The Enquirer

Cincinnati can boast that it is one of America's most literate cities, according to a study by the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The Queen City ranked fifth of the nation's 79 cities with more than 200,000 people based on Jack Miller's research into library resources, newspaper circulation rates, magazine and journal publishers and Census and Education Department data. At the top of the list was Minneapolis, with Seattle second, Pittsburgh third and Madison, Wis., fourth. At the bottom of the rankings: El Paso, Texas.

ACLU responds to Patriot Act

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has launched a statewide Summer Freedom Tour in response to President Bush's campaign to gain public support for the USA Patriot Act. Jeff Gamso, legal director of the ACLU of Ohio, will lead a community forum called "Not Safe, Not Free: Civil Liberties Today" at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church, 320 Resor Ave., Clifton. Community members are welcome to ask questions about civil liberties issues and gain tools for raising public awareness.

In addition to the Patriot Act, Gamso will be discussing gay marriage, upcoming Supreme Court decisions, police practices and voting rights. The program is free and open to the public. More information can be found at www.acluohio.org.

Library hosts bilingual coffees

Whether you like your coffee with sugar or con leche, the Clermont County Public Library has a cup of cafe with your name on it. The library's Union Township branch, at 4462 Mount Carmel-Tobasco Road, will be holding a monthly bilingual coffee hour the first Thursday of every month, starting Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. The library is hoping both local residents who speak Spanish and high school Spanish students will attend the bilingual discussions.

Sling Shot closed; riders in hospital

Paramount's Kings Island's Sling Shot ride remained closed Monday, a day after two Georgetown, Ky., teens were taken to the hospital after riding it. One of the teens was experiencing some pain and discomfort Sunday, and both were taken as a precaution to Bethesda North Hospital, where they were treated and released, according to park spokeswoman Maureen Boothe. Sling Shot shoots two passengers in a round ball up in the air more than 275 feet at almost 100 mph. The ride is in the Oktoberfest part of the park and costs an additional $20 a person. The ride was closed after Sunday's incident, and Monday, it underwent a thorough inspection. It was not clear when the ride will reopen.

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