Ohio & Regional News Digest (Condensed)

❄️ WEATHER ALERT (SW Ohio): A Winter Storm Watch is in effect Saturday morning through Sunday night. Expect 4–6 inches of snow, followed by dangerous sub-zero wind chills early next week.

Statewide

• Grid Strain: Gov. DeWine warns that rapid AI/data center expansion is threatening grid reliability and raising prices.
• Taxes: The IRS has ended paper refund checks for 2026. Refunds may average ~$1,000 higher due to tax code changes.
• Prisons: Facilities face critical staffing shortages (7.4% vacancy); Dayton Correctional is down nearly 19%.
• Travel: United adds daily nonstops from Columbus (CMH) to LAX in March.

Dayton

• Legal: Clerk of Courts Mike Foley must redo community service after a judge rejected his logged hours.
• Development: Work began on the 49.9MW "Gem City Solar" array. MVHO secured funding for a $9.6M tiny home village for the homeless.
• Economy: The 2026 outlook is mixed—auto hiring is soft, but manufacturing/tech are growing.
• Community: Warming centers are active at Rec Centers. Sinclair College won $1.1M for manufacturing education.

Suburbs & Region

• Huber Heights: Buc-ee’s grand opening set for April 6, 2026. The Marigold Festival returns in May.
• Kettering: Audit reveals $3.2M in improper benefits went to former Health execs; ex-CEO Manchur reportedly owes ~$1.5M. Police are increasing school zone enforcement.
• Fairborn / WPAFB: Wright State settled with Parallax Research (receiving $3M). Bids are due for a major new cooling plant at NASIC.
• Beavercreek: Christine Hawker appointed Fire Chief. Council approved major road/sidewalk projects.
• Cincinnati: New 20,000-capacity music venue to open at former Coney Island site in 2027.
• Trotwood: Police warn of fake "motion picture" cash circulating.
• Troy: A moratorium on new gas stations is in effect until May 30.
• Springfield: Local churches are organizing support for Haitian migrants.
• Briefs: Vandalia fixed a large sinkhole; Englewood opened a vintage candy shop; Centerville had a gas leak at Michael's Salon.