The Impact of the Smale Park Shooting, and 8 Other Important Cincinnati News Stories You May Have Missed This Week July 4-9, 2021

CPD makes new plans as a result of the gun violence at Smale Park; the Cincinnati Zoo will soon be vaccinating its animals against COVID-19; and Vanilla Ice is performing in Cincinnati for free.

Jul 9, 2021 at 9:39 am
Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Issac in a 2019 photo - Photo: City of Cincinnati
Photo: City of Cincinnati
Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Issac in a 2019 photo

Cincinnati has had a violent week, but there's still beauty and community in our wonderful region. Is that summer cabin fever hitting yet? Check out the stories below to find out where to get a scrumptious $6 burger, how to take a tour of a Cincinnati landmark or where to find free, local concerts. 


Cincinnati Police Continue to Investigate July 4 Shooting at Smale Park That Left 2 Teens Dead, Others Injured

A July 4 shooting in Smale Riverfront Park turned deadly, resulting in the death of Milo Watson, 16, and Dexter Wright Jr., 19. Three other bystanders were injured. Read CityBeat’s original story about the Smale Park shooting, then see Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley’s response and how Cincinnati Police plan to take action this weekend.


Riverfest Fireworks to Return in 2021 with Giant Labor Day Pyrotechnic Display Over the Ohio River

Riverfest is back and we’re exploding with excitement! After last year’s firework show in a secret location, the Queen City will be lit up again this Labor Day weekend. Freestore Foodbank’s Rubber Duck Regatta also will be returning. Read CityBeat’s story about Cincinnati’s biggest firework show. 


Cincinnati Zoo Animals Soon Will Get a Special COVID-19 Vaccine

International animal health company Zoetis is donating more than 11,000 doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to nearly 70 zoos across America. And the Cincinnati Zoo is one of them, says the zoo's director of animal health, Dr. Mark Campbell, in a video message. The special two-dose SARS-COV-2 vaccine, which has been approved for experimental use by the United States Department of Agriculture, will arrive at the Cincinnati Zoo later this summer. The first residents to receive the vaccine will be those who have been found to be more susceptible to the virus, including big cats, gorillas and other mammals who have close interactions with humans, according to the zoo. Read CityBeat's story about how the zoo is preparing the animals to receive their shots.


Vanilla Ice Is Playing Great American Ball Park for Free After a Cincinnati Reds Game, Because Why Not?

The Cincinnati Reds are taking us back in time with an “I Love The ‘90s” concert on August 21 featuring Vanilla Ice, Naughty By Nature, Tone Loc and Rob Base. We're hoping the free concert will give us the epic '90s Rap battle we all deserve. Read CityBeat’s  story about Great American Ball Park’s upcoming concert. 


The Most Over-the-Top $6 Cincinnati Burger Week Creations You Must Try

Cincinnati Burger Week is back and beefier than ever from July 12-18. With more than 100 local options to choose from, we’ve compiled the standout burger creations in the city from Agave and Rye to Sammy’s to Pensive Distilling. No matter where in town you are, we’ve got the scoop. Check out CityBeat's list of Cincinnati’s most creative burgers.


Go Behind the Scenes of Cincinnati's Historic Music Hall When Indoor Tours Return

Starting this weekend, Cincinnati’s beloved Music Hall will be back in business for one-hour tours at select times on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Read CityBeat’s story about how to reserve a tour through Music Hall. 


Over-the-Rhine Street Festival Second Sunday on Main Returns This Weekend with PRIDE on Main

Over-the-Rhine’s monthly neighborhood party is back in swing with a Pride-themed bash after a year of social distance-friendly events. Head out Sunday for live music, drag shows, belly dancing and more. All events are free to attend. Read CityBeat’s story about Second Sunday on Main’s return. 


Graeter's Ice Cream Releases Fourth Secret Bonus Flavor of the Summer

Graeter’s secret summer bonus flavors have kept us guessing — especially since they aren’t revealed until the day of their release — and this week’s announcement was no disappointment. The fourth flavor, available only for a limited time, is... well, you'll just have to read and find out. Read CityBeat’s story about Graeter’s newest flavor. 


'Carmen' Kicks Off Cincinnati Opera Season of Classics at Summit Park

Prepare to be serenaded in Summit Park this summer with the joint efforts of Cincinnati Opera and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra when they return to the stage with three classics: Carmen, Tosca, and The Barber of Seville. Audiences will follow social distancing guidelines and be seated in ‘pods.’ Read CityBeat’s story about the upcoming season.


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