In June, city leaders made a rare proclamation condemning the actions of past politicians who systematically displaced tens of thousands of Black Cincinnatians. Standing alongside council members and other city leaders, Mayor Aftab Pureval issued a public apology for the destructive consequences of the 1948 "Master Plan" that saw the dismantling of the historically Black lower West End neighborhood to make way for the expansion of I-75 and the Queensgate industrial area. The apology acknowledged the racist actions and long-term damage inflicted on the predominantly Black community, where over 2,800 homes, businesses, churches and other buildings were leveled. Approximately 25,000 residents, mostly Black, were forcibly displaced, with promises of relocation assistance unfulfilled. The apology emphasized ongoing efforts to reinvest in the West End, including pedestrian safety measures, a $20 million federal grant for road improvements, a $7 million investment to address pollution in the Mill Creek corridor and support for local businesses. The city also plans to pursue a $50 million choice grant with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority to revitalize housing on Linn Street and transform the historic Regal Theater into an African-American multicultural center.

News broke in March that Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), the nonprofit that operates Hamilton County’s dog warden, received a call about a “leopard” stuck in a tree in Oakley. Turns out, after an encounter with Cincinnati Police, an illegal serval escaped from an apartment and ran up a tree. Crews retrieved the “grumpy” 35-pound cat, named Amiry, bringing him back to CAC’s Northside shelter. A big cat expert confirmed Amiry was in fact a 100% pure-bred serval, adding he’d “rather deal with a tiger.” CAC’s tests found cocaine in Amiry’s system, giving him the viral “cocaine cat” nickname in light of Elizabeth Banks’ horror/comedy Cocaine Bear released early that year. Amiry was eventually transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo where he transitioned into a new role as a “cat ambassador.” While the journey was wild, Amiry is now thriving as a public figure among new drug-free friends.

1. Northside
2. Over-the-Rhine
3. Norwood

1. Fiona the Hippo
2. Joe Burrow
3. Colleen the Goose
4. Megan Mitchell
5. Bob Herzog
6. Rose Lavelle
7. Emilio Estevez
8. Molly Wellmann
9. Pete Rose
10. Anthony Munoz

Mt. Adams is known for its San Francisco-like hills, high vantage point over the city and its bars and restaurants, but one local establishment combines all of those. The City View Tavern is a fun little bar with good burgers and a hidden away, local feel, but the best part is its namesake view. The picture window that looks out over the east side of the city might be one of best in town, and there’s also a deck to get even closer. Best seen at night looking out over the city lights. cityviewtavern.com.

1. Liz Keating
2. Joe Deters
3. Mike DeWine

1. 3CDC
2. College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation
3. Over-the-Rhine Community Housing

1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
2. Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub
3. Longbottom Bird Ranch

For the past several years, Good Plates Eatery in Clifton Heights has been brightening the holidays for many by handing out free Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to anyone interested — no questions asked. Good Plates owner Andrew Schlanser said the whole thing started in 2020 during the pandemic. He and his wife, Jamie, always wanted to use their restaurant to do some good in the community, and they figured since people wouldn’t be able to visit loved ones for the holidays, didn’t want to cook or just needed a meal, they could offer that kindness. It started with 20 or 30 meals then, and, in 2023, Schlanser said they were prepared to make at least 4,000 meals total. goodplateseatery.com.

On a sunny, blue sky fall day last September, the famous Goodyear Blimp landed at the historic Lunken Field. Onlookers who happened by on the nearby bike trail or driving by (like myself) stopped and looked on, taking pictures like a celebrity sighting, of sorts. Lunken Airport is a legend in its own right. Charles Lindbergh and his Spirit of St. Louis made a stop in 1927; Howard Hughes and Jean Harlow visited for the dedication; it’s where The Beatles landed on their first visit in 1964, and Air Force One has carried multiple presidents there over the years. The art deco airport is a sight itself; it’s one of the city’s essential buildings, and there is also always something to see in the, still, very active airfield. cincinnati-oh.gov/dote/lunken-airport.

1. Jimmy Longbottom
2. Jim Tarbell
3. Missy Spears

1. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region
2. Longbottom Bird Ranch
3. Freestore Foodbank

1. Aftab Pureval
2. Greg Landsman
3. Reggie Harris

1. Covington
2. Bellevue
3. Newport

1. Cincinnati Nature Center
2. Sharon Woods
3. Miami Whitewater Forest

1. Findlay Market
2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3. Jungle Jim's International Market
4. Over-the-Rhine
5. Cincinnati Reds Game
6. Smale Riverfront Park
7. The Banks
8. Cincinnati Museum Center
9. The Friends of the Public Library Warehouse
10. Cincinnati Art Museum

College Hill residents saw a need in their community — traffic and pedestrian safety — and they banded together to fill it. After multiple bad accidents, lives lost and close calls, a few concerned neighbors took matters into their own hands to initiate studies and partner with groups like Vision Zero Cincinnati, to request and fund traffic calming measures. They regularly meet at troublesome entrances and intersections to hold signs, wave and work at making pedestrian safety a more visible concern for drivers in their neighborhood. They’re more than just keyboard warriors — they’re contributing members of their community. visionzerocincy.net.

Every year seems to bring another sterling example of how, in Northside, people really try to support their local businesses and cultural institutions. This year’s one centers on The Loon Wine Bar on Hamilton Ave., a lovely and friendly small establishment that also has some invigorating live musical entertainment. Forced to close in February due to her landlord’s plans for the space, owner Melanie Quallen discovered that the new spot she found across the street would take longer than planned to be ready, meaning a loss of revenue for time closed. So she started a GoFundMe campaign to ask for help to cover financial losses and expenses. As of late February, she has received $27,000 of her $30,000 goal, and the future is looking hopeful. welcometonorthside.com.

Whether in Paycor Stadium or screaming from The Banks, Taylor Swift Fans, or “Swifties,” showed up in full force for the first night of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert in June. The Banks was transformed into "Swiftinnati" for a concert Tay-Gate, complete with friendship bracelet stations and custom Swift-inspired cocktails. Fans dressed in an endless array of Taylor-made costumes; even the protesters were unwittingly on-theme (see the "You Need to Calm Down" music video). The fashion and passion were a reminder that girls fucking rule, and Taylor Swift’s relevance and impact have only just begun.