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Trump set to sign executive order 'shuttering the Education Department' as Colorado takes him to court over efforts to abolish it; Arizona rallies protest possible U.S. Postal Service 'reforms;' Audit shows Allegheny County public defenders overwhelmed with caseloads.

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White House attacks the judge who moved to block deportation of Venezuelans. Ukrainian President agrees to a limited ceasefire. And advocates say closing CFPB would put consumers on the hook for 'junk' charges and predatory fees.

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Cuts to Medicaid and frozen funding for broadband are both likely to have a negative impact on rural healthcare, which is already struggling. Plus, lawsuits over the mass firing of federal workers have huge implications for public lands.

UA Little Rock wins grant to expand cybersecurity education

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Thursday, November 7, 2024   

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will use a $1 million grant to create a research and education center for cybersecurity.

The Cyberspace Operations Research and Education Center will be used to train students for jobs in the industry.

Philip Huff, associate professor of cybersecurity at the university, said currently, 100 students are majoring in cybersecurity and the grant money will allow them to expand and reach more young people.

"We are proud to collaborate with our partners, including UA-Fayetteville, UA-Pine Bluff, many community colleges across the state to engage in minority and underrepresented students, recruiting them and further diversifying the cybersecurity talent pool," Huff explained.

The Little Rock campus also serves as the hub for the National Cyber Teaching Coalition, which trains high school teachers to teach cybersecurity and artificial intelligence classes for dual-enrollment courses.

The center will be housed in the engineering and information technology building and provide space for students and staff to work on projects with community leaders and law enforcement.

Ann Bain, provost of the university, said Arkansans will benefit from the training.

"This funding and support are not merely investments in our programs, they're investments in the security and prosperity of our state," Bain asserted. "With this backing, we are able to educate and prepare the cyber experts who will protect our state's infrastructure, businesses and communities for years to come."

School officials say Little Rock is also a hub for high-impact research in cybersecurity. Through support from multiple grants, their research has addressed critical needs such as protecting the infrastructure of the energy sector.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


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