🌱 New Cincinnati Metro Contract + 5 New Testing Locations

Morning, people of Cincinnati! It's me again, Sean Peek, your host of the Cincinnati Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine, but cold. High: 31 Low: 25.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Cincinnati today:

1. As part of a new three-year contract with the transit union, Cincinnati Metro is increasing its pay and benefits for its staff. The contract offers a 2.5 percent wage increase every six months, retroactive to January 2021. Additionally, new bus drivers will see a starting wage of $21/hour after completing their training. (WLWT Cincinnati)
2. Cincinati residents now have five new COVID-19 testing sites to choose from in Hamilton County this week. As cases across the Tri-State continue to surge, these new testing sites are needed. Organizers recommend pre-registering to keep wait times down. (WKRC TV Cincinnati)
3. Warm up the January month at Findlay Market's Chili Fest on Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chili lovers can sample delicious spice-inspired dishes, drinks, and sweets from over 20 merchants. Purchase your tickets at Eventbrite. (Cincinnati CityBeat)

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Today in Cincinnati:

• Waste Collection Day - Village of Golf Manor (All Day)
• Let's Talk: Human Trafficking Awareness - National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (3:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Fiona the hippo will be 5 on January 24! Ask the Cincinnati Zoo any questions you have for her keepers to answer in a special birthday episode of their podcast, Cincinnati Zoo Tales! (Instagram)
• Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48 reported a tough week in the fire service with multiple fires and subsequent victims across the country. They want to remind residents to test their smoke detectors and always sleep with the door closed. (Facebook)
• Cincy Library is celebrating its ninth year of being designated a Five-Star Library system. (Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow morning for your next 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.