Photos: provided by Cincinnati Police Department
Cincinnati Police Department officers Kelly Drach and Rose Valentino
Police have had a big presence in the news this week, and not for the best reasons. But recent days also have brought election results, old-timey baseball and a new member of Cincinnati's favorite hippo family.
Yet Another Cincinnati Police Department Officer Said Racist Things Multiple Times
The Cincinnati Police Department has been in the spotlight lately – and not for good reasons. Internal reports supplied by CPD show that at least two officers were found to have used racist slurs while on duty in recent months. In the latest incident, CPD officer Kelly Drach, who is white, yelled the slur, ‘Sand n*****!” on two known occasions while working the desk in CPD’s Real Time Crime Center in November. This comes to light shortly after other documents showed that CPD officer Rose Valentino said, “Fucking n******s, I fucking hate them.” while in her car on duty outside Western Hills University High School in April. Read CityBeat's story about Drach and catch up on the Valentino incident.
DOJ: Louisville Police Officers Falsified Information, Tried To Cover Up Actions In Breonna Taylor Case
Current and former Louisville Metro Police Department officers involved in drafting the warrant for the botched March 13, 2020 incident that killed Breonna Taylor falsified information in their warrant application, conspired to cover up their actions and lied to federal investigators, the Department of Justice said Aug. 4. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Taylor should be alive today but the actions of Louisville police officers lying in the drafting of a search warrant caused her death. Read CityBeat's story about what else the investigation is finding.
Here's What Happened in Ohio's Wacky Special Election
Thanks to gerrymandering and Ohio Republicans' blatant, repeated insistence on using redrawn district maps that the Ohio Supreme Court had deemed unconstitutional, the Aug. 2 special election wasn't a democracy-filled wonderland. But the OG same-sex marriage champion and an abortion-rights guardian won, as did a Cincinnati Democrat with hefty endorsements, so maybe there's some hope glimmering within the Buckeye State.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear: Flooding Death Toll Rises to 30 In Eastern Kentucky
The death toll keeps mounting as responders continue dealing with the aftermath of severe floods that hit Eastern Kentucky beginning July 26. U.S. President Joe Biden has ordered federal aid for many Kentucky counties, and FEMA is in the Commonwealth for rescue and recovery. Read CityBeat's Story about how to report someone who is missing due to the floods.
Local Health Officials Urge Action to Slow Monkeypox in Greater Cincinnati
Monkeypox – which the United States declared a public health emergency on Aug. 4 – has made its way to Cincinnati, and now local health officials are asking residents to take precautions. Local officials say that the city of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, the multi-county Health Collaborative and area hospitals are working together to keep the infection at bay while simultaneously dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read CityBeat's story about how to identify and slow the spread of monkeypox.
New Curfew for E-Scooters Comes With Emphasis on Safety, Rider Requirements
Those nighttime scooter rides finally are back! After being depowered at 6 p.m. since April, the e-scooters' curfew is now extended to 9 p.m., the Cincinnati City Council shared on Aug. 2. Read CityBeat's story about the decision and how e-scooter companies say they're addressing safety.
Cincinnati Reds' Shortstop Kyle Farmer Is Ready to Come out of the Corn for MLB Field of Dreams Game
During the Aug. 11 Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa – which serves as an homage to the classic baseball film Field of Dreams – the Reds will take on the Chicago Cubs. It will be just the second such game ever, with the first occurring in 2021 between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. Read CityBeat's story about Farmer's obsession with the film, and then catch up on the Reds' moves at this week's trade deadline.
Bibi Gives Birth to Second Hippo Baby
Fiona is now a big sister. Bibi, mother of famous Fiona the hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens, gave birth to a healthy full-term calf Aug. 3. The mama became pregnant unexpectedly (she was on birth control) after the introduction of male hippo Tucker into her habitat last year. According to the hippo keepers, hippo gestation tends to be around 8 months. Read CityBeat's story about Fiona's new sister.
Joe Walsh's James Gang to Play Final Concert in Ohio with Dave Grohl, Nine Inch Nails, Breeders and Black Keys
Classic American rocker Joe Walsh and his James Gang are reuniting in Columbus for "One Last Ride" to benefit veterans — and the band is bringing along a special slate of all-Ohio guests. The show will mark the first time the James Gang – made up of Walsh, Jim Fox and Dale Peters – has performed together in more than a decade. Read CityBeat's story about how to get tickets.
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