key carbon rules for coal and gas power plants.

Ohio University AI & teaching support: OHIO is rolling out multiple fall 2026 faculty and student programs, including “Thriving in the Academy” workshops for newer faculty, CTLA book groups on teaching with AI and joyful online instruction, and a new self-paced Library Tutorial Course on research skills and responsible AI use via Canvas Commons. Sports medicine partnership: Ohio Athletics expanded its deal with OhioHealth, naming it Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Campus research funding: OHIO is also hosting “Grants 101” sessions and an “1804 Institutional Impact Challenge” info series for internal funding tied to undergraduate/graduate education and faculty research. Public tech oversight in Ohio: Bipartisan lawmakers urged ODOT to halt and review Flock Safety automated license plate reader permits, asking for counts, ownership details, and contract terms. Weather & wildlife: NOAA and the World Meteorological Organization warn of a potentially “Super El Niño,” while Cornell Lab forecasts a major overnight migratory-bird push through the Ohio River Valley. Aviation finance watch: Coverage compares Archer vs. Joby eVTOL balance sheets as both race for FAA certification.

Ohio University Faculty Development: OHIO is rolling out “Thriving in the Academy” workshops for newer faculty, plus a “Grants 101” series to help researchers navigate proposals, budgets, and post-award management. AI in Education: OHIO Libraries launched a self-paced Canvas Commons tutorial covering research skills and responsible AI use, with modules on finding sources and AI literacy. Campus Health Partnership: OhioHealth expanded its role as the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics, extending sports medicine support across 16 teams. Ohio Tech & Industry: GoSun’s Ohio-built all-electric solar tractor aims to cut farm operating costs by charging via integrated solar, co-developed with Moonrider. Policy & Privacy in Ohio: A Central Ohio coalition is pushing Columbus to remove Flock automated license plate reader cameras, citing harm to immigrant communities and concerns about data access. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Greenfield officials are reviewing drainage and sewer issues tied to a recent flood-culvert incident involving a firefighter. Local Media/Health: A Southeast Ohio marijuana dispensary closed after reports of serious adverse health effects tied to a vape pen, with products placed on precautionary hold pending lab review. Film Production in Northeast Ohio: Euclid approved plans for a new Hollywood-grade soundstage campus, targeting more local production capacity.

Ohio University AI & teaching support: OHIO is rolling out new faculty and instructor development options, including a “Thriving in the Academy” workshop series for newer faculty, a CTLA book group focused on teaching with AI, and a “Grants 101” learning series for researchers and scholarship applicants. Campus AI literacy: OHIO Libraries launched a self-paced Library Tutorial Course in Canvas Commons, covering research skills, responsible AI use, and how to find and borrow materials. Student-athlete healthcare partnership: Learfield’s Ohio Sports Properties expanded its agreement with OhioHealth, naming OhioHealth the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics across 16 sports. College sports policy spotlight: Sen. Ted Cruz promoted the Protect College Sports Act on ESPN’s College GameDay and drew heavy boos, as the bill targets transfer, eligibility, NIL, and conference realignment rules. AI infrastructure finance: A report says Nvidia is positioning itself as a financing connector for AI data-center buildouts, with Ohio projects cited as part of the broader push. Local health tech upgrade: OhioHealth Berger Hospital marked completion of a renovated surgery center, emphasizing more private patient spaces and updated surgical workflows.

AI & Policy: Politicians are scrambling to rein in AI and data centers as researchers warn about existential risks and high-profile agent incidents spark fresh calls for slowdowns and new rules. Semiconductors: Intel says it has processed over 1 million high-NA EUV wafers, a milestone meant to help it catch up in advanced chip manufacturing, including Ohio-based work. Ohio Higher Ed (Teaching Tech): Ohio University is rolling out fall workshops and book groups on using AI in teaching, plus a new self-paced library tutorial course that includes AI literacy for students. Healthcare & Energy: OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital earned national sustainability awards for cutting energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Workforce Housing: Gov. DeWine announced $14M in REDD grants to expand workforce housing across 10 Ohio counties, including Greene. Sports Tech/Health: OhioHealth becomes Official Healthcare Provider for Ohio Athletics under an expanded multi-year deal. Space Science: NASA’s multi-telescope look at the Tarantula Nebula shows how massive stars reshape stellar nurseries.

Ohio University Tech & Teaching: OHIO Libraries launched a self-paced Library Tutorial in Canvas Commons, adding modules on research skills and responsible AI use, while CTLA is running fall workshops on grants, teaching with AI, and faculty development. Sports Medicine Tech Tie-In: Learfield’s Ohio Sports Properties expanded its Ohio Athletics deal, naming OhioHealth as Official Healthcare Provider for all 16 sports. Local 9/11 Tech-Adjacent Remembrance: Westerville marked the 25th anniversary with a memorial featuring World Trade Center steel, spotlighting first-responder readiness. AI Policy & Privacy: Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson and Sen. Ron Wyden pressed the UK’s encryption tribunal for more openness in Apple’s iCloud encryption dispute. Data Center Politics in Ohio: Ohio candidates face scrutiny over data-center regulation while some are tied financially to the boom. AI Infrastructure Watch: Anthropic is reportedly discussing a major Texas data center plan that could pair computing with new gas-fired power.

Ohio University AI & teaching support: OHIO is rolling out new faculty and student learning resources, including a “Thriving in the Academy” workshop series for newer faculty, CTLA book groups on teaching with AI and joyful online instruction, and a Grants 101 series to help researchers navigate external funding. Library AI literacy: OHIO Libraries launched a self-paced Canvas Commons tutorial with modules on research skills, responsible AI use, and finding materials via OhioLINK/Interlibrary Loan. Workforce & career tech: Trumbull Career & Technical Center’s new Innovation Center is expanding industrial training, career exploration, and behavioral health supports. Public health watch: The CDC says a major multi-state cyclospora outbreak tied to processed iceberg lettuce is over, and it also warns of rising human rabies exposure this summer. Campus speech dispute: Ohio State’s chalk ban faces an ACLU challenge, with the group threatening legal action. Education funding: Ohio announced $20.7M in grants to expand high-performing community schools. Local tech/industry: Spartan Logistics is expanding in Ohio after acquiring Allen Logistics, adding warehouse space and boosting its regional footprint.

Ohio University Tech & AI Literacy: Ohio University Libraries rolled out a self-paced Library Tutorial Course on Canvas Commons, including modules on research skills and responsible AI use. Campus Leadership: OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez delivered the State of the University address outlining progress under the school’s Dynamic Strategy. Student Support Funding: OHIO is inviting faculty and staff to learn about the 1804 Institutional Impact Challenge, with internal awards up to $15,000 and support for proposals targeting external funding. Sports Medicine Tech Partnership: OhioHealth expanded its role as Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics, extending clinical support across 16 sports for OHIO’s student-athletes. Stadium Security & Connectivity: Ohio Stadium is upgrading game-day tech with facial-authentication entry and a major AI-powered Wi‑Fi 7 network, alongside changes tied to ticketing risk for resale buyers. Environmental Education: Ohio EPA announced nine $5,000 environmental scholarship winners across Ohio colleges, spanning environmental science, engineering, and related fields. Public Health Navigation: Gov. DeWine and ODH launched a Pediatric Complex Care Navigation program to connect families of children with cancer to resources through a single point of contact. Local Tech in Toledo: Estone Technology bought Toledo’s One SeaGate building and plans to relocate its HQ and turn it into a “smart” tower with security and tech upgrades. AI & Kids Regulation (National): California signed laws restricting addictive social media features for under-16s and banning AI chatbot toys, plus added chatbot safety and parental controls. Ohio Research Spotlight: Butler County researchers documented the first armadillo in Ohio to arrive without human help, supporting the idea of the species expanding northward.

Ohio University Funding: Ohio University faculty and staff can apply for the 1804 Institutional Impact Challenge, with two Sept. info sessions and an Oct. 2 deadline for awards up to $15,000 or up to two workload units to build external-funding proposals. AI Safety Push: A stalled Senate AI safety bill is getting fresh momentum after warnings from major AI labs and a new “AI Data Center Revolt” bus tour that includes Ohio, highlighting growing local pushback to data-center growth. Climate Hit Home: NOAA says the U.S. had its warmest summer on record; Indiana and Ohio also saw record-high August precipitation, with major storm impacts. Public Health & Misinformation: A podcast episode spotlights measles deaths tied to low vaccination and misinformation, underscoring how public messaging can shape outbreak risk. Healthcare Costs in Ohio: A KFF report describes how patients can face big price swings when hospital systems buy practices, steering care to higher-cost settings. Tech & Consumer Tech: Google added a live NFL game feed to Search, with play-by-play updates and AI-powered insights. Ohio Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finished Conneaut Harbor dredging in 10 days to keep Lake Erie shipping moving.

Data Center Tax Fight: Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno says he’ll push federal legislation to end state and local tax incentives for data centers, proposing a tax that would effectively cancel the value of those breaks. School Safety & Testing: Ohio education officials are reviewing spring test results after “significant testing anomalies” at 52 schools, including multiple in the Cleveland area, with possible score voids or staff action. Child Crash Injuries: An Ohio State study finds more than half of children hurt in crashes were improperly restrained or not restrained, with early transitions between car-seat stages linked to worse outcomes. AI Privacy in Schools: Microsoft and teachers unions (AFT/UFT) announced a national contract standard for AI and student/educator data protections, aiming to make safeguards enforceable in district agreements. Surveillance Cameras in Ohio: A new Ohio bill would restrict Flock AI license-plate reader data sharing with third parties and require deletion after 10 days, while Toledo City Council weighs an audit of how the cameras are used. Cybersecurity for Local Governments: A new report warns states that smaller local agencies often lack resources to defend critical infrastructure systems, even as states try to help. Deepfake Extortion Case: A federal judge in Ohio sentenced a Columbus man to 15 years for an AI deepfake extortion scheme targeting at least 20 victims.

Ohio Charter Schools Funding: Ohio is set to announce which charter schools will split nearly $105M in federal grants for facilities and expansion over the next five years, with competition tight and awards capped per school. Data Center Tax Backlash: Ohio’s sales-tax exemption for data-center equipment is now under renewed scrutiny after reports pegged the cost at more than $1.5B in 2025, as other states pause or unwind similar incentives amid rising power and water concerns. Aerospace Supply Chain: GE Aerospace plans to buy Ohio-based casting supplier Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) in an $11.75B deal aimed at easing engine-part casting bottlenecks and scaling capacity for commercial and defense programs. AI in Ohio Classrooms: Ohio universities are pushing “AI fluency” over avoidance, teaching students how to use tools responsibly as coursework and future jobs shift. Privacy vs Surveillance Tech: An Ohio bill would add guardrails for automated license plate readers, including short data retention limits, limits on sharing, and audit/reporting requirements. Space Science (Ohio-linked): Ohio State researchers helped measure primordial helium with record precision, tightening constraints on early-universe conditions. Healthcare Tech: Cleveland Clinic is partnering with Luminai to automate complex administrative workflows, starting with processing external referrals that often arrive by fax. Public Air Monitoring Fight: A Floodlight investigation says community air sensors are increasingly being restricted by state laws, including in Ohio, limiting how regulators can use low-cost monitoring. Energy Storage Growth: New U.S. data shows record energy storage deployments, with storage increasingly used to support grid reliability as demand rises.