E11 - "School is Back!"

National & State NewsThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers raised the Little Miami River for VP JD Vance's 41st birthday kayak trip at the Secret Service's request, sparking criticism over the use of taxpayer funds. A spokesperson said Vance was unaware of the action, which drew comparisons to a similar 1999 incident involving Al Gore.Ohio lawmakers face a November 30 deadline to redraw the state's congressional maps. The process comes amid a national debate over gerrymandering, as some Republicans are pushing for a new map that would give their party a 12-to-3 advantage.School lunches are now healthier and more popular, with diverse menus like General Tso's chicken and salads offered alongside classics. The trend, driven by strict federal regulations on fat, sodium, and sugar, began when meals were free during the pandemic. However, potential changes to federal eligibility rules could impact access for hundreds of thousands of Ohio students.Local Levies & ElectionsNovember ballots across the region will feature numerous tax levies. Key issues include:Montgomery County: A countywide human services levy renewal, plus school levies and income taxes.Greene County: A new library levy and a new income tax for Xenia.Miami County: Two countywide issues, including a bridge levy replacement.Northern Warren County: A new levy for Springboro schools and an income tax for Franklin Schools.Clark County: Countywide levies plus school levies for Springfield and Northwestern.Butler County: A countywide elderly services levy and new money for Lakota Local Schools.Warren County: Several school, police, and fire issues, plus a vote on a proposed cannabis dispensary in Lebanon.Dayton & Area NewsDayton Public Schools is suing Ohio, calling a new state rule unconstitutional. The rule blocks DPS students from using school-provided bus passes to change buses at the downtown RTA hub.Other Dayton headlines:A proposal is moving forward to build "Race Dayton," an outdoor go-kart track on the top deck of the Oregon District Garage.The Montgomery Co. Sheriff’s Office warns of two scams: a text demanding "bond money" and a fake Mastercard mailed from the "county jail."Dayton has passed new zoning rules banning new downtown self-storage units and requiring property owners to remove graffiti within 14 days.The NATO assembly held in May had a $1.3 million direct economic impact and gave Dayton $138 million worth of global publicity.Around the RegionEnglewood: The police department launched a monthly podcast to connect with the community.Fairborn: About 40 people held a rally urging U.S. Rep. Mike Turner to hold public "town hall" meetings.Kettering: The Board of Zoning Appeals denied a resident's appeal to keep 18 backyard chickens, ruling they aren't "household pets." The resident plans to appeal to the city council.Vandalia: The Board of Elections accused the city of lacking neutrality regarding a failed housing development referendum.West Carrollton: A new, sustainable elementary school is set to open next week.