Higher Ed & Workforce Pathways: Ohio University and OHIO Online earned a spot on the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll for boosting transfer student success, with the PTK ranking based on dozens of support and completion metrics. Health & Innovation: Case Western Reserve is leading an NIH-backed effort to develop a rapid, noninvasive chairside oral cancer test that could flag suspicious lesions for biopsy within minutes. Ohio Economy & Jobs: LG-GM’s Ultium Cells battery plant in Warren will restart production next week after a seven-month shutdown, bringing back most of the temporarily laid-off workforce as GM adjusts EV strategy. Columbus & Growth: Construction has started on a 35-building, nearly 500-home project near the OSU airport, adding hundreds of residences to Columbus’ Northwest Side. Public Safety: Ohio law enforcement is reminding drivers to slow down and follow school bus rules as kids head back to class. State Watch: Ohio fell to No. 42 in the latest U.S. News state rankings, down for a third straight year. Courts: The Ohio Supreme Court upheld dismissal of a Stark County medical malpractice case under the “sham-affidavit” rule. Community & Kids: Ohio State Fair visitors helped initiate claims for about $675,000 in unclaimed funds.