Morning Briefing: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Yes, you made it to Friday. That is no small feat, and perhaps you should treat yourself by going to a salon like the one I am about to tell you about in this newsletter. We have had some wet weather and a lot of local, breaking news. One story specifically grabbed the attention of many here in the Miami Valley last evening...

🚨 Arrest in Flynn case: A former music pastor is now accused of killing his wife, a beloved Tipp City Schools volleyball coach and substitute teacher. Caleb Flynn has been arrested and is charged with one count of murder, two counts of felonious assault and two counts of tampering with evidence. Before the news of the arrest, Christian Life Center announced that services for Ashley Flynn will be this weekend.

📈 Data center deep dive: Our investigation found proposals for massive data centers across southwest Ohio are coupled with apprehension from local communities. Meanwhile, according to a recent study by Charles River Associates, data centers are partly to blame for rising electric costs across the region.

🎉 New, local salon: As we learn from Michael Kurtz’s story, “Springboro native Katrina Abbott has always loved two things: the city she grew up in and the world of beauty and self-care. Her new venture, Vie Claire Salon Suites, combines her two passions while offering others a space to share theirs.” You can read more about it here.

We have a lot more news for you today found below! If you have thoughts or feedback on this newsletter or other news tips, please let me know at jeremy.ratliff@coxinc.com.

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LOCAL NEWS

• Fairborn Middle School hits construction milestone as district eyes future goals

• Appeals court now weighing whether to end, extend TPS for Springfield Haitians

• Miami County names Joel Smith as new chief administrative officer


LIFE

• ‘I never thought in a million years this little girl from Ohio — Dayton — would be nominated’

• ‘Black history is American history’: Author Wil Haygood to discuss new book about Vietnam War at UD’s Glass Center for the Arts

• Things to do in Dayton this weekend: Swiftie Skate, Craftapalooza, car show and more


CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

• Riverside man gets prison for burning ex-girlfriend’s house

• Preble County man gets up to life for attacking motorcyclists with machete, killing woman


SPORTS

• Dayton basketball: Flyers still in contention for double bye entering game vs. Duquesne

• Dayton basketball: How to watch Flyers matchup vs. Duquesne

• Cincinnati Reds: Terry Francona’s message to the team is ‘It’s time’


NATION & WORLD

• Police continue to search Mountbatten-Windsor’s former stately home, a day after his arrest

• Saudi Arabia may have uranium enrichment under proposed deal with US, arms control experts warn

• Life is harsh and dangerous in Russian-run parts of Ukraine, activists and former residents say


THINGS TO DO: St. Patrick’s Day events in the Dayton area

As we are set to deal with some colder temperatures this weekend, I personally like to have something to look forward to. While Valentine’s Day is behind us, we are looking ahead to St. Patrick’s Day for you! Our own Alex Cutler has a guide to a number of local events.