
Good morning, Dayton!
Here’s Your Daily Dose of Dayton
Did you know…If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you likely had a Trapper Keeper in your backpack. This school staple was invented by E. Bryant Crutchfield at the Mead Corporation right here in Dayton.
Kicking off Day 1: The best ways to start your year in the city…
Wage increases and housing help bring encouraging updates for Dayton residents.
Local experts share simple, realistic ways to stick with New Year goals.
First Friday and live music kick off Dayton’s first weekend of 2026.


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DAYTON DIGEST
📱 What Was Dayton Googling?
Dayton’s 2025 search habits were a mix of big headlines, pop culture, and “wait, what does that even mean?” moments. Google’s Year in Search data for our area shows spikes around everything from the Cincinnati Bengals and Taylor Swift to new slang, viral “AI” trends, and upcoming video games. It is basically a snapshot of what had Miami Valley residents talking, texting, and refreshing their feeds all year long.
🏠 New Help For Home Repairs
A new Dayton Home Repair Revolving Loan Program is set to launch in early 2026, backed by 2.6 million dollars from the city’s Issue 6 income tax funds. The program aims to help repair about 80 owner-occupied homes and small multi–family rental properties, focusing on structural and exterior issues like roofs and siding that have been rated “poor” in the city’s housing survey. Loans will start in Welcome Home Ohio neighborhoods such as Madden Hills, Fairview, Dayton View Triangle, and Wolf Creek in 2026, then expand citywide in later years, with priority for households earning roughly 80 to 120 percent of area median income.
💵 Minimum Wage Bump On The Way
Ohio’s minimum wage will increase to 11 dollars an hour for non–tipped employees starting January 1, 2026, up from 10 dollars and 70 cents in 2025. Tipped workers will see their base pay rise to 5 dollars and 50 cents an hour, with the change affecting employees at businesses making more than 405,000 dollars in annual gross receipts. The adjustment is tied to inflation under a voter–approved constitutional amendment from 2006, and state analysts estimate around 150,000 Ohio workers will directly benefit from the 30–cent increase.

Let’s Make 2026 Your Year — Tips from Local Dayton Experts

As Dayton begins the new year, local health leaders and fitness coaches are sharing smart advice to help neighbors turn good intentions into lasting habits. Dr. Fadi Tayim, a clinical neuropsychologist with Premier Health, explains that resolutions succeed when they have a clear plan and a meaningful personal reason behind them — not just a wish on January 1. Local trainers at LA Fitness in Washington Township remind Daytonians that realistic expectations and steady progress matter more than overnight change. Whether your goal involves getting active, eating better, or improving your finances, the experts say starting with small, achievable steps and consistent routines can make all the difference. Their tips offer a friendly, practical roadmap for anyone in the Miami Valley hoping to keep those “new year, new me” promises well past Quitter’s Day.
Read more — Dayton Daily News
Kick Off 2026 with Art, Music and Good Times at First Friday

The first First Friday of 2026 is set to light up downtown Dayton on Friday, January 2, with a lively mix of art, music, shopping deals and neighborhood hangouts that bring neighbors together. From local galleries showing new exhibits to restaurants and pubs offering happy hours and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we ring in the new year with community spirit. This free, walkable evening gives residents a chance to explore favorite spots like The Contemporary Dayton, the Dayton Art Institute and Front Street studios — while meeting friends and discovering local makers. Fun extras include comedy shows, extended gallery hours, creative paint-in sessions and special treats at shops across the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. First Friday is a great way to make new memories with friends and family while celebrating the heart of Dayton’s vibrant downtown.
Read more — Dayton Daily News

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New Year, New Weekend Plans
The new year is officially here, and there’s plenty to enjoy as Dayton eases into its first weekend of 2026. From relaxed New Year’s Day plans to fun events through Saturday, we’ve gathered a few great ways to celebrate, connect, and make the most of the days ahead.
January 02, Friday
Live Music from Yinyang Sunflower + Raechel Morgan
Blind Bob’s, 430 E 5th St, Dayton | 8PM
Live Music from G. Scott Jones Freedon Ensemble
Whisperz Speakeasy, 926 Watertower Lane, West Carrollton | 8PM
Live Music from Dallas Moore
Good Time Charlie’s, 61 S Main St, Miamisburg | 9PM
Live Music from Hall Pass Rock Band
Wings Sports Bar and Grille, 7902 N Dixie Dr, Dayton | 9PM
January 03, Saturday
Free Yoga
Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton | 10AM
Canvas Paint Party
Sip & Dipity, 117 S. Fountain Avenue, Springfield | 5:30PM
Live Music from Brian Cashwell
Socialite Cafe, 4011 Marshall Rd, Dayton | 5:30PM
Live Music from Southville South Band
Amvets Post 464, 5420 Brandt Pike, Dayton | 7PM
Live Music from Avalon Park, Matt St. George, Logan Brown
Blind Bob’s, 430 E 5th St, Dayton | 8PM
Live Music from Suburban Riot
The PhoneBooth Lounge, 1912 East Whipp Road, Kettering | 8PM
Live Music from No Refunds Band
VFW Beavercreek Memorial Post 8312 | 8PM
Höt Dög Emergency (Live Music from Breaking Benjamin and Blondie)
Star City Brewing, 319 S. Second St., Miamisburg | 8PM
Live Music from Wooden Nickel Band
Good Time Charlie’s, 61 S Main St, Miamisburg | 8:30PM

FOODIE FRIDAY GAME PLAN
Dayton foodies, start your year with a clean slate and a full plate! Your first-look lineup of 2026 must-try spots is here:
KAWA REVOLVING SUSHI
Dinner and a show! Watch your favorite rolls go for a spin on the region’s first-ever sushi conveyor belt.
📍2819 Centre Drive, Beavercreek📍
SOUL FOOD CARRYOUT
A healthy take on comfort food favorites, featuring "Gumbo Greens," Jerk Chicken, and BBQ Glazed Salmon.
📍3907 W. Third St., Dayton📍
GET THE PHO OUT
Warm up your soul with massive bowls of pho and a "must-try" banh mi served on a buttery croissant.
📍10 W. Stroop Road, Kettering📍

WEATHER WATCH

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Thanks for reading the Dayton Daily Dose today—our first of 2026!
If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone who is already struggling to remember what year it is when they write the date.
See you around town,
Rob from Dayton Daily Dose
Your local scoop — minus the noise




