Greater Dayton Podcast

Ohio State and Regional News

Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill to make academic and financial comparisons between public and private schools more accessible to the taxpayers. Additionally, the state launched a new data dashboard to track chronic absenteeism. However, many districts are warning of looming property tax levies as they face a financial crisis caused by the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds and rising operational costs.

Dayton City Development and Modernization

The City of Dayton released two major reports on April 8, 2026, outlining a surge in neighborhood investment and internal system reforms.

2025-2026 Development Update In 2025, the city leveraged $19.2 million in public funds to drive $387.7 million in private investment. Key highlights include:

• Greater Downtown: Completion of the $47 million North Arcade and $40 million Convention Center Phase 1. The $110 million Centre City Redevelopment is now active.
• West Dayton: Projects totaled $39.4 million, including the DuPont expansion and Germantown Crossing affordable housing. Over $100 million in new projects are underway.
• Northeast: Major industrial and health growth led by the $94 million Sierra Nevada Corp hangars and the $108 million Dayton Children’s Behavioral Health center.
• Southeast: Investment is expected to hit $142.6 million, anchored by the $110 million "Think Dayton" building at onMain.

Permitting Modernization To support this growth, the city is overhauling its permitting process to eliminate backlogs. Reforms include same-day permit intake, digital plan reviews, and standardized fee structures. A full digital review portal is scheduled to launch in late 2026.

Local Community News

• Infrastructure and Safety: East Third Street is slated for bike lane and pedestrian upgrades. Franklin recently managed a train derailment, while Lebanon installed a new all-way stop to curb accidents. In Brookville, authorities are investigating the cause of a sudden two-story building collapse.
• Business and Dining: 7 Brew Coffee is hiring for its drive-thru near UD, while El Toro Express and Einstein Bros. Bagels are expanding into Kettering and Beavercreek. Conversely, the beverage plant Refresco is closing its Carlisle facility in July, and the Pedal Wagon will not return to Dayton this season.
• Transportation and Tech: 19 local sites (including Meijer and Sheetz) were selected for new EV charging stations. In Miami Township, a new ordinance requires open-bed trucks to tarp their loads to prevent litter and debris.
• Public Service and Jobs: The Air Force Materiel Command is hosting a massive job fair at Wright State on May 6. In Englewood, the City Manager announced retirement after a 50-year career.
• Legal and Health: A medical malpractice lawsuit was filed in Centerville alleging a surgeon operated on the wrong knee. In Warren County, health officials warned residents after detecting a rabid bat.
• Community Highlights: Michelle Obama was spotted on a low-profile visit to Yellow Springs. The community is also mourning the death of Kipper the Wallaby, a beloved animal ambassador.

National News

Target’s car seat trade-in event returns April 19 through May 2, 2026. Parents can recycle old or damaged car seats at participating stores in exchange for a 20% Target Circle bonus toward new baby gear, such as strollers, high chairs, and car seats.

Ohio State and Regional News

In Columbus, a lawsuit challenges the 2020 executive decision to remove the Christopher Columbus statue from City Hall, arguing the process bypassed proper legal channels. Statewide, lawmakers are debating the constitutionality of a new law restricting drag performances as free speech advocates launch legal challenges.

Effective April 3, 2026, Ohio real estate law now requires residential sellers to sign an Anti-Discrimination Disclosure form before their property can be marketed or shown. Additionally, House Republicans are proposing tighter regulations on the sports betting industry to combat problem gambling and limit aggressive advertising. With the May 5 local elections approaching, officials remind residents that the voter registration deadline is nearly here. Ohio has also joined a multi-state crackdown on distracted driving, with law enforcement increasing patrols to enforce hands-free cell phone laws.

Dayton and Montgomery County

The Downtown Dayton Partnership recently underwent a major restructuring, resulting in the elimination of most of its nonprofit staff positions to refocus its mission. In the Oregon District, the Out on 5th pedestrian promenade returns this May with updated traffic flow patterns and improved outdoor dining spaces.

Day Air Credit Union announced a local expansion with two new branches, while SAY Soccer is returning to Trotwood after a ten-year hiatus to provide more recreational options for youth. In business news, Mershon’s World of Cars in Springfield has officially closed after 41 years, and a new Dunkin' is planned for a former Tim Hortons site in Moraine.

Local Community Highlights

Beavercreek and Englewood continue to grow with new amenities, including a Jimmy John’s with a drive-thru in Englewood and expanded financial services in Beavercreek. At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a new Department of Defense memo now allows qualified, off-duty service members to carry personal firearms on base, provided they receive individual commander approval.

Huber Heights celebrated a milestone with the grand opening of Ohio’s first Buc-ee’s travel center and honored a local resident on his 101st birthday. In Xenia, construction in the Market District is nearing completion, aiming to revitalize the downtown core. Finally, Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs hosted its 43rd annual Easter Egg hunt on April 5, with over 10,000 eggs hidden for local children.

Ohio State and Regional News

In professional sports, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals to serve as the primary backup to Joe Burrow. On the legislative front, Ohio high schoolers graduating in 2026 can now earn an "America 250" diploma seal for excellence in civics and history. Additionally, Governor Mike DeWine approved several economic projects expected to create over 1,000 jobs in the manufacturing and tech sectors, while members of the Ohio Army National Guard’s public affairs unit are preparing for a deployment to Europe.

Health officials are currently monitoring a new COVID-19 variant nicknamed "Cicada," which is rising in Ohio and 24 other states. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the admissions practices at the Ohio State University College of Medicine to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws. In the business sector, shifting state and federal regulations on hemp are forcing some local retailers to close, and state lawmakers remain divided on competing plans to address Ohio’s housing affordability crisis.

Dayton and Montgomery County

The Dayton Dragons have officially returned to Day Air Ballpark for the start of the 2026 baseball season. To address safety, the Dayton Police Department is launching a joint initiative with federal agencies to crack down on illegal firearm possession and repeat offenders. In the business world, a Trotwood-based company announced 53 upcoming layoffs, representing a setback for the local workforce. However, the Dixie Drive-In in Vandalia has officially reopened for the season, continuing its tradition of outdoor double features.

Regional healthcare received a major commitment as Governor DeWine affirmed plans to build a new behavioral health hospital at the former Hara Arena site in Trotwood. This facility will provide critical mental health and addiction services for the Miami Valley. Additionally, the parent company of AES Ohio has moved forward with a $10.7 billion acquisition aimed at grid modernization and renewable energy investments.

Local Community Highlights

Beavercreek and Fairborn continue to see growth in the defense sector. A new radome production facility opened in Beavercreek, adding 101 jobs, while Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is projected to add 2,000 new positions this year. In Springfield, a Canadian manufacturer has purchased the massive former International facility, signaling a major reinvestment in the city’s industrial corridor.

Centerville has released its 2026 Summer Concert Series lineup, offering a variety of outdoor community performances. In Springboro, city officials are working to establish a Community Entertainment District to increase liquor license availability and attract more diverse dining options. Finally, GoBus has officially launched its expanded rural-intercity routes, providing new daily stops in Dayton, Springfield, Middletown, and Yellow Springs.

Ohio news:

Ohio Statewide Legislative Updates

• School Recess Expansion Bill A proposed state bill would mandate doubling the required amount of daily recess time for students and expand mandatory recess requirements to include middle school grades, aiming to improve student mental health and focus.
• Law Enforcement Concealed Carry Bill Backed by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, this proposed legislation would allow off-duty and off-jurisdiction police officers to legally conceal carry firearms in traditionally restricted areas, such as school zones and post offices.
• Accessible Parking Enforcement Bill State lawmakers have introduced a bill aiming to improve the enforcement of accessible (handicap) parking space violations. The measure would establish stricter penalties and streamline reporting for drivers who illegally park in spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities.

Ohio (Regional) NASA has officially confirmed that a mysterious, loud boom heard across parts of Ohio and surrounding states was caused by a massive

17,000-pound meteor exploding as it entered the Earth's atmosphere.

Dayton News:

Miami County The Miami County Sheriff's Office has received a state grant to fund the purchase and implementation of new body cameras for its deputies, a move designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and officer safety.

Montgomery County (South) Funding has been officially approved for upcoming construction and infrastructure improvement projects along Alex Bell Road. The projects are aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving roadway safety for daily commuters.

Dayton University of Dayton researchers have secured a massive $850 million contract from the Air Force, marking a historic boost in federal research and development funding and partnerships for the university.

Dayton Russell Garber, fondly remembered as the "grandfather" and a founding member of Dayton's popular 2nd Street Market, has passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the local agricultural and vendor community.

Fairborn

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base The U.S. Space Force has approved $222 million in funding for the construction of a brand-new intelligence complex at WPAFB, further solidifying the base's critical role in national space defense and intelligence operations.

Fairborn Bob Evans is set to occupy a giant new cold storage facility that is currently under construction in Fairborn. The massive building will serve as a key hub to support the company's regional food distribution and supply chain operations.

Moraine

Moraine The Wendy's fast-food restaurant location in Moraine has permanently shut down its operations, joining a handful of other recent retail and dining closures in the immediate area.

Waynesville

Waynesville The Ohio Renaissance Festival has been crowned the best renaissance fair in the United States, earning national recognition for its immersive historical entertainment, vendor scale, and massive annual visitor turnout.

Ohio State and Regional News

Ohio State University officially appointed Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda as its 18th president on March 12, 2026. The university also celebrated the opening of its $1.9 billion University Hospital, a massive 26-story facility that expanded its research and medical capacity. In Mason, Kings Island is auctioning off props from the retired Boo Blasters ride to make way for a new Phantom Theater attraction coming in 2026.

On the legislative front, the Ohio House passed Avery’s Law to strengthen penalties for dangerous dog owners. Lawmakers are also advancing bills to definitively ban child marriage, end third-party tax lien sales to protect homeowners, and standardize missing persons investigations. Additionally, tech companies in the state signed a pledge to help lower electricity costs for communities located near power-hungry data centers.

Dayton and Montgomery County

The Dayton-Kettering region was recognized for the 20th straight year as a top-five mid-sized area for economic development. Local industry saw a major boost with GE Aerospace investing $45 million into its Dayton manufacturing sites, while the city of Vandalia was selected as the first U.S. location for a UK-based advanced materials producer. However, Stratacache confirmed a round of layoffs due to rising global costs for memory chips.

City infrastructure changes include a proposal to shift Dayton Public Schools start times to reduce downtown traffic congestion. The city also plans to ceremonially rename a portion of Madison Street to Amy C. Walbridge Way. In public safety news, 137 animals were rescued from a home in a severe neglect case, and local police are planning increased OVI checkpoints for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The University of Dayton is also restricting its campus celebrations to students only.

Local Community Highlights

In Fairborn and Dayton, Wright State Physicians has joined the Premier Health Physicians group to improve patient access. In Kettering, the health system is facing more than 40 lawsuits related to a 2025 ransomware attack that allegedly delayed medical treatments. On a brighter note, the Kettering Children’s Choir won a $10,000 grant, and Harry Connick Jr. is set to perform at the Fraze Pavilion this summer.

In Springfield, a federal appeals court ruling has allowed Haitian immigrants to maintain their Temporary Protected Status for now, preventing immediate deportations. Meanwhile, Washington Township trustees have paused a proposed 87-unit housing project to evaluate its impact on traffic and infrastructure. Finally, the Centerville City Manager announced plans to retire this September.

• 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.

Ohio State & Regional News

• Aviation: Breeze Airways is adding new nonstop flights from Cincinnati and Columbus starting this July, including routes to Portland (ME), Savannah, Tampa, and Greenville-Spartanburg.
• Legislation & Policy:
  • The Ohio House passed SB 63, which bans ranked-choice voting statewide and penalizes cities that attempt to use it.
  • HB 698 proposes defunding public universities that do not comply with new restrictions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
  • A new bill seeks to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in youth athletes by increasing access to life-saving equipment at sporting events.
• Legal & Finance: The state is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit regarding the $1.7 billion unclaimed funds pool, which plaintiffs allege is being used to fund sports arenas.
• Utilities & Health: Residents are facing surging winter heating bills due to rising electric prices. Separately, health experts are warning of addiction risks associated with the herbal substance Kratom.

Dayton & Montgomery County

• Education & Youth:
  • Learn to Earn Dayton received a $1.5 million grant to streamline career pathways for K-12 and higher-ed students.
  • Dayton Public Schools will consolidate preschools into Rosa Parks and River’s Edge next year to cut costs.
  • The city is launching "NextGen Leaders," a six-week workforce program for teens.
• City Infrastructure:
  • Dayton approved a solar project to power 14,000 homes and is purchasing a permanent home for its employee clinic on East First Street for $2.05 million.
  • The city is granting $71,000 to repair the Claridge Center before transferring it to the Northeast Churches Emergency Center food pantry.
• Public Safety: Police are conducting targeted curfew sweeps through March; juveniles out between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a guardian may face citations.
• Labor & Corrections: 150 female inmates were moved from the Dayton Correctional Institution to other cities due to a severe 18.8% officer vacancy rate. A staff survey at Dayton Metro Library also revealed a "crisis mode" with 70% of staff distrusting administration.
• Business Closures: A record store in the Oregon District and "So Pizza" near the Dayton Mall are both closing permanently in March.

Local Community Highlights

• Beavercreek: Dillard’s opens its new 160,000-square-foot store at the Mall at Fairfield Commons on March 19. The police department is also offering free R.A.D. self-defense training for women starting in April.
• Englewood & Northmont: Belton Foods is moving into a new $8 million facility in the Otterbein Industrial Park. Eric Hughes has been named the new Northmont City Schools superintendent.
• Fairborn: Wright State is investing $6 million to update nursing labs. AFLCMC at WPAFB is holding a major hiring event for engineers and tech roles (register by March 1).
• Huber Heights: The city is piloting an AI-powered "smart traffic" system on Brandt Pike to reduce congestion.
• Kettering: The Kettering Children’s Choir is a finalist for a $10,000 grant; public voting ends February 28.
• Piqua: Hartzell Propeller is investing $10 million in a new "Innovation Center" to produce carbon fiber blades for electric aircraft.
• Xenia: Kettering Health finalized a $25 million plan that saves Greene Memorial Hospital with $15 million in upgrades and breaks ground on a new Xenia Health Center this spring.
• Brookville/Clay Township: Melody Pool Swim Club has closed after 60 years; the site will become an industrial facility.

Ohio State & Regional News

• Legislation & Education: HB 671 proposes withholding funds from districts suing over the state's voucher program. Meanwhile, public school enrollment has dropped by 27,000 students post-pandemic as private and charter schools grow.
• Taxes & Governance: HB 420 aims to abolish permanent property tax levies by 2030, requiring fixed-term renewals. Additionally, GOP leaders are pushing the federal SAVE America Act to require proof of citizenship for voter registration.
• Public Safety: The Crossing Guard Protection Act would make harassing guards a first-degree misdemeanor. Another bill seeks to modernize background checks by mandating electronic data submission from courts.
• Consumer Alerts:
  • Utility Charges: The Consumers’ Counsel is fighting $189M in charges related to "outdated" coal plants.
  • Data Centers: Rapid expansion is raising alarms over the strain on Ohio’s power grid and water supply.
  • Gas Prices: A study suggests Mondays are the cheapest days to refuel in Ohio.
  • Maintenance: Drivers are urged to wash cars immediately to prevent road salt/brine corrosion.

Dayton & Montgomery County

• Financial Relief: The Dayton Collaboratory raised $137k to abolish $22M in medical debt for 15,000 residents.
• Police & Safety: DPD is opening a new Central Patrol substation near the RTA Hub to increase proactive drug and weapon interventions.
• Development:
  • Dayton Arcade: The North Arcade and marketplace open in March with tenants like Smales Pretzel Bakery.
  • onMain: Construction has begun on the $75M "Think Dayton" building at the former fairgrounds.
  • Belmont Pool: A $1.7M renovation is set for completion by September.
• Food & Arts: The 2026 Food Truck Rally schedule is set (kicking off in May), and INNOVAtheatre presents "For Colored Girls" Feb 20–22.

Local Community Highlights

• Beavercreek: Council denied a permit for Birch Hill Suites due to permanent residency issues and high emergency call volumes.
• Bellbrook: Shifting focus to a $2.7M project to filter "forever chemicals" (PFAS) from the water system.
• Englewood: Plans are moving forward for the $81M BOLT Innovation Center, featuring a sports complex and workforce hub.
• Huber Heights: A man received probation for a 2025 bomb threat hoax that caused neighborhood evacuations.
• Jefferson Township: The district is eliminating high school busing to meet only state-minimum requirements.
• Kettering: Brigid’s Path became the first U.S. facility of its kind to receive Medicaid reimbursement for newborn recovery. Residents are also weighing a May 5 bond issue for school modernization.
• Miami Township: The LexisNexis campus is being rebranded as "The Pike," a mixed-use park adding 750 jobs and five apartment buildings.
• Moraine: A new TNT Fireworks warehouse is under construction on the former golf course site near I-75.
• Springfield / Clark County: Dayton Children’s is acquiring Mercy Health’s pediatric practices in Urbana and Springfield. Nationally, the move to end Haitian TPS remains a major local concern.
• WPAFB: A $38M STEM complex is coming to 16 acres near the Air Force Museum, though contractor Astrion warned of 61 potential layoffs due to contract shifts.
• Xenia: Central State University issued layoff notices to 16 professors (mostly in Humanities) to address a $5M budget gap.

Ohio State & Regional News

• Aviation & Transit: CVG Airport is expanding with new flights from American, Southwest, British Airways, and Allegiant. Locally, GoBus launches the "Red Line" on March 2, connecting Dayton, Springfield, and Oxford to Cincinnati and Toledo.
• Economy & Tax: A new report warns that eliminating the state income tax could spike sales tax to 18% to fill a $24B gap. Legislators are also considering HB 520 to consolidate local services and a new tax on institutional investors owning 50+ homes.
• Education & Health: Governor DeWine launched OhioSee for free K-3 eye exams. Meanwhile, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the state underpaid nursing homes by $572M.
• Safety & Tech: Ohio launched the nation’s first statewide Drone Responder pilot program. In Columbus, multiple schools and the Statehouse faced hoax bomb threats.

Dayton & Montgomery County

• Public Safety: City officials approved $964K for safety upgrades on Philadelphia Drive, including bike lanes and sidewalk expansion. Recent police raids seized over 1,300g of fentanyl and multiple firearms.
• Housing: A Federal Reserve report shows investors bought 30% of homes in certain Montgomery County "hotspots" in 2024. A local probe also found 25% of area motels had pest complaints (bed bugs/roaches) in 2025.
• Development & Jobs: Blue Halo, GE Aerospace, and Woolpert secured major defense contracts totaling over $280M. Sinclair CC added an electric aircraft and flight simulator for advanced air mobility training.
• Zoning: Dayton extended its moratorium on new group homes through August 3 to finalize density caps.

Local Community Highlights

• Beavercreek: Council approved Creekwood Preserve, a 53-home subdivision ($450k–$500k) off Grange Hall Road.
• Fairborn: Wright State joined the U.S. Space Command’s Academic Engagement Enterprise for space research.
• Huber Heights: Superintendent Jason Enix resigned (effective July 31) to lead Elmwood Local Schools.
• Kettering: Kettering Health is notifying patients of a 2025 data breach. On a lighter note, the Pop 2000 Tour hits Fraze Pavilion on July 10.
• Springfield: Schools and colleges (Wittenberg/Clark State) have faced a wave of non-credible bomb threats. A federal judge is seeking clarity on ICE mobilization plans regarding the city's Haitian TPS status.
• Xenia / Central State: CSU and Xenia agreed to a utility service extension amid annexation talks. However, CSU faces a $5M shortfall, leading to a "retrenchment plan" and faculty pushback over job cuts.
• Tipp City & Troy: Chipotle is coming to the former King site in Tipp City. The Troy Chick-fil-A will close March 1 for a major expansion.

• Cincinnati: The Reds are moving local broadcasts to MLB for 2026, ending their FanDuel partnership.
• Columbus: The city was selected to host 2028 Olympic soccer matches at Historic Crew Stadium.
• Harrod: A man forfeited over 200 illegal deer antlers and received a 10-year hunting suspension following a wildlife investigation.
• Madison County: State troopers seized 154 pounds of cocaine worth $6.3 million during an I-70 traffic stop.
• Mason: Kings Island is bringing back the classic "The Monster" ride for the 2026 season.

• Education: A bipartisan bill proposes disqualifying families earning over $500,000 from the EdChoice voucher program. Another bill (HB 304) would mandate daily recess for K-8 students.
• Sports & Cannabis: HB 661 seeks to ban NIL deals for high school athletes. Separately, a group received approval to collect signatures to repeal recent marijuana restrictions.
• Public Safety: New bills propose felony charges for interrupting religious services and mandatory date rape drug testing kits in bars. Grants totaling $4.4 million were announced for police body cameras.
• Infrastructure: Lawmakers proposed bills to hold data centers accountable for energy and water usage. Farmers are urging Congress to allow year-round E-15 fuel sales.
• General: "Love Is Blind" Season 10, featuring Ohio singles, premieres Feb. 11. "Ohio Goes to the Movies" screenings are celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Officials warn of AI voice cloning scams targeting grandparents.

• Development & Business: Israel-based Katz Group is opening a manufacturing hub in Dayton. The Dayton Arcade is launching "Arcade Commons" for public events. The Dayton/Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House chapters are merging.
• City & Services: The city outlined a strict pothole damage claim process. A $3.9 million contract was approved for the Miami Well Field project to reduce PFAS. The VA campus will receive upgrades to sewer and IT systems.
• Community: The Victory Project is launching a girls' division. The Boonshoft Museum's hedgehog predicted an early spring. The NAACP launched a "Dry ICE" campaign against federal funding for immigration enforcement.
• Arts & Education: DPAA is cutting its SuperPops and Rockin' Orchestra series. Wright State University is seeking $5.8 million to modernize its Wright Brothers archives. UD Athletic Director Neil Sullivan is on medical leave.

• Beavercreek: Giordano's abruptly closed. Council is reviewing proposals for a new Hilton hotel and subdivision, though residents have raised traffic concerns.
• Bellbrook: Rezoning was approved for the "Eagle Exchange" office district.
• Centerville: A massive community garage sale is planned for spring 2026.
• Clay Township: A secession effort to form a new municipality was halted.
• Darke County: A trained hawk named "Spirit" was stolen from a preserve.
• Franklin: The school board placed a 1% income tax on the May ballot.
• Kettering: New bike path connectors are planned for the business park and Iron Horse Trail.
• Miami Township: Police are launching a "Super Bowl Blitz" traffic enforcement operation.
• Springfield: A judge temporarily blocked the expiration of TPS for Haitian residents, sparking joy locally and an appeal vow from DHS. A "Snow Jesus" sculpture has become a popular local attraction.
• Trotwood: Former UD star Chris Wright announced a $17.6 million entertainment district expansion.
• West Carrollton: Falcon’s Wings and Grill opened ahead of the Super Bowl.
• Xenia: The May 2026 primary will feature contested county races and renewal levies for schools and police.