News

Two Cincinnati Council Members are supporting a plan to eliminate all the proposed firefighter layoffs while reducing police officer layoffs to 25.  

Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls and Council Member Chris Seelbach announced the proposal Thursday.

“We will continue to look for additional savings that could reduce layoffs even further,” Qualls said in a press release.  “We must preserve essential services that keep all of our neighborhoods safe and clean.”

Duke Energy is farming out its gas meter and line inspections. Spokeswoman Sally Thelen says that means someone new could be knocking on your door. She says customers shouldn't be alarmed to see a contractor show up to read and inspect meters.

If you wonder why there's a large crowd at Horseshoe Cincinnati tonight, it's because the casino is holding its first outdoor concert. The Killers will play to a sold-out crowd at The Shoe, the one-acre concert space at the entrance of the casino.  The gates open at 6:30 and the opening act takes the stage at 7:30.  The Killers open a 19-week concert series at The Shoe that includes Willie Nelson, Earth, Wind and Fire, Billy Idol and many others. 
 

The Cincinnati Health Department (CHD) is putting the public on notice that proposed budget cuts will have a direct effect on services. A meeting is scheduled for May 28 to discuss the layoff of 18 employees and what the cuts will mean.

CHD Spokesman Rocky Merz says over the last five years the department has had to eliminate more than 100 positions. The latest cuts come from a city budget proposal to cut 9% of the CHD's budget.

Fewer rat trapping and bed bug inspections

The 2013 Taste of Cincinnati winners are out. The annual food festival is Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27. Organizers expect the event will draw 500,000 people.

*2013 Best of Taste Awards*

*Appetizer*

1st Place: Crab Rangoon, Thai Taste
2nd Place: Cuban Black Bean Soup, Silver Ladle
3rd Place: Risotto Balls, Pompilios

*Entrée*