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Councilmember Reggie Harris put forward a resolution during a June 26 council meeting that reaffirms "unwavering support for transgender, non-binary residents, and the regional LGBTQIA+ community."
While it feels like all of Cincinnati had descended fully into Taylor mania, life did chug on here in the Queen City this week. Council made a historic call to protect trans kids seeking gender-affirming care, Eric Deters got the RSVP of his dreams, and affordable housing in Hamilton County just got a little more, well, affordable.
This is your news roundup.
City Council Votes to Make Cincinnati a "Safe Haven" for Gender-Affirming Care
As state lawmakers in Columbus push forward a bill that would bar gender-affirming care for minors, Cincinnati councilmember Reggie Harris put forward a resolution during a June 26 council meeting that reaffirms "unwavering support for transgender, non-binary residents, and the regional LGBTQIA+ community." This comes after the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 68 on June 21, which would prevent doctors from providing gender-affirming care to trans youth. If made law, doctors could no longer give puberty blockers and hormone therapy to trans youth.Read CityBeat's story about the "Safe Haven" designation and what's next for House Bill 68.
Eric Deters: Donald Trump is Coming to Northern Kentucky for "Freedom Fest"
Former President Donald Trump is headlining Eric Deters' "Freedom Fest" in Northern Kentucky this September, Deters announced Tuesday, June 27 on Twitter.
Deters, a conservative YouTuber, podcaster and former candidate for Kentucky Governor, has been suspended from practicing law in the state due to ethical violations. Deters has organized multiple "Freedom Fests" at his home farm in Morning View, Kentucky, about 30 miles south of Cincinnati. The Sept. 9 event will be the first time Trump has RSVP'd "yes" to one of Deters' "patriotic political" functions, giving Trump a stage to campaign for his re-election. Read CityBeat's story about "Freedom Fest" and who from the MAGA-verse is expected to attend.
Air Quality is Terrible in Cincinnati Right Now Due to Canada Wildfires
Officials are warning people to limit their exposure to a thick fog-like haze blanketing much of the Tri-State, and reports indicate it could take months for the dust to settle for good. The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency issued an air quality alert on June 28, which was later extended through June 29, due to the wildfires in Canada. The alert is for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana. The agency said the levels of both ozone and tiny particles in the air, also known as PM2.5, is in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range. Read CityBeat's story about how the Canadian wildfires are expected to rage on, potentially keeping the hazy days in the forecast all summer.
Hamilton County and the Cincinnati Development Fund Announce Projects in First Round of 'Historic' Affordable Housing Funding
Hamilton County will soon see a boost in the number of affordable homes and apartments. County commissioners and the Cincinnati Development Fund (CDF) Tuesday announced the first group of projects receiving an unprecedented amount in funding to build and restore affordable housing units. The county is partnering with CDF to put $31.8 million toward creating affordable housing. On Tuesday, they announced an inaugural round of $14 million that will go toward 17 shovel-ready affordable housing projects across the county. Construction on some of these projects could begin as early as July, with some units being ready in 12 to 18 months. In total, these projects will add 552 units with 445 of them being income-restricted.
Read CityBeat's story about how the plans came together, and what it could mean for the affordable housing demand.
Hamilton County will soon see a boost in the number of affordable homes and apartments. County commissioners and the Cincinnati Development Fund (CDF) Tuesday announced the first group of projects receiving an unprecedented amount in funding to build and restore affordable housing units. The county is partnering with CDF to put $31.8 million toward creating affordable housing. On Tuesday, they announced an inaugural round of $14 million that will go toward 17 shovel-ready affordable housing projects across the county. Construction on some of these projects could begin as early as July, with some units being ready in 12 to 18 months. In total, these projects will add 552 units with 445 of them being income-restricted.
“You Was Fucking the Enemy Forreal:" CPD Captain Investigated for Alleged Discrimination in Audio Recording
A Cincinnati Police Department district captain is “traumatized” after an audio recording of what appears to be a private conversation was sent to her superiors.
District 2 Capt. Danita Pettis has been temporarily reassigned pending an investigation by the city after allegations were raised that she used derogatory comments toward another officer, according to public records obtained by CityBeat. In an audio recording released by the department, a woman can be heard cursing and raising her voice to at least one other person who cannot be heard on the tape. The speaker in the recording makes references to an officer trading sex with male superiors for favorable treatment at work. While a lot is unclear about the tape, including when it was recorded and who was on the other end of the conversation, Hils said the timing of its release tells a bigger story.“Its timing is suspicious at the least, if not far worse than that,” Hils said. “Pettis had just gone through an interview for what would be one of the most important career steps of her life. She is trying to become an assistant chief." Read CityBeat's story about the captain's reassignment and why Hils believes this is all a case of sabotage.
District 2 Capt. Danita Pettis has been temporarily reassigned pending an investigation by the city after allegations were raised that she used derogatory comments toward another officer, according to public records obtained by CityBeat. In an audio recording released by the department, a woman can be heard cursing and raising her voice to at least one other person who cannot be heard on the tape. The speaker in the recording makes references to an officer trading sex with male superiors for favorable treatment at work. While a lot is unclear about the tape, including when it was recorded and who was on the other end of the conversation, Hils said the timing of its release tells a bigger story.“Its timing is suspicious at the least, if not far worse than that,” Hils said. “Pettis had just gone through an interview for what would be one of the most important career steps of her life. She is trying to become an assistant chief." Read CityBeat's story about the captain's reassignment and why Hils believes this is all a case of sabotage.
Follow CityBeat's staff news writer Madeline Fening on Twitter and Instagram.
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