Cleveland, OH

Bernie Moreno claims Blockland conference convinced AT&T to bring 5G to Cleveland • Ohio Capital Journal

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2024

Bernie Moreno claims Blockland conference convinced AT&T to bring 5G to Cleveland • Ohio Capital Journal

In December of 2018, Cleveland hosted the first of two conferences aimed at promoting blockchain technology and establishing itself as a destination for blockchain companies. The idea’s biggest booster was Bernie Moreno, who is now the Republican nominee in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race. And Moreno’s plans didn’t stop at the Blockland conference. He launched his own company using blockchain to manage vehicle titles and dreamed of redeveloping the downtown Tower City Center into City Block — a mixed-use space hosting tech companies and startups.

But three years later, the effort was dead. Moreno, in his first U.S. Senate bid, stepped away from Blockland because he didn’t want the community “tarnished by the divisiveness and vitriol that permeates our current political environment.” Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert announced new plans for Tower City, making no mention of City Block.

According to Moreno, though, it wasn’t a total loss. In 2019, he claimed the Blockland initiative prompted AT&T to bring 5G service to Cleveland.

“AT&T is looking at putting 5G in Cleveland,” he told Smart Business Dealmakers Cleveland that April. “That probably wouldn’t have happened without the Blockland effort and the people who were involved.”

In a Cuyahoga County finance and budgeting committee meeting a few months later, Moreno said, “AT&T has made the decision to roll out 5G in Cleveland — first in Ohio, and probably first fully implemented city in America, if they go on their timeline.”

The record, however, tells a different story. One in which Blockland was less a draw for AT&T than a new platform to lobby for infrastructure improvements the company was already planning. The episode demonstrates how Moreno interacts with major corporate interests and burnishes his own reputation in the process.

AT&T’s plans

AT&T’s earliest announcements about 5G networks come from 2016. In December, the company announced the deployment of a 5G network at Intel’s offices in Austin. Put simply, 5G is just the latest technological standard for mobile devices, following 3G and 4G and eventually to be overtaken by 6G. Its broader rollout was inevitable, and AT&T moved rapidly.

In April of 2017, before the standards were even finalized, the company began touting what it called “5G evolution” in parts of Austin, TX. The service was essentially a juiced up 4G connection, that the company routinely described as laying the foundation for 5G. AT&T projected it would roll out the technology in 20 metro areas by the end of 2017.

The following year, AT&T announced plans to introduce true 5G services in a dozen cities, and in April touted the expansion of 5G evolution to more than 100 new markets, including Columbus. The announcement projected they’d bring 5G evolution to 500 markets, Cleveland among them, by the end of the year. That’s more than six months before the first Blockland conference, and while AT&T’s 5G evolution service isn’t a true 5G connection, Ohio’s big cities were part of the company’s planning.

And at the outset of 2019 — just weeks after Blockland — the company was already looking past cities and predicting it would have “a nationwide mobile 5G footprint” by early 2020. The press release bragged “we took what was typically an 18-month cycle from the time standards were finalized to launching and whittled it down to 6 months.”

State & local lobbying

While AT&T was rushing headlong toward 5G coverage nationally, it was also lobbying leaders in the Ohio Statehouse and in Cleveland City Hall. Those efforts began years before Blockland and were aimed at laying the groundwork for 5G around the state.

Late in 2016, the company secured passage of legislation capping how much municipalities could charge telecom companies for installing “small cell” wireless infrastructure. In a press release, AT&T Ohio president Adam Grzybicki described how that legislation would encourage millions worth of investments in wireless infrastructure. “This investment will also help pave the path to 5G mobile services in the years ahead.”

But those provisions caught a ride on a bill cracking down on puppy mills and prohibiting cities from establishing their own minimum wage. In all, 80 cities, including Cleveland, sued the state over the caps on wireless development, and courts struck down the measure in 2017 because it violated the single subject rule.

A year later, lawmakers passed a new measure crafted in consultation with local leaders and AT&T. Again, proponents like Verizon invoked the looming introduction of 5G in committee testimony. Then-Gov. John Kasich signed the bill and it took effect in August of 2018.

Later the same month, Grzybicki wrote to then-mayor of Cleveland Frank Jackson to complain about the slow permitting process for AT&T’s deployment efforts.

“AT&T has been working with the (Cleveland) law department and other contacts within the mayor’s office for more than a year to secure a small cell attachment agreement,” he wrote, adding “As you know, small cell technology is crucial to bringing 5G to cities like Cleveland.”

In contrast, Grzybicki praised Columbus’ diligent efforts to secure a small cell agreement and promised to share information about the deal “in the event you find it helpful.”

Moreno’s inaugural Blockland conference was held that December, roughly three months later.

When Grzybicki wrote Mayor Jackson the following February, still frustrated with the slow pace of permitting, he invoked Blockland. But in his telling the conference was less a magnet for AT&T than a warning for the mayor.

“There was robust discussion surrounding the importance of 5G in securing any momentum for blockchain development,” he wrote. “The blockchain community clearly heard the call to action and is eager to see these technologies deployed.”

That “robust discussion” came in part from AT&T itself. When Moreno spoke before Cuyahoga County’s finance and budgeting committee he shared a “fireside chat” from Blockland featuring John Donovan, then-CEO of AT&T Communications, and Beth Mooney, the chairwoman and CEO of KeyCorp and a member of AT&T’s board of directors.

Moreno’s response

Nevertheless, Moreno still insists Blockland played a major role in convincing AT&T to bring 5G to Cleveland.

“Bernie is proud to have helped spearhead the Blockland initiative in Cleveland, in an effort to bring blockchain and other leading-edge technology to Cleveland,” campaign spokeswoman Reagan McCarthy said in a statement. “These efforts by the Blockland team, all volunteers, undoubtedly helped AT&T decide to bring 5G to Cleveland, which was a huge win for the city. He gave up his time and resources as a private citizen.”

AT&T’s declined to comment for this story as did a person who led one of the Blockland conference’s subgroups, referred to as ‘nodes’. Grzybicki did not respond to an email requesting comment. Additionally, Moreno’s campaign recommended a person involved with the conference and AT&T, but that person didn’t respond to attempts to reach them by text and phone.

In a swipe at Moreno’s Democratic opponent this November, McCarthy added, “By contrast, (U.S. Sen.) Sherrod Brown has done nothing to help NE Ohio attract cutting edge companies.”

Sen. Brown, of course, has taken a share of the credit for landing the Intel fab currently being built in Licking County. Brown, his former U.S. Senate colleague Rob Portman, and virtually every official in Ohio have argued that facility’s impact will be felt statewide.

In Northeast Ohio specifically, Brown’s campaign noted he’s lobbied for federal investment in Akron’s sustainable polymers efforts to benefit the rubber industry and he’s pushed the Biden administration to protect steelworkers by blocking the sale of U.S. Steel and combatting unfair trade practices. Brown also supported and voted for the CHIPS Act of 2022, which included historic funding for domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter.

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Cleveland, OH

ICE arrests more than 280 people in Ohio, including convicted criminals

Published

2 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

ICE arrests more than 280 people in Ohio, including convicted criminals

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said ICE arrested more than 280 people during a recent immigration enforcement crackdown.

Operation Buckeye took place throughout the state from Dec. 18 to 21.

The DHS described those arrested as “illegal aliens” and said some are criminals convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer, robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, and drug trafficking.

“While Americans were attending Christmas parties and shopping for gifts for their loved ones, ICE law enforcement was hard at work arresting the worst of the worst,” the DHS stated.

ICE arrests more than 280 people in Ohio, including convicted criminals(U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

The results of Operation Buckeye was announced on Thursday, the same day anti-ICE protests gathered around Northeast Ohio following the deadly shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.

The DHS highlighted these suspects as “some of the worst arrested during Operation Buckeye:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Ohio ICE arrested “Emanuel Guijosa-Nonato, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of liquor, and illegal re-entry.”(U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

“Emanuel Guijosa-Nonato, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of liquor, and illegal re-entry,” the DHS described.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Ohio ICE arrested “Andres Blanco Hernandez, a criminal illegal alien arrested for assault and domestic violence.”(U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

“Andres Blanco Hernandez, a criminal illegal alien arrested for assault and domestic violence,” the DHS said.

“Wilmar Edgardo Lozano-Alcantara, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador convicted of drug possession, robbery, and trespassing,“ the DHS listed.

“Erick Jose Ramos-Boscan, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela convicted of criminal possession of a firearm,“ according to the DHS.

“Edilmiro Pedraza Quinones, a criminal illegal alien convicted of drug possession, shoplifting and contempt of court,“ the DHS stated.

“Marco Antonio Clemente Picazo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of driving under the influence of liquor and drug possession,“ the DHS shared.

“Melvin Alejandro Rodriguez Rodriguez, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela previously arrested for assault,“ according to the DHS.

“Fernandez Flores, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras convicted of making a false police report and arrested for larceny and obstructing police,“ the DHS described.

“The American people can be so proud of their ICE law enforcement for their hard work arresting the worst of the worst even during the holiday season,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated. “Operation Buckeye resulted in the arrest of more than 280 illegal aliens, including criminals convicted of assaulting a police officer, criminal firearm possession, and drug trafficking. Thanks to our law enforcement, Ohio neighborhoods are safer with these criminals behind bars where they belong.”

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Cleveland, OH

USDLA to Host 39th Distance Learning Conference June 22-25 in Cleveland, OH

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

USDLA to Host 39th Distance Learning Conference June 22-25 in Cleveland, OH

An event where leaders, educators, instructional designers and others mingle, discuss e-learning technology and learn from an audience broader than their own.

Unlike impersonal events, the USDLA conference offers a rare opportunity for deep networking with both University Presidents and Curriculum Designers, all sitting at the same table during lunch.”

— Pat Cassella, CEO and Executive Director

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The United States Distance Learning Association is proud to open registration for its 39th annual global distance learning conference. The event is being held in Cleveland, Ohio and the theme is “Universal Harmony: Exploring the Melodic Chords of Distance and Digital Learning.” The host location will be the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower from June 22 – 25th, 2026.

The USDLA National Conference has long been an event where leaders, educators, instructional designers and others mingle, discuss e-learning technology and learn from an audience broader than their own. Past attendees have enjoyed the in-person interactions, hands-on networking and personal relationships made with one another. All registrations include access to the the virtual conference, with sessions being held June 16th-17th, 2026.

The Conference and Events committee is well established and known each year for providing the best experience possible for personalized networking and cutting-edge session tracks. Past attendee feedback plays an instrumental role in planning the details for subsequent events. Universal Harmony: Exploring the Melodic Chords of Distance and Digital Learning focuses on tracks that are in high demand as educators continue to navigate both remote and in-person learning strategies. These tracks include:

– The Digital AI Groove: Exploring Innovative Techniques and Technologies Education
– Backstage Pass to Policy: Navigating Governance and Regulation in Distance Education
– The Headliners: Distance and Digital Leadership on the Higher Education Mainstage
– Open Mic, Open Minds: Ensuring Quality, Flexibility, and Access in Online Learning
– The ID Set List: Curating Best Practices in Instructional Design
– Amplify Every Voice: Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity in Online Education
– The K-12 Playground: Curating Best Practices in the K-12 Space

ALL concurrent sessions are end-user led, and share best practices within the world of distance and digital learning. These presentations will be focused “power sessions” that eliminate fluff and get right into the important details on the topic. Offering more than 30 sessions, topics for 2026 include Reframing Bloom’s for the Age of AI, ADA Compliance for Instructional Designers, Leveraging AI to Design Online Course Modules, AI Roleplay in the Classroom, Composing AI Policy for Responsible, Effective Digital Learning, Digital Harmony and more.

There are also several free pre and post-conference workshops with daily complimentary breakfast and lunch, making this a very cost effective event.

***Conference Registration Rates***
Member Early Bird $495 (Valid until 1/31/2026)
Member Standard $550 (Valid 2/1/2026 through 6/21/2026)
Member On-site $595 (after 6/21/2026)
Non-Member Early Bird $595 (Valid until 1/31/2026)
Non-Member Standard $650 (Valid 2/1/2026 through 6/21/2026)
Non-Member On-site $695 (after 6/21/2026)

All USDLA members providing their membership username (email) at time of registration will receive the USDLA Member rate.
Please send any questions to membership@usdla.org

***For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Discount Special (Bundle Savings)***
Purchase 2 registrations, get the 3rd for free ($495 savings)
Purchase 3 registrations, get the 4th and 5th for free ($990 savings)

**Single Day and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame event Rates**
One-Day Pass – $299 (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Event – $199 (includes private tour and cocktail hour)

**Presenter Rates**
On-Site Presenter fee $300 (includes full on-site conference pass)
Virtual Presenter fee $100 (if presenting remotely)
Contact Harriet Watkins for presenter registration code at harriet.watkins@iconnect-na.com

Full details can be found at the national conference registration website.

Keynote: Dr. Michael Torrence, President, Motlow State Community College
Dr. Michael Torrence is a nationally recognized strategist, visionary, writer, and thought leader
in higher education who has redefined institutional excellence through innovation, inclusion, and transformative leadership. Since becoming the seventh President of Motlow State Community College in May 2018, he has transformed the institution into an award-winning, cutting-edge model of academic and workforce innovation.

Featured Presenter: Robbie Melton, Associate Vice President – SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategist
Presenting on “The Tools Shaping the World of Artificial Intelligence”, Dr. Melton has published and presented globally on the impact and value of mobile devices for education and the workforce. Her study of the pedagogy and best teaching practices with mobile devices, quality standards for the utilization of mobile apps, and her creation of the Mobile App Education and Workforce Resource Center has resulted in numerous awards.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Event
Join us for an exclusive, private evening of exploring, heavy apps (enough for dinner) and cool beverages. We will kick everything off at 6:30 with shuttles taking attendees to the event from the hotel. Attendees will be given VIP passes (lanyards) with information on what is on each level of the hall. The R&R HOF staff will be our guides for the evening.

Sponsorship Opportunities
If you are tired of large shows with limited attendee engagement, our national conference is an intimate environment where partners are part of the production from the very start, demonstrating their gear as part of the conference production.

The dramatic growth of the distance learning industry makes our market attractive to a variety of technology, content, and service providers. Conference partners proudly support the distance education community and make lifelong contacts in the process.

Full details can be found on the sponsorship opportunities page.

Distance Learning Awards
As the premier organization promoting the use and practice of distance learning, USDLA recognizes “the best of the best” each year with its series of individual and organizational awards. Open to member and non-members alike, nominations are submitted in January, judged by committees of peers, and then awarded as a highlight of USDLA’s National Conference.

A unique aspect of the competition is that the various categories are open on an equal basis to all forms of distance learning platforms, addressing the gamut of distance learning audiences, and from anywhere in the world. That range is illustrated by past awards years where top honors went to a major US university for its innovative design of an online computer science course, “Quantitative Methods for Information Systems” and to a videoconferencing provider in Ghana for expanding the horizons of that country’s K-12 students.

Learn more at the distance learning awards page.

Pat Cassella
United States Distance Learning Association
+1 203-980-6928
email us here
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Learn about our national conference

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