🌱 Emergency Issued For Fire Crew Shortages + Rare Bird Spotted

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know going on today.

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First, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 56 Low: 44.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Cincinnati today:

1. Cincinnati Mayor Cranley issued a state of emergency over concerns about staffing in the city's fire departments. Cranley declared the state of emergency Wednesday morning, citing a combination of COVID-19 cases in the department with scheduled holiday time off. The order said the impact on fire department staffing constitutes a "public danger and fire-safety emergency" due largely to limited first-responder capabilities. (Spectrum News 1)
2. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in the fatal shooting of another teenager on Christmas Day. The incident occurred late Saturday morning near 9th Street, where officers found 16-year-old Desire Coston suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Coston was taken to UC Medical Center, where she died from her injuries on Tuesday. The investigation by the Cincinnati Police Homicide Unit is ongoing. (WLWT Cincinnati)
3. A rare snowy owl was spotted along the Cincinnati riverfront. The arctic bird was seen near Paul Brown Stadium, nearly 2,000 miles south of the nearest nesting areas for the species. The arctic birds are normally spotted in the Cleveland area. (WLWT Cincinnati)

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Today in Cincinnati:

• Membership Committee At League of Women Voters (2:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Cincinnati Zoo spotlighted its Cat Ambassador Program and showcased Remus and Moose, two of the program's cheetah companion dogs. (Instagram)
• Cincinnati Bengals player Zac Taylor met with the media for a news conference as the Bengals prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs. (Facebook)
• The Cincinnati Art Museum honored the memory of Cincinnati-based Artist Tom Bacher, whose art is featured in the museum's collection. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.