Energy Storage Manufacturing: L-H Battery has begun mass production of energy storage system (ESS) lithium-ion batteries at its Jeffersonville, Ohio plant, shifting from earlier EV-focused output as Honda scaled back its North American EV program. Data Centers & Water Use: A Columbus public-records review found data centers in the region used about 1.26 billion gallons of city water in a year, raising fresh questions as opponents push back on new data center builds. Construction Pipeline: Mahoning Valley builders report a busy season, with major projects including Kimberly-Clark’s $800M plant and a new Mercy Health facility, plus expansion work at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center. Retail Deal Watch: Kroger announced plans to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B, with limited divestitures expected as regulators review the grocery consolidation. Workforce & Trades: In Youngstown, ironworkers say outreach is bringing in more right-out-of-high-school applicants, helped by year-round hiring and a probationary pathway. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Trumbull County’s water tank maintenance plan is moving toward approval after a quorum issue delayed recommendations, with costs pegged around $3.2M to $3.6M over the decade. Fraud Prevention: Ohio’s Medicaid fraud reforms are under scrutiny, with economists split on whether added verification and penalties will outweigh administrative costs. Crypto Enforcement: Ohio BCI topped $500K in recoveries for crypto scam victims, highlighting its electronic financial investigations unit’s growing role.