AI Data Centers in Ohio: Nvidia says it will invest $1.5B in SoftBank-backed SB Energy and secure land, power and “shell” capacity at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Pike County for OpenAI workloads, with initial capacity of 4.25 gigawatts and a path toward up to 8 gigawatts, while SB Energy plans major power buildout to support the AI boom. Power & Cooling Efficiency: Trane Technologies and Eaton unveiled an AI-factory reference design aimed at speeding data-center deployment and cutting installation and copper use, targeting efficiency gains for next-gen facilities. Local Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports Geauga County’s lowest premium gas price at $4.79 for the week ending Aug. 8, with Ohio premium averaging $5.08. Consumer Protection: BBB Scam Tracker shows Oberlin tied for 141st in Ohio for July with one reported scam, as fraud losses keep climbing nationwide. Ohio Business & Jobs: Barfresh is pushing toward commissioning a new 44,000 sq. ft. Defiance manufacturing facility, supported by a $2.4M grant, as it works through a tougher ramp at its current dairy operation. Higher Ed for Workforce Pipelines: Ohio University and OHIO Online earned a spot on the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, and Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication is launching a sports photography and communication certificate this fall. Storm Watch: Severe storms are returning to the Midwest and Plains with renewed threats of damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding.