Cover Story
Cincinnati Public Radio’s New HQ Welcomes Community and Creativity
You get into your car, hit the ignition and tune into your favorite radio station. It keeps you company while you run errands or drive to work. It might provide you with entertainment and information. Numerous commercial stations are available across the FM spectrum. Many sound pretty much the same — pop tunes, sports talk,…
Pete Rose Get Posthumous Shot at Baseball Hall of Fame
Pete Rose has officially been taken off MLB’s permanently ineligible list, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday. Rose, a legendary former infielder and outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds and member of “The Big Red Machine” era of the team, passed away on Sept. 30 last year at the age of 83. He’s been ineligible for the…
Middletown’s ‘Women’s Wine and Chocolate Walk’ Gives Nautical Party Vibes in 2025
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive drink package on a cruise but don’t have a Carnival or Norwegian budget, consider the 2025 Women’s Wine and Chocolate Walk in Middletown. This Saturday, May 17, downtown Middletown will transform into a nautical party for the 12th-annual Women’s Wine & Chocolate Walk. Like a bar crawl with something…
Cincinnati Mayoral Candidate Cory Bowman Wants to Cure Your Cancer with Christ
The River Church of Cincinnati, led by pastor Cory Bowman – half-brother of Vice President JD Vance and Republican candidate for Mayor of Cincinnati – has repeatedly promoted faith healing on social media, CityBeat found. “Faith healing” is the belief that physical or mental healing can be achieved through the power of prayer. It’s a…
This Cincinnati Engineer Wrote a Comic Book to Honor His Late Dog, Help Others Grieving the Loss of a Pet
It’s a sentiment felt by most pet owners: Our fur babies deserve to live as long as we do. Even if you’ve never had the honor of being a pet parent, you can see it across social media. On Instagram, one Reel from @worlds_okayest_dogs first details a news report about scientists developing an anti-aging pill…
Why The Betting World Loves Donald Trump
Without question, Donald Trump, over the past decade or so, has turned into one of the most polarizing figures of the past century. For some, he is seen as an outsider who challenges the status quo, pushing politics that appeal to those frustrated with political correctness. Yet, to others, he spews divisive rhetoric, has authoritarian…
Federal Cuts Threaten to Undo Kentucky’s Hard-Won Progress on Addiction and Recovery
As the White House and Congress weigh difficult budget decisions, Kentuckians are watching closely, especially those of us who work to address the opioid and overdose epidemic. Proposed federal cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) threaten to dismantle the programs responsible for a 30% reduction in overdose deaths in Kentucky over the…
What Would Happen if Ohio Abolished Property Taxes?
Late last week, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost determined organizers aiming to abolish property taxes had provided a “fair and truthful” summary of their proposed constitutional amendment. The next step is for the state ballot board to determine whether the proposal includes a single constitutional amendment or multiple amendments. The board has 10 days to…
Lawsuit: Officers Violated Civil Rights of Rodney Hinton Jr. with ‘Fear, Surveillance and Intimidation’
The man accused of intentionally running down and killing a retired Hamilton County deputy is seeking $25 million in a federal lawsuit, claiming officers violated his civil rights after his arrest. On May 8, a federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of Rodney Hinton Jr. against the Cincinnati Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey,…
CityBeat is Searching for a Photo Intern for the Summer Semester
CityBeat is looking for a creative and motivated Photo Intern to help visually capture Cincinnati’s arts, music, food and news scenes. You’ll have the opportunity to shoot events, concerts, portraits and city life, with your work published online and potentially in print. This is a great chance to build a professional portfolio, gain real-world experience…
Bourbon and BBQ Festival ‘Sauced’ Returns to Factory 52 This Summer
Things are getting saucy in Norwood this summer with the return of a festival celebrating bourbon and barbecue. “Sauced: A Bourbon and BBQ Festival” is back for its second year on Saturday, June 14 from 2-8 p.m. at Factory 52. The weekend promises unforgettable experiences fusing community, culture and craftsmanship together in pools of BBQ…
Newport Aquarium to Host 21+ Aquarium After Dark Event This Month
If you ever wanted to see what the animals at the Newport Aquarium get up to after dark, now’s your chance. Later this month, the aquarium will host a special 21+ event, complete with games, food, drinks and fishy friends. Aquarium After Dark is Friday, May 30 and starts at 7:30 p.m. after daytime visitors…
College Hill Redevelopment Group Unveils Plans to Revitalize Historic Movie Theater
There are big plans in the works for a 100-year-old former movie theater in College Hill. On Monday, the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC) launched Phase 1 of a $5.2-million redevelopment plan for the Hollywood Theatre, a historic landmark in the community’s Business District. CHCURC acquired the theater in 2018 and says this…
Trump is Trying to Fire Antitrust Commissioners. They Say it’s “Blatantly Illegal”
Two Democratic antitrust commissioners fighting in court for their jobs this week blasted Trump’s attempt to fire them. In a court filing, they said the move would destabilize the economy and “brush aside a century of precedent.” The Federal Trade Commission is one of two federal agencies tasked with enforcing antitrust law. In the past…
Ohio Republican Lawmakers Re-Introduce Drag Ban Bill
A pair of Ohio lawmakers are once again trying to ban drag performers from performing anywhere that isn’t a designated adult entertainment facility. Republican state Reps. Angie King, R-Celina, and Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Twp., recently introduced House Bill 249, also known as the Enact the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act. The bill would prohibit an adult…
Cincinnati to Dedicate Boldface Park Baseball Field to Pete Rose
Pete Rose’s childhood ball field will soon feature his name. The City of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) and the Sedamsville Civic Association will hold a special dedication ceremony of the Pete Rose Field at Boldface Park in Sedamsville on Wednesday, May 14 at noon. Rose, a legendary former infielder and…
Backers Urge Ohio Lawmakers to Pass AI Restrictions
Ohio senators heard from supporters Wednesday of a proposal establishing guardrails around media produced with artificial intelligence. The proposal would prohibit the use of AI to create deepfake porn — particularly involving minors. But with provisions requiring watermarks and punishing identity fraud, the bill’s impact could extend far beyond the creation of pornography. Senate bill…
Opponents Speak Out for Hours Against Making Changes to Ohio’s Marijuana Law
More than 20 people spoke out against a bill that would change Ohio’s marijuana law. Thirty-five people submitted opponent testimony against Ohio House Bill 160, which would reduce THC levels and redirect most of the tax revenue. State Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, introduced the bill two months ago and opponents testified against the bill for…
Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Rodney Hinton Jr. in Deputy Murder Case
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Rodney Hinton Jr. for his role in the death of retired Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson. Investigators say Henderson was struck by a driver around 1 p.m. on Friday, May 2 while directing traffic along Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods Drive; he was working a…
A Bridgerton-Themed Soirée is Coming to Newport
Dearest reader, it seems society has once again found a reason to don corsets, sip tea and stir up scandal — this time, right here in Greater Cincinnati. From 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, the Purple People Bridge in Newport will transform into a Regency-inspired affair to raise funds for the preservation of the…
ArtWorks Warns of National Crisis After NEA Pulls $100K Grant
ArtWorks is the latest arts organization to have their National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant rescinded. In a press release on Thursday, the nonprofit revealed that a $100,000 federal grant for an art project in Avondale has been rescinded. The “Our Town” grant would have paid for the creation of a public art project: a…
Ohio House Lawmakers Introduce Companion Bill that Would Ban DEI in K-12 Schools
Ohio House Republicans are trying to ban diversity and inclusion in K-12 schools. House Reps. Beth Lear, R-Galena, and Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, recently introduced House Bill 155. This is a companion bill to Ohio Senate Bill 113, which has had two hearings so far in the Senate Education Committee. Both bills would require every…
Ohio Libraries Win Big Tuesday
Every single library levy on Tuesday’s ballot passed in Ohio, and none of them were close. The victories come as Republican officials at the state and federal level look at cutting library funding. There were 13 levies on the ballot — eight renewals, two replacements, two new ones and a bond. The least successful of…
Celebrate All Things Greek at the Panegyri Greek Festival
Opa! You can celebrate all things Grecian as the annual Panegyri Greek Festival returns for its 50th year on June 27-29. The festival at Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Church in Springfield Township will be a hub of Greek food, culture and fun activities. “When we began this festival in 1975, it was a way for us…
Flying Wild with Great Parks: How Birding Sneaks Up On You (and Why You Should Let It)
One minute, you’re going about your life, barely noticing the birds outside your window. The next, you’re standing in Winton Woods, binoculars in hand, whispering, “Oh wow, look at that, a Carolina Wren.” It happens slowly, subtly – like a hobby that chooses you. There’s a long-running joke that birding isn’t a hobby one actively…
Baseball Fans Think Rosie Red is Pretty Sexy, Says New Report
Who knew a mascot could be so sexy? As it turns out, Major League Baseball fans have a Major League thing for the Cincinnati Reds’ resident flirt, Rosie Red, according to a new report. BetUS took a look at who they call the real MVPs of the baseball season — the mascots. The online sports…
Aftab Pureval to Face JD Vance’s Brother in November Race for Cincinnati Mayor
The mayoral race in Cincinnati has narrowed to two candidates for November after Tuesday’s primary election. Incumbent Aftab Pureval will face Cory Bowman, half-brother to Vice President JD Vance, on Nov. 4. If the primary results are any indication, Pureval will likely see a comfortable victory in November. Pureval, who has served as Cincinnati’s mayor…
Enjoy Plant-Based Food, a Vegan Chili Cook-Off and Yoga at the Annual Cincy VegFest
A celebration of plant-based living returns to Clifton this June with plenty of food, yoga, music and a vegan chili cook-off. The seventh-annual Cincy VegFest will be held at the Burnet Woods Bandstand on Saturday, June 7 from noon to 5 p.m. The festival is free to attend. VegFest will feature activities like children’s yoga…
Pleasant Ridge Mediterranean Restaurant to Expand to Second Location
A Pleasant Ridge restaurant is opening up shop in a new community. Café Alma, known for its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch options, announced on social media that it will be opening a second location in Blue Ash. “FUN FACT: Before we ever opened our doors in Pleasant Ridge, Blue Ash was…
ICC, Other News Outlets File Lawsuit to Open Executions to Press
The Indiana Capital Chronicle and four other news entities filed a lawsuit Monday evening challenging the state’s prohibition against press witnesses for state executions. Alongside the Associated Press, Circle City Broadcasting, Gannett and Tegna, the outlets allege that the ban violates the First Amendment and limits public accountability. Circle City Broadcasting owns WISH-TV, Gannett owns…
Bipartisan Bill Would Help Ohioans Pay Off Their Medical Debt, But Not Eliminate It
A pair of Ohio House lawmakers want to help people pay off their medical debt. State Reps. Michele Grim, D-Toledo, and Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, are introducing the Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act. The bill would lower the maximum interest rate for medical debt to 3% per year; prohibit hospitals, medical providers, and third-party collectors from…
Cock Blocked: Illegal Cockfighting Paraphernalia Seized by Cincinnati CBP
While U.S. Customs and Border Protections is used to seizing drugs (or even black market Botox) at Cincinnati’s Port of Entry, a recent package revealed sporting equipment for fowl play. According to a CBP press release, the questionable package – arriving from Mexico and headed to a residence in Corsica, Texas – arrived at the…
Rodney Hinton Jr. Pleads Not Guilty, Judge Issues No Bond
In a bond hearing Tuesday morning, Hamilton County judge Tyrone Yates ruled no bond will be issued for Rodney Hinton Jr., the man accused of crashing his car into and killing retired Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy Larry Henderson last week. Before the hearing even began, commotion erupted in the courtroom gallery. A man approached the…
Best Online Casinos and Gambling Sites U.S.A. 2025
The world of online gambling is on an uptrend in the U.S., with the scene growing at a faster rate than ever before. This growth, despite being good for the industry, comes with some downsides, which players and users often face—the paradox of choice. As such, finding the best online casinos and gambling sites in…
Ohio Elections Commission Urges State Senators to Restore Funding in Budget
The future is far from certain for the Ohio Elections Commission after House budget drafters moved to eliminate the agency. Now the state Senate gets its turn to tweak the two-year spending plan. OEC executive director Phil Richter went before a Senate committee last week to make the case for his agency. The Ohio Elections…
Ohio Economists: Cutting Library Funding Will Reduce ‘Human Capital,’ Hurt the Economy
A panel of economists overwhelmingly said that if federal and state cuts to public library funding become reality, it will harm “human capital” — knowledge and skill that can be used as an economic resource. A smaller majority said it would also reduce the state’s economic output. The budget proposed by the Republican-controlled Ohio House…
Ohio Law Enforcement Leaders Call on GoFundMe to Remove Fundraisers for Rodney Hinton Jr.
Officials have released the identity of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in an alleged vehicular homicide by the father of Ryan Hinton in Clifton on Friday. According to the Hamilton County Coroner, the fallen deputy has been identified as Larry Henderson, 57. Henderson had recently retired from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office…
Senators Advance Ranked Choice Prohibition, Mull Proof of Citizenship Bill
Voting legislation is advancing in the Ohio Senate. Last week, a committee approved a measure prohibiting ranked choice voting and heard from proponents of a plan to require proof of citizenship for voting. Both bills are retreads of proposals that didn’t make the cut last session. Ranked Choice The measure banning ranked choice voting, Senate…
Critics Say Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan Wanted to Gut Antitrust Agency
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio wanted to slip a sweeping measure into a spending bill that would gut the Federal Trade Commission. Critics say it’s no coincidence that the FTC is suing mammoth health care conglomerates and tech giants like Amazon. Jordan is chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee. Last week, it released…
CPD: HamCo. Deputy Hit, Killed by Father of East Price Hill Shooting Victim
Editor’s note: This story was updated to include the identity of the man shot and killed by CPD in East Price Hill on Thursday. A Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy has died after being struck by a driver while working a traffic detail at the University of Cincinnati Friday. According to Cincinnati police, the crash happened…
Cincinnati Animal CARE Offering Reduced Adoption Fees During ‘Empty the Shelter’ Event
If you’re looking to add a furry member to your family, now may be the time as Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC) is looking to empty the shelter. CAC is teaming up with the Bissell Pet Foundation to offer reduced adoption fees as part of the Empty the Shelter event from now until Wednesday, May 7.…
Blurry Video, Critical Seconds: What We Know About the Fatal Shooting by an Officer in East Price Hill
City officials gathered Friday to provide more details on the fatal shooting of a man by a Cincinnati Police officer in East Price Hill on Thursday. Keep scrolling for body camera video from the incident. CPD Chief Teresa Theetge walked reporters through the incident from first contact to the fatal shooting, which she said lasted…
Ohio Housing Advocates Want Lawmakers to Nix Budget Language That Alters Affordable Housing Funding
Housing advocates are urging Ohio senators to remove an amendment from the state’s two-year operating budget that would significantly affect a source of funding for local homelessness and affordable housing programs. The Ohio House added language to their version of the budget that would change the Ohio Housing Trust Fund. The Ohio Senate is currently…
Bowling Green State University Poll Shows Trump Approval Underwater in Ohio
One hundred days into his second presidential term, Donald Trump’s support in Ohio is softening. Just two months ago, the president’s approval rating was six points higher than disapproval. Now he’s under water. Although job approval is a different question than who to back in an election, it’s a notable deficit for someone who won…
500 Indie Songs, 3 Days: Inhailer Radio’s Epic Countdown Returns
Inhailer Radio has announced the lineup and details for their annual Indie 500, a weeklong celebration of independent musicians with guest DJs, beginning Monday, May 19. Inspired by Cincinnati’s own 97X Modern Rock 500, the official countdown — from No. 500 all the way to No. 1 — of the best indie songs according to…
Taste of Cincinnati Returns Downtown for its 46th Year
One of Cincinnati’s most beloved food festivals returns downtown this May, and organizers have released the list of vendors serving up dishes ranging from Greek and Hawaiian food to cookies and cheesecake. Now in its 46th year, Taste of Cincinnati is the country’s longest-running outdoor culinary festival and showcases the diverse food landscape across Greater…
CPD: Armed Man Shot Dead While Running from CPD Officers in East Price Hill
Cincinnati Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating after a person was shot dead by an officer during a foot pursuit in East Price Hill, according to CPD Chief Teresa Theetge. What we know Theetge held a press briefing on the shooting around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday. She said CPD officers responded to an apartment complex…
Ohio Lawmakers Send Energy Overhaul to the Governor
Ohio state lawmakers approved an energy deal Wednesday in a pair of back-to-back floor votes. The sweeping legislation aims to encourage investment in new power generation by building a moat around the market and offering tax incentives to new entrants. Meanwhile, the distribution utilities on the outside looking in will get similar tax breaks for…
Ohio Senate Passes Bill that Would Require Hemp Products to Only be Sold at Marijuana Dispensaries
The Ohio Senate unanimously passed a bill that would regulate intoxicating hemp and drinkable cannabinoid products. Ohio Senate Bill 86 would require intoxicating hemp products to be sold only at adult-use marijuana dispensaries instead of allowing them to be sold at CBD stores, convenience stores, smoke shops, or gas stations. The bill now moves to the…
Transgender Youth Care Remains Banned as Ohio Supreme Court Grants AG Yost’s Latest Request
Transgender youth in Ohio are still barred from accessing gender-affirming care in the state, and their future access remains to be decided. On Tuesday, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld House Bill 68, which is a ban on gender-affirming medical care for trans and non-binary youth. This Republican-backed ban includes hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy and…
Cincinnati Band Lung to Release New Album ‘The Swankeeper’
Cincinnati’s ethereal grunge band Lung will release their fifth studio album, The Swankeeper, on May 30. Comprised of classically opera-trained singer and cello player Kate Wakefield and former Foxy Shazam bassist Daisy Caplan on drums, Lung has garnered praise for their “loud, dissonant, innovative and fearless” sound by publications like Fair Shakes and Just Dessert.…
Laugh and Help Save Shelter Pets at This Northside Comedy Night
A special stand-up show at Urban Artifact this May will help benefit shelter pets and be featured in a PBS docuseries. The Northside brewery will host a full lineup of comedians on Saturday, May 17 for The Dog’gone Funny Comedy Show to raise funds and awareness around Cincinnati Animal CARE’s lifesaving work. Cincinnati Animal CARE…
One-of-a-Kind ‘Sparkling Beverage Studio’ Opening in Mason This Summer
A first-of-its-kind “sparkling beverage studio” where customers can craft an endless variety of unique beverages is set to open in Greater Cincinnati. Jukebox will be located at 5859 Deerfield Blvd. in Mason’s Deerfield Towne Center and plans to open early this summer. The studio will offer customizable sparkling drinks, like sparkling waters, sodas and non-alcoholic…
Madisonville Bar Placebo to Close in May
An upscale cocktail bar in Madisonville is closing permanently. Placebo, located on the Medpace campus across from the Element Eatery food hall, announced on social media Tuesday that it would close for good next month. “It is with heavy hearts that after 3 years with the community, Placebo will be shutting its doors after May…
Ohio Senate Committee Advances Energy Compromise
With a final few tweaks, Ohio senators advanced a major piece of energy legislation. The Senate Energy Committee vote was unanimous. With both chambers in session Wednesday, it’s likely lawmakers could sign off on the legislation and send it along to the governor. The most substantive change had to do with the Public Utility Commission…
Ohio University to Close Pride Center, Women’s Center and Multicultural Center Due to New Law
Ohio University will close the Pride Center, the Women’s Center and the Multicultural Center in response to a new higher education law banning diversity efforts that takes effect this summer, the university president announced Tuesday. OU will sunset the Division of Diversity and Inclusion — which includes those three centers — “over the next several…
Cincinnati Hip-Hop Artist Turich Benjy is Building a Universe Beyond Music
Cincinnati hip-hop artist Turich Benjy seemed to be making a declaration in an eye-catching video clip released at the start of last year. Standing in the middle of an empty city street under a single light shining down on his contorted dancing, arms stretched wide open staring up at the night sky, he repeats the…
Sound Advice: Napalm Death, Melvins Team up for Cincinnati Show at Bogart’s
Napalm Death and the Melvins have been doing their thing for more than a combined 80 years. The pair of bands somehow remain as ear-splittingly thunderous as the day they surfaced back when Ronald Reagan was popping jelly beans at the White House. Given their shared love of heavy music — The Melvins as pillars…
Sound Advice: Folk Trio The Arcadian Wild to Perform at Woodward Theater
The Arcadian Wild are the kind of band that can’t help but emit positivity. They frequently smile while playing, their faces beaming as they pluck their acoustic instruments with precision and purpose: Isaac Horn plays guitar, Lincoln Mick plays mandolin and Bailey Warren plays fiddle. All three sing, Mick most often. For the uninitiated, The…
Review: Something to Wine About Elevates the Self-Pour Model with Date-Night Vibes and VIP Service
Cincinnati’s Downtown district is revitalizing: more hip spots for dating, drinks out with friends, meetings with potential business partners and let-your-hair-down-worthy environments seek to make Downtown the place to be. Something to Wine About, a new addition to Downtown and the only self-pour wine bar in the district, aims to become the perfect spot for…
Holy Jokes: How Cincinnati’s Comedy Scene Found New Life in an Old Church
Cincinnati has nationally ranked restaurants, an expansive music scene, a thriving club culture and its share of renowned art galleries and museums; it only makes sense that the comedy scene would be on the rise, too. CityBeat’s Best Local Comedian 2025 winner Kelly Collette and co-founder of the city’s newest comedy venue, Nathan Kroeger of…
Sound and Mind: Renée Fleming Champions Music and Neuroscience at May Festival
The May Festival is the oldest continuing choral festival in the Western Hemisphere. Last year, the festival retooled with a new approach to programming and with two new leaders in performance and administrative roles. Julianne Akins Smith took over as executive director in November, following Steven R. Sunderman’s retirement. Last June, Dr. Matthew Swanson was…
The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater Opens Its Doors for a Nostalgic Summer of Shows
If the mullets and dayglow colors of the ’80s make you smile with nostalgia, the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater has a show for you as it opens its 2025 season with The Wedding Singer. “There’s no better way to kick off the summer season,” said director Stacy Searle in an interview with CityBeat. “It’s a…
