E29 - "Free Bus Rides"

Dayton Business & DevelopmentPrice 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 Twp remain open.Miami Crossing Revamp: A new master plan initiative is underway to transform the Dayton Mall area into a walkable, mixed-use town center. Public input is open at miamicrossingmasterplan.org.Joby Aviation Expansion: Joby is doubling manufacturing capacity in Dayton and California, aiming for 4 aircraft per month by 2027. The Dayton site focuses on high-volume parts and eventual assembly.CareSource HQ Growth: The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved incentives for CareSource to expand its downtown HQ, expecting 167 new jobs and $12.5M in new payroll.New Housing: Design Homes plans to build 135 luxury homes ($1.3M+) in Washington Township.New Dining: Urban Cheesesteak Co. opens Jan. 2, 2026, at W. Social Tap & Table.Community & EventsRTA Holiday Rides: Free rides systemwide (buses & Connect) on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.Historic Christmas Trolley: Free rides Saturday, Dec. 20 (4–6 p.m.) at Wright Stop Plaza with Santa and Buddy the Elf.Holiday Bus: Running through December with surprises.Welcome Stadium: The press box will be named in honor of the late Karen Wick-Gagnet.Suburban NewsBeavercreek: McDonald's will demolish the closed Burger King on Indian Ripple Rd (across from The Greene) to build a new location.Bellbrook: The School District has removed or restricted 130 books under a new "Parent’s Bill of Rights." 36 titles were removed from lower schools; 94 high school titles now require parental permission (including Slaughterhouse-Five and The Color Purple).Centerville: Godfather’s Pizza on Wilmington Pike has closed and is moving to Sugarcreek Twp.Fairborn: Mun-o-Salwa (halal cuisine) opened a second location on Colonel Glenn Highway.Kettering: Council approved 3% raises for non-union staff. Mayor Peggy Lehner and Vice Mayor Jacque Fisher have retired.Miamisburg: Sen. Jon Husted highlighted United Grinding’s competitive apprenticeship program as a "gold standard" for workforce dev.Moraine: Dutch Bros Coffee is planning a new drive-thru at Ohio 741 and West Alex Bell Rd.Springboro: Council approved a 3% cost-of-living raise for city employees.Troy:Parks: Officials are reviewing a major upgrade plan, including expanding Duke Park and consolidating sports leagues.Taxes: The School Board reduced property tax millage for Tax Year 2025, saving homeowners ~$40/year.Vandalia: Residents are launching a second referendum to let voters decide on the 167-home Riverdale subdivision due to traffic concerns.