Ann Thompson

Greater Cincinnati home sales are up for the fifteenth month in a row. In Cincinnati the gain was bigger at 11% when compared to the same month last year.

Northern Kentucky's sales increase was just 2%. In both places median prices are increasing and home inventories are declining, a sign realtors say indicates the buyer's advantage is starting to shrink.

(Cincinnati)

• September  2012: Closings: 1,588   Average Price: $158,219
• September 2011: Closings: 1,430    Average Price: $151,633

(Northern Kentucky)

Having a smart phone, a tablet, an e-reader and more costs a lot of money and it’s more than just the purchase price. In this week’s Focus on Technology, Ann Thompson reports on how to stay connected and stay within your budget.

The Cincinnati Police Chief is appointing the city's first ever liaison with the gay and lesbian community.

Equality Cincinnati Board President Matt Murray says it is extremely encouraging that Chief James Craig is appointing an officer as the police liaison for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Ohio academic data is now out after being delayed by a student-attendance investigation. Cincinnati dropped a category from Effective to Continuous Improvement. Superintendent Mary Ronan has a plan to improve the district's academic report card.

"We really would have liked to have stayed effective but in order to do this our performance index or final grade would have to be 90 and it was 88.5."

Ronan says the district's focus is now firmly on implementing new and more rigorous academic standards.