- 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.
