Oct 30 – Nov 12, 2024

Oct 30 - Nov 12, 2024 / Vol. 28 / No. 23

Cover Stories

Dani Isaacsohn is a Blue Rep in a Red Statehouse. What is His Plan?

It’s impossible to discuss Ohio politics without mentioning gerrymandering. Since Republican lawmakers rewrote the district maps in 2011, giving themselves a comfortable majority, hyper-partisan gerrymandering has become a growing concern.  According to the Brennan Center, 77 percent of Ohio’s population lives in districts where the election for state representative lacks electoral competition. Of those, half…

Indigo Hippo to Host Sustainable Art Experience and Fundraiser This December

This December, Over-the-Rhine art supply thrift store Indigo Hippo is hosting a night of creativity, sustainable art, music and community with its second-annual ReMADE fundraiser. ReMADE: A Sustainable Art Experience is both a fundraiser and open gallery event that will aid Indigo Hippo in its mission to broaden arts accessibility, reduce waste and inspire possibility…

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Prescription Glasses Online

Your prescription glasses don’t need to be boring anymore. For a long time, glasses were regarded as unfashionable, and wearers were often stuck with styles that weren’t flattering. Fashion trends have changed significantly, and glasses are now seen as a way to accessorize. Even people who don’t need to wear glasses have been sporting fashionable…

What Immigrants Really Mean to Ohio

After a campaign based around anti-immigrant sentiments, President-elect Donald Trump’s victory has created worries over the future of new Americans and those considering immigrating. However, immigrants play a vital role in the Ohio economy. According to the American Immigration Council, “about 4.9% of the state’s residents are foreign-born, and 2.4% of its U.S.-born residents live…

Skyline Chili Introduces Limited-Time Mac and Cheese Ways

In a culinary marriage that’s making Cincinnatians go, “What took you so long?!”, Skyline Chili announced a new item on its menu Monday. Mac and Cheese Ways are now on Skyline’s menu — but for a limited time. Described as the cheesiest menu item, the Mac and Cheese Way features cavatappi pasta in a three-cheese…

Ohio Lawmakers Want to Ban College Applications from Asking Preferred Pronouns

Republican lawmakers introduced a pair of higher education-related bills as lame duck begins, including one to ban college applications from asking for preferred pronouns. State Rep. Gail Pavliga, R-Portage County, introduced a bill Thursday that would prohibit a public university from asking for a prospective student’s preferred pronouns on a college application.  In a similar vein, House…

UC Students Receive Racist Messages in Nationwide Trend

Racist text messages, telling Black people to pick cotton on plantations, were sent to Black Americans in more than twenty states, including Ohio, New York, California and Alabama. One such message was sent to a University of Cincinnati student and shared on the Cincinnati subreddit. Using the student’s name — which was redacted in the…

Fountain Square’s Annual Holiday Tree to be Delivered Saturday

It’s going to begin to look a lot like Christmas in Cincinnati starting this weekend with the arrival of the annual Duke Energy Holiday Tree. The tree will be delivered to downtown Cincinnati’s Fountain Square at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. The 55-foot Norway Spruce from Litchfield, Ohio, will be lifted into place at…

Legendary King Records Musician Bill Beach Dies

A legendary King Records musician and Greater Cincinnati native has died at the age of 92. According to a press release from King Studios, a “nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and educating the public about King Records’ role in American history,” musician Bill Beach died on Oct. 28. Beach is best known for his rockabilly hits…

CityBeat’s ‘Elegy’ Podcast Hosts Roundtable Following Trump-Vance Win

CityBeat’s limited-series podcast about JD Vance, Elegy: The Many Myths of JD Vance released its final episode on Nov. 8, featuring a roundtable discussion on the Republican presidential victory. The roundtable was hosted by CityBeat’s Madeline Fening, Elegy host Ashley Paul, University of Cincinnati political scientist David Niven, Ohio Capital Journal Editor-in-Chief David DeWitt, and John…

Ohio Issue 1 Defeat Brings Praise from Conservatives, Concern from Advocates and Dems

Reactions to the defeat of Ohio Issue 1 redistricting reform showed strong feelings on both sides, with supporters expressing frustration with confusion over the ballot language, and those opposed praising voters for rejecting the Citizens Not Politicians proposal. With 100% of precincts reporting, the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office reports an unofficial result of 54.78%…

Review: Taylor Swift’s Indy Performance Outshines Cincinnati Shows

When Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” made a stop in Cincinnati last summer, the city went wild. Taylor Swift-themed bars popped up, fans lined the street for merch and $92 million was generated locally on food, hotels and parking, among other areas. At least 95% of hotel rooms in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky were full…

Projections: Donald Trump Wins 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

The Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris race is a high-stakes and polarizing moment for the nation. Both candidates offer deeply contrasting visions for America: Trump, running alongside his VP pick JD Vance, a Middletown native, is a staunch conservative figure who has reformed the Republican party in his own vision. He focuses on a platform…

Results: Dani Isaacsohn Retains District 24 in Ohio House of Representatives

With 98.75% of precincts reporting, incumbent Democratic State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn has won-reelection to the Ohio statehouse, representing District 24. Isaacsohn defeated his Republican challenger John Sess 72.32% to 27.68%. More than 403,650 votes were cast in this race, among 604,199 voters. Sess’s strongest results were in southeast Cincinnati, with the highest votes for him…

Results: State Rep. Jennifer Gross Retains Power in Ohio House

Landon Meador, 23-year-old Democratic opponent to incumbent State Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) conceded defeat to his opponent, with results from the Akron Beacon Journal showing he had lost to Gross 38.2% to 62.5% Announcing the end of his campaign on Twitter, Meador wrote “While we did not have the perfect night– we have continued…

Projections: Landsman Wins Re-Election for 1st Congressional District

In Southwest Ohio, a race is occurring that may decide which party controls the U.S. House. Democratic incumbent Greg Landsman and Republican Orlando Sonza are campaigning to represent Ohio’s 1st Congressional District, which includes all of Cincinnati, Warren County and suburbs like Anderson Township, Indian Hill, Montgomery, Madeira and Blue Ash. Landsman has an extensive…

Projections: Ohio Issue 1 Fails

Issue 1 on Ohio’s 2024 ballot proposes a constitutional reform to address gerrymandering and its impact on the state. Voting “Yes” on the issue means you are in favor of a bipartisan citizen-led commission being in charge of drawing Ohio’s voting maps. Voting “No” means you are in favor of keeping the current process in…

Projections: Bernie Moreno Wins Ohio’s U.S. Senate Race

Ohio’s U.S. Senate contest is between incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) and Bernie Moreno (R). The race is not only expected to be close, but could also determine which political party controls the Senate. The U.S. Senate currently has a tight 51 to 49-seat majority held by Democrats. With Democratic senators from other states opting…

Results: Charmaine McGuffey Remains Hamilton County Sheriff

In the race for Hamilton County Sheriff, incumbent Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey faced a rematch with her former boss, former Sheriff Jim Neil. Their differing styles and backgrounds, as well as their troubled professional relationship, created a personal backdrop in this election. In her tenure as Hamilton County Sheriff, McGuffey has taken efforts to overhaul the…

Projections: Connie Pillich Unseats Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers

The role of the Hamilton County Prosecutor goes beyond simply seeking convictions: they also support victims and create safer communities; balance compassion, law and accountability; work to reduce crime; and restore a sense of security to those impacted by it. Incumbent Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers faced Democratic challenger Connie Pillich on Election Day. This…

She’s Voting Against her Childhood Bully: JD Vance

Middletown, Ohio is a solidly Republican-voting city within the red-voting Butler County. During the 2020 election between then-President Donald Trump and then-former Vice President Joe Biden, more than 61% of Butler County voters selected Trump. On Election Day 2024, Middletown voters had the option to choose Trump again, but this time with a Middletown native as…

The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert PC Gives Back to the Community

Success in the legal field is often measured by how many cases a firm has won or how clearly and closely it communicates with clients. However, a law firm’s true worth should be evaluated in its capacity to reach out, help people, and uplift communities. Aaron A. Herbert PC Law firm follows a contemporary model…

Submit Your Questions Now to CityBeat’s New ‘Bad Advice’ Column

For millions of years, the single most important resource to the human race has been the newspaper. Whether it’s the New York Times uncovering secret military programs that investigate potential extraterrestrial threats or USA Today’s effectiveness as kindling for bonfires, the ways in which newspapers have been useful are innumerable. But there’s no way in…

Findlay Market Launches Thanksgiving Pre-Orders on Shopping App

Findlay Market is making it easy to do all your Thanksgiving shopping on their app, with pre-ordering for the big feast day now available. “For years, Findlay Market has been a prime location to source essential Thanksgiving dishes and ingredients, and this year is no exception. With specialty butcheries and expert bakeries, Findlay Market Merchants…

Sound Advice: Experience Nduduzo Makhathini’s Mystical Jazz Journey at Caffè Vivace

Most mentions of Nduduzo Makhathini include some combination of the following descriptors: South African, pianist, composer, teacher, healer, visionary and philosopher. That’s a lot to live up to. Yet, as the uninitiated quickly learn, the 42-year-old’s music evokes even more thoughts and feelings: moving, transportive, mystical and unpredictable. Makhathini’s eleventh album, uNomkhubulwane, surfaced earlier this…

Ohio Issue 1: ‘Yes’ Establishes Citizens Redistricting Commission. ‘No’ Keeps Politicians in Charge

Ohio voters are expressing confusion over ballot language written by opponents of Ohio Issue 1, so to be clear: A “Yes” vote establishes a new citizens redistricting commission. A “No” vote keeps politicians on the current Ohio Redistricting Commission in charge. ‘Yes’ vote If Issue 1 passes, a 15-member citizens redistricting commission will be created…

Summerfair Cincinnati’s Poster Design Contest Now Open

The annual contest to design Summerfair Cincinnati’s next commemorative poster is now open. Summerfair is the biggest arts and crafts festival in Greater Cincinnati, featuring over 300 artists from across the United States and Canada who exhibit and sell their work. The festival returns to Coney Island next year Saturday-Sunday, May 31-June 1. Organizers say…

New Italian Restaurant Carmelo’s Opens in Covington

A new Italian restaurant helmed by two Greater Cincinnati dining and hospitality veterans is now open in Covington. Carmelo’s recently opened at 434 Madison Ave., near the former IRS site, which will soon be going under development to create apartments, townhomes and retail space. The concept is a collaboration by former Thunderdome Restaurant Group director…

Ohio Recreational Marijuana Sales Top $131 Million

Ohio recreational marijuana sales have topped $131 million in less than three months.  The state’s total recreational marijuana sales were $131,813,130 as of Oct. 26, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control. Ohio has a 10% tax at the point of sales for every non-medical marijuana transaction.  Ohioans voted to legalize…

Fire Engulfs Playground, Closes ‘Big Mac’ Bridge Indefinitely

Officials have provided an update on the overnight fire that shut down the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, also known as the “Big Mac” bridge, a major transit-heavy section of Interstate 471. Around 3:30 a.m., emergency services, including about 60 firefighters, were dispatched to a large fire at the 1000 Hands Every Child’s Playground at Sawyer…

Americans, Anxious about AI’s Role in the Election, May not Know its Full scope, Expert Says

Americans are worried about the effect of artificial intelligence on the election, as polls show, but the public probably doesn’t understand the full extent of its influence on what they experience every day, an academic studying the technology says. There have been obvious examples of AI-generated misinformation, like false audio of President Joe Biden, a fake…

May Festival Announces 2025 Season with Renée Fleming as Festival Director

Acclaimed American soprano Renée Fleming will serve as festival director for the 2025 May Festival.  “It is our honor and privilege to welcome five-time Grammy Award winner and renowned soprano Renée Fleming as our 2025 Festival Director,” said Matthew Swanson, recently appointed director of choruses for the May Festival. “Embracing our most cherished traditions while…

Ohio Online Casino Bill Could Have First Hearing in November

Senator Niraj Antani running out of time to get his fellow lawmakers to start talking about Senate Bill 312 (SB312). In September, the senator introduced SB 312 to legalize online gambling in Ohio. The proposed bill will make it possible for the people of Ohio to bet real money in online casinos and impose a…

Celebrate Halloween with Iconic Covers at Cincinnati’s Mock Ball

If you’re a fan of Cincinnati’s local music scene and crave a Halloween experience that breaks away from the usual party circuit, Cincinnati’s Mock Ball is calling your name. At the Mock Ball, taking place on Nov. 1, local bands take on the music of iconic acts — all paired with the energy of Halloween…

Six More Greater Cincinnati Frisch’s Restaurants Ordered to Close

Six more Greater Cincinnati Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants are set to close after a Hamilton County magistrate granted their evictions at a hearing Wednesday morning.  The following restaurants have been given seven days to leave the premises: Blue Ash (9070 Plainfield Road) Bridgetown (4227 Bridgetown Road) Colerain Township (9830 Colerain Ave.) Delhi Township (5202 Delhi…

Former Colleagues Clash Again in Heated Hamilton County Sheriff Race

In the race for Hamilton County Sheriff, a rematch is brewing between two seasoned law enforcement figures: incumbent Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey and her former boss, former Sheriff Jim Neil.  Each candidate brings decades of law enforcement experience to the table, having previously served as sheriff. Their long-standing rivalry and shared history add a twist to…

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers Talks Issues in Prosecutor’s Office, Political Affiliation

When people think of prosecutors, they often imagine hard-nosed attorneys in courtrooms relentlessly pursuing justice. In reality, the role of the Hamilton County Prosecutor goes beyond simply seeking convictions. Individuals in this role must not only be dedicated to prosecuting crimes, but also to supporting victims and creating safer communities. They must be committed to…

Sound Advice: Catch Mall Witch’s Emotionally Charged Show at The Taproom

On Saturday, Nov. 9, Cincinnati-based alternative band Mall Witch will bring their powerful and moving music to The Taproom on Ludlow in Cincinnati’s historic Clifton community. Their unique blend of musical genres will give the listener an evening filled with vulnerable and emotional music that’s angst-driven yet filled with hope. Mall Witch began as a…


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