Dozens of Milford residents turned out for WCPO's latest "Let's Talk" community conversation, sharing concerns about infrastructure, safety and stalled development projects as city leaders push an ambitious vision for the city's future.

Residents gathered at Cincinnati Distilling on Mill Street to share questions and hopes for the city's future.

The event gave residents a chance to weigh in on everything from housing and parking to a long-abandoned elementary school that neighbors say has become an eyesore.

The conversation came a few months after April's State of the City address, where leaders detailed plans they say could reshape downtown over the next decade while preserving the character residents already love. But many who attended Wednesday said they still have questions about how that vision will be carried out.

WATCH: Residents sat down with WCPO 9 to share their visions and concerns for the future of Milford

"The vision they have for it is great," Milford resident Anne Kuhn said. "Just the infrastructure behind it."

Kuhn also raised concerns about the impact of new development on local schools and parking.

"As far as housing, how are they going to overwhelm our schools? Parking is another issue," Kuhn said.

Safety was another topic residents raised. Donna Luecke pointed to a retention pond she says poses a danger to children.

"I have asked one time about that retention pond, right there on street level," Luecke said. "It is dangerous. How many children have you heard about that have fallen into a retention pond?"

Resident Steve Jones pressed for answers about the old Milford South Elementary School, which closed in 2004. Residents say the property was sold to a developer with the promise of converting the former school, which sits on about 14 acres, into six townhomes. Jones said that project has stalled.

"The problem is the building is filled with asbestos," Jones said. "So, they can't tear it down because it's going to cost millions of dollars. So, I'd like to know what their plan is now?"

Kuhn described the current state of the property, which sits surrounded by newly built homes.

"Right now, it's just a hunk of brick and glass," Kuhn said.

When asked how long it had been that way, attendees said the situation has persisted for about four years.

When asked about the school property following the event, Milford Mayor Ralph Vilardo said the matter is tied up in litigation, and he could not comment further.

That is in litigation, Vilardo said. Im as frustrated about it as (residents are), but I really dont have anything that I can share.

While many residents said they support growth, they want to see a broader mix of development in the city.

"We do like the artsy type thing," Milford resident Kathleen Lynch said. "There's room for something like technology, for example."

Vilardo said city leaders are trying to balance future growth with the citys historic identity.

Milford has that historic charm that we try to balance with some of the new improvements that will be made throughout the next years to come, Vilardo said.

He also said city officials continue working to attract businesses to vacant storefronts downtown.

We hope people realize what an incredible community Milford is and they want to invest here, Vilardo said.

Residents also highlighted positive developments in Milford, including the installation of a new water tower and the success of the high school's athletic program.

We were a very sleepy little town once upon a time, Vilardo said. Weve already seen a lot of change in the last 20-plus years.

We will take all the ideas you presented at this event and follow up to tell those stories in the coming days and weeks.

With the Butler County Fairs Ferris wheel spinning behind him, Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy spent more than an hour making his case to Ohio voters Wednesday. Some of the biggest questions he faced came from issues hitting close to home in Butler County.

Standing on a stage set up near the fairs political booths, Ramaswamy drew a crowd of roughly 100 people who listened as he outlined his campaign priorities before staying afterward to shake hands, answer questions and talk one-on-one with fairgoers.

Ramaswamy, who is running against Democratic nominee Amy Acton in Novembers race for Ohio governor, used the stop to discuss issues including taxes, education, public safety and economic development.

But two topics stood out for Butler County voters: property taxes and the future of data centers.

WATCH: Vivek Ramaswamy answers questions on Butler Countys data center debate, property taxes and school funding during his fair visit

After Ramaswamy finished speaking with voters, WCPO asked him about large-scale data centers.

Butler County commissioners approved a six-month moratorium on new data center development in areas where the county oversees zoning as officials study the potential impacts of future projects.

The debate has continued beyond that pause in Butler County, with residents in some communities pushing citizen-led efforts that could restrict future data center development. Trenton and Hamilton have submitted signatures for proposed charter amendments targeting data centers larger than 25 megawatts.

Supporters point to potential economic investment, while opponents have raised concerns about impacts on utilities, infrastructure and quality of life.

When asked how he would balance economic development with those concerns, Ramaswamy said large-scale data centers should be responsible for the energy costs they create.

"I am against you and the people of this state having to pay for them," he said. "If you are going to use electricity from the electric grid, you should have to pay for it and bring your own energy."

During the question-and-answer portion of the event, one voter asked Ramaswamy about another issue affecting many homeowners: property taxes.

Becky Banks, a former teacher at Edgewood City Schools in Trenton, asked how Ramaswamy would lower property taxes while still making sure public schools have the funding they need.

Banks said she understands the issue from multiple perspectives as a former educator, a mother and the wife of a Butler County school principal.

She said she wants schools to use their resources effectively while continuing to invest in students.

Ramaswamy responded by arguing the biggest challenge facing public schools is not funding, but academic standards.

"The number one thing that our public schools are missing right now is not more money. It is standards. We have abandoned civic education standards, math standards, reading standards," he said.

After the event, Banks said she was encouraged by his answer.

"I do believe he has a vision to improve schools at every level and without just taking handouts," Banks said.

During his speech, Ramaswamy also promoted his plan to eliminate Ohios state income tax, which he says would allow small businesses and retirees to keep more of their money.

He also discussed his plans for public safety, including increased support for law enforcement, and said he wants to address fraud in government programs.

Ramaswamys stop at the Butler County Fair is part of his effort to connect with voters across Ohio ahead of Novembers election.

Acton, his Democratic opponent, is a former Ohio Department of Health director who became a nationally recognized figure during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving under Gov. Mike DeWine. Her campaign has focused on issues including strengthening public education, protecting healthcare access and supporting working families.

The Pub Rookwood, a restaurant serving British cuisine in the Rookwood Commons development, has permanently closed as part of a larger restaurant group strategy, the Tavern Restaurant Group announced Wednesday.

The restaurant, located at 2692 Edmondson Road, opened 25 years ago.

"Aa part of a strategic repositioning, Tavern Restaurant Group is shifting its presence of The Pub in the Cincinnati area," the restaurant group said in a press release.

The group is now shifting its focus to The Pub London Street Food, which is located within Element Eatery in Madisonville. The food stall will still have The Pub's beloved fish and chips, as well as many other Pub favorites, the group said.

The group also said they're revitalizing part of deSha's in Symmes Township to "represent the warm ambiance and authentic hospitality of The Pub spirit." The group said it will continue to operate its Pub location in Crestview Hills in Northern Kentucky.

"This decision was not made lightly," the group said. "In response to challenging economic conditions and rising operating costs, it became essential to restructure our local operations while continuing our mission to provide guests with exceptional food, service and hospitality."

CEO Nick Sanders said the group is "deeply grateful" to its guests, team members and the Rookwood community.

"While retiring this location is difficult, we feel it best aligns with our strategy for the success and future of the brand," Sanders said.

Newport city leaders say the purchase of nine Monmouth Street properties including the Brass Ass, the Brass Mule and the Brass Bull is a public safety investment as the city looks toward future redevelopment.

Police were called to the area more than 1,200 times from 2021 to 2025, according to statistics from the city of Newport. Calls for shots fired came in roughly three times a year, and calls for fights came in every other month on average over those five years.

Brian Steffen, assistant city manager for Newport, said the properties have a long history of public safety concerns.

"We've had a lot of major incidents on this particular block over the years," Steffen said.

WATCH: Newport city leaders detail public safety impact of Monmouth Street redevelopment

When asked why the businesses were able to remain open for so long and whether the city ever pursued a public nuisance designation, Steffen pointed to the legal and financial challenges of that path.

"There's property and business rights that apply to all businesses that certainly could play out in court, and those would be, would be a high-cost center as well to fight that battle," Steffen said.

Despite those challenges, Steffen said the acquisition is a win for the surrounding area.

"We see it as a benefit not only for this block, but the city in general," Steffen said.

Karen Minzner, owner of East Row Cakery, is bringing her business to Monmouth Street, down the street from the purchased properties. She said the presence of troubled businesses and vacant or deteriorating buildings has hurt the corridor.

"There are lots of wonderful businesses all along Monmouth, but when you have some businesses that are questionable, and the buildings are either vacant or in various states of disrepair, it hurts other businesses," Minzner said.

Minzner said she hopes the change will draw more people further south along Monmouth Street.

"You can see when people are walking down, and you see a building, and you know what it is, they turn around and go the other way, so it's a bit of a barrier to get people further south on Monmouth," Minzner said. "So yeah, I'll be happy to see something that's more family-friendly."

City leaders say the plan now is to put an RFP out for someone else to take over the properties, with the hope being some kind of mixed-use development.

A two-vehicle crash left a 68-year-old woman with life-threatening injuries Wednesday afternoon in Lebanon, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the crash happened on East Main Street around 1:40 pm.

A 2020 Nissan Rogue was heading southbound on South High Street and did not stop at a stop sign, colliding with a trailer hauled by a 2024 Peterbilt 579 semi-truck, troopers said. The Nissan then came to rest off the right side of the roadway and the semi-truck came to a controlled rest in the lane.

The driver of the Nissan was taken to the hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. Troopers said the 36-year-old driver of the semi-truck was treated at the scene and was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

There was a time when Princeton basketball star Kam Mercer played running back in grade school.

Its difficult to imagine these days, especially after the 6-foot-5 guard announced his verbal commitment to the University of Cincinnati mens basketball program in May.

But, football was a sport he shared in elementary school with now Princeton senior defensive tackle Jaylen Mercer, Kams older brother.

Jaylen played and had a passion for basketball, too. But, eventually the brothers discovered their calling: Jaylen with football and Kam with basketball.

In the end, football was just always there for him, Kam said Wednesday afternoon. I think his build is just more football. And I think my build is more for basketball.

So thats what made early Wednesday afternoon extra special for the Mercer family at Princeton. Kam and the brothers' father, Craig Mercer, witnessed another milestone in Jaylens football career.

Jaylen, listed at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds in June, announced his verbal commitment to the University of Kentucky in front of Princeton administrators Wednesday after his pledge to the Wildcats in June.

Jaylen has also joined EZ Sports Group as the first high school football player in the agencys football division. Kam is already part of EZ Sports Group.

They helped me a lot, Jaylen said of EZ Sports Group. They negotiated my contracts and everything.

EZ Sports Groups Trey Dees has known Jaylen for a lengthy amount of time and coached him in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competition for a while, too.

So to see everything kind of come to full fruition, this was always the plan, Dees said. So to actually see it happen its a blessing to say the least.

Dees said there is plenty of anticipation in starting the football division within the agency.

We love football just like we love basketball, Dees said. There is a lot of football talent in our area, probably more than basketball, so looking forward to helping these guys navigate their career.

Dees said hes grateful to work with Kam and Jaylen. Hes impressed with how each handles the spotlight as highly recruited student-athletes in their respective sports.

For them to both be going Power 5 same household, its a unique situation, Dees said. Looking forward to it.

While the Princeton boys basketball team is the reigning Division I state champion, Kam cant wait to watch Jaylen for the football season.

I am super proud of him, Kam said. I just think that all the stuff that he had to overcome he wanted to be a defensive end, now hes training to switch a position to be a d-tackle. Its a tough switch, and I think hes used these last eight, nine months to lock in with Princeton and do all the extra work on and off the field. So everything that hes got rewarded, I feel like he worked for.

Jaylen, 18, and Kam, 16, inspire each other on a daily basis through their sports.

Thats like my best friend, Jaylen said. We do everything together. We probably play a game together every day. We work out together. We get food together. We do everything together.

Theyre also not hesitant to give constructive criticism when warranted. Jaylen wants Kam to win the Gatorade Ohio and Mr. Ohio basketball statewide awards.

Im probably like the hardest on him in the house, Jaylen said. Always try to make sure hes great.

In turn, Kam knows Jaylen has the potential to help give the Vikings an opportunity at a state championship.

I think this is the year I honestly say make or break, Kam said. They have a really good senior class.

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Weeks after Tyler Wilkin was murdered on a Puerto Rican beach, his family and friends say they're still searching for something they didn't find at his funeral: answers.

Wilkin, a 35-year-old Wilmington native who had built a new life in Puerto Rico, was found shot to death July 10 near his campsite at Playa La Selva in Luquillo, which lies in the northern part of the Caribbean island. Authorities have released few details about the investigation, and no arrests have been announced, Wilkin's friends tell WCPO.

We have reached out to Puerto Rican police, but have not heard back.

Now, those who knew Wilkin best are turning to the public for help.

A GoFundMe launched by Wilkin's loved ones aims to raise money to hire a private investigator, saying the family hopes an independent investigation can help uncover what happened and identify whoever is responsible.

WATCH: Friends seek out private investigator after Cincinnati-area man killed in Puerto Rico

For Trey Reinhart, one of Wilkin's closest friends, the fundraiser represents more than financial support. It's about making sure Wilkin's death doesn't become another unsolved case.

"In any murder, if you don't find out some stuff soon, there's a good chance it'll never get solved," Reinhart said. "We just want to figure something out for him."

Reinhart said he met Wilkin about a decade ago in Lexington, Kentucky. While the two became close friends over the past four years, distance never changed their relationship. They visited each other regularly after Wilkin moved to Puerto Rico in 2024.

"He's the kind of dude that you could call no matter how long it'd been since you'd talked," Reinhart said. "You'd just pick right back up."

He described Wilkin as "kind, incredibly intelligent, thoughtful" and someone who always looked for ways to help others.

"He would help people, especially those who would help themselves," Reinhart said. "He was a really funny guy, too."

Wilkin had gone camping by himself ahead of meeting friends a few days later, Reinhart said. Before his death, Reinhart said Wilkin had messaged a friend about another man at the campground who appeared to be acting aggressively and lingering around the campsite.

When Wilkin's friends arrived to meet him hours later, Reinhart said police instead informed them that he had been found dead.

Reinhart said his friend had been shot in the back of the head.

The lack of information since then has left friends struggling with uncertainty. Reinhart said Wilkin's family and closest friends haven't received information from investigators about possible suspects or leads.

"If they haven't said anything to me, I can't say that there has been anything solved to this point," he said.

Wilkin's funeral was held July 23. Reinhart flew in from Arizona to attend.

"It didn't seem very real until I actually had gotten in the car," he said. "Even on the plane ... it doesn't feel real until you show up there."

Days later, Reinhart shared his grief publicly on social media, calling Wilkin "an awesome guy and a great friend" with "more opportunities ahead of him than most folks I've ever met."

He's urging people to donate to or share the fundraiser, saying he believes hiring a private investigator offers the best chance of finding the person responsible.

"Anybody getting anybody off the street or in this case, the beach that's a bad person," he said. "Anything you can do, share the GoFundMe ... just make awareness of it and see if we can get any leads from that."

For now, that's all Wilkin's friends say they can do.

Out with the old and in with the new. On Wednesday, Delhi Township knocked down a former community favorite to start construction on a brand new development.

The end of a journey for many, if you would. It was the mecca here in the Township, Frischs, said Mike Davis, Delhi Township Board of Trustees Chair.

Taking the place of the former Frischs will be the drive-thru coffee chain, 7 Brew.

WATCH: 7 Brew coming to Delhi Township, Township invested over $150 million into developments

Its bittersweet; its a sad day and yet were excited, Davis said. Were hopeful for the future.

But the new 7 Brew is only the most recent development for Delhi Township. In the last few years, the township has invested over $150 million into new developments.

Businesses can see that its a profitable market, and they want to be here, said Delhi Township Administrator Skylor Miller.

The Townships largest investment was made into Delhi Town Square, a $70 million project with an entertainment space, apartments, restaurants, and shops that opened back in 2024. Township officials say that project was the catalyst for other new developments.

You know weve had new restaurants like Los Patrones, Hook n Fish, we have a BW3 coming, obviously 7 Brew, Miller said.

Other major recent developments in Delhi Township include a brand new Goodwill and the Seaton Sports Complex.

Miller added that all this development is part of a 10-15 year plan created by the Delhi Township Board of Trustees back in 2015 called Plan the Pike. The goal was to bring more development to Delhi Pike, creating more revenue and jobs for the Township, and keeping them relevant.

The new 7 Brew on Delhi Pike is scheduled to open in September.

After months of uncertainty and financial hardship, the historic Mariemont Theatre is ready to light up its marquee once again, thanks to support from the community.

Cindependent, a local nonprofit and the theatre's new owner, announced on Wednesday that they have reached their $1 million fundraising goal and are now finalizing the grand opening date.

"We did it! Thank you to everyone!" said Allyson West, founder of Cindependent. "I have had the privilege of personally talking with so many people who have movie memories of the theatre, and people who want to get the lights back on and the doors back open as much as we do."

WATCH: Mariemont Theatre reaches $1 million fundraising goal

Mariemont Mayor Bill Brown told us the owner of the building evicted the theater's previous owner, Theatre Management Corporation, at the end of January and gave them until the start of March to leave. Cindependent announced at the end of January that it planned to take over operations of the theater.

The 88-year-old theater has sat empty, its marquee bare, since Theatre Management Corporation packed up everything and left. West said that when her team got the keys to the building, they found rows of empty floor space where theater chairs once sat. The original marquee letters were also found in a box tucked away in the theater.

"Everything that we need to play movies in the Mariemont Theatre was taken out of the theater," West said.

Since then, Cindependent has been working to get the funding to replace everything that was removed from the building, including new screens, a new audio system and a popcorn machine.

"There are five new projectors, meaning that the visuals you see will be crisper," West said.

West said the theatre will remain the familiar community staple it's been for years.

As Cindpendent finalizes a date for the grand reopening, the nonprofit is also planning to hire staff to help bring the historic cinema back to life.

"We've reached the starting line," West said.

One person is dead after a crash involving three vehicles Tuesday evening, according to the Butler County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said deputies and fire personnel responded to the intersection of US-127 and Eaton Road at around 7:34 p.m. Tuesday evening after a crash was reported.

Deputies found three vehicles had been involved in the crash, and one driver was unresponsive; that driver was pronounced dead at the crash scene. The sheriff's office did not release that person's name.

According to the sheriff's office, the driver of a black SUV was heading south on US-127 when the driver of a silver Toyota failed to yield at the intersection and crashed into the SUV. That crash caused the SUV to enter the northbound lane of US-127, where it was hit again by a Ford F250 truck pulling a trailer, the sheriff's office said.

The driver and a passenger in the Ford F250 were taken to UC West Chester with minor injuries, the sheriff's office said. The driver of the Toyota was evaluated at the scene, but no injuries were reported. The driver of the black SUV is the person who was killed in the crash, the sheriff's office said.

The crash is still under investigation by the Butler County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team.

Afroman may have won his civil trial against the Adams County Sheriff's Office in March but now the "Because I Got High" rapper is headed back to civil court with a lawsuit of his own.

Joseph Foreman, known professionally as Afroman, posted to social media Tuesday to announce his lawsuit against former Adams County Sheriff's Sgt. Brian Newland.

"HAPPY OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY TO ME," Foreman wrote on Instagram. "... I'm suing the police officer who stole my $400, then has the audacity to sue me for 1,500,000 dollars."

You can watch the verdict from Afroman's March civil trial below:

In the lawsuit, which was filed in the Adams County Court of Common Pleas, Foreman alleges that Newland stole $400 from him when his Ohio home was raided by the Adams County Sheriff's Office in 2022.

Afroman's home surveillance system captured the moments police broke through his gate and forcefully entered his home with their guns drawn while executing a search warrant on Aug. 21, 2022. According to Afroman, the warrant was for drug trafficking and kidnapping, but the rapper never faced any charges.

The artist said the raid caused his home significant damage. He also said the deputies disconnected his surveillance footage and stole some of his money.

"$400 came up missing from what they said they had. So the crime scene switches from my house to the police station. They started investigating themselves and they say it was simply a miscount," he previously told us. "How do you miscount $400?"

The sheriff's office told WCPO that Clermont County did an outside investigation on the raid and found that no money was stolen, just miscounted.

Shortly after deputies raided his home, the rapper released his album "Lemon Pound Cake," telling us he turned to music to cope with the humiliation he felt after the raid.

Just some of the songs included on "Lemon Pound Cake," the album inspired by the raid, include "Why You Disconnecting My Video Camera," "Will You Help Me Repair My Door," "I'm A Have A Good Time" and the title track "Lemon Pound Cake." The rapper used footage from the raid to make music videos that went viral, amassing millions of views.

Those music videos led to the sheriff's office's lawsuit, where several deputies, including Newland, alleged Afroman used their images and likenesses without permission for multiple commercial purposes. The lawsuit also claimed those videos caused "humiliation, ridicule, mental distress, embarrassment and loss of reputation." Those who filed the lawsuit were seeking millions in damages.

When an Adams County jury sided with Afroman in the civil trial in March, Foreman was visibly emotional.

WCPO spoke to Afroman after the verdict.

I didnt win," Afroman said. "America won. America still has freedom of speech. Its still for the people by the people."

WATCH: Our full conversation with Afroman after the verdict

Two weeks after historic flash flooding struck the Tri-State, Cincinnati is still recovering as the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) works through hundreds of sewer backup reports and Hamilton County's emergency management agency continues to assess damage.

MSD has received more than 1,800 reports since the storms and more than 900 of them have met eligibility requirements for cleaning services through the agency's sewer backup program.

"Those are people calling us saying they have water in their basement or they believe they have a sewer backup, and then we are going out and investigating those," MSD Director Diana Christy said.

WATCH: Here's what MSD and EMA officials told Hamilton County commissioners about the ongoing storm recovery efforts

MSD crews have completed nearly all of the 1,800 report investigations. Christy said much of the investigative work happens in the street, not inside individual homes, which means some residents may not have seen crews at their door.

"Folks want us to be moving even faster but we're doing really everything we can," she said.

Some affected homeowners have raised questions over the last few weeks about whether the sewer system failed. Christy said that is not the case.

"This wasn't an operational issue," she said. "It is just beyond the capacity of what our sewers are designed to convey."

MSD Deputy Director and Chief Engineer Reese Johnson said both the volume and speed of rainfall were key factors in what overwhelmed the system.

"A concrete pipe can't expand to fit a larger storm, and so we design to a certain storm, and it can take all that it can take, and when it can't take any more, it floods," Johnson said.

The July 17 storms produced what's known as a 1,000-year storm event near Norwood, meaning a storm that is so severe that, statistically, it has about a one-in-1,000 chance of happening in any given year.

Johnson said MSD is fast-tracking 10 infrastructure projects aimed at addressing flooding hotspots across the county, following flood mitigation research.

"We pivoted and said, 'How can we find those smaller projects that are doable, that are more moderate in cost?'" Johnson said. "They're still millions of dollars, but they're not hundreds and billions of dollars. And we're proceeding with those as quickly as we can."

Johnson said completed infrastructure improvements would not have prevented damage from a storm like the one that happened on July 17.

"When a storm comes in, that is 10 times bigger than what we designed for, it's not going to keep it from happening, but it could lessen the impacts," Johnson said.

MSD has also reached out to the University of Cincinnati to study whether urbanization is contributing to increasingly intense storm patterns.

"It's recurring patterns, and it seems that urbanization has an impact on it, where we're seeing that that's causing storms to get more intense," Johnson said. "The numbers don't lie when you have storms of this rarity coming so frequently."

When asked about the scope of MSD's efforts to solve flooding issues, Johnson said the agency's infrastructure improvements are focused on the sewer system.

"Our solutions are focused on fixing the MSD infrastructure or improving the MSD infrastructure," he said. "(They) are there to take away the wastes and some of the stormwater, but they're not solving all the overland flooding that we see."

Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency Director Nick Crossley said the agency is still collecting damage assessments from impacted communities, including Cincinnati.

"Where we're at today is we are continuing with our damage assessment process," he said.

An emergency declaration from the governor or president would unlock state and federal funding for recovery. Crossley said the threshold for public assistance is about $4.2 million in uninsured losses, which, "without a major infrastructure loss is pretty hard to get to," he said.

As for individual assistance, the county must have at least 25 homes in the area that meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency's standards for a structure with "major damage."

Crossley said he expects to submit a damage assessment to the state sometime this week.

Homeowners who reported a sewer backup and have not yet heard from MSD are encouraged to call 513-352-4900.

St. Xavier High School graduate Luke Kuechly is reportedly joining Netflix as its new No. 1 NFL game analyst this season.

The Athletic reported Tuesday that Kuechly, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next week, is joining the Netflix NFL coverage.

That guy has studied more film than days the average fan has lived, St. Xavier football coach Steve Specht told WCPO 9 Sports in a text message Tuesday night. Hell be phenomenal! Just great!

Netflix has a Week 1 game with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Australia.

Netflix has the NFLs first Thanksgiving Eve game Nov. 25 when the Green Bay Packers visit the Rams at SoFi Stadium. There will also be a Christmas Day doubleheader and a Week 18 game.

Kuechly will reportedly work four games alongside play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle.

Kuechly will also work 12 games as an analyst for the Carolina Panthers Radio Network, according to the team.

The former Carolina Panthers linebacker and Boston College star joined the Panthers Radio Network in 2022.

"One of the most brilliant minds to ever play the game," former NFL defensive end JJ Watt told WCPO 9 Sports Anchor Caleb Noe earlier this month. "Thoroughly enjoyed competing against him. Just talking football with him is talking football at the highest level. He sees the game three steps ahead of everybody else because he studied it three times more than everybody else. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame."

Kuechly, a 2009 St. Xavier graduate, was elected in February to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kuechly is one of five players scheduled to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fames Class of 2026 on Aug. 8 in Canton. He joins quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and kicker Adam Vinatieri in the Modern-Era Players category. Running back Roger Craig was elected in the Seniors category.

Kuechly, who grew up in Evendale, is just the third Greater Cincinnati high school football player to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He joins former Roger Staubach (1960 Purcell High School graduate) and Cris Carter (1984 Middletown graduate). Staubach, a 1985 inductee, grew up in Silverton. Carter, a 2013 inductee, was born in Troy.

Kuechly, a 2023 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility.

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro player, Kuechly was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 2012 and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He became the youngest player to win that defensive player of the year honor.

Kuechly also helped the Panthers reach their second-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2016. In April 2020, Kuechly was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Selected by the NFL and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, that list included 52 players and two head coaches.

Kuechly was the ninth selection in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Panthers.

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Cincinnati Public Schools is asking voters to approve a new earned income tax levy this November after the board voted 5-2 to place the measure on the ballot.

The 0.75% earned income tax would apply to residents who live within the district, and district leaders say a failed levy would mean deeper cuts for the third straight year.

Board President Brandon Craig said the district has reached a point where budget cuts are no longer sustainable without new funding.

"We are now at a point where that's not really an option, and we saw that this year with some of the positions that were directly facing students. Next year's cuts would be worse if we did not pass a levy," Craig said.

The board considered three options before settling on the earned income tax. CPS Treasurer Michael Gustin explained at the meeting how the tax would be applied.

"So if you live in Cincinnati, work in Cincinnati, you're going to pay it. If you live in Cincinnati, work in Blue Ash, you're still going to pay the same amount. If you live in Blue Ash and work in Cincinnati, you will not pay it all," Gustin said.

The earned income tax would not affect retirees, those receiving Social Security or those living on investment income. It targets working income only, meaning residents who both live and work in Cincinnati would be the primary group affected.

In June, the board cut 100 positions to address a $58.6 million budget gap. Craig said the cuts over the past two years have been focused on minimizing the impact on students, but that is no longer possible.

"We don't have operations stuff. We don't have pens and paper and paper clips to take out of our budget. What we have are staff, because the majority of our budget is staff," Craig said.

The district is also in the middle of developing a strategic plan, which leaders hope to finalize before the new school year begins. Craig said the levy, if passed, would help protect programs including Montessori schools and career and technical education opportunities.

WATCH: Cincinnati parents call for transparency as CPS approves new levy

The current ask comes 10 years after CPS last went to voters. According to WVXU, CPS had not had a new levy since 2008, and district officials had been told they could be facing large deficits in the near future when the previous levy was put together.

At the time, a coalition of educators and social service professionals called Preschool Promise had spent four years working on a plan to pay for preschool for every 3-year-old and 4-year-old in the area.

In May of that year, CPS and Preschool Promise came together on a plan they believed would address two needs at once a $48 million, five-year tax levy that split revenues between the two organizations. Under the agreement, CPS received $33 million a year, while $15 million went to Preschool Promise. The United Way was chosen to oversee the spending of that $15 million.

The measure, known as Issue 44, was a 7.93 mill levy for a period of five years that cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $278 per year.

More than 60 organizations in the city came together to endorse it, and approximately $1.2 million was spent to promote the issue.

Craig said the district has worked to stretch that funding as long as possible, noting the levy before Issue 44 came eight years prior to that measure.

"We've even made a better stewardship of those dollars to extend that life cycle even further," Craig said.

He said the district does not take the financial burden on residents lightly.

"We recognize and appreciate that those costs for many of our residents are not easy at times, so we don't take that lightly. We don't take that responsibility lightly. That is why we are working so hard to improve the quality of education every student receives," Craig said.

Craig also addressed concerns about equity across the district.

"That's why we're really focused on improving the equity of education throughout the district, so that your zip code doesn't determine the quality of education you get in the city of Cincinnati," Craig said. "We have to be prepared to show that we're going to be a good fiscal steward of those dollars. We're prepared to do that."

Christian Davis, founder of the Cincinnati Parent Empowerment Network, attended the board meeting and said the atmosphere in the room reflected just how difficult the situation has become for board members.

"It definitely felt like some of our board members were walking on eggshells. You could tell that they really are in a hard place right now. On one side, they are really trying to earn the community's trust and earn buy-in from the community, but at the same time, they also know that funding is very tight," Davis said.

Davis said the district faces a significant trust gap with the community, and that gap is rooted in a lack of financial transparency.

Davis said that lack of clarity is making it difficult for many residents to justify a yes vote, even as some supporters of public education are likely to back the levy regardless.

"Those that really are true champions of public education are going to support the district, but it's really gonna boil down to can the district gain the confidence from the community in less than 100 days," Davis said.

Davis also noted that a significant portion of Cincinnati residents send their children to charter or private schools, which could complicate the path to passage. She called on the district to use the roughly 99 days before the election to increase community engagement and open its books to public scrutiny.

Avondale parent Carlos Davis also raised questions about how levy funds would be used, pointing to the positions and programs already eliminated.

"If they're getting cut, where is the extra money going? Where is the money the levy is putting forth? Where is it going?" Carlos said.

Carlos said he wants the district to clearly show residents how money is distributed across schools. He also raised concerns about the removal of school-based therapists, saying many students depend on those professionals as their only source of emotional support.

Craig said the district's focus heading into the new school year will be on showcasing its schools and programs, with a separate community effort to inform and support the levy running alongside that work. He said a separate effort outside of the district, in accordance with state law, would be put together to inform residents and support the levy ahead of the November vote.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine isn't anticipating a surge of immigration enforcement as the Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants expires, and he isn't aware of any federal plans. Still, the Akron-Canton Airport continues to host deportation flights for ICE-affiliated charters.

For two years, the Republican governor has taken the national stage to defend Ohio's Haitian community from misinformation and racism. Since then, he has been urging the Trump Administration and the Department of Homeland Security to change their minds about ending TPS.

"Not wise, that is not a good thing, DeWine said back in February. I think it's a mistake.

About 15,000 Haitian immigrants call Springfield home. As TPS expires, about 50,000 Haitians in Ohio are losing their jobs, being forced to leave or becoming undocumented.

"You have thousands of Haitians who are working, contributing members of the community, contributing to the economy, who one day will be able to work and the next day will then not be able to work, the governor said.

He is worried about the life they will be forced back into.

"The situation in Haiti is dire as I have ever seen it, DeWine said. "The gangs are controlling a good part of the country; its extremely violent.

RELATED: Hundreds protest in Downtown Cleveland as part of national day of action against ICE

Over the past few weeks, he has expressed his beliefs to Statehouse reporters and gone on national television again to call this decision a mistake.

"I've made myself, I think, pretty clear in regard to the policy and what I think is best for Ohio and best for Springfield," DeWine said in June.

The U.S. Department of State lists Haiti as a country Americans should not travel to, because of the threat of "crime, terrorism and kidnapping" there.

Although there have been rumors in Ohio, DeWines team said Tuesday that they have not heard of any potential enforcement surges.

RELATED: Springfield activists recognize America 250 with immigrant support rally

Leaving Ohio

Haitians will be leaving Ohio, likely, by plane like the ones at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), captured in photos by our news partners at the Akron Beacon Journal.

ABJ found that more than 130 flights from Eastern Air Express, a charter company that works with federal immigration officials, have landed since late April. These planes were serviced by AvFlight, a private company.

We had received tips about this and brought it up to U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, a Democrat representing District 13, which includes the airport.

"It's not unusual for the Department of Homeland Security to not clue in people on what they're doing," Sykes said in an interview Tuesday. "It is very clear that they are operating in a way that is unsavory to many Americans, including here in Ohio's 13th District, and pushing forward this mass deportation that is inhumane and really quite cruel."

In a statement, CAK spokesperson Lisa Dalpiaz said that it is a public-use facility that leases space to a variety of aviation tenants, who operate independently and are responsible for their own flight activity.

These tenants include fixed base operators who provide services to private aircraft, such as AVFlight, she said.

"We want our airport to continue to operate," Sykes said. "If they were to refuse, they may be shut down by the federal government."

CAK confirmed that they have no role in third-party operations, other than to "maintain safe, efficient airport infrastructure and ensure compliance with all applicable federal aviation regulations."

The airport cannot "legally restrict access to CAK for public or private aircraft operations, including aircraft chartered for federal government purposes," Dalpiaz said.

When asked if they could terminate a lease, Dalpiaz said there are restrictions.

"The Airport can terminate or not lease to any existing tenant if a tenant does not meet the airports minimum standards or violates FAA grant assurances; however, Avflight is meeting the standards and is not in violation of the FAAs grant assurances," the spokesperson said.

Sykes agreed that she was limited in what she could do, but urged Ohioans to call their representatives and demand change. Meanwhile, the organization Ohio Immigrant Alliance plans to hold protests at the airport entrance on Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon.

T for Temporary

This should never have been a surprise, state Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) said.

"It's not a permanent immigration policy; It's something that is temporary," Click said in an interview. "We don't want ill will towards anyone... The reality is we can't import another entire culture into our state, and we can't import another people group into our state and allow them to stay here permanently."

When it comes to Haiti still being dangerous, Click said that the immigrants could take back American values to the country.

"Maybe they can help improve the status in Haiti by trying to implement and trying to be leaders and saying, 'Let's bring some of those values into our native land, and let's make Haiti great again,'" the Republican said.

RELATED: Springfield Haitian immigrants get 2-week TPS work permit extension as legal battles continue

The DHS would not confirm to our national team if ICE is already planning to target Haitians for deportation, but in a statement, a spokesperson said that TPS was a quick fix.

Temporary Protected Status is exactly thattemporary," a spokesperson said, in part. "For too long, TPS has been allowed to function as a de facto amnesty program despite Congress never intending it to be permanent."

Former Ohio Congressman Jim Renacci previously told us that TPS recipients should have already self-deported. He said that the immigration process needs to be reevaluated.

"I think in the end it is good because we do have American workers that need to have jobs, and at the same time, we do need an immigration process that's legal, Renacci said.

Next steps

It's unclear when the governor would find out if ICE was going to start conducting raids.

I previously asked new Attorney General Andy Wilson how he plans to manage cases in which the governor and President Donald Trump differ, including TPS.

"I was very involved in Springfield, I'm very intimate with the DPS issue," Wilson responded. "It's the current law. I will uphold, support and enforce current law with respect to whatever the political issues."

Ohio will follow said law, despite this being a grave mistake, the Republican governor said.

Follow Statehouse and Columbus bureau reporter Morgan Trau on X, Instagram and Facebook. Email her at Morgan.Trau@wews.com.

The historic Manchester Inn is set to be demolished, but the developer behind its replacement says the property's story will continue through a new mixed-use development that could help bring new life to Middletown's downtown.

CMC Properties Project Manager Pete Montgomery said the company sees the new Manchester as more than an apartment complex. The planned development will include more than 100 apartments and about 2,200 square feet of first-floor retail space.

Montgomery said the goal is to bring more people downtown and create a built-in customer base for businesses, a strategy he believes could help fill some of the vacant storefronts throughout downtown Middletown.

"It's a domino effect. Once the anchor tends to sign, which is the YMCA, we will be turning away people, which what we'll do is instead of turning them away, we'll send them to these empty buildings," Montgomery said.

Montgomery said CMC Properties has signed letters of intent with several businesses interested in the new development, including a YMCA Express, Mi Cozumel, Pour House and Joe's Pizza Napoli.

WATCH: Here is what to know about Manchester Inns Next Chapter

A letter of intent is a preliminary agreement outlining the core terms of a proposed deal. While most terms typically are not binding, the documents signal that both parties are serious about moving forward.

Montgomery said a cafe also has expressed interest, while CMC continues to look for a boutique to join the development.

The project is part of CMC Properties' broader vision for downtown Middletown. The company also was involved in the Marcum development in downtown Hamilton, a project Montgomery said helped bring new energy to a historic downtown.

"We want to bring the same enthusiasm and same kind of footprint we did in Hamilton and bring it to Middletown," Montgomery said.

Montgomery said he believes Middletown has an opportunity to build on its location between Cincinnati and Dayton, as well as its existing historic buildings and downtown attractions.

He pointed to the potential for venues such as Middletown's Sorg Opera House to bring in entertainment and draw people from both metropolitan areas.

"Don't judge a book by its cover. Just because you see empty storefronts you have to move past that stuff and look at the city itself," Montgomery said.

He said CMC cannot revitalize downtown Middletown by itself and that additional development and filled storefronts will be needed to create lasting momentum.

"We want to attract to the rest of this city. We can't do this alone. We need other developments down here. We need storefronts filled," Montgomery said.

The Manchester Inn, which is more than a century old, once welcomed U.S. presidents and prominent figures from the business world.

But years of deterioration left the building in poor condition, and the Middletown Historic Commission ultimately approved its demolition after a lengthy debate over whether it could be saved and rehabilitated.

Sam Ashworth, a board trustee for the Middletown Historical Society, was among those who had fought for the historic building.

Ashworth said he ultimately came to believe the focus needed to shift toward the future of downtown Middletown.

"You need to look at the bigger picture. And the bigger picture here in Middletown is the downtown development," Ashworth said.

Ashworth said he is optimistic about CMC's plans, pointing to the developer's track record in other communities and the time the company has spent working with him to discuss the Manchester's history and what could potentially be preserved.

"The bottom line for me is this developer has a good track record. They are not going to dump millions of dollars into Middletown without the idea that it is going to work," Ashworth said.

While the demolition will erase the original structure, Montgomery said CMC plans to carry elements of the Manchester's history into the new development.

The new building will keep the Manchester name and is planned to use brick and design elements intended to pay tribute to the existing building.

Montgomery said the company plans to salvage historic exterior stone and incorporate what it can into the new development.

CMC also plans to work with the historical society to obtain historic black-and-white photographs of the Manchester for display in the lobby.

The developer also plans to install historic plaques highlighting the property's past.

Montgomery acknowledged that some of those efforts go beyond what is required under the current agreement.

"That's not written as a requirement, but we always keep our word when it comes to things like that," Montgomery said.

He said the goal is to honor the city's history while creating something that can serve Middletown for decades to come.

"We want to honor the city, and it's just the right thing to do," Montgomery said.

For Ashworth, the hope is that the new Manchester can become the centerpiece of a broader transformation.

The developer sees the project as a first domino, one that could bring residents, businesses and visitors downtown and eventually create enough momentum to fill other vacant storefronts.

The Manchester Inn once stood at the center of Middletown's story.

Now, CMC Properties hopes its replacement can help put downtown Middletown at the center of the city's future.

For the first time in its history, Cincinnati Public Schools is asking voters to consider an earned income tax rather than a traditional property tax levy, marking a significant shift in how the district plans to fund its operations.

The CPS Board of Education voted Monday to place a 0.75% earned income tax levy on the November ballot, saying the proposal would provide a more sustainable revenue source as the district grapples with rising costs and declining state support.

If approved by voters, the levy is expected to generate about $74 million annually, with revenue projected to grow by up to $2 million annually as residents' wages increase, according to district treasurer Mike Gustin.

The measure comes just weeks after the district approved more than 100 personnel cuts to help address a projected $58.6 million budget deficit.

Unlike the property tax levies voters are accustomed to seeing on school ballots, an earned income tax is based on residents' wages and salaries rather than the value of their homes.

WATCH: How would Cincinnati Public Schools' proposed earned income tax levy work?

The proposed levy would apply only to people who live within the Cincinnati Public Schools district, regardless of where they work. Someone who earns $100,000 annually would pay about $750 a year under the proposed rate.

The tax would not apply to retirement income, Social Security benefits or investment income.

Darrin Wilson, an associate professor of public administration at Northern Kentucky University, said that distinction is one of the proposal's defining characteristics.

"It really is shifting the tax burden away from retirees and property owners and back toward folks who are working but live in the city of Cincinnati," Wilson said.

Wilson said many people are already familiar with Cincinnati's municipal income tax, but school income taxes work differently.

Municipal income taxes are generally based on where a person works. School district income taxes, however, are based on where a person lives.

That means a Cincinnati resident who works in Mason or Northern Kentucky would still pay the school income tax if the levy passes. Conversely, someone who works in Cincinnati but lives outside the CPS district would not.

Ohio law caps school district earned income tax rates at 2%. Cincinnati Public Schools' proposed 0.75% rate falls well below that limit.

District leaders considered asking voters to renew a traditional property tax levy but ultimately opted for an earned income tax instead.

During Monday's meeting, some board members expressed concern about placing additional financial pressure on homeowners, particularly seniors and others living on fixed incomes whose property taxes have climbed alongside rising home values.

Wilson said school districts across Ohio are increasingly looking at earned income taxes for two primary reasons.

The first is politics.

"The number one voting block in local elections is retirees as well as property owners," Wilson said. "If you're a property owner or you're a retiree and you're being asked to pay a property tax, you're probably less likely to do so."

The second reason is financial.

School districts have historically relied on property taxes and state aid for funding. Wilson said that state funding has become less dependable in recent years, prompting districts to diversify their revenue streams.

"State funding has decreased, and that's caused a lot of school districts, including CPS, a lot of headaches," Wilson said.

The district also faces another unique challenge.

Much of Cincinnati's recent development has received property tax abatements, limiting the amount of new property tax revenue flowing to CPS despite continued investment throughout the city.

"Tax credits do have an impact in the amount of revenue that school districts, specifically CPS, can receive from property taxes," Wilson said.

Northside resident Kyle Blake said he is open to paying more if the district can demonstrate the money is being spent responsibly.

"As long as I know kind of where the money's going, it's going to the right places, and everything's distributed properly, I think that would be a good thing," Blake said.

Blake also said he hopes the new approach succeeds after years of school districts struggling to pass levies.

"I hope so," he said. "I think Cincinnati struggled with that ... I think we could use a little more money for that."

For opponents, the concern isn't necessarily how schools are funded but whether taxpayers should be asked to contribute more at a time when many households are already stretched by inflation and higher costs for groceries, fuel and other necessities.

Wilson said an earned income tax directly reduces workers' disposable income because it is based on wages rather than property ownership.

"I think for a lot of folks ... they don't necessarily see the direct benefit to their own household," Wilson said, noting many city residents don't have children enrolled in Cincinnati Public Schools. "There's a lot of personal factors that people are going to have to consider, including things like inflation and the cost of living right now."

The proposal has already drawn organized political opposition.

In a statement released after the school board's vote, Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Josh Gerth said the party will oppose the levy, arguing Cincinnati Public Schools should focus on improving student outcomes before asking taxpayers for additional funding.

"The decision by Cincinnati Public Schools to place an income tax increase on the ballot is offensive," Gerth said in the statement. "CPS isnt meeting state standards, has an outrageous absenteeism rate, and is generally failing to do its job of educating our kids. Cincinnatis children and families deserve better. There are a lot of problems in the citys schools - the size of their budget is certainly not one of them."

Gerth concluded his statement by calling the proposal irresponsible and reckless.

CPS Board President Brandon Craig responded to Gerth's statement a day later, on Wednesday, with a statement of his own. He said the first priority of CPS is to focus on the best interests of students, families, staff and community, but that he welcomes dialogue with anyone interested in strengthening public schools.

"The Board will continue making decisions based on facts, fiscal responsibility, and what is in the best interest of Cincinnati's students. Our recent gains in math scores, graduation rates, and efforts to expand career tech education through strong partnerships exemplify that commitment," Craig's statement continued. "While reasonable people may disagree on the best path forward, our focus remains on ensuring students have safe schools, effective teachers, and the academic and support services they need to succeed."

CPS is far from alone in considering an earned income tax.

The number of income tax levies proposed by Ohio school districts has increased dramatically in recent years, according to the Ohio School Boards Association.

Several districts in southwest Ohio, including Mount Healthy and North College Hill, asked voters to approve income taxes during this year's May primary.

Still, success is far from guaranteed.

There were 32 school income tax issues on Ohio ballots during the May election. Twenty-four failed.

Wilson said he believes that history means Cincinnati Public Schools faces an education challenge before Election Day.

"I think voters are going to have to get educated on what the earned income tax is," he said. "Historically, most school districts are solely based off of property taxes."

Wilson noted that while voters often associate property taxes with maintaining strong schools and preserving home values, many have less familiarity with income taxes as a way to fund education.

Whether that messaging resonates with voters could determine whether Cincinnati Public Schools secures its first new revenue source of this kind when ballots are cast in November.

An East Price Hill fashion designer is preparing for his third fashion show of the year, showing off his one-of-a-kind, sustainable clothing pieces.

For Ilon Saalik, fashion has always been a big part of his life. When he was a kid, he used to watch his grandma sew.

She used to make my school clothes, Saalik said.

Despite always loving fashion, it wasnt until his grandma died that Saalik began his sewing journey.

WATCH: How this East Price Hill designer grew his custom sustainable fashion brand

At the same time she passed, I get a call, but I'm buying a sewing machine coincidentally. I go home that night, I make my first piece without any know-how, and from there I just kept going," he said.

That first piece, a jacket he made four years ago, launched his own clothing company, Ilon Saalik & Co.

Shortly after the first piece, Im wearing it out, and a guy is like, Hey, I love your jacket. Where can I get one? I said, I made this, Saalik said. Hes like, '$300? Can I have it?' I said, 'No, I can make you one.'

Since then, Saalik has made hundreds of custom pieces, each tailored to a specific person's body and style.

I think each time a person puts something on, it shouldnt just be for anybody. It should be made for you, Saalik said.

Now, hes preparing for his third showcase of the year. All of his pieces are sustainable and inspired by what's around him.

I can just see the fabric, and before I even want to draw or sketch out a garment, its like I dont need to; I know what Im gonna create with my hands, Saalik said.

Saaliks fashion show will take place Saturday at C&M BBQ Grill in Kennedy Heights. The show starts at 7 p.m. and is free to attend.

A care home in Independence is facing a lawsuit, a state investigation and growing concerns from neighbors and family members over its living conditions.

The scrutiny intensified earlier this month after a neighbor who had been volunteering at the facility said she was banned from the premises.

Rachel Paxitis lives near Regency Manor and said she first learned about the facility through a social media post.

WATCH: Independence care home being investigated for health and safety concerns

"I saw a post on Facebook about Regency Manor. That they needed to be visited, that the conditions were bad, they wanted flowers, it was really kind of a depressing place," Paxitis said.

Paxitis began volunteering at the facility, power washing the back patio and repainting furniture. She said she was eventually told to stop by the property's owners.

"They basically said that I couldn't," Paxitis said. "(I was told) I was causing more harm than good by posting on social media, that it was getting some unwanted attention."

This comes as the facility currently faces a lawsuit in Kenton County for a resident allegedly wandering from the facility in 2022, before later being found dead.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services also confirmed to WCPO Tuesday that they cited the facility for health and safety concerns on June 18, with an investigation now underway.

Paxitis said the situation reflects a broader problem.

"The countless stories pouring out about how these conditions are across the board for these types of facilities. It's horrendous, and something needs to be done about it," Paxitis said.

Nezzie Brewer's brother has been in care at Regency Manor since April. She said she is seriously concerned by the conditions she witnessed firsthand.

"It's just deplorable. It's horrible. It's never cleaned. The carpet is just horrible, and wherever they have carpet, everything is dirty," Brewer said.

Brewer said she wants to see the facility improve.

"I'd just like to see the place cleaned up. There's no reason for it to be like that at all," Brewer said.

WCPO reached out to Regency Manor to get a response to the concerns raised, but no one agreed to comment.

Police located a 13-year-old who had been missing for days from Reading, the Reading Police Department said.

Police said the teen was last seen on W. Vine Street in Reading after he left his house around 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Reading police said he was located Tuesday evening.

Issue 3 asks Ohioans if the current voter photo identification requirement should be enshrined in the state constitution. While Republicans say this is good policy, Democrats and Libertarians argue the constitutional amendment is just meant to rally the GOP base.

The three candidates for Ohio secretary of state are split on the amendment.

What is the current law?

Ohio requires that voters show photo ID when casting a ballot in person. Acceptable forms are a valid Ohio driver's license, a U.S. passport or a military ID. You may no longer use bank statements or utility bills.

The IDs must have an expiration date that has not passed, a photograph of the voter, and the voters name, which must substantially conform to the voters name as it appears in the Poll List or in the Poll Book.

Other acceptable forms of ID are a state of Ohio ID card, an interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV, a U.S. passport card, an Ohio National Guard ID card and a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card.

What does a yes vote on Issue 3 mean?

Voting yes on Issue 3 means you want to make the current voter ID requirements more difficult to change.

RELATED: Voter photo ID amendment on Nov. ballot in Ohio

"We should be protecting elections here in the state of Ohio," Robert Sprague, the Republican nominee for secretary of state, said.

A future General Assembly could reverse the law, unless it's in the Constitution.

The Constitution is the main governing document that supersedes any other state policy. It is typically unchanging.

The Ohio Revised Code has all current statutes that Ohio lawmakers pass and get signed into law. It is constantly getting updated and changed.

"I would like to see us go back to in-person voting that way everybody has to show their photo ID," Sprague said in an interview. "We know that people are who they say they are."

It is significantly more difficult to get a policy into or change the Constitution. For the most part, it either has to be done by getting hundreds of thousands of valid signatures from all over the state or by 60% of each chamber's members to sign off on it. The revised code either needs significantly fewer signatures or a simple majority in the legislature.

If the lawmakers pass a bill that conflicts with the Constitution, it is up to the judicial branch to uphold the Constitution.

"It's fundamental to election security in the state of Ohio," Sprague said.

Both President Donald Trump and GOP candidate for governor Vivek Ramaswamy have campaigned for Issue 3 to get passed.

RELATED: Ohio Senate passes resolution to put voter photo ID amendment on Nov. ballot

"I think the people of the state of Ohio are gonna support it," Sprague said.

Trump has been advocating for years to tighten up election laws across the country. He is now advocating for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, legislation that would require a photo ID to vote.

To be clear, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Ohio, even when photo ID wasn't the law. Thousands of audits have proven that.

What does a no vote on Issue 3 mean?

Voting no on Issue 3 means you don't want to add the current requirements into the state Constitution, keeping them, instead, in the Revised Code.

Allison Russo, the Democratic nominee for secretary, thinks the amendment is on the ballot for political reasons.

"It speaks to the desperation that we see from Republicans in this state," Russo said in an interview. "Clearly, they are concerned about the November election."

Republican strategists have admitted that there are concerns for the GOP this year.

"We may have a turnout problem," GOP strategist Bob Clegg said, adding there could be 'depressed turnout.'

It's not the first time the GOP has put on a "ballot juicer," some opponents said. In 2022, another midterm year, Republicans put a proposal on the ballot that bans noncitizens from voting in all Ohio elections. Noncitizens already couldn't vote in state or federal elections.

"Rather than actually deal with and address the real concerns of everyday Ohioans, they're turning to these red meat issues that may or may not have any effect come November," Russo said.

She is supportive of photo ID, but it's already the law, so she said this is a waste of time.

"Our photo ID requirements that we have currently are the strictest in the country," she added.

Republicans deny this is an effort to increase turnout, saying it is just good policy.

Tom Pruss, the Libertarian secretary of state candidate, is opposed to the amendment, calling it "political theatre."

"Our election laws should not be written in response to national fear-mongering, cable-news talking points, or unsupported claims intended to keep voters angry and afraid," Pruss told me. "Ohio should make election policy based on facts, evidence, and the real experiences of our voters and county election officialsnot the political agenda of Washington personalities."

Some conservative activists also oppose the proposal, arguing it doesn't go far enough since it doesn't require voter ID for absentee ballots.

When trying to get Issue 3 passed out of the legislature and onto the ballot, Republicans couldn't get enough votes. In order to get the 60 they needed, the GOP amended an unrelated bill to require photo ID for absentee ballots. Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed it, noting it had many errors and could disenfranchise voters.

RELATED: Will Ohio Republicans override Gov. DeWine's voter photo ID veto?

Pruss brought up the fact that the constitutional amendment doesn't address absentee or mail-in voting, citing fears of what a future General Assembly may do.

"That gives partisan lawmakers significant power to restrict mail voting later, potentially affecting seniors, military personnel, voters with disabilities, rural residents, shift workers, and others who cannot easily vote in person," Pruss said.

RELATED: Ohio sec. of state candidates split on mail-in voter ID bill DeWine considering veto on

Why is it 'Issue 3?'

Starting in November 2024, Ohio started renumbering state ballot proposals. Instead of restarting numbers every election, numbers won't repeat until after the state reaches Issue 500.

This had originally been a problem in 2023. Issue 1 of the 2023 August special election asked voters if Ohio should take away majority rule. The supporters, mainly Republicans, wanted people to vote yes. But then, in November 2023, Issue 1 asked voters if the right to reproductive freedom and abortion should be protected. The opponents, mainly Republicans, wanted people to vote no.

So for the GOP, it was "Yes on 1" in August, "No on 1" in November, and vice versa for Democrats.

Under this new plan, Issue 1 was the redistricting proposal from November 2024. Issue 2 was the bond proposal from May 2025. Now, Issue 3 is the voter ID amendment in November 2026.

Follow Statehouse and Columbus bureau reporter Morgan Trau on X, Instagram and Facebook. Email her at Morgan.Trau@wews.com.

A Cincinnati man who defrauded investors out of millions of dollars was sentenced Monday to 40 months in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio.

Benjamin Cantey, 40, pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges last year.

The Southern District of Ohio Attorney's Office says in 2019, Benjamin Cantey started a business, Carbon IQ, which did business under the name Rumby. Cantey claimed Rumby was a venture-backed startup providing an e-commerce platform for the pickup and delivery of laundry and dry cleaning, according to the release.

From 2020 through 2022, Cantey took money from investors while lying to them about his business experience and prior business success, the release says.

Court documents say Cantey went as far as creating and sending fake "pitch decks" with false information to send to investors, encouraging them to invest money in Rumby. Those decks contained false projections of Rumby's revenue growth, the number of active cleaners on the Rumby platform and the company's projected profits.

He also allegedly lied about Rumby's revenue, bank balances, profit margins and growth; federal officials say Cantey told investors Rumby ended May 2022 with a bank balance of $1.5 million, when it was actually a negative balance of -$53,000.

Federal officials also say Cantey took $850,000 from an investor under the premise that he would use the loan to pay to attend a large industry show where Rumby would promote its business but instead, Cantey used the money to buy a 5,000 square-foot, $1.7 million home on Garden Place in Hyde Park.

In all, federal officials say Cantey defrauded his victims out of at least $6,543,999.42.

The Madison Road floodgate at Duck Creek closed for hours Tuesday as crews with Greater Cincinnati Water Works worked to figure out why it failed during recent flash flooding.

Last week, City Manager Sheryl Long said during a press conference that the Duck Creek floodgate failed to close as it should have during a July 17 storm that overwhelmed the creek, causing it to flood the community nearby.

She said a mechanical issue led to its failure.

In the same press conference, Greater Cincinnati Water Works Deputy Director Jason Fleming said the floodgate, which was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2008 and turned over to the city to maintain in 2012, has been regularly inspected, but issues with it are known.

We spoke to Fleming Tuesday about the work being done to fix the issue.

"It's several issues, it's not just one," Fleming said.

WATCH: We spoke with crews about why the floodgate failed

Fleming said in 2020, a study of the floodgate led to the recommendation the bridge be fully replaced something the city was not able to do. According to Fleming, replacing all the issues revealed in that study would require re-arranging property, roads, railroads and other crucial infrastructure in that area, which was something the city determined was not financially feasible.

The floodgate is designed to shut automatically when floodwaters get too high.

Fleming said crews have only tested the gate manually and not it's automatic function. We asked Fleming if that will change moving forward.

"Obviously that's going to be one of the things we spend a lot of time looking at as we uncover some of the problems that were missed in the past and how we're going to prevent that happening in the future with different types of testing," Fleming said.

Long said the floodgate only impacted the area specifically around Duck Creek and the Madison Road bridge; she estimated it was around 40 homes and businesses, and the city has already begun reaching out to them to assess their damage.

Flooding in the immediate vicinity of the Duck Creek floodgate may have been less severe if the floodgate had not failed, Long said, but the sheer amount of rain that fell within an hour on July 17 still would have caused issues.

Fleming said there's no timeline for when the floodgate is expected to be fixed. He said there is now a plan in place to make sure it closes if needed.

A Hamilton County grand jury has indicted a man on multiple charges tied to a rape investigation from 2010, Cincinnati police announced Monday.

On April 11, 2010, Cincinnati police officers responded to the 3900 block of West Eighth Street after someone reported being raped at gunpoint, police said. At that point, police were unable to identify a suspect in the case.

Then, 16 years later, on April 26, 2026, the investigation was re-opened after a Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) hit was received by the Hamilton County Coroner's Library. CODIS is an FBI database tool used by law enforcement to link crimes, find suspects and locate missing people through DNA.

WATCH: WCPO breaks down the CODIS hit

After the CODIS hit, Cincinnati police said 36-year-old Robert Malone Jr. was indicted by a Hamilton County grand jury on charges of rape, kidnapping, two counts of unlawful restraint, three counts of gross sexual imposition, assault and aggravated menacing.

Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser, who didn't talk about the specifics of the ongoing case against Malone in his county, gave WCPO insight into these types of cases. Gmoser said cold cases present unique challenges from the start.

"In a cold case, you have to start over. You start from the beginning with whatever was done, and you go back, and you retrace the steps," Gmoser said.

Gmoser could not talk about Malone's case currently making its way through the county's justice system, but he shared insight about the challenges cold cases like this generally face.

"Sexual assault cold cases are probably more challenging than another type of case that we handle. Basically, the elements of proof rely upon the testimony of witnesses that have deteriorating memories over time," Gmoser said.

Gmoser also noted that a DNA match from a rape kit only proves that physical contact or sexual intercourse occurred it does not automatically prove that a crime took place.

"Once the identity is established, the fingerprint evidence or DNA evidence. But those elements are generally still useful in cold cases, if you have DNA from a, what is it called--the sexual abuse kit, the sane kit. Where you have DNA evidence or other types of physical evidence that's still available. But most of those cases still rely on the value of the testimony that's involved," Gmoser said.

Cincinnati police and Hamilton County prosecutors have renewed efforts to solve cold cases. Investigators are mostly revisiting decades-old homicides using modern DNA and ballistic technology. Agencies including CPD, the prosecutor's office, and ATF are collaborating on investigations using tools like CODIS.

Malone is due in court Wednesday for a hearing in Butler County for the charges he faces there. No court dates have been scheduled for his rape case in Hamilton County.

Malone is currently in the Butler County Jail; court records show on May 22, he was charged with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor.

There are no court dates scheduled for Malone in Hamilton County currently; he is scheduled for a hearing July 29 in Butler County for the charge he faces there.

A new boutique hotel in downtown Cincinnati opens its doors Tuesday, welcoming guests as 10,000 visitors are expected to descend on the city this weekend for concerts and conventions.

The Fidelity Hotel, a 165-room boutique hotel, opens July 28 at the corner of 6th Street and Main Street. The hotel occupies the Gwynne Building, a historic structure that once served as the headquarters for Procter & Gamble.

The restoration of the Gwynne Building pays tribute to its founder, Alice Claypoole Gwynne Vanderbilt. That tribute is visible throughout the property, from the architecture to many of the interior details.

WATCH: We walk through the new hotel ahead of its opening

Jessica Tomain, director of sales and marketing, said the historic details were uncovered during the renovation process.

"You can see G's throughout the cast ironwork. You can see V's for Gwynne and Vanderbilt, but very prominently you can see the C for the Cincinnati emblem."

The restoration revealed the details included in the original design when the building was built in 1913.

Walking down the main hallway, you can see the original domes that were exposed to preserve a lot of the historical components with the original marble.

Hotel managers said they want the hotel to have an upscale yet residential feeling, where everyone is welcomed.

In addition to standard rooms, the Fidelity offers a presidential suite and bunk rooms. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling original windows. The hotel also features four meeting spaces and two restaurants.

The Gwynne is a full-service restaurant helmed by Cincinnati veteran chef Brad Bernstein. Cora's is a street-side coffee shop.

Cincinnati Public Schools is asking voters to approve a new tax levy for the first time in nearly a decade, after the board voted 5-2 Monday to place the measure on the November ballot.

The earned income tax levy would run for 5 years and raise $74 million per year for the district. At a rate of 0.75%, it would cost someone earning $100,000 annually approximately $750 per year.

The last time CPS passed a new-money levy was in 2016.

WATCH: WCPO breaks down what this income tax levy means that will now be on November's ballot

Board President Brandon Craig told WCPO in June of 2026 that the district's financial reality is driving the request.

"Our thought process is recognizing that we haven't asked the community for new money in almost ten years. And the reality is the state is investing less than they ever did before," Craig said.

The vote comes against the backdrop of significant financial strain. In June, the board approved cuts affecting more than 100 positions in an effort to close a projected $58.6 million budget deficit. District leaders at the time said the reductions included layoffs, retirements and vacant positions across multiple departments.

CPS administrators previously warned the district was facing rising operational costs, declining enrollment and the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funding that had temporarily helped stabilize finances.

Board Vice President Dr. Kareem Moncree-Moffett voted in favor of the levy but acknowledged the district still has work to do before November.

"We have not provided the public with a sufficiently specific measurable plan explaining how levy proceeds will be allocated," Moncree-Moffett said. "We do not yet appear to have a fully developed coalition, discussed a campaign strategy."

Board member Kendra Mapp, who voted yes, also raised concerns.

"There needs to be more engagement from the community," Mapp said.

Board members Eve Bolton and Ben Lindy cast the two "no" votes, citing concerns about the timing of the ask.

"This is not a given. So, in these very difficult financial times. It's a big ask," Bolton said.

District officials have said without additional revenue, CPS could face deeper reductions in staffing and programming in future budget cycles.

Voters will have the final say in November, with roughly 100 days until Election Day.

Along the Ohio River, a long, massive boat with a large red crane made its way east Monday morning.

"Its a pretty big ordeal," said New Richmond Village Administrator Kathryn Bailey.

The cargo aboard: a new boat dock set to sit along the banks of the river in the Village of New Richmond.

The dock is the next step toward the village completing the $13.4 million Liberty Landing project, which began in 2025.

We have 300 feet of docks, 12-foot wide coming; theyll be positioned down there, right at the end of the road, kind of where Skippers restaurant used to be," Bailey said.

The project is a transformation of the village's riverfront area, with new walking and seating areas along the banks of the Ohio River.

WATCH: The arrival of a new boat dock in the Village of New Richmond

We got to get all the electric work in with our Duke partners, so thats a big push right now," Bailey said.

This dock has taken a cross-county journey; the pieces were built in Washington state, according to Bailey.

Residents and community members lined up along Susanna Way as the barge arrived.

Back in May, I spoke with Rebecca Light, owner of the Green Kayak Grille & Pub, located on New Richmond's Front Street.

I asked the restaurant owner about the impact of ongoing construction outside her doorstep.

Its a little messy out here, but were finding creative ways to get through it," Light said. Parking and noise and all that is obviously a thing, but we know its a thing we have to get through.

Liberty Landing is set to be completed by Halloween.

A line of severe storms rolled through Greater Cincinnati on Monday, producing high winds, heavy rainfall and significant lightning.

As it passed over the Butler County Fair, operators temporarily halted rides and entertainment as hundreds sheltered either in their cars or under any structure they could find.

Long-time fairgoers Dave and Barbara Williams told us they've been coming to the fair for decades, and this isn't the first time it's been hindered by weather.

They also think fair organizers made the right call by ending the fair early for the night.

WATCH: We survey the aftermath of Monday's storm in Butler County

Jaime Kaye told us she and her two young sons had wanted to see the tractor pulls, but instead called it an early evening and headed home.

"It was scary with children," Kaye said.

RELATED | At the Butler County Fair, one rabbit changed this 19-year-old's life

Ownership told us the fair would reopen Tuesday during normal operating hours.

You can find everything to enjoy on the fair's website here.

The Reds' Monday night game against the Cleveland Guardians has been postponed due to severe weather, the team announced.

The game, originally scheduled for 7:10 p.m., will be made up Tuesday at 1:40 p.m. as the first game in a split doubleheader. Fans who had tickets for Monday's game may present them for the make-up game at Great American Ball Park with no exchange necessary.

Gates will open for the make-up game for season ticket holders at 12:10 p.m. and the general public at 12:40 p.m.

Cincinnati will then play its second game of the doubleheader and its originally scheduled 7:10 p.m. first pitch time. Gates will open for that game for season ticket holders at 5:40 p.m. and for the general public at 6:10 p.m.

The Reds will offer the 3-2-1 Tuesday promotions at both the original Tuesday evening game and the make-up during the day.

For those who are not able to make the Tuesday make-up game, you can exchange your tickets for any remaining Sunday through Friday regular-season game at Great American Ball Park, subject to availability.

Ticket exchanges can be made at Great American Ball Park's ticket windows throughout the regular season or by calling 513-381-REDS Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those who have paper tickets with no price printed may only use their tickets for the make-up game, and they are not eligible for exchange for games the rest of the season.

For more information about exchanging tickets, click here.

Scarlett Garrett takes a bite of cookies-and-cream ice cream. Then, she takes another one.

The 7-year-old does not have shoes on. Because here, shoes are not required.

I love ice cream, Scarlett said.

She shows me proof while I ask about her small hometown. Scarlett's walking through an ice cream parlor that also set a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of cookie jars (2,653).

I love it, Scarlett said. And if we didnt have the aqueduct, Id probably be sad.

Its the second time she tells me her feelings about the historic aqueduct nearby. And this time, I didnt even ask.

WATCH: The fight for survival in a small Indiana town

Before ice cream, Scarlett plays near that aqueduct.

Residents say its the last working one like it in the entire country. And its a huge draw for the small, unincorporated town that relies heavily on tourism to survive.

Without that, we have nothing, said Candy Yurcak, Scarlett's grandmother. Thats why we worked so hard to save it.

Yurcak is standing on the bridge above Duck Creek, watching her granddaughter skip rocks.

These days, the people who live there worry about the aqueduct every time it storms. And residents I spoke to say it's been in disrepair for years, leading to questions about the long-term future of the town itself.

If we didnt have it, we would have a waterfall here instead of this bridge, said Cassie Garrett, Scarletts mom. And eventually, the canal would dry up.

And that canal is what put Metamora on the map literally. Garrett tells me it's why this place exists at all.

Garrett is the regional director for Whitewater Publications, a news organization that covers Indiana. She initially reached out to WCPO 9 because residents were concerned about the lack of funding to preserve the canal and historic site around it.

Its an emotional thing, as silly as that sounds, Garrett said. This was like our Kings Island.

On Monday, state officials visited to discuss $14.4 million in renovations planned for the site. Renovations residents say are long overdue.

Sitting on the front porch of her home dcor business, Beverly Cox tells me she moved from Cincinnati and bought the home that she now works out of with her dad decades ago.

She likes that it's quiet. But sometimes, it's too quiet.

I hope they fix all this before I die," Cox said. It's just kind of gotten forgotten."

And at the aqueduct, Scarlett tells her mom she's better at skipping rocks than her. They disagree. Then, she asks her mom if they can come back tomorrow.

This was the first time I asked Scarlett about the aqueduct and what it would mean if it continued to deteriorate. Initially, she didn't answer with words. Just a frown and a puffed-out lip.

Then, she elaborated with one short sentence:

"I'd be sad."