WVXU | WVXU & WMUB Connecting you to a world of ideas.

william henry harrison statue — Conrad Thiede / WVXU

William Henry Harrison Is My Distant Cousin. His Statue In Piatt Park Should Go

Vamoose, cousin Billy. Take your horse, William Henry Harrison, and ride out of town. Don't stop until you hit North Bend. That's your tomb up there on top of the hill, my man; rest in peace.

It Is Now Mandatory To Wear A Mask Inside Cincinnati Establishments

Washington Redskins And Cleveland Indians Are Rethinking Their Names

State Develops Advisory System To Track Spread Of COVID-19 County-By-County

By Andy Chow • Jul 3, 2020

The state is rolling out a new public health advisory system to identify counties experiencing a higher spread of coronavirus. Gov. Mike DeWine hopes the new notification system can drive policies to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Politics Chat: Some Ohio Republicans Upset With Gov. DeWine

By Jay Hanselman • Jul 3, 2020

Howard Wilkinson talks with WVXU's Jay Hanselman about how some Ohio Republicans are upset with Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and his response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Forest Hills Board Votes To Remove Mascot

By Jennifer Merritt • Jul 2, 2020

In a 4-1 vote, the board of the Forest Hills School District voted Thursday to do away with Anderson Township High School's "Redskins" logo and mascot. The meeting came in response to recent calls on social media and a petition for the name to go, though the debate goes back decades.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Requires Masks In K-12 Schools This Fall

By Jess Mador • Jul 2, 2020

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he’s not ruling out a statewide mandatory facemask order to slow the spread of COVID-19. In his Thursday briefing with reporters, DeWine called the state’s coronavirus outbreak “a crisis,” citing exponential community spread in many counties.

'We Need To Be Made Whole': Public Speaks On Plan To Declare Racism A Public Health Crisis

By Jay Hanselman • Jul 2, 2020

The Hamilton County commissioners are expected to vote in two weeks on a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. About 10 people spoke about the issue Thursday during a virtual public hearing.

Sherrif's Deputy Arrested, Charged After Kicking Inmate In Head

By Tana Weingartner • Jul 2, 2020

A Hamilton County sheriff's deputy is under arrest and charged with one count of assault for kicking an inmate in the head during an incident June 9.

Moderate Owensby Will Face 'Extremist' Massie For NKY House Seat

By Nick Robertson • Jul 2, 2020

alexandra owensby thomas massie — Courtesy of the candidates

After a strong showing in the Kentucky Democratic primary, defeating Shanon Fabert by nearly 12,000 votes, Dr. Alexandra Owensby will now face incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie, who won handily over challenger Todd McMurtry, in the Nov. 3 general election.

Despite Attempts From Some Ohio Lawmakers, Backyard Fireworks Are Still Illegal

By Jo Ingles • Jul 2, 2020

Sales of backyard fireworks are booming, at least partly because the pandemic has canceled public fireworks shows. But it’s still technically illegal to set them off here because a bill has stalled in the Senate.

Cincinnati Could Require Masks Indoors In Public Places

By Bill Rinehart • Jul 2, 2020

coronavirus homemade masks — Kathy Willens / AP

Cincinnati City Council will meet in a special session Friday to discuss passing a mask ordinance. Mayor John Cranley says it's in response to rising numbers of COVID-19.

Columbus, Ohio, Takes Down Statue Of Christopher Columbus

By Bill Chappell • Jul 2, 2020

A construction crew removed the massive Christopher Columbus statue from its place of honor outside Columbus, Ohio's City Hall on Wednesday morning, in one of the most dramatic cases yet of a city reshaping how its monuments reflect its sense of history and community identity.

Democracy & Me

This Weekend On Around Cincinnati

Reflections On The Conversation That Inspired "The Book Of Joy"

Douglas Abrams achieved acclaim for his bestselling book, The Book of Joy , which was a firsthand account of a meeting between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Now, in this time of worldwide unrest, he’s sharing his thoughts from moderating that legendary discussion in this conversation with our Ron Esposito.