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Six of the ten Montgomery County Jail staff involved in the restraint chair death of Christian Black are back on duty, despite the Coroner and Dayton Police calling it a homicide. Only four officers remain on paid leave as the community demands civilian oversight and accountability from the Sheriff.

he Dayton Bike Gang pilot from the Modern Policy Institute aims to solve Dayton Public Schools’ high school transportation crisis by providing e-bikes, safety gear, and training to eligible students—rewarding good attendance, grades, and graduation with bike ownership. This first-in-the-nation program reduces costs, boosts health, cuts emissions, and empowers teens, while bypassing restrictive state laws that block DPS from buying bus passes. We’re seeking connections to major foundations to fund this transformative, scalable model for student mobility and success.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections has released its latest candidate petition report, revealing a troubling lack of competition across many local races. Entire councils, school boards, and judicial seats face no challengers, leaving voters with few real choices in November. From unopposed mayors in Brookville, Germantown, and Huber Heights to uncontested school board seats in Miamisburg, West Carrollton, and Jefferson Township, the ballot is looking sparse. With some candidates under ethics clouds and others winning by default, Montgomery County’s overabundance of small jurisdictions continues to drive up costs while limiting voter influence.

The Modern Policy Institute is exploring the launch of an innovative e-bike program for Dayton Public Schools high school students who live more than 1.5 miles from school. In response to state-level restrictions on school-funded public transit, the nonprofit is assessing how many students could participate in a pilot that promotes fitness, school attendance, and empowerment through clean transportation. Qualifying students would receive an e-bike, gear, and training—with a chance to keep the bike upon graduation. Interested students are urged to sign up at https://modernpolicy.org/dayton-bike-gang/.

Russ Joseph, longtime political appointee and co-architect of the Montgomery County “friends and family” plan, has resigned from the Board of Elections. With a career built on party favors rather than public service, Joseph leaves behind a trail of patronage jobs, failed elections, and political leaks. His exit raises new questions about cronyism, corruption, and accountability in Dayton’s Democratic machine.