Photo: Cincinnati Bengals media assets
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow steps out before the game against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 29, 2022.
Cincinnati's new police chief is a familiar face, a former Cincinnati City Council member is making his mark in Congress and the Cincinnati Bengals' favorite quarterback is being adored for something other than his ball handling. Below, catch up on the week's biggest news headlines, and check out the Dec. 14 print edition of CityBeat, on newsstands now.
Teresa Theetge Becomes Cincinnati's New Police Chief, Highest-Ranked Female Officer Ever
City manager Sheryl Long selected Theetge – who has been with the Cincinnati Police Department for 32 years – after a nationwide search, a series of finalist interviews and several community forums. In Cincinnati, a city manager has the authority to appoint a police chief. "I have full faith that she is the best person for the job," Long said. Read CityBeat's story about Theetge's long background with the CPD.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval's Biggest Topic When Meeting the Dalai Lama: the Environment
On Dec. 7, Pureval returned from his trip to India, where he met with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The nation's highest ranking Tibetan-American public official, Pureval said he'd “hung out” with Tibet’s spiritual leader for about an hour with other American mayors. Read CityBeat's story about Pureval's encounter with the Dalai Lama.
Vegan Revolution: How Plant-Based Living has Become a Movement of Resistance and Reclamation in Cincinnati
For decades, Cincinnati’s plant-based food scene has been nurtured into its current popularity, thanks to a cross-cultural focus on plant-based living. But veganism or even basic healthy foods aren’t necessarily accessible to everyone in the Queen City, especially when entire neighborhoods are without grocery stores. And for many people who have been marginalized systemically, leaning into veganism has become a movement of resistance and reclamation. Read CityBeat's cover story about how historically marginalized vegans are both claiming and challenging the new wave of veganism.
Greg Landsman Embraces Wave of 'Super Normal' People in Congress, Sends Message to Extremists: 'No More'
Landsman, a Democrat and newly former Cincinnati City Council member, dethroned incumbent Republican Steve Chabot in the November election to represent Ohio's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Landsman flipped the seat from red to blue for the first time in decades. Read CityBeat's story about what Landsman has voted on already and what he's aiming to do in his new role.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s Medical Marijuana Order Enters Uncharted Territory
The executive order, which automatically pardons Kentuckians buying pot outside of the Commonwealth for documented medical needs, goes into effect on Jan. 1, but basic details remain unclear. That lack of clarity has serious ramifications, as a misunderstanding of the law or not having the correct documents while bringing medical marijuana back to Kentucky could still lead to arrest and prosecution. Read CityBeat's story about how weed users could wind up in trouble, despite the order.
Kentucky Awaiting State Supreme Court’s Abortion Ruling with ‘Anxiousness’ and Uncertainty
A Kentuckian seeking an abortion now must travel to another state for it, with Illinois being the nearest where the procedure is accessible with few or no restrictions. Abortion in Kentucky remains outlawed in almost all cases while the state Supreme Court considers whether to block enforcement of state laws banning the procedure. Read CityBeat's story about why the court is deciding whether to uphold an injunction that had briefly reinstated access to abortion in Kentucky.
USPS Offers Free COVID-19 Tests Again, Just in Time for Winter Holidays
Cincinnatians looking for free at-home COVID-19 testing kits from the federal government are in luck – the feds have resurrected the program after a pause of several months. Through the program, residents can request several tests at a time and have them delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Read CityBeat's story about how to get the free tests and why COVID numbers are rising in Greater Cincinnati.
Guest Commentary: 'Messy Massie' Still Mad About Vaccine Mandates, as Hospitals in Boone, Kenton Counties Are Above Capacity
Several hospitals in counties fully or partially covered by Massie’s 4th Congressional District in Kentucky are beyond hospital capacity, including hospitals in Boone, Boyd, Campbell and Kenton counties. But Massie has said he won’t even meet with anyone in his office if their “organization has a vaccine mandate.” He even turned down the Army Corp of Engineers. Read CityBeat's opinion piece about how Massie is putting Kentucky in danger.
Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow Lands on 'New York Times' Fashion List, Because of Course
He's an icon, he's a legend and he is the moment. Wendy Williams wasn't talking about Burrow when she'd uttered those words that are now famous on TikTok and Instagram, but she may as well have been. The New York Times includes Burrow on its "92 Most Stylish People of 2022" list, released Dec. 11. Read CityBeat's story about why the New York Times loves Burrow's style.
Even Ken Rosenthal Basically Says Bob Castellini Needs to Sell the Cincinnati Reds
For months (ok, years), Cincinnati Reds fans have been begging owner Bob Castellini to sell the team. Now, someone with a much bigger platform is joining the chorus. In an opinion piece for The Athletic, longtime baseball writer Rosenthal looks at the current state of MLB ownership as a whole, and he has some words about the Reds. Read CityBeat's story to see why Rosenthal thinks the Reds need to make some big changes.
No, Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium Won't Help You Get Engaged
If there's cash left over after buying your honey a car or house for Christmas, you may as well claim half of these items for yourself by asking this person to marry you. If you're a football fan in Ohio, a big NFL stadium might be just the place for popping the question. But alas, not in Cincinnati, apparently. Read CityBeat's story about how Cincinnati's and Cleveland's stadiums differ when it comes to love.
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