• SNAP Benefit Changes: Following USDA approval, Ohio will ban the use of SNAP benefits for sugary carbonated beverages starting October 1, 2026. The restriction applies to drinks where sugar or corn syrup is the primary ingredient.
• Tourism & Leisure:
  • HB 732: State Rep. Melanie Miller introduced the "Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass." It will be free for Ohioans in 2026 and offer discounts at museums, parks, and historical sites.
  • Ohio State Fair: The 2026 concert lineup added the S.O.S. Band, the Dazz Band, and Sammy Kershaw.
• Education & Youth Sports: HB 661 seeks to ban NIL deals for middle and high school athletes to keep school sports "strictly educational." Conversely, the House passed HB 25 to assign education liaisons to support foster children in K-12 schools.
• Railway Safety: On the third anniversary of the East Palestine derailment, lawmakers are pushing the Railway Safety Act of 2026 to codify the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee and hold rail companies accountable.
• Environment & Safety: The annual spring burn ban is now in effect (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to prevent wildfires. Legislators are also considering a bill to legalize human composting as a green burial alternative.
• Financial Protection: New proposals aim to ban tax foreclosures for seniors and increase penalties for organized retail theft. However, two bills expanding property tax rollbacks are stalled due to a $500M budget impact.

• Economic Growth: The Dayton-Kettering region ranked 4th nationally among mid-sized cities by Site Selection magazine, marking 20 years of top-tier recognition.
• Energy & Utilities: The parent company of AES Ohio announced a $10.7 billion acquisition to expand its renewable energy and grid modernization portfolio.
• City Infrastructure: Dayton City Commission is voting to buy a permanent employee health clinic site at 700 E. First St. for $2 million, using workers' comp funds to save on long-term leasing.
• Downtown Changes: PNC Bank will close its 312 N. Patterson Blvd. branch on May 15, moving retail operations to Troy Street while keeping its headquarters in the Water Street District.
• Education & Arts:
  • Dayton Public Schools will undergo a districtwide reconfiguration for 2026-2027 to optimize student enrollment.
  • The Dayton Independent Film Festival returns for its 6th year at UD’s new Roger Glass Center for the Arts.
  • The Dayton Art Institute offers free "Art for All" days on March 7-8.
• Regional Safety: Police warn of a surge in online rental scams. Additionally, Harrison Township placed a one-year moratorium on new auto-oriented businesses to review zoning saturation.

Local Community Highlights

• Beavercreek & Troy: Local firms DCS Corp ($94.7M) and Collins Aerospace ($23.8M) secured major defense contracts.
• Englewood: A public hearing was held March 4 for Terrace Farm, a proposed 162-home subdivision on West National Road ($400k range).
• Kettering: The Dayton Regional STEM School was cleared after a bomb threat prompted a massive police sweep.
• Miamisburg / Miami Twp: LexisNexis is investigating a 2GB data breach of legacy data claimed by hackers. Meanwhile, 7 Brew coffee officially opened its new drive-thru location.
• Springfield: The city and Clark County launched a joint homelessness initiative. The Fire Rescue Division also opened its new Station 5, completing a major expansion plan.
• WPAFB: Security forces ended the "Trusted Traveler" program; all adults must now present ID for individual vetting. Base personnel also supported Operation Epic Fury, providing logistics for recent strikes against Iranian missile sites.