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[REVIEW] In ‘Man’s Best Friend,’ Sabrina Carpenter Follows ‘Espresso’ with a Decaf Refill
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was the fabric of summer 2024. It was so popular and many people finally stopped mispronouncing it as “expresso” (if only we could do the same with “expecially”). Why did it catch on? Carpenter put together a mix of notes that only resonated together: retro/disco/bubblegum/country styles, explicit sexuality, blunt personality and ‘IDGAF’…
Welcome to the ICE Age: The Weaving of a Terrorist Narrative
This story is part of CityBeat’s “ICE Age” series about the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrant community members. Supporters of Imam Ayman Soliman gathered at the Ohio Statehouse on Aug. 25 to publicly ask Gov. Mike DeWine to help free Cincinnati’s imprisoned faith leader. “Ayman would be going to his death if he is deported…
Experts Say Trump’s Meddling with Job-Data Agency Will Hurt the Ohio Economy
President Donald Trump might not have liked the numbers on Aug. 1, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy had added just 73,000 jobs in July and downwardly revised the two previous months by a combined 258,000. But his reaction — to fire the head of the agency that reported those numbers…
Lawsuit Challenges New Proof of Citizenship Requirement at Ohio BMV for Voter Registration
The women’s political organization Red Wine and Blue has sued Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose over changes to the voter registration process at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Thanks to the federal “motor voter” law, car registration agencies around the U.S. have offered voter registration services to applicants since the early 1990s. New state…
Northside Yacht Club’s Stuart Mackenzie Offers Behind-the-Scenes Look at ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ Filming
Northside Yacht Club (NSYC) is best known for its little-bit-naughty, little-bit-rock ‘n roll aesthetic and as a chill spot to kick your feet up with a drink and a plate of something greasy and delicious. The landlocked yacht club serves up classics like sandwiches, burgers, wings and fries, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.…
Northern Kentucky Musician Jordan Smart Turns Gaza Activism and Social Justice Into Protest Songs on New Album
Northern Kentucky musician Jordan Smart keeps a folder of the most harrowing images he’s seen from Gaza — a private archive that fuels both his outrage and his art. Since the war began, he has turned his platform into a rallying cry for Palestinians while also speaking out against ICE raids and other social justice…
Lifestyle Brand That Connects Communities of Color to the Outdoors Opens First Shop in Over-the-Rhine
A local entrepreneur who wants to use her brand to connect people to the outdoors recently opened her first brick-and-mortar space in Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati native Sierra Hayden says her outdoor lifestyle brand, We Outside, is all about championing outdoor adventures for Black and Brown communities, while remaining welcoming to all. We Outside also helps bridge…
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Releases Official 2025 Beer and Entertainment Guides
The beer will soon be flowing in downtown Cincinnati as the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside Munich returns this September. And organizers are sharing exactly what kind of brews will be filling everyone’s steins with the release of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s Official Beer Guide. The 49th annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati will host 18 breweries representing local, regional, national…
Ohio Woman Charged After Miscarriage Adds More Hospital Staff to Lawsuit
The lawsuit by an Ohio woman who was arrested and charged after having a miscarriage is still ongoing, and attorneys for the woman have added two more members of hospital staff to the parties alleged to have violated the woman’s rights. Brittany Watts’ miscarriage made national headlines after the Warren resident was arrested, despite her…
Northeast Ohio is a Big Part of Trump Deportation Network
The airport, a jail, and a prison in Ohio’s Mahoning Valley have emerged as a major part of the network the Trump administration is using to conduct mass deportations. As it has, residents and advocates are raising concerns. For his part, the county sheriff said he doesn’t have strong opinions in the deportation debate. He…
Kings Island to Revive Phantom Theater Dark Ride
A ride that closed at Kings Island over 20 years ago is set to make its return in a brand-new form next year. On Thursday, Kings Island announced it’s bringing back the Phantom Theater ride that closed in 2002, with the same quirky characters and chaos but also modern technology, enhanced scenic elements and expanded…
Multi-Genre Mammoth Music & Arts Festival Returns to Newport This Fall
A daylong, multi-genre music festival returns to Newport for its second year this fall. Mammoth Music & Arts Festival, launched in Newport in 2024, features musical performances across a range of genres, from punk and hip-hop to Kentucky’s bluegrass and country roots. This year, the festival is back with more genre-spanning fun to be held…
You Can Vote for This Greater Cincinnati Therapy Dog in the American Humane Society’s Hero Awards
A therapy dog from New Richmond is one of just 25 inspiring dogs across the country who are semifinalists for a big award from the American Humane Society (AHS). Lieutenant Dan is a 7-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound who was born with a severe limb deformity that led to both his back legs, as well as…
Trump Can Try to Dictate How We Talk About History. But That Doesn’t Change It.
On a routine day in West Kentucky, only a few random visitors and occasional school groups drop in to Murray State University’s Wrather Museum. However, when a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution comes to town, attendance steps up because rural communities value having local access to cultural experiences usually reserved for big city museums.…
‘Not a National Emergency.’ Retired Military Oppose DeWine Deploying Ohio National Guard Troops
Retired military and active-duty Ohio families spoke out against Gov. Mike DeWine recently deploying Ohio National Guard troops to Washington D.C. at the request of President Donald Trump. Trump said earlier this month he would send National Guard troops to Washington D.C. to crackdown on crime and Ohio is one of six states that has…
Taylor Swift is Engaged to a Former University of Cincinnati Football Player
A former University of Cincinnati Bearcats football player (and, okay, okay, also tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs) is marrying one of the biggest superstars of all time. The Grammy Award-winning Taylor Swift and multi-Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce announced their engagement on social media today, making an otherwise very average Tuesday something much sparklier…
Jamaican Restaurant Island Frydays to Reopen in College Hill
A Jamaican restaurant that closed late last year and was once featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is making a comeback and reopening in a new neighborhood. Island Frydays closed its Corryville restaurant in December 2024, with owner Leo Morgan citing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason. But now,…
The Party Source’s Speakeasy, Merchants Club, added to The B-Line
The B-Line, a group of bourbon-centric distilleries, bars and restaurants that offer a self-guided bourbon experience in Northern Kentucky, has added a new member. Merchants Club, a speakeasy-style bar located inside Bellevue wine, beer and liquor store The Party Source, joins 28 other Northern Kentucky establishments on The B-Line passport program. The cocktail bar and…
Ohio GOP Candidates Hold the Advantage in Early 2026 Polling
A new poll conducted by Emerson College indicates Ohio’s Republican candidates have an advantage over their Democratic counterparts. There’s still a long way to go before next year’s primaries — much less the general election in November 2026. But the survey offers a baseline for voters’ preferences and engagement. Emerson pollsters contacted 1,000 active registered…
Back to School: Hunger Still Hits 1 in 5 Ohio Children
As a new school year begins in Ohio, an old problem persists: child hunger. Hunger relief programs continue to strain under the demand, while receiving less support from state and federal sources. According to Feeding America, 1 in 5 children in the state face hunger, amounting to more than 517,000 kids. “You have a lot…
Why Wisconsin’s American Players Theatre Is Worth the Trip From Cincinnati
For the past several summers, I have traveled to an array of summertime theaters and reported back to CityBeat readers about what I’ve seen, encouraging them to travel elsewhere for some worthy entertainment. I’ve visited the Stratford and Shaw festivals in Canada and the Contemporary American Theatre Festival in West Virginia. This summer, I headed…
Ghost Baby’s Creators to Open New Bar and Entertainment Concept in Downtown Cincinnati
The creators of one of Over-the-Rhine’s most recognized bars are opening a new “entertainment-led venue” in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The Academy, a creative collective that founded underground speakeasy Ghost Baby — which was recently named one of USA TODAY’s 2025 Bars of the Year — is set to open its new concept, Prim,…
Arnold’s Bar and Grill is Offering its Famous Bathtub Float Free to a Good Home
You could be the next person to own an iconic piece of Cincinnati parade history. Arnold’s is offering its famous motorized bathtub float, often seen in the annual Cincinnati Reds Opening Day and Bockfest parades or just parked outside the restaurant, free to a good home, the bar and grill said in a Facebook post…
‘It Feels Like a Betrayal.’ Ohio College Students Experiencing Effects of New Higher Education Law
Ohio college students are navigating the ramifications of the state’s new higher education law that bans diversity efforts, prohibits faculty strikes and regulates classroom discussion. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 1 into law on March 28 after it quickly passed the House and Senate earlier this year. Ohio S.B. 1 went into effect…
Ohio Democrats Buckle up for Congressional Redistricting Fight
Ohio Democrats are preparing for a congressional redistricting fight this fall, hoping to stand up to a Republican supermajority and align districts with the voter trends. Meanwhile, prominent Republicans have proposed drawing even more skewed districts. The redistricting process that starts next month in Ohio is different from the fights in Texas and other states,…
Cincinnati’s Longbottom Bird Rescue to Kick Off Annual Birds & Brews Tour
If you want to meet some pretty “ducking” awesome birds and learn more about local efforts to save them, here’s your chance: local waterfowl rescue and rehabilitation farm Longbottom Bird Rescue announced its plans for its annual Birds & Brews tour across the region. This is the third year for Longbottom’s Birds & Brews, a…
Findlay Market Restaurant French Crust to Close
A French restaurant at Findlay Market is closing its doors for good. Annette de Cavel, current owner of the de Cavel Group and the widow of one of Cincinnati’s most celebrated chefs, Jean-Robert de Cavel, announced Friday that she will be closing the French Crust Café & Bistro after this weekend. The French Crust was…
Kings Island Hints at What May Replace Boo Blasters Ride
Earlier in August, Kings Island announced that it was permanently shutting down its interactive dark ride, Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, to make way for future development. Now, the Greater Cincinnati amusement park is dropping hints at what may come next. On social media Thursday, Kings Island dropped a teaser video featuring a security guard…
Ohio U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno Brushes off Boos at City Club of Cleveland
Ohio voters gave Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno a harsh welcome Wednesday during an appearance at The City Club of Cleveland. Unruffled, Moreno defended Republican policy and painted the Trump administration in glowing terms. “He should, and probably will, end up getting the Nobel Peace Prize,” Moreno said of the president. “Those are just facts”…
Ohioans Ask Gov. DeWine to Recall National Guard Troops Recently Sent to Washington D.C.
Ohio advocates are calling on Gov. Mike DeWine to bring home the Ohio National Guard troops recently deployed to Washington D.C. President Donald Trump said on Aug. 11 he would send National Guard troops to Washington D.C. to crack down on crime and Ohio is one of six states that has so far sent troops…
Not Just Nostalgia: Styx, Kevin Cronin and Don Felder Still Bring the Fire
In the week leading up to “The Brotherhood of Rock” tour stop at Riverbend on Aug. 19, I gave many folks pause at my rudimentary knowledge of The Eagles, REO Speedwagon and Styx. I’m not an expert, but nor am I your everyday 20-something who wears t-shirts without having listened to a single note of…
Fairfield Police, ICE Arrest 34 in Targeted Operation at Latin Nightclub
The Fairfield Police Department says 34 people were arrested at a nightclub during an operation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a Thursday press release. The arrests happened on Saturday in collaboration with Butler County Sheriff’s deputies and ICE at the Sabor Peruano Night Club on Dixie Highway, according to FPD. Facebook accounts…
As Trump Tariffs Gyrate, Economists Say the Impact on Ohio is Murky
President Donald Trump has imposed massive tariffs on U.S. trading partners and threatened many more. Several economists said last week that it’s difficult at this point to predict their impact on the economies of Ohio and other states. But they did say that the tariffs will raise prices for consumers. They added that the unpredictability…
Anti-Abortion Facilities Get Ohio Grants as Funding for Other Women’s Health Facilities Slashed
As some Ohio women’s health facilities square with federal budget cuts and a new effort to cut funds at the state level, anti-abortion pregnancy resource centers are receiving millions in state grants. Even in a state with a constitutional amendment that protects the right to abortion, the difference between the facilities receiving boosts in funding…
West Side Bakeries to Close as Owners Retire
A West Side bakery is closing both its stores this fall as the owners look to retire. Regina Bakery, which owns one location in Cheviot and another in Miami Heights, will close by the end of September, according to a post from owners Tom and Robin Davis. “Baking has been more than just a business…
CPD: Downtown Brawl Victim Charged in Connection With Viral Fight
One of the victims in last month’s downtown Cincinnati brawl has been charged in connection with the fight, CPD announced Tuesday night. CPD said a 45-year-old white man has been charged with disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, in connection with the July 26 brawl near the intersection of Fourth and Elm streets. He is scheduled…
New Mural by Internationally Renowned Artist Unveiled in Walnut Hills
A new mural that marks the first collaboration between two artistic powerhouses in Cincinnati now decorates part of Walnut Hills. The mural, constellation (rumi maki), from internationally renowned Peruvian artist william córdova, can be found on the façade of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Scene Shop at 2827 Gilbert Ave. “ArtWorks is honored to welcome…
Ronald McDonald House to Raffle Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection
A popular annual charity raffle is back, and it’s giving you the chance to win an exclusive collection of bourbon while also helping sick children and their families. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) is raffling off six Pappy Van Winkle bottles of bourbon and rye worth over $15,000 this fall. Raffle tickets will…
Pick Your Own Glass Pumpkin from This Colorful Pumpkin Patch in Hocking Hills This Fall
One Hocking Hills artist’s decorative and delicate spin on the traditional pumpkin patch is returning this fall. Jack Pine Studio in Laurelville is hosting its sixth annual Glass Pumpkin Festival Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21, which will feature thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins in a variety of colors and finishes in a “patch” on the grounds of…
Ohio Gov. DeWine Sending Guard Troops to D.C. Makes Him Complicit in Trump’s Military Occupation
What Pandora’s Box has Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine opened by joining other Republican-led states in sending hundreds of reinforcement National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. to join the 800 military already mobilized on the streets of the nation’s capital? Whatever possessed the lame duck Republican governor to become complicit in Donald Trump’s authoritarian power grab…
Ohio Dems Propose Ban on Lawmakers Accepting Free or Reduced Price Pro Sports Tickets
Two Democrats want to prohibit Ohio lawmakers from accepting free or reduced-price tickets for professional sporting events. The proposal comes on the heels of state lawmakers committing $600 million to a new multi-billion-dollar stadium for the Cleveland Browns. The owners of the team, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, are major political campaign donors. State Reps. Sean…
Sound Advice: Ani DiFranco Brings Decades of DIY Feminist Folk to Cincinnati
The first sentence of the bio on Ani DiFranco’s website gets right to the point: “Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani DiFranco is the mother of the DIY movement, being one of the first artists to create her own record label in 1990.” That label, Righteous Babe, has not only released DiFranco’s 23…
Fall Arts Preview: Must-See Plays and Musicals in Cincinnati This Fall
As the days grow shorter and the weather (hopefully) cools, it’s time to make those dinner reservations and book a sitter because the fall theater season is starting. With nearly two dozen companies and almost 30 productions to choose from this autumn, there’s a musical, play or revue for every theater fan, and plenty of…
Sound Advice: Gary Clark Jr. Brings Genre-Bending Guitar Mastery to Cincinnati
So-called “guitar gods” used to dominate the rock landscape. Not so much these days. Esoteric, fleet-fingered noodlers like Polyphia’s Tim Henson just don’t possess the broader cultural juice of someone like Eddie Van Halen or even Steve Vai. Gary Clark Jr. is one of the few high-profile, contemporary guitarists to draw comparisons to the aces…
