Nick Swartsell

2 weeks ago | wvxu.org | Nick Swartsell

Greater Cincinnati's library systems are watching Ohio's budget process closely. The Ohio House has proposed changes to library funding that could mean big cuts for some local libraries. For decades, the state's Public Library Fund has distributed a percentage of the state's budget — currently 1.7%, or about $530 million in fiscal year 2025 — to libraries across the state. Gov. Mike DeWine has proposed upping that to 1.75%, or about $532 million for fiscal year 2026 and $549 million the year after.

4 weeks ago | ideastream.org | Nick Swartsell

Cincinnati-based Kroger Tuesday filed a countersuit against Albertsons, the latest legal fallout from a failed merger between the two grocery giants. Albertsons filed suit against Kroger after the $24.6 billion merger fell apart in December 2024 over antitrust concerns. Albertsons says Kroger didn't work hard enough to get federal approval for the merger and owes a $600 million termination fee stipulated in the initial merger agreement, plus billions in damages.

1 month ago | wvxu.org | Nick Swartsell

One of the most consequential U.S. Supreme Court decisions of the modern era took place 10 years ago, and Cincinnatians were at its center. Now, Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law is holding a symposium Thursday to examine the impact of Obergefell vs. Hodges, the case that affirmed same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. Cincinnati resident Jim Obergefell was the titular plaintiff in the landmark case.

1 month ago | wvxu.org | Nick Swartsell

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Hamilton County is rising, information collected by a local social service organization suggests. Strategies to End Homelessness recently shared data with Cincinnati City Council showing a 7.5% increase in the number of people without housing over the last two years. The rise is especially sharp for those who aren't staying in shelters. STEH President Kevin Finn told Cincinnati Edition that number has doubled.

1 month ago | wvxu.org | Nick Swartsell

Covington's governmental transition is underway. But what, exactly, does that mean? Voters approved the shift from Covington's current city manager form of government to a council-mayor structure last November. Now, city officials want to know more about how those voters envision the new government working. Among the questions: How many council members will the Covington City Council have? The current city commission has four people. Kentucky law allows between six and 12 on a council.