Morning Briefing | More responsibility at Wright-Patt

One of the emerging centers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is getting new work to do, which means more responsibility for intelligence work is coming here.

I’m Kyle Nagel, a managing editor at the Dayton Daily News. I’ll be your author today for the Morning Briefing, which has a fresh look beginning this week to explain what’s happening and why it’s happening, plus give you the information you need to form your own opinions.

If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please let me know at [email protected].

Today, we look at changes at the Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and what they mean, plus the latest move pushing forward a new mental health hospital in Dayton, which advocates say is strongly needed.

The newsletter should take about 3 minutes, 42 seconds to read.

WPAFB Space Intelligence Center welcomes new commander, bigger responsibilities

The National Space Intelligence Center welcomed not only a new commander but broader responsibilities Friday as the center shifted to a a field operating agency under the Space Operations for Intelligence, Thomas Gnau reports.

• Why it matters: The move expands the reach of the center based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which means even more important work is being done in Dayton.

• What’s changing? The center is now focused not simply on space intelligence but wider national intelligence, helping to produce data that will go toward future weapons and satellites.

• What’s happening at Wright-Patt: A substantial chunk of the U.S. Space Force’s intelligence apparatus is anchored at Wright-Patterson.

DeWine touts Dayton hospital plan, ‘dream’ of statewide mental health care system

Credit: AP

Gov. Mike DeWine signed the latest capital budget on Friday and specifically touted $10 million for a new mental health hospital in Dayton.

• Why it matters: Advocates say the closure of Twin Valley state hospital in 2008 left a hole in care for those with mental health treatment needs.

• What will the hospital be? The more than 200-bed facility will be run by the state. Currently, most of the Dayton region falls into the jurisdiction of Summit Behavioral Healthcare Hospital in Cincinnati, which has been a challenge to get space in for local patients. (Our deeper dive into the proposal.)

• But, it could take awhile: The $10 million that’s already been approved will go toward acquiring the land and producing initial designs. The most recent state-run mental health hospital that opened in May took several budget cycles to build, starting under Gov. John Kasich in 2018.

• What they’re saying: “This funding begins to remedy a 16-year-old mistake. You ask any sheriff in the state and they will tell you there is a need for more mental health treatment facilities.” — Lt. Gov. Jon Husted

What to know today

• One big takeaway: Thank you, Masquerage. Dayton’s “Party of Parties for a Cause” is ending after running for 24 years and raising more than $1.5 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and education programs..

• Tip of the day: Try the patio at Jimmie’s Ladder 11. It’s the latest restaurant featured as our Patio of the Week. (Plus, our guide to all outdoor eating and drinking around Dayton).

• Person to know today: Jonathan Dayton. The man after whom Dayton is named was likely never here, but he was a Revolutionary War soldier, Congressman, signer of the U.S. Constitution and man suspected of conspiring with Aaron Burr, the man who killed Alexander Hamilton.

• Quote of the day: “A go-kart track on the roof of the Transportation Center garage.” — Peter Benkendorf, director The Collaboratory, Dayton’s non-profit civic innovation lab, in response to a question about his best big idea for Dayton in our latest “Three Questions With ...” feature

• Stat of the day: $530,000. That’s how much the city of Dayton will receive from a new $5 permissive motor vehicle license tax that will help pay for roadway repairs and upgrades.

• Happening today: Pickle Fest.The Miami Valley Restaurant Association will present the event at Austin Landing, 10050 Innovation Drive, from 3-10:30 p.m.

• Photo of the day: Chapel Hart, a New Orleans country music group, performed at Levitt Pavilion on Thursday. Contributor Tom Gilliam caught the action (more photos here).

Credit: Tom Gilliam