Greater Dayton Podcast

Ep 48 - " A Memorial Weekend"

Federal Legislation Federal lawmakers are preparing to revisit the Sunshine Protection Act, a long-debated bill that would permanently eliminate the bi-annual changing of clocks and establish year-round daylight saving time across the United States. Ohio State and Regional News State legislators are advancing several new measures, including a bill to replace standard magnetic-stripe EBT cards with chip-enabled versions to curb cloning fraud, alongside updated rules to help farmers markets accept SNAP benefits. To regulate future elections, a new proposal aims to enshrine strict photo voter identification requirements directly into the Ohio Constitution. Lawmakers have also established a bipartisan data center committee to analyze the heavy grid and infrastructure demands of server farms, while separate bills seek to create a public domestic violence offender registry and mandate digital watermarks on AI-generated deepfakes. In safety and health news, the state launched Project Plan Ahead, a $20 million educational campaign focused on safe driving and marijuana usage regulations. Following a massive federal investigation into systemic billing fraud, Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order requiring immediate revalidation for state Medicaid providers. Dayton and Montgomery County Fat Boyz BBQ has officially opened a new carryout location on Salem Avenue, and the newly hatched bald eaglets at Carillon Historical Park have been formally named in honor of America's upcoming 250th semiquincentennial. In downtown developments, the Versiti Blood Center is relocating its regional operations to the Tech Town campus, and the Mosaic Institute of Greater Dayton is preparing for its grand opening. For Memorial Day weekend, the state is offering promotional ride-share credits for discounted Uber and Lyft rides in Montgomery and Butler counties to curb impaired driving. Additionally, the Dayton Knitting Guild will host a celebration for Worldwide Knit in Public Day at The Silos, and Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine partnered with Premier Health to secure a $2.5 million grant expanding healthcare services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Local Community Highlights Xenia and Huber Heights: Central State University will be officially annexed into the city of Xenia following a collaborative agreement to streamline municipal services, utilities, and emergency response. Huber Heights could soon see a retail boost as corporate plans develop to bring new Ollie's Bargain Outlet and HomeGoods stores to local shopping centers. Centerville and Washington Township: The outdoor Merchant Market is returning to Stubbs Park, and the grilled sweet-dough ice cream chain Crispy Cones is planning a local expansion. Nearby in Washington Township, a trending dessert brand featured on Shark Tank is preparing to open its doors. WPAFB and Clark County: The U.S. House approved $21 million in federal funding for a new human performance laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Additionally, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is preparing to debut a massive Star Wars exhibit featuring iconic props and costumes. In Clark County, Northridge Lanes has permanently closed after decades of operation. Regional Updates: Defeat of a recent tax levy has left Miami County officials searching for alternative funding strategies to address critical repairs at the county jail. Across the Miami Valley, local city councils are reviewing traffic codes to regulate the rise of e-bikes and electronic motorcycles on sidewalks, while a local Sam's Club is preparing for a massive $8.7 million interior and exterior modernization.

Ep 47 - "Chipfaced"

Ohio State and Regional News In a major political transition, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost resigned to enter the private sector, leading Governor Mike DeWine to appoint Andy Wilson, former Director of Public Safety, to fill the role through January 2027. State safety protocols have also shifted for SNAP recipients, who must now manually unlock their EBT cards via a mobile app or hotline for any online or out-of-state transactions to prevent benefit theft. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has issued a warning regarding invasive jumping worms that threaten local soil quality, while Governor DeWine is moving forward with an operational overhaul of Medicaid to reduce fraud and increase financial accountability. In professional sports, the Cincinnati Bengals will expand their international presence with a scheduled Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain. Legislatively, families are rallying behind a new Child Protective Services reform bill aimed at increasing agency transparency, alongside an anti-child abuse measure inspired by a tragic Miami County case. Dayton and Montgomery County Dayton’s 2026 street resurfacing program is currently active, with crews working to repave over 55 lane-miles, including major sections of East Monument Avenue, Ludlow Street, Valley Street, and South Smithville Road. While infrastructure improves, some residents are pushing back against the use of automated Flock license plate readers, citing privacy concerns over the expansion of surveillance technology. Public health officials have issued a specific alert regarding collectible, vintage root beer stand mugs that contain dangerous levels of lead and should not be used for drinking. To support local families, the YWCA Dayton is currently seeking donations of hygiene products and baby supplies, while the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is finding success using advanced drone technology to locate missing persons and track suspects more efficiently. Local Community Highlights Beavercreek recently saw the permanent closure of Off Par Golf & Social at The Greene Town Center, though Centerville is preparing for the return of the popular Merchant Market at Stubbs Park. In Clayton, a new county title office has opened to provide residents with easier access to vehicle titling and passport services. Fairborn made headlines with a $1.2 million estate listing featuring a private indoor aquatic center and a local recall election that political experts are watching for its potential to set a legal precedent. In Springfield, organizers are working to recover from a $10,000 equipment theft at the Kiwanis Children’s Garden that has stalled local youth programming. Huber Heights may soon see its second Chipotle location as developers submit new plans, while Vandalia has placed a temporary halt on new small-box discount stores to prevent retail oversaturation. Finally, regional schools are increasingly working to establish policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom to balance educational innovation with academic integrity.

Ep 46 - "Meat Twinkie"

National and Regional News Nostalgia hits the big screen this month as "Shrek" and "Top Gun" return to select local theaters for a limited engagement. Additionally, Target’s car seat trade-in event is back through May 2, 2026, offering a 20% discount coupon in exchange for recycled old or damaged car seats. Ohio State and Regional News Infrastructure and Stadiums: Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam officially broke ground on a $2.6 billion domed stadium in Brook Park, slated for a 2029 opening. Governor DeWine also recently rejected calls to suspend the state gas tax, arguing that doing so would jeopardize critical funding for Ohio's roads and bridges. Legislative and Athletic Updates: State lawmakers are proposing a comprehensive overhaul of child protection laws to improve foster care accountability. In sports, administrators are debating new eligibility rules that would allow student-athletes to compete for schools outside their home districts if their own schools lack specific programs. Dayton and Montgomery County State of the County: The 2026 address highlighted a $30 million plan to decentralize the Job Center and $15 million in Courthouse Square upgrades. The county also committed $1 million in annual funding for local arts and culture while launching a new 2026–2028 Strategic Plan for fiscal transparency. Public Safety and Tech: Dayton Police opened a new temporary substation on South Main Street to increase downtown visibility. Meanwhile, city officials are demanding accountability following a data breach involving Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) data. On a positive note, a sweep of 15 gas stations in Butler Township and Vandalia by the County Auditor’s office found zero illegal credit card skimmers. Healthcare and Environment: A local 7 Brew drive-thru is partnering with Dayton Children’s Hospital for a pediatric fundraiser. Health officials are warning of a rise in Lone Star ticks, which can cause Alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy). Residents are also advised of two-week lane closures on U.S. 35 for infrastructure repairs. Local Community Highlights Centerville and Kettering: Chase Bank is moving into a former Rite Aid site in Centerville, and the Centerville-Washington Park District is planning upgrades for its all-access playground. In Kettering, the Modern College of Design announced it will permanently close on June 23, 2026, due to financial hurdles. However, Dragon's Guildhall is relocating to a new Kettering storefront, and voters successfully passed a 5.93-mill school levy for a 10-year renovation project. Fairborn and WPAFB: Wright State University is adjusting its curriculum, cutting low-enrollment programs to make room for new majors. At WPAFB, a new policy allows qualified service members to carry personal firearms on base with commander approval. Springboro and Springfield: Springboro residents are petitioning against a proposed cement plant expansion. In Springfield, the iconic Mershon’s World of Cars has officially closed after 41 years in business. Trotwood and Rural Areas: SAY Soccer is returning to Trotwood after a decade-long absence, and the local Humane Society is seeking foster homes for dozens of cats rescued from a hoarding situation. In Coldwater, authorities are investigating the theft of 64 calves from a dairy barn, and Miami County reported a bat testing positive for rabies. Leisure and Arts: The Fraze Pavilion announced its 2026 "Fraze Flicks" series, featuring titles like "Wicked" and "Black Panther" starting in June.

Ep 45 - "Big Boy is Coming to Town"

Ohio State and Regional News Wildlife and Environment: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has detected Chronic Wasting Disease in deer across six counties, prompting increased monitoring of the fatal condition. On a more positive note, the spring turkey season saw a strong opening weekend with high harvest numbers reported statewide. Legal and Legislative Updates: The Ohio Supreme Court recently issued a ruling on utility submetering, changing how third-party companies can bill renters for water and electricity. In the Statehouse, new bills have been introduced to legalize medical aid in dying for the terminally ill, make crime-solving grant funds permanent for law enforcement, and significantly expand access to subsidized childcare for working families. Dayton and Montgomery County Infrastructure and Energy: Dayton has joined several surrounding townships in passing a 180-day moratorium on new data center applications. Officials intend to use this period to study the significant water and power demands these facilities place on the grid. Meanwhile, downtown Dayton is currently hosting a major global nuclear conference, drawing hundreds of international scientists and engineers to the city. Transportation and Business: The Greater Dayton RTA will offer free rides on May 5 to ensure residents have accessible transportation to the polls for the primary election. In regional business news, a developer purchased $4 million in land near the Dayton International Airport for a new industrial park, and "The Silos" food hall has expanded its hours to include Friday lunch and late-night weekend service. Local Community Highlights Kettering and Washington Township: Flowerama in Kettering has officially reopened following repairs from a vehicle strike. In Washington Township, Bock Family Brewing is being rebranded as North Sea Brewing under new ownership. Fairborn and WPAFB: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is upgrading its quality-of-life amenities with new spaces for golf simulators, gaming, and children's activities. Nearby, Cedarville University announced a new partnership with Walgreens to provide pharmacy students with expanded clinical training. Schools and Development: West Carrollton is nearing completion on its modernized middle and high school campus. Conversely, Fairfield residents are seeing the permanent closure of The Old Spaghetti Factory. In Trotwood, officials are calling on citizens to report abandoned properties to help combat neighborhood blight. Arts and Leisure: Levitt Pavilion Dayton has installed a state-of-the-art sound system for its 2026 free concert series, and West Chester officially kicked off its summer concerts on a brand-new community stage. Yellow Springs will soon host the "Big Family Business," a multi-disciplinary concert event. Conservation and History: Bethel Township implemented an annexation moratorium to preserve local farmland. In a unique local story, a Miami Valley man was recently reunited with an Ice Age fossil he discovered decades ago as a child.

Ep 44 - "Light as a Feather"

Ohio State and Regional News In Columbus, an independent investigation at Ohio State University confirmed that former President Ted Carter repeatedly misused his position during his tenure, following his resignation over an inappropriate relationship. In the tourism and recreation sector, Kings Island announced that the suspended boomerang coaster, Invertigo, will officially reopen in 2026 after extensive maintenance. State lawmakers have introduced several notable bills, including a proposal to regulate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for high school athletes. Another measure, the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act (HB 249), has faced criticism from opponents who argue its broad dress code language could unintentionally ban women from wearing sports bras in public. Additionally, a new bill seeks to officially designate the "Loveland Frog" as Ohio’s state cryptid. On the economic front, Governor DeWine awarded $7.3 million to local counties for the demolition of blighted buildings to encourage new development. Dayton and Montgomery County The City of Dayton officially appointed Eric A. Henderson as Chief of Police following a multi-year selection process. In healthcare, Dayton Children’s Hospital received a record-breaking $40 million donation and plans to rename its main campus in honor of the gift. Additionally, Primary Health Solutions is acquiring South Community Behavioral Health to form a $65 million integrated care enterprise. Downtown updates include the resolution of regulatory issues for Rabbit Hole Books, which is set to reopen this week. The "Out on 5th" pedestrian promenade in the Oregon District will return on May 1 but with a new schedule: rather than every weekend, Fifth Street will now only close 1–2 weekends per month to improve traffic flow. Local Community Highlights * Mad River Advisory: Boaters and recreational users are advised to avoid mile 5.1 of the Mad River through September 2026 due to construction within the local well field. * Huber Heights: The school board withdrew a proposed $4.5 million budget cut plan following intense community pushback. * Community Services: St. Vincent de Paul opened a new central donation drive-through at its City Thrift location for easier drop-offs. * Veteran Support: A local equine therapy program is now offering free sessions to veterans and first responders to support mental health.