Daily editionSaturday, October 17th, 2026
Good morning, Cincinnati.
The 5AM Cincinnati Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of October.
Education
An Ohio appeals court ruled Thursday that the EdChoice voucher program is unconstitutional, fueling the debate over school funding in Cincinnati Public Schools.
CPS President Brandon Craig said the decision shows vouchers may divert funds from public schools (the ruling remains stayed as legal appeals continue).
WCPORead more
A Northwest Local Schools staff member is on leave as the district investigates a social media recording of comments made during an argument over flag protocol.
The student, who said the employee was a safe space, reported that another person made a racially offensive remark at the scene.
Local 12Read more
Environment
Three orphaned manatees—Smidge, Tuglet, and Zimomo—arrived at Cincinnati Zoo’s Manatee Springs after receiving care at SeaWorld Orlando and will continue their rehabilitation until they return to Florida waters.
They will share the pool with residents Slushie and Alfred while getting food and veterinary care.
WLWTRead more
Government
I-75 South closes this weekend from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday for Linn Street Bridge construction as part of the Brent Spence Corridor Project between Freeman Ave and 8th St. ODOT advises drivers to choose alternate routes, including the Norwood Lateral I-71.
WLWTRead more
The Brent Spence Bridge project released an October flyover video that shows progress on the bridge near our area.
Officials said more updates on construction plans are expected soon.
Cincinnati EnquirerRead more
Health
16-year-old Meshaun Tubbs, battling a rare cancer, advanced to the top 5 in the Stan Lee Super Kids competition; if selected he will star in a comic book and direct $25,000 to his Cincinnati nonprofit, Mighty Meshaun, which supports families facing pediatric cancer.
WCPORead more
Real Estate
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati is shifting its approach by partnering with Kaiker Development to build an eight-home, income-restricted townhouse project in Over-the-Rhine’s Brewery District, expected to complete in late 2026.
The nonprofit plans to double home production for more working families (CEO Joe Hansbauer).
Cincinnati EnquirerRead more
Accidents
Kings Island Park announced that its rides Orion & Diamondback remain closed due to safety concerns following a fatal incident in Georgia on Oct. 12, and further updates will be provided as the situation is reviewed.
FOX19 NOWRead more