Morning Briefing: Saturday, March 21st, 2026 - Clone

We can’t complain about the weather right now, can we? Hopefully you were able to escape outside and enjoy yesterday’s weather, like my family was able to. It’s good to stop and remember that there are other parts of the country dealing with snow and frigid temperatures still, while I’m outside in shorts while walking my dog for the second time in one day. Speaking of fun outdoors, towards the end of this newsletter we have some fun and local options for kiddos today! Yes, it may be the weekend, but we still have a lot of news coverage for your to read through this Saturday morning...

🚨 Task force results: Eleven men are facing charges as part of a task force operation targeting people seeking to engage with sex workers and solicit minors. As Kristen Spicker writes, the Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force participated in the multi-day operation and partnered with local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

⚖️ Flynn case update: The defense team in a murder case involving a beloved Tipp City mother, coach and educator is again asking a judge to issue a gag order and to block public access to court documents, saying the accused’s constitutional rights have been violated. You can read more about this in Jen Balduf’s story here.

🏀Tournament losses: Both the WSU Raiders and MU RedHawks played yesterday, and sadly both lost. Virginia beat Wright State 82-73, and then Tennessee beat Miami University. Meanwhile, the Flyers play on in the NIT, with a game against North Carolina Wilmington at 7 p.m. today at Trask Arena.

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

Ohio child care centers fear closure even with increased state funding

Ohio officials warned against chat apps, and 8 ways we use public records laws

Wright State featured on ‘Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ for March Madness


LIFE

Springboro STEMfest returns Monday with hands-on learning for every age

See this two-part art exhibition in Dayton before it’s gone

Cincinnati Reds food: Great American Ball Park shows off what’s new for 2026


CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

Woman gets prison for armed robbery, throwing chemical in victim’s face

Riverside police officer recovering at home after being hit by vehicle


SPORTS

Boys basketball: Trotwood hits tying three at buzzer, beats Toledo Catholic Central in overtime

Former player — now assistant coach — enjoying the ride on the Miami women’s basketball team

Sports on TV 3/20: Akron kicks off Day 2 of NCAAs against Texas Tech on truTV


NATION & WORLD

Iran hits Kuwaiti oil refinery and explosions boom over Tehran from Israeli attack

Ukraine faces growing pressure because of the war in Iran as Russia readies a new offensive

Judge rules US government overreached with transgender health care declaration


FREE CONTENT: Easter egg hunts in Dayton and surrounding areas begin this weekend

Across our area there are a variety of egg hunts and other events celebrating the holiday, and of course we have a list for you! The list includes two egg hunts happening today, as well as locations, dates and information on all the events. You can read through that list here.