News

Cincinnati's police chief says he's an advocate of legal gun ownership, but feels like the country needs to do a better job restricting gun sales.  James Craig addressed the deadly school shooting in Connecticut during his news conference Thursday.  He says the idea of simply arming school employees  is not a wise response:

Cincinnati Council voted Wednesday to fund the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority for just one month in the new year.  

The action is part of the continuing battle between the city and SORTA about the use of the city’s transit fund.  

Cincinnati argues it can be used for any transit related activity.  But the agency says it’s only for Metro bus operations.  SORTA has a lawsuit pending on the issue.  

A Council Member asked City Solicitor John Curp why administrators are proposing a one-month funding ordinance.

Hamilton County Commissioners have approved a 5-percent rate increase for Metropolitan Sewer District customers starting January 9.  Sewer rates have been climbing for several years to pay for a $ 3.2 billion system upgrade required to comply with the federal Clean Water Act.

Commissioner Todd Portune said about 780 other local governments are in the same position at a cost of more than $500 billion.

The Miami University Marching Band was in the first wave of invitees to participate in the 57th Inaugural Parade on Monday, Jan. 21 in Washington, D.C.

So far, the Miami University band is the only participant from Ohio invited by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

The Cincinnati Health Department is continuing its efforts to reduce childhood lead poisoning in the city.

The Health Department presented its latest information Wednesday to Council’s Rules and Government Operations Committee.

The group heard about a recent consultant’s report to improve the program. It contains more than 30 recommendations. Dr. Camille Jones said one aspect involves the city’s law and regulations.