Layoffs for Bank Employees Throughout Ohio

While the housing market continues to post healthy numbers, the recent downturn in mortgage refinancing has had an unfortunate impact on banking employees in the state. Both Bank of America and Fifth Third have announced plans to layoff workers this month and shutter banking sites throughout Ohio, including Cincinnati.

Procter & Gamble Sponsors Anti-Discrimination Legislation

Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble joined other Fortune 500 companies last week when it sponsored legislation ending workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. There is no law currently on the books that penalizes or limits a workplace from refusing to hire or firing someone based on their sexuality. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act has strong bipartisan support and is supported by many small businesses.

Lunken Airport Missed Out on Thousands of Dollars for Improvements

Lunken Airport missed out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in improvements due to poor management and technology problems, according to an audit by the city’s Citizen Complaint and Internal Audit department. Among the findings, the city failed to collect landing fees that totaled $120,000 and is owed $420,000 for six years of back rent from the Metropolitan Sewer Department. Despite the losses, Lunken remains in the black and generated $2.1 million in revenue last year.

Charter Amendment on City Pensions to Make Ballot Appearance

The city’s impending pension crisis comes to a head today, as City Council will take up a vote on whether to place a pension-altering charter amendment on the ballot this fall. Previously opposed by a large majority of the council, the ballot initiative comes by way more than 8,000 petition signatures collected by the Cincinnati for Pension Reform Committee. The group proposes replacing the current pension system with 401k-style retirement accounts for all new employees after the end of the year.

Cranley Winning the Cash Competition in Mayoral Race

Mayoral candidate John Cranley has now outraised his primary opponent Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls by more than $150,000. The former councilman has said he plans to raise at least $1 million by election day and his latest numbers suggest that goal is within reach, having already raised over $561,000 in total.

Persistent Parking Opponents Denied Appeal, Tries Again Today

Persistent opponents of the city’s recent decision to lease its parking assets is making more legal waves this week, albeit with not much success. The Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes (COAST) was denied an appeal yesterday by the Ohio Supreme Court for its first judicial effort in the matter. And this morning, COAST argues before Hamilton County Common Pleas that the current version of the lease has changed enough to warrant another vote. If found to be true, the ruling could jeopardize the entire plan as a majority of council members have since changed their tunes.

City Pension Plan Could Be Bad for Tax Payers

The executive director of the Cincinnati Retirement System has raised some new concerns over the forthcoming efforts to reform city pension plans. The amendment to move new city employees into 401k-style retirement accounts has been officially approved as a ballot initiative for this fall. If passed by voters, the change could have some significant implications on employees, such as their ability to deduct pre-tax contributions before paying federal income taxes.

University of Cincinnati is the Public University of the Year

UC alums now have official bragging rights. In early October, the University will be recognized as the Public University of the Year for its efforts to promote experiential education programs. Thanks to a partnership with a DC-based non-profit, students can gain academic credit while participating in study-away internships.

Metro Bus Shelters to be Plastered with Art

Last year Cincinnati City Council banned advertisements on public bus shelters, which prompted many people to think the shelters were abandoned. ArtWorks saw this as an opportunity and will begin the process of converting the old advertising spaces to canvases for local artists. Ryan Little, the lead artist for ArtWorks, and apprentices aged 14-to-21 will design the art that will be placed on the shelters.

White on White Eating

This Saturday marks the second Dîner en Blanc Cincinnati where all participants are required to dress head to toe in white. The picnic party event started in Paris 25 years ago and currently takes place in 40 cities worldwide. Participants are required to bring their own food, tables, linens and chairs to the pop-up event, which has 1,750 people registered and more than 500 on the waitlist. Attendees are told the location of the event just hours beforehand. Last year’s Dîner en Blanc took place at Lytle Park.

Primary Voting for Mayor to Reduce Field of Candidates

Primary voting for Cincinnati’s next mayor began this morning with the hopes of narrowing the field to two candidates. Roxanne Qualls and John Cranley are the expected first- and second-place finishers in the race. The first-place finisher of the mayoral primary doesn’t necessarily predict who will win in November, however. In both 2001 and 2005 the primary’s first-place finishers were beaten by their second-place rivals.

Promised Stadium Tax Rebate Could be Gone

Hamilton County voters might be out of their tax rebate they were promised when they voted to approve the two riverfront stadiums in 1996. According to a 2019 stadium fund plan, decreased sales taxes contributed to the stadium fund rebate being reduced from the original 30 percent tax rollback approved by voters. The tax rollback could be further reduced or entirely eliminated if the Bengals request a new scoreboard by 2019.

Pure Romance is Coming Downtown

Cincinnati-based adult novelties chain Pure Romance has decided to relocate downtown, citing urban development and revitalization as their primary motivation. The move, which will take place by the end of 2013, will bring over 100 jobs into the city center. In related news, Governor John Kasich has vetoed some tax-incentives enticing the move, but the company seems undeterred.

Calling All Cellphone Thieves, Your Free Lunch May Be Over Soon

Bolstered by increasing cell-phone thefts over the past few years, City Councilman Chris Seelbach is calling for increased regulation of after-market cell-phone sales in the city. The goal is to make dealers who regularly buy and sell used phones register with the city and keep track of all related transactions. Seelbach introduced legislation aimed at the effort last week in partnership with the Cincinnati Police Department.

Where are the Geeks? IT Jobs Abound

Cincinnatians looking for a job might want to focus their search on information technology as the Business Courier reports as many as 10,000 unfilled Cincinnati-area jobs could be available as soon as 2020. By contrast, there are only 1,800 students enrolled in IT-related degrees in universities across town. The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is currently working with schools and students in grades K-12 to increase interest and awareness in information technology.

Duke Energy’s Southeast-Ohio Plant is Among the Dirtiest in the State

Ohio’s power plants were a close second to Texas for the title of worst polluters in the United States. And it’s not like the Cincinnati-area didn’t try: Duke Energy’s Miami Fort power plant is among Ohio’s worst, contributing 7.2 million metric tons of pollution a year which is the equivalent to 1.49 million passenger vehicles.

Republican Lawmakers cost Cincinnati Children’s $124,419

Ohio lawmakers opposing President Obama’s Affordable Care Act just cost Children’s Hospital Medical Center $124,419 in federal grant money designed to help uninsured patients navigate the complex area of online marketplaces. Without proper knowledge of how the online marketplaces work those looking for insurance might be forced to pay more for long-term health insurance.

Cincinnati Sides With Pure Romance

The controversy surrounding Pure Romance's failed efforts to secure tax-incentives for relocating downtown continued this week, after Cincinnati City Council passed a resolution backing the company yesterday. The move comes after Governor John Kasich's office abruptly put an end to the deal with nary an explanation. In the wake of the state's rebuke, the company is now exploring alternative locations.

Drinking for the Weekend

Cold beverage enthusiasts will have something fun to do this weekend as Cincy Beerfest returns to Fountain Park. Boasting hundreds of craft beers, including some hard-to-find, rare specialties, the craft-beer consortium runs from 6 to 11pm Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets are available at the door or in advance.

Cincinnati Wants You to Reforest Your Lawn, Free of Charge

Residents looking to add some new foliage to their property can apply for a free tree, courtesy of the Cincinnati Park Board. As long as the planted trees meet a limited set of requirements, applicants can pick from a wide array of options including some seedlings that will produce fruit and nuts.

Cincinnati Opposes Ohio’s “Stand Your Ground” Laws

Cincinnati City Council unanimously rejected the state’s “Stand Your Ground” laws in a vote last Wednesday. The restrictions on gun laws were introduced June 11 by two House Republicans and are aimed to loosen restrictions on the use of deadly force when a person has no option to retreat in a dangerous situation. Councilmembers insisted that Ohio already has strong enough laws to protect those who face physical harm from others. The bill would also loosen restrictions on concealed carry permits.

Covington Courts Pure Romance after Ohio Rejects Tax Credits

After Ohio rejected Pure Romance’s request for state tax credits for moving from Loveland to Downtown, Covington began courting the company to move to the Commonwealth. Wherever the company lands, it is expected to move 60 jobs immediately and plans to double the figure soon.

Bike-share Program Could be Coming to the Queen City

Cincinnati could soon be home to 21 bike share locations thanks to a partnership between two private organizations and city government. The newly formed program - Cincy Bike Share, Inc. - hopes to be running by 2014 and is looking for its first executive director. Program leaders hope to cover the $1.2 million in start-up costs through private donations and hope that the remaining $450,000 operating costs will come through user fees, sponsorships and memberships.

City Taps New Police Chief

There’s a new sheriff in town. Or at least there will be as soon as City Manager Milton Dohoney announced last week that Jeffery Blackwell, the current deputy chief of the Columbus Police Department, was selected to replace former Police Chief James Craig. Craig left the Cincinnati Police Department for the top police job in Detroit last June. Blackwell has been on the force for 26 years and was picked over three other finalists.

Bengals Beat Steelers on Monday Night

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20 - 10 during Monday Night Football, which marked the Bengals first win on the primetime program since 2007. The win solidified the Bengals legitimacy as a playoff contender for this season. It was the first time the Bengals beat the Steelers on primetime television since 1995.

Cranley and Qualls Square Off in First Mayoral Debate

John Cranley and Roxanne Qualls squared off in their first post-primary mayoral debate Tuesday, which featured both candidates disagreeing sharply on both the streetcar project and the city’s parking lease deal. Cranley maintains the city promotes controversial and risky moves such as the streetcar at the expense of the city’s neighborhoods in favor of downtown. Qualls says Cincinnati’s investment in its core is central to bringing growth to downtown and the city’s neighborhoods. Cranley is fiercely opposed to the streetcar project and in favor of a trackless trolley system instead.

Saks Fifth Avenue Might be Leaving Downtown

Now where are we going to shop? Hoity-toity downtown residents might soon be out of luck if the owners of the embattled Kenwood Collection get their way by luring luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue out of downtown. The long-stalled Kenwood project is looking to attract upscale retailers such as Saks to anchor its reboot. Since 1996 the city of Cincinnati has given Saks a total of $8.7 million for renovations to keep the retailer downtown.

Cincinnati’s Child-Poverty Rate Rises to 53.1 Percent

Cincinnati’s child-poverty rate stands at 53.1 percent, which is tied with Hartford, Conn. at 10th-worst in the nation for cities with a population greater than 65,000. The rate skyrocketed by 15.6 percent from 2012. Census data shows that more than 1 in 5 children in this region lived in poverty since 2012.

Juvenile Court Judge’s Delays Might Land Her in Contempt

Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Tracy Hunter has four weeks to act on six outstanding cases or will be cited for contempt by an appeals court. According to Hamilton County Public Defender Ray Faller, Hunter’s failure to act on cases was preventing children from being adopted, getting out of juvenile jail and delays in finding long-term foster care for children. The possible punishment for contempt is 30 days in jail and/or a $250 fine per case.

Former NKU Athletic Director Stole $260,000 in Kroger Gift Cards

Former Northern Kentucky University Athletic Director Scott Eaton who was fired in March for having inappropriate relations with four university employees and a student allegedly stole upwards of $300,000. Eaton supposedly used NKU’s procurement card to purchase $262,106 in Kroger gift cards during the course of six years at the university.

Toni Morrison Responds to Ohio School Board President’s Pornogrpahic Comments

Toni Morrison responded to Ohio School Board President Debe Tehar’s comments calling the author’s novel The Bluest Eye “pornographic” by calling the president’s statements ironic considering Morrison herself is from Ohio. Tehar suggested any mention of the novel be dropped from Ohio’s new Common Core education standards because its storyline follows a young girl from Lorain, Ohio whose father rapes and impregnates her. The American Civil Liberties Union responded by writing a scolding letter to Tehar.

More than 600,000 German Wannabes Attend Oktoberfest

More than 600,000 revelers turned out for this year’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, which for the first time opened its beer booths and schnitzel smorgasbords Friday evening. The crowd on Saturday was the largest single-day crowd in the event’s 38-year history. Cincinnati’s festive event is the largest Oktoberfest outside of the original home in Munich, Germany.

Qualls Invites Residents to Occupy Cincinnati

Cincinnati mayoral-candidate Roxanne Qualls and community partners unveiled their “Come Home Cincinnati” initiative, which is aimed at decreasing vacancy of dilapidated buildings and redevelop blighted neighborhoods. Owner-occupants of the empty buildings have to meet minimum credit requirements, promise to live in the properties for at least five years, and finance 5 percent of the total rehab costs as down payment. In exchange, the loan on the property will be refinanced with the same or better interest rates within five years. The initiative will start with 100 properties in Walnut Hills and Evanston with plans to extend into Avondale, College Hill, Madisonville and other neighborhoods as program funds grow.

No Free Food Stamps for You, Says Kasich

Governor Kasich’s decision to not renew a waiver aimed at relaxing requirements on food stamps recipients in the state will affect over 130,000 people, more than 18,000 of which live in Hamilton County. The administration contends that thanks to Ohio’s recent economic recovery, the waiver is not necessary and all able-bodied adults without children should get back to work.

Reds Headed Back to Playoffs

Heads up baseball fans, the Reds are headed to the playoffs thanks to a 10 inning clincher Monday night against the New York Mets. This marks the 3rd playoff appearance for the Cincinnati hopefuls in four years.

MPMF Starts Today

Iron your skinny jeans, buy a pack of Camels and wax your mustaches Cincinnati hipsters, MPMF starts today. There’s a number of articles choosing the best venues, bands and activities to see and listen, but we at QC Stacks saved you the trouble of sifting through the fluff and picked our four favorite links:

• Each Note Secure’s Thursday Picks
• Cincinnati Enquirer’s Weekend Picks
• Biking Midpoint
• CityBeat’s MPMF Overview

Seelbach Aids Bleeding Gunshot Victim

This past Tuesday, City councilman Chris Seelbach got to experience first-hand the problem of gun violence in Queen City. As he and his partner were at home watching TV about 10:30 pm, they heard gunshots outside their window. Upon investigation, they discovered a victim, bleeding profusely and struggling to cross the street. Thanks to the councilman’s quick response, emergency personnel whisked the man away to the hospital where he’s expected to recover.

Official – Pure Romance Coming Downtown

Following weeks of well-intentioned efforts by the city to lure more jobs downtown, only to be curtly undermined by Governor Kasich’s office and subsequent threats to take its business across the river, Pure Romance has officially committed to Cincinnati. The move will indeed bring more than 100 jobs downtown and will likely occupy the Delta Airlines building on Plum street.

Cincinnati Startup Dotloop Faces Legal Trouble

Cincinnati-based startup Dotloop has been hit with a lawsuit for copyright infringement and a cease-and-desist letter for using a Realtor’s association’s forms in its software. Dotloop, which started in 2008 as MLS Contracts, is being sued by LoopNet, an online real estate marketplace, who maintains Dotloop’s CEO Austin Allison was well aware of the name dispute as Allison was a registered member of LoopNet. Allison and partners filed for the Dotloop trademark in 2011. The company faces another legal battle from the California Association of Realtors who claim Dotloop steals and alters their real estate forms.

Chinese Holding Company Purchases John Morrell Parent Company

Chinese investors are one step closer to acquiring Smithfield Foods, the parent company of John Morrell, a nationwide pork production company headquartered in Cincinnati. Following shareholders approval of the sale for over $4 billion, Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd. will pay $34 per share in the deal, more than 30% of the current market value.