That's So Cincinnati

You've read their columns on The Banks-Bengals deal. Now listen to The Enquirer's Paul Daugherty and Jason Williams discuss the issue on That's So Cincinnati podcast.

They address the Bengals' future, The Banks and the idea of a new referendum on the stadium tax. 

Plus, the That's So Cincinnati crew breaks down the 2020 Hamilton County prosecutor's race in the wake of Democrat Fanon Rucker announcing his candidacy this week.

The Banks needs help from a team of development experts.

That's what Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus told That's So Cincinnati podcast this week in response to a question about whether the riverfront project needs a master developer.

That question comes amid the highly controversial decision to build a music venue and rework the Bengals' stadium lease. 

The Banks have been without a master developer -- an expert team of real estate, urban planning and architecture experts -- since Atlanta-based Carter abruptly ceased work on the project in July 2017.

Driehaus also discussed the Bengals' future, her relationship with Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and the proposed new convention hotel.

Also on this week's episode, TSC hosts talk more in-depth about the hotel deal and a fun night out in East Price Hill.

Blink starts next Thursday, and event co-founder Steve McGowan joins That's So Cincinnati to discuss the marvel of a city covered in lights and art.

McGowan -- owner of Downtown-based creative services firm, Brave Berlin -- talks about transforming the light spectacle from Lumenocity at Washington Park into a citywide and now regional event. Blink, which started in 2017, heads across the Robeling Suspension Bridge this year and into Covington.

What else is new this year? Where should you park? Where's the best place to see Blink? Steve has all the answers and more on this episode.

Also this week, TSC cohosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge discuss the issues with the Joint Banks Steering Committee. 

Plus, more on the new Kroger and one final tribute to Marty Brennaman. 

Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, who recently announced he's not running for re-election in 2020, joins That's So Cincinnati podcast for a candid discussion about his long political career, critical county projects and the Bengals' future.

Cincinnati Museum Center CEO Elizabeth Pierce joins That's So Cincinnati to talk about the Apollo 11 exhibit opening, Neil Armstrong's legacy and the museum center's magnificent makeover.

Also in this episode, TSC co-hosts Jason Williams and Sharon Coolidge pay tribute to Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune as he battles cancers and prepares to retire. 

Jason and Sharon breakdown who could replace Portune and whether Republicans have a shot to regain a seat on the board of commissioners in 2020.

As always, the TSC crew has a little fun. Jason takes a parting shot at Diner en Blanc.

John Cranley never shies away from a fight -- and he's battling The Banks music venue like he's never opposed a project before.

Why is Cincinnati's mayor so opposed to the plan? He explains in-depth in a don't-miss episode of That's So Cincinnati.

Plus, TSC co-hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams discuss Congressman Steve Chabot's campaign problems.

And in the fun segment: Snakes and yoga a Red River Gorge, the intrigue of Diner en Blanc and marching bands playlist.

Don't believe the national narrative that Ohio isn't a key state in the 2020 presidential election, state Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper told That's So Cincinnati podcast this week.

Ohio Democrats are performing the role of "left tackle" and "firewall" for key swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, Pepper said. What does that mean?

Democrats want to "protect" those states by making Trump spend money and time in Ohio, a strategy they hope will divert the president's resources in the Midwest, Pepper said.

Pepper, the former Cincinnati city councilman and Hamilton County commissioner, also talked about his political thriller novels and the role local journalism plays in democracy.

From Italy to Loveland, the Rozzi family has been lighting of the night on holidays and special occasions across Greater Cincinnati and the world for more than 120 years.

Cincinnati's first family of fireworks joins That's So Cincinnati podcast to talk about the four-generation family company ahead of the 43rd annual Western & Southern/WEBN Labory Day fireworks.

Company president Nancy Rozzi and her brother and vice president, Joe Rozzi, discuss art of pyrotechnics; Rozzi Firworks' international reach and the company's omnipresence across the region.

Also this week, Enquirer Hamilton County/regional politics reporter Scott Wartman discusses how much taxpayers have shelled out in legal fees for The Banks and the ongoing turf war between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

This episode is jam-packed with news and insight -- and you won't want to miss it.

Ryan Messer, vice president of the Cincinnati Public Schools board, joins That's So Cincinnati this week to discuss: 

Also this week, TSC hosts Sharon Coolidge and Jason Williams breakdown the politics and issues surrounding efforts to build a new convention hotel.

It's been a crazy run of news lately, and That's So Cincinnati wanted to take a break from all that this week and have a little fun before summer winds down. 

TSC hit the road for this week's episode, recording live from Braxton Brewing in Covington. CEO Jake Rouse joined us for a conversation from the beautiful new rooftop bar.

Among the topics Rouse talked about: