Good morning, Dayton.

Yellow Springs author Rick Donahoe published his Jack Kerouac Prize-winning novel 'Where the Deer and the Antelope Play' on The Book Nook (WYSO 91.3 FM) today; the program airs Saturdays at 7 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and streams at WYSO.org.

Northridge Local Schools is mourning the loss of band director Jacob Lorkovic.

The district will offer counseling for students and staff Friday, Jan.2 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the school and again on Monday when classes resume.

Ohio education issues will continue into 2026 as local schools face ongoing debates over government oversight and local control.

House Bill 186 capped school tax hikes with credits appearing on later tax bills, a Franklin County ruling on EdChoice vouchers leaves questions unresolved, and local universities, including Dayton institutions, are adjusting to lower enrollment — changes that affect community students.

The city and ODOT plan a $3.4 million road diet that will reduce West Third Street from five lanes to three between James H.

McGee Boulevard and Abbey Avenue starting fall 2027. The project will add a bike lane & parking lane to slow traffic and boost pedestrian safety near local businesses and historic sites.

Kettering Health Washington Township welcomed its first baby of 2026, Ali Kasim, at 1:55 a.m. Jan.

1; he weighed 7 lbs 5.5 oz and his mother is doing well, marking a positive start to the new year.

At Kettering Health Washington Township, Sitora Kamolova and Bobur Mukhamedjanov welcomed their daughter, Ali Kasim, just before 2 a.m. on Jan.

1, making her the first baby born in 2026.

A Greene County teen became Ohio’s first flu-related pediatric death on New Year’s Eve, leading the Ohio Department of Health to urge parents to vaccinate and practice good hygiene.

The department advises mask wearing and cleaning frequently touched surfaces as the flu strain becomes more common.

Game Jam Workshop

4:30-9:00 PM — Beavercreek Donatos Party Room — Join for pizza and mini-game development in a fun weekend of creativity.

Coffee & Chat Meetup

10-11:30 a.m. — Purebred Coffee Co. — Free entry — Enjoy relaxed conversation and community building over a cup of coffee.

Dayton Battle of the Bands - Week 1

7 PM - 10 PM — The Brightside Music & Event Venue — Series pass required — Experience the electrifying first night of local band battles showcasing alternative and rock music.

Dayton & Cincinnati RV Show

12 PM – 4 PM — Roberts Centre — Free entry — Explore family-friendly RVs and rescue adorable bulldogs at this pet-friendly event.

Dayton Ohio Eurogamers Meetup

6:30-11:55 p.m. — Bell, Book & Comic — Free entry — Gather for an evening of board games, welcoming both beginners and experts alike.

LyGrace Journaling Club

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Dayton Metro Library - West Branch — Free entry — Explore personal growth through journaling with community support and guided activities.

The DEADSTOCK Trot 5K

5-7 p.m. — Riverscape Metropark — Registration Fee Applies — Challenge yourself with a 5K run from the DEADSTOCK brand, fueled by Celsius Energy Drink.

The Art of Healing Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art Has No Rules — Registration required — Engage in a creative wellness experience combining mental health awareness, color therapy, and artistic expression to relieve stress and build confidence.

LaunchPad Entrepreneurial Event

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Benham's Grove — Free entry — Connect, learn, and grow with the Dayton entrepreneurial community through expert-led sessions and networking.

Ohayocon Anime Convention

Jan 30 - Feb 1 — Dayton Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate all things anime at this vibrant three-day convention filled with fans, panels, and cosplay.