JD Vance laid out the policy differences between Republicans and Democrats during his rally this week at Middletown High School.

We take a look at his statements and give them context in today’s Morning Briefing. We also have an update on how state and local Democrats are reacting to the rise of Kamala Harris as the likely Democratic presidential nominee.

If you have thoughts or feedback on this newsletter or other news tips, please let me know at Greg.Lynch@coxinc.com.

Want to read the digital version of the newspaper? Click here for our daily ePaper.

The newsletter should take about 3 minutes, 15 seconds to read.

***

Vance campaign rally shows difference in policy decisions with Democrats

Policy ideas matter in elections. Here is a look at some of the policy issues JD Vance listed as priorities during his speech Monday in Middletown.

• Energy policy: Vance brought back the “drill baby drill” chant from past elections in making a point about unleashing American energy instead of importing it from around the world.

• ‘Made in the USA’: Vance brought up that he didn’t trust plastic toys from China, let alone the drugs that America relies on China to supply to this country.

• Voter ID laws: Vance briefly brought up a general fear about voter fraud and the need for stricter voting security measures.

• Schools and politics: Vance claimed that the federal department of education is trying to lean into indoctrination at schools instead of teaching reading, writing and arithmetic.

• Context: We looked at each issue Vance addressed with more background in our reporting today.

Local, state, national Democratic delegates line up behind Harris

Democratic delegates locally, across Ohio and across the nation are lining up behind Vice President Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.

• Why it matters: Biden’s departure from the race left uncertainty about who would be at the top of the ticket, and the sooner that comes into focus, the sooner that candidate can campaign.

• Ohio Democratic Party: Ohio delegates to the Democratic National Convention met virtually Monday and voted “overwhelmingly” to pledge their votes to Harris.

• New energy: Local Biden delegate Desiree Tims said in part, “Kamala Harris’ nomination is energizing. It’s exciting. The energy is palpable, almost akin to Obama 2008.”

• Campaign volunteers: Lynne Donahue, a volunteer with the Greene County Democratic Party, said the day after Biden endorsed Harris to replace him on the ballot, “we had seven people volunteer … and say, ‘OK, sign me up, how can we get her elected?’”

What to know today

• One big takeaway: A federal judge has ordered a mental competency evaluation for a member of the Thug Riders Motorcycle Club accused of participating in organized crime. The order noted Brandon Wylee Fisher has short-term and long-term memory problems stemming from two gunshot wounds to his head.

• Quote of the day: “Our goal at the VA is to be able to tell the VA’s story ... We are the backbone of taking care of veterans for over a hundred years.” — Tanya Bradsher, VA deputy secretary, on building a Veterans Affairs history center in Dayton.

• Tip of the day: Dayton songwriter David Payne has a new album out, “Last Call at the Yellow Horse Saloon.” He shared all the details with us.

• Big move of the day: Italian restaurant Est! Est!! Est!!! has closed its doors at the Dayton Arcade, and Table 33 has announced it will move into the space.

• Person to know today: Joylynn Brown. The new Wright State athletic director has served a variety of roles at the university in recent years.

• Things to do: The United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival returns to RiverScape MetroPark this weekend. How to go.

• Photo of the day: Reporter Natalie Jones recently took a look inside The Frost Factory, a boutique bar with boozy slushies, cocktails, shots and more, which is now open at Austin Landing. Click here to read her story and see more photos.