That's So Cincinnati: Recent Episodes
That's So Cincinnati
This podcast is about you: The Cincinnatian. Let The Enquirer's Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge make the complicated local issues affecting your daily life easy to understand. And have more than a little fun in the process. On the ballot or in the streets, we are here to help you out. Because that's SO Cincinnati.
Cincy Scoop creators, Sarah and Mitko Karshovski, join Beryl, Kaycee and David on the Jan. 15 episode of That's So Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals super fan "Bengal Jim" Foster and Enquirer columnist Jason Williams join Editor Beryl Love on the Nov. 20 episode of That's So Cincinnati.
Enquirer editor Beryl Love and reporter Kaycee Sloan are joined by New York Times Best-Selling author, and Cincinnatian, Mia Sheridan.
Peter Rodish and Cathy Stavros from the Panegyri Greek Festival join Enquirer editor Beryl Love on the June 25 episode of That’s So Cincinnati.
Pulitzer Prize-winning, former Cincinnati Enquirer editorial cartoonist, Jim Borgman joins Sherry Coolidge and Beryl Love on the July 1 episode of That's So Cincinnati.
Co-hosts Beryl Love and Sharon Coolidge are joined by Procter & Gamble CEO Jon Moeller and his wife, Lisa Sauer, a retired P&G vice president and longtime ArtsWave supporter.
Cincinnati Congressman Greg Landsman discusses a range of current issues and shares stories from his first term in the U.S. House with hosts Executive Editor Beryl Love and City Hall reporter Sherry Coolidge of The Cincinnati Enquirer.
Executive Editor Beryl Love is joined by City Hall reporter Sherry Coolidge, Politics Editor Carl Weiser and Ohio Statehouse reporter Jesse Balmert to discuss and react to all things about the 2023 election.
Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Powers joins the That's So Cincinnati podcast with City Hall reporter Sherry Coolidge and Executive Editor Beryl Love. Produced by Senior Photographer Kareem Elgazzar.
Cincinnati Enquirer City Hall reporter Sherry Coolidge and Executive Editor Beryl Love talk with Congressman-elect Greg Landsman about the transition to Congress. The duo also touch on other city matters making news.
It's not the Christmas season just yet, although the signs are there. There was snow on Saturday and frigid overnight temperatures. The ice skating rink at Fountain Square has been drawing crowds since even before it got cold. And now the Fountain Square Christmas Tree has arrived. 3CDC's Christy Samad tells listeners everything that went into picking it.
Jeff Brantley loved the Cincinnati Reds long before he was a pitcher for the team and even longer before he started calling games in the team's broadcast booth. When Brantley was growing up in Alabama, he and his dad would listen to famed Reds' broadcasters Joe Nuxhall and Marty Brennaman calling the games while sitting in the family car, coasting up and down the driveway – it was the only way to get decent reception. So when Brantley joined the Reds as a player from 1994 to 1997, it felt like a homecoming, even if Cincinnati wasn't actually home. Hear what he had to say about his career and where the Reds are headed in coming seasons on this episode of That's So Cincinnati.
With the addition of the Blackburn sisters – Elizabeth and Caroline – to the Bengals’ leadership team, the fourth generation of the Brown family has taken its place in the front office. Enquirer Bengals beat wrtier Kelsey Conway drops into this week’s That’s So Cincinnati podcast to chat with the Blackburns, along with co-host Beryl Love. Find out what was on Elizabeth’s to-do list when she took over as directory of strategy and engagement and what Caroline’s biggest pet peeve is when it comes to working with her sister.
If it's a high-profile national trial, chances are Cincinnati-based veteran courts and crime reporter Angenette Levy is there.
The Law & Crime network host and correspondent has been on the ground in Wisconsin for the Kyle Rittenhouse, in Virginia for Johnny Depp-Amber Heard and in Minnesota for Derek Chauvin trials in the past year.
And a big reason why Levy's been there: Courts in those states allow cameras in the court room.
Levy, the former Local 12 reporter and anchor, is outspoken about the need for federal courts to begin following most state courts and allow cameras in the courtroom.
"It's time," Levy told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast. "With the technology, we have to evolve and give people a peek into the system."
Here in Cincinnati, the issue of cameras in the courtroom came up amid the recent federal public corruption trial of former city councilman P.G. Sittenfeld. Federal court policy prohibits cameras and all electronic devices in the courtroom for federal trials, something that has frustrated the public and journalists, particularly on high-profile cases.
Levy recalled a recent discussion she had with a federal court source.
"This person said they think it hinders justice and people start performing because they believe they're on a stage and they're playing to the cameras. And maybe a little bit of that is true," Levy said. "But I believe in transparency. Courts should be accessible to everyone. Why are we not getting a peek inside? I think it's silly. People are going to perform whether there's a camera there or not. Court is kind of a theater."
Law & Crime is a digital network that serves a similar purpose as Court TV. Law & Crime live streams high-profile cases on its website and social media platforms. Levy has been with the network since late 2020, and Law & Crime often sends her across the U.S. to provide live reports from trials.
The network often sends Levy across the nation to provide live reports from the courtroom. Levy was in Florida this week reporting on the trial of the Parkland school shooter.
Levy cohosts Law & Crime's "Sidebar" daily podcast. She also hosts the local radio show "Simply Medicine" at 2 p.m. on Saturday on 55KRC.
You think you were surprised at everything you heard in the P.G. Sittenfeld trial?
So was the guy who oversaw the public corruption investigation into the former Cincinnati city councilman and other Ohio politicians. And David DeVillers was part of a team of prosecutors who helped convict Saddam Hussein on war crimes and genocide.
"The biggest thing coming into becoming the U.S. Attorney ... it wasn't the murders and the terrorism and the cartels, it was the corruption that was the biggest surprise for me," DeVillers, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, told "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
DeVillers left the U.S. Attorney's office in February 2021 with the change in the White House. But the Columbus resident kept close tabs on the Sittenfeld trial, which ended last week with the Democrat being convicted of bribery and attempted extortion.
DeVillers declined to answer specific questions about the investigation because it overlaps with cases that have not yet come to trial – and he's no longer in office. DeVillers, who in 2020 said Cincinnati City Hall had a "culture of corruption," declined to discuss why the investigation that ultimately led to Sittenfeld's arrest happened.
But DeVillers, originally hired as an assistant federal prosecutor during President George W. Bush's administration, talked about the big picture when it comes to the federal government cracking down on corrupt politicians.
"That's one of the FBI's highest priorities," DeVillers said.
These days, DeVillers is a partner in the Columbus office of national law firm Barnes & Thornburg. He's working as a technical adviser for the producers of the popular Showtime show "Billions," a drama about power and politics. DeVillers also is an adjunct instructor at Ohio State's Moritz College of Law.
Trial attorney Steve Goodin, a former Cincinnati City Councilman, joins "That's So Cincinnati" podcast to provide legal analysis on the public corruption trial of former Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld.
Goodin, of Downtown-based Graydon Law, has been in the courtroom to watch most of the proceedings since the trial began June 21.
Asked after the prosecution rested its case on Wednesday what he thought the outcome might be, Goodin said:
“I have thought from the beginning that there was a pretty strong likelihood of him being convicted. I still feel that way after having heard the evidence. It isn’t just some subjective thing. When I look at some of the cases around the country that are most like this case … the (former Gov. Rod) Blagovich trial in Illinois and the (former Gov. Bob) McConnell trial of Virginia – both of which involved what we call these subtle quid pro quos – the jury found them both guilty.
"Juries tend not to like this kind of behavior. There’s something about these fact patterns that to the average person really speak to everything they don’t like about politics. ...
"I think there’s a strong likelihood he will be convicted on some of the charges, maybe not all. That’s a sad day for the city. That’s a sad day for him."
Sittenfeld faces two counts each of attempted extortion, bribery and honest services wire fraud. Closing arguments could begin on Tuesday.
When Sheree Paolello signed a contract to be a reporterat WLWT-TV News 5 she saw Cincinnati as a stepping stone to a bigger market like Chicago or New York.
But that contract became two contracts. Then an offer to anchor came along.
So she stayed.
This month marks her 20th anniversary at WLWT. Paolello told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast there's no other place she'd rather report the news.
Paolello grew up in St. Leon, in Dearborn County. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University and went on to be a crime reporter in South Bend, Indiana, Dayton and Charlotte before coming to Cincinnati.
A mother of three, Paolellofound the love of her life, Mike Dardis, in the anchor chair right next to where she sits. They celebrated their third wedding anniversary a few weeks ago.
Looking back, Paolello said the big stories that resonate with viewers are, of course, the stories she remembers too. She reported live from Fountain Square in 2018 when a gunman killed three and wounded two others in the lobby of Fifth Third's headquarters.
She covered the 2006 saga of Marcus Fiesel, a 3-year-old child who was falsely reported missing, but whose foster parents killed him.
Paolello knows her job can look glamorous, but the truth, she says, is that it usually isn't.
"When you're a young reporter," Paolello said, "I don't think you realize the gravity of the job. ... And then you meet people on the worst day of their life. And what I always say to rookie reporters and to journalism school interns, I'll say to them, 'The day you lose your compassion is the day you need to get out of this business because it a day story for us is most of the time a life-changing moment for other people."
To deal with the toughest stories she relied on Dardis' strength as her partner and the advice a priest gave her many years ago.
He told her to be compassionate and do her job the best she can, in the most compassionate way possible.
Then Dardis suggested that every night, on the way home, Paolello say a prayer for the people she's reported on.
"And that is kind of how I've gotten through it," Paolello said. "I have been doing this job for over 25 years, 20 here in Cincinnati. And that's what I do. I say a prayer for the parents whose kids were killed in a car crash or the father who lost their wife to cold blood or whatever it is.
"I try to just make it be part of my routine."
Western & Southern Financial Group top executive John Barrett joins "That's So Cincinnati" and discusses his big, bold idea to potentially build a new Downtown arena.
FC Cincinnati co-CEO Jeff Berding joins to discuss the crunch-time decision to sign the agreement with FIFA in order for Cincinnati to move forward with its 2026 World Cup bid.
Khisha Asubuhi came to Cincinnati to coach basketball in 2003 and soon noticed Southwest Ohio's strong pride in its private, Catholic high schools.
Where's the love for the city, suburban and rural public schools, she wondered?
It was a thought that eventually led to the best-selling T-shirt at Originalitees, an apparel shop that Asubuhi opened in 2009.
She told the story behind the "Product of Public Schools" apparel as this week's guest on The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
Asubuhi, a Columbus native, played basketball at Cincinnati State and Indiana University. She returned to Cincinnati in 2003 to be an assistant coach at Cincinnati State.
After nearly 17 years working at the post office, Asubuhi opened Originalitees as an online-only shop. In 2020, Originalitees opened a storefront at 2809 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills.
Originalitees is among a handful of T-shirt shops selling local- and state-themed apparel that have opened and been successful over the past decade or so.
The store has partnerships with the Reds and FC Cincinnati. Originalitees has designed an exclusive T-shirt that's part of the ticket package for Friday's African American Community Night game at Great American Ball Park. Originalitees also saw strong sales of its Bengals-themed T-shirts and sweatshirts amid the Super Bowl run this year.
Asubuhi explained why there's been a boom in such shops, not only in Cincinnati but nationwide.
Listen to "That's So Cincinnati" for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Media and other podcast platforms. The episode is also available for free by clicking the link at the top of the article.
Jean-Robert de Cavel is never far from a kitchen – whether it's at his restaurant Le Bar a Boeuf or at home with his wife and daughter.
And at 60, he told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast, not even cancer will stop him. Jean-Robert said he remains in chemotherapy after first being diagnosed in 2018 with leiomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer.
“I will never be cured," Jean-Robert said. "I just have to be strong. I keep very positive. My medical team says, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing because it’s working.’ Never, ever give up.”
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber named Jean-Robert as a Great Living Cincinnatian in the 2021 class. In addition to Le Bar a Boeuf in East Walnut Hills, Jean-Robert owns French Crust Café and Bistro, in Over-the-Rhine by Findlay Market.
Jean-Robert came to Cincinnati in 1993 when he was 32 to work at The Maisonette, the city's only Mobil 5-star-rated restaurant. In the interview, he talked about starting his own fine dining restaurant – Jean-Robert at Pigall's and his subsequent restaurants, which he always started when he was looking for a new challenge.
Asked to pick a favorite, Jean-Robert talked wistfully about Table, which was located at Seventh and Vine streets. Table closed in December 2020 because the owner sold the building.
"You could come on a Monday night and have a casual dinner and come back and dress up on Saturday night and celebrate," Jean-Robert said. "Table is definitely a love affair, and it is sad what happened."
Jean-Robert has said he wants to find a new space for Table, but the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the process.
He told "That's So Cincinnati" that he looked at sites to potentially open a new restaurant eight months ago. But he decided not to continue to pursue it partly because of the financial challenges that the pandemic has had on the restaurant industry.
Jean-Robert currently has no immediate plans to open a new restaurant, but said: “Opening a new restaurant is always on my mind.”
Pete Rose, who sees himself as an ambassador for the Cincinnati Reds, is defending team owner Bob Castellini amid the club getting off to one of the worst starts in Major League Baseball history.
But baseball's all-time hits leader says he's doesn't blame Reds fans for being upset and wearing bags over their heads calling on Castellini to sell the team.
"If I'm managing the Reds and I get off to a 3-22 start, I'm going to wear a bag over my head because I'm embarrassed," Rose told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
"I'm a Cincinnati fan," said Rose, the former Reds player and manager. "I do not want to hear the word 'develop.' You can't tell your season-ticket holders you have a three- or four-year plan. Because you know what they'll say? 'OK, I'll see you in three or four years. Let me know when you're ready to entertain me, and I'll come back to the ballpark.' "
Rose was asked what he thought of the comments that Reds executive Phil Castellini made on Opening Day. The owner's son brushed off some fans' demands that the team be sold by saying: "Where you gonna go?"
"Baseball will never – never – leave Cincinnati, Ohio," Rose said. "So anybody out there worried about (the team moving) because of the ownership, go back to sleep and wake up on the other side of the bed. That's not going to happen."
Phil Castellini has apologized for the comments, but fan backlash continues as the Reds have gotten off to one of the worst starts in Major League Baseball history.
Rose, 81, permanently banned from baseball for gambling, has had a good relationship with Bob Castellini since he bought the team in 2006. The Reds have received permission multiple times from Major League Baseball to include Rose in reunion events.
Rose called Castellini, 80, a "great guy" and "great Cincinnatian."
Asked whether he thinks Castellini should sell the team, Rose said: "I'm just speaking for myself. I'm not speaking about anything I've heard. I don't think Mr. Castellini is making big-time decisions with the Cincinnati Reds. He is the owner. He wants the team to do well. He's a rich man. He's done wonders for Cincinnati with the produce company over the years. I don't think he wants to sell the team. And I know if he sold the team, he'd probably make a stipulation that you can't move the team.
Rose later added: "The bottom line in sports is the players have to produce. It's not (Manager) David Bell's fault. ... A manager is only as good as his player."
Rose, who lives in Las Vegas, is scheduled to be in Cincinnati for a celebrity roast at Hard Rock Casino on June 11. The 81-year-old Cincinnati native continues to travel the nation for autograph-signing events and speaking engagements. He not only keeps close tabs on the Reds, but also the Bengals and UC Bearcats.
Rose loves Joe Burrow, and believes the Bengals' Super Bowl loss will help the team improve.
Said Rose: "I was happy that they lost. Let me explain that. I wasn't happy for the city. But sometimes, when you're that good that young and you win, it ruins you for the future. You get complacent. Now they probably can't wait to get back there."
Cincinnati is the epicenter of football with the Bengals coming off the Super Bowl appearance and the Bearcats playing in the College Football Playoff. But Rose doesn't want people to forget about the Reds' history as the oldest franchise in baseball.
"Cincinnati will always be a baseball town," Rose said.
It's been a busy few months for the MadTree Brewing.
One of Cincinnati's most successful craft beer breweries has taken on challenges like never before – opening its first full-service restaurant and jumping into the hard seltzer game.
MadTree marketing manager Trevor Self joined The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast to offer a behind-the-scenes look at why the Oakley-based company decided to open Alcove restaurant in Over-the-Rhine and launch a line of vodka soda called "Sway."
MadTree, founded in 2013, held off on branching out beyond beer making, even as competitors started making seltzers and hard lemonades. Find out how MadTree expects "Sway" to expand its popular brand.
Ohio lawmaker Jean Schmidt talks in-depth about why she's leading the way on House Bill 616. The Clermont County Republican also talks about her return to politics, changing her stance on the death penalty, mentoring women struggling with substance abuse and marathon running.
Former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, a member of one of the great political dynasties in American history, questioned whether he could even get elected in today's hyperpartisan political climate.
In a rare interview these days, the 80-year-old Republican told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast that he'd be known as a "RINO" – Republican in Name Only – if he were still in politics.
"I'm not sure there's much of a center-right ... on the Republican side," Taft said. "It could be a big challenge for someone like me to get elected as a Republican. There's no middle lane out there."
Addressing the partisan extremes on both sides, Taft said: "It's like (the parties) don't want to allow the other side to have any victories that would help the other side get reelected. It's not healthy for democracy. It's not good for the country."
Teresa Theetge comes from a big West Side police family.
Her father was a Cincinnati Police captain. Two of Theetge's uncles were high-ranking officers in the department. Four of her seven siblings became officers at various local departments. Her son is a Boone County Sheriff's Office deputy.
Even her 10-year-old grandson – one of eight grandchildren – told her if a career in Major League Baseball doesn't work out, he wants to be an officer, too.
So when Cincinnati interim City Manager John Curp appointed Theetge as the city's interim police chief on Feb. 16, Theetge had plenty of advisors at the ready.
"As soon as it was public knowledge that I was interim, two of my mentors who are now retired, told me, 'Take the interim off, because you're the chief. You own it. You know, the buck stops with you,' " Theetge told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
Joe Deters returns to "That's So Cincinnati" podcast -- and the Hamilton County prosecutor doesn't mince words.
Cincinnati Parks Foundation Director Jennifer Hafner Spieser spends a lot of time in Cincinnati Parks.
It is her job after all.
The foundation she runs is basically the unsung hero of the city park system, ranked the 8th-best urban park system in the country by the Trust for Public Land.
Spieser talked to The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast this week to detail the foundation's newest projects, a new litter clean-up program and she urged people to go to Ault Park and Mount Echo Park to see the cherry blossom trees, which are blooming now for seven weeks. Ault Park alone has 1,000 cherry blossom trees.
Statue of Ezzard Charles
Set to be unveiled this fall in the West End's Laurel Park, the bronze statue and plaza will commemorate the life and legacy of Cincinnati’s World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Ezzard Charles.
It's meant to celebrate not just Charles' boxing legacy, but also how he was an ambassador for the community, Spieser said.
"He was bilingual. He was a veteran jazz musician, and would take an ice cream cart around the neighborhood on hot summer days," Spieser said. "So for us at the Foundation, we recognized immediately that it was definitely more than a piece of public art, although we're quite proud of that. It incorporated revitalization of the park."
The project also has running routes that mimic some of the running routes Charles' used to when he was training to fight Rocky Marciano.
"Rocky was running in Central Park, and so as Ezzard Charles took to the Cincinnati Hills and was running throughout Cincinnati," Spieser said.
How did Michele Hobbs go from selling dog food to launching a distillery?
The Prospect Hill entrepreneur talks about her 26-year journey of investing in Over-the-Rhine businesses on The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
After years of running Pet Wants at Findlay Market, Hobbs opened Knox Joseph Distillery at OTR StillHouse (2017 Branch Street) in December.
She wanted to focus on building a distillery as a way to complement rather than compete with the many breweries, bars and restaurants that have opened amid OTR's 21st century renaissance. Knox Joseph, named after one of Hobbs' children, features a large indoor/outdoor space for drinking, dining and concerts.
Listen to "That's So Cincinnati" for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Media and other podcast platforms. The episode is also available for free by clicking the link at the top of the article.
Former St. Xavier High School basketball star Jordan Cornette has worked his way up at ESPN by being a versatile television and radio host.
He's hosted shows talking about college football and basketball, and been an in-game TV analyst on college basketball broadcasts. In October, Cornette was promoted to co-host a weekday highlight and talk show on ESPN+ called SportsNation. It was a unique appointment because Cornette's co-host is his wife, Shae Peppler Cornette. They also host a weekly Sunday show on ESPN Radio.
Jordan Cornette, 38, a former Notre Dame basketball player, joined The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast to discuss his rise in broadcasting; the Cincinnati sportscaster who influenced him; and what it's like to work alongside his wife.
Ickey Woods gained nationwide fame doing his "Ickey Shuffle" touchdown dance during the Bengals' run to the Super Bowl in 1988 season.
He loves seeing the city come alive again amid the Bengals' run to Sunday's AFC Championship game in Kansas City.
"It’s been a long way for us – and it’s about time," Woods told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast. "These guys are doing a great job. The kid, Joe Burrow, is a very unbelievable guy. He just has that 'it' factor. He’s just unbelievable."
Woods, 55, has remained connected to the Bengals since his playing career ended in 1991. He runs a concession stand at every Bengals home game at Paul Brown Stadium. The proceeds from concession sales help support the Jovante Woods Foundation, which raises money and awareness for Asthma research in honor of Ickey Woods' late son.
The legend of the "Ickey Shuffle" has lived on. In 2014, Woods was featured doing the dance in a Geico commercial. (Find out on "That's So Cincinnati" which two versions of the commercial ended up on the cutting-room floor.)
Bengals fans got treated with the "Ickey Shuffle" in the home playoff against Las Vegas on Jan. 15. Tight end C.J. Uzomah did the shuffle after scoring a first quarter touchdown. Woods was at Paull Brown Stadium to see it.
"He was doing a good job of it, too," Woods said.
Don't get Tim McGee wrong. He cherishes the memories of being part of the great Bengals teams in the late 1980s and early 1990s. And the former wide receiver loves talking about playing on a Super Bowl team.
But McGee is happy the Bengals are giving fans a reason to stop talking about the glory days of three decades ago. He joined The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast to offer perspective on the Bengals' first playoff win in 30 years on Jan. 15.
"Trust me, I wish we could stop talking about the 1989 Super Bowl and the 1981 Super Bowl," McGee said. "We need to be erased, deleted. We need to be talking about what happened this year (2021 season) and 2022 and 2023. That's when I really get excited. I want to be part of the used-to-be as opposed to the current."
McGee, 57, played nearly a decade in the NFL after the Bengals selected him in the first round of the 1986 draft. He is in his fifth year co-hosting the Bengals' post-game talk show on 700 WLW. The Cleveland native has thrived in the role partly because he offers listeners candid analysis.
"One of the reasons why WLW and WLWT and some of the other outlets have me on is because I have a reputation of calling things like they are," McGee said. "I'm just the truth-driven person, and I'm willing to suffer consequences and/or the accolades that comes with that."
McGee, who lives in Mason, has spent most of his post-playing career living in Greater Cincinnati. For years, the Bengals have gotten a bad reputation for not celebrating their history enough and honoring past players.
What does McGee think about this?
Find out by listening to "That's So Cincinnati" for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Media and other podcast platforms.
Eve Bolton called Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education's decision last week to close the school buildings and return to fully remote learning "devastating" for students and their families.
The retired teacher was the only board member who voted against returning to full remote learning amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in Ohio's third-largest school district. School buildings are shutdown to students until at least Jan. 24, a date board members targeted for returning to in-person learning.
Bolton, the board's longest-turned member, didn't hold back in expressing her frustrations with the decision during an interview with The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
"We don't have a lot of credibility about trying to promise that we'll return on the 24th," Bolton said.
Most other regional school districts remain open for in-person learning. CPS came under scrutiny from parents and community leaders early last year for continuing to be fully remote while most other local school districts had returned to in-person learning.
Bolton said she decided last year that she wouldn't support going back to remote learning under most circumstances. She particularly worries how the board's decision will impact children and families living in poverty.
"Our children are safer at school than any other place," Bolton said. "No matter how good remote (learning) is, there's learning loss for a majority of the kids."
A staffing shortage was cited as a reason for the decision. Bolton acknowledged that the teachers' union had an influence on board members.
"They are a political force in the community," Bolton said.
Bolton spent 36 years as a teacher and theater director in the suburban Wyoming City Schools, including serving part of her career as the local union president. She's been on the CPS board since 2007.
She said the district wasn't "aggressive enough" in hiring substitute teachers in preparation for the latest uptick in cases.
Said Bolton: "We have to figure out how to still teach our kids and get them to school and get them fed and have the medical services that are available and have them be with their friends and have them have great adult mentors like our teachers and our coaches."
When the invitation came to Aftab Pureval, who had just been elected Cincinnati mayor, to visit the White House late last year along with other new mayors he wasn't sure what to expect.
But Pureval went to the Dec. 14 meeting prepared, bringing with him a request for what he sees as Cincinnati's most pressing need from the federal government: A new Brent Spence Bridge.
He did pitch that project the White House to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Although first, as an aside (and Pureval gets this a lot), Biden complimented Pureval's hair.
Pureval talked about the White House visit on The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast during his first week on the job as mayor. He admits he was a little bit in awe and shared what he told President Biden and top administration officials.
"I'm sitting there with the mayor of Boston, of New York, of Atlanta, of Seattle and I'm just trying to play it cool," Pureval said. "I'm just trying to be like, 'Oh yeah, this is no big deal. We're in the Oval Office.' "
But to Pureval, the son of immigrants and Cincinnati's first Asian American mayor, it was a big deal. Biden and senior administration leaders stressed they wanted to work with local leaders, Pureval said.
"It was an inspiring experience," Pureval said. "But I was there to do work. So I made it very, very clear to the Biden administration and specifically to the vice president. I personally challenged her to ensure that the Brent Spence Bridge is a priority and that it's not just lip service because we've seen presidential candidate after presidential candidate do press conferences at the Brent Spence Bridge. We're tired of inaction and it's having a big impact."
No promises were made in return, but Pureval added: "I worked very hard to not just talk about it as a local project, but talk about it as a national project for interstate commerce."
In a wide-ranging podcast interview, Pureval also addressed questions about his agenda; what his style of leadership will be; and his stance on public safety.
Enquirer executive editor Beryl Love and columnist Jason Williams discuss the biggest stories of 2021.
Where does UC football making the College Football Playoff, Brood X cicada invasion and Aftab Pureval winning the mayor's race rank among the top stories?
Find out on "That's So Cincinnati."
Cristian Pietoso takes pride in offering an authentic Italian dining experience at his four Greater Cincinnati restaurants.
Early next year, guests at Downtown's Via Vite will have a new experience. They'll be able to watch up close the pasta-making process, a viewing area that'll be part of an upcoming remodeling at the Fountain Square restaurant.
Via Vite is scheduled to temporarily shutdown on Jan. 8 to begin a planned monthlong remodeling, Pietoso told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast. The restaurant will reopen in early February.
Via Vite originally opened as the anchor fine-dining restaurant on Fountain Square in 2007, and Pietoso said it's time for a "refresh."
"We're redoing the entire restaurant – kitchen, bar, dining room, light fixtures, (outdoor) piazza bar, awnings, everything brand new," Pietoso said. "We're going to re-modernize and make it super edgy again and feel exactly what it should be for a contemporary Italian restaurant smack in the middle of the city. It's going to be beautiful."
The pasta-making station will be behind glass near Via Vite's main entrance, Pietoso added. The pasta served at his restaurants – which also include Nicola's in Over-the-Rhine, Forno in Hyde Park and Montgomery – are made with flour and other ingredients imported from Italy.
Via Vite's menu also will be overhauled, with a handful of favorites remaining, Pietoso said. Other good things are happening for Pietoso's restaurants.
Nicola's, located at the corner of Sycamore and Liberty streets, celebrated its 25th anniversary in April. Pietoso moved to Cincinnati from Italy in 2004 to work for his father's restaurant. Nicola Pietoso began passing the ownership torch of the restaurants onto his son in 2012, when Cristian was handed the keys to Via Vite.
The elder Pietoso opened Nicola's a decade before Over-the-Rhine's renaissance even began. Cincinnati Magazine this year called Nicola's "one of the city’s longest-standing fine dining restaurants," and Cristian Pietoso called it a testament to his father's hard work.
"He had nothing to lose," Pietoso said of his father's mentality leading up to the 1996 opening of Nicola's. "He was a hungry immigrant who was willing to work hard. This is the beauty of this country. People call it the land of opportunity. The opportunity is there. You just need to chase it. Think about the incredible endurance that this guy had going through the challenges of being in that corner."
A decade ago, Chris Seelbach ran for Cincinnati City Council wanting to help stop the city's yearslong population decline.
The trailblazing Democrat was personally doing his part. He purchased a condo in Over-the-Rhine for $125,000, $10,000 of it an inheritance his parents told him he was squandering on such a purchase.
Seelbach, first elected in 2011, has watched his neighborhood thrive ever since.
As Seelbach prepares to leave city hall early next month, he told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast that he accomplished more than he thought possible on council. Prevented by term limits from running for reelection, he reflected on his time at city hall and talked about what might be next for him.
"I ran for city council because we were losing population for 65 years ... and that's why we had a deficit every year," Seelbach said. "And so the conversation was only about what are we going to cut? What are we going to not cut? I wanted to run to change that conversation to not what are we going to cut or not, but what can we invest in that will attract people back to our city that will make people want to live in Cincinnati."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey and Enquirer research, from 2014 until 2019 – the last year estimates are available – the city's population grew 1.9%, or by nearly 5,800 people. It might not be a lot, but it's not a decline – and Seelbach is proud of the growth.
Montgomery Inn partner Dean Gregory tells stories about his dad and the restaurant's late founder, Ted Gregory; his mom's secret BBQ sauce; how Bob Hope got involved; and the exploding cigar prank.
Cincinnati City Councilwoman Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and former President Barack Obama have been friends since they were classmates at Harvard Law School 30 years ago.
Their families have stayed in touch. Kearney and her husband, former state Sen. Eric Kearney, held fundraisers for Obama and worked on his campaigns. Did Lemon Kearney turn to Barack and Michelle Obama for political advice while running her first campaign this year?
No, and Lemon Kearney didn't need to. The North Avondale resident was the top vote-getter in last week's city council election. But she has received advice from the Obamas over the years.
"They're advice to us has always been to our kids about college, parenting stuff. Nothing politically," Lemon Kearney told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast. "I'm sure Eric has had conversations with Barack about politics, but I have not."
In a wide-ranging interview, Lemon Kearney recalled her interactions with Barack Obama at Harvard. They graduated from law school in 1991.
"He was amazing in law school," she said. "Super, super smart. Always well-prepared. Always wanted to hear what everybody had to say. He was really wonderful. I'm not surprised that he ended up being president."
For years, Lemon Kearney loved helping others on their campaigns. She enjoyed the fundraising events for her husband, Obama and other Democrats. But she loved her career running the Cincinnati Herald and "never really thought I'd be out there in front" in politics, Lemon Kearney said.
"I used to tell people in politics, 'You guys are crazy. I can't believe you would put yourselves out there,' " she said.
Then early last year, a seat became open on city council after Tamaya Dennard had been arrested on federal public corruption charges and subsequently resigned a few days later. Lemon Kearney was appointed to council in March 2020.
"I just had this strange weekend," Lemon Kearney recalled. "First, it's this Joel Osteen thing about when you're called, you need to answer. Then reading Stacey Abrams' book about how women are so hesitant to say yes. We always think we're not qualified. We need more degrees or more training or more experience. And she said, 'Have the audacity to say yes.' " To my parents saying, 'You've got to serve your community. That's important.' "
What issues do Lemon Kearney want to focus on in upcoming council term? Does she have political aspirations beyond city council?
Find out the answers by listening to "That's So Cincinnati" for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Media and other podcast listening platforms.
David Pepper first ran for office 20 years ago, the start of a career that now includes Cincinnati City Council, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman.
Pepper, 50, of Indian Hill, pivoted in recent years to a new career: author, writing political thrillers.
His newest book, Laboratories of Autocracy: A wake-up call from behind the lines, is a non-fiction tome culled from his political experience. His thesis: corrupt politicians in statehouses across the country pose a threat to American democracy.
Pepper joined The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast to talk Tuesday's general election, what he sees happening in statehouses and what's next for him. (No, he's not ruling out a run for office.)
REDI Cincinnati is the region's leading organization charged with recruiting new companies and jobs. It played a big role in regional leaders' pitch to World Cup officials last week, and REDI President and CEO Kimm Lauterbach joined "That's So Cincinnati" podcast to discuss.
The Flying Pig is back, albeit it with a smaller field of racers and later in the year than usual.
But it will still be the same community-driven event that it was before the coronavirus pandemic forced Cincinnati races to be virtual last year, said Iris Simpson Bush, executive director at Flying Pig Marathon, Inc, which runs the marathon and several other races throughout the year.
"We're thrilled to be back," she told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
The marathon, usually held in May, will be on Oct. 31 after the pandemic delayed it.
In the Flying Pig's 23 years, more than $19 million has been raised for charity, Bush said. She's been involved from Day 1 when Paycor founder and CEO Bob Coughlin dreamed of bringing a marathon to Cincinnati.
Bush, then a general sales manager at WCPO, read a story about his idea in The Enquirer and got involved.
It's been fun and rewarding ever since, Bush said.
American soccer veteran Geoff Cameron is always outspoken about something.
A few years ago, it was about his support of Donald Trump. Nowadays, though, it's more about how much he loves Cincinnati and the city's soccer fans.
Cameron, in his first season with FC Cincinnati, spent time on his off day to chat with The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast partly about his decision to back away from publicly talking politics and how much he loves the fans here.
The 36-year-old former U.S. national team defender calls FC Cincinnati's fanbase the "best" in Major League Soccer. In terms of overall soccer popularity and support, Cameron said, Cincinnati is a top 5 city in the U.S. The Massachusetts native added that the unwavering support for last-place FC Cincinnati reminds him of how fans in Europe back their favorite clubs regardless of record.
Cameron would know: He played nearly a decade in Europe before returning to the U.S. this season for his second stint in MLS.
"Just walking around the city, you see FC Cincinnati shirts everywhere," Cameron said. "It's crazy. You don't see that other places (in the U.S.). Even though we've been poor, they're still loyal and deserve all the credit."
As for talking politics, Cameron did media interviews and took to Twitter to support Trump during his presidency. In a 2017 interview with Sports Illustrated, Cameron said he supported Trump's immigration policy.
“I believe it’s important to support our president whether he was your candidate or not,” Cameron told SI.com. “I am pleased he is making security of all Americans one of his top priorities. Our enemies have stated – and in Europe they have proven – they will take advantage of lax immigration procedures for the purposes of staging attacks."
Cameron faced intense backlash on social media for his ongoing support of Trump. The soccer player said it's not worth continuing to openly talk about politics now that he has other priorities such as raising his 1-year-old son.
He told "That's So Cincinnati:"
"It's a touchy subject now. As of recent, I really haven't said much because of just the way the world is now. It's really hard to have an opinion – if you don't have an opinion that's similar to other people.
"It's sad in a way of (how) I grew up. Twenty years ago, it wasn't that way. With the news and social media giants, things are shoved down people's throats whether it's good or bad. It's tough. When I was outspoken and said certain things, a lot of people said things about me that weren't true whatsoever and that was really hard to deal with. They don't know me. People are just saying things to be hateful. That's why I don't really share pictures with my family, because I don't really know what people's intentions are.
"I haven't been as outspoken now because there's other things I care about. I'm sure there are fans in Cincinnati who are conservative or liberal or whatever. Whether they want to believe the stuff that I believe in or disagree with the things that I believe, (I hope) they'll see that I am a good, genuine person. It's OK to have people with different political views or religious views, but you can respect them as a person."
After throwing years of popular LGBTQ-friendly tea dances, Richard Cooke embarked on opening a bar in Over-the-Rhine, which he envisioned as a place to "dance in a safe and welcoming place."
The pandemic hit as the Procter & Gamble alum readied to open the bar. But there was only one thing to do, Cooke said: Stay the course.
e19 Lounge Bar & Discothèque, located across the street from Rhinegeist Brewery, opened one year ago this month.
"You have to create the change you want," Cooke said.
No one knows the history of University of Cincinnati football better than Jim Kelly, a member of the school's athletics hall of fame and long-time radio analyst.
Whether as a player, broadcaster, son of a former assistant coach and athletic department administrator or fan, Kelly has attended nearly 500 Bearcats football games in his lifetime. None will be more significant than Saturday's showdown in South Bend, Indiana, between No. 7 UC and ninth-ranked Notre Dame.
"This is the biggest game in University of Cincinnati football history," Kelly told The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
The Bearcats have a legitimate shot to make the College Football Playoff if they win this game and go onto an undefeated regular season. The plot is juicier when factoring in that Notre Dame is coached by Brian Kelly, who played a big role in turning UC into a football school as the Bearcats' coach. It will be Brian Kelly's first game against UC since he left for Notre Dame after the 2009 season.
Jim Kelly, 67, no relation to the Notre Dame coach, will be in the radio booth alongside play-by-play man Dan Hoard calling the game on 700 WLW. It's Kelly's 31st season in the booth.
"This (game) is totally different. It really is," Kelly said. "There's been some big bowl games along the way. In 50-plus years, I've never seen anything like this."
In the "That's So Cincinnati" interview, Kelly offers his perspective on seeing UC football go from a national punch-line to a powerhouse. He recalled being at Penn State for the Bearcats' demoralizing 81-0 loss in 1991, and described how he felt after the game. Kelly remembers there being discussions about whether UC should continue to play football.
He talked about UC's journey to the 2009 undefeated regular-season. Kelly mentioned names of those who stuck by the program and helped keep it together along the way, including his father, Jim Kelly Sr., who played for the Bearcats from 1947 to 1950.
The elder Kelly went onto to be an assistant football coach and a long-time staffer of the athletic department. UC's football program annually hands out the Jim Kelly Award to the Bearcats player who shows "outstanding spirit." The school's hall of fame is named in honor of the elder Kelly.
Like his father, Jim Kelly Jr. was also a top wide receiver for the Bearcats. He played for UC from 1973-1975 and was inducted into the James P. Kelly Athletics Hall Of Fame in 2017.
Some Bearcats supporters have referred to the Kellys as the "First Family of Bearcats Football." What Jim Kelly Sr. think of the Bearcat
Find out more about Jim Kelly Jr. by listening to "That's So Cincinnati" podcast, which is available for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeart Media.
Findlay Market CEO Joe Hansbauer highlights the improvements made to the market over the last 20 years on The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast this week.
The market house was re-done and is bustling. The nearly 18 storefronts along Elder Street, are nearly full. There is Findlay Kitchen, a non-profit food business incubator, where 60 businesses are operating and now, Findlay Launch, which mentors business owners.
Hansbauer, who has been at the helm for nearly 10 years, says there's nothing he would rather be doing than than figuring out ways to highlight what he describes as a "jewel and gem that I think many, many other cities would love to have."
His work has helped draw 1.2 million visitors each year to Findlay Market, up from 600,000 annually when he took over in 2013.
Said Hansbauer: "It's built on authenticity. It's built on history. And in a lot of those things are not something you can recreate. There's not a week or a month that goes by that I don't hear from other communities and other public markets or communities that are looking to build a new public market. Louisville opened one two years ago. Lexington is looking to do that. We've had conversations with Reading Terminal Market n Philadelphia and Washington, D.C."
Tom Brinkman, a longtime conservative state lawmaker, talks about why he decided to tackle corruption at Cincinnati City Hall.
700 WLW host and ESPN college football analyst Rocky Boiman joins That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Britney Ruby Miller wasn't just handed the keys to her father's steakhouse empire in spring 2020.
She earned it – and her experience of having worked her way up from server to CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment immediately paid off as Ruby Miller tackled head on the challenges of the pandemic had on the restaurant industry.
Ruby Miller was not only a leader for her company. She was a leading voice for Ohio's locally owned restaurants, having worked closely with Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted on decisions effecting the industry statewide. Building relationships with elected officials is just one of the many lessons Ruby Miller has learned from her father.
As this week's guest on The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast, Ruby Miller reflected on her journey to taking over the family business.
"I served for a very long time at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse (in Downtown), which I did not want to do at first," said Ruby Miller, the oldest of Jeff Ruby's three children. "I thought when I graduated from UC (in 2005) that I was ready to go to corporate and (her father) said, 'No, you're not putting on a power suit. You're putting on a server uniform.' He was 1,000% right. That's where I learned the business mostly."
Ruby Miller is still working hard to keep Jeff Ruby's seven locations across three states open amid another spike in COVID-19 cases. But she's also leading the effort to relocate Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse in Downtown Cincinnati to Fountain Square. It was announced recently that Jeff Ruby's would move into the first floor of the redeveloped former old Macy's store, a building that's now being called The Foundry.
Ruby Miller offered a glimpse into what the 11,000-squre foot dining space will look like. Initial plans call for a large horseshow-shaped bar, a tribute to Jeff Ruby's old Waterfront restaurant in Covington. The Waterfront, which sat atop a barge on the banks of the Ohio River, permanently closed in 2011 after it became partially unmoored from its dock.
It's location on the river overlooking the Downtown Cincinnati skyline made it a hotspot restaurant and night club for a who's who of Greater Cincinnatians. The Waterfront's popularity helped Jeff Ruby ascend as a restauranteur, and it's always held a special place in his heart as his company prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary next month.
Ruby Miller said of The Foundry location: "I hope that people walk in and feel that throwback nostalgia of The Waterfront, but also can see the evolution of design and see that it's a little bit more refined. The finishes are going to be gorgeous."
Jeff Ruby has taken a step back in the company. He's not fully retired and is actively involved in the design of the new location, expected to open in September 2022.
Said Ruby Miller:
"A lot of times family businesses, the founder has a hard time not micromanaging and controlling – and he's the opposite. He has enough confidence in my brothers and I and our executive leadership team. He knows that we're not going to get away from everything that we know and got us to where we are right now which is the Jeff Ruby experience and taking care of our guests and taking care of our employees.
"He's not involved in the day-to-day. But I know how he would make decisions, and I operate the same way that he does. By all means, he was highly involved in (the decision to move to Fountain Square). He's super busy with what he does best – designing. We walked that site at The Foundry. He fell in love with it and he's like, 'We need to make this happen.' Our whole family, major business decisions, we work together on those."
Ruby Miller also talked about the release of her upcoming book, "5-Star Life: The Faithful Fight to Overcome Obstacles and Pursue Excellence." The book is due out Sept. 21 and is available for pre-sale on Amazon.com. Former TODAY Show co-host Kathie Lee Gifford wrote the forward.
Here's a synopsis of the book, according to Amazon: "Having faced family tragedy, peer rejection, infidelity, infertility, and a pandemic that threatened not only to close her family’s business but also to decimate the restaurant industry, Britney battled back with the winning combination of faith and fight that has led to her five-star life."
Learn more about Britney Ruby Miller by listening to "That's So Cincinnati" for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Media and other listening platforms.
3CDC's Steve Leeper says the next major Downtown development priority needs to be the area around the Duke Energy Convention Center.
The aging convention center is surrounded mostly by blighted properties and surface parking lots. The old Millennium Hotel is in the process of being demolished, but there's no plan for a new convention center hotel.
Leeper, the development organization's president and CEO, had plenty to say about that area of western Downtown as this week's guest on The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast:
"We should strive to do better. I think there's a movement (afoot) that we do that and start thinking that district is critical to Downtown. When visitors come into our community, we need to show better than we're showing right now.
"We ought to start looking at the bright side of this, and that we now have a lot property under (public) control. Let's not do anything stupid here. Let's think about this and be bold but fiscally responsible. I think you can do both. Everybody is on the same page here. Our political leaders are actually trying to think about this in a comprehensive manner. They're excited about the potential. We ought to be excited about something instead of tinkling on each other."
Leeper said it's a "viable option" to build a new convention hotel on a site directly south of the convention center across Fifth Street and preserve the old Millennium site for a potential future convention center expansion.
"I don't think it's the only option," Leeper said. "The site to the south, quite frankly, I think it's big enough for not only a (hotel) but other uses. It could be more residential. It could be more hospitality. It could be entertainment. There's all kinds of possibilities here. We just need to get off our butts and start focusing on it."
The problem: There's no funding source for a new hotel or convention center expansion. And who's going to lead any of those projects has not been determined, though Leeper said conversations have been positive among political, business and development leaders.
Meanwhile, a block east of the convention center, 3CDC continues to make progress on overhauling the building that once housed the Fountain Square Macy's store. It was announced last week that Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse will be relocating to the building, known as The Foundry, once the $51 million mixed-use project is finished.
In the podcast interview, Leeper told the story of how Ruby's decision came about unexpectedly from a conversation between Jeff Ruby's CEO Britney Ruby Miller and 3CDC Executive Vice President Adam Gelter.
Said Leeper: "Britney, with a colleague of mine, Adam Gelter, were walking down to the site. We were actually talking to another restaurateur at the time, and Adam was asking Britney about this restauranteur, what she knew about him. She said, 'Well, why?' He said, 'Because we're thinking about moving them into this spot.' She didn't know we were redeveloping the building at the time. (Jeff Ruby and his team) took a look at the site and said, 'I'd like to come here.' "
Rosemarie Moehring, marketing director for Cincinnati-based concert promoter Music & Event Management, Inc., joins That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Two years ago when Hamilton County Commissioner Stephanie Dumas voted against putting $1.3 million in earnest money toward purchasing the Millennium Hotel for redevelopment purposes, the Democrat faced criticism for standing in the way of progress.
The deal got done anyway in a 2-1 vote.
Today, as the hotel comes down with no plan to replace it with a new convention hotel, Dumas said about her vote: "There's no reason to cry over it."
In an interview with The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast, Dumas said she is focused on what's next for bringing a critical convention hotel to the Downtown.
"It's done, and we need to move forward right now," Dumas said. "And we're still ... deciding about the expansion of Duke Energy (Convention Center) right now. The focus is just getting this headquarter hotel up. A lot of this is for the long haul."
She said for the new hotel – for which there are no current plans – she prefers a site to the south of the convention center, instead of the site of where Millennium Hotel was located, which it the east of the convention center.
There are talks, but no solid plans, to make the current site park space that will look nice as it all gets sorted out. The green space could be used for convention-related outdoor events.
As Hamilton County's first Black commissioner and Ohio's first Black female county commissioner, Dumas is a trial blazer. She came to job after being a Forest Park councilwoman and then mayor, and then as city manager of Lincoln Heights.
That experience makes her responsive to county residents.
"What I love most about it is people have identified that I am a commissioner that will listen, that your concerns are my concerns," said Dumas, a trained social worker. "And you may not get the answers that you want from me, but you know that I'm going to give you an honest answer."
So is she running again? Cincinnati Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman has announced a run for her seat as an independent candidate and gathering signatures. But Dumas has been mum about whether she'll run for re-election.
She's still not ready to say exactly what her future holds.
"I'm sure you will be hearing soon one way or the other what I plan on doing because you never know what opportunity may come up for me," Dumas said.
Cincinnati restauranteur and bar owner Bob Deck, a managing partner at Four Entertainment Group, joined The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week to chat about:
- Jeff Ruby's impact on Deck's career
- 4EG's role in the revitalization of Downtown and Over-the-Rhine
- The struggles of being a bar and restaurant owner during a pandemic
- Expansion, including opening the Ernest Hemingway-inspired bar, Pilar, soon at the Court Street Plaza
Four Entertainment Group launched about 15 years ago, around the time 3CDC was beginning its work to redevelopment Over-the-Rhine. The group has 18 bars restaurants in Cincinnati, Covington, Columbus and Chicago. It's notable Greater Cincinnati brands include: Igby's in Downtown, The Lackman in Over-the-Rhine and Keystone in Covington and Clifton.
As a young adult, Deck, who grew up in Anderson Township, parked cars at Jeff Ruby's Waterfront restaurant. Deck enjoyed the experience of working in the restaurant business. He initially pursued a career as a chiropractor after graduating from Miami University, but Deck and some friends got together to start 4EG.
Deck has never forgotten what some call the "Jeff Ruby experience" – it's all about impeccable customer service and making the customer feel special during their entire visit to one of Ruby's steakhouses.
"It was just amazing to watch how he would always take care of people and want all of his employees to take care of people," Deck said. "From the moment you pull your car up with the valet until you're experience inside, that was what they took pride on and have continued to this day."
Bengals punter Kevin Huber has been an All-American and an All-Pro in his football career.
Big awards, no doubt, but they’re not his most unique accomplishment. Huber is the rare athlete who’s been able to play every level of football in his hometown.
Huber talks about his journey from McNicholas High School star to University of Cincinnati All-American to being the longest-tenured player on the Bengals’ current roster.
You probably don't know Tom Tsuchiya. But you know his work.
From molding creek clay in his backyard to building statues of Cincinnati icons like Pete Rose, learn about the life of a sculptor.
Fifty West Brewing founder Bobby Slattery talks about growing his company into Greater Cincinnati's family friendly brewery; expansion into Southeast Ohio and West Virginia; and whether the region is oversaturated with breweries.
Legendary college basketball coach Bob Huggins is introspective in a wide-ranging, in-depth interview with "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.
Ahead of his return to Cincinnati on June 14 to raise money for cancer research, the West Virginia University basketball coach discussed:
- His late mother's legacy and the effort to honor through the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Endowment Fund
- His coaching style today vs. his coaching style in 16 seasons at the University of Cincinnati from 1989 to 2005
- What his final days at UC were like before the school parted ways with him in summer 2005
- How he believes UC is much better positioned to join the Big 12 Conference now because of what Luke Fickell has done to elevate the Bearcats' football program
To learn more about the Norma Mae Huggins Endowment Fund, go to wvucancerinstitute.org.
The folks who select the Pro Football Hall of Fame classes will be calling Anthony Munoz soon.
And the Bengals' only member in the Hall of Fame will tell them the same thing he always does.
"I always pivot when I'm talking to senior selectors, and I say, 'Let's talk about Ken Anderson,' " Munoz said. "I dominate the conversation because I'm one of the biggest advocates for Ken Anderson. He should be in the Hall of Fame and it's a travesty that he's not."
That's just a sample of what Munoz discussed as this week's guest on "That' So Cincinnati."
That’s So Cincinnati: Buddy LaRosa shares the not-so-secret ingredient in the sauce that makes his pizza so special
Pam Kravetz is fun, effervescent, vivacious. Take your pick of how to describe the Cincinnati artist and suburban high school art teacher. They all fit.
She's so fun, in fact, that her family and friends held a parade in Over-the-Rhine for her 60th birthday last weekend. A few hundred people, including a who's who from the local arts and entertainment scene, converged on Washington Park wearing colorful outfits and hats to honor a woman who regularly wears go-go boots, tutus and sequins.
How did Kravetz go from an artsy outcast as a kid to being the life of the party and influencer on the local arts and entertainment scene?
The Cincinnati native told her story on The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast this week.
"When I was little, I was that kid who never fit in," Kravetz said. "Even in kindergarten – this was the '60s – I got sent to the principal's office for wearing go-go boots and a mini-skirt."
Kravetz credits her elementary and high school teachers for encouraging her to embrace her passion for art. It ended up inspiring her to pursue her own career as an art teacher. She is retiring this week as Harrison High School's art teacher after a 30-year career.
Her experiences at the University of Cincinnati helped Kravetz to begin to accept that being different is OK.
Said Kravetz: "I was an art kid, so we wore all black. We were kind of angsty and cool. And then I was a sorority girl. I was also the Bearcat mascot. I was all of these weird parts of a human that didn't quite fit together. But all of that speaks to the person I've become because now I'm super comfortable talking in front of people and being the center of attention."
Kravetz's life has continued to be full of unique opportunities. The Enquirer once featured her and her art work, and that led to her getting a date with the man who's now her husband. Her friends nicknamed her the "Queen of Love" for how she met her husband, Craig Davis.
In addition to being heavily involved in the arts scene, Kravetz has also been on a synchronized swimming team for several years at Ziegler Park in Over-the-Rhine.
Her advice for those who might be struggling to embrace their passion, talent and personality.
"Loving yourself is huge," Kravetz said.
Sharon Kennedy grew up in Colerain Township watching police dramas on television and dreaming of becoming a cop.
She achieved that goal -- and much more. Kennedy is now in her second term as an Ohio Supreme Court justice.
The Butler County resident talks about how her teachers and mentors, including former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, inspired her to run for statewide elected office.
Kennedy is now exploring a run for chief justice in what could be Ohio's most intriguing race in 2022.
Learn more about Kennedy's story on this week's "That's So Cincinnati."
Vivek Ramaswamy isn't really known in his own hometown. But that's likely going to change.
The 35-year-old St. Xavier High School graduate is surging onto the political scene after recently leaving his lucrative career as a biotech executive. Ramaswamy is viewed in national political circles as a leader in shaping the debate about the future of the conservative movement.
The author of the upcoming book "Woke, Inc.," joined The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to discuss how he went from suburban Cincinnati to successful entrepreneur to helping to shape the debate about whether conservatism has a place in the GOP's future.
Carl Lindner III sat down with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to reflect on the road to bringing Major League Soccer to Cincinnati and what his dad, Carl Lindner Jr., would think if he were still alive.
Can Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley lead a Democratic resurgence in Ohio? How did Indiana native go from chemistry major to running for Ohio governor? And what's it going to be like facing good friend John Cranley in the 2022 primary?
Whaley has the answers and more on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Total Quality Logistics isn't a household name in its hometown, but it has quietly become a booming nationwide success.
The Greater Cincinnati-based freight brokerage corporation is now looking to take on a higher profile at home. TQL is going big, too, with Wednesday's announcement that the company has purchased naming rights to FC Cincinnati's new West End stadium.
In an interview with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, TQL President Kerry Byrne offered insight into why his company is making a big branding splash.
Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco admittedly knew nothing about politics when the nationally renowned neuroradiologist was appointed Hamilton County coroner nine years ago.
But the Democrat is pretty good at the politics now.
An elected official can't get a major project done without having political savvy, and Sammarco has relentlessly led efforts to get a $55 million, 90,000-square-foot crime lab built in Blue Ash. The ribbon-cutting is scheduled for May 3. Sammarco has also emerged as a common-sense voice in the Hamilton County Democratic Party, having been outspoken about incivility and the divisive nature of identity politics.
As this week's guest on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, Sammarco talked about her evolution in politics; being outspoken in the party; the new crime lab and how she copes with seeing so much death.
The Cincinnati Fire Department is short staffed and working so much overtime firefighters are exhausted.
This year has brought a high number of fire deaths for residents – six so far compared to two in 2020.
Both things mean the Cincinnati Fire Department needs resources: additional firefighters to staff the city's 26 firehouses and more than the current six fire specialists, who conduct safety inspections on properties.
In an interview on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, Cincinnati firefighters union President Matt Alter outlined these concerns when asked whether his organization supports the affordable housing charter amendment known as Issue 3.
The charter amendment, which will be on the May 4 ballot, calls for at least $50 million out of the city budget each year to be diverted to funding affordable housing. It could result in "dire consequences" for basic public services, such as fire safety, Alter said.
"We're basically treading water," Alter said. "We're basically wearing floaties, doing what we can to keep our head above water. This just raises the tide. We will be drowning in high seas."
John Sadak was starting to make plans for this day to never come in his career.
But it's here. Opening Day in Cincinnati, and Sadak will make his major league debut as the lead play-by-play announcer for Reds television broadcasts.
What will the moment be like for Sadak when the New York City native calls his first pitch at 4:10 p.m. Thursday on Fox Sports Ohio?
Sadak has been trying hard not to get caught up in the moment after 15 years of calling minor league baseball games.
"For me personally, it's a realization of a dream," Sadak told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "But my job is to be a steward and an entertainer and facilitate our analysts and storytelling. Reds baseball is way bigger than me. I'm just the guy who's doing it now, and hopefully for many years."
That’s So Cincinnati: Holy Grail owner Jim Moehring talks 10-year at The Banks, the benefits of the new outdoor drinking district at The Banks and paying it forward after a Crosstown tip-off challenge windfall.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is well positioned for "good things ahead" coming out of the pandemic, CEO Candace McGraw told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week.
The airport has already announced new low-cost flights flights coming this spring from Allegiant Air, Alaska Air and Sun Country Airlines, reflecting a renewed demand for leisure travel.
As business travel gradually bounces back, McGraw said, CVG is planning to revisit the possibility of adding a new non-stop international flight to the airport's list of travel options.
She also gives an update on Amazon Air's cargo hub.
Nearly six years ago the historic Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges – the Obergefell being Cincinnati's own Jim Obergefell – made marriage equality the law in all 50 states.
Obergefell and Cincinnati Civil Rights Attorney Al Gerhardstein, who represented Obergefell, are featured in an episode of the new Netflix documentary, Amend: The Fight for America.
Hosted by actor Will Smith, the series focuses on the 14th Amendment being the hallmark of democracy. On it, Obergefell and Gerhardstein tell the story of how Cincinnati went from being one of the most gay-hostilecities in America to one of the most inclusive. They also tell Obergefell's love story.
They told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week, the fight for equality continues.
Melanie Bates isn't backing off her crusade to try to get Cincinnati Public Schools fully reopened this spring, despite criticism from the teachers' union and some parents.
In fact, the veteran school member is speaking out even more about the need for students to return to the classroom five days a week after the district recently received proficiency test results.
In an interview with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, Bates said students' proficiency results dropped 17% year over year. In fall 2019, 38% of students were at or above state proficiency, Bates said. But last fall those results dropped to 21%, and Bates attributes the drop off to schools being closed or mostly closed since the outset of the pandemic in March 2020.
"I have two grandchildren in Cincinnati Public Schools," said Bates, the longest-tenured member on the board. "I have a daughter who's a first-grade teacher in another public school district. In conversations, the difference between what that district is providing five days a week to their students and what we are, is just devastating."
"Our children, in many, many cases, are a year behind," Bates added.
Cincinnati City Councilman Wendell Young has been in politics and public service his whole life, starting by walking his Avondale neighborhood with his dad, who was a Democratic Party precinct executive, when he was a child.
On this week's That's So Cincinnati podcast Young talked about his childhood, his time on Cincinnati City Council, his rocky relationship with Mayor John Cranley and what he thinks about what's been called the a "culture of corruption" at City Hall.
And, to the question, What's going on with the Gang of 5 investigation, Young said he knows only what everyone else does, just that "the investigating is ongoing."
First Amendment attorney Jack Greiner, who represents Cincinnati.com and The Enquirer, joins as special guest.
You may know Tricia Macke as the dean of Cincinnati evening news anchors.
But Fox 19's lead anchor leads a busy life off the air. Macke has five children, runs a youth basketball organization and has a strict exercise regimen. And she somehow finds time to share about all of it on social media.
Macke, in her 22nd year as Fox 19's lead anchor, joined The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk about being with the station since Day 1 of its newscast in 1993; her coaching experiences and sharing her life on social media.
Sports broadcaster Thom Brennaman calculates that he's spoken nearly 190 million words on live television while calling football and basketball games during a 33-year career.
And it was one derogatory and insensitive three-letter word that derailed his promising career and changed his life forever. The latter, the former Reds broadcaster says, has been for the better.
Six months after using a homophobic slur on air during a Reds broadcast, Brennaman shares what he's learned and how he's grown in an in-depth chat with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Miss Ohio Caroline Grace Williams joins That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk about how she got interested in pageants while at Miami University; talking with Gov. Mike DeWine about improving 911 communications; teaching people how to use their smartphones in emergencies; and life in small-town Ohio.
Also on this week's That's So Cincinnati episode, co-hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams discuss the 2022 race to succeed Greater Cincinnati Republican Rob Portman in the U.S. Senate.
New Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey really missed the department during her nearly four years out of uniform.
The 33-year law enforcement veteran missed many of her old coworkers. She missed putting on the black-and-gold uniform each day. And she missed the jail inmates.
Wait. What?
Any doubt there's a new sheriff in town? Certainly the county's previous two sheriffs – Jim Neil and Si Leis – would've never said that.
But McGuffey, who spent several years overseeing the county jail, has brought a fresh approach to the office – and that includes treating inmates with a balance of tough love and dignity.
McGuffey – one of the first openly LGBTQ sheriff's in the U.S. and the first woman elected to the position in Hamilton County – explained her approach to the job during an in-depth discussion this week with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
"The bulk of my experience has been inside this jail," McGuffey said. "I walked in here in my early 20s. Unfortunately, some of the prisoners that I knew back then, I still know now. They're still coming back. The thing that worries me is: why?"
McGuffey continued: "There are boundaries that you set as an officer. You are the authority. But in general, you get to know people. You get to know their circumstances, and you can certainly understand why they're where they are. And the other piece of this is: appreciate them. I appreciate their senses of humor. I appreciate their life experiences. So yeah, I missed the prisoners."
McGuffey talked about criminal justice reform on the campaign last year, and the 62-year-old West Side native has wasted no time following through on that promise during her first month on the job. Case in point: She's investing in inmate care.
And unlike some of her predecessors, McGuffey isn't going to complain constantly about jail overcrowding. Nor will she push for a new county jail.
Here's what McGuffey said about improving inmates' lives in the jail:
This county does not need a new jail. We can fix the one we have. We just need to get in there and do it. There's hard things to do. We need to find alternatives in the way of community corrections for low-level offenders. We're working on things like improving the food. Just today we created an addition to the policy for prisoners who are in medical and mental health units that they get good linens. I mean sheets and a blanket that's very clean (and) in good shape.
Those are small things. But those are things that improve people's lives, and when they walk out the door, they're a lot less likely to re-offend when we get them healthy and whole again. It's treating people with dignity so that when they walk out of there they feel confident enough to seek help.
To anyone who may criticize her approach as too soft, McGuffey said:
I'm not pie-in-the-sky. I am very law and order. I'm very rooted in reality, I promise you that. The years in the jail, they make you know that reality is real. But I believe we can do so much better.
I would say to those people, "Please remember, those inmates are getting out of jail. At some point in time, they will walk back into your neighborhood. And would you rather have them be more enlightened; perhaps have a different frame of mind; perhaps feel enfranchised enough to join the community and say, 'Hey I want to do well?' "
The way to do that is build them that way. Not create a situation where all you're doing is punishing them day to day to day. You just can't do that with people and build up self-esteem. That's part of reform. Let's change the mindset.
Liz Keating grew up sitting at her grandparents' kitchen table listening to her Cincinnati-famous grandfather tell stories about his honorable career law, politics and journalism.
She loved both fields, but saw her career someday going a different route.
Nearly a year ago, however, Liz Keating had a change of heart and started thinking that she'd like to do a job the late Bill Keating once did – serve on Cincinnati City Council.
Liz Keating didn't realize it'd happen this soon, but the 37-year-old Hyde Park Republican now finds herself as the newest member of council. She recently was appointed to fill another open seat after a rash of corruption-related arrests have reshaped the city's governing body over the past 10 months.
"I can sit around and complain about everything going on," Keating told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "Or I can go be part of that change. And I decided ... I can't sit around and wait any longer."
In a wide-ranging podcast interview, Keating talked about her evolution from wanting to do a behind-the-scenes job in government and politics to being a politician.
And she told stories about her late grandfather and the impact he had on her life – from his legacy as a top competitive swimmer to his time in politics in the 1960s and 1970s as a congressman, councilman and local judge to a career as Enquirer publisher and Gannett newspaper executive in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Keating's full podcast interview can be heard for free by clicking the link at the top of the article. That's So Cincinnati is also available for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and other major listening platforms. Keating's interview begins at the 13:40 mark in the episode.
Interest in City Council
I was a political science major. I always wanted to go work behind the scenes (in politics and government). I am a policy nerd. It's a way you can impact change in the community. I am more of a quiet, shy person, so being out in the spotlight is not always my strength. I'm going to have to learn that now being a politician. My dream was always to go out in the business world, get real-world experience and then later on move behind the scenes.
I've been watching, and there really haven't been a lot of candidates who have inspired me and my values match theirs to want to go work for. In the past year, as things have changed and opportunities have come up, I've started to look at myself in a different light and think, 'You know, maybe I should try to be that person to go put myself out there and run for office and try to make a change.'
Focus on basic government services
Keating says budget issues and basic services such as public safety and garbage collection will be her priorities. Her brother is a Cincinnati police officer, so Keating is familiar with the largest department in the city.
Lets get back to the basics of what council is meant to do and serving the people. Stop getting distracted with all these silly fights, because it's not moving the needle on anything that actually has meaning to everybody else in the city.
Passion for her hometown
Keating went to UCLA, where she was co-captain of the swim team. It was never in question where she was going to live after college – Cincinnati. Some 25 of Bill Keating's 28 grand children live in Greater Cincinnati.
When I left for college, I had to promise my dad that I'd move back home. So I fulfilled that promise. That's a very Cincinnati thing. The moment I stepped outside that 275 loop, I was all Cincinnati, all the way. Every person I ever met out in California knew that I was from Cincinnati and Cincinnati is the greatest city on earth. And still to this day, I have college teammates and friends, they don't call me Liz. They call me "Cincinnati."
Talking journalism with grandpa
Keating lived with her grandparents after moving home from Los Angeles. Her grandfather, who retired from his newspaper career in 1992, still read a half-dozen print newspaper each morning.
Every morning, we'd sit there and read them and discuss. ... What was most important to him was the lead story and how that impacted the community and what was gong on in the minds of people around him.
He always talked about how critical it was to have (journalists) follow politicians and have them follow the stories, especially the local news stories. What you guys do was so important to him. That really keeps a pulse on what's happening in the community.
It also holds the politicians and the leaders accountable. He always thought that was so important.
Long-time Cincinnati weatherman Steve Raleigh can quickly recall the exact dates of the two biggest storms he's encountered in life.
• March 2, 2012, when a rash of tornadoes killed more than 20 people across Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.
• Jan. 17, 2019, when Raleigh's 24-year-old daughter, Madison, committed suicide after battling addiction and mental illness.
As Raleigh still track's storms weekdays for WCPO-TV, he's also taken on another job – launching a nonprofit organization to help men and women struggling with addiction and mental illness.
It's called Madi's House, located 5081 Glenncrossing Way. And Raleigh told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast that there's big things coming as soon as the organization is working on expanding to reach more people in need.
Raleigh, Channel 9's chief meteorologist since 2005, opened up about his daughter's struggles and the hope Madi's House is offering to those in need. Here's part of his interview on this week's That's So Cincinnati episode:
Almost two years ago, my wife and I lost our daughter. She fought the battle of addiction and some mental health issues. It had been going on for quite a number of years, 10 to 12 years. Took her own life. At that point, my wife came out with a statement at the memorial service: "We are going to war against these two factions." As a family, we decided to set up something that would help.
What I like to call a moment of clarity from my daughter was something that she said to us: "I just wish I had somewhere to hang out." There were times when she was ready to go forward, and she had nowhere to go. Quite frankly, she couldn't fall back to the people she had been with. She really couldn't find any new friends. There was a certain stigma associated with the problem she was having. And she was basically hanging out with my wife and I. That's no fun for a 24-year-old.
Madi's House is really a recovery and mental health community center. There are some games, like video games. There's some art family. There's music. There's fitness. We also have AA and NA meetings.
(Madi's House has been open) Friday, Saturday and Sunday since Thanksgiving. We feel very good about this going forward. We're hopefully going to be the model for other communities that can take this and move it into their city. We really are a place to create community, and that's what's not (been) happening.
I'm not at liberty to say where we're going next, but I do believe shortly we're going to have an announcement to expand Madi's House in a really significant way. We'd like to make it more accessible for everybody.
To learn more about Madi's House, go to madishousecincy.org.
Forget 2020. What lies ahead for Greater Cincinnati in the New Year?
Regional political, business, legal and media leaders share their hopes for 2021 in That’s So Cincinnati’s annual New Year’s resolutions episode.
It's not easy answering tough questions. It's also not easy asking them.
But veteran Cincinnati TV journalist Angenette Levy has made a name for herself by asking tough questions of Greater Cincinnati's public officials on the air over the past decade.
Levy, who left Local 12 in September, joined That's So Cincinnati podcast this week to discuss:
• Her approach to the journalism and how the Anderson Township native got into the news business
• Reporting on a story that eventually became the subject of a popular Netflix true crime documentary
• And what might be the next step in her career
Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman answers tough questions about his role in the Gang of Five texting scandal, embattled Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld and the state of affairs at City Hall. You won't want to miss this episode.
As a trial lawyer, former assistant prosecutor and ex-journalist, Steve Goodin might be the perfect fit for a seat on Cincinnati City Council at the moment.
The Republican has a firm understanding of public accountability – something City Hall is sorely lacking in the wake of three council members being arrested this year on federal corruption charges.
Goodin, newly appointed to council this week, has a clear vision for what he wants to do immediately after City Hall reopens later this month following a pandemic-related shutdown.
"The public really needs, wants and expects at least a roadmap as to how the remaining council members are going to address systemic corruption," Goodin told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "The sooner we speak to that in an intelligent and comprehensive way, the better."
Goodin on Monday was appointed as the temporary replacement for Republican Councilman Jeff Pastor, who's suspended pending the outcome of his court case stemming from federal pay-to-play charges.
In the wide-ranging interview, Goodin discusses how he believes his diverse career experiences have prepared him for the challenge of being on council. The 51-year-old father of three started his career as a news reporter for the News-Sun in Springfield, Ohio, his hometown. He's also served stints in the Peace Corps and Army.
Several members of council do not have jobs and careers outside of City Hall, and Goodin believes that's led to a loss of perspective.
On his decision to join the Peace Corps early in his career, Goodin said: "I just had a real desire to travel and do something radically different. So I went over to Africa and (was in) the Sahara Desert for a year. I worked as something called a 'sanitation engineer,' which meant I was digging outhouses. It was a fascinating experience. It expanded my horizons."
In his work for Graydon Law Firm, where he's a partner, Goodin has focused on business litigation and municipal law. The latter has made him quite familiar with City Hall, where he's been hired to help fix the city's pension fund.
It's helped him to have intimate knowledge of the city's charter, but the experience also has given Goodin insight into council's problems.
"I've been sort of alarmed by the lack of fiscal literacy," Goodin said. "There needs to be a better stewardship of these funds. There needs to be better stewardship of our infrastructure, and we need people to, frankly, be more adult about this and to manage this like you would your personal finances, like you would your personal business and like you would your safety and the safety of your children."
Goodin recalled times testifying in front of council while some of its members were interested in what was happening on their phones and laptops.
"I have always been, particularly in the last few years, distressed by just the raw political gamesmanship that you see," Goodin said. "I've got teenage girls. I spend a lot of my time yelling at them to put their phones down when they're at the dinner table. Sometimes, I'd be testifying at council and people are playing on their phones. There needs to be a different, more adult approach to this job."
Goodin doesn't have a Twitter or Facebook account, something he's not needed as a litigator. He said he plans create social media accounts to provide information to the public, but he doesn't care about the petty and uncivil Twitter fights that have distracted this council at times.
"All the social media, particularly among some of the council members, has not been helpful," Goodin said. "It leads to this posturing. It leads to these false presentations of who folks are. It leads to people playing to small groups of people and not thinking about the city as a whole. It becomes sort of a weird echo chamber. My sense is, by and large, it's the same 200 or 300 people who are on Twitter weighing in over and over and over. I don't think that reflects the folks that I'm concerned about."
So what is Goodin's concern?
"We need to really get back to addressing the basic services, the public safety issues that our neighborhoods are seeing," he said. "It makes me kind of sick that those concerns have been pushed aside for people who are shaking-down developers. It's an absolute shame. There are folks who are depending on the government to provide services, to provide safe streets and that's been lost. The fact that that's not a priority –and now of all times (amid the pandemic) – is simply a disgusting state of affairs."
Goodin plans to work on a comprehensive package of charter amendment reforms centered on more transparency around economic development deals and increased accountability for council members. He said he's not interested in small, piecemeal changes or creating bureaucratic commissions and task forces – something some of his colleagues want.
"We know what generally needs to be done," Goodin said. "If we need a special ethics officer to convince people not to take bribes, then we have a bigger problem than we could've ever dreamed of. If we need another charter review committee – when all this great work has already been done – then we're just kicking the can down the road."
Cincinnati Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman has been speaking out against some of his council colleagues' illegal and unethical behavior for years.
It's time others join him, Smitherman told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Especially since he believes federal investigators aren't done rooting out corruption at City Hall in the wake of three city council members being arrested on pay-to-play charges this year.
Smitherman recently called Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to ask the Republican to consider overhauling state agencies that are supposed to be in charge of holding public officials accountable.
"We've had some state organizations, one being the Ohio Ethics Commission, that failed here," Smitherman said. "I think his office needs to take a real hard look at the state agencies that are charged with looking at public bodies across the state of Ohio. The ethics commission says, 'We're not a proactive body. We sit back and wait for the complaint.' "
Smitherman continued: "What proactive steps could the Ohio Ethics Commission (take) knowing about what was happening in Cincinnati? It seems to me that the Ohio Ethics Commission somewhere through this process over the last three years would've intervened, and they didn't. What could they do better?"
In the year David DeVillers has spent on the job as the region's top federal attorney, the Ohio Speaker of the House and two Cincinnati City Councilmembers have been arrested in pay-to-play schemes.
And he didn't shut the door on the possibility there could be more corruption-related arrests coming at City Hall.
The rash of arrests are a reflection of DeVillers making it a top priority to crack down on public corruption immediately after the Trump appointee took over as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio in November 2019.
"I really think we did a disservice by not being aggressive," DeVillers told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "The idea of taking shots is what we need to do in cases like that. We do it in murder cases. We do it in drug cases. We should do it in public corruption cases."
Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou watched election night as a blue wave swept in, taking with it two county elected leaders – treasurer and recorder – and nine judgeships.
The latter flipped both the common pleas and appellate courts to a Democrat majority – something that was unthinkable a decade ago for the once-dominant Hamilton County GOP.
Those losses have some local Republicans quietly grumbling about the need for new party leadership. Triantafilou addressed his and the party's future on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
"If you go around the state of Ohio, (Republican leaders) think we do a terrific job here and we do," Triantafilou said. "We have a great staff. We have great volunteers. We have great donors. I understand I'm on the hot seat. I'll take the heat as it comes. I know my business. I know what it takes to win. I also know the challenges associated with winning in a blue county. What's the future for me? I'm staying."
Triantafilou, who's led the party since 2008, welcomes the challenge of recruiting a new wave of GOP candidates.
"My focus is really going to be on finding candidates who have the appeal across the political spectrum," Triantafilou said. "That's going to take some infighting within my party as we push to get candidates who don't always toe the party line."
He added: "I want to unite the party, so I end up taking a fair amount of arrows to do that. But I'm going to start speaking out a little bit stronger about the people who aren't working with us."
Triantafilou's interview begins at the 21:45 mark in the episode, which can be listened to for free by clicking the link at the top of the article. That's So Cincinnati also is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major listening platforms.
Other takeaways from Triantafilou's interview:
• With Prosecutor Joe Deters' reelection on Tuesday, Republicans were able to hold onto the most powerful seat in local government. Speculation has already started about whether Deters, the longest-tenured prosecutor in county history, will finish out his next term.
"As I told Joe, he needs to stay healthy and run again in four years because he gives us our best chance to hold that seat," Triantafilou said. "He's been a great candidate and a terrific prosecutor. He hasn't committed to running in 2024, let me make sure that's clear."
• On former Cincinnati City Councilwoman Amy Murray, who left in February to take a job in Washington with the Trump administration, Triantafilou said he expects Murray will return to Cincinnati if the president loses to Joe Biden.
Murray considered running in Ohio's 1st Congressional District, but decided not to challenge Steve Chabot in the Republican primary. Will she look to run for office locally again?
"When you're the coach trying to put players on the field, I'm dying to get Amy Murray. She's a five-tool player, so to speak in baseball parlance," Triantafilou said. "She's got everything you want in a candidate. She's brilliant, a great legislator, a great government official. She's a good fundraiser. I would love to see Amy Murray return to the local political scene, but I have no idea what her next step is going to be."
How many outstanding absentee ballots will still need to be counted on Election Night? What time will results be released? And how do you become Ohio's top elections official?
Secretary of State Frank LaRose answered these questions and more on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Listen to the full episode for free by clicking the link at the top of the article. That's So Cincinnati can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and other major listening platforms. LaRose's interview begins at the 9:20 mark in this week's episode.
Here are some snippets from the discussion:
Highlighting outstanding absentee ballots
New this year. We're going to actually highlight the number of outstanding absentee ballots (with Election Night results on the Secretary of State's website). This office has always tracked that number. We're going to put it right at the top of the site, and here's why that matters: If your favorite candidate is ahead by a million votes and there's only 200,000 outstanding absentee ballots, then you can look at that and say this is conclusive. But likewise, if your favorite candidate is only ahead by 100,000 and there are yet 200,000 outstanding absentee ballots, then that contest is not over. It's important that we have transparency so people know on Election Night whether they're looking at a conclusive result or not.
When to expect results on Election Night
It's up to the voters. If Ohio voters wait to send in their absentee ballots, then it will cause counting to take longer on Tuesday, Nov. 3. We know based on (this past Tuesday's numbers) there are still over 800,000 outstanding absentee ballots that are sitting on people's kitchen tables or the dashboard of their car.
If tens of thousands of people return their absentee ballots on Saturday or on Monday, what's going to result is a big avalanche of mail arriving on Tuesday that the Board of Elections is going to have to process. That's where it could take longer. But if that doesn't happen, we'll be one of the earlier states (to report results), I really believe. Ohio begins processing our absentee ballots as soon as they arrive. So on Election Night at 7:30, those ballots are ready to count and they count them right away. When you (see results) at 8 or 8:15, those are absentee votes.
Contrast that to states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin. In those states, they can't even slice open the envelopes until election day. Imagine a big place like Wayne County, Michigan, Detroit, they have a vault at their board of elections that has to have hundreds and hundreds of thousands of envelopes in it right now that they can't touch until election day. It could be Friday or Saturday before Michigan has results.
What keeps him up at night
The thing I'm perhaps most concerned about at this point is false information and it comes a whole variety of different sources. It's just the old fashioned rumor mill, it's internet trolls, it's foreign adversaries. We're working hard to make sure that we're getting accurate information out there. We're debunking myths and rumors, shooting down the latest fantasies that people have invented about elections.
It's the offseason, and Reds President Phil Castellini has some time to reflect.
In a candid, hourlong discussion on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, Castellini covered a wide range of topics, including:
• His strong bond with his father, Reds owner Bob Castellini, and their passion for Cincinnati sports
• Lessons from working for his father's companies since he was a teenager, when he started as a laborer in the produce distribution and warehouse businesses
• Thom Brennaman's future, and why Phil Castellini believes the broadcaster will be back in the TV booth someday
• The pandemic's likely impact on Opening Day 2021
Here are some snippets from Phil Castellini's interview:
Father-son bonding
Growing up in Glendale ... late grade school into high school. We had season tickets to the Reds and Bengals and at the time, we were also involved (as part-owners) in the Cincinnati Stingers, the hockey team. We went to every Stinger home game. I got to go to the two Bengals Super Bowls. I went to the ice bowl, you know that famous deep-chill freezer playoff game against the Chargers. A lot of going to games with dad, especially on the football front. We had a special connection through all of our sports teams.
'Work as hard as he did'
Before I had a driver's license, I rode a moped from Glendale to Lockland to cut cabbage at our salad processing plant. And when I was old enough to drive, I would drive downtown to work on the docks of the produce company. At this time of year, I would be doing Christmas trees from October to December. All the way through college, I worked for the family businesses.
Dad worked seven days a week, 12 hours a day. The only thing that you thought about if you were Bob Castellini's family is you were going to work as hard as he did.
If you're raised in the executive office and you always live in the executive office and you never went down to the production floor, you have a hard time relating to that whole spectrum. That is the biggest benefit of working in and up through any company, whether it's a family company or not. That perspective is really important later in one's career if you continue to manage people and processes.
Buying the Reds in 2006
Dad sees an article in the paper that the final three bidders on the team, none of the groups are from Cincinnati. He's like, "Wait a second. We can't have somebody buy the Reds that's not from Cincinnati." If you remember back in '05, there's still talk of you can pick up a team and move them somewhere. That's certainly something we never wanted to see happen. He gets a hold of Tom and Joe Williams and says, "Hey guys, what do you think about putting in a bid for the team?" He saw Mr. (Carl) Lindner at a game that August and said, "What would you think if we threw our hat in the ring quickly?" He said, "That's great, but the final bids are due in the next two weeks and everybody else has been doing their homework since March." So we asked for a two-week extension, which was granted. We wound up doing all the research and getting a handshake to buy the team in 30 days. It was a pretty wild ride.
Watching a Reds game with his dad
Sometimes by the third inning, you don't want to be anywhere near dad depending on how the game's going. Every pitch, every out, every at-bat, it is an emotional roller coaster. You could not have anybody more dialed in than he is. We keep trying to tell him, 'It's a long season, relax.' But that's just the way he is in life and business. That's his DNA. I don't think it's that great for his health, but that's the way the guy is wired. It's a great passion.
Thom Brennaman's future
Brennaman last month resigned from Reds' TV play-by-play job following a suspension for using a homophobic slur on air.
He's as good as anybody in the business, in my opinion. It was just an all around tragic situation. It's something that shouldn't be thought, much less said out loud. Thom knows that. We all know that. In today's day and age, there's a zero tolerance approach to that. That's just not something you have associated with your organization. He knew exactly what the organization had to do and why. We were at the end of a contract year. That's when he came to us and said, "I think I need to move on and repair my own damage done." He's done a ton of that and is making a lot of great relationships. He's certainly had an eye-opening, soul-searching experience of his own. You will see Thom back in a broadcast booth.
Likely not (with the Reds). I just mean as a broadcaster because the guy can do any sport. He's got that kind of talent. I think it'll do him well to have some time off. But yeah, I absolutely expect that we will all see Thom somewhere again as a broadcaster of live sports.
The Brennamans have been such an amazing part of the Reds history. We'll be inducting his dad (Marty) into the Reds Hall of Fame next year. You'll definitely see Thom be a part of that ceremony.
Hoping for some fans at Opening Day
This thing's going to go on well into '21. I think we all understand it's just a reality. We're going to re-submit (to the state) at maybe closer to 30 percent (stadium capacity), which would be about 13,000 or 14,000. What I would prefer is turn off the protocols. We the operators are going to have to show you a COVID-safe park. Even without the protocols, these buildings are going to empty themselves by fan interest. The average age of my fan is 56 years old. Even if I had no regulations, I'm going to have a change in my consumption just by the nature of people's comfort level of going out to large venues with a lot people. As a society, certainly from a business environment, we have to learn to live with COVID – not hide from it.
I don't have enough reasons to be optimistic about a 50% capacity by Opening Day. I think maybe by the All-Star break, it seems more reasonable.
Opening Day parade a 'huge wild card'
Are you better off punting on an event and waiting to bring it back the way everybody's used to consuming it rather than bringing it back in this candy-coated, super-weird COVID way that it's just going to be kind of a letdown? I will tell you the answer to that question that we asked ourselves starting with RedsFest was, I'd rather wait and do it the way we know how to do it and the way the fans like to consume it than to have everybody walking around in bubble suits. I'm not sure where the Findlay Market folks will be feeling by then, but I think it's a huge wild card at this point.
Fresh off attending Joe Biden's visit to Union Terminal, That's So Cincinnati co-hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams break down the Democratic presidential nominee's campaign stop and what it could mean in Ohio.
And listeners get to meet Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer's new food and dining writer. The biggest question for Keith, of course, is what's his take on Cincinnati-style chili? Find out on That's So Cincinnati.
Is the 2020 election when the Republicans lose all their remaining power in Hamilton County?
It was a big topic of discussion on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast election preview episode.
University of Cincinnati political science professor David Niven breaks down the ticket in Hamilton County from Biden-Trump to Republican Joe Deters' chances of holding the prosecutor's seat to former Cincinnati Councilman Charlie Winburn's race for county treasurer.
The once-dominate Hamilton County GOP has been losing seats for more than a decade. The prosecutor's office is the most powerful local government seat in Southwest Ohio, and Republicans have gone all in on trying to get Deters re-elected. If the GOP loses the seat, it loses control of an office that's been a decadeslong farm system for judicial candidates.
"I think the scope of Biden's likely win in Hamilton County puts the Republican Party in grave jeopardy," said Niven, a one-time aide to former Democratic Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. "We could very easily be looking at a clean sweep for Democrats in Hamilton County regardless of the Deters name and history."
Niven's interview begins at the 6:40 mark in the episode.
Lincoln Ware has been on the air in Cincinnati for nearly a half century, known to his listeners as a trusted voice who gives them a chance to have theirs heard.
"I've been on the air longer than any African American in the history of Cincinnati radio," said Ware, who hosts the Lincoln Ware Show 10 a.m.-12 p.m. weekdays on 101.5 FM The Buzz.
Ware joined The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to do what he does best – speak honestly about Cincinnati politics, issues affecting Black citizens and the state of race relations.
A Marine veteran, Ware also talked about how being a disc jockey on an aircraft carrier helped launch his radio career back home in Cincinnati. He started as a DJ with WCIN-AM in 1973, eventually moving into a talk show host role in the early 1990s. His time on the air has afforded him an institutional knowledge of Cincinnati that few others currently working in local media have.
That includes a perspective on how Cincinnati's race relations have evolved. Here's what Ware told That's So Cincinnati when asked about the state of race relations in Cincinnati today:
I think we've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Even in the police department. When (former Chief Tom) Streicher was around, he ran that police department with a heavy hand. You'd hear that they'd discipline Black police officers more harshly than they would white police officers. You look at the gentrification that 3CDC is always accused of, but I think they're making progress. I like what they're doing down in Over-the-Rhine.
But people are still claiming that this is one of the most racist towns that they've been in. There's two Cincinnatis. The Urban League said one Black, one white. I kind of believe that. I've been in this broadcast business for 47 years. I'm not saying people should know me, but there's some white folks in this town, they never listen to Black radio. You might mention (101.5 FM) The Wiz to them, they don't know what you're talking about.
They never venture into the world of the African American. But African Americans will venture into their world. People know Bill Cunningham. They know Jim Scott. The white community doesn't seem to embrace the Black community like the Black community embraces the white community. So Cincinnati has a long way to go.
Here's a look at some other topics Ware discussed in a wide-ranging podcast interview:
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On retirement: "I might hang around another few years. In 2023, it'll be 50 years for me. I might make 50 years and then pack it in."
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On hosting a call-in show: "Everybody wants to vent, and that's why people like my show a lot. I let them get it off their chest. They want their voices heard."
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On standing up for Black leaders: "A lot of these companies and organizations, when they hire a Black person, it's normally from outside of Cincinnati. My theory on this is they bring people in from outside Cincinnati so when they get ready to fire them, they don't have a whole of friends to stand up for them. ... I hate to see that happen to Black leaders."
Did Fiona actually miss seeing zoo visitors during the coronavirus shutdown?
How did the Cincinnati Zoo team break Ndume of a chewing gum habit?
And what's a long-time zookeeper think about "Tiger King?"
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens Director Thane Maynard had the answers in a wide-ranging and engaging interview on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week.
The leader of Cincinnati-based Ohio Innocence Project said in 2011 then-state Attorney General Mike DeWine rejected a request to do a statewide review of cases involving prisoners who claimed to be wrongfully convicted.
But DeWine, now Ohio governor, didn't turn down the offer because he disagreed with the premise of helping people who are wrongfully convicted, his spokesman told The Enquirer. Local, state and federal government bureaucracies made such a review challenging, DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said.
Ohio Innocence Project co-founder Mark Godsey recalled his meeting with then-AG DeWine during an interview with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Godsey's organization works to help free prisoners who were wrongfully convicted by using DNA evidence. Godsey, a former federal prosecutor in New York, said one of his biggest challenges is persuading government officials to have an open mind about revisiting old cases.
"It's not the money. It's ... not wanting to be proven wrong," Godsey said. "The person who was DeWine's assistant in that meeting – I can't remember the person's name – was very much of the mentality like I was when I was a prosecutor. I remember him saying, 'This is ridiculous. There's not going to be any innocent people (based on DNA database information).' It's more like they were in that fog of denial like I used to be in."
DeWine and his team have always had a good working relationship with the Ohio Innocence Project and support the group's mission, Tierney said.
"This was not a policy disagreement. This was a logistical issue," said Tierney, who was also with DeWine in the AG's office. "There was concern that state and federal laws would prohibit the lab from (reviewing old cases). It certainly makes a lot of sense for the local municipalities like Cincinnati to do this on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. We understand attractiveness of one-stop shop. But in a home-rule state like Ohio, there is not a lot of one-stop shops. The governor is a longtime prosecutor. He certainly believes cases should go where the evidence shows."
Godsey's comments come as the city of Cincinnati police has agreed to review certain homicide cases for the past nine years as part of a $100,000 settlement in a murder case where the department didn't share DNA evidence that pointed to someone else.
The Ohio Innocence Project, based at University of Cincinnati, has used DNA evidence to help free 30 wrongfully convicted people since Godsey and John Cranley founded the organization 17 years ago. Godsey, a UC law professor, detailed some of the Ohio Innocence Project's cases in his book, "Blind Injustice," released last year.
The Ohio Innocence Project has gained more momentum with political and government leaders as social justice advocates have gained more attention in recent years.
"There's still a way to go, but definitely the environment and the culture is different than it was when we started in 2003," Godsey said. In the past "when I said, 'We're looking at cases of someone who could be innocent,' I got looked at like I had two heads. Now it's accepted and understood."
Godsey has remained close with Cranley, now in his second term as Cincinnati mayor.
"People think of John as the mayor and a politician, but I got to see him as a young attorney in court," Godsey said. "He won some of our cases and freed innocent people. He could've had a heck of a career as a trial lawyer."
FC Cincinnati play-by-play voice Tom Gelehrter talks about the making of a new documentary about the team, his summer at broadcasting school and starting his own company.
Gelehrter's company, 4th Floor Creative, produced "Nonstop Flight: The Untold Story of FC Cincinnati," which debuted this week.
Enquirer Director of Photography Cara Owsley also joins That's So Cincinnati to take listeners onto the front lines of what it's like to capture photos and video of the big news stories of 2020.
One of Greater Cincinnati's leading influencers in the LGBTQ community wants to give embattled Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman a chance to redeem himself.
And there's no better place for Brennaman to do that than the television booth, community leader Ryan Messer told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
"I don't think he should be fired," said Messer, vice president of the Cincinnati Public Schools board and co-founder of Greater Cincinnati's Human Rights Campaign. "There's good that can come out of this. The people who can make the most change are the people who have changed the most."
Brennaman was suspended indefinitely by the Reds after he used a homophobic slur on air last month. He has apologized and been meeting with LGBTQ people in order to "start improving my understanding of LGBTQ+ issues," Brennaman wrote in an Enquirer op-ed.
Messer, who is openly gay, and Brennaman are scheduled to meet at Messer's home in North Avondale next week.
"I am very grateful for the chance to listen and learn," Brennaman told The Enquirer in a text message on Wednesday, his first media comments since the Aug. 20 op-ed on Cincinnati.com. "I hurt a lot of people, and there will be good that comes from this. We, my family and I, are completely committed to that."
In his own Enquirer op-ed last month, Messer said Brennaman's "use of the slur wasn’t a mistake." But Messer, a regional executive for Johnson & Johnson, has been encouraged by the steps Brennaman has taken since the broadcaster made what he now calls a "hateful" comment during the Reds-Kansas City Royals broadcast on Aug. 19.
"My goal is to say, 'Well, how can this turn into a learning opportunity for him and for others?' " Messer said on That's So Cincinnati. "I think you always have to start with grace in every situation."
The election is all about suburban women voters. You've inevitably heard that many times in 2020. Ohio GOP Chairwoman Jane Timken joined The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to discuss the battle for suburban women voters and whether Trump's message of safety amid nationwide protesting is working with that voting bloc.
"I am that demographic," said Timken, 53, who grew up in Cincinnati and now lives in the suburbs of the Canton-Akron region. "You’re watching on TV what’s happening in Minnesota ... Portland ... Wisconsin. I personally think it’s freighting. I’ve talked to others who think it is as well. The Democrats refuse to condemn it. I do think (Trump's message is) resonating."
Timken also offers her thoughts on the Republican National Convention, Nick Sandmann's RNC speech and the media on this week's That's So Cincinnati.
Click the Audioboom link at the top of this article to listen for free. Or subscribe and listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major listening platforms. The Timken interview begins at the 15:45 mark in the episode.
Cincinnati's Greg Hartmann is among a handful of Republicans who can vouch for how costly it can be to publicly criticize Donald Trump.
Hartmann made national headlines in late 2015, when the then-Hamilton County commissioner called Trump "the most offensive public figure I've seen." The comments ended up costing Hartmann a White House-appointed federal prosecutor's job.
Back in the local political spotlight to lead the GOP's campaign to kill a potential ballot initiative to disband the Cincinnati Police, Hartmann this week reflected on his criticism of Trump and opened up about his current feelings about the president in a wide-ranging interview on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Hartmann continues to have mixed feelings about Trump, but the local GOP influencer isn't bitter about the White House stringing him along for nearly two years on the federal prosecutor appointment. Hartmann ultimately withdrew his name from being considered for U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio in December 2018.
"I don't love the way the president handles things," Hartmann told That's So Cincinnati. "I like the fact that he's significantly cut regulations and taxes, so I support a lot of the policies. I don't support a lot of the meanness and divisive approach that he's taken."
Asked specifically if he'll support Trump in November, Hartmann added: "Sure. He's our candidate. He doesn't do a lot of things the way that I would do them, (but) the alternative is not very impressive."
Ohio Rep. Brigid Kelly joins The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to discuss the Larry Householder scandal; the dangers of dark money in politics; how the House moves forward; and what Hamilton County office she may run for in the future.
The Hyde Park Democrat says she's concerned the alleged $60 million Statehouse bribery scandal against the now-former House Speaker could deter "good people" from running for elected office and get involved in politics and government.
The Kelly interview begins at the 13:30 mark in the episode.
Former Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken has emerged as a leading critic on the city and county's embattled riverfront development project, also known as The Banks.
And the former Congressman and local TV anchor didn't hold back in his criticism of The Banks on That's So Cincinnati this week, calling for new leadership on the project. Luken is a member of the city-county Joint Banks Steering Committee, which is supposed to provide oversight and decision-making power on the project.
But the committee rarely meets.
Here's just a sampling of what Luken said on That's So Cincinnati:
"We've lost our way," Luken said of the committee. "And I think we've lost our way for so long that we have ceased to be effective. I do not believe that group can be repaired. There needs to be a new approach, and that falls to the elected people to lead on. I hope that they do. I don’t think it’s going to change much as long as (county attorney) Tom Gabelman and (Reds owner Bob) Castellini view this as their little project. As long as that happens, I see more fighting and more difficulty in the future."
Cincinnati Attorney Chris Finney talks about his challenges of going against energy company-led efforts to reject a ballot initiative last year on Larry Householder's House Bill 6. Finney also discusses his legal battles against Gov. Mike DeWine's coronavirus-related orders.
Also this week: Co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge breakdown the scandal in Columbus and discuss a leisure trip on the Ohio River.
On this week's episode:
-- New Cincinnati City Manager Paula Boggs Muething talks about her personal and professional journey.
-- What's up with the under-the-radar Hamilton County parks levy
-- Taking the stairs at Eden Park
It's been four years since Cincinnati Parks leaders announced that the long-awaited riverfront marina was finally going to be built.
Nothing has happened since, though. What happened?
New Cincinnati Parks Director Kara Kish told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati Podcast that the Parks Board earlier this year requested and got an extension until 2023 for the $1.5 million state grant being used to help get the project going.
"I am optimistic about (the marina)," Kish said. "I think it's in the future of the city."
Learn more about Kish, the parks and the marina plan on this week's episode.
Also this week: Co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge breakdown the 2021 Cincinnati mayor's race in the wake of P.G. Sittenfeld's official campaign launch.
The burden of paying for future maintenance and upgrades to Paul Brown Stadium continues to loom large for Hamilton County taxpayers.
As the bill is coming due in a few years on deferred costs, Republican commissioner candidate Andy Black is proposing a solution:
Sell the stadium.
It's not a new idea, but Black is well-intentioned and has gathered a team of experts to work on a plan.
The former Mariemont vice mayor talks in-depth about his idea on That's So Cincinnati. Black's interview begins at the 13:40 mark in the episode.
Also this week:
-- What the mask-wearing mandate means in Cincinnati
-- Adventures in kayaking around Greater Cincinnati
Dusty Rhodes says Democrats can censure him "until the cows come home," but the long-time Hamilton County auditor isn't going to apologize for his recent tweet asking why Black Lives Matter isn't also focusing on children lost to abortions and shootings.
Instead, Rhodes is doubling down on his comments and hopes it drives a conversation about emphasizing that "all black lives matter," he told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast his week.
A anti-abortion Catholic and conservative-leaning Democrat, Rhodes said:
"This whole Black Lives Matter thing has gotten in my craw real good. I appreciate the sentiment, but not the organization, which is a Marxist outfit hellbent on destroying our country as it stands right now. ...
"They're killing more black babies in abortions than white as a ratio. And I think those black lives matter just as much as the three little kids who were killed (by gun violence) in Chicago this weekend. And nobody's talking about that. ...
"Black lives matter in the womb as well as in life outside the womb. I think it's a valid point and it ought to be discussed."
To listen to the full podcast episode for free, click the Audioboom link at the top of the article. That's So Cincinnati can also be found for free on most podcast listening platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Rhodes' interview begins at the 13:50 mark in the episode.
Rhodes enraged some members of the Hamilton County Democratic Party on June 19, when he tweeted: "Just wondering when they are going to paint 'Black Lives Matter' on Auburn Avenue, you know, in front of that building where they terminate black lives and white ones, too, almost every day of the week."
Planned Parenthood, the city's only abortion clinic, is located on Auburn Avenue in Mount Auburn.
Democratic Party Chairwoman Gwen McFarlin issued a statement three days later calling Rhodes' tweet "racist" and sexist," adding that she would begin the process of censuring the 30-year county auditor.
Rhodes said McFarlin contacted him before she released the statement. He called McFarlin a "good person" whom he's known for 30 years, but she caved to the party's progressives.
"I like Gwen personally, but she couldn't stand up to them and she buckled," Rhodes said.
Former local party chairman "Tim Burke would have never allowed this to happen," Rhodes said. "Tim Burke believed in a big tent and brought us all together. His only thing was do your job well and don't reflect badly on the party. That's what I've done consistently. I've never brought scandal to the party, and they can't say that about some of their favorites in City Hall."
Rhodes said he'll continue to criticize Black Lives Matter for pushing a narrowly focused political agenda and ignoring taking up the cause of the importance of all Black lives.
"I'm going to say what I think, because I'm not going to let the party do my thinking for me," Rhodes said. "It's a horrible thing (George Floyd's death). But to use that as an excuse to destroy buildings and blocks and take over cities and everything else, I think that's a bridge too far. But everybody (politicians and media) is scared to say it. I can't believe it. They're hiding under their desks. It's time to step up."
Rhodes was first elected auditor in 1990, and he's always consistently held pro-life views. He's also been outspoken about those beliefs, often tweeting about it. Rhodes was asked if he thought the party issued the public rebuke now to put pressure on him to retire.
"I'm not going to hide my opinion under a bushel basket," Rhodes said. "I've been pro-life from the start. They knew I was pro-life when I first ran for Delhi trustee. I was pro-life when they asked me to run for auditor. I was pro-life when they endorsed me two years ago. To expect that I'm going to keep quiet about that (is) ridiculous."
He added: "The Democratic Party is not going to save my soul. My church comes before my party and that's the way I am."
Rhodes, 80, reiterated that he'd already been thinking about retiring after his term expires in 2022. If he does decide to run again, however, Rhodes didn't definitively say whether he'd remain loyal to the Democrats or switch parties.
"I'd rather fight than switch," Rhodes said.
It's moments like this in our history when a journalist's experience, perspective and credibility are critical for viewers and readers.
WLWT-TV anchor and reporter Courtis Fuller has been a trusted voice for Greater Cincinnati for nearly four decades, and his institutional knowledge really pays off in major news events like the recent racial inequality protests.
He was on the streets covering the protests the past few weeks, just like he was in 2001 during the civil unrest in Cincinnati. And even then, Fuller had experience covering such an event, having started his career as a radio reporter in Milwaukee in the early 1980s.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week, Fuller recalled covering protests in Milwaukee after 22-year-old Earnest Lacy died while in police custody.
"He died because a police officer put his knee on the back of his neck," Fuller said. "That's 1981. Up until now, it was the largest protest I had seen. People flooded the streets." The experience of covering "that is something I've carried with me over the years."
Fuller detailed the process of him going from covering the 2001 civil unrest for Channel 5 to running for mayor against Charlie Luken later that year.
"I'm doing great in my career," Fuller recalled. "I was the main anchor. I had just gotten married. Life is going pretty good."
He added: "I just didn't feel like I was doing enough personally."
Fuller won the primary, but lost in the general election. Will he consider running for mayor again in 2021?
Local political watchers have been wondering whether an African American candidate will get into the race against David Mann and P.G. Sittenfeld, who hasn't officially announced yet. Fuller has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
Fuller said "it's not something on the radar," but the Pittsburgh native didn't completely rule out the possibility of running again.
"It's an interesting question," Fuller said. "I love David Mann. I love P.G. I think they are good servants for the city. David knows the ends and outs of this town as well as anyone and is committed to all communities. Both of them are very, very good candidates. But you do wonder if now is that time. It was the same way in 2001. I believe that there probably will be an African American candidate that emerges."
Also on That's So Cincinnati, Fuller discussed the progress of the Cincinnati police department over the past 19 years and how he views the idea of "defund the police."
On the police progress:
"Fortunately for our department, when you step back and try to be as objective as possible, we are doing an amazing job compared to where we were in 2001. And when I hear what other departments are doing, I think, wow, Cincinnati really has made tremendous strides, thanks to the Collaborative Agreement. Could more be done? Oh, absolutely. I think the chief is sincere and folks working in the department are sincere that they want to be the best department they can be. They're willing to listen; willing to work with the community."
On "defund the police:"
"As soon as I heard the term 'defund' floated, you immediately think that's probably not the best choice of words to use. I believe people want reform. But to use the term 'defund,' that just shifts the conversation to ... are you going to get rid of the police department? I don't believe that is the overall goal. I do believe people want changes. And they want things very similar to what we've attempted to do here in Cincinnati."
It'd be hard to find a law enforcement officer anywhere who understands police-community relations better than Cincinnati assistant police chief Paul Neudigate.
The 30-year policeman last week climbed over a barrier during a racial equality protest and took the opportunity to talk with and listen to peaceful protesters. And he quickly realized: There's work to be done to bridge the relationship between police officers and a younger generation of Cincinnatians.
What protesters were saying "it hurt a little bit," Neudigate told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, because the police department has greatly improved its relationship with the community since the 2001 riots.
"We have always said we have to work on our relationships with the community every single day," Neudigate said. "We had thought that we were getting close. That if something bad went down, the community knew that we're a new police department. We were much more responsive. We were much more transparent. We were much more engaging. And I think what we saw is we're just not there yet."
Neudigate on June 2 crossed a barrier and began having conversations with protesters, a moment captured on video. He exchanged phone numbers with some of the protesters and has remained in touch with some of them, helping to answer their questions.
He's been a leader in helping the department improve its relationships and reputation in neighborhoods across the city. It was part of the Collaborative Agreement that came out of the 2001 unrest, and Cincinnati police have been nationally recognized for its relationships in the community.
But Neudigate acknowledged that many younger citizens don't remember what happened 19 years ago, and some weren't born yet. The department needs to improve its public relations efforts, said Neudigate, who does a good job sharing news and positive stories on his Twitter feed.
"What I'm finding out from those conversations is a lot of the things that (protesters) want, a lot of the things that they think that we should be doing, we're already doing," Neudigate said. "We're just not doing a good enough job of making sure that the community is aware of all the different pieces that we've got moving."
Neudigate's podcast interview offers candid insight into the Cincinnati police, including how the department's response compared to 2001.
Neudigate's interview begins at the 21:15 mark in the episode.
Cincinnati chef and restaurateur Jose Salazar chuckles about a conversation he had with his wife in early March.
"Everything was just starting to click," Jose Salazar said about his three restaurants, the most popular being Salazar in Over-the-Rhine. "My wife about two weeks before the shutdown said, 'I feel great. I feel like for the first time in years I'm not worried whether I'm going to make payroll next week.' "
Some 10 weeks later, Jose Salazar is fighting to stay in business.
He talks in-depth about the challenges of reopening Salazar, Goose & Elder at Findlay Market and Mita's in Downtown on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Salazar also worries about his peers as the restaurant industry tries to recover from the two-month pandemic shutdown. He has been part of Over-the-Rhine's renaissance in the past decade, and he worries what this pandemic will do to all the small businesses who've gone all in on the neighborhood.
"God, if all these restaurants don't survive, what's it going to look like again? It'd be hard to imagine it going back to a bunch of boarded up storefronts again. But I don't know. It's kind of scary. It's kind of scary to think that a good portion of our retail and restaurants might not survive all of this."
Will Salazar's restaurants make it? And what does he think about Gov. Mike DeWine's decisions to shutdown restaurants for two months?
Find out on this week's That's So Cincinnati episode. Click the Audioboom link at the top to listen for free. Or listen to the episode for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and other listening platforms.
Salazar's interview begins at the 13:40 mark in the episode.
Before the streetcar was shut down to passengers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, there was a plan on the table to make it fare-free.
Yes, free. Finally. Supporters have long said such a move would bolster weak ridership.
Cincinnati City Councilman Chris Seelbach told The Enquirer’s That’s So Cincinnati podcast that the Cincinnati Bell Connector was going to be free to ride starting July 1. (Click the Audioboom link at the top of the article to listen to the podcast episode for free.)
It would have been free even sooner than that, Seelbach said, but there was concern about any discussion of the streetcar interfering with Cincinnati Metro’s levy.
Now – with the streetcar still closed to passengers and the city facing gaping budget deficits – no one knows what will happen, Seelbach said.
If Cincinnati doesn’t get some federal aid, he said, the streetcar may never open back up at all, let alone without fares.
It was a shocking statement from one of the streetcar's biggest proponents.
“That’s just the reality,” he said. “In addition to it not reopening, we will likely be shutting down all parks, all health centers, rec centers, your garbage is only getting pick-up once a month. I mean, that’s the dire situation we’re looking at if we don’t get assistance from the federal government. And so far we haven’t.”
The streetcar launched in September 2016. It had a successful start – with more than 133,000 riders that first month – but it has been plagued by troubles since. Ridership quickly dropped, falling well below projections, and the streetcar has struggled to gain revenue from advertising and fares.
With the breakout of COVID-19, under the orders of the Cincinnati health commissioner and Mayor John Cranley, the streetcar has been closed since April 1.
Rather than shutting down completely, though, the streetcar has been running without passengers. Officials said it would cost between $300,000 and $1 million to bring the streetcar back into service after a complete shutdown. Running it empty, save for a skeleton crew, costs roughly $138,000 a month.
Travis Jeric, interim deputy director of the streetcar, did not return a message seeking comment about a potential plan to make the streetcar far-free.
David Mann, city council’s budget and finance committee chair, said he’s not sure where the July 1 date came from.
Mann has long advocated for a fare-free streetcar but said he was unaware of any concrete plans.
“I had not heard a definite date, and I haven’t heard anything about it since the stay at home orders and the temporary closing,” he said. “It’s pretty obvious, I think, that we’re going to have a heated debate about what to do about the streetcar, ranging from close it to bring it back the way it was to free service.”
Mann is worried now about the city’s overall budget, which has a projected $15 million deficit this fiscal year and a projected $90 million deficit next fiscal year, recently upped from an earlier $80 million projection.
He thinks city council needs to tackle that budget first – “which is going to be misery” – and then it can take up the streetcar issue.
The streetcar's operating budget is $5 million a year, but it's set up to be self-sustaining. The money is to come from fares, advertising naming rights and developers who benefit from proximity to it. But it was falling short even before the pandemic.
Last year, Cincinnati City Council had to cover a $1.4 shortfall in that budget with operating budget money. The same struggles this fiscal year, coupled with the pandemic shutdown mean that amount will likely climb.
Also on this week's That's So Cincinnati episode, Seelbach discussed:
- City Council's Gang of 5 text message scandal
- FC Cincinnati's new West End stadium
- Gentrification of Over-the-Rhine
Concerns are growing inside the Cincinnati Police Department about the possibility of officers being laid off as City Hall faces a monumental $80 million budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year.
Police union President Dan Hils, never one to back down from a political fight, is ready to "call out stupid" if City Council attempts to prioritize any pet projects at the expense of public safety.
After years of saying they'll make basic public services a top priority, the politicians "have to mean it this time, because they have no choice," Hils told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
"If they go out there and do stupid pet projects," Hils added, "we've really elected the wrong bunch of folks."
Click the Audioboom link at the top of this article to listen to That's So Cincinnati for free. It's also available for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and most podcast listening platforms. Hils' interview begins at the 2:25 mark in the episode.
The city's budget has been hit hard by coronavirus-related economic shutdown. City Hall must figure out how to deal with the budget crisis before the next fiscal year begins on July 1.
The poster child for pet projects is, of course, the streetcar, which sucks at least $1.4 million out of the annual operating budget. Streetcar ticket sales and advertising revenue continues to be off projections, and the rarely used rail line could require more taxpayer money out of the upcoming operating budget.
The streetcar is closed to passengers during the health emergency, and the question lingers whether it'll ever be reopened. Hils said he supports the idea of the federal government waiving a requirement that the city must pay back $45 million in streetcar construction grants if it's shutdown permanently.
"They're stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the federal funds," Hils said. "City Council got themselves into it, and I hope they can figure it out. I would love if the feds could say, 'Because of the COVID stuff, we're going to continue to send what we're going to be able to send you (for non-streetcar related projects), but shut that dumb thing down.' "
Hils is prepared to work with the city administration on finding ways to help them save money in the police department. He hopes the city can work with officers nearing retirement as a way to avoid laying off younger officers.
"If you could find some sort of way to buyout or encourage or help people make the decision (to retire), that could save the city an awful lot of money," Hils said.
"And then they could restructure, look at some of the reduction of command officers or higher ranks so you could leave the people that are down there on the street dealing with the violence each and every day," Hils added."That would be a wiser move, if it comes down to it that they have to reduce the amount of Cincinnati police officers that are on the payroll."
Hils discussed other issues and topics on That's So Cincinnati.
His future: Hils has been the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police president since 2015, and he made a splash in his first two-year term by advocating for big wage hikes to make the Cincinnati police force salaries comparable to those of officers in similar-size cities. His efforts led to bigger-than-anticipated raises in 2016, costing taxpayers $25 million over three years.
Hils was re-elected to a new two-year term in December. It could be his last term because he has to retire in May 2022, due to parameters of his retirement agreement with the city.
He'd like to stay longer as union president. That would require FOP members to change a rule to allow a retired officer to run the organization, meaning the union would pay the president's full salary instead of the city. The membership will be making the decision as Hils heads to negotiations on a new police contract, which expires in May 2021.
"I think I still have a lot of support," Hils said.
Beyond that, Hils said, he's keeping the door open to possibly running for elected office someday. The Republican briefly jumped into the 2020 Hamilton County commissioners race, but dropped out a week later when he realized it would be a conflict with his job as FOP president.
"Can I ever see myself in politics in the future?" Hils said. "Yeah, I find it attractive."
Sheriff's race: Hils originally kicked around the idea of running for sheriff this year, but gave way when his long-time colleague and friend Bruce Hoffbauer decided to run.
Hoffbauer, who recently retired Cincinnati police lieutenant, faces Democrat Charmaine McGuffey in the November election. It's expected to be a highly competitive race after McGuffey crushed incumbent Jim Neil in last month's primary.
Local political watchers believe Green Township's Hoffbauer will win over many of Neil's strong base of Republican and independent voters on the heavily populated West Side.
"Bruce Hoffbauer is an outstanding leader," Hils said. "He's tough as nails when it comes to following the rules and making his officers be professional. He's also very wise. He knows the community and knows how to deal with big problems. Hamilton County is going to be blessed to have Bruce Hoffbauer as the sheriff. I believe he's going to win."
Supermarkets are limiting meat purchases as outbreaks of the new coronavirus has shutdown meat-processing plants across the U.S.
But never fear, Greater Cincinnatians.
"There won't be a shortage of goetta," Glier's Goetta CEO Dan Glier told That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Glier's Northern Kentucky-based plant is equipped with a state-of-the-art sanitation system the company installed last year.
Dan Glier also talks about the unique history of the company his dad started in 1946 and whether there will be a Glier's Goettafest on the riverfront this summer. Hint: He's very optimistic.
Also this week, That's So Cincinnati cohosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge discuss protesters outside Dr. Amy Acton's house, 50 West Brewing's new burger bar and the joys of reconnecting with friends.
Bent on reopening the economy, Ohio Republican lawmakers are returning to Columbus next week united around one message:
Convincing Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to start listening more to elected officials in the Statehouse and less to non-elected state medical Director Amy Acton.
Ahead of the Legislature returning to session on Tuesday for the first time in six weeks, Ohio House Majority Leader Bill Seitz of Green Township joined The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk about the role GOP lawmakers, DeWine and Acton are playing in reopening the economy.
Listen to the episode for free by clicking the Audioboom link above. It's also available for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and most other podcast listening platforms. The Seitz interview begins at the 30:15 mark in the episode.
Seitz, the long-time state lawmaker from Cincinnati's West Side, didn't mince words, either. House Republicans are frustrated with DeWine and Acton over their decision to slowly reopen the economy– too slowly, in their view.
Asked if DeWine is leaning too heavily on the guidance of Acton, Seitz said: "I do. She has tunnel vision, and that's appropriate. Her job is director of the Department of Health, so she's looking at this through the lens of what is optimal for public health. But I think she is not sufficiently cognizant about the damage this has done to our economy."
Seitz, the No. 3-ranking member of the House, added: "She's got a job to do, but it can't be the sole determinant of what we do. It's time to walk back the heavy hand of government – which is ill-suited to ordering the entire economy around for any length of time – and realize that we are not going to cower in our basements forever. It's time to get on with life. People have to earn a paycheck."
House GOP leaders also weren't happy with Acton's decision to close the polls for the March 17 primary, leading the House to decide voting would be done by mail-only and extended this past Tuesday.
Eventually, the Legislature could take a look at the law that allows the state medical director to have such powers, Seitz said.
"Amy Acton probably had the legal authority under this overly broad statute written 100 years ago to order the polls to be closed," said Seitz, an attorney. "I think it was a mistake, but she had that legal authority. When this is all over, we will be looking very carefully at that statute to see what lessons we learned here and see if it's not appropriate to require some curbs on the power of the Ohio Department of Health Director."
Seitz added: "Otherwise, you've given pretty untrammeled power to an unelected. bureaucrat. I think that's a dangerous thing. The problem that I have with it is the total lack of formal legislative input or oversight over the process. I'm not trying to fault Dr. Acton unnecessarily here. I'm simply saying that down the road, when this is all over, we will probably be taking a long, measured look at that statute and see how it can be updated."
Here's a sampling of other topics Seitz discussed on the podcast:
Back to normal in November
Only the Legislature can make significant changes to elections, and Seitz said he doesn't expect any this fall.
"We need to have in-person voting in November," he said. "I don't see us changing the Nov. 3 date. I do think there will be a renewed attention on absentee voting. I do agree it probably makes sense to allow people to request their absentee ballot online as long as we can verify appropriately that they are in fact a registered voter."
Going to bat for small businesses
Gov. DeWine on Monday unveiled the first phase of his plan to reopen the economy. It calls for retail businesses to reopen on May 12. But there's no date yet for the reopening of restaurant dining rooms, barbershops and beauty salons.
"I am hoping that we will certainly have all of those facilities open by mid- to late-May at the absolute latest," Seitz said. "I am encouraged that the governor is moving in that direction. We want to get it going a little quicker than he does. That's where the fight is."
Trusting the citizenry
Seitz expressed general frustration about government not trusting citizens enough to reopen the economy.
"The reality is we the Republicans of the House believe that it's time to start trusting the common sense of the people of Ohio," Seitz said. "If you feel sick, stay home. If you are sick, stay home. If you are afraid, stay home. If you want to wear a mask, wear a mask. But if you want to take a chance and live your life as a free American the way we've lived since 1776, a lot of us say, 'Let's do it.' "
He added: "Most of these rules aren't any different than we learned in kindergarten. Cover your cough. Don't spit in your classmate's mashed potatoes. Don't be too touchy feely with people. I think many Ohioans – most of them – are willing to be voluntarily compliant with common sense measures."
Football this fall?
Asked when he thinks people can start going to big events again, Seitz said: "I'll tell you one thing, if we roll around to early September, and they say that there will be no pro or college football, at that time there will be an insurrection no matter what Amy Acton says."
Jerry Springer knows television and politics — and the proud liberal can't stand Donald Trump.
So how do you get "Judge Jerry" fired up?
Ask Springer whether the networks should be airing Trump's daily coronavirus press conferences.
"There is no excuse now that we know what they're like for just turning on the cameras," Springer told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "The reporters should be there, and then write their reports or report it on the news that night. But to just turn the cameras on Trump for an hour and a half. that's not journalism. That's technology. I blame the journalists for this now. I could see the first couple of days – or maybe even weeks – doing it."
Springer, the former Cincinnati mayor and one-time Channel 5 anchor, continued: "But now that we see what the routine is – that Trump gets up there and spews his stuff and then finally the doctors get up there and basically refute what he's saying – the public is not being helped."
Stuck at home in Sarasota, Florida, Springer is waiting to return to the NBCUniversal studios in Connecticut to record more episodes of "Judge Jerry," a syndicated, reality court show that debuted last fall.
Springer, 76, also continues to record his weekly Jerry Springer Podcast with Greater Cincinnatians Jene Galvin and Maria Carelli via conference call. Once life gets back to normal, Springer plans to resume his weekly trips into Cincinnati to record the podcast.
In a wide-ranging interview on That's So Cincinnati, Springer didn't mince words in criticizing Trump and Trump supporters. Springer also discussed:
About flirting with running for Ohio governor in 2018
In 2017, Springer told The Enquirer "I could be Trump without the racism" amid rumors swirling about him running for governor. He opened up more about considering that race.
"I was pretty close (to running), because there were people in the party who were very supportive," Springer said. "I hadn't thought about it in years, and all of a sudden, they send me a poll. I could see why I was in the discussion, simply because I'm well known."
He added: "It wasn't that easy a decision. I'm pretty glib about it now. I had to think: Do I really have the energy? The adrenaline can keep going when you're in a race. But then what if I had won? And now at this age, when I take naps in the afternoon ... I have to be honest: I think I would have the energy, but I don't know that for sure."
Tale of two Republican governors
Ohio's Mike DeWine has been lauded worldwide for his proactive and cautious approach to handling the coronavirus. On the other hand, few governors have been more criticized than Florida's Ron DeSantis, who was reluctant to shutdown beaches and was late to issue stay-at-home orders.
Springer offered his assessment of the governors in his former state and current state.
On DeWine: "I may disagree with a lot of his politics, but he's not a crazy person. He's a bright person and he's responding to what is obvious: If we don't have social distancing. If we don't do what the doctors and the scientists are telling us, this thing is going to come back again and destroy the economy for another five years. Yeah, he's Republican but he's a common sense kind of person. He's going to get a lot of credit and frankly he deserves."
On DeSantis: "Well, you know, he's horrible. He was going to be Trump's boy. Those were his (campaign) commercials. He was going to do whatever Trump said. So what he's doing is not surprising and it's dangerous."
Still loves Cincinnati politics
Springer has long maintained relationships with a handful of Cincinnati Democrats, including City Councilman David Mann and former local party Chairman Tim Burke. Springer and Mann served on City Council in the 1970s. In recent months, Mann has been considering a run for mayor in 2021 and he reached out to Springer for advice.
"I would support David Mann for whatever he ran for because there's no conceivable way David Mann would make an irrational decision," Springer said. "He is like if you ran to your father for advice. Add to his demeanor and his rationality, his intelligence and knowledge and, you know, that's pretty tough to beat.
"My text (to Mann) was, I think I said: "Hell yes!"
Some 50,000 absentee ballots have been cast in Hamilton County since the coronavirus sent the Ohio primary election to the mailbox.
Thousands more are still expected to participate before this unprecedented vote-by-mail only election ends on April 28. And lots of confusion and questions remain about how to vote and how to make sure your vote is counted.
The Enquirer has you covered right here.
Sherry Poland, Hamilton County Board of Elections executive director, addressed all you need to know about the stay-at-home election on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week. Here's a guide based off her interview:
How to vote: Step-by-step
It's a rather cumbersome process, so here are the steps to follow to make sure you get to vote and it gets counted.
- Fill out an absentee ballot application.
The application can be found on the Board of Elections website: votehamiltoncountyohio.gov. Print it out and mail it in. (Click here to download the application.) If you do not have access to a printer, contact the board of elections and ask to have an application mailed to you. Applications also can be picked up at the Board of Elections offices (4700 Smith Road, Norwood), 12 Kroger stores throughout Hamilton County and found in the Sunday Enquirer print edition.
- Mail or drop off the application at the Board of Elections.
Either way, the board must receive the application by 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. If you don't have the application in by then, you will not be able to vote in the primary. If mailing, you have to pay for your own postage. Drive-up, drop boxes are available at the Board of Elections. Take note: You cannot email or fax the ballot. State law does not allow for the electronic distribution and submission of ballots and related documents.
- Receive your ballot in the mail.
This is the only way you can receive a ballot. You cannot pick it up anywhere, not even at the Board of Elections.
- Fill out the ballot and mail or drop off at the Board of Elections.
If you mail your ballot, it must be postmarked no later than April 27. Postage is already paid for, so save your stamps. Or if you choose to drop it off at the Board of Elections, it must be done by 7:30 p.m. on April 28.
Don't forget to pick your preferred ballot
Republican? Democrat? Libertarian? Strictly a non-partisan issues voter? Regardless, you need to make it known on the application which type of voter you are in order to receive a ballot – and save yourself and board officials lots of headaches.
"We are receiving applications where a voter is forgetting to check the box to let us know what type of ballot they are requesting," Poland said. "This is a primary election, so voters need to tell us if they wish to receive a Democratic ballot, a Republican ballot or an issues-only ballot. For those voters living in the 1st Congressional (District), they also have the option of choosing a Libertarian ballot."
Did you forget to do this? No worries. The board of elections has been contacting voters who've sent in their applications without the box checked for a specific ballot. Or you can call the board to make the correction at 513-632-7000.
It's like FedEx for voting
You can track whether your application and subsequently your ballot have been processed. That can be done on votehamiltoncountyohio.gov.
There is no in-person voting.
With a few exceptions.
Disabled and homeless voters will be allowed to cast their ballots in-person at the Board of Elections from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 28 only. Anyone who does not fall into those voter categories will not be allowed to vote in-person during the remainder of the election.
Again, voters who have received their ballots by mail can drop those off at the Board of Elections on April 28. But otherwise, elections officials are asking that others do not show up that day at the Board of Elections or polling locations.
"We're just asking for people to do what's right and follow the law," Poland said.
Election night: No waiting for precinct reporting
After the 7:30 p.m. voting deadline on April 28, election results will be released "no later than 8 p.m."
There will be some periodic updates throughout the night as other late-arriving ballots are processed. But since there won't be any waiting for each precinct to report results, it shouldn't be an hourslong process to find out who wins the election.
The results will reflect how candidates and issues fared by precinct, since that's how absentee voters are still are tracked.
Ballots postmarked April 27 may not arrive until a day or two after the election. But those ballots will be counted as part of the board's official count in early May.
Could this happen again in November?
Maybe, though no decisions have been made to change the logistics of the November general election. Still, an increase in absentee voting could be here to stay as part of the new norm when the pandemic ends.
"Even if we do still have in-person voting in November, I do think more people may decide to vote by mail," Poland said. "We are definitely collecting the data as we go through this spontaneous all-mail election to help us better prepare for November, in case we go to an all-vote-by-mail election or just more people decide to vote by that mechanism."
Ohio elections officials have had preliminary discussions about the possibility of an mail-only November election. If there is a change, she hopes it's decided by July 4 in order to allow voters and the Board of Elections to be fully prepared.
Listen to Poland's full interview on That's So Cincinnati podcast for free by clicking the Audioboom link at the top of this article. You can also subscribe and listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most other listening platforms.
Poland's interview begins at the 23:20 mark in the episode.
Dr. O'dell Owens wants us all stay focused on a public health crisis.
He's talking about the opioid crisis, Greater Cincinnati's leading public health expert wants everyone to know hasn't gone away amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"It’s falling off of people’s thought patterns," Owens told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "That’s what bothers me. This issue was so big that the life expectancy numbers in our country changed."
Owens, president and CEO of Interact for Health, is concerned about what life is going to be like after the coronavirus is under control. He fears medical resources and funding will be diverted from tackling drug addiction, which could get worse if there's a recession.
More immediately, Owens said, what's going to happen when restrictions are lifted on international shipping?
"The supply chain has really been cut down," said Owens, the former Hamilton County coroner. "People have to get by with a little less than what they normally would use. That’s why I think the overdoses are down. But once China opens back up and the Mexican borders open back up, they’ve got a stockpile of (drugs) that they’re going to put in this market and it’s going to be cheap. It’s frightening."
Named one of the Great Living Cincinnatians by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber this year, Owens touched on several other topics on the podcast. Here's a further sampling of what he said:
On what life generally could be like after the coronavirus pandemic ends ...
This country will never be the same. The way we practice medicine. The way we educate people. The way we relate. The handshake is dead. Who’s hand are you going to shake and when? You going to shake somebody’s hand in June? You going to shake it in September when you’re still hearing about cases? And we’re going to wash our hands more. If they’re any silver lining, we’re going to see less cases of the regular flu this year. And we will have started a culture of people washing their hands more. This is going to be a good thing because it’s going to impact other diseases as well.
On whether he'll run for elected office again ...
Oh, no, no, no. I’ve had my share of public office, and I’ll never do that again. I’m more of an independent Democrat. I have a friend who’s a very, very conservative Republican, a very successful businessman in Cincinnati. He guaranteed … he would minimally raise $1 million for my campaign. He’s said that for the last seven years. I said, ‘No.’ I had my run as the coroner. We did some great things, but I wear my heart on my sleeves. As a politician, people can say anything about you that they want whether it’s true or not. You get a lot of unjustified criticism. I’ve done that. I’ve accomplished that. I think I can be helpful doing other kinds of things.
On what Owens meant by saying he's "not done yet" during the Great Living Cincinnatian ceremony in February ...
I was that poor kid from the West End who was written off. I was the one who was told by the counselor I was too poor and too stupid to go to college. So for me, it’s always been this strong sense that I have to give back. But more importantly, I have to inspire. I have to go talk to the people who don’t have a voice and say, ‘Hey, I’m not asking you to go to Yale and Harvard like I did, but at least give me high school.’ I just feel strongly that we have to leave this earth better than what we have.
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman hasn't been holding daily press conferences to update Ohioans on the novel coronavirus, but the Greater Cincinnati Republican has been doing critical work to help fight the pandemic.
Portman has President Trump's ear, a relationship that's helped major Ohio companies quickly clear bureaucratic hurdles in efforts to make and receive critical products to combat the novel coronavirus, both locally and nationwide. Among the companies Portman is helping: Procter & Gamble, Cardinal Health and GOJO Industries (maker of Purell hand sanitizer).
Does Trump and his administration return Portman's calls if he'd have voted against the president on impeachment a few months ago?
It's question Portman was as a guest his week on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Here's a look at some of the topics Portman discussed on the podcast:
Phone call with Trump
Portman said he talked on the phone with President Trump on Wednesday, in part, about helping Central Ohio-based Cardinal Health to receive federal approval of the companies donation of the 2 million hospital gowns to the national stockpile of personal protective equipment.
In his afternoon press conference that day, Trump praised Portman for working with the administration on behalf of Cardinal Health.
Asked whether that happens if Portman had voted to impeach the president, Ohio's junior senator said: "There’s no question it’s useful to have a constructive working relationship with the administration. On the impeachment thing, I didn’t think the issue rose to that level of high crimes. I didn’t think the American people should be told, ‘This guy’s out of here. You don’t have a chance to vote for him one way or the other', because we were in the middle of an election – and still are. I just don’t think in that case, it was the right thing to do."
Portman added: "But if I had gone the other way, it’d be very hard to have the kind of relationship you want to have. You try to be constructive and you try to be respectful. You kind of choose your battles. My job is to represent Ohio and get things done. It’s not to give speeches and get on cable TV and throw out the red meat. That's not the job you’re hired to do as an elected official."
Respect for Dr. Fauci
Portman had been regularly attending Dr. Anthony Fauci's briefings on the coronavirus while the Senate was in session. Portman had a chance to talk with the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases after one of the sessions.
"I went up to him afterwards and said, ‘You know, I’m praying for you,' " Portman said. "He kind of looked at me. I don’t think he’d heard that from many people. I said, ‘Because you’re so re-assuring. You are so capable with your experience and your knowledge and your style.' He’s just calm. He gives you a sense of confidence. ... He made the point to me early on, ‘Rob, we gotta have the ability to know what’s going on by having more testing.' "
Helping P&G
Portman has been in contact with Procter & Gamble CEO David Taylor. They've talked about what role the Cincinnati-based company can play in manufacturing products to help fight the virus. The company is making and donating face masks.
Said Portman: "Procter & Gamble is making some hand sanitizer in Ohio, their Lima plant. They’re also looking at other ways to help. I’m not sure they’ve announced it yet. I think they’d like to look at everything – ventilators, face masks. They just want to be sure they’re able to produce it and produce it in volumes and make sure it’s something that’s needed. So they’re looking partly to people like me to help find out from the feds what are the priorities here."
Donating $29,000
Portman is donating his Senate paychecks in April and May to five organizations across Ohio that are helping with coronavirus relief. His annual salary is $174,000, meaning he's giving up $29,000.
"It’s a token amount," Portman said. "I just wanted to do something small to help. Mostly, I did because I was starting to hear from people, including friends of mine, who have lost their jobs. A lot of people are suffering right now, and I’m in a position to be able to do it."
Find out more about Portman's role in fighting coronavirus and how he's personally handling by clicking the Audioboom link at the top to listen to the full That's So Cincinnati episode for free.
You can also subscribe and listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most other listening platforms.
Portman's interview begins at the 28:30 mark of the episode.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and two of his granddaughters were walking into a Columbus pub to grab a carryout meal on St. Patrick's Day – and what would've been Ohio's primary Election Day – when his cellphone rang.
It was President Trump calling.
In an interview with The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast, DeWine said the president called to discuss the governor's decision to delay the election amid the coronavirus crisis.
Did he agree with your decision?
"Well ..." DeWine paused and chuckled.
The governor then added: "The day before, somebody asked him about the election, and he had made some comment. And then the next day, he said something that was very favorable about me, so I think that's why he called me. It was a relatively short call."
Indeed, Trump praised DeWine in comments the president made on March 17, saying the governor is "doing a great job" and is "definitely somebody who knows what he is doing."
On March 16, just hours before Election Day, DeWine's administration called for the polls to be closed due to a health emergency. It was a chaotic day for the governor and all of Ohio, confusion DeWine now wishes he would've avoided.
"Look, if I had it do over again, I would've done it earlier," DeWine said of deciding to delay the primary. "It was the right decision. Just didn't reach that decision, frankly, until that (March 16) morning."
In a rare interview outside of his daily coronavirus press conferences, DeWine also discussed how he's drawn upon experiences from his personal life to help guide his decisions the past few weeks.
In particular, Gov. DeWine has reflected the mission work he and his family have been doing in Haiti since the mid-1980s.
"Where we've learned about public health is in Haiti," DeWine said. "We saw a lot of public health issues. When AIDS didn't really have a cure, we met Paul Farmer down in Haiti – who remains a friend and someone who we learned a lot (from) in regard to pubic health. All those things were important."
Dr. Farmer is a United Nations special adviser who's spent several years working on public health issues in Haiti.
What does DeWine think about the bipartisan praise he's received from top Ohio Democrats?
What advice has his wife of 52 years given him during the crisis?
And how much longer does DeWine think we're going to have to stay home?
Find out the answers and much more from Gov. DeWine's chat on That's So Cincinnati.
DeWine's interview begins at the 18:42 mark in the episode.
Leading in a time of crisis is nothing new for John Cranley.
The Cincinnati mayor told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast that he's reflected on his experience of helping the city through the 2001 riots while leading the city's response to the new coronavirus.
Cranley was a member of city council in 2001, when civil unrest occurred after an unarmed black man was shot and killed by a police officer during an arrest attempt. Logistically, the experiences were similar – daily press conferences to keep citizens informed, long meetings with leaders to monitor the situation and helping residents not to panic.
"Literally days on end I would spend with Mayor (Charlie) Luken in the mayor's office," Cranley said. "It was a similar mindset that we're going through now. It was incredibly stressful and people were scared."
He later added: "There is something to be said for experience."
Also on this week's episode, Enquirer Executive Editor Beryl Love takes listeners behind the scenes to discuss what it's like to lead a large news organization during the time of a huge news story.
Love addresses the positive feedback from readers, and provides insight into how he responds to what some people are calling a "media-induced panic."
That's So Cincinnati cohosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge discuss the fallout from a delayed election and what's next for figuring out when Ohioans can cast their votes.
Cincinnati's heavily populated West Side finally has a representative on Cincinnati City Council, and Betsy Sundermann has a message for Westwood and the Price Hill neighborhoods:
"I'm listening to you," the Republican said on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week.
Sundermann was appointed to council last week to replace Amy Murray, who left for a job in the Trump administration. She's the first West Side resident to hold a seat on council since 2009, when then-West Price Hill resident Greg Harris was on council.
East Price Hill's Sundermann has already started to take an in-depth look to see how City Hall treats the West Side. She has asked the administration to provide data on citywide economic development projects to see if the West Side is getting its fair share of funding.
"Every time I talk to community councils, they always say, 'No one's listening to us at City Hall. They only listen to the East Side and Downtown,' " Sundermann said. "Now I can go and say, 'I'm listening to you! Tell me all of your problems.' "
Sundermann also talked about helping to restore civility on a council that's been plagued by infighting and scandal.
"I don't have any preconceived notions about anyone," Sundermann said. "I'm not going into this hating anyone. Everyone's telling me what I should think about people, but I'm going to make my own decisions."
She added: "I'm going to try my best to get along with people. That doesn't mean that I'm going to vote for what they want me to vote for. But I'm going to be respectful and I will calmly negotiate things with people are who willing to do that with me."
Find out more about Sundermann by listening to her in-depth chat for free on That's So Cincinnati. Click the Audioboom link at the top to listen here or go to Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify and other listening platforms.
The "R" word has been mentioned a lot in Cincinnati politics the past week: Reform.
Should Cincinnati voters implement a recall provision in the city charter?
Should City Council have a mandated attendance policy?
Should each City Council members' $65,000-a-year salary be cut?
Should city law be changed on how open council seats are filled?
Few people know city law better than COAST attorney and Republican Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge candidate Curt Hartman, who joins That's So Cincinnati podcast this week to address all these questions and more in the wake of the Tamaya Dennard scandal.
Enquirer Opinion Editor Kevin Aldridge pinch hits as a co-host alongside political columnist Jason Williams, and they discuss the top contenders to replace Dennard on council.
Also, there was another special guest this week. You'll have to listen to find out who it was.
Democrats could have an open seat on Cincinnati City Council soon, with the possibility of Tamaya Dennard either resigning or being removed from office amid legal troubles.
Who could be in line to fill the seat?
Cincinnati.com City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge and political columnist Jason Williams broke down potential candidates on their That's So Cincinnati podcast this week. Here are some of the potential candidates they talked about:
Ryan DuPree: She's executive director of Walnut Hills-based Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship, where her parents – Bishop Michael Dantley and Pastor Carol Dantley – have led the congregation for decades. Bishop Dantley has been a supporter of Mayor John Cranley, who once attempted to hire Dupree to work on the mayor's staff. Dupree has never run for public office before, but she is widely liked by establishment and progressive Democrats. She sits on the board of the Community Action Agency, and her work and relationships have helped her gain a strong understanding of city issues. Dupree would bring a fresh perspective to City Hall, and there's a good chance she'd be the front-runner for the seat.
Lesley Jones: The Mount Airy pastor is one of the city's leaders fighting for racial healing. Jones was an endorsed Democrat in the 2017 council race, her first attempt at political office. She finished 12th in a field race where the top nine win a seat.
Alicia Reece: The one-time Cincinnati vice mayor and state lawmaker is currently running for Todd Portune's former seat on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners. That blockbuster local primary between the Roselanwn resident and former state lawmaker Connie Pillich is a toss-up, and Reece's strong base of city Democratic support could lift her to victory. But if she loses, Reece will likely have party leaders pushing for her to get the seat.
Sedrick Denson: The former City Hall aide to Councilman Wendell Young, Denson is in his first term as a state representative. He lives in Springfield Township, so he would have to move back into the city.
Ozie Davis: The popular Avondale resident is well known in city politics. He recently sat on the Cincinnati Public Schools board, but lost his bid to keep the seat as a write-in candidate last fall. Davis was an endorsed Democrat for council in 2017, when he finished 11th in his first political race.
Also on this week's episode: SORTA board member and Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber executive Brendon Cull talks in-depth about the Issue 7 transportation levy that'll be on the March ballot in Hamilton County.
No one knows Cincinnati politics better than Pete Witte, who some jokingly call the "Mayor of the West Side."
The West Price Hill resident and small business owner is plugged in with both Republicans and Democrats and he offers his insight and analysis on That's So Cincinnati about:
- The candidates to replace Republican Amy Murray on Cincinnati City Council
- Who he thinks should be the front-runner for Murray's seat
- The lack of West Side representation at City Hall
- John Cranley's run for governor in 2022
Plus, co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge offer their take on Murray's seat and Cranley's chances of winning statewide.
David Mann sure sounds like he's going to run for Cincinnati mayor.
But the city councilman isn't quite ready to go all in just yet.
"My wife and I are having a lot of conversations, and I'm talking to other people," Mann said on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast this week. "There seems to be some interest (from the community), and I'm continuing to look at it very actively."
Asked about a timetable for when he'll decided, the Clifton Democrat said: "If I'm going to think about it, I've got to start raising money. That's something I'm going to initiate soon. That's not an announcement. That kind of is a step in the process."
Mann, 80, talked more in-depth about why he wants to make another run at the mayor's seat, which he's held twice in his long career in public service. He also talked about: * His vision for the future of Cincinnati * Definition of "progressive" * Current state of City Hall * Working with council's original "Gang of Five" in the 1980s
Some say long-time Hamilton County trial Judge Robert Ruehlman is controversial.
There's no doubt he's tough – and can be tough-talking from the bench.
Ruehlman has been in the news a lot in the past year, notably for his public lambasting of Cincinnati City Council's so-called "Gang of Five" Democrats and for not hesitating to call ICE on suspected illegal immigrants.
But there's also a human side to the West Side Republican. He showed that in an in-depth interview this week on The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast.
Specifically, Ruehlman went into details about how the case of early 1980s serial killer Michael Beuke has affected him. Ruehlman was the prosecutor on the case of the so-called "Mad Hitchhiker." Beuke, who was from West Price Hill, had gone on a nearly monthlong shooting spree across Greater Cincinnati in 1983. He committed his crimes after being picked up as a hitchhiker.
Beuke was convicted that year for murdering one man and also found guilty for the attempted slayings of two other men. He was sentenced to the death penalty by then-Judge Norbert Nadel. The state executed Beuke in 2010.
Here are some samples of Ruehlman's podcast interview reflecting on Beuke:
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Ruehlman said Bueke's life is example of the dangers of bullying. The case made Ruehlman impress upon his seven children to never bully. "Everybody made fun of him because he was kind of funny looking. He was kind of frail. They called him 'Pukey Beuke'. And then one day he just decided he was gonna start killing people. ... You feel sorry for him, but he has a brutal killer."
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Ruehlman called the Lucasville prison several times on the day Beuke was executed by lethal injection. Ruehlman, who became a judge in the late 1980s, said he kept getting reports that Beuke was still talking even after receiving the injection. "I was kind of nervous because, believe it or not, just from a religious point of view, I'd never been in favor of the death penalty. But I believe in following the law as a judge. Killing somebody? Yeah. I was involved in his execution. It was that the first person that I was (involved with in a death penalty case). It was hard, although he deserved it.
Ruehlman also addresses why he calls ICE. And he talks about life away from the bench, including his decadeslong passion for scuba diving and spearfishing. He regularly dives off Key West and in the Ohio River. Yes, the Ohio River. And you won't believe some of the things he's found at the bottom of the big muddy.
Click the Audioboom link above to listen for free. Or subscribe and listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and most other listening platforms.
It's a double-feature of guests this week on That's So Cincinnati.
Jean-François Flechet, owner of Taste of Belgium: He tells the unique story of how he went from crunching data at Nielsen to building a Cincinnati waffle-making empire. He offers a candid assessment of The Banks, where Flechet has one of his four restaurants. Flechet also discusses his efforts to help the restaurant industry overcome the stigma of substance abuse.
Gabe Davis, Hamilton County prosecutor candidate: The Democrat discusses why he's running for office; his background growing up as the son of a police officer; and what he would do if elected to the top office in local politics. He also has a message for those who are doubting whether he can win the primary.
Also this week, That's So Cincinnati co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge address the issue of "waterless" fire hydrants, a public safety issue that has come to light in the wake of last fall's massive house blaze in North Avondale.
What other hydrants around town have low water pressure? The city has no idea, and fire officials are pushing City Hall to address the issue.
It's hard to believe Bill Cunningham was once a Democrat who aspired to be elected judge in Hamilton County.
He's long since become one of the Midwest's top conservative voices, closing in on 40 years of calling 'em like he sees 'em weekdays on 700 WLW. Cunningham's powerful mic has helped to thrust him into a new role in recent years – unofficial adviser to President Donald Trump.
"He'll call me now and then and ask questions about what's happening," Cunningham told The Enquirer's weekly That's So Cincinnati podcast. "I give him my perspective on the Midwest. I tell him what I think he's doing right, what I think he's doing wrong. He wants to know how what he's doing is playing in Ohio. I give him my opinion and he likes it because I'm critical at times."
Also on That's So Cincinnati, Cunningham addressed his future; reflected on the day he was pressed into a career he never planned to have; and discussed his biggest regret in 38 years on the air. Here's more a sampling of the in-depth interview with Cunningham:
Is 2022 it for Willie? Cunningham's contract is up in two years. 2022 will mark his 40th year on WLW. He said he's talked to recently retired Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Marty Brennaman about the process of retirement, but Cunningham hasn't decided yet whether he'll call it a career in 2022.
Cunningham's wife, Penny, retired from Ohio's First District Court of Appeals last year.
"We're both in good health, thank God," said Cunningham, 72, who can be heard 9 a.m. to noon weekdays and 9 p.m. to midnight on Sunday. "Penny wants to travel. We have a nice place in Florida at a club. My friends are there. Penny's reforming the bylaws of the club. We want to spend time together."
Cunningham added: "But right now, (radio) is what I want to do. Penny knows when I get up in the morning, I'm motivated to do it."
'I was unnecessarily cruel' Asked who his favorite all-time local has been, Cunningham said former Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken. The question prompted Cunningham to reflect on the biggest regret of his radio career.
It was in November 1993, after city of Cincinnati voters passed a charter amendment restricting certain legal rights for LGBT citizens. Roxanne Qualls was elected mayor that same election, and there were a lot of questions around town about her sexual preference.
Cunningham invited reporters to WLW's studios to talk about Qualls and the charter amendment.
"With the media present, I asked if she is gay," Cunningham said on the podcast. "I shouldn't have done it. It was the biggest mistake and blunder that I made. It was a big news story at the time. But man, I thought about it. On a human level, I was unnecessarily cruel."
Cunningham said he's seen Qualls one time since, sometime in the late 1990s. If he had the opportunity, Cunningham said, "I would apologize to her."
Crossroads' Chuck Mingo is on the frontline of working to bring racial reconciliation to Greater Cincinnati.
Thousands have gone through the megachurch's six-week "Undivided" program, which emphasizes people of different races and backgrounds to build long-term relationships.
Mingo joins That's So Cincinnati podcast to chat about the successful program he started; race relations in the city; Crossroads' growth; and making the leap of faith from a successful business career to ministry.
Also this week, TSC cohosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge discuss the role "The Farm" banquet center played in local politics and the upcoming Hamilton County Democratic Party endorsement process.
The joys of winter camping, and Jason has goetta for the first time.
Happy New Year, That's So Cincinnati listeners.
Your favorite local podcast is out of the gate in 2020 with an insightful interview with attorney Brian Shrive, who's become a major player on the local political scene for his work on exposing the text-message scandal Cincinnati City Hall.
Shrive talks about overcoming personal tragedy and struggles with addiction to go onto a successful law career fighting for open government.
That work began a decade ago, when Shrive became one of the biggest thorns in the side of then-Congresswoman Jean Schmidt. His behind-the-scenes work for Brad Wenstrup's 2012 Congressional campaign helped the Cincinnati physician pull off the primary upset.
Shrive also addresses why remains heavily critical of Cincinnati's streetcar. You won't want to miss this lively chat with one of the city's most influential rabble rousers.
What do Greater Cincinnati's political, business, media, entertainment and other top leaders want for the region in 2020?
Nearly 20 regional leaders, including Joe Deters, Bill Cunningham, Alicia Reece and John Morris Russell, share what their New Year's resolutions are for Greater Cincinnati.
You won't want to miss this special short but engaging New Year's episode of That's So Cincinnati.
Where did the City Hall text message scandal and the riverfront music venue end up on That's So Cincinnati's rankings of the top political stories of 2019?
Find out in this special Christmas week episode.
The Nutcracker isn't unique to Cincinnati.
But Victoria Morgan's version of the ballet classic certainly is. Morgan's dog, Cammy, inspired the poodle character in Morgan's revamping of the Cincinnati Ballet's version of The Nutcracker in 2011.
“I really wanted it to be fresh, and I really wanted it to feel new,” Morgan, the ballet's artistic director, said on That's So Cincinnati podcast. “And I wanted especially young people to get a kick out of it.”
In the Cincinnati Ballet’s version, it’s the poodle that distracts the Mouse King so The Nutcracker can win the battle.
“Our dogs, they protect and give us company and comfort,” Morgan said.
Also on this week's episode, cohosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge discuss watchdog journalism and the man who ate 1,000 cheese coneys.
John Morris Russell's passion and energy is unparalleled year-round – and especially at Christmastime.
The Cincinnati Pops conductor joins That's So Cincinnati podcast to discuss all sorts of things, including:
- The Pops' recent Grammy nomination and his celebration on an airplane
- World renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and smartphone usage at concerts
- The importance of including all people in the Pops
- The Pops' holiday traditions and concerts, including a special Christmas message from JMR at the end of the episode
Here's a sampling of JMR's in-depth That's So Cincinnati interview, talking about the Mutter's Cincinnati performance this year being interrupted by a woman recording it with her smartphone.
“The concert hall, Music Hall, is my church," Russell said. "It’s a sacred space where people gather to experience something together at the same time. And man, you’ve got to be in the room where it happens. ... Bringing in that inanimate object that takes some sort of electronic copy, it spoils the moment right there for all of us – and it really demeans that moment.”
You do not want to miss this fun and lively chat with a man who has helped make Cincinnati one of America's great cities for the performing arts.
Listen to JMR's full interview on That's So Cincinnati for free by clicking on the Audioboom icon at the top of this article or by subscribing to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and other listening platforms.
Cincinnati Fire Chief Roy Winston talks about the Downtown building collapse, how his department responded and how tragedies impact first responders.
The Enquirer's Amber Hunt discusses the launch of season three of the popular "Accused" podcast.
And fake or real? As in Christmas tree.
Cincinnati cares, and the Freestore Foodbank is proof of that.
Freestore CEO Kurt Reiber discusses the work one of the region's top nonprofit organizations is doing this holiday season. He also talks about:
- The importance of remembering that people are struggling with hunger year-round
- Tear-jerking stories about children in need -- and about children who are helping to address the issue of hunger
Also this week, former Enquirer reporter Mark Curnutte joins That's So Cincinnati to talk about his newly released book, Across the Color Line: Reporting 25 Years in Black Cincinnati.
And what the heck is goat yoga? TSC cohost Sharon Coolidge explains.
Hamilton County prosecutor candidate Fanon Rucker highlights the major differences between him and long-time prosecutor Joe Deters.
Top among those differences: Rucker is opposed to the death penalty.
"I cannot see a circumstance, with all the inequities that we have in the system, that I would pursue a death penalty case," the Democrat told That's So Cincinnati.
Find out more about Rucker's stance on the issue in this week's episode.
Plus, That's So Cincinnati cohosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams discuss "whitesplaining" at City Hall, a blockbuster commissioner's race, "athleisure" and visiting journalism students at Mason High School.
How can Democrats appeal to rural and working-class Trump Country voters?
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is among few Democrats who knows the answer. The only Democrat to hold a prominent statewide office in Ohio joined That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk about:
- The presidential field and why he's not endorsing anyone
- Why he's staying out of the race, despite people continuing to ask him to jump in
- His relationship with Republican U.S. Sen. Rob Portman
- Civility in politics
- And what job he'd be doing if he weren't in politics
Plus, That's So Cincinnati cohosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge give their quick takes on all the hot local races coming up in 2020.
Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman came bearing news on That's So Cincinnati podcast this week, saying Mayor John Cranley and Commissioner Todd Portune had brokered a deal on The Banks.
Landsman also discussed:
- The future of The Banks Joint Steering Committee
- City-county relations
- His legislation to help prevent evictions
- And his assessment of Council nearly halfway into his first term
Also on this week's episode, That's So Cincinnati co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge talk about how the renaming of the city's riverfront arena should catch political leaders' attention to push for building a new downtown arena.
Team TSC also preview's Enquirer food critic Polly Campbell's upcoming survey on Cincinnati-style chili.
Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman joins That's So Cincinnati this week. The Cincinnati native, hired this year by Gov. Mike DeWine, talks about:
- New customer-friendly ideas to reduce the pain of waiting in long lines at the BMV
- Visiting the license plate factory inside the Lebanon Correctional Facility
- How the BMV handles requests for politically charged specialized plates
Also this week, Enquirer investigative reporter James Pilcher stops by to discuss an upcoming story about problems people are having with a well-known home builder.
TSC co-host and political columnist Jason Williams addresses feedback about his recent Trump Country column.
What makes Jeff Ruby a true Cincinnati treasure?
Well, besides his world-renowned steakhouses, he's never one to mince words.
The famous restaurateur joined That's So Cincinnati to discuss:
* The possibility of opening a restaurant in Las Vegas * His take on The Banks riverfront development * Working on a new book called "Art of the Meal" * How his Downtown restaurant was originally envisioned as a New York-style deli * And of course, Ruby always has to give his take on politics. What did he say about Donald Trump?
Find out on this week's episode by listening for free on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many other listening platforms.
You've read their columns on The Banks-Bengals deal. Now listen to The Enquirer's Paul Daugherty and Jason Williams discuss the issue on That's So Cincinnati podcast.
They address the Bengals' future, The Banks and the idea of a new referendum on the stadium tax.
Plus, the That's So Cincinnati crew breaks down the 2020 Hamilton County prosecutor's race in the wake of Democrat Fanon Rucker announcing his candidacy this week.
The Banks needs help from a team of development experts.
That's what Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus told That's So Cincinnati podcast this week in response to a question about whether the riverfront project needs a master developer.
That question comes amid the highly controversial decision to build a music venue and rework the Bengals' stadium lease.
The Banks have been without a master developer -- an expert team of real estate, urban planning and architecture experts -- since Atlanta-based Carter abruptly ceased work on the project in July 2017.
Driehaus also discussed the Bengals' future, her relationship with Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and the proposed new convention hotel.
Also on this week's episode, TSC hosts talk more in-depth about the hotel deal and a fun night out in East Price Hill.
Blink starts next Thursday, and event co-founder Steve McGowan joins That's So Cincinnati to discuss the marvel of a city covered in lights and art.
McGowan -- owner of Downtown-based creative services firm, Brave Berlin -- talks about transforming the light spectacle from Lumenocity at Washington Park into a citywide and now regional event. Blink, which started in 2017, heads across the Robeling Suspension Bridge this year and into Covington.
What else is new this year? Where should you park? Where's the best place to see Blink? Steve has all the answers and more on this episode.
Also this week, TSC cohosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge discuss the issues with the Joint Banks Steering Committee.
Plus, more on the new Kroger and one final tribute to Marty Brennaman.
Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, who recently announced he's not running for re-election in 2020, joins That's So Cincinnati podcast for a candid discussion about his long political career, critical county projects and the Bengals' future.
Cincinnati Museum Center CEO Elizabeth Pierce joins That's So Cincinnati to talk about the Apollo 11 exhibit opening, Neil Armstrong's legacy and the museum center's magnificent makeover.
Also in this episode, TSC co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge pay tribute to Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune as he battles cancers and prepares to retire.
Jason and Sharon breakdown who could replace Portune and whether Republicans have a shot to regain a seat on the board of commissioners in 2020.
As always, the TSC crew has a little fun. Jason takes a parting shot at Diner en Blanc.
John Cranley never shies away from a fight -- and he's battling The Banks music venue like he's never opposed a project before.
Why is Cincinnati's mayor so opposed to the plan? He explains in-depth in a don't-miss episode of That's So Cincinnati.
Plus, TSC co-hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams discuss Congressman Steve Chabot's campaign problems.
And in the fun segment: Snakes and yoga a Red River Gorge, the intrigue of Diner en Blanc and marching bands playlist.
Don't believe the national narrative that Ohio isn't a key state in the 2020 presidential election, state Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper told That's So Cincinnati podcast this week.
Ohio Democrats are performing the role of "left tackle" and "firewall" for key swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, Pepper said. What does that mean?
Democrats want to "protect" those states by making Trump spend money and time in Ohio, a strategy they hope will divert the president's resources in the Midwest, Pepper said.
Pepper, the former Cincinnati city councilman and Hamilton County commissioner, also talked about his political thriller novels and the role local journalism plays in democracy.
From Italy to Loveland, the Rozzi family has been lighting of the night on holidays and special occasions across Greater Cincinnati and the world for more than 120 years.
Cincinnati's first family of fireworks joins That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk about the four-generation family company ahead of the 43rd annual Western & Southern/WEBN Labory Day fireworks.
Company president Nancy Rozzi and her brother and vice president, Joe Rozzi, discuss art of pyrotechnics; Rozzi Firworks' international reach and the company's omnipresence across the region.
Also this week, Enquirer Hamilton County/regional politics reporter Scott Wartman discusses how much taxpayers have shelled out in legal fees for The Banks and the ongoing turf war between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
This episode is jam-packed with news and insight -- and you won't want to miss it.
Ryan Messer, vice president of the Cincinnati Public Schools board, joins That's So Cincinnati this week to discuss:
- His role in saving the streetcar in 2013 as Over-the-Rhine Community Council president
- Key issues facing Ohio's third-largest school system
- Transforming an old Xavier University dorm into a home
Also this week, TSC hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams breakdown the politics and issues surrounding efforts to build a new convention hotel.
It's been a crazy run of news lately, and That's So Cincinnati wanted to take a break from all that this week and have a little fun before summer winds down.
TSC hit the road for this week's episode, recording live from Braxton Brewing in Covington. CEO Jake Rouse joined us for a conversation from the beautiful new rooftop bar.
Among the topics Rouse talked about: * Braxton being the first local brewery to go all-in on the hard seltzer craze and the challenges of launching VIVE * The difficult of naming beers * Deciding on new styles and flavors * Long-term sustainability in an over-saturated industry.
Marty Brennaman calls 'em like sees 'em on this week's That's So Cincinnati. Would you expect otherwise?
The Hall of Fame broadcaster talks about the history of his brutally honest style and whether he could get hired if he were just starting his career. He also gives his take on Cubs and Cardinals fans, his family, Donald Trump, FC Cincinnati and much more.
The entire episode is dedicated to Brennaman, who is retiring next month after 46 years of calling Reds games.
You don't want to miss it.
Cincinnati's streets have been taken over by e-bikes. What the heck is an e-bike?
Red Bike executive director Jason Barron stops by That's So Cincinnati to talk about five years of sharing bikes across Downtown Cincinnati, Covington and Newport.
Plus, TSC co-hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams break down the latest on The Banks concert venue and the lack of a big-picture plan for Cincinnati's front porch.
And last week's Neil Armstrong news shows that you never know what's going to show up in your mailbox. Snail is still important. Jason discusses the treasure trove of letters he discovered after visiting his office mailbox for the first time in months.
Joe Deters sits down with That's So Cincinnati for a candid in-depth interview that you don't want to miss.
Here's a sampling of what the Hamilton County prosecutor said on this week's episode:
On Tracie Hunter: "Tracie has been a Dumpster fire from the start."
On asking Gov. Mike DeWine to send in the National Guard to try to curb violence in Cincinnati: "When you can't have your little kid go out in your yard and play out of fear of a stray gunshot, that is bull---t."
On how his role in the Tracie Hunter case could impact his bid for re-election in 2020: "I don't care. I'm to the point in my career I'm going to do what I think is right. I'm doing what I think is right. She has been so crappy to me, personally and politically. I've tried to help her."
On whether he can win in 2020: "I just gotta raise the money."
Click the Audioboom icon at the top or subscribe and listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and most other listening platforms. The Deters interview begins at the 23:50 mark.
Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac joins the That’s So Cincinnati podcast this week where he talks about curbing the increase in violence and his plans for the future. With special guest host Enquirer Editor Beryl Love, maybe we should have called this That’s So Forest Park. They graduated from Forest Park High School together and walked down memory lane. Plus, Christian Moerlein just launched Goetta beer. Beryl tried it and tells you what he thought.
Gwen McFarlin grew up on a tobacco farm in Clermont County.
How did that experience prepare her for a career in politics?
The Hamilton County Democratic Party chairwoman joins That's So Cincinnati for an insightful chat about her rise to the position; working across aisle; managing the divide in her party; and those hot summer days stripping tobacco.
Plus, TSC co-hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams discuss absentee Cincinnati City Council members; waiting in painfully long lines at the BMV; and taking the streetcar, er, bus from Downtown to Uptown for an FC Cincinnati match.
It's more politics + fun stuff this week on That's So Cincinnati.
Kentucky Speedway spokeswoman Ashley Brennaman Shirley joins us to talk about the NASCAR track celebrating its 20th racing season with next week's Quaker State 400. She explains the excitement surrounding race weekend; appealing to millennials; and pickup truck hot tubs.
And if the name Brennaman sounds familiar, yes, Ashley is youngest of Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman's three children. Ashley shows us another side of the Reds' radio man, who is set to retire after this season.
In the opening segment, TSC co-hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams take a closer look at the 2020 race for Ohio's 1st Congressional District. Believe it or not, it's already heating up.
Plus, Findlay Market is the subject of our That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week and Jason finally gets a hobby.
That's So Cincinnati continues on its summer tour of iconic local brands. Next stop: Frisch's Big Boy
Vice President Todd Napier joins the podcast to discuss: * The new 'Bad Boy' burger * Where Frisch's is planning to expand * The brilliant decision to bring back Coca Cola * And the restaurant's new deal with FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati.com Statehouse reporter Jessie Balmert also joins TSC to simplify that complex energy thing you keep hearing about in radio and TV ads. She also gives us the lowdown on new fireworks legislation and why lawmakers are trying to move the 2020 Ohio primary yet again.
Plus, taking a golf cart onto the interstate, a flower (not food) truck and a tribute to a special Cincinnatian.
Talking ice cream and food is a lot of fun, but this week it's back to what That's So Cincinnati does best: Politics.
Hamilton County GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou joins the podcast to talk about:
- The Trump 'juggling act' in a blue-trending county
- Targeting suburban women voters in 2020
- Joe Deters' $500,000 statement
- And will Steve Chabot have a primary opponent?
Plus, Enquirer Pulitzer Prize winner Dan Horn stops by to chat about "The Road" poverty project.
And of course, hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams have a little fun and talk kayaking in Greater Cincinnati, country music (ugh) and rain (double ugh.)
Louis and Regina Graeter started making vanilla ice cream in a metal bucket on the streets of Cincinnati after the Civil War.
Today, four generations later, Graeter's is churning out 1.3 million gallons of ice cream a year; selling pints in 6,000 grocery stores nationwide and 55 scoops shops across nine states.
If Graeter's isn't So Cincinnati, then what is? In a rare interview, Graeter's President and CEO Rich Graeter joined That's So Cincinnati to talk about:
- His generation's contribution to the family business
- The "legacy of stubbornness"
- The company's surging growth the past three years
- What state might be the next to get a Graeter's scoop shop
- Grooming the next generation to take over
You won't want to miss this insightful and informative interview about one of Greater Cincinnati's most popular and beloved brands.
Sticking with the food theme of this week's episode, Enquirer dining writer Polly Campbell joins TSC to talk about what's new on the food and beer scene this summer.
Hilton Head Island – aka the "southernmost point of Ohio" – is the topic of our That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week.
Subscribe and listen to the free podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and most other pod platforms.
Steve Leeper came to Cincinnati in 2003 to lead 3CDC, a development agency then focused on Over-the-Rhine’s troubles. A walk through that neighborhood shows success there and now the agency has turned its sights on downtown. In a rare, wide-ranging, candid interview, Leeper joins That’s So Cincinnati to discuss: * Whether the streetcar played a role in OTR development. * What’s coming to the former Downtown Macy’s. * The new hotel convention center. * FC Cincinnati’s investment in the West End and why this city can be so negative.
While Jason Williams vacations, Enquirer Editor Beryl Love fills in as TSC cohost with Sharon Coolidge. Coolidge explains streetcar funding, they talk about Skyline’s newest contest and Beryl Love talks (and sings) longtime Cincinnati radio jingles.
Find out more on this week's episode.
Steve Driehaus and his well-known Cincinnati political family were Democrats long before it was cool in Hamilton County.
The former congressman joins That's So Cincinnati to discuss:
- The county's seismic political shift
- Teaching democracy and parliamentary procedure in the Middle East
- Coming home from Africa to start a political consulting firm
- Talking politics in the Driehaus household
TSC cohosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams breakdown yet another FC Cincinnati stadium fight. Yes, another one. And this one might bring construction to a screeching halt.
Find out more on this week's episode.
Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau Vice President Jason Dunn has been a man on a mission ever since the 2001 civil unrest.
He's helped Cincinnati to overcome a negative perception across the nation and land top minority-group conventions such as the NAACP and Urban League.
Dunn joins That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk about his experience overseeing the CVB's diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Dunn, board chairman of the Cincinnati African-American Chamber of Commerce, also offers his perspective on the state of race relations in the city. And he explains what "Cincinnati polite" means when it comes to tackling racial issues.
And the former SORTA board chairman talks candidly about the state of public transportation in the region.
In the opening segment, hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge breakdown the latest bad news about the streetcar and address the 2020 Hamilton County prosecutor's race.
And of course, our That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week.
One of Greater Cincinnati's top leaders in events and entertainment is questioning whether a music venue at The Banks can be successful.
Bunbury Music Festival Bill Donabedian joined That's So Cincinnati podcast this week to offer his insight on the proposed dueling music venues on both sides of the Ohio River.
Donabedian, former Fountain Square events director 3CDC, sold a majority stake in Bunbury to Columbus-based PromoWest in 2014.
In conjuction with Los Angeles-based AEG, PromoWest announced last week that its building an indoor-outdoor music venue in Newport. PromoWest, regarded as a top concert promoter in the entertainment industry, originally wanted to build the venue at The Banks.
But Banks and Hamilton County leaders chose the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for The Banks project.
Did Donabedian play a role in PromoWest going to Newport? And will Bunbury move across the river in the coming years?
Find out on the latest That's So Cincinnati episode.
Plus, a new era in That's So Cincinnati begins as Enquirer City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge joins political columnist Jason Williams as co-host of the region's best local news podcast.
Subscribe and listen to the free That's So Cincinnati podcast on Apple Podcasts and most other pod platforms.
Scott "Scoop" Wartman, Cincinnati.com's regional politics and Hamilton County reporter, joins That's So Cincinnati to talk all-things gerrymandering.
He also offers insights on Trump's Ohio, the 2020 sheriff's primary and the long-vacant Ovations riverfront property in Newport.
As always, we have a little fun with our guest. So we asked Scott: What's up with naming his cat Sister Betty Lou? The answer is So Cincinnati.
In the opening segment, TSC hosts Jason Williams and Paul Dehner Jr. discuss Elizabeth Warren's scheduled visit to Bogarts on Saturday.
Finally, we have bittersweet news -- and an exciting new announcement.
It's a special bonus edition of That's So Cincinnati as hosts Paul Dehner Jr. and Jason Williams hit the road for one of Cincinnati's staple annual events.
From Smale Riverfront Park during Flying Pig Marathon weekend, the TSC crew sets up in the middle of the Fifty West Mile run party and asks runners:
What's the most Cincinnati thing they can imagine?
How about grandma's homemade goetta?
Plus, Flying Pig course director John Cappella stops by to talk about race weekend's insane logistics and planning, course weddings, streakers and elementary school bonds.
This is our most Cincinnati edition yet. Don't miss it!
That's So Cincinnati listeners know '80s pop music has been a big topic on the podcast -- and we take it to a whole other level this week.
'80s teen sensation Tiffany invites TSC onto her tour bus for a candid behind-the-scenes chat before kicking off her 53-city Mixtape Tour with New Kids on the Block at U.S. Bank Arena on Thursday night.
Tiffany talks about her meteoric rise to pop megastar in 1987; trying to move on from still being seen as that 15-year-old mall girl; why she posed for Playboy in the early 2000s; bringing back her iconic red hair; and the latest remake of "I Think We're Alone Now."
Plus, Tiffany leaves That's So Cincinnati co-host and '80s music fanboy Jason Williams blushing when she let's him know she can still hit the high note in "Could've Been."
Before heading down to U.S. Bank Arena to hop on the bus with Tiffany, Jason and guest host Sharon Coolidge discuss whether an overhaul of the arena is next on the list of major Downtown projects.
Don't miss our That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week.
And don't forget: We have a bonus episode coming this weekend as Jason and Paul Dehner Jr. take the podcast on the road to the Flying Pig Marathon. If you're at Smale Riverfront Park on Friday night for Marathon festivities, please stop by and see us!
Cincinnati Democrat Alicia Reece joins That's So Cincinnati to discuss her 20 years in politics.
Reece, a former Cincinnati vice mayor and state lawmaker, recalls the challenges of being on City Council in the wake of the 2001 civil unrest and the role she played in helping Cincinnati bounce back.
The Roselawn resident also talks about working with former Gov. John Kasich; offers her take on the current City Council; and discusses what her next step in politics might be.
Will Reece run for mayor in 2021?
Also on this week's episode, TSC hosts Paul Dehner Jr. and Jason Williams discuss the trust issues with FC Cincinnati and the politicians who are committed to upholding the virtues of civility.
Finally, we pay tribute to the classroom-invading raccoon and, as always, have a That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week.
Enquirer corporate watchdog reporter Alexander Coolidge stops by to talk about Kroger holding its ground in the grocery wars; the possibility of robots delivering groceries someday and the new Downtown store.
Also, TSC cohosts Jason Williams and Paul Dehner Jr. discuss whether the new streetcar czar can save the project.
Busken's creepy Easter bunny is the focal point of the That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week.
And TSC is going on the road for a live podcast during Flying Pig weekend.
Conservative attorney Chris Finney joins That's So Cincinnati to talk about his rabble-rousing reputation and offer insight on why he's waged war on local progressives.
Finney talks about the early days of COAST, the citizen-led anti-tax group he helped found 20 years ago. He answers questions about why he pursues open-government litigation against certain politicians while leaving others alone.
And believe it or not, Finney grew up in a liberal household in Kennedy Heights. He talks about breaking away from his parents' party to forge his own path as a Republican.
In the opening segment, hosts Paul Dehner Jr. and Jason Williams break down the contentious city-county relationship despite Democrats controlling the mayor's office and board of commissioners.
Finally, our That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week is a tribute to Fire The Coach Guy.
Enquirer reporters Carol Motsinger and Dan Horn join That's So Cincinnati to talk about Cincinnati.com's four-part series on the long hard road poverty project.
They go behind the scenes of their exhaustive reporting process to tell real people's stories from Middletown to Cincinnati to Falmouth, Kentucky.
Also this week, a local lawmaker gets arrested, the landslide solution and two very memorable That's So Cincinnati moments of the week.
Reds executive Karen Forgus joins That's So Cincinnati to talk about her journey from working outside of sports to creating one of the strongest brands in Major League Baseball.
Karen is a big reason why the Reds are so fan-friendly, and she talks about adopting customer-service best practices from Disney. She also discusses sharing the market with FC Cincinnati, and whether that presents any challenges for the Reds.
The Cincinnati native gives us a preview of new promotions and ballpark features in 2019, including a unique idea for Yasiel Puig's bobblehead.
In the opening segment, hosts Paul Dehner Jr. and Jason Williams discuss Congressman Steve Chabot's new approach to town hall meetings and look ahead to the biggest local race in 2020.
And of course, we have the That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week that you won't want to miss.
Congressman Brad Wenstrup often flies under the radar because he's not loud and braggadocios.
But the Cincinnati Republican is anything but boring.
Wenstrup joined That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk mostly about his life away from Capitol Hill. This episode offers a glimpse of the human side of the podiatrist-turned-politician. Wenstrup shares stories about:
-- How a dying AIDS patient in the mid-1980s helped shape his view on serving others
-- Adopting a little girl last year and being the father of two young children at age 60
-- As a combat medic, providing medical treatment to "the enemy" at Abu Ghraib prison
-- The adventures of driving back and forth from Cincinnati to Washington each week with his wife, 5-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter
Also in this episode, Enquirer transportation reporter Hannah Sparling joins TSC hosts Paul Dehner Jr. and Jason Williams to discuss the serious problem of landslides in Cincinnati.
And we have two That's So Cincinnati moments of the week that you won't want to miss.
Enquirer City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge returns as a special guest to breakdown everything you need to know about "textgate."
Paul Dehner Jr., Jason Williams and Sherry dive into the winners, losers, political fallout and the most uncomfortable moments in the trove of 25,000 text messages.
Plus, our That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week on perhaps too much love for the Norwood Lateral. And Jason doesn't trust the beer bracket process.
FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding joins That’s So Cincinnati to talk about fan engagement, “fighting” for Cincinnati and his involvement in politics and business.
Will the former Cincinnati City Councilman ever return to politics? Berding, regarded as one of the region’s top political strategitss, answers that question. Plus, he gives us his take on the current state of City Hall and breaks some fan-friendly news about FC Cincinnati.
Enquirer City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge also stops by to discuss fallout from the text-message scandal ahead of the five progressive Democrats’ court appearance on Thursday.
Host Paul Dehner Jr. has our So Cincinnati Moment of the Week, which involves chili and babies.
Bockfest organizer Aaron Sharpe joins That's So Cincinnati this week to talk about a soooooooooo Cincinnati event. From the goats to the Sausage Queen contest, Sharpe tells us all about the annual Over-the-Rhine bock beer celebration.
Sharpe also offers his unique perspective on Cincinnati. The former WNKU personality now owns Lucius Q barbecue restaurant in the up-and-coming Pendleton neighborhood. He also is the long-time disc jockey at Great American Ball Park, and shares some fun stories about Reds players' walk-up music.
In the opening segment, That's So Cincinnati's Paul Dehner Jr. and Jason Williams discuss the issues surrounding how City Hall is doing big development projects. With all the drama surrounding the soccer stadium and Children's Hospital expansion, it begs the questions: Who's going to step up and lead the effort to try to avoid all the controversies on projects moving forward?
National Geographic producer Jon Schroder joins us to talk about the documentary he's filming on the Covington Catholic incident. The 1992 CovCath graduate discusses what the project will address and what it means to him.
Plus, Schroder talks about going from moving props and furniture in a Los Angeles warehouse to creating and producing the No. 1 show on Nat Geo Wild.
We also discuss Enquirer reporter Sharon Coolidge's watchdog story City Council attendance; answer a reader email about US Bank Arena; and our That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week about flying into the gloomy winter abyss.
This week on That's So Cincinnati Paul Dehner Jr. and Jason Williams dive into the money issues going on with ODOT while potholes are littering the city. Also, the Cincinnati business community is putting City Hall on notice, Jason explains why.
Food writer Polly Campbell joins to talk about Valentine's Day eating options, National Pizza Day and why sometimes you should just get drunk or eat White Castle.
That's So Cincinnati moment revolves around being a nosy neighbor and Jason masters duct tape.
Could Cincinnati handle hosting a Super Bowl?
If so, would the city shut down its streetcar system like Atlanta did last week?
The answers and more on this week's That's So Cincinnati podcast episode.
Also, Cincinnati.com City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge joins the TSC to break down all the latest drama surrounding FC Cincinnati's stadium. Political columnist Jason Williams has some sharp criticism about the entire process.
Don't miss this episode.
One of the key behind-the-scenes people in Greater Cincinnati politics joined the That's So Cincinnati Podcast this week.
Jamie Schwartz, Congressman Steve Chabot's campaign manager and a long-time GOP political consultant, talks about recovering from the rugged "Chabtab" race; running errands for President Trump; the role TV ads still play in elections; and fighting.
Yes, fighting -- as in kicking and punching people.
Also in this episode, Cincinnati.com City Hall reporter Sherry Coolidge pinch hits as a co-host and talks about FC Cincinnati's latest stadium-related drama.
And news flash: It's really cold outside.
A packed episode of That's So Cincinnati this week:
When it comes to the Covington Catholic story, not all media is alike. Executive Editor Beryl Love explains The Enquirer's approach to covering the Covington Catholic story.
Switching gears to music in the second segment, "Pxvce" from Cincinnati Entertainment Awards' 2018 Artist of the Year, Triiibe, stops by. He talks about how Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bootsy Collins helped the hip-hop group launch; and Triiibe's approach to promoting a positive message about urban culture.
In the final segment, Jason and Paul discuss the dreaded annual pilgrimage to IKEA.
Enquirer Opinion Editor Kevin Aldridge sits down with That's So Cincinnati's Jason Williams and Paul Dehner Jr. for a frank discussion about several important issues facing our region, including race relations.
Kevin and Jason delve into the issue of Cincinnati police officers using the N-word and how City Hall officials should be handling the controversy.
In the closing segment, Jason and Paul have a little fun and talk about why snow makes us so happy and angry at the same time.
That's So Cincinnati's Jason Williams and Paul Dehner Jr. open the first episode of 2019 talking about political predictions for the year.
Cincinnati Public Schools board member Mike Moroski to talk about his emergence on the local political scene -- and pressing issues facing the schools.
In the closing segment, Paul asks: Why are we all obsessed with local news anchors? And Jason talks about wearing his "house shoes" out to run an errand.
Listeners and readers share their "So Cincinnati" moments of the year.
That's So Cincinnati hosts Jason Williams and Paul Dehner Jr. put a wrap on 2018.
And Enquirer City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge drops by with some gifts.
Democratic political consultant Jared Kamrass joins That's So Cincinnati to offer perspective on his areas of expertise -- Cincinnati and Ohio politics and conference re-alignment.
The Blue Ash native and Ohio State alum offers his perspective on the ongoing debate about whether the Statehouse treats Cincinnati like a second-class citizen.
Jared also talks about being part of some major athletic department decisions while at Ohio State, including Big Ten Conference expansion.
In addition, Jared talks about working for Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and tells listeners who he believes is an under-the-radar rising star in Greater Cincinnati politics.
Jason and Paul discuss FC Cincinnati's upcoming stadium hurdles, despite the club breaking ground on their new venue this week.
Plus, the most Cincinnati Christmas party scene imaginable.
Enquirer food writer Polly Campbell joins That's So Cincinnati to talk about the city's changing landscape of restaurants; her favorite new places to eat; her relationship with Jeff Ruby -- and whether it's cool to just order a bowl of chili at Skyline.
Plus, TSC co-host Jason Williams talks about former Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Hartmann's future.
Co-host Paul Dehner gives his take on the Crosstown Shootout in the That's So Cincinnati moment of the week.
And Jason becomes a grandpa. Not officially.
Enquirer food writer Polly Campbell joins That's So Cincinnati to talk about the city's changing landscape of restaurants; her favorite new places to eat; her relationship with Jeff Ruby -- and whether it's cool to just order a bowl of chili at Skyline.
Plus, TSC co-host Jason Williams talks about former Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Hartmann's future.
Co-host Paul Dehner gives his take on the Crosstown Shootout in the That's So Cincinnati moment of the week.
And Jason becomes a grandpa. Not officially.
Enquirer political Jason Williams and Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr. update on the text message madness at City Hall as Prosecutor Joe Deters launches an investigation.
Enquirer Reds beat reporter John Fay joins the pod to talk about being a proud, lifelong native of Cincinnati's West Side.
Jason and Paul wrap up with stories about the zoo, The Banks Ferris wheel.
And Jason sings some Richard Marx. Again. Ugh. Sorry.
Cincinnati Enquirer Politics Xtra insider Jason Williams and Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr. are joined by features editor Carol Motsinger to discuss her time spent diving into the re-opening of Union Terminal. What changed, what was restored and what does it mean for you?
Also, we wonder about the future of Cincinnati malls, tell a whale tale, offer a loud That's So Cincinnati moment and toast the memory of our colleague Tom Groeschen.
Moving on from Election 2018, Enquirer Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr., political columnist Jason Williams and City Hall reporter Sherry Coolidge check in on City Hall. And nothing has changed since we got distracted by the election.
Team TSC discusses the "lost" police audit; the meaning of the word "evil," and Airbnb regulations.
Jason and Paul talk a lot about food. They discuss whether it's a Cincinnati food faux pas to order a plain ol' bowl of chili at Skyline.
In the post-election day podcast, political columnist Jason Williams, City Hall reporter Sherry Coolidge and Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr. dive into what we learned on a historic Election Day in Hamilton County politics.
From what this means for Aftab Pureval to what could happen with this unprecedented Democratic-controlled board of commissioners to the very red state of Ohio to the local Republican party doing some soul searching.
And as always, Jason sings. Sorry.
Enquirer Editor Beryl Love joins TSC to talk about the editorial board's decision to stop endorsing individual political candidates. The Cincinnati native also provides us with our That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week.
Enquirer political columnist Jason Williams and Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr., take one final look at the races ahead of Election Day. Jason talks about "Secret Agent Man" -- and decides to sing again. (Sorry, folks.)
Enquirer political columnist Jason Williams and Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr. welcome Rob Richardson to the podcast.
Richardson is the Democratic candidate for state treasurer, and the only Cincinnatian running for statewide office this year. He discusses the under-representation of Cincinnati at the state level; looks back at his 2017 mayoral race; and weighs in on Cincinnati's streetcar.
Plus, we discuss the Hail Mary thrown by U.S. Senate candidate Jim Renacci; City Councilman Jeff Pastor's reach across the aisle; and Jason's absurd musical takes hit a wild new level.
Enquirer political columnist Jason Williams and Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr. welcome in City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge as they discuss the term-limit issues on the ballot, why council isn't elected by districts, a turn of events with Issue 1 and views from the Trump rally.
Plus, our interview segment welcomes in Kathrine Nero to discuss her new venture on Facebook with the Enquirer, talking to yourself, a wild ride in Cincinnati media and entertaining crazy Elvis fans.
Finally, Jason goes curmudgeon on why he doesn't like music.
Cincinnati.com political columnist Jason Williams and Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. run through the latest in the Cincinnati.
This time, they break down Steve Chabot's and Aftab Pureval's visits with The Enquirer editorial board.
Enquirer Ohio Statehouse reporter Jessie Balmert simplifies the controversial Issue 1.
And as always, the fellas have some fun. Jason gets surly -- and testy -- about overcrowded parking lots and Paul goes back to high school for the "That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week."
In the latest edition of That's So Cincinnati, Enquirer Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. and Politics Xtra columnist Jason Williams discuss why the governor's race is so boring and if it would have any effect on Cincinnati and a tangent on the reality of the Western Hill Viaduct.
Carol Motsinger joins to talk about her story on the rare lions at the zoo.
The That's So Cincinnati moments this week revolve around the Oakley onslaught of chicken and workout joints and what happens at high school reunions.
Enquirer Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr. and political columnist Jason Williams sit down for the fourth episode of their weekly podcast, That's So Cincinnati.
This week, they dive into the unforced error from the campaign of Aftab Pureval, the heartwarming and heartbreaking story of Christmas in Colerain.
They welcome in Matt Castleman, community pastor of Crossroads West Side, to discuss the heartwarming yet heartbreaking story of Christmas in Colerain. Matt gives an inside view of the community outpouring for 2-year-old Brody Allen, who has terminal brain cancer.
Plus, the That's So Cincinnati Moment of the Week; a critical update to Carmageddon 2018; the next generation of mac and cheese; a shout out to Local 12's Joe Webb; and Joey Chestnut hero worship.
Enquirer Politics Extra columnist Jason Williams and Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. spend the third episode of the new "That's So Cincinnati" podcast trying to get to the bottom of the ugly poverty numbers for the region released last week.
Also, City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge joins to deliver the scoop on an wild couple of days for City Council, and a potential scandal stemming from the Aftab Pureval campaign finance investigation.
Finally, Jason turns curmudgeon on Diner en Blanc and Paul updates on Carmageddon 2018 in our "So Cincinnati" moments of the week.
Each Wednesday Enquirer Bengals columnist and Cincinnati native Paul Dehner Jr. and your ol ' pal Politics Extra Jason Williams – and regular guests – will tackle Greater Cincinnati-centric issues. In the debut podcast, tackled the future of The Banks and streetcar.
This week, we are pleased to welcome retired police officer of 26 years who spent his final 13 with Mason PD, Derek Bauman. We talk through the logistics of an active shooter incident from a police perspective, how training works and is applied, what community response means to officers and so much more through the unique perspective of somebody who knows about this types of incidents from the inside.
We want to hear from you. Let us know if there are topics or issues you'd like to hear us address. Hit us up on Twitter @pauldehnerjr and @jwilliamscincy.
Welcome to the debut of a new weekly podcast at Cincinnati.com: That's So Cincinnati. Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr., a native Cincinnatian, and Politics Xtra columnist Jason Williams, a longtime Cincinnatian, sit down to take a dive into issues affecting folks every day.
In this episode, they talk about the always contentious future of The Banks, from the status of the new music venue to what it needs to succeed going forward. Then transportation reporter Hannah Sparling joins to talk about the embattled streetcar in light of discouraging new numbers and Cincinnati Bell threatening to pull their name off the trains.
Introducing the weekly podcast from The Enquirer featuring Bengals columnist Paul Dehner Jr. and political columnist Jason Williams discussing all things Cincinnati. They make the complicated local issues affecting your daily life easy to understand. And have more than a little fun in the process. On the ballot or in the streets, they are here to help you out. Because That’s SO Cincinnati.