Greater Dayton Podcast

Federal News

The Social Security Administration officially announced a 3.6 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2027 to help recipients offset persistent inflation.

Ohio State and Regional News

Governor Mike DeWine granted Ohio college athletes a fifth year of eligibility, while Meijer stores across the region now accept Evermore OTC cards for wellness purchases. Tourism and forestry officials also project a vibrant fall foliage season statewide.

Ahead of the general election, Vice President JD Vance cast an early ballot in Cincinnati, and former President Barack Obama scheduled an Ohio campaign rally supporting Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton. For official voter status and polling resources, visit the Ohio Secretary of State Elections & Voting Portal.

Dayton and Montgomery County

Provost Darlene Weaver will become the first female president of the University of Dayton on July 1, 2027, succeeding Eric Spina. Meanwhile, surveillance debates resurfaced after public records revealed the FBI accessed Dayton Public Schools' Flock license plate reader data for immigration enforcement. In West Dayton, residents are demanding proactive policing following a spike in local crimes, and health officials renewed warnings about lead hazards in older homes.

The region is mourning former Five Rivers MetroParks CEO Marvin Olinsky, who passed away at 84. Gem City Market launched a campaign asking for a $25 weekly spending commitment from residents to stay afloat, while an area food pantry faces severe budget shortfalls. On a positive note, the Dayton American Cancer Society walk raised $200,000, Christ Episcopal Church is prepping for its 96th Annual Waffle Shop, and Bubba's 33 is scouting a second area location.

Local Community Highlights

• Kettering & Centerville: Pita N More is reopening in Kettering's Woodlane Plaza, Nothing Bundt Cakes is joining Town & Country, and Kettering College medical programs reported a 100 percent pass rate. Centerville welcomed a new indoor pickleball facility.
• Huber Heights & Vandalia: Huber Heights launched small business grants and planned a dedicated left-turn lane on Brandt Pike near Meijer. In Vandalia, Domino's partnered with firefighters to deliver pizzas and offer free smoke detector checks.
• Beavercreek, Fairfield, & Sidney: Beavercreek police warned of scammers impersonating ATF agents. Fairfield is reviewing a rezoning request for a new 7 Brew stand, while Sidney launched an emergency medical profiling system for first responders.
• Miami Township & Riverside: Spirit Christmas is opening a holiday pop-up near the Dayton Mall, and 7 Brew held a grand opening in Riverside.
• Mason, Xenia, & Tipp City: Kings Island temporarily closed two rides for safety checks following an incident at a Six Flags park. State lawmakers introduced a bill to rename the Xenia post office after legendary weatherman Gil Whitney, and Tipp City is hosting the annual Miami County GOP picnic.

Ohio State and Regional News

New Legislation in Effect: Over a dozen new state laws championed by Governor Mike DeWine took effect on October 6, 2026. Drivers and passengers during traffic stops are now required under House Bill 492 to provide their name, address, and date of birth upon reasonable suspicion, with non-compliance carrying a fourth-degree misdemeanor. House Bill 210 makes catalytic converter theft an automatic fifth-degree felony, mandates proof of ownership and traceable payments for scrap dealers, and bars salvage yards from accepting them. Other newly enacted measures permit warrant-free drone deployment by first responders in emergencies while hiking interference penalties, and require anti-skimming security chips embedded on SNAP/EBT cards alongside stepped-up Medicaid fraud enforcement.

Cannabis, Transit, and Consumer Relief: Regulators have enacted strict recreational marijuana caps that reduce allowable THC levels, raising retail costs across dispensaries. To counter rising injuries, lawmakers are pursuing speed and boundary restrictions on Class 3 e-bikes and scooters. Commuters are also seeing relief at the pump via Ohio's temporary 38.5-cent gas tax suspension, while eligible policyholders are slated to receive federal Obamacare rebate checks. Meanwhile, sales of Ohio's specialty license plate benefiting the Imagination Library literacy program have doubled following the passing of Dolly Parton. In clinical expansions, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region launched menopause and perimenopause care across its Dayton and Cincinnati facilities.

Dayton and Montgomery County

Downtown, the Greater Dayton RTA rolled out a custom-designed "Funk Bus" celebrating the city's musical roots, while botanical boutique Willow Rust opened inside the historic Dayton Arcade. Public health crews scheduled targeted mosquito spraying across Dayton and Harrison Township to curb vector-borne diseases. In public safety, investigators are probing a destructive blaze that ruined a vacant former jewelry shop, as well as a fatal six-vehicle pileup that claimed a second victim. Montgomery County Environmental Services is also hosting a public styrofoam recycling event this Saturday to divert bulky packaging from landfills.

Local Community Highlights

• Kettering: Kettering Health will not renew its provider contract with Anthem Medicare Advantage after December 31, 2026, requiring thousands of seniors to alter plans or physicians. City Council formally approved a comprehensive parks plan that leaves the door open to save the aging Kettering Ice Arena through alternative funding, while a new vintage and antique store opened locally.
• Miamisburg & Miami Township: Miamisburg’s historic Carnegie library building will undergo renovations to become a local veterans museum through the historical society, while Peerless Mill Inn Brewery abruptly ended its hosting ties with Bricky’s Comedy Club. In Miami Township, local retail business Krazy Katz set its grand opening date.
• Xenia & Greene County: Kettering Health broke ground on extensive modernizations at Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia to enhance regional specialty services.
• Regional Updates: Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to make an official regional visit to Lima. In Mason, Kings Island announced a post-season bonus weekend offering "lights-on" dark-ride access. To the south in Oxford, researchers documented a rare armadillo sighting near Miami University, highlighting an unusual northward wildlife migration.

Ohio State and Regional News

State and National Policies: Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel proclaimed September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day in Ohio, celebrating her statewide Imagination Library literacy initiative. Addressing emerging technology, DeWine publicly stated that comprehensive AI regulation must originate from the federal government rather than individual states to prevent a confusing patchwork of local laws. Additionally, DeWine is calling on state lawmakers to rewrite Ohio's rape kit testing statutes to close legal loopholes and mandate faster laboratory processing times.

Politics and Consumer Alerts: U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno pledged to introduce legislation guaranteeing a $5,000 "Trump dividend" to Americans if Republicans win the upcoming midterms, sparking debate over federal spending. Cybersecurity experts and local police issued warnings regarding fraudulent MyChart phishing emails designed to steal patient medical and financial records. Meanwhile, American Idol is actively scouting Midwest talent for its upcoming season as the show steps back from its traditional Hollywood format.

Dayton and Montgomery County

Aviation and Industry: Dayton manufacturer Joby Aviation became the first company to fly an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft under the White House's advanced aircraft program, demonstrating low-noise, emissions-free flight in active airspace. However, industrial growth faces community pushback as residents voice concerns to city planners regarding traffic, noise, and neighborhood impact from the proposed Dayton Commerce Park.

Community News: A local family celebrated a heartwarming reunion after recovering their missing cat following a six-year separation, underscoring the value of pet microchipping. Regional diners will see shifts as casual-dining chain Bravo Italian Kitchen abruptly shutters several locations during corporate restructuring, while the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is visiting the Miami Valley with five scheduled stops around the greater Dayton area.

Local Community Highlights

• Centerville: The Ohio Supreme Court cleared the way for convenience store chain Sheetz to pursue a second damages lawsuit against the city after municipal officials previously blocked construction plans for a new location.
• Huber Heights: City officials are formally reviewing a commercial replat for a new hotel site to reorganize property lines for hospitality and retail growth.
• Tipp City: Tipp City Schools launched a community-wide survey to gather public input for naming its new PK-8 educational building.
• Xenia: Downtown Xenia's Market District received a $1 million state grant to fund local infrastructure upgrades and catalyze commercial redevelopment in the city center.

Ohio State and Regional News

In manufacturing and digital services, GE Aerospace announced an $11.75 billion acquisition of Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) to scale up its casting capacity and aerospace supply chain. Ohio residents can now store their state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards directly within the Google Wallet smartphone application. Meanwhile, economic advocates are launching a renewed push to raise the state minimum wage above baseline inflation levels to support working families.

State agencies and law enforcement announced multiple public protection initiatives. The state launched the Scam Watch Ohio hotline to assist seniors targeted by romance and financial exploitation, while the U.S. Marshals Service recovered 79 missing children across Ohio in a coordinated anti-trafficking operation. State officials also temporarily paused a proposal to ban sugary drinks from SNAP benefit purchases to reevaluate implementation logistics. In environmental updates, agricultural agencies are tracking rising sightings of invasive spotted lanternflies. Legislatively, state lawmakers are drafting measures to establish privacy protections and oversight governing the use of Flock automated license plate readers and related surveillance technology.

Dayton and Montgomery County

Downtown Development & Education: The 8, a new casual sports bar serving burgers and tacos, opened at 217 Patterson Boulevard across from Day Air Ballpark under the ownership of Jay and Deepika Singh. In educational initiatives, nonprofit Learn to Earn Dayton is leading a statewide program aimed at aligning student preparation with workforce needs. However, residents are raising concerns regarding traffic, noise, and neighborhood impact surrounding the proposed Dayton Commerce Park industrial development.

Regional Infrastructure & Hazards: Ohio's first 3D-printed residential home has entered the Dayton-area real estate market alongside expanded lender financing options. Following heavy late-summer storms, public health officials scheduled targeted mosquito spraying to mitigate West Nile virus risks, and homeowners are encouraged to document property damage for state and federal storm loss tax deductions. Additionally, the Greater Dayton RTA is discontinuing both the North Community Connector and the Kettering Loop, alongside shutting down several individual stops, including the one outside City Barbeque on East Dorothy Lane.

Local Community Highlights

• Beavercreek & Fairborn: Defense contractors operating near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base secured millions of dollars in new Department of Defense contracts to fund research and job growth.
• Springboro & Riverside: A Springboro defense contractor is hiring after completing a $3.2 million facility expansion, while discount closeout chain Ollie's Bargain Outlet is opening a new storefront in Riverside.
• Miamisburg: Residents reported widespread stormwater and wastewater backflow into their basements following heavy rainfall, demanding immediate municipal fixes to the city's aging drainage lines.

National News

A nationwide recall has been issued for IV saline due to potential fiberglass contamination, prompting healthcare providers to immediately inspect their supplies. Meanwhile, Star Trek returns to movie theaters nationwide this weekend for its 60th anniversary celebration.

Ohio State and Regional News

Toys 'R' Us is opening a standalone flagship store this fall at Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted in a former Macy's space. To bolster manufacturing, the state launched the JobsOhio Technician Path incentive program with vocational schools like Eastland Career Center. In Cincinnati, Waymo has begun mapping and testing driverless robotaxis on public streets.

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health launched the State Navigator program to guide families through pediatric cancer diagnoses. DeWine also requested federal FEMA disaster aid following severe late-August storms. Severe weather continues across Ohio, with the National Weather Service confirming 44 tornadoes in 2026—more than double the annual average. Additionally, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is ramping up specialized drug recognition training for troopers to identify marijuana-impaired drivers.

Dayton and Montgomery County

Dayton Public Schools reversed course and announced that Stivers School for the Arts will proceed with its high school football season after initially canceling it over low roster numbers. Discover Classical public radio is moving to an upgraded broadcasting facility, while the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce introduced a professional development course on AI in workplace communications.

Downtown, Versiti Blood Center is relocating regional operations to the Tech Town campus, while an unnamed downtown restaurant has abruptly shut down until further notice. Duncan Oil Company added a barbecue kitchen inside a regional store, and Montgomery County commissioners directed $3.45 million in opioid settlement funds to recovery housing and prevention programs. City of Dayton Newsflash notices 837 and 838 were issued, while police urge parents to review traffic and helmet laws amid rising student e-bike use.

Local Community Highlights

• Centerville & Monroe: Epic Loot Games in Centerville is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a major gaming hall expansion. In Monroe, Tabletop Supply Company opened to serve local board game and RPG hobbyists. In Englewood, police cited a motorcyclist clocked at 119 mph on State Route 4.
• Miamisburg & Miami Township: Miamisburg placed a temporary halt on massive data center developments to evaluate resource and zoning impacts. In Miami Township, a new Wawa near Austin Landing is scheduled to open September 10.
• Warren & Greene Counties: The Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg added a dedicated turn lane and traffic signal on State Route 73 to reduce congestion. In Xenia, Chick-fil-A, 7 Brew Coffee, and Dairy Queen are all advancing plans for new storefronts.
• Regional Municipal Actions: New Lebanon's mayor abruptly resigned. Troy City Council is reviewing an ordinance to restrict public sleeping and camping, and Vandalia tightened internal security policies for automated Flock license plate cameras. Finally, a disruptive "Cat in the Hat" TikTok trend prompted a police response at Wilmington City Schools.

Ohio State and Regional News

Transportation and Retail: Allegiant Air launched a new nonstop route connecting Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport directly to Orlando. Kettle Cuisine issued a recall for 14-ounce Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart across Ohio due to possible Listeria contamination. Additionally, Rumpke ended its partnership with the Hefty EnergyBag program for hard-to-recycle plastics.

Administrative and Education Policies: The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles tightened its gender marker change rules for state IDs, now requiring an updated passport or birth certificate rather than a physician declaration. In education, a new state rule counts doctor-excused absences toward a student's chronic absenteeism rate.

Weather and History: The National Weather Service confirmed six tornadoes touched down across Clark and Champaign counties during the August 11 storms. An online mapping portal launched to help document Revolutionary War-era cemeteries, and a traveling photo gallery honoring Dolly Parton's philanthropic legacy is touring the state.

Dayton and Montgomery County

City and School Operations: A state audit revealed credit card misuse and overspending within Dayton Public Schools. Downtown, the city approved a $56,000 settlement over a previous food giveaway arrest, and the Greater Dayton RTA announced major route efficiency changes beginning September 6.

Public Safety and Events: Privacy advocates continue to urge Dayton officials to cancel the city's automated Flock license plate reader contract. Local police issued a fraud alert regarding scammers posing as FEMA representatives and safely wrangled a loose goat that was damaging parked vehicles. Residents are also preparing to view an upcoming Blood Moon partial lunar eclipse.

Local Community Highlights

Business and Dining: Lebanon welcomes a new Wawa opening August 28, while T.J. Maxx opened at Miami Valley Crossing in Piqua on August 30. Chick-fil-A is expanding with new sites in Englewood and Xenia, where 7 Brew Coffee also confirmed an incoming location. West Carrollton opened a new Jersey Mike's Subs, and Aldi opened in Springfield. Conversely, Chappy's Social House in Washington Township closed on August 29 (merging recipes with Zink's Meats), and Rum Runners Cafe in Kettering permanently closed on August 22.

Local Governance and Public Safety: Franklin secured a $500,000 Safe Routes to School grant, enacted an outdoor wildlife feeding ban, and introduced measures targeting river bridge jumping and parental liability for juvenile offenses. Vandalia tightened internal security access for its Flock cameras, while Kettering declared a vacant council seat following a member's death. In Clayton, public health crews scheduled mosquito spraying for West Nile virus, Beavercreek police are seeking help identifying retail theft suspects, and a Buc-ee's billboard in Riverside was vandalized amid the mascot trademark dispute.

Industry and Education: In Pike County, OpenAI and SB Energy are advancing plans for a massive AI data center at the PORTS-Pike site, projected to create thousands of jobs. Tipp City approved a $3.05 million land option with Meijer, and ICE confirmed enforcement operations in Springfield. Wilberforce University partnered with MacAir Aviation for student pilot training, while a court ruled against Xenia Community Schools over board meeting public comment restrictions. Greene County road crews are also repairing flood washouts along Ohio 725 and Darst Road.

Ohio State and Regional News

Economy & Labor: Ohio vastly outperformed national trends in July, adding 55,000 jobs while the broader U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs. To support upcoming elections, Secretary of State Frank LaRose launched a statewide recruitment campaign for poll workers.

State Policies & Safety: Ohio implemented strict new operational rules for addiction recovery housing to curb fraud in sober living environments. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are reviewing a proposal to place strict infrastructure and energy consumption rules on tech data centers to protect the electrical grid.

Incidents & Events: On I-71 in Columbus, extreme storm winds flipped a moving vehicle upside down on camera. In Mason, Kings Island rolled out season pass deals and discounts as summer winds down. In law enforcement, an Ohio serial bank robber was arrested after attempting a second heist exactly one year to the day after his first.

Dayton and Montgomery County

School Safety & Infrastructure: Public pushback continues over Dayton Public Schools spending $330,000 on 60 Flock safety cameras without a formal privacy policy. In response to public transit concerns, Dayton Police and UD campus police are partnering with the RTA to patrol select bus routes. Meanwhile, Oakwood City Schools installed environmental vape sensors in school bathrooms.

Downtown & Museum Updates: The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is undergoing a $10.5 million renovation featuring a multi-level play tower and interactive water tables. Following safety concerns, downtown business leaders released recommendations for enhanced lighting and dedicated foot patrols. Weather-wise, Dayton shattered an over 100-year-old rainfall record after consecutive days of severe downpours.

Local Community Highlights

• Beavercreek: City Council passed a resolution affirming the beaver as its official symbol amidst an ongoing legal dispute with Buc-ee's, which defended its trademark claims. Additionally, nonprofit Feed the Creek moved into a new headquarters, the Chamber of Commerce relocated to a new facility housing Fifty5 Rivers Cafe, and escape room venue Escapology is opening near the Mall at Fairfield Commons.
• Miamisburg & Kettering: Following the closure of Heart Mercantile in the Oregon District, its owner is opening a new gift shop in downtown Miamisburg. In Kettering, a long-standing local Mexican restaurant announced its permanent closure due to rising costs.
• Miami Township & Dayton Mall: A large fitness center is eyeing the former Value City Furniture showroom, while a candy shop inside the Dayton Mall is closing after 15 years.
• West Carrollton: City Council officially lifted its moratorium on recreational cannabis sales. The city also welcomed a new Jersey Mike's Subs and celebrated the grand opening of its connected middle and high school campus.
• Huber Heights & Regional Updates: First Watch is opening a new location in Huber Heights. In Springfield, residents held a rally supporting Haitian immigrants following the federal ending of Temporary Protected Status. Meanwhile, health officials in Miami County confirmed a trapped mosquito tested positive for West Nile virus, and Sinclair Community College partnered with CVG Airport to advance unmanned drone systems.

National and Regional News

Food Safety & Policy: Bulk retailers like Costco and Sam's Club are affected by a nationwide recall of 2 million pounds of pork jerky contaminated with metal wire pieces. Nationally, the federal government has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti after 16 years, triggering legal and immigration uncertainty for Haitian communities nationwide.

Ohio State and Regional News

Infrastructure & Environment: Rolling closures are taking place at five road crossings along the Great Miami Bike Trail through October for infrastructure upgrades. Meanwhile, local park districts and the Ohio Department of Agriculture have deployed specialized traps to monitor and control the invasive spotted lanternfly population.

Fair & Public Safety: An AI-generated poster won 1st place in an art contest at the Ohio State Fair, sparking intense debate among artists and fair officials regarding competition guidelines. Additionally, state and local police are launching the annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, while Spirit Halloween is opening eight pop-up stores across the region for the fall 2026 season.

Dayton and Montgomery County

Economy & City Infrastructure: Greater Dayton reached a major economic milestone, surpassing 400,000 jobs for the first time since 2005, boosted by growth in healthcare, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. The City of Dayton is planning to convert the former downtown YWCA into a centralized 911 dispatch hub. Meanwhile, AES Ohio customers will receive monthly bill refunds from regulatory settlements, and Dayton Police are warning residents about a spike in auto thefts after over 40 vehicles were stolen in a 30-day period.

Local Community Highlights

• Beavercreek: The city is moving to legally protect the beaver as its official municipal symbol amid an ongoing trademark lawsuit with Buc-ee's.
• Englewood: Construction is underway for Ohio's first 3D-printed home, showcasing automated concrete printing for energy-efficient, affordable housing.
• Kettering: Chipotle is considering moving into the former Wendy's site on Wilmington Pike, while Kettering unveiled draft plans to modernize the Fraze Pavilion outdoor amphitheater.
• Miamisburg: City leaders plan to issue $14.25 million in municipal bonds to renovate the Miamisburg Aquatic Center, making a 2026 summer opening unlikely.
• Sidney & Springfield: Heavy machinery has begun demolishing an obsolete data center in Sidney for future commercial development. In Springfield, state authorities are investigating misconduct allegations against the City Manager.

Legal and Ethics: The Ohio Disciplinary Counsel filed a formal complaint against a Cleveland-area attorney for submitting court briefs containing false, AI-generated statements. To protect seniors, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson launched a dedicated hotline for reporting romance and financial exploitation scams.

Education and State Policies: Ohio's annual sales tax holiday returns this August for back-to-school shopping, though reports indicate its scope is shrinking compared to previous years. Higher education institutions like the University of Dayton and Ohio State continue to heavily integrate AI into curriculums, even as a national study reveals nearly one-third of graduating seniors remain skeptical of AI's relevance to their careers. In Springfield, Governor DeWine clarified that no imminent ICE raids are planned targeting the local Haitian community.

Regional Business and Health: Kettering Health signed a letter of intent to acquire the 99-bed Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Kings Island officials debunked online rumors claiming the park plans to demolish the former Son of Beast roller coaster station

Downtown Growth and Education: CareSource is expanding its downtown headquarters to add 167 full-time jobs backed by a 10-year state tax credit. Sinclair Community College is investing $30 million to transform Building 8 into a new Integrated Technology Education Center for AI and cybersecurity training, while Belmont High School secured $320,000 in state funding for its advanced manufacturing program.

Business and Culture: The historic Wright-Dunbar District welcomed Daily Dose Caffé, the only coffee shop currently operating in West Dayton. Following an intentional car crash into its storefront in June, Hit and Run Tattoo (formerly District Tattoo) is hosting its grand reopening on August 1. The City Commission also approved a $4 million Flying Ace Express Car Wash on Wilmington Avenue at the former Rite Aid site.

City Updates and Events: The Schuster Center Wintergarden is closed through September 11 for lighting upgrades, temporarily relocating its box office to the Victoria Theatre. A Dayton neighborhood briefly saw a police response after the Dayton Bomb Squad was called to safely remove a discovered WWII-era artillery piece. Upcoming summer events include a free Star Wars Block Party at Day Air Ballpark on August 7 and DCDC's StreetBeats Block Party on August 8.

Beavercreek: The city is purchasing 62 acres near U.S. 35 and Factory Road for $650,000 to secure right-of-way for a future $120 million highway interchange. An $800,000 road widening project on Beaver Vu Drive begins in August, Burn Boot Camp opened its second location, and Barnes & Noble is hosting a back-to-school event on August 8.

Huber Heights and Englewood: Coast to Coast Heavy Haul Inc. is establishing its first physical headquarters on U.S. 40, creating 15 new jobs. Huber Heights will host the inaugural Cigars and Funk Fest at Rose Music Center on September 26, while the Northmont Library branch in Englewood hosts a back-to-school event on August 22.

Kettering, Miamisburg, and Miami Township: Kettering leaders recommended the permanent closure of the Kettering Ice Arena due to rising deferred maintenance costs, while the Wendy’s on Wilmington Pike permanently closed. Drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew proposed a second county location across from Austin Landing, and Miamisburg is hosting a combined 'Burg Night Out and school supply drive on July 31.

Fairborn, Piqua, Troy, West Carrollton, and Xenia: Fairborn’s Bookery Games confirmed it will remain open despite its building being listed for sale. Piqua updated its downtown DORA boundaries, a new "dirty soda" shop is opening in Troy, West Carrollton is advancing zoning to allow up to two recreational marijuana dispensaries, and Greene County Parks hosts a Crayon Wreath workshop in Xenia on August 3.

Ohio State and Regional News

Ohio’s very first gravity-driven mountain coaster is officially coming to Hocking Hills, allowing visitors to control their own speeds down a custom-built track through the forest canopy to boost eco-tourism.

Dayton and Montgomery County

Leadership & Infrastructure: Dayton has launched a national search for a new City Manager to oversee urban development and public safety. Downtown, a parking garage adjacent to the historic Victoria Theatre is being carefully demolished to protect the venue's structural foundation. Meanwhile, Dayton Public Schools maintenance teams are remediating a sudden mold issue at an elementary building ahead of the new school year.

Utilities & Local Honors: An approved settlement with AES Ohio implements a modest $1 base rate increase for residential customers while establishing stricter energy controls for power-heavy data centers. In sports, Dayton native and U.S. Air Force veteran Wandlyn Handy brought home multiple medals from the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in New Orleans.

Local Community Highlights

Business & Dining: Outdoor retailer Sierra announced the grand opening date for its new storefront in Beavercreek, while gift shop The Curious Crow opened in downtown Fairborn offering tea and vintage apparel. In Kettering, a proposed rezoning aims to convert the historic Barnes Building into a COhatch coworking space and school district offices, while a local Wendy's abruptly closed its doors. Additionally, a new 16-suite boutique assisted living facility, Gigi's Place, is planning to open in Miami Township.

Suburban Development & Community News: In Springfield, hybrid-electric aircraft startup Electra announced an $850 million manufacturing investment for its EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, creating nearly 2,000 advanced aerospace jobs. In Troy, Chick-fil-A is reopening following kitchen and drive-thru expansions, and Xenia is breaking ground on a new Dairy Queen Grill & Chill. Conversely, the Brookville Optimist Club lost its fundraising sugar waffle trailer to a fire.

Roads, Trails & Stage: Springboro's La Comedia Dinner Theatre unveiled its 2027 stage production lineup. Meanwhile, a section of the Great Miami River Recreation Trail in Miamisburg is temporarily closed for resurfacing, and utility repairs will close a stretch of Alex Bell Road in Montgomery County for two weeks.