One of Cincinnati’s unique treasures is celebrating a major anniversary this year. Mount Airy Forest, the 1,471-acre park and nature preserve on the city’s northwest edge, was established 100 years ago. The Park Board commemorated the event earlier this month with a day-long event that included songs, storytelling and historical reenactments.  

MAYOR MARK MALLORY: Despite fear-mongering by his opponents, Mallory hung tough in negotiations with the police union and won a major victory. The mayor asked the union for concessions to help avoid a $28 million deficit or face 138 layoffs in the Police Department. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) initially refused, hoping a public relations blitz would change his mind.  

Whenever Cincinnati Police Chief Thomas Streicher Jr. eventually decides to retire, city officials will be able to look nationwide for the best possible replacement. That doesn't sound like a radical idea, but some special interests in this city have spent eight years and untold stacks of cash trying to prevent that from ever happening. The Ohio Supreme Court finally put an end to the foot-dragging last week.