Ohio

We run down a list of some of the government actions taking place for the week. Plus, Kansas releases its broadband digital equity plan for public comment, and a research program seeks to advance health equity.

Cleveland is preparing to strike an agreement with fiber developer SiFi Networks, in pursuit of high-speed, citywide Internet infrastructure that promises to serve every household and business that wants it.

The Butler County Clerk of Courts Office has streamlined its jury management system, modernizing the process of notifying potential jurors and seating prospective jurors in the courtroom for selection.

Plus, the federal digital discrimination task force is holding a listening session this week in New York City; Charlotte is launching a pilot program to increase tech transparency; and more.

With state funding from the Department of Development, Ohio State University will connect high-speed Internet to a site that will be used as a demonstration area and proving grounds for autonomous farming equipment.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced today that $5 million in grant funding is now available to help local law enforcement agencies invest in body camera equipment and pay for associated expenses.

Plus, AT&T is opening a center to support digital equity in Miami, Kansas is the latest state to submit its five-year broadband action plan to the federal government, and more.

The company has announced plans to spend $1.7 billion to expand its three Ohio data center sites to boost artificial intelligence efforts and tools like Google search, Maps, and Gmail.

The Ohio History Connection attempted to negotiate over extortion payments related to a July ransomware attack, but cyber criminals rejected the act, potentially leading to a likely data leak.

This week, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown announced $162.5 million in federal funding for high-speed Internet infrastructure and community and workforce development projects. The money comes from the American Rescue Plan's Capital Projects Fund.

Data from cities, counties and states reveals the roles they have the toughest time filling (and they’re not just in cybersecurity). Here are some of their innovative approaches to navigating these workforce shortages.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has expanded access to a virtual learning platform for those in the state’s correctional facilities to improve the re-entry process and reduce recidivism.

The Ohio Department of Transportation and DriveOhio — an Ohio government organization focused on mobility technology — are rolling out a four-year, $8 million plan to bring these semitrucks to roads in both states.

In a study of 514 students across the state, conducted by the nonprofit WestEd, those who used a VR tool from the ed-tech company Prisms outperformed their peers who covered the same material in a more traditional way.

With support from federal funding and a statewide program, Ohio middle school students will have free access to Zearn Math through June 2025 as educators hope to reverse declining math scores since the pandemic.

Attorney General Dave Yost introduced new technologies that will help the Bureau of Criminal Investigation better connect the dots on firearm and drug crime. The tools will help investigators link firearms to past crimes.  

The state will award more than $18 million in program funds for the 27 fast charging stations along seven of the interstate corridors, including interstates 70 and 75, Gov. Mike DeWine announced this week.

The company, a subsidiary of online retailer Amazon, plans to invest an estimated $7.8 billion by the end of 2029 as part of an expansion of its data center operations in central part of the state.