photo: Rick Dikeman, Wikimedia Commons
Barry Larkin runs during a Cincinnati Reds game in Riverfront Stadium in 1990.
If you thought the last week of March was going to be boring, boy were you wrong. From infuriating legislation to Opening Day prep, the expansion of a Cincinnati landmark to a hometown band seemingly giving us the cold shoulder, this week was packed. And, oh, yeah, CityBeat also published its annual "Best of Cincinnati" issue, which means you can research your new favorite hangouts, shops, products and people. Catch up on the headlines below.
Welcome to the Best of Cincinnati 2022
It's finally here! CityBeat's annual celebration of everything good in Greater Cincinnati is on stands and ready for you to explore. Readers voted for their favorite food and drink, retailers, music, institutions and so much more, plus our staff chimed in with a few notable moments from the past 12 months. Read CityBeat's Best of Cincinnati issue now, and then snag tickets to the big party that will celebrate the winners.
Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin Will Be the Grand Marshal of the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day Parade
The upcoming MLB season is already a little screwy — thanks, lockout — so the season now will open on April 7 instead of March 31 like it was supposed to. Because of this, the Cincinnati Reds will start the 2022 campaign on the road, but Cincinnati is gearing up for one hell of a home opener celebration later on April 12. Reds royalty Barry Larkin will serve as grand marshal for the big parade, and he'll be joined at the event by Bengals stars Anthony Muñoz and Ickey Woods. Read CityBeat's story about the fun you'll have when you call in "sick" to work on Opening Day.
Cincinnati Officials Raise Transgender Pride Flag at City Hall, Hint at Adding More Local LGBTQ+ Protections to Municipal Code
On March 31, the city raised the trans pride flag for the first time in Cincinnati's history in recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility. It was an important symbolic milestone, but something even better is on the way: more protections for LGBTQ+ residents via changes in the municipal code. Read CityBeat's story about what the code will address and why it's important to transgender community members.
Kentucky Senate Passes Restrictive Abortion Bill, Includes 15-Week Ban
HB 3 would not only shorten the window in which someone could get an abortion, it also would add restrictive operating procedures for clinics that offer abortions, like requiring that fetal remains are cremated or interred and requiring clinics to produce a combination birth-death or stillbirth certificate. Opponents to the bill claim that its measures are so restrictive that it would ultimately end access to abortions in the state of Kentucky. Read CityBeat's story about HB 3's next steps.
Pretty Much All of Ohio's Political Candidates Are Debating Each Other Now
Primary season in Ohio is in full swing, and candidates are packing their schedules with debates and town halls. This week, former Cincinnati mayor John Cranley and former Dayton mayor Nan Whaley sparred for the Democratic nomination in the gubernatorial race, Republican candidates for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat yelled at each other and insisted on telling lies with no fact-checking from a debate moderator, and Democratic candidates for the Senate basically were just well-mannered during their debate. Catch up on all of CityBeat's Ohio election news.
Speed Cushions Are Coming to These 10 Cincinnati-Area Roads
Cincinnati's department of transportation & engineering (DOTE) already has plans to install new vehicle speed cushions throughout Cincinnati neighborhoods, after a successful pilot program in 2021 demonstrated their effectiveness. But if the city gets the $1 million in extra pedestrian safety funds its asking for, DOTE could add the speed cushions to an additional 20 communities. Read CityBeat's story about where to find the initial batch of speed cushions.
Below Zero Lounge to Close Its Doors After 15 Years
It's the end of an era. Just last year, Below Zero Lounge made Yelp's “Top 100 LGBTQ+ Bars Across the U.S.” list, having established itself as a safe haven where anyone and everyone can gather. But come April 11, owner Nigel Cotterill and his partner Juan-Carlos Diaz will close Below Zero and its upstairs Cabaret, which has been hosting weekend drag shows for years. Read CityBeat's story about Cotterill's and Diaz's plans for staying in the nightlife industry.
The Beast at Kings Island Is Getting Longer and Breaking More World Records
Who says size doesn't matter? The Beast, which currently holds the title of world's longest wooden roller coaster, is about to break its own record. Kings Island's popular ride, built in 1979, has recently added some inches and will be debuting in the 2022 season two feet longer. Read CityBeat's story about why the extra length will make for a better ride.
The National Is Going on Tour, But You Won't See Them in Cincinnati
Cincinnati-bred band The National shared what it says is the "full tour itinerary for Summer 2022." The lineup includes 23 dates throughout the United States and Canada and features a number of festivals — but there's no mention of Cincinnati anywhere. Have they forgotten about the hometown fans, or is something else in the works? Read CityBeat's story about what the band might be up to.
Cincinnati Therapy Dog Annie Rose Named 2022’s Cadbury Bunny
As far as Cincinnati animals go, Fiona the hippo gets a lot of attention, but it's another wild friend will be the focus of a major brand's marketing campaign. English doodle Annie Rose has been selected as this year's Cadbury "bunny," which means we'll be seeing her furry face wearing rabbit ears a lot. Read CityBeat's story about Annie Rose's rise to fame.
It's the end of an era. Just last year, Below Zero Lounge made Yelp's “Top 100 LGBTQ+ Bars Across the U.S.” list, having established itself as a safe haven where anyone and everyone can gather. But come April 11, owner Nigel Cotterill and his partner Juan-Carlos Diaz will close Below Zero and its upstairs Cabaret, which has been hosting weekend drag shows for years. Read CityBeat's story about Cotterill's and Diaz's plans for staying in the nightlife industry.
The Beast at Kings Island Is Getting Longer and Breaking More World Records
Who says size doesn't matter? The Beast, which currently holds the title of world's longest wooden roller coaster, is about to break its own record. Kings Island's popular ride, built in 1979, has recently added some inches and will be debuting in the 2022 season two feet longer. Read CityBeat's story about why the extra length will make for a better ride.
The National Is Going on Tour, But You Won't See Them in Cincinnati
Cincinnati-bred band The National shared what it says is the "full tour itinerary for Summer 2022." The lineup includes 23 dates throughout the United States and Canada and features a number of festivals — but there's no mention of Cincinnati anywhere. Have they forgotten about the hometown fans, or is something else in the works? Read CityBeat's story about what the band might be up to.
Cincinnati Therapy Dog Annie Rose Named 2022’s Cadbury Bunny
As far as Cincinnati animals go, Fiona the hippo gets a lot of attention, but it's another wild friend will be the focus of a major brand's marketing campaign. English doodle Annie Rose has been selected as this year's Cadbury "bunny," which means we'll be seeing her furry face wearing rabbit ears a lot. Read CityBeat's story about Annie Rose's rise to fame.
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