Cincinnati is currently a giant construction zone. It’s loud, it’s frustrating, and honestly, if you’re trying to cross the Ohio River right now, you’ve probably already questioned your life choices. But between the orange barrels and the political drama at City Hall, there is a weird, buzzing energy in the air.
Local news Cincinnati Ohio isn't just about small-town updates anymore; we are talking billions of dollars in infrastructure and a massive shift in how the city actually functions.
The Bridge, the Tax, and the New Council
Mayor Aftab Pureval didn't waste any time after being sworn in for his second term on January 6, 2026. He dropped a bit of a bombshell right out of the gate: he wants to raise the city's income tax.
Right now, the earnings tax sits at 1.8%. The Mayor and Budget Chair Jeff Cramerding argue the city budget is "perilous." Basically, they’re saying that without more revenue, we’re looking at serious cuts to services or even layoffs. The plan is to use that extra cash for public safety and "disrupting poverty."
It’s not exactly a popular move. New Council Member Ryan James mentioned he felt a bit "blindsided" by the timing. If the Council wants this on the May ballot, they have until February 4 to make it happen. Otherwise, it’s a wait until November. Either way, your paycheck might look a little different by next year.
While the politicians argue about money, the engineers are busy moving dirt. The $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is finally, officially, ramping up. This isn't just a "fix the bridge" situation. They are building an entirely new double-decker companion bridge.
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The old bridge? It’s staying. But it’ll be for local traffic only. If you've ever been stuck behind a semi-truck with out-of-state plates while just trying to get to Covington, you know why this matters. ODOT says the project is about 60% designed, and 2026 is the year where the "visible" work starts. Expect a lot of dust and even more detours.
Bengals Offseason: Pick 10 and the "Burrow Effect"
The Bengals just wrapped up a season that was, let's be real, a rollercoaster. With the 2025 season in the rearview, the focus has shifted immediately to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cincinnati is sitting at the 10th overall pick.
The defense is the big talking point. Even though the secondary showed flashes—especially DJ Turner II and Jordan Battle—the mock drafts are already screaming for more help. Names like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. are being tossed around like confetti at a parade.
Team President Mike Brown has already given the vote of confidence to Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin. They aren't blowing it up. They’re building around a healthy Joe Burrow who, despite the team's struggles, still managed to lead the AFC in touchdown pass percentage last season.
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What’s Actually Happening This Weekend
If you need a break from the tax talk and bridge closures, there is actually a lot of stuff to do.
- Redsfest (Jan 16-17): This is the first big event at the newly renovated Duke Energy Convention Center. It’s the unofficial start of baseball season. You can grab an autograph and see the $240 million in upgrades they've been working on.
- AdamCon 2026 (Jan 16-19): If you’re into board games, Woodlawn Community Center is the place to be. It’s the biggest free board game convention in the country. They raised $28,000 for Children's Hospital last year, so the stakes are high for the raffle this time around.
- Fortune Feimster: She’s bringing her "Takin' Care of Biscuits" tour to the Taft Theatre on Friday night.
Crime and the "Chief Investigation"
The police department is in a weird spot. Chief Teresa Theetge is still on paid administrative leave. The investigation into her leadership, handled by Frost Brown Todd, was supposed to be done by now, but they pushed the deadline to February 28.
Interim Chief Adam Hennie is running the show for now.
On the ground, the state is getting more involved. Governor DeWine’s Violent Crime Reduction Initiative just finished its first big operation of 2026 in Cincinnati. They made five felony arrests and pulled two illegal guns off the street near West Liberty. It’s part of a data-driven push to target repeat offenders, but for the average person living in Over-the-Rhine or the West End, the presence of state troopers is becoming a more common sight.
The Business Boom No One Noticed
While everyone looks at the bridge, some massive business projects are hitting milestones this month.
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- Medpace in Madisonville: They are deep into a $327 million expansion. We are talking 1,500 new biotech jobs and a nine-story office tower.
- P&G in Mason: A $500 million investment is bringing 800 workers over from the Winton Hill site.
- DHL at CVG: Their new $292 million maintenance hangar is nearly ready. It’s huge—big enough to fit Boeing 777s.
Your Next Steps for Staying Informed
The city is changing fast. If you want to keep up without drowning in 24-hour news cycles, here is what you should actually do:
Check your voter registration status now if you want a say in the proposed income tax increase this May. You can do this through the Hamilton County Board of Elections website.
If you commute between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, download the WAZE app or check the "Bridge Forward" updates weekly. The Brent Spence project is going to change traffic patterns without much warning as they move utility lines this winter.
Finally, keep an eye on the Duke Energy Convention Center schedule. With the renovations finishing up, the downtown core is going to be packed most weekends, which means parking is going to get even more expensive. Plan accordingly.