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. ...