Normally, a derailed train near the Pennsylvania border would be of no concern to the people of Cincinnati, but then East Palestine happened. After an explosion, a connection developed between the small town of 5,000 people and the health and financial future of Cincinnati. But plenty of other news happened this week, too, including updates about scary new party drugs, new pro-soccer uniforms and several sex-related stories that CityBeat was not expecting this long after Valentine’s Day.
Catch up on the week’s big headlines below.
Cincinnati Grapples with Environmental, Financial Fallout after East Palestine Train Explosion
There continue to be repercussions from the Feb. 3 derailment of a Norfolk Southern Railway train in East Palestine, including here in the Queen City. During a budget and finance committee meeting, Cincinnati City Council members raised safety and financial concerns to Norfolk Southern representatives, as the city had been exploring selling the Cincinnati Southern Railway to Norfolk Southern. Greater Cincinnati Water Works continues to test and monitor chemicals released from the train explosion that are flowing down the Ohio River. And environmental activist (and Oscar-winning film subject) Erin Brockovich is keeping an eye on things, chastising elected officials like Middletown’s J.D. Vance for not quickly responding to Ohioans’ questions about potentially harmful fallout. Catch up CityBeat‘s coverage of the train derailment’s connection to Cincinnati.
Deadly Batches of “Flesh-Eating” Drugs Reported in Downtown Cincinnati
The SOAR Initiative alerts subscribers about deadly batches of drugs, often laced with unknown amounts of fentanyl. But a Feb. 14 alert warned drug users about batches of “pink fentanyl” that were laced with something else entirely: Xylazine, also known as “tranq-dope.” It’s also been nicknamed “zombie drug” because of what it does to a body. Read CityBeat‘s story about Xylazine’s effects and why typical overdose mitigations may not be enough to save someone.
Cincinnati Breaks 150-Year-Old Rainfall Record Because Thursday Was Wet AF
Cincinnati, you were wet. Really, really wet. Feb. 16 was a stormy day, which meant wrestling with umbrellas and dealing with people who apparently had never driven in the rain. But it also was a record-breaking day, with all that precipitation setting a new high for the first time in 150 years. Read CityBeat‘s story about what the Queen City did with 1.87 inches.
Ohio House Republicans Introduce First Batch of Anti-LGBTQ Bills of 2023
Republican priorities for Ohio’s 135th seem to focus on legislation that is harmful to LGBTQ+ youth and the teachers who educate them. Among the first bills filed for consideration are HB 6, which would ban trans women and girls from playing sports, and HB 8, which would force teachers and school staff to out LGBTQ+ youth to parents. Read CityBeat‘s story about how these bills have increased in scope since the last batch.
Which Sex Position do Ohioans Love the Most? The Answer is … Depressing
There are a million ways to have all kinds of sex, with some positions taking Olympic levels of coordination and others requiring the bare minimum of movement so you can keep binge-watching The Office after a long day. But come on now, Ohio – you may be in a bit of a rut, according to Google data. Read CityBeat‘s story about how Ohioans are – and are not – getting it on.
Ohioans Bet Big on the Super Bowl, but Governor Wants Stiffer Restrictions
Sports betting is now legal in Ohio, and, boy, were residents happy about that. According to data from geolocation firm GeoComply, which verifies bettors’ locations for sports books, the company ran 12.6 million geolocation checks and registered 1.1 million new accounts in Ohio over Super Bowl weekend – the second-largest volume of any state. But Gov. Mike DeWine may be tossing a flag onto the field. Read CityBeat‘s story about how DeWine might restrict sports-betting companies.
See FC Cincinnati’s New Kit That Pays Tribute to the Ohio River
As FC Cincinnati’s 2023 season opener nears, the team is debuting a new look. The Ohio River takes center stage in FC Cincinnati’s latest kit, which was unveiled during a special event on Feb. 15. Dubbed the “river kit,” the gear features watery imagery and local landmarks. Read CityBeat‘s story to see photos of FC Cincinnati’s striking new kit.
UC Medical Staff, Damar Hamlin Enjoy Major Hugfest During Super Bowl LVII
The Cincinnati Bengals may not have played in this year’s Super Bowl, but the city still was a big part of the festivities. During a pre-game ceremony, the NFL recognized the medical teams who helped save Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s life after he collapsed from cardiac arrest during a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Read CityBeat‘s story about how UC Med Center and Hamlin reacted on the field together, and watch videos from the Super Bowl.
Here’s All the Half-Naked Fun We Saw During the Cupid’s Undie Run
Dozens of scantily-clad runners showed up to participate in Cincinnati’s Cupid’s Undie Run, which raises funds each year for NF research via the Children’s Tumor Foundation. From S&M gear to Valentine undies to tiny tutus, Queen City runners wore it all – well, when they had clothes on, at least. See CityBeat‘s scintillating photos from 2023’s Undie Run.
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This article appears in Feb 8-21, 2023.