Ep 44 - "Light as a Feather"

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.

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.