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  • Utility Charges: The Consumers’ Counsel is fighting $189M in charges related to "outdated" coal plants.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.

• Historic Snowfall: A record-breaking winter storm dropped 12.4 inches of snow on Dayton on Jan. 25, surpassing the previous record from the Blizzard of 1978. Two-day accumulation reached nearly 14 inches.
• Extreme Cold Warning: Gov. Mike DeWine has issued a warning for life-threatening cold with wind chills reaching -25 degrees. The state is shifting focus from snow removal to managing the extreme freeze; residents are urged to stay off roads.
• Emergency Response: An ODOT snowplow provided a critical escort for an ambulance transferring a baby to Cincinnati Children's Hospital during the storm.

• FirstEnergy Trial: The trial has begun for former CEO Chuck Jones and SVP Michael Dowling. They are accused of orchestrating a bribery scheme involving a $60M payment to the former House Speaker for the HB 6 bailout.
• Wrongful Conviction Liability: The U.S. Supreme Court denied Miami Township’s request to review a $45 million verdict for Dean Gillispie. The township remains liable for the judgment, which officials claim exceeds their ability to pay.
• Springfield Immigration: Local officials are bracing for a 30-day ICE enforcement surge following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians.
• School Bus Safety: Gov. DeWine announced $10 million in grants for 371 schools to upgrade bus safety features, including seat belts and collision avoidance tech.

• New Openings:
  • Mikey’s Late Night Slice: The Columbus-based pizza chain opens its downtown Dayton location (503 E. First St.) today, Jan. 30.
  • Currito: The first Dayton-area location opens in Washington Township on Feb. 11.
  • Wawa: A new location is being planned for Harrison Township.
• Development:
  • Intel Impact: The $20B New Albany plant is driving "sudden demand" for semiconductor manufacturing, creating growth opportunities for Dayton-area suppliers.
  • "The Pike": A mixed-use project including a cannabis dispensary is proposed for the former LexisNexis campus in Miami Township.
• Bankruptcy: Parent companies of Fazoli's and Twin Peaks filed for Chapter 11, though local Dayton locations are expected to remain open.

• Ohio State Fair 2026 Lineup:
  • Aug 1: Alison Krauss & Union Station, Aug 3: For King & Country
  • Aug 5: “Weird Al” Yankovic, Aug 7: Bailey Zimmerman
  • Aug 8: Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors
• Cinema:
  • Oscar Nomination: Centerville grad Hannah Beachler has been nominated for Best Production Design for the Ryan Coogler film "Sinners," which is returning to local theaters.
  • Sundance: Local projects premiering include "FreeLance" (Columbus-set), "Buddy," "Carousel," and "Union County."
  • "Ohio Goes to the Movies": A statewide celebration begins in February. The Dayton Metro Library will screen "Beloved" on Feb. 26.
• Attractions: "Mama Duck," the world's largest rubber duck (61 ft), returns to Cuyahoga Falls April 24–26.

• School Zones: Kettering Police have implemented an immediate zero-tolerance policy for traffic violations in school zones.
• Dayton Police: Violent crime dropped in 2025. The city approved a $105k contract to improve "organizational culture" within the department.
• Human Trafficking: Montgomery County is launching two state-funded pilot programs ($950k total) to embed caseworkers in children services and prevent youth runaways.
• Good News: SICSA Pet Adoption placed over 90 animals into foster homes ahead of the storm. Kettering Health employees launched "Coats for a Cure" to provide winter clothing to patients.

Ohio & Regional News Digest (Condensed)

❄️ WEATHER ALERT (SW Ohio): A Winter Storm Watch is in effect Saturday morning through Sunday night. Expect 4–6 inches of snow, followed by dangerous sub-zero wind chills early next week.

Statewide

• Grid Strain: Gov. DeWine warns that rapid AI/data center expansion is threatening grid reliability and raising prices.
• Taxes: The IRS has ended paper refund checks for 2026. Refunds may average ~$1,000 higher due to tax code changes.
• Prisons: Facilities face critical staffing shortages (7.4% vacancy); Dayton Correctional is down nearly 19%.
• Travel: United adds daily nonstops from Columbus (CMH) to LAX in March.

Dayton

• Legal: Clerk of Courts Mike Foley must redo community service after a judge rejected his logged hours.
• Development: Work began on the 49.9MW "Gem City Solar" array. MVHO secured funding for a $9.6M tiny home village for the homeless.
• Economy: The 2026 outlook is mixed—auto hiring is soft, but manufacturing/tech are growing.
• Community: Warming centers are active at Rec Centers. Sinclair College won $1.1M for manufacturing education.

Suburbs & Region

• Huber Heights: Buc-ee’s grand opening set for April 6, 2026. The Marigold Festival returns in May.
• Kettering: Audit reveals $3.2M in improper benefits went to former Health execs; ex-CEO Manchur reportedly owes ~$1.5M. Police are increasing school zone enforcement.
• Fairborn / WPAFB: Wright State settled with Parallax Research (receiving $3M). Bids are due for a major new cooling plant at NASIC.
• Beavercreek: Christine Hawker appointed Fire Chief. Council approved major road/sidewalk projects.
• Cincinnati: New 20,000-capacity music venue to open at former Coney Island site in 2027.
• Trotwood: Police warn of fake "motion picture" cash circulating.
• Troy: A moratorium on new gas stations is in effect until May 30.
• Springfield: Local churches are organizing support for Haitian migrants.
• Briefs: Vandalia fixed a large sinkhole; Englewood opened a vintage candy shop; Centerville had a gas leak at Michael's Salon.

USA & Ohio

• Recall: High-risk Listeria recall issued for soft cheeses (brie, camembert).
• Politics: Rep. Mike Turner (R) filed for re-election; faces Democrat Kristina Knickerbocker.
• State Updates: Min wage rose to $11/hr. Gov. DeWine allocated $97.2M for road safety and is lobbying for a Coast Guard center in Urbana. Traffic deaths dropped 3%.
• Legislation: New bill targets childcare fraud; state law now clarifies parental consent for underage drinking in bars.

Dayton

• 2026 Infrastructure: Major reconstruction and "road diets" (lane reductions/bike paths) approved for Salem Ave, Keowee St, and E. Third St.
• Business & Community: Culture Works to manage the Masonic Center. City received ~$1.1M in first cannabis tax payout. "Manufacturing Skills Sprint" launches in April.
• Highlights: Senators urged Big East to add UD. An RTA driver saved a family from a house fire. Residents protested a new downtown safety plan.

Suburbs & Region

• Beavercreek/Fairborn: "Raider Row" commercial project on WSU land approved. WPAFB contractor Sumaria is laying off 57 staff.
• Huber Heights: QuikTrip submitted plans hours before a 1-year moratorium on new gas stations took effect.
• New Lebanon: Council-elect Keith Moody was barred from taking office due to late tax filings.
• Riverside: Angela Jackson sworn in as the city’s first female Police Chief.
• Kroger: Released 2025 stats (e.g., customers bought enough beef for 1 billion burgers).
• Vandalia: Officials warned a state proposal to cut property taxes could triple local income tax.
• Nature: Rare bobcat spotted in Twin Valley MetroPark.

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.

Dayton Business & Development

• Price Stores Closing: After 75 years, the formal wear retailer (currently in Centerville) will permanently close on Dec. 31, 2025, marking owner Edd Wimsatt's retirement. A liquidation sale for clothing, fixtures, and furniture is underway.
• Smashburger Closure: The Brown St. location near UD has permanently closed after 15 years. Locations in Miami Twp and Butler Twp remain open.
• Miami Crossing Revamp: A new master plan initiative is underway to transform the Dayton Mall area into a walkable, mixed-use town center. Public input is open at miamicrossingmasterplan.org.
• Joby Aviation Expansion: Joby is doubling manufacturing capacity in Dayton and California, aiming for 4 aircraft per month by 2027. The Dayton site focuses on high-volume parts and eventual assembly.
• CareSource HQ Growth: The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved incentives for CareSource to expand its downtown HQ, expecting 167 new jobs and $12.5M in new payroll.
• New Housing: Design Homes plans to build 135 luxury homes ($1.3M+) in Washington Township.
• New Dining: Urban Cheesesteak Co. opens Jan. 2, 2026, at W. Social Tap & Table.

Community & Events

• RTA Holiday Rides: Free rides systemwide (buses & Connect) on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
  • Historic Christmas Trolley: Free rides Saturday, Dec. 20 (4–6 p.m.) at Wright Stop Plaza with Santa and Buddy the Elf.
  • Holiday Bus: Running through December with surprises.
• Welcome Stadium: The press box will be named in honor of the late Karen Wick-Gagnet.

Suburban News

• Beavercreek: McDonald's will demolish the closed Burger King on Indian Ripple Rd (across from The Greene) to build a new location.
• Bellbrook: The School District has removed or restricted 130 books under a new "Parent’s Bill of Rights." 36 titles were removed from lower schools; 94 high school titles now require parental permission (including Slaughterhouse-Five and The Color Purple).
• Centerville: Godfather’s Pizza on Wilmington Pike has closed and is moving to Sugarcreek Twp.
• Fairborn: Mun-o-Salwa (halal cuisine) opened a second location on Colonel Glenn Highway.
• Kettering: Council approved 3% raises for non-union staff. Mayor Peggy Lehner and Vice Mayor Jacque Fisher have retired.
• Miamisburg: Sen. Jon Husted highlighted United Grinding’s competitive apprenticeship program as a "gold standard" for workforce dev.
• Moraine: Dutch Bros Coffee is planning a new drive-thru at Ohio 741 and West Alex Bell Rd.
• Springboro: Council approved a 3% cost-of-living raise for city employees.
• Troy:
  • Parks: Officials are reviewing a major upgrade plan, including expanding Duke Park and consolidating sports leagues.
  • Taxes: The School Board reduced property tax millage for Tax Year 2025, saving homeowners ~$40/year.
• Vandalia: Residents are launching a second referendum to let voters decide on the 167-home Riverdale subdivision due to traffic concerns.