E39 - "Who's Your Patty"

Ohio State and Regional NewsOhio 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 a new Phantom Theater attraction coming in 2026.On the legislative front, the Ohio House passed Avery’s Law to strengthen penalties for dangerous dog owners. Lawmakers are also advancing bills to definitively ban child marriage, end third-party tax lien sales to protect homeowners, and standardize missing persons investigations. Additionally, tech companies in the state signed a pledge to help lower electricity costs for communities located near power-hungry data centers.Dayton and Montgomery CountyThe Dayton-Kettering region was recognized for the 20th straight year as a top-five mid-sized area for economic development. Local industry saw a major boost with GE Aerospace investing $45 million into its Dayton manufacturing sites, while the city of Vandalia was selected as the first U.S. location for a UK-based advanced materials producer. However, Stratacache confirmed a round of layoffs due to rising global costs for memory chips.City infrastructure changes include a proposal to shift Dayton Public Schools start times to reduce downtown traffic congestion. The city also plans to ceremonially rename a portion of Madison Street to Amy C. Walbridge Way. In public safety news, 137 animals were rescued from a home in a severe neglect case, and local police are planning increased OVI checkpoints for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The University of Dayton is also restricting its campus celebrations to students only.Local Community HighlightsIn Fairborn and Dayton, Wright State Physicians has joined the Premier Health Physicians group to improve patient access. In Kettering, the health system is facing more than 40 lawsuits related to a 2025 ransomware attack that allegedly delayed medical treatments. On a brighter note, the Kettering Children’s Choir won a $10,000 grant, and Harry Connick Jr. is set to perform at the Fraze Pavilion this summer.In Springfield, a federal appeals court ruling has allowed Haitian immigrants to maintain their Temporary Protected Status for now, preventing immediate deportations. Meanwhile, Washington Township trustees have paused a proposed 87-unit housing project to evaluate its impact on traffic and infrastructure. Finally, the Centerville City Manager announced plans to retire this September.