Will Cincinnati's ever tire of talking about the wretched Brent Spence Bridge? Probably not, but the notion that something might actually happen to alleviate our traffic woes certainly kept our attention. Below, catch up on that and other important stories from this week.
Ohio, Kentucky Governors Reveal Plans to Jointly Fund Brent Spence Bridge Project
The long-deteriorating Brent Spence Bridge connecting Cincinnati and Covington may finally get its glow-up — and an additional bridge. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to jointly apply for and use about $2 billion in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to revamp Greater Cincinnati's longtime traffic nuisance. Read CityBeat's story about the when crews might break ground and why Cincinnati could get an additional bridge out of it.
Former Kentucky Police Officer Brett Hankison Found Not Guilty on All Counts for Actions During 2020 Raid of Breonna Taylor’s Apartment
Louisville Metro Police Department detective Brett Hankison was charged with three counts of wanton endangerment from the shots he fired during the March 13, 2020, LMPD raid that killed Breonna Taylor. His charges were not for her death, but rather for shots he fired that went into a neighboring apartment where three people were present. Read CityBeat's story about how people both in and out of the courtroom reacted to the verdict.
Iranetta Wright to Lead Cincinnati Public Schools as New Superintendent
During a Feb. 28 meeting, the CPS district's board of education tapped Iranetta Wright as its next superintendent. Wright's appointment follows a national search and the interim tenure of Tianay Amat since May. Read CityBeat's story about Wright's background, including her work in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Hamilton County Judge Temporarily Blocks State from Enforcing Ohio's New Abortion Bill
The law would have barred physicians who worked with medical schools and were affiliated with public universities from also working with abortion clinics across the state, something that clinics say would particularly impact the Southwest Ohio region, who has few options for abortion care. This is the third decision by Common Pleas Court Judge Alison Hatheway to come out in favor of abortion and reproductive health clinics. Read CityBeat's story about additional ways Ohio is trying to legislate or outlaw abortion.
Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Delayed After MLB Owners, Players Association Fail on Collective Bargaining Agreement
MLB has canceled the first two series of the 2022 season, including opening day, because team owners and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) failed to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by March 1's MLB-imposed deadline. The Cincinnati Reds originally had been scheduled to open the season at Great American Ball Park with a game against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, March 31. Read CityBeat's story about what this means for Reds ticketholders and why players and franchise owners are arguing.
Cincinnati Bell Changes Name After More Than a Century
Cincinnati Bell will now be known as "altafiber" in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The carrier was founded in 1873 as the City and Suburban Telegraph Association and later called the Cincinnati and Suburban Bell Telephone Company starting in 1903. Read CityBeat's story about the name change.
Bockfest Returns to Cincinnati in March — But with a Brand New Location
Bockfest is back March 4-6, and instead of being held at its traditional headquarters at the now-defunct Moerlein taproom in Over-the-Rhine, it will be held at the Findlay Playground at 1811 Vine St. But don't worry: All of your favorite Bock activities will still take place. Read CityBeat's story about all the Bockfest events.
10 Greater Cincinnati Fish Frys Where You Can Drink
Speaking of alcohol, many of Cincinnati's classic fish frys are capitalizing on that water-into-wine spirit and are serving their cod with a side of alcohol during Lent. Read CityBeat's story about where to mix hooch and religion.
Garth Brooks Books Paul Brown Stadium for His Only Tour Date in Ohio
Country fans in Cincinnati have one shot to see superstar Garth Brooks on his new tour this May. Brooks originally was to perform at Paul Brown Stadium last September, but the star canceled the show due to fast-rising COVID-19 rates at the time. Read CityBeat's story about concert details and when to buy tickets.
Stay connected with CityBeat. Subscribe to our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google News, Apple News and Reddit.
Send CityBeat a news or story tip or submit a calendar event.