Greater Dayton Podcast

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 envir...

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...

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 legalize...

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...

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...

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...

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 Hasla...

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 rece...

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 e...

Ohio State and Regional News Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill to make academic and financial comparisons between public and private schools more accessible to the taxpayers. Additionally, the state launched a new data dashboard to track chronic absenteeism. However, many districts are warning of looming property tax levies as they face a financial crisis caused by the expiration of federal pa...

National News Target’s car seat trade-in event returns April 19 through May 2, 2026. Parents can recycle old or damaged car seats at participating stores in exchange for a 20% Target Circle bonus toward new baby gear, such as strollers, high chairs, and car seats. Ohio State and Regional News In Columbus, a lawsuit challenges the 2020 executive decision to remove the Christopher Columbus statue fr...

Ohio State and Regional News In professional sports, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals to serve as the primary backup to Joe Burrow. On the legislative front, Ohio high schoolers graduating in 2026 can now earn an "America 250" diploma seal for excellence in civics and history. Additionally, Governor Mike DeWine approved several economic projects...

Ohio news: Ohio Statewide Legislative Updates School Recess Expansion Bill A proposed state bill would mandate doubling the required amount of daily recess time for students and expand mandatory recess requirements to include middle school grades, aiming to improve student mental health and focus. Law Enforcement Concealed Carry Bill Backed by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, this proposed legislation would a...

Ohio State and Regional News Ohio State University officially appointed Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda as its 18th president on March 12, 2026. The university also celebrated the opening of its $1.9 billion University Hospital, a massive 26-story facility that expanded its research and medical capacity. In Mason, Kings Island is auctioning off props from the retired Boo Blasters ride to make way for...

SNAP Benefit Changes: Following USDA approval, Ohio will ban the use of SNAP benefits for sugary carbonated beverages starting October 1, 2026. The restriction applies to drinks where sugar or corn syrup is the primary ingredient. Tourism & Leisure: HB 732: State Rep. Melanie Miller introduced the "Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass." It will be free for Ohioans in 2026 and offer discounts at muse...

Ohio State & Regional News Aviation: Breeze Airways is adding new nonstop flights from Cincinnati and Columbus starting this July, including routes to Portland (ME), Savannah, Tampa, and Greenville-Spartanburg. Legislation & Policy: The Ohio House passed SB 63, which bans ranked-choice voting statewide and penalizes cities that attempt to use it. HB 698 proposes defunding public universiti...

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, GO...

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....

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 mil...

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...

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...

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; stat...

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 t...

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...

Ohio News Prison Reform (HB 338): The Ohio House passed a bill banning higher education programs in "high security" prisons (Level 3+). This affects ~262 Sinclair Community College students. Sponsors argue it incentivizes good behavior to earn privileges; critics note it hinders rehabilitation. The bill now moves to the Senate. Hemp & Marijuana (SB 56): The Senate passed legislation likely to...