The Delta variant of the coronavirus is rising in Kentucky and Ohio. Photo: Artem Kniaz, Unsplash

Wow, what a week! With the Delta variant causing COVID-19 cases to rise in Kentucky and beyond again, even the NFL is taking action. But Cincinnati also is getting one of the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, so it hasn’t been all bad news. Read the stories below to get the scoop.

With COVID-19 Spiking Quickly, CDC Again Recommends That Everyone Mask Up Indoors — Even If You’re Vaccinated

The Delta variant of the coronavirus carries a viral load 1,000-times higher than the original virus does, making it at least twice as easy to transmit among people. The variant is causing an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Kentucky and Ohio, so the CDC now recommends that all individuals resume wearing face masks indoors and in crowds, especially in regions of high transmission. Read CityBeat’s story for the science behind the mask recommendation. 


Cincinnati Children’s Recommends All Kids Wear Masks When Returning to In-Person School

The well-known Cincinnati research hospital says that school employees should mask up, too, to help protect children under 12 who aren’t yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Read CityBeat’s story about Cincinnati Children’s response to the Delta variant. 


NFL Will Fine Players on Cincinnati Bengals and All Teams $14K for COVID-19 Violations

The NFL’s strict new COVID-19 measures arrive as the league pushes vaccination among players and officials to slow the Delta variant. Vaccinated players largely have no restrictions, while unvaccinated players responsible for coronavirus outbreaks face steep fines and other penalties. Read CityBeat’s story about the NFL’s fines for individuals as well as how the league will punish COVID-rich teams.

Cincinnati Nabs a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Match for TQL Stadium

FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium will conclude the end of its first operational year by hosting one of the qualifying matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Cincinnati’s match, which will be one of seven games within the United States, will feature the The United States Men’s National Soccer Team vs. Mexic. Read CityBeat’s story to find out how you can get tickets.


Ohio Senate Candidate JD Vance: Parents Deserve More Votes Than Child-Free Citizens Do

During an address to a conservative organization, Republican Ohio Senate candidate and Middletown native JD Vance also said that politicians without children “have no physical commitment to the future of this country.” Read CityBeat’s story about what else the Hillbilly Elegy author said. 

Cincinnati’s New Black Music Walk of Fame Celebrates Key Performers and History

Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece unveiled the conceptual art for the upcoming Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame at Andrew J. Brady ICON Music Center. The Isley Brothers and Bootsy Collins are among those who will be part of the inaugural class. Read CityBeat’s story about Cincinnati’s new celebration of Black musicians. 


Controversial Hamilton County Auditor Dusty Rhodes Says He Won’t Run for Reelection

Hamilton County Auditor and Democrat Dusty Rhodes first entered office in 1990 and has become known for his controversial views and Twitter rants. State Representative Brigid Kelly later announced that in 2022, she would campaign for the office that Rhodes will vacate in 2023. Read CityBeat’s story about Rhodes’ long and polarizing career


Historic Mount Lookout Staple Named Best Burger in Ohio by Food & Wine Magazine

Food & Wine Magazine has fallen in love with Zip’s Cafe, the local burger restaurant that’s been a Greater Cincinnati favorite for years. The magazine recently awarded the Zip Burger as the best burger spot in Ohio. Read CityBeat’s story to see Food & Wine‘s patty praise. 

Prost! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Is Back for 2021 — with an Extra Night of Celebrating

Hallo and willkommen back to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, which returns Sept 16-19. The fall festival adds an extra day and extended hours this year to compensate for 2020’s cancellation. Read CityBeat’s story about Oktoberfest’s return. 

CityBeat Is Hiring Editorial Interns for Fall Semester

Attention all journalism and communications students: CityBeat is in the market for fall editorial interns who love both our publication and digging into interesting facets of Cincinnati. Read CityBeat’s announcement about how to join the team.

Sign up for our weekly newsletters to get the latest on the news, things to do and places to eat delivered right to your inbox.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.