Greater Dayton Podcast

Ep 52 - "One Year Anniversary'

In corporate news, The Kroger Co. announced a massive 1.65 billion dollar deal to acquire Giant Eagle, significantly expanding its footprint across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, though some store divestitures in Columbus are expected. Economically, Governor Mike DeWine approved seven new development projects to create jobs and awarded 15 million dollars in Ohio Brownfield grants for environmental cleanups in Brown, Clermont, Highland, and Hamilton counties. DeWine also stated that Ohio will comply with federal law if Haitian migrants lose their Temporary Protected Status. Meanwhile, a family franchise group announced plans to bring the Huddle House restaurant chain to Ohio with multiple upcoming locations. Legislative updates include the passage of a bill requiring drivers to explicitly identify themselves to law enforcement during traffic stops. Lawmakers also passed a family planning curriculum mandate requiring public schools to teach students the societal benefits of marriage before childbearing. Additionally, Governor DeWine signed a bill enforcing strict regulations and oversight for state Medicaid providers to crack down on billing fraud. Public Safety and Infrastructure: The Dayton Police Department entered a 1.5 million dollar agreement with the Greater Dayton RTA to station dedicated officers at the downtown Wright Stop Plaza hub to improve security. On the regulatory front, recent state property tax reform legislation is causing unexpected mailing delays for local property tax bills as county treasurers update their systems. Social Services and Health: Montgomery County commissioners approved 150,000 dollars for a collaborative downtown homelessness outreach program. Concurrently, St. Vincent de Paul's primary men's shelter is undergoing its first large-scale renovation, and the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton announced an 18 million dollar facility expansion. In health news, public health officials are monitoring at least seven local cases of an illness causing explosive diarrhea in Montgomery County. Utilities and Technology: The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio voted to grant AES Ohio customers an 11 million dollar refund, though the amount fell short of the 82 million dollar break requested by consumer advocates. At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Joby Aviation is advancing its advanced air mobility expansion despite facing a new federal investigation. Additionally, the VA Secretary noted that the proposed Dayton VA historical center requires stronger congressional backing to secure funding. Beavercreek and Bellbrook: Beavercreek permanently closed the 40-year-old giant metal slide at Shoup Park due to structural safety concerns, prompting a community fundraising replacement effort. Greene County Parks & Trails also reverted to sunrise-to-sunset hours following a surge in vandalism. Piqua and Troy: Piqua city officials approved a lease to bring a new Thai 9 restaurant location to Fort Piqua Plaza. Meanwhile, the Piqua Public Library temporarily relocated its children's area due to structural safety concerns. Springfield and Sunbury: Activists and residents gathered in Springfield for an "Immigrants Are America" rally to support the local Haitian community. In Sunbury, residents launched a petition for a November ballot measure to cap new data centers at 25 megawatts to curb energy-intensive developments. Regional Updates: Residents in New Lebanon are demanding infrastructure fixes for ongoing discolored and foul-smelling tap water, while local police warned of a scam involving realistic movie prop money. In Fairborn, a major UFO conference is scheduled for the weekend, while Centerville Pops is hosting a film-score summer concert series. Finally, Slim's Neighborhood Bar & Grille in Spring Valley announced its permanent closure, and wildlife officials confirmed a black bear sighting in Greene County.

Ep 51 - "A Mysterious, Glowing Orb"

Meta selected Ohio for its new digital workforce training pilot, while the Ohio Supreme Court is weighing whether cities can legally ban flavored tobacco products. Meanwhile, recent law clarifications have allowed THC-infused beverages to return to brewery menus like Urban Artifact in Cincinnati. In corporate news, Kroger agreed to a 1.25 million dollar calorie-labeling settlement and announced a 37 million dollar Marketplace store in Hamilton. The state also marked the passing of Cheryl's Cookies founder, Cheryl Krueger, who died following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Legislative updates include the passage of an absentee ballot law requiring ID photocopies by 2027 and the implementation of Avery's Law, which hikes dangerous dog penalties but is straining local animal shelters. Governor Mike DeWine signed the Joshua Alert bill to create a rapid-response system for missing children with special needs, but he vetoed a strict photo ID voting mandate. Other pending bills propose ending data center tax breaks, allowing non-lethal weapons like pepper spray on college campuses, and establishing voluntary gun surrender protocols during mental health crises. DeWine is also urging the abolition or a public vote on the death penalty due to ongoing lethal injection drug shortages. Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. released his Flight Plan strategic vision targeting safety and economic development. In a major community win, previously high-crime neighborhoods are approaching a milestone of nearly 100 consecutive days without gun violence. On the infrastructure front, the city banned new large-scale data centers over energy concerns and resumed a 2 million dollar federal study to redesign the U.S. 35 corridor. Furthermore, a federal court ruled a city ordinance banning free downtown food giveaways unconstitutional. The local arts and library scenes face administrative shifts. The iconic Yellow Cab Tavern will permanently close on October 31, the Dayton Metro Library board is searching for a new director after firing the previous one, and Dayton Philharmonic musicians issued a vote of no confidence in the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance. Conversely, Dayton Children's Hospital established a fund to protect the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and the Air Force Museum is planning a free light show featuring 500 synchronized drones. Beavercreek and Fairborn: Beavercreek welcomed Einstein Bros. Bagels and Exotic Snack Guys, though local parks are reverting to sunrise-to-sunset hours due to vandalism, and a Shakertown Road widening project faces neighborhood pushback. Meanwhile, Fairborn is reviewing plans for a new 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop. Kettering approved 1.3 million dollars to demolish a blighted shopping center portion, while developers continue to pursue a luxury car condo concept despite zoning hurdles. Kettering City Schools is also moving forward with a major new building project. In Centerville, a highly anticipated new commercial tenant is moving in next to Bill's Donut Shop. Miamisburg, Moraine, and Vandalia: Val's Bakery set an opening date for its new downtown Miamisburg coffeehouse. In Moraine, Shearer's Foods opened its new 110 million dollar potato chip factory. To curb discount retail oversaturation, Vandalia City Council formally rejected a new Dollar General store near Interstate 70. Regional Updates: The U.S. Air Force confirmed it will advance its B-52 bomber modernization program, and a prominent general stationed at the base was nominated for a second star. Central State University in Wilberforce is slated for 29 million dollars in the state capital budget, attached to strict oversight requirements. Finally, Tuck-N-Red’s micro-distillery in Yellow Springs announced its permanent closure, and Camp Mahanaim in Warren County filed a lawsuit against the Uranus Fudge Factory over a blocked water valve.

Ep 50 - "National Donut Day"

Ohio State and Regional News In Cincinnati, customs agents seized over 300 prohibited agricultural eggs hidden inside jackets. Meanwhile, overseas supply chain disruptions are driving up fuel and fertilizer costs, straining local farmers. Economically, Governor Mike DeWine announced 1,600 new jobs from recent development deals, and local governments have started receiving tax revenue from legalized recreational marijuana sales. During a public hearing, Ohioans strongly opposed the rise of massive data centers and the use of non-disclosure agreements, citing heavy energy consumption and a lack of transparency. In civic updates, the state announced its annual sales tax holiday, and the Ohio National Guard is preparing to deploy 200 members for federal operations. Legislatively, a new bipartisan bill aims to expand resources for foster youth aging out of the system, while another proposal introduces harsher penalties to combat Medicaid fraud. Additionally, a massive public petition calls for an update to the Son of Sam law to prevent criminals from profiting off their crimes. Conversely, a Republican-led plan to enshrine strict voter ID requirements into the Ohio Constitution and a rule change allowing state judges to make political endorsements are both facing public criticism. Dayton and Montgomery County The Ohio Senate passed a state budget allocating 7.8 million dollars for Montgomery County projects. This funding arrives alongside new Census Bureau data detailing shifting regional population trends. Billionaire Bill Gates visited Dayton for the dedication of the new NCR Archive Center, which preserves the historical legacy of the National Cash Register Company. Locally, GE Aerospace successfully tested hybrid-electric engine technology, and Sinclair Community College partnered with Sierra Nevada Corporation to launch a new training program for aviation technicians. Following a string of local incidents, community leaders issued an urgent plea for neighborhood interventions to address gun violence. In lighter news, Miami Valley Hospital's labor and delivery department is experiencing a unique internal baby boom, with 17 of its own nurses pregnant at the exact same time. Additionally, FiveStar Comic Con is expanding its footprint into Dayton, while the downtown Jimmy John's location has permanently closed. Local Community Highlights Surveillance and Public Safety: Internal records revealed that the Kettering Police Department shared automated Flock license plate reader data with immigration authorities, violating a prior public pledge. In Huber Heights, officials selected Mike Lang from neighboring Englewood to serve as the city's new Police Chief. Business and Growth: A regional defense contractor is planning an expansion into Beavercreek and Xenia, bringing 200 high-tech jobs to the area. In Springboro, the bakery Killer Brownie secured a state tax break to support a facility expansion. Meanwhile, several area FedEx Ship Center locations are closing, Troy is welcoming a new Rudy’s Smokehouse location, and plans were submitted for a senior assisted living facility in Miami Township. Local Disputes: At Miami University in Oxford, students and conservationists are protesting campus landscape plans that threaten several historic, centuries-old trees. In Dublin, a homeowner is seeking answers from the USPS after catching a postal carrier on camera throwing packages onto their property. Finally, Trotwood Mayor Yvette Page issued a statement emphasizing resilience as the city continues its long-term disaster recovery.

Ep 49 - "Cheeeeese Fest"

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has detected Chronic Wasting Disease in deer across six counties, prompting strict tracking of the neurological condition. On a positive note, the spring wild turkey hunting season opened with strong statewide harvest numbers. In the Ohio General Assembly, representatives introduced legislation to legalize medical aid in dying for terminally ill individuals. Other active bills seek to expand access to subsidized childcare for working families and make state crime-solving grant funds permanent to ensure stable technology funding for law enforcement. Additionally, the Ohio Supreme Court issued a major ruling regarding utility submetering, altering how third-party vendors can bill residential tenants for water and electricity. Dayton The City of Dayton released two comprehensive reports outlining neighborhood development and municipal system overhauls. The city successfully leveraged 19.2 million dollars in public funds to spark 387.7 million dollars in private investment, reflecting a 20-to-1 leverage ratio. In Greater Downtown, Phase 1 of the convention center and the 47 million dollar North Arcade renovation are complete, while the 110 million dollar Centre City residential conversion is officially active. West Dayton development projects reached nearly 40 million dollars, including the DuPont expansion and Germantown Crossing affordable housing. Northeast industrial growth was dominated by the 94 million dollar Sierra Nevada Corporation aircraft hangars and the 108 million dollar Dayton Children’s Behavioral Health center. To handle this spike in construction, the city is revamping its building permit workflow to clear historic backlogs. Reforms include same-day permit intake, digital plan reviews via the Accela platform, and a standardized residential fee structure. A full digital portal will launch in late 2026. Local Business and Dining: The local culinary community is mourning the loss of Raymond Wiley, co-founder and CEO of Hot Head Burritos, who passed away at age 60. Meanwhile, the boutique Heart Mercantile announced it is closing its physical storefront in the Oregon District due to rising costs, transitioning to online-only retail. In Huber Heights, Dave's Hot Chicken is planning a new location along the main retail corridor, while the Old Spaghetti Factory in Fairfield is shutting down permanently. Infrastructure and Transportation: Dayton, Huber Heights, and surrounding townships passed 180-day moratoriums on data center developments to study the immense power and water strain they place on utilities. To assist voters, the Greater Dayton RTA will provide free rides on May 5 for the primary election. Additionally, 19 area commercial locations were chosen to receive new electric vehicle charging stations, and a developer bought 4 million dollars in land near the airport for an industrial park. Regional Safety and Education: West Carrollton is wrapping up construction on a modernized, high-tech middle and high school campus. Emergency utility crews are managing a massive sinkhole in Jefferson Township, while Franklin officials cleared a recent train derailment. In public health news, a bat in Butler County tested positive for rabies, leading to a reminder for pet vaccinations. Arts and Leisure: Levitt Pavilion Dayton upgraded its venue with a new sound system ahead of the summer season, and West Chester launched its summer concerts on a new community stage. At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, officials are updating base facilities to include new virtual golf simulators, gaming rooms, and improved recreational lounges. This local news broadcast details the financial challenges that led to the brick-and-mortar closure of Heart Mercantile in the Oregon District.

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.