There's a Big Football Game Coming, and 9 Other Cincinnati Stories You May Have Missed This Week

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading to the AFC Championship game. photo: twitter.com/bengals

Is anything really happening in Cincinnati besides stocking up on enough chili dip for all the Super Bowl parties? Surprisingly, yes! Below, catch up on everything you might have missed this week as you were slamming Hu-Dey.

The Bengals Are Heading to Super Bowl LVI on Sunday
For the first time since 1989, the Cincinnati Bengals will try to win it all. To celebrate, city businesses are hosting tailgate parties, fans are chugging cans of chili and Hu-Dey, penguins are being named after players, and celebrities are placing their bets on the game. Read all of CityBeat‘s Cincinnati Bengals coverage, and watch the Bengals take on the Los Angeles Rams on Feb. 13.

Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac Announces Retirement Timeline
We knew Isaac planned on retiring; until now, we just didn’t know when. Cincinnati’s police chief has been on the force since before the Bengals last went to the Super Bowl, but that soon will change. Read CityBeat‘s story about Isaac’s plans and when Cincinnati may choose its next police chief.

Cincinnati to Add More Speed-Reduction Cushions After Successful Pilot Program
Yes, they actually work. Since Winton Hills’ rubber cushions were installed, average vehicle speeds have dropped from 37 mph to 20 mph. Read CityBeat‘s story about Cincinnati’s plan to expand the program to other neighborhoods.

BLINK to Light Up Cincinnati Streets Oct. 13-16
After BLINK’s inaugural run in 2017, the event returned in 2019. Now the wildly popular art and light festival will be roaring back this fall. Read CityBeat‘s story about the return of BLINK.

The Who to Play Rescheduled Concert at TQL Stadium in May
Find your squeeze box and hop onto the magic bus, because The Who finally has rescheduled its Cincinnati tour stop for spring. The show will be The Who’s first Cincinnati performance since the Dec. 3, 1979 tragedy at Riverfront Coliseum. Read CityBeat‘s story about how to get tickets.

Target Picks Up Skincare Line Created by Cincinnati Entrepreneur
Sylvia Brownlee founded her Silverton-based company, Skin by Brownlee & Co., shortly after being laid off, and now her business is soaring. Target.com recently began stocking four of Brownlee’s products: the Cryotherapy Ball Facial Roller, the Blemish Chaser, the HydraBalance Moisturizer and the Balancing Face Cleanser. Read CityBeat‘s story about Brownlee’s entrepreneurship journey.

The National’s Matt Berninger Joins Caroline Spence on New Ballad
In “I Know You Know Me,” Spence and Berninger trade verses on behalf of their characters, acknowledging their places in each others’ lives, and the song builds with layered instrumentation. Read CityBeat‘s story about the song and watch the ballad’s video.

Five Greater Cincinnati Restaurants Make ‘100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America’ List from OpenTable
If you’re looking for a great restaurant for Valentine’s Day or for date night, Cincinnati has some good ones. OpenTable analyzed 12.4 million reviews to determine that Cincinnati restaurants deserve top billing. Read CityBeat‘s story about the local restaurants that made the list.

Deep-Fried Chili Cheese Coneys — and the 5 Coney Challenge — Are Back at Northside Yacht Club
Sure, the deep-fried coneys are delicious, but we’ve been jonesing for a good eating challenge even more. Starting Tuesday, Feb. 15, Northside Yacht Club’s infamous contest is back for a second round, and guests can attempt to eat five deep-fried coneys and a plate of french fries in 60 minutes or less. Read CityBeat‘s story about how to enter.

Reminder: Best Of Cincinnati Voting Ends Feb. 13
Your votes in the Readers’ Poll will determine the area’s best Eats, Shops & Services, Music & Nightlife, Arts & Culture, Sports & Recreation and City Life. Read CityBeat‘s story about how to vote and what happens next.