AI Policy: Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing a plan to give the public direct ownership stakes in the biggest AI companies, funded by a one-time 50% tax on their stock—aimed at creating a massive sovereign wealth fund for direct payments and major public programs. Local Infrastructure: Marietta’s mayor says crews are in the final push on the Ohio River levee renovation, alongside paving, sewer work, and a new water treatment plant, targeting festival timing with punch-list work continuing afterward. Heat & Public Safety: Northeast Ohio is bracing for a multi-day heat wave with excessive heat warnings; officials urge hydration and caution as overnight lows won’t cool much. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking a “ridge runner” storm setup across the Upper Midwest into early Friday, with damaging wind, large hail, and tornado risk. Defense Manufacturing: The U.S. Army ordered more than $40M in next-gen combat helmets from Avon Technologies’ Team Wendy Ceradyne. Energy & Industry: Columbiana County’s Utica/Point Pleasant shale wells hit a new quarterly oil production record in Q1 2026, driven by new well output. Ohio Business Incentives: DeWine and JobsOhio-backed projects cleared Ohio’s Tax Credit Authority, including a Lucas County drone manufacturing expansion. Water Systems Oversight: Buckeye Water District trustees shared an Ohio auditor’s review showing no citations or control issues, while lead-line and waterline engineering moves ahead. Community & Tourism: Warren County reported record tourism impact in 2025—$1.74B and 14.19M visitors—fueling tax and tourism strategy discussions.