DJ Reader's journey, Hurricane Idalia affecting CVG, today's top stories | Daily Briefing

Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader sits on the step for a portrait in front of the house he grew up in, Friday, June 16, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. Reader was homeschooled by his dad, David Reader, from second until sixth grades.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader sits on the step for a portrait in front of the house he grew up in, Friday, June 16, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. Reader was homeschooled by his dad, David Reader, from second until sixth grades.
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Good morning, Daily Briefing fans … it’s almost football season! Kelsey Conway here, your Bengals beat reporter.

To kick off the season, I wanted to feature a very important player. You might know him for his stellar play on the field, anchoring Cincinnati’s defensive line and famously sacking Matthew Stafford in Super Bowl 56. His name is DJ Reader.

The Bengals signed Reader in free agency in 2020, and he has played a pivotal role in helping them reach two straight AFC championship games. He’s a team captain and one of the NFL's best nose tackles.

But Reader is so much more than that. Earlier this offseason, I traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina, with talented Enquirer staff photographer Kareem Elgazzar to capture a day in the life of Reader in his hometown.

His journey to where he is now started with heartbreak after tragically losing his father, David Reader, when he was 19. DJ has since shaped his life into one of so much promise.

Click or tap here to learn more about the Bengals' defensive star.

What else you need to know Thursday, Aug. 31

🌞 Weather: High of 79. Plenty of sunshine.

✈️ CVG: Flights canceled due to Hurricane Idalia. What to know.

✉️ USPS: 'Enough is enough!' Local postal carriers to protest criminal attacks.

🌉 Brent Spence plan: Bridge Forward design could add up to $140M to plan, states say.

🏈 Sports: How Cincinnati Bearcats can rack up 6 wins to reach a bowl game.

Before you go: How to Renaissance Festival like a dang pro 🏰

No trip to the Ohio Renaissance Festival is complete without some "Turkey Legges."
No trip to the Ohio Renaissance Festival is complete without some "Turkey Legges."

Calling all lords, ladies, peasants and jesters. The 34th annual Ohio Renaissance Festival starts this weekend.

The festival grounds in Harveysburg, Ohio, will once again be transformed into a 16th-century village, complete with over 100 shows, giant turkey legs, jousting, games and artisan shops.

Planning your trip back in time to the Ohio Renaissance Festival? Click here to learn everything you need to know.

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Today's Top Stories

U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell before taking the podium to speak at the NKY Chamber of Commerce at the Madison Event Center in Covington, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell before taking the podium to speak at the NKY Chamber of Commerce at the Madison Event Center in Covington, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

• Sen. Mitch McConnell freezes again during a press conference in Northern Kentucky

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned to practice Wednesday, August 30, 2023 as the team prepares for the season opener against the Browns Burrow suffered a calf injury on July 27, has not participated in practice publicly, but did go through his normal pregame warmup before the Bengals' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 11.

• Joe Burrow back at practice as Bengals prepare for Browns in season opener

Anthony McIntosh speaks with his attorneys Brandon Fox, left, and Alex Deardoff before pleading guilty Wednesday, August 30, 2023 in the 2022 fatal shooting outside the Oakley Target store. McIntosh, 23-years-old also plead guilty in another case before Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins at the Hamilton County Courthouse.
Anthony McIntosh speaks with his attorneys Brandon Fox, left, and Alex Deardoff before pleading guilty Wednesday, August 30, 2023 in the 2022 fatal shooting outside the Oakley Target store. McIntosh, 23-years-old also plead guilty in another case before Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins at the Hamilton County Courthouse.

• Man pleads in fatal shooting outside Oakley Target and 2nd homicide months earlier

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene works against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene works against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

• Cincinnati Reds, Hunter Greene beat San Francisco Giants to end tough August with big win

Feb 7, 2023; Columbus, OH, United States; The Ohio Supreme Court listens to oral arguments. From left are justices Jennifer Brunner, Michael Donnelly, Patrick Fischer, chief justice Sharon Kennedy, Patrick DeWine, Melody Stewart and Joe Deters Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Feb 7, 2023; Columbus, OH, United States; The Ohio Supreme Court listens to oral arguments. From left are justices Jennifer Brunner, Michael Donnelly, Patrick Fischer, chief justice Sharon Kennedy, Patrick DeWine, Melody Stewart and Joe Deters Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

• Should Ohio deputy be liable after work dog bites guest at BBQ?

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: DJ Reader's journey, Hurricane Idalia affecting CVG | Daily Briefing