Cover Story
The Weird, Wild and Misunderstood Pets Living in Greater Cincinnati
Three blocks from Paycor Stadium, an African serval’s grandkitten curls up on a couch and falls asleep purring in human arms. A Russian tortoise trundles around a fenced-in yard in Amelia, accepting watermelon treats from owner Angie Tucker and check-in sniffs from her Pomeranians. And when CityBeat knocks on a door in Wyoming, 5-year-old Vera…
Former Bengals PR Director’s New Memoir Shares Journey of Coming Out as a Cross-Dresser
A former sports journalist and PR director for the Cincinnati Bengals is sharing his story of being one of the first men in the NFL to come out as LGBTQ+ in a new book, Football Sissy: A Cross-Dressing Memoir. Jack Brennan had a decades-long career reporting on teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals…
BREAKING: Ohio Court Overturns Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Trans Youth, Republicans Vow to Appeal
An Ohio court has partially overturned a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors in the state, arguing the ban violates the Health Care Freedom Amendment in the Ohio Constitution. On Tuesday, a three-judge panel on the Tenth District Court of Appeals overturned a decision by a Franklin County judge that allowed House Bill 68 to…
‘Saturday Night Live’ Star Fred Armisen is Bringing His Comedy Tour to Cincinnati
Saturday Night Live alum Fred Armisen is coming to Cincinnati this summer. The actor, comedian, producer and musician will bring his tour, “Comedy is for Musicians but Everyone is Welcome,” to the 20th Century Theater in Oakley on Wednesday, June 25. General tickets go on sale Thursday, March 20 at 10 a.m. In a review…
Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week Returns This Spring With Three-Course Meal Specials
Support local restaurants and indulge in some delicious specials for Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week this spring. Restaurant Week returns Monday-Sunday, April 7-13 with participating restaurants offering $26, $36, $46 and $56 three-course prix fixe menus. Along with meals, many restaurants will also offer seasonal-inspired cocktails made with Restaurant Week drink sponsors MadTree Brewing, Maker’s Mark, Saratoga…
Over-the-Rhine Bookstore Hosts Exhibit Featuring Celebrated Photographer Tony Mendoza’s Work
Over-the-Rhine’s Iris BookCafé and Gallery is now hosting a new exhibit featuring the work of American storyteller, internationally celebrated photographer and Cuban refugee Tony Mendoza. The exhibit, I Like to be in America: Tony Mendoza’s photo(his)stories, features a mix of photos and text, similar to Iris’ recent FotoFocus’ Biennial Backstories-themed exhibition, Afterwords Words: Looking Back…
Trump Threats Have Led to Cancelled University Events for Women and Black Alumni in Ohio
Two Ohio universities are not going forward with campus events in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter threatening university funding and resources, as well as pending legislation in the Ohio Statehouse. Ohio University canceled its annual Black Alumni Reunion, which was scheduled for April 10-13, and OU’s Lancaster campus canceled its…
Ohio Anti-Abortion Rights Lobby Files Complaint Against Company for Telehealth Abortion Services
An Ohio anti-abortion rights lobby reported a reproductive care website to the state’s Department of Health, in an attempt to address what the lobbying group called “harmful circumvention of Ohio’s laws.” Those laws have been unenforceable by court order since last year. The complaint was filed by Ohio Right to Life’s director of external and…
Opinion: The SAVE Act Will Disenfranchise Thousands of Greater Cincinnati Voters
Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana make it easy to register to vote by offering mail and online processes. Voter validation is required, and we know that voter fraud is miniscule here and everywhere. If the SAVE Act, H.R. 22, passes in Congress, online and mail registration go away. Voter registration drives, like those run by the…
Great Parks Launches Programming Series for Women Who Want to Learn Outdoor Skills
March is Women’s History Month, and Great Parks, Hamilton County’s parks system, is celebrating with the launch of a new programming series aimed at empowering women in the outdoors. The year-long series, Women in the Outdoors, starts at the end of the month with a basic compound bow archery course on Saturday, March 29. The…
Cincinnati’s The Real Taco Fest Returns to The Banks This May
An event promising to unite food lovers across Greater Cincinnati with some of the best tacos in the Queen City returns to The Banks this spring for its fourth year. The Real Taco Fest will be held Saturday, May 10 at Smale Riverfront Park in two, four-hour sessions: noon to 4 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m.…
Affordable, High-Fashion Clothing Boutique to Open in Over-the-Rhine
A new place to shop boutique-style clothing at affordable prices will soon open in Over-the-Rhine. Dayton native Amanda Logan-Athmer has signed a lease with 3CDC for the space at 1209 Vine St., where she will open a Bobbles & Lace, a women’s clothing boutique franchise based in New England. Logan-Athmer says she has always had…
Ohio Republicans Propose Citizenship Tracking with Threat of Future Budget Cuts
Two Ohio Republicans have introduced a measure directing state agencies to track the number of people they interact with who aren’t in the country legally. The bill, sponsored by state Reps. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Twp., and Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, requires an annual report from law enforcement, education and health officials among others. Backers describe it…
Marijuana Backers Criticize Ohio Bills Attempting to Change State Law
Marijuana advocates called bills to change Ohio’s weed laws “a slap in the face” to voters. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws hosted a webinar last week about two bills that are trying to change Ohio’s marijuana laws. “Whether one believes that cannabis ought to be legal or not is almost a…
How Much Do Psychics Make a Year? Latest Data for 2025
Psychics make their living by providing insights into a person’s life and advice on how to proceed in tackling life’s challenges. Because they seem to solve really complex life problems, one might think that psychics make a lot of money for their services. You may be right in making this assumption, but that doesn’t apply…
Welcome to the ICE Age: Inside Butler County’s Jail for ICE Detainees
This story is part of CityBeat’s “ICE Age” series about the Trump administration’s crackdown on community members who are undocumented. The mattress in a Butler County Jail cell for immigrant detainees slowly released air when this writer tested it out. “How is it?” the officer escort asked. “No pillows, right?” CityBeat replied. “Correct.” Apart from…
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[REVIEW] Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s ‘English’ Offers Heartfelt Discussion on Language and Identity
Our native language, whatever it might be, shapes who we are. While English is spoken around the world, it’s not universal. For people who grew up speaking another language but having aspirations beyond their nation’s borders, learning English is often both a necessity and a challenge. For some, it can be a barrier that thwarts…
Ohio Businesses Were Promised Funding for Solar but Worry the Trump Administration Won’t Pay
Wooly Pig Farm Brewery sits on a gentle rise above Highway 36 and the Tuscarawas River in Fresno, Ohio. It takes its name from the Mangalitsa pigs covered in coats of thick curly wool, that roam the pastures nearby. Kevin Ely and Jael Malenke are the husband-and-wife team that run the brewery — Ely handles the…
Ohio House Lawmakers Weigh Cryptocurrency Legislation
Ohio House lawmakers have begun hearings on cryptocurrency legislation aimed at protecting people who spend it and businesses that mine it. One bill even seeks to establish a state cryptocurrency reserve. State Rep. Steve Demetriou, R-Bainbridge Twp., is championing the effort, and describes it as a way to position Ohio as a “leader” in the…
Shuttered Cincinnati Bookstore to Reopen in Anderson Township
A former Cincinnati bookstore will reopen in Anderson Township this spring after its Northern Kentucky bookstore/vintage boutique location closed last July. Like flipping pages of a book, The Tome Bookstore is moving onto its next chapter. The shop, now reimagined as Tome Books & Novelteas, first opened in Mt. Washington in 2022 but closed the…
Adopted Son Seeks to Intervene in Bevins’ Divorce Case to Protect His Interests
Jonah Bevin, the adopted son of former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and his wife, Glenna, has filed a legal action asking to intervene in their pending divorce case, which the couple told the court this week they are ready to settle. Now 18, Jonah — who alleges he was abandoned at age 17 by the…
Ohio Democrats Applaud DeWine’s Child Tax Credit Proposal, While Republicans Seem More Skeptical
While Ohio Democrats and Republicans praised parts of Gov. Mike DeWine’s state of the state speech, the two parties have differing views of the governor’s child tax credit proposal. Keep scrolling to watch DeWine’s state of the state speech Ohio Democrats applauded in the House chamber when DeWine talked about his budget proposal to create…
Survey Finds Over-the-Rhine is Among Top Creative Communities in the Country
A new survey confirms what we in Cincinnati already knew: Over-the-Rhine is one of the most creative communities in the United States. The survey from Brotherly Love Real Estate asked 3,021 respondents to name the most sought-after creative communities throughout the country. From the responses, it ranked the top 110 neighborhoods and districts, with OTR…
Reimagined Cincinnati Reds-Themed Art Show Returns to Covington
Soon, Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park will once again come alive with the sounds of baseballs cracking against bats, cheering crowds and cries of “Popcorn! Peanuts!” as the start of the 2025 baseball season begins. The Cincinnati Reds’ Opening Day will be Thursday, March 27 as the Reds take on the San Francisco Giants. But…
Inside the Cincinnati Ballet’s 2025-26 Season
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly supported by live orchestral accompaniment. The company has announced its 2025-2026 season, with an array of works that showcase the company’s versatility. The Kaplan New Works Series…
Skyline Chili is Bringing Back its Green Way for St. Patrick’s Day
You’ve heard of green beer on St. Patrick’s Day, now get ready for the return of a truly Cincinnati take on the tradition. On Sunday, March 16 and Monday, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day, of course — Skyline Chili will be bringing back its special “Green Way,” a 3-, 4- or 5-Way with shamrock…
Senators Consider Funds for County Prosecutors, Eliminating Rape Kit Backlog
State involvement in local investigations took center stage, with senators contemplating bills that sought to eliminate the state’s backlog of rape kits as well as an effort that could help counties with legal costs but erode local prosecutor discretion. Neither bill advanced Tuesday because amendments are still being drafted. Rep. Becky Cash, who authored House…
More Than 700 People Submitted Opponent Testimony Against Controversial Ohio Higher Education Bill
More than 700 college students, faculty and staff submitted opponent testimony against a massive Ohio higher education bill that would significantly change colleges and universities. Fourteen people testified against Ohio Senate Bill 1 for three hours during the Ohio House Higher Education and Workforce Committee meeting Tuesday morning. Committee Chair Tom Young, R-Washington Twp., enforced…
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[REVIEW] Daniel Donato’s ‘Cosmic Country’ Takes Taft Theatre
This past Friday night, a new wave of country and jam fusion music took a historic downtown theater by storm. Daniel Donato and his self-branded “Cosmic Country” music took the main stage at Taft Theatre and brought in thousands of his best-dressed fans. The band features the frontman, Donato, on his electric guitar, as well…
Snoop Dogg to Perform Post-Game Concert at Great American Ball Park This Summer
Get ready to drop it like it’s hot and sip that gin and juice, Cincinnati, because Snoop D-O-Double G himself is coming to Cincinnati this summer. The legendary rapper and hip hop icon will perform at Great American Ball Park on Monday, Aug. 11 after the Cincinnati Reds take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Snoop Dogg…
Mad Musk, Fury Road: Trump and the Billionaire Chainsawing Government Enrage Ohioans
The fury is building. From the bottom up. It is palpable. People who never joined any protest before are showing up angry. At the Ohio Statehouse. At townhalls. At lawmakers’ offices. Wherever J.D. Vance goes. Somebody has to bring the heat. Demonstrators with handmade signs and simmering rage are standing up and speaking out. Everyday…
‘At Rock Bottom.’ Ohio Pharmacy Leader Says Walgreens Sale Might be a Good Sign
Alarms in Ohio and beyond went up Thursday when pharmacy retailer Walgreens announced that it was selling itself to the private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The nation’s second-largest pharmacy chain was already in the process of closing thousands of underperforming stores, adding to mass closures in Ohio and nationwide. Private equity firms are known for…
Big Boy Opening Two Dolly’s Burgers and Shakes Locations in Greater Cincinnati This Week
Big Boy Restaurant Group will reopen two Greater Cincinnati Frisch’s restaurants this week under new branding. Dolly’s Burgers and Shakes, the working name of the restaurant, opened in the former Blue Ash Frisch’s location at 9070 Plainfield Road Monday, giving away free Signature Burgers to the first 50 drive-thru guests starting at 11 a.m. The…
Cyndi Lauper to Bring Her Farewell Tour to Cincinnati This Summer
‘80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper is performing around the country one last time on her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. On Monday, Lauper announced the final leg of this year-long tour, which includes a stop in Cincinnati this July. The Grammy, Emmy and Tony award-winning singer will visit Riverbend Music Center on Tuesday,…
Trump’s Death Penalty Push Faces Resistance in Some Red States
Even as President Donald Trump and other national Republican leaders push to expand the use of capital punishment, some GOP-led states are moving in the opposite direction. In an executive order he signed his first day in office, Trump directed the U.S. attorney general to seek the death penalty “for all crimes of a severity demanding…
Ohio Has Near-Universal School Vouchers, But 10 Counties Have No Private Schools
Despite the expansion of near-universal school vouchers in Ohio, students in some counties don’t have the option to attend a private school. Ten of Ohio’s 88 counties have no private schools during the 2025 fiscal year, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “There are a lot of rural areas in the state…
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[REVIEW] MJ Lenderman and the Wind Blow into Lexington for Two Nights of Sold-Out Shows
Whatever you want to classify him as (indie rock, slacker rock, alt-country, etc.), there’s no doubt MJ Lenderman is one of the most exciting new rock artists in recent memory. With the overwhelming success of his fourth studio album, Manning Fireworks, released in the fall of last year, the 2025 winter tour for MJ Lenderman…
Ohio Budget Must Include Support for Child Care Access and Workers, Advocates Say
Child care must be a priority in the next Ohio state operating budget, advocates told a legislative committee considering the state’s spending on child wellbeing, saying that a proper system would bring benefits not only for the kids, but for the state as a whole. “Child care is the industry that allows all other work…
Ohio House Republicans Introduce Their Own Proposal to Rewrite State’s Recreational Marijuana Law
A week after Ohio Senate Republicans passed a bill that would overhaul the state’s marijuana law, Ohio House Republicans introduced their own proposal. Their version would keep home grow and tax levels the same, but reduce THC levels and redirect most of the tax revenue. State Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, introduced Ohio House Bill 160 during…
How Much Do Psychics Cost? A Full Price Breakdown
When people think of a psychic, they usually imagine the image of a fortune teller or palm reader. Yet there are many types of psychics, such as astrologers, mediums, and tarot card readers, each offering unique skills and specialized services. However, no matter which type of psychic you visit, one question lingers in most people’s…
Free Psychic Reading in 2025: Where to Get the Best One?
Old schoolers say, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” But there are “lunch specials.” They’re not free, but you do get more for less. It’s the same with a free psychic reading online. You’re still paying something, but free and discounted minutes are nice, especially when it leads to peace of mind regarding…
Refresh Your Wardrobe at the First-Ever Cincy Closet Swap This Weekend
If you have clothes sitting in your closet taking up space, head to the Cincy Closet Swap at the Tupelo’s Social Club at HighGrain Brewing’s Brentwood location Sunday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and refresh your style. The first-ever Cincy Closet Swap has a simple goal of connecting the community through this…
Matt Patricia’s Step into College Football’s Modern Era
Football is experiencing a transformative moment. The boundaries between professional and collegiate athletics are dissolving, creating unprecedented opportunities for innovative and seasoned coaches like Matt Patricia. With only 32 NFL head coaching positions in existence, the most strategic minds are discovering that the future of football might lie beyond the professional leagues. Matt Patricia’s journey…
Bill Expanding ‘Ethnic Intimidation,’ Defining Antisemitism in Ohio Reemerges at Statehouse
An Ohio Senate Republican has reintroduced a bill to expand criminal charges of “ethnic intimidation” and define antisemitism in state law, aligning the definition with a previous executive order by Gov. Mike DeWine. State Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, brought Ohio Senate Bill 87 to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. He said one of the…
‘The Bill is Very Racist.’ Ohio House Democrats Question Republican Senator on His Higher Ed Bill
Ohio Democrats peppered Republican state Sen. Jerry Cirino with questions over his higher education overhaul bill this week. The bill would ban faculty strikes and diversity efforts on campus, as well as set rules around classroom discussion. One Democratic lawmaker called the bill racist. Cirino gave sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 1 Tuesday afternoon during the…
A Total Lunar Eclipse Will Take Over Cincinnati’s Skies This Month
You’ll want to set your alarms for this: Cincinnati (and the rest of America) are going to be treated to a show in the night sky this month. A total lunar eclipse will be visible Friday, March 14, starting in the wee hours of the morning. According to Cincinnati astronomer Dean Regas, a partial eclipse…
Sound Advice: The Dollyrots Bring Punk Rock and Family Values to Southgate House Revival
Husband and wife Luis Cabezas and Kelly Ogden have made their mark on the punk rock genre throughout the past 20 years as The Dollyrots. Combining classic pop-punk music with candy-coated and humorous dispositions in their lyrics and transforming their careers into a family affair is what sets this band apart from the rest. The…
Sound Advice: The Driver Era’s ‘Obsession Tour’ Hits Cincy Soon
The Driver Era, the musical duo made up of brothers Rocky and Ross Lynch, is making a stop at the Andrew J Brady Music Center on their “Obsession Tour” this month, bringing their groovy sound and thrilling performance style along for the ride. The two are no strangers to the music industry, as they started…
Sound Advice: Town Mountain Brings Roots and Rock to Cincinnati
With Asheville, North Carolina’s recent once-in-a-generation hurricane flood damage, the city has slowly been digging itself out and rebuilding. Known for its popular arts and foodie culture, Asheville revels in its local music scene — one of its most celebrated bands is Town Mountain, a hot roots outfit now touring the Midwest, including a Cincinnati…
Sound Advice: Cincinnati Musician Jess Lamb Curates International Women’s Day Show
On March 8, Jess Lamb will bring her musical talents, powerful presence and ambitious artistic vision to Radio Artifact in Northside. Celebrating International Women’s Day, Jess has curated an event that will not only feature her iconic voice and music, but also many of the female artists who make up her indie music label, City…
Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Sam Hubbard Announces Retirement
It’s the end of an era for the Bengals as the “Cincinnati Kid” announces his retirement. Defensive end Sam Hubbard, 29, made the announcement on Instagram Wednesday that he would be retiring after seven years of playing in the NFL, every season with the Bengals. “In my heart, I know that I gave this game,…
Curtains Up! A Sneak Peek at Upcoming Seasons for Several Cincinnati Theater Companies
Four of Cincinnati’s theaters have announced their upcoming seasons. Here are the shows mapped out by artistic directors Bridget Leak (Know Theatre), Brian Isaac Phillips (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company) and Blake Robison (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park). Also listed are touring productions to be presented by Broadway in Cincinnati at downtown’s Aronoff Center. JULY 2025 A…
Local Ohio Public School Leaders Tell Lawmakers That Full Funding is Critical for Their Districts
Local public school leaders from all around the state filled the Ohio House Education Committee’s hearing room on Tuesday to explain to lawmakers how full state funding is critical to their districts. Christopher Edison, superintendent of Pymatuning Valley Local School District, described the pride in the district’s diversity and resilience. At the Northeast Ohio district,…
‘Students are Under Attack.’ Ohio State Students and Faculty Rally Against Controversial Bill
Hundreds of Ohio State students, faculty, staff and alumni protested against a massive bill that would dramatically change higher education across the state Tuesday afternoon. More than a dozen speakers touched on the various aspects of Ohio Senate Bill 1 during the protest, which lasted more than three hours and was organized by the Ohio…
Greater Cincinnati’s Pet Food Scene Is Growing with Fresh and Local Options
For many people, pets are family. In fact, in many homes, some pets have a higher status than their human family members. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many pet owners want the best food and treats for their furry friends. Cincinnati-area pet owners don’t have to look far; several local companies are providing nutritious and…
New Summermusik Series Features Native American and Asian Indian Artistic Responses to Water
Summermusik’s We Are One series showcases Native American and Asian Indian artistic responses to the world’s most vital natural resource. We Are One: Water runs March 21-25 with music, dance, film and presentations by area environmental and cultural groups, including two family-friendly events. Most performances are free. Featured performers include SCPA and CCM alumnus Connor…
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[REVIEW] Kawa Revolving Sushi Keeps Freshness and Fun in Rotation
I wish I could regale you with an Anthony Bourdain-esque recounting of eating the freshest nigiri amid brooding world travels. I wish I could explain how my palate was forever changed after a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market. I wish I could honestly say that I haven’t indulged in $5 sushi Wednesdays (R.I.P.) at Kroger.…
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Stages the Perfect Gloomy Season Play — ‘Macbeth’
The chill in the air isn’t the only cold coming to the city, as Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s next production, Macbeth, re-contextualizes the classic Shakespeare play through the lens of the Cold War. The fateful tale, equal parts ambition and manipulation, transports audiences to a time fraught with tension and power struggles. This powerful production features…
Bad Advice: Faking Your Death to Get Out of a Relationship
In his column, Bad Advice, writer Collin Preciado will be giving you the worst advice you’ve ever heard. Dear Collin, My girlfriend and I have been together for 14 years, but I’m looking to call it quits. I’ve been very honest with her this whole time that I don’t want to start a family with…
