Cincinnati Edition

It started as a rumor, then became a debate, then progressed into a massive construction project. Now, FC Cincinnati's West End home, officially called TQL Stadium, is a reality. The facility will see its first Major League Soccer game this month.

Cincinnati has plans for a new Western Hills Viaduct and the money to build it could be secured by the end of the year. The new design includes a single deck replacement with eight travel lanes, to be built 50 feet to the south of the existing viaduct. Construction will take $335 million and the project is expected to be complete in 2028.

In the state of Ohio, teachers and other staff members can carry firearms on school grounds by meeting certain training requirements. Now a bill working its way through the legislature would require school staff to get the eight hours of training needed for a concealed carry license. More than 130 people have voiced their opposition to House Bill 99 , introduced by Rep. Thomas Hall (R-Middletown).

Work is set to begin on improving the 10 busiest bus routes in the Metro system. Phase 1 of the Reinventing Metro Plan launches May 30. As part of the plan riders will see increased bus frequency on routes, longer hours of operation and better amenities. Voters approved Issue 7 in 2020, which will pay for the massive overhaul in local transit.

The United States officially rejoined the Paris climate agreement in February and President Biden said tackling the climate crisis is among his highest priorities. So how is our region meeting the challenges of a changing climate? This week the 2021 Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit explores this topic. The theme of this year’s Summit from May 12 to 14 is "Accelerating Action: The Path to 2030."

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This year Ohioans will see a new way of drawing Congressional districts in the state. Every 10 years, Ohio draws new district maps and the process has historically been a partisan affair, where districts are drawn to favor one party over another. But in 2015 and 2018, voters approved a new process meant to prevent gerrymandering.

Cincinnati's German heritage is evident in its historic architecture, churches and family names, and even in its present-day celebratory events. German presence in the city dates even before Cincinnati was known as "Cincinnati."

Aftab Pureval comes in with a decisive lead in last night's mayoral primary and David Mann finishes second. Now, from a field of six, the top two two square off in November. And with the mayoral primary, Cincinnati voters approved two charter amendments addressing government corruption but rejected a third tackling affordable housing.

There are at least 30 states nationwide where lawmakers have introduced bills to ban transgender women and girls from competing on girls' and women's sports teams. Here in Ohio, two such bills are working their way through the legislature. Rep. Jena Powell, R-Arcanum, and Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson, have introduced House Bill 61 and Senate Bill 132.

A set of 2,000-year-old earthworks is at the center of a court battle. It's also at the center of a golf course.

A new fashion reality TV show is debuting in Cincinnati this summer. The Collective brings together a select group of celebrity designers, including 2019 Project Runway contestant and Cincinnatian Tessa Clark. Unlike other reality fashion shows, The Collective is not meant to be a competition. It's a showcase of collaboration, fashion and creative networks within the city. The first livestream debuts 9 a.m. to noon July 29.

Cincinnati voters on May 4 will be faced with a decision on Issue 3, a ballot initiative that would direct the city to spend at least $50 million a year on affordable housing.

Greater Cincinnati is home to a number of thriving communities whose members have their origins in Asian and Pacific Island countries.

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