State of Ohio

• Politics: Gov. DeWine endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor in 2026.
• Policy: DeWine banned the general sale of THC drinks (dispensaries only) and confirmed subsidized child care is funded for 8 more weeks.
• Education: Wright State and Central State were found non-compliant with the new "Science of Reading" law for using banned textbooks.
• Taxes: Warren County plans homeowner property tax relief in early 2026.

Dayton Business & Health

• Healthcare: Premier Health and Anthem reached a multi-year deal. Area hospitals imposed visitor restrictions due to respiratory illness spikes.
• Major Deals: Joby Aviation purchased a Vandalia facility for $61.5M to build air taxis. 413 Works proposed a $20.5M secure conference center.
• Downtown: A safety working group recommended a census of the unhoused and unified policing. Teardrop Steakhouse closed.

Suburban Highlights

• Beavercreek: The Greene is adding L.L.Bean (Fall '26) and Scramblers. Dave’s Hot Chicken is open.
• Huber Heights: Buc-ee’s set mass hiring for Feb. 17–19. GameStop is closing its Huber and Troy stores.
• Centerville: Stricter zoning passed for gas stations; the city is taking its fight against a proposed Sheetz to the Ohio Supreme Court.
• Kettering: School board approved demolishing Van Buren Middle School as part of a consolidation plan.
• Miamisburg: Star City Brewing sold; rebranding as Peerless Mill Inn & Brewery.
• Xenia/Trotwood: Xenia and CSU paused their water debt dispute for 90 days. Trotwood’s former Sears site secured $3.55M in tax credits.