Wednesday, Nov. 19: Civic Forum + Fraud Plea + Mason Mile (copy)
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
🎧 Prefer to listen to the news?
Find Wake Up, Cincinnati! on
Spotify,
Apple Podcasts,
YouTube,
or wherever you get your podcasts.
Media Shake-Up: Sinclair eyes a possible merger with Scripps, raising Cincinnati media-consolidation concerns.
Sinclair Broadcast Group has acquired an 8.2% stake in E.W. Scripps, owner of WCPO-TV, sparking speculation about a possible merger within a year. Scripps defended its independence, while media watchers raise concerns over Sinclair’s growing influence on local news.
Pilot Picket: Allegiant pilots protest at CVG, demanding a long-overdue contract.
Allegiant Airlines pilots picketed at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, seeking a new labor contract after four years. Pay is reportedly below industry standards, though Allegiant has offered a 50% wage increase to reach an agreement.
Kroger closures: Ocado facilities shuttered and shifts to a hybrid e-commerce model.
Kroger is closing three Ocado-run e-commerce distribution centers, taking a $2.6 billion charge. The grocery giant plans to shift to a hybrid fulfillment model, including in-store pickup and partnerships with Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats, aiming to boost profits by 2026.
Banks Reboot: New proposal revives The Banks with tall towers, housing, and a hotel. Read more.
Cincinnati and Hamilton County unveiled a $750–800 million plan to revitalize The Banks. The mixed-use project includes two 24-story towers, residential and public spaces, and a hotel, with public investment playing a key role.
Viaduct Redesign: Western Hills Viaduct shrinks as inflation drives project costs higher.
The Western Hills Viaduct replacement will be smaller—three lanes each way instead of four—and more expensive due to inflation. Construction begins next year in three phases, with completion expected by 2031; the pedestrian path on the north side has been removed from plans.
* Subscription required.
✉️ Do your neighbor a favor — forward this newsletter or send them to our signup page.