The Despoiler https://despoiler.news/ Filter-free local news from Dayton, Ohio. en-us Mon, 02 Nov 2026 09:30:00 +0000 https://despoiler.news/assets/pod/despoiler-podcast-cover-480.jpgThe Despoilerhttps://despoiler.news/ 77 Seconds Over Greenacres: Part One https://despoiler.news/77-seconds-over-greenacres-part-one https://despoiler.news/77-seconds-over-greenacres-part-one Mon, 02 Nov 2026 04:30:00 -0500 Rich Vandall A Learjet carrying nine people fell from 35,000 feet in Palm Beach County. Here is what the flight data, the radar, the lightning record and the public record show, and what they don't.

A Learjet carrying nine people fell from 35,000 feet in Palm Beach County. Here is what the flight data, the radar, the lightning record and the public record show, and what they don't.

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]]> 485 Hours, Gone: A Gamer's Lost Zelda Save and the Fine Print of “Buying” Digital https://despoiler.news/485-hours-gone-you-dont-own-what-you-buy-online https://despoiler.news/485-hours-gone-you-dont-own-what-you-buy-online Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall She paid for Nintendo's cloud backup for years. When her save disappeared, she says, nobody could bring it back. Here's what Nintendo's rules say, what other places have done, and what Ohio could do.

She paid for Nintendo's cloud backup for years. When her save disappeared, she says, nobody could bring it back. Here's what Nintendo's rules say, what other places have done, and what Ohio could do.

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]]> U.S. Clears $2.1 Billion Sale of 500 Patriot Interceptors to Ukraine, Paid for by Allies https://despoiler.news/us-clears-patriot-interceptor-sale-to-ukraine https://despoiler.news/us-clears-patriot-interceptor-sale-to-ukraine Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Canada, Germany and Norway will pay through a U.S. program, with no U.S. government money. Deliveries could take years, and Ukraine needs the missiles this winter.

Canada, Germany and Norway will pay through a U.S. program, with no U.S. government money. Deliveries could take years, and Ukraine needs the missiles this winter.

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]]> Knickerbocker and Russo Knock Dayton Doors With Union Canvassers; Turner Camp Cites "Dark Money" https://despoiler.news/union-canvassers-knock-dayton-doors-final-weekend https://despoiler.news/union-canvassers-knock-dayton-doors-final-weekend Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Dayton-Miami Valley AFL-CIO organized a final-weekend get-out-the-vote push for the two Democrats. Rep. Mike Turner answered with a written statement.

The Dayton-Miami Valley AFL-CIO organized a final-weekend get-out-the-vote push for the two Democrats. Rep. Mike Turner answered with a written statement.

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]]> Stratacache Sells Two Vandalia Office Buildings for $3.55 Million https://despoiler.news/stratacache-sells-vandalia-corporate-plaza https://despoiler.news/stratacache-sells-vandalia-corporate-plaza Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The sale of Corporate Plaza on Poe Avenue continues a year of property sales by the downtown Dayton company that owns the city's tallest building.

The sale of Corporate Plaza on Poe Avenue continues a year of property sales by the downtown Dayton company that owns the city's tallest building.

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]]> Sinclair Guarantees Admission to 2027 Seniors From DPS and Seven Other Schools https://despoiler.news/sinclair-guarantees-admission-to-8-area-districts https://despoiler.news/sinclair-guarantees-admission-to-8-area-districts Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall "Sinclair Direct" needs no minimum GPA or test scores. Students who file the FAFSA by March 1 get priority for aid that may cover remaining tuition and fees.

"Sinclair Direct" needs no minimum GPA or test scores. Students who file the FAFSA by March 1 get priority for aid that may cover remaining tuition and fees.

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]]> Ohio History Center Will Stay Closed Through 2030 for a $58 Million Rehab https://despoiler.news/ohio-history-center-closed-through-2030 https://despoiler.news/ohio-history-center-closed-through-2030 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The state museum near the Ohio Expo Center shut abruptly in September over a fire-safety problem. Archives are open by appointment, and Ohio Village stays open.

The state museum near the Ohio Expo Center shut abruptly in September over a fire-safety problem. Archives are open by appointment, and Ohio Village stays open.

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]]> Ohio's Early Vote Nears 1.5 Million, Already Topping Recent Midterms https://despoiler.news/ohio-early-vote-tops-recent-midterms https://despoiler.news/ohio-early-vote-tops-recent-midterms Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Unaffiliated voters cast the most early ballots. Today, 1 to 5 p.m., is the last chance to vote early in person.

Unaffiliated voters cast the most early ballots. Today, 1 to 5 p.m., is the last chance to vote early in person.

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]]> Monroe Weighs Roundabouts on U.S. 63 as Residents Push Back https://despoiler.news/monroe-weighs-us-63-roundabouts https://despoiler.news/monroe-weighs-us-63-roundabouts Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The city is using a $476,000 federal Safe Streets grant to study the corridor. Franklin and Lebanon went through the same process and have since landed millions for projects.

The city is using a $476,000 federal Safe Streets grant to study the corridor. Franklin and Lebanon went through the same process and have since landed millions for projects.

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]]> ICE Deportation Flights to End at Akron-Canton Airport After Nov. 30 https://despoiler.news/ice-flights-to-end-at-akron-canton-airport https://despoiler.news/ice-flights-to-end-at-akron-canton-airport Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The contractor that handled ground services for nearly six months of flights is pulling out. The airport says it couldn't block the business, and where the flights go next hasn't been said.

The contractor that handled ground services for nearly six months of flights is pulling out. The airport says it couldn't block the business, and where the flights go next hasn't been said.

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]]> Cost-of-Living Protests Turn Violent in Germany; More Than 100 Police Hurt in Frankfurt https://despoiler.news/gen-z-cost-of-living-protests-turn-violent-in-germany https://despoiler.news/gen-z-cost-of-living-protests-turn-violent-in-germany Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Tens of thousands of young people rallied in dozens of cities Saturday. Germany's interior minister promised severe penalties after stores were looted in Frankfurt.

Tens of thousands of young people rallied in dozens of cities Saturday. Germany's interior minister promised severe penalties after stores were looted in Frankfurt.

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]]> Former Kil-Kare Raceway Heads to Sealed-Bid Auction Nov. 17 https://despoiler.news/former-kil-kare-raceway-heads-to-auction https://despoiler.news/former-kil-kare-raceway-heads-to-auction Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The 75-year-old Xenia Township track, now called Darana Raceway, is being sold as-is. Garlits, Muldowney and A.J. Foyt all raced there.

The 75-year-old Xenia Township track, now called Darana Raceway, is being sold as-is. Garlits, Muldowney and A.J. Foyt all raced there.

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]]> The Despoiler's First Book: "Engaging With AI, Reluctantly" https://despoiler.news/engaging-with-ai-reluctantly-a-despoiler-guide https://despoiler.news/engaging-with-ai-reluctantly-a-despoiler-guide Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall A plain-language guide for people who are wary of artificial intelligence, from The Despoiler's editor. It's on Amazon now in Kindle and paperback.

A plain-language guide for people who are wary of artificial intelligence, from The Despoiler's editor. It's on Amazon now in Kindle and paperback.

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]]> Hybrid-Electric Plane Tested at UD's GE Lab Lands at CVG After a World-First Flight https://despoiler.news/dayton-tested-hybrid-electric-plane-lands-at-cvg https://despoiler.news/dayton-tested-hybrid-electric-plane-lands-at-cvg Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall GE Aerospace's Saab 340B test plane, built for a NASA project, was tested at the EPISCenter on River Park Drive from 2021 until this year. In May it became the first hybrid-electric aircraft to fly above 30,000 feet.

GE Aerospace's Saab 340B test plane, built for a NASA project, was tested at the EPISCenter on River Park Drive from 2021 until this year. In May it became the first hybrid-electric aircraft to fly above 30,000 feet.

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]]> Where Your Civic Hours Should Go https://despoiler.news/where-your-civic-hours-should-go https://despoiler.news/where-your-civic-hours-should-go Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall We spend about eight hours a week taking in news and politics, mostly about Washington, and about one hour doing anything civic. Here’s what the law asks of you, where the power sits, and a healthier split: half your civic time on Dayton.

We spend about eight hours a week taking in news and politics, mostly about Washington, and about one hour doing anything civic. Here’s what the law asks of you, where the power sits, and a healthier split: half your civic time on Dayton.

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]]> Unranked USC Stuns No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 in Luke Fahey's First Start https://despoiler.news/usc-stuns-ohio-state-30-18 https://despoiler.news/usc-stuns-ohio-state-30-18 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Buckeyes outgained the Trojans but never led. Jeremiah Smith set the Big Ten record for touchdown catches, and Oregon comes to Columbus next.

The Buckeyes outgained the Trojans but never led. Jeremiah Smith set the Big Ten record for touchdown catches, and Oregon comes to Columbus next.

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]]> Ohio Election Boards Say They're Ready if Justice Department Monitors Show Up Tuesday https://despoiler.news/ohio-election-boards-ready-for-doj-monitors https://despoiler.news/ohio-election-boards-ready-for-doj-monitors Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The DOJ told Franklin, Medina and Cuyahoga counties it intends to send monitors. Ohio law limits who may be inside a polling place, and county boards decide whether monitors come in.

The DOJ told Franklin, Medina and Cuyahoga counties it intends to send monitors. Ohio law limits who may be inside a polling place, and county boards decide whether monitors come in.

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]]> MTSI Signs First Lease at Wright-Patt's New Stratos Hilltop Office Park https://despoiler.news/mtsi-signs-first-lease-at-wright-patt-office-park https://despoiler.news/mtsi-signs-first-lease-at-wright-patt-office-park Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The defense contractor's Dayton-area staff has grown past 700. Its new floor inside the base fence line is sized for 50 to 100 company and government workers.

The defense contractor's Dayton-area staff has grown past 700. Its new floor inside the base fence line is sized for 50 to 100 company and government workers.

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]]> City Says It Will Pull Rabbit Hole Books' Occupancy Monday; Store Vows to Stay Open https://despoiler.news/dayton-to-pull-rabbit-hole-books-occupancy-monday https://despoiler.news/dayton-to-pull-rabbit-hole-books-occupancy-monday Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Dayton says the First Street bookstore still lacks a required second exit after months of extensions. The store calls the safety claims false and plans to seek an injunction.

Dayton says the First Street bookstore still lacks a required second exit after months of extensions. The store calls the safety claims false and plans to seek an injunction.

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]]> Court Strikes Remaining Pieces of Ohio's Unenforced Six-Week Abortion Ban https://despoiler.news/court-strikes-remaining-pieces-of-ohio-six-week-ban https://despoiler.news/court-strikes-remaining-pieces-of-ohio-six-week-ban Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall A Hamilton County ruling removes a required heartbeat check, a reason-reporting rule and other provisions tied to the law. It's unclear whether the state will appeal.

A Hamilton County ruling removes a required heartbeat check, a reason-reporting rule and other provisions tied to the law. It's unclear whether the state will appeal.

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]]> Brewers Beat Rays 4-1 in Game 5 for Their First World Series Title https://despoiler.news/brewers-win-first-world-series https://despoiler.news/brewers-win-first-world-series Sun, 01 Nov 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Milwaukee finished an 11-2 postseason in Tampa Bay. Catcher William Contreras was named Series MVP.

Milwaukee finished an 11-2 postseason in Tampa Bay. Catcher William Contreras was named Series MVP.

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]]> The Popcorn Bucket Wars: Theaters’ Hottest Collectible Keeps Turning Into a Dirty Joke https://despoiler.news/popcorn-bucket-wars https://despoiler.news/popcorn-bucket-wars Fri, 30 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall AMC’s new “Dune: Part Three” bucket has two sandworm mouths, and a Canadian version vibrates. Novelty buckets have become a $100 million business for theaters, and the ones that sell out fastest tend to be the ones the internet can’t stop snickering at.

AMC’s new “Dune: Part Three” bucket has two sandworm mouths, and a Canadian version vibrates. Novelty buckets have become a $100 million business for theaters, and the ones that sell out fastest tend to be the ones the internet can’t stop snickering at.

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]]> The Offline Library: How to Keep the Useful Internet if the Internet Goes Down https://despoiler.news/offline-library https://despoiler.news/offline-library Fri, 30 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall A 2 TB drive and three free apps can hold an encyclopedia, medical references, repair guides, maps and how-to answers for months without a connection. Here is what to download, how big it is and a script that does it for you.

A 2 TB drive and three free apps can hold an encyclopedia, medical references, repair guides, maps and how-to answers for months without a connection. Here is what to download, how big it is and a script that does it for you.

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]]> Where Satellites Go to Die: A Halloween Tour of the Graveyard Orbit https://despoiler.news/graveyard-orbit https://despoiler.news/graveyard-orbit Fri, 30 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall About 22,000 miles up, past the satellites that bring you TV and the weather, there’s a cemetery for the dead ones. Some never make it all the way. One came back as a zombie. And one got dragged there by a stranger.

About 22,000 miles up, past the satellites that bring you TV and the weather, there’s a cemetery for the dead ones. Some never make it all the way. One came back as a zombie. And one got dragged there by a stranger.

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]]> Troops at Home: What the Military Is Doing on U.S. Soil https://despoiler.news/troops-at-home https://despoiler.news/troops-at-home Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Base survival plans, grave-digging drills, a 23,500-troop riot force and Guard units near polling places. Here is every military mission running on U.S. soil, and what the record says they mean.

Base survival plans, grave-digging drills, a 23,500-troop riot force and Guard units near polling places. Here is every military mission running on U.S. soil, and what the record says they mean.

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]]> 33 Montgomery County Precincts Have New Polling Places for Election Day https://despoiler.news/montgomery-county-polling-place-changes https://despoiler.news/montgomery-county-polling-place-changes Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The moves stretch from Miamisburg and Miami Township to Clayton, Vandalia, Harrison Township and Dayton. Check your site before you go Nov. 3; polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The moves stretch from Miamisburg and Miami Township to Clayton, Vandalia, Harrison Township and Dayton. Check your site before you go Nov. 3; polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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]]> Undercover Agents in Church Gyms, Spy Tools at Military Commands: How Far Immigration Surveillance Has Grown https://despoiler.news/immigration-surveillance-grows https://despoiler.news/immigration-surveillance-grows Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Court records show federal agents spied on unions, churches and peaceful protest groups. New leaked files tie the same agency to military commands. And the money behind it has roughly tripled.

Court records show federal agents spied on unions, churches and peaceful protest groups. New leaked files tie the same agency to military commands. And the money behind it has roughly tripled.

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]]> Hacker Leaks Work Details of More Than 40,000 Homeland Security Employees https://despoiler.news/hacker-leaks-data-on-40000-homeland-security-workers https://despoiler.news/hacker-leaks-data-on-40000-homeland-security-workers Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Despoiler counted the published records: Texas has the most, Ohio has 195, and more than half belong to Customs and Border Protection. No names are published here.

The Despoiler counted the published records: Texas has the most, Ohio has 195, and more than half belong to Customs and Border Protection. No names are published here.

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]]> Is Your Price Just Yours? The FTC’s New Inquiry, Wendy’s Menu Boards and the Pandemic Pricing Fight https://despoiler.news/ftc-personalized-pricing-inquiry-wendys-and-pandemic-prices https://despoiler.news/ftc-personalized-pricing-inquiry-wendys-and-pandemic-prices Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The FTC ordered nine companies, from Uber and DoorDash to Target and Walmart, to say whether personal data shapes what you pay and what drivers earn. It comes after an Ohio burger chain's 2024 backlash and four years of argument over how hard companies pushed prices after COVID.

The FTC ordered nine companies, from Uber and DoorDash to Target and Walmart, to say whether personal data shapes what you pay and what drivers earn. It comes after an Ohio burger chain's 2024 backlash and four years of argument over how hard companies pushed prices after COVID.

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]]> Fortress America, Fortress Pantry? The 90-Day Number, Explained https://despoiler.news/fortress-america-90-day-number https://despoiler.news/fortress-america-90-day-number Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Pentagon wants its bases to survive 90 days cut off from the grid. No government is telling your household to do the same. Here's what they are actually saying.

The Pentagon wants its bases to survive 90 days cut off from the grid. No government is telling your household to do the same. Here's what they are actually saying.

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]]> A Record Crypto Heist, and a Record Crypto Bet on Ohio's Senate Race https://despoiler.news/crypto-heist-and-crypto-pac-money https://despoiler.news/crypto-heist-and-crypto-pac-money Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Hackers took more than $5 billion from Binance on Thursday, the biggest crypto theft ever. Five days before the election, the same industry has put more money into Ohio's Senate race than into any other contest in the country.

Hackers took more than $5 billion from Binance on Thursday, the biggest crypto theft ever. Five days before the election, the same industry has put more money into Ohio's Senate race than into any other contest in the country.

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]]> Rays Walk Off in the 12th to Stay Alive; Brewers Lead World Series 3-1 https://despoiler.news/rays-walk-off-in-12th-brewers-lead-world-series-3-1 https://despoiler.news/rays-walk-off-in-12th-brewers-lead-world-series-3-1 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Ben Williamson's pinch-hit grounder beat Milwaukee 4-3 after rookie Cooper Pratt's homer put the Brewers three outs from a title. Game 5 is tonight at 8.

Ben Williamson's pinch-hit grounder beat Milwaukee 4-3 after rookie Cooper Pratt's homer put the Brewers three outs from a title. Game 5 is tonight at 8.

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]]> Police as Retail Security: The Cost of Posting Store Footage https://despoiler.news/police-as-retail-security https://despoiler.news/police-as-retail-security Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall When police departments post store camera footage to hunt shoplifters, the public pays for it: in rights, in lives, and in money.

When police departments post store camera footage to hunt shoplifters, the public pays for it: in rights, in lives, and in money.

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]]> Streamer Hasan Piker Sues CNN's Scott Jennings for $72.5 Million Over Edited "Lynching" Clip https://despoiler.news/piker-sues-jennings-for-72-5-million https://despoiler.news/piker-sues-jennings-for-72-5-million Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Federal complaint says the pundit aired a spliced video and an invented quote; Jennings has not responded.

Federal complaint says the pundit aired a spliced video and an invented quote; Jennings has not responded.

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]]> Ohio Joins 19 Other States Suing Dollar General Over Shelf Prices https://despoiler.news/ohio-joins-19-states-suing-dollar-general https://despoiler.news/ohio-joins-19-states-suing-dollar-general Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Attorney General Andy Wilson says the chain charged more at the register than its shelf tags showed. It's the state's second suit against the company over the issue since 2022.

Attorney General Andy Wilson says the chain charged more at the register than its shelf tags showed. It's the state's second suit against the company over the issue since 2022.

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]]> Likud Projected Largest Party in Israel as Neither Bloc Reaches a Majority https://despoiler.news/israel-likud-largest-as-count-begins-blocs-short-of-majority https://despoiler.news/israel-likud-largest-as-count-begins-blocs-short-of-majority Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Updated exit-poll projections give Netanyahu's bloc 52 seats and Eisenkot's opposition 49, short of the 61 needed. Preliminary official results are expected Wednesday.

Updated exit-poll projections give Netanyahu's bloc 52 seats and Eisenkot's opposition 49, short of the 61 needed. Preliminary official results are expected Wednesday.

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]]> Miami Valley Fire Departments Pay More and Wait Longer for New Trucks https://despoiler.news/fire-departments-wait-years-for-new-trucks https://despoiler.news/fire-departments-wait-years-for-new-trucks Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Riverside waited 18 months for a roughly $1 million engine. Springfield bought a used ladder truck from Pennsylvania instead of paying about $2 million for a new one.

Riverside waited 18 months for a roughly $1 million engine. Springfield bought a used ladder truck from Pennsylvania instead of paying about $2 million for a new one.

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]]> ADAMHS Board Withdraws Job Offer to Its Pick for Executive Director https://despoiler.news/adamhs-board-withdraws-director-job-offer https://despoiler.news/adamhs-board-withdraws-director-job-offer Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Montgomery County's mental health and addiction board says Ohio law bars former trustee Teresa Russell from taking the job until March 2027.

Montgomery County's mental health and addiction board says Ohio law bars former trustee Teresa Russell from taking the job until March 2027.

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]]> Acton, Brown and John Legend Make Final Dayton Push Before Nov. 3 https://despoiler.news/acton-brown-and-john-legend-rally-in-dayton https://despoiler.news/acton-brown-and-john-legend-rally-in-dayton Wed, 28 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Hundreds packed the Brightside Monday night as the Democratic candidates for governor and U.S. Senate pitched lower costs; the Husted campaign answered that Brown had failed Ohioans.

Hundreds packed the Brightside Monday night as the Democratic candidates for governor and U.S. Senate pitched lower costs; the Husted campaign answered that Brown had failed Ohioans.

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]]> Ten Years at the Pump: What Presidents Control, and What Hormuz Does https://despoiler.news/ten-years-at-the-pump https://despoiler.news/ten-years-at-the-pump Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Adjusted for inflation, gas has ranged from $2.33 to $5.71 a gallon since 2016, under three presidents. The biggest swings followed wars, a pandemic and a narrow strait off Iran, not who was in the White House.

Adjusted for inflation, gas has ranged from $2.33 to $5.71 a gallon since 2016, under three presidents. The biggest swings followed wars, a pandemic and a narrow strait off Iran, not who was in the White House.

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]]> Who Owns Spirit Halloween? The Pop-Up Chain That Moves Into Dayton’s Empty Stores Every Fall https://despoiler.news/spirit-halloween https://despoiler.news/spirit-halloween Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall It began as one dress shop in 1983. Today its private owner runs more than 3,000 stores, buys most of its goods in Asia and has spent two seasons pricing costumes under shifting tariffs.

It began as one dress shop in 1983. Today its private owner runs more than 3,000 stores, buys most of its goods in Asia and has spent two seasons pricing costumes under shifting tariffs.

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]]> Silent Commands: How Sound You Can’t Hear Can Take Over Your Phone’s Voice Assistant https://despoiler.news/silent-voice-commands https://despoiler.news/silent-voice-commands Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Since 2017, researchers have shown that ultrasound can trick the tiny microphones in phones and smart speakers into hearing spoken commands. The attack is real. Pulling it off outside a lab is harder.

Since 2017, researchers have shown that ultrasound can trick the tiny microphones in phones and smart speakers into hearing spoken commands. The attack is real. Pulling it off outside a lab is harder.

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]]> Plane hits Ashland County home; two aboard have minor injuries https://despoiler.news/plane-hits-ashland-county-home-minor-injuries https://despoiler.news/plane-hits-ashland-county-home-minor-injuries Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall A twin-engine plane that reportedly lost an engine struck a house in Montgomery Township. No one in the home was hurt.

A twin-engine plane that reportedly lost an engine struck a house in Montgomery Township. No one in the home was hurt.

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]]> Ohio’s Most Popular Haunted Houses, and How We Started Paying to Be Scared https://despoiler.news/ohio-haunted-houses https://despoiler.news/ohio-haunted-houses Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Two Ohio haunts made a national top-10 list this fall. The business behind them grew out of Depression-era basement parties, a Cincinnati charity haunt and a lot of empty Victorian houses.

Two Ohio haunts made a national top-10 list this fall. The business behind them grew out of Depression-era basement parties, a Cincinnati charity haunt and a lot of empty Victorian houses.

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]]> Israel votes in record numbers; exit polls show no majority https://despoiler.news/israel-votes-in-record-numbers-exit-polls-show-no-majority https://despoiler.news/israel-votes-in-record-numbers-exit-polls-show-no-majority Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Turnout hit 77.7%, the highest since 1999. Early polls gave the opposition bloc 52 seats and Netanyahu's coalition 50, with 61 needed to govern.

Turnout hit 77.7%, the highest since 1999. Early polls gave the opposition bloc 52 seats and Netanyahu's coalition 50, with 61 needed to govern.

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]]> Hamilton County early voting hits presidential levels https://despoiler.news/hamilton-county-early-voting-hits-presidential-levels https://despoiler.news/hamilton-county-early-voting-hits-presidential-levels Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall More than 5,000 people voted at the Cincinnati-area elections board in a single day, and officials are asking for more poll workers before Nov. 3.

More than 5,000 people voted at the Cincinnati-area elections board in a single day, and officials are asking for more poll workers before Nov. 3.

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]]> Does the Price of Gas Decide the Vote? https://despoiler.news/does-the-price-of-gas-decide-the-vote https://despoiler.news/does-the-price-of-gas-decide-the-vote Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Gas is $4.27 a week before Election Day, and politicians from Columbus to the White House are acting like it matters. The record on whether pump prices move votes is more mixed.

Gas is $4.27 a week before Election Day, and politicians from Columbus to the White House are acting like it matters. The record on whether pump prices move votes is more mixed.

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]]> Bury the Landfill, Not the Legend https://despoiler.news/dayton-speedway https://despoiler.news/dayton-speedway Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Dayton once had one of the fastest half-miles in racing. It has been under a dump since the 1980s. Here is the case for a new Dayton Speedway, and where it could go.

Dayton once had one of the fastest half-miles in racing. It has been under a dump since the 1980s. Here is the case for a new Dayton Speedway, and where it could go.

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]]> Wright-Patt Lab Flies Cargo on a SpaceX Reentry Capsule https://despoiler.news/wright-patt-lab-flies-cargo-on-a-spacex-reentry-capsule https://despoiler.news/wright-patt-lab-flies-cargo-on-a-spacex-reentry-capsule Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Air Force Research Laboratory put medical gear, survival equipment and electronics aboard SpaceX's Starfall capsule to test rocket delivery for military logistics.

The Air Force Research Laboratory put medical gear, survival equipment and electronics aboard SpaceX's Starfall capsule to test rocket delivery for military logistics.

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]]> Who Ate Burger Chef? https://despoiler.news/who-ate-burger-chef https://despoiler.news/who-ate-burger-chef Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Buyouts, sale-leasebacks and a pile of paperwork turned the American roadside into a handful of logos owned by a handful of firms. Dayton watched it happen.

Buyouts, sale-leasebacks and a pile of paperwork turned the American roadside into a handful of logos owned by a handful of firms. Dayton watched it happen.

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]]> Where Dayton's Wealth Changed Hands https://despoiler.news/where-daytons-wealth-changed-hands https://despoiler.news/where-daytons-wealth-changed-hands Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Despoiler's first ledger tallies 22 priced deals since 1979 worth about $83 billion in today's dollars, and most of them sent a Dayton company's decisions somewhere else.

The Despoiler's first ledger tallies 22 priced deals since 1979 worth about $83 billion in today's dollars, and most of them sent a Dayton company's decisions somewhere else.

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]]> When Tech Ate Tech https://despoiler.news/when-tech-ate-tech https://despoiler.news/when-tech-ate-tech Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Despoiler's third ledger counts 331 deals in which one American tech, telecom or media company swallowed another, worth about $5.1 trillion in today's dollars, led by AOL's purchase of Time Warner.

The Despoiler's third ledger counts 331 deals in which one American tech, telecom or media company swallowed another, worth about $5.1 trillion in today's dollars, led by AOL's purchase of Time Warner.

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]]> The Free-Shipping War in Your Mailbox https://despoiler.news/vinted-post-office https://despoiler.news/vinted-post-office Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall A Lithuanian resale app backed by global investment funds is paying shipping costs to win American buyers, and the Postal Service is one of its carriers.

A Lithuanian resale app backed by global investment funds is paying shipping costs to win American buyers, and the Postal Service is one of its carriers.

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]]> The Buyout Barons https://despoiler.news/the-buyout-barons https://despoiler.news/the-buyout-barons Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Despoiler's second ledger counts 335 private equity takeovers of American companies since 1979, worth about $2.6 trillion in today's dollars, and Ohio names turn up throughout.

The Despoiler's second ledger counts 335 private equity takeovers of American companies since 1979, worth about $2.6 trillion in today's dollars, and Ohio names turn up throughout.

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]]> Supreme Court: Village May Pause Data Center Review Under Moratorium https://despoiler.news/supreme-court-village-may-pause-data-center-review https://despoiler.news/supreme-court-village-may-pause-data-center-review Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The Ohio Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Lordstown does not have to review a developer's plan for four data centers while the village's moratorium is in effect.

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Lordstown does not have to review a developer's plan for four data centers while the village's moratorium is in effect.

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]]> Supreme Court Lets New Hampshire Bar Student IDs at Polls https://despoiler.news/supreme-court-lets-new-hampshire-bar-student-ids-at-polls https://despoiler.news/supreme-court-lets-new-hampshire-bar-student-ids-at-polls Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall An unsigned order lifts a lower-court ruling on the state's voter ID guidance less than two weeks before Election Day; Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.

An unsigned order lifts a lower-court ruling on the state's voter ID guidance less than two weeks before Election Day; Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.

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]]> DeWine Calls Ramaswamy Ad "Deeply, Deeply Troubling" as Acton Holds a Lead in New Poll https://despoiler.news/statewide-races https://despoiler.news/statewide-races Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall The governor kept his endorsement, Trump called him "disloyal," and Acton outraised Ramaswamy more than 2-to-1 in the latest reports.

The governor kept his endorsement, Trump called him "disloyal," and Acton outraised Ramaswamy more than 2-to-1 in the latest reports.

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]]> Sheriff Warns of Jury-Duty Scam Calls https://despoiler.news/sheriff-warns-of-jury-duty-scam-calls https://despoiler.news/sheriff-warns-of-jury-duty-scam-calls Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Callers posing as Montgomery County Sheriff's Office employees are threatening arrest over missed jury duty unless victims pay immediately.

Callers posing as Montgomery County Sheriff's Office employees are threatening arrest over missed jury duty unless victims pay immediately.

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]]> SEC Wants to Scrap Its Pension Pay-to-Play Rule https://despoiler.news/sec-wants-to-scrap-its-pension-pay-to-play-rule https://despoiler.news/sec-wants-to-scrap-its-pension-pay-to-play-rule Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Chairman Paul Atkins has proposed ending a 2010 rule that limits political donations by money managers who seek public pension business; comments are due Nov. 9.

Chairman Paul Atkins has proposed ending a 2010 rule that limits political donations by money managers who seek public pension business; comments are due Nov. 9.

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]]> AI-Found PHP Flaws Lead to First Reported Break-In as Attacks Continue https://despoiler.news/php2shell https://despoiler.news/php2shell Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Rich Vandall Four days after emergency fixes for the PHP2Shell flaws, researchers reported a confirmed intrusion at a European government agency and a suspected North Korea-linked scanning campaign.

Four days after emergency fixes for the PHP2Shell flaws, researchers reported a confirmed intrusion at a European government agency and a suspected North Korea-linked scanning campaign.

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