Ohio State Senator Willis Blackshear Jr. reflects on losing his father at age 25, the lessons Willis Blackshear Sr. left behind, and how faith, family and service helped him stay the course.

Ohio Opportunity Zone nominations close July 10, free concerts at Levitt all month, grants open now, the Montgomery County Fair returns — your July 2026 Miami Valley brief.

Free job training at Central State University, up to $10,000 for Black-owned businesses, Juneteenth events across Southwestern Ohio, a grant deadline in days, and 2,000 jobs coming to Dayton. Your complete Miami Valley community briefing for June 2026.

Dayton State Senator Willis Blackshear Jr. launches a 72-mile walk to the Ohio statehouse to fight for mental health legislation and funding, joined by advocates and families who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Dayton partners with Felons with a Future and Cure Violence Global to launch a public-health approach to preventing gun violence and strengthening community safety.

Retailers are promoting cheaper Thanksgiving meals this year — but smaller baskets and portions tell a different story. From Walmart’s $4-per-person dinner to Kroger’s “Freshgiving” bundle, the advertised savings often come at the expense of quantity. In Dayton and across the country, families are paying less only to eat less — a quiet reflection of America’s shrinking household economy.

Helen Jones-Kelley, Executive Director of Montgomery County ADAMHS, received the Board Service Career Award at Leadership Dayton’s 50th Anniversary Gala for her exceptional nonprofit leadership. She has served on numerous boards including Dayton Children’s, Sinclair College, and National CASA.