Good morning, Dayton.

Laura Roesch will leave Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley in February to become executive director of The Glen at St. Joseph (a nonprofit for single mothers and children) in March.

The agency will soon start its search for her replacement.

Secret Smiles and Morrie Furniture join forces with United Way tonight from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on WHIO-TV to host the annual telethon for children’s beds + provide 50 Dayton children with a proper bed.

Flight attendants from PSA Airlines rallied at Dayton International Airport on Thursday, Dec.

18, calling for better pay and conditions ahead of the holiday travel surge (attendants earn only 40% of mainline pay) and warn that many may soon leave if conditions remain unchanged.

Major grocery chains are offering deep discounts on holiday staples this week.

Families in Dayton can save on meats, drinks, cleaning supplies, and festive items at local Meijer, Kroger, Aldi, and Walmart stores & enjoy extra deals when buying in bulk.

Toasted Brunch Bar + Cafe will open its second location in Vandalia at 352 E.

National Road, the site of a former Burger King, in the first half of 2026, serving traditional American breakfast and fusion lunch items.

Barry Bagels, known for authentic (kettle-boiled) bagels and fresh-made sandwiches, opened its new Miami Valley location in Sugarcreek Twp on Dec.

18, drawing locals eager for quality bagels.

Macy's confirmed its Dayton Mall store will remain open and serve customers while plans to redesign the mall area into a vibrant, walkable town center are underway.

The property, active since 1970, is still owned by Macy's following an earlier sale listing.

Rising prices are straining holiday budgets as over 40 percent of families cut back on gift buying, a Groundwork Collaborative report finds.

The study shows prices up 26 percent and a 7 percent drop in spending — factors affecting middle and lower-income households this season.

Wright State honored Nursing Professor Kim Ringo with the International Education Award for her work helping international nursing students.

She mentors students using new methods to break down language barriers (a key to success in U.S. healthcare).

Wright State honored two doctoral graduates on Dec.

12 at its Board of Trustees meeting (including Provost Denniston and President Edwards). Maram Almodhwahi earned an award for her AI system that monitors driver alertness while Morgan Highlander received an honorable mention for her work on motoneuron analysis.

Ohio smoke shops are under a temporary ban on synthetic kratom products containing a potent opioid-like compound, as state regulators work to curb dangerous additions.

Natural kratom remains available (while debates over safety continue) as enforcement shifts to state agencies.

Peggy Lehner, Kettering’s outgoing mayor who served nearly three decades, will leave office at the end of the year while continuing her commitment to local service.

She praised community centered efforts to support seniors and education, emphasizing the practical impact of local government work.

SICSA introduces Etsy (a tiny kitten) who is on hold and will soon be ready for adoption in Dayton, offering pet lovers a chance to add a new furry friend.

Magnus Capital Partners closed financing for a $72M project that will build 260 workforce housing units in Five Oaks near North Main.

A groundbreaking is planned for spring next year and construction will take 24 months with first units available in spring 2027.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.