Daily
Dayton
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Dayton. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wheat Penny Oven and Bar in the Oregon District hosted a free meal takeaway that served about 2,000 meals to families facing food insecurity while partnering with SICSA to provide free pet food during the holiday season. Chef Liz Valenti said the event was inspired by local restaurants stepping in to support the community. Dayton 24/7 Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters rescued an arborist stuck 35 feet high in a tree near Riverside Fire Department Station 6 on Wednesday+ the injured victim, who had a significant leg injury and couldn’t use rigging, was taken to a nearby hospital. WHIO-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Joby Aviation plans to double its electric aircraft production by expanding manufacturing in Dayton and California; the company aims to produce four aircraft every month by 2027 after starting propeller blade production near Dayton International Airport. Dayton Daily News
- ➤ Wawa opened its first Montgomery County store today at 4949 Chambersburg Road in Huber Heights (the new location is the ninth in Ohio this year) and offers free t-shirts for the first 250 customers with a ribbon-cutting at 8:30 a.m. WHIO-TV
- ➤ Blue Bell Creameries will begin distributing in Cincinnati and Dayton in spring 2026 after purchasing land in Lebanon to build a 16,000 sqft distribution center. Production remains at centers in Oklahoma, Alabama + Texas. Dayton 24/7 Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Brandon Ragland’s THE NUTCRACKER returns to Dayton this holiday season following a record-breaking run in 2024, offering families a festive evening with enchanting sets, dazzling choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. The production follows Clara on a time-traveling journey that brings holiday magic back to our community. Dayton937.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At a Dayton Public Schools meeting held on Dec. 16, the board voted to name the Welcome Stadium press box after former board member Karen Wick-Gagnet, who died on Dec. 6. Two board members opposed the decision, seeking more community input. Dayton Daily News
- ➤ Today, the University of Dayton achieved a perfect 100% score in new state reading metrics after updating its curriculum since 2015. Gov. Mike DeWine highlighted the science of reading — while 10 other schools, including Ohio State and Cincinnati, remain not in alignment. Dayton 24/7 Now
- ➤ Four former UD board chairs (Mary Boosalis, Steve Cobb, Rick Omlor, and Dave Yeager) donated nearly $5 million to build a 32,800 sqft Health and Wellbeing Center that will raise mental health capacity by 80% and counseling hours by 46%. Undergraduate students admitted in fall 2025 will begin paying a $600 annual fee starting with the 2026 to 2027 academic year. Dayton Daily News
- ➤ Wright State Newsroom's top 10 videos of 2025 highlight campus events from emergency medicine training to food assistance at the Nutter Center (featuring mental health initiatives and arts celebrations), showcasing community strength and creative campus life. Wright State University
- ➤ An Ohio audit found Wright State and Central State did not fully align with the science of reading law that took effect Jan. 1 + Wright State removed a textbook with banned methods while Central State plans course updates for spring semester 2026. Dayton Daily News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and the Dayton BBB warn shoppers against holiday scams that use social media and fake emergencies, advising readers to read fine print and check bank statements (after $50 billion in losses reported since 2020) to protect personal information. Dayton 24/7 Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today in Dayton, the American Diabetes Association unveiled updated 2026 standards of care for diabetes management. The new guidelines will help local healthcare providers improve treatment as they prepare for next year. Dayton 24/7 Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Ohio has awarded $4.3 million in historic preservation tax credits to United Church Homes and Weyland Ventures to spur the restoration of Longfellow school buildings (245 Salem Ave.) in northwest Dayton. The project will create 126 independent living apartments and community spaces for older residents. Dayton Daily News
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Seasonal Shorts Performance
7:30-9 p.m. — The Loft Theatre — Tickets from $44 — Experience an unforgettable performance filled with seasonal delights.
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Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings
4:00-5:00 p.m. — Dayton Masonic Center — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet in a beautifully candlelit setting.
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Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
6:15-7:15 p.m. — Dayton Masonic Center — Check event page for pricing — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet in a captivating candlelit setting.
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A Berry Merry Market
11 AM – 3 PM — The Blue Berry Cafe Kettering — Free entry — Experience festive fun with local vendors and sweet treats for the holiday cheer.
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Dayton Ohio Eurogamers Meetup
6:30-11:55 p.m. — Bell, Book & Comic — Free entry — Engage in an evening of board games with fellow enthusiasts of all skill levels.
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Deck the Diamond
6-7:30 p.m. — Day Air Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Experience one of Dayton's top sports events this December with a festive flare.
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Deck the Diamond
6-7:30 p.m. — Day Air Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive event at the ballpark.
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Deck the Diamond
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Day Air Ballpark — Cost info not provided — Celebrate the holiday season with Santa, caroling, and a sparkling light display at the baseball diamond.
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New Year's Eve Silent Disco & Ball Drop
8:30 PM – 1:30 AM — The Brightside Music & Event Venue — Tickets vary — Celebrate 2026 with a vibrant Silent Disco and the iconic Ball Drop in Dayton!
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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.
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