Cincinnati is dealing with a huge blow to the ego – not to mention its future economy – because of the recent announcement that the Queen City would not be one of the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It's frustrating news to many soccer fans, but at least locals can drown their sorrows in one of the best bars in the country, according to Esquire magazine. Catch up on the latest headlines below.
Cincinnati Will Not Be a 2026 FIFA World Cup Host
Well, the dream is over for now. This week, FIFA announced which cities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico would serve as hosts for World Cup matches in 2026, and Cincinnati was not among them. Cincinnati had been pursuing the Cup since 2017, so soccer fans are disappointed – especially with Kansas City being the only city in the Midwest to land a match (Kansas City? Really?). But officials say they're planning to put the city up for other major events soon. Read CityBeat's story to find out which cities will serve as FIFA World Cup hosts, and then see what both Cincinnati officials and fans have to say about the Queen City's snub.
Cincinnati Public Schools Won't Allow Teachers to Carry Guns, Bucking New Ohio Republican Law
On June 13, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation allowing teachers to carry firearms in class. Just a few hours later, the Cincinnati Public Schools district declared, "Nope, we're not doing that." The CPS Board of Educated passed a resolution that prohibits anyone other than law-enforcement officers to be armed. Teacher organizations throughout the state overwhelmingly insisted that more guns on campus will not solve the near-daily mass shootings that are happening in the United States. And even Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow urged politicians to pass better gun restrictions. Read CityBeat's story to see what else CPS said about guns in the classroom, and then check out Burrow's comments about "those crazy guns."
Cincinnati Declares Juneteenth a Holiday, Raises the Flag at City Hall
During the June 15 Cincinnati City Council meeting, council members unanimously passed a resolution making Juneteenth a city holiday. Juneteenth is June 19 and falls on a Sunday this year, so city workers will observe the holiday on Monday, June 20. Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that enslaved Black people were now free, albeit two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Read CityBeat's story for more about the holiday, and see some of this month's Juneteenth celebrations happening in Greater Cincinnati.
Black Lives Matter Mural Outside City Hall Is Getting a Refresh
After two years, Black Art Speaks, the non-profit behind Cincinnati's Black Lives Matter mural's creation, touched up the art and applied a clear-coat protectant this week. The mural, similar to those seen in cities including Washington, D.C. and Brooklyn, was unveiled in 2020 on Juneteenth. Read CityBeat's story to find out when you can get a car-free view of it near City Hall.
Cincinnati Abortion Doulas Will Continue Care, With or Without Roe v. Wade
As a U.S. Supreme decision on reversing Roe v. Wade approaches, some of those who help abortion patients through the process say it will not spell the end of abortion care, just change the way it’s done — especially as Ohio's trigger ban that would outlaw abortions within six weeks gestation asks patients to consider their options before they may even know they’re pregnant. Read CityBeat's story about how abortion doulas help guide patients through their own chosen experiences.
Taft Museum of Art’s Newest Exhibit Brings Costumes from Film Adaptations of Jane Austen’s Novels to Life
Get ready to promenade at the Taft Museum of Art this summer: Fashion & Sensibility made its North American debut on June 11. Traveling from London, England, the exhibition features costumes from a number of acclaimed screen adaptations of Jane Austen’s beloved novels. Throughout the Taft, find film and television attire worn by Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Kiera Knightley, Judi Dench and other actors in Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Sense & Sensibility and Mansfield Park. Read CityBeat's feature story about the exhibition, and see sneak-peek photos of the amazing costumes.
The Black Pearl Experience Hosts Social Events for Greater Cincinnati's Black Queer Community
Co-founders Latoya Watson and Darrah Dunn want attendees of their social events to experience the freedom to dance, drink, socialize and come as they are – fostering joy, connections and a sense of belonging for the Black queer community. Read CityBeat's story about how Watson and Dunn are filling a significant gap in Cincinnati's queer entertainment landscape.
Ghost Baby in Over-the-Rhine Named One of 'The Best Bars in America' by Esquire Magazine
Cincinnati loves getting national recognition, and this week's is for one of the city's underground – literally – bars. Ghost Baby opened in November of 2019 beneath the streets of Over-the-Rhine and has been providing Cincinnatians with a unique spot for a night out ever since. Read CityBeat's story for Esquire's praise of the unique bar.
Downtown Skyline Location Reopens With New Walk-Up Window
Finally! The Skyline Chili location at Court and Vine streets has officially reopened – and with a twist. Now patrons can place their orders outside at a walk-up window under a shady awning. Read CityBeat's story to find out when the Court Street location is open.
Cincinnati Burger Week to Bring Discounted Gourmet Burgers to Area Eateries in July
Get ready to drool, because Cincinnati Burger Week's lineup has just been announced. The annual event that spotlights local burger joints will take place in July, with both discounts and rewards planned for hungry Cincinnati's. Read CityBeat's story to see which restaurants are participating in Cincinnati Burger Week this year.
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.
