Ensemble Theatre Celebrates 40 Years with Powerful Plays and New Musicals
For its 40th anniversary, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati will revive its production of a rock musical that redefined musicals. The 2025-2026 season also features a gripping and lyrical one-person play, a witty and heartfelt comedy and a nostalgic coming-of-age musical based on true events in Cincinnati. The upcoming season kicks off in September with a fresh…
Opinion: The Hyde Park Development Is a Mess — But it Doesn’t Have To Be
The development in Hyde Park Square has turned into a downright debacle. Currently, a development stands to be created in Hyde Park Square. This development, sought by local development group HPSRD, LLC, (comprised of PLK Communities, Loring and North Pointe), includes a seven-story, 85.5-94-foot-tall apartment building and hotel, intended to be on the south side…
Contemporary Arts Center Launches Series of Rotating Restaurant Pop-Ups
Downtown Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is bringing food back to the museum through a new series of pop-ups. CAC’s former restaurant, Fausto at the CAC, shuttered at the end of 2022. Now, CAC is partnering with local entrepreneur Rachel DesRochers, who founded Newport-based vegan cookie company Grateful Grahams and the Incubator Kitchen Collective, and…
Proposed Federal Cuts Could Severely Impact the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Proposed federal cuts could significantly hinder the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence‘s statewide efforts to help survivors. The Trump administration recently proposed a 29% cut to the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) program funding in the fiscal 2026 budget request. “OVW really is the main federal body to provide a really unique and…
Ohio Lawmakers Introduce Competing Proposal for Online Age Verification
Ohio lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are concerned about protecting minors on the internet, but how exactly to handle age verification has been a bit of challenge. Now, legislators are offering competing visions for determining an internet users’ age. One of those visions, backed by social media companies like Facebook parent company Meta,…
New Report Identifies Anti-LGBTQ+ Incidents in Ohio
Nearly 50 anti-LGBTQ incidents happened in Ohio in a year, according to a new report by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. GLAAD’s Anti-LGBTQ Extremism Reporting Tracker (ALERT) documented 932 anti-LGBTQ incidents nationwide from May 1, 2024 to May 1, 2025. A little more than half of all nationwide incidents targeted transgender and gender…
CPD: Man Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of OTR Gym Owner
Cincinnati Police have made an arrest in the fatal stabbing of an Over-the-Rhine business owner. Mordecia Black, 38, is accused of breaking into the home of 46-year-old Patrick Heringer during the early hours of June 4 and stabbing him in his neck, according to court records. CPD said officers were dispatched to the home around…
Ohio Democrats Put Forth Bills to Protect Marriage Equality and LGBTQ+ Youth, Celebrate All Loving Families
Ohio Democrats have introduced a slate of new bills to move towards LGBTQ+ equality in the Buckeye State. New bills include legislation to: Codify marriage equality in the Ohio Constitution Guarantee the rights of parents of LGBTQ+ youth Declare that “love makes a family” These proposals join previously introduced bills to ban conversion therapy and…
Ohio Senate Budget Alters the Governor’s Merit Scholarship, Ties Funds to Senate Bill 1 Compliance
The Ohio Senate’s version of the state’s two-year budget would reduce the number of students who would be eligible to receive the Governor’s Merit Scholarship and it would come with strings attached. The Governor’s Merit Scholarship currently awards the top 5% of each high school graduating class a $5,000 scholarship each year to attend an…
New App Brings Historic Sites and People of the Ohio River Underground Railroad Stops to Life
A new app is bringing the history and stories of the Underground Railroad to life. America’s River Roots Experience, Inc. — the team organizing the America’s River Roots Festival coming to Cincinnati this October to kick off the United States’ 250th anniversary — with help from the Cincinnati Museum Center and National Underground Railroad Freedom…
Multimillion-Dollar Religious Garden, 70-Foot Cross Coming to Northeastern Kentucky
On a sun-splashed Tuesday morning, former Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Jerry Lundergan, along with his wife, Charlotte, and several others, heaved shovelfuls of dirt heavenward to break ground for a multimillion-dollar religious garden and 70-foot cross at St. Patrick Cemetery. Lundergan, a well-known Lexington entrepreneur who owns several companies in the food services and hospitality…
Kent State University to Close LGBTQ Center, Women’s Center and Multicultural Center
Kent State University is closing its LGBTQ+ Center, Women’s Center and Student Multicultural Center because of a new state law banning diversity efforts that is set to take effect at the end of the month. Kent State’s LBGTQ+ Living-Learning Community will cease to exist because of Senate Bill 1 going into effect, according to a…
George Clooney to Headline Gala During AFCI Cineposium in Cincinnati
One of Cincinnati’s favorite stars will be taking part in a prestigious global film industry conference coming to the Queen City this September. In May, Film Cincinnati announced the city was selected as the host of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Cineposium, which is returning to North America for the first time in…
Over-the-Rhine’s New Cafe Continuum Invites Guests to Live in the Here and Now
There’s a new cafe open in Over-the-Rhine. Ericka Leighton-Spradlin opened her boutique, Continuum, at 1407 Vine St. in OTR 10 years ago. She’s now expanding the storefront to include a new concept, Cafe Continuum. The cafe features an assortment of small bites, pastries, coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as small housewares and a…
Wawa to Open Fairfield Location Later This Month
Fairfield will soon have its very own Wawa — the second location for the brand in both Ohio and Greater Cincinnati. On Tuesday, Wawa announced it would officially open the Fairfield store, located at 3501 Tylersville Road, on Thursday, June 26. The first Greater Cincinnati/Ohio store opened in Liberty Township at 7198 Cincinnati Dayton Road…
Best Online Casinos and Gambling Sites U.S. June 2025
With the evident massive strides in the development and adaptability of online casinos and gambling sites in the U.S.A., finding a trustworthy and enjoyable platform has proven challenging for many. This is especially true considering the varying regulations governing the different states. In realization of this, our team spent countless hours testing and reviewing several…
Sen by Kiki Celebrates Grand Opening in New Findlay Market Storefront
On Tuesday, Sen by Kiki, owned by James Beard-nominated chef Hideki Harada, celebrated its grand opening in a new storefront space at Findlay Market. Opened inside the Findlay Market House in 2022, Sen by Kiki offers sushi-grade seafood, oysters shucked to order and Asian pantry staples. Following the retirement of Barb and Tim Heist, who…
Kentucky Mother Sues State Agency Over Alleged Violation of Adopted Daughter’s Privacy
A Kentucky mother says after she asked the state to help her manage her adopted daughter’s “severe” behavioral issues, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services sent letters to the child’s birth parents and others, asking them to take her in. Jennifer Nelson filed a lawsuit in Caldwell Circuit Court last week, saying the state…
Many Unaware of Threats to Ohio Medicaid, Advocates Say
As threats build to Medicaid, the federal-state health program for the poor, even many Ohioans who stand to be affected don’t know it, advocates said Saturday. Dozens gathered on the west lawn of the Ohio Statehouse to raise awareness that a massive spending bill passed by Republicans in Congress could end up ending health care…
Concours d’Elegance Car Show Returns This Weekend to Showcase Icons of British Motoring
The crème de la crème of cars and motorcycles will be on display this weekend for the 47th annual Concours d’Elegance in Ault Park. Concours d’Elegance is a nationally recognized event that highlights North America’s premier collector automobiles and motorcycles and brings in automotive enthusiasts of all ages. The event will take place from 10…
New Hawaiian Restaurant Set to Open Near Ziegler Park This Week
A new Hawaiian tiki bar and grill concept is set to open just steps from Ziegler Park and its pool in Over-the-Rhine this week. Located at 213 Woodward St., 10th Island is Poco Moco Restaurant Group’s second concept. The restaurant group, co-owned and founded by Vincente and Elena Benedett, also owns Onolicious on Court Street…
Braxton Brewing Co. Acquires Factory 52’s Hi-Wire Brewing
A Northern Kentucky-based brewery has acquired Factory 52’s resident brewery in a move that both parties call mutually beneficial for future growth. As of Monday, Hi-Wire Brewing in Norwood’s Factory 52 is officially now a Braxton Brewing Co. location. The Asheville, North Carolina-based Hi-Wire says after Hurricane Helene heavily damaged its headquarters, flagship taproom and…
Kentucky ACLU Drops Challenge to Abortion Law
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky has voluntarily dropped a challenge to the state’s abortion restrictions. The Friday dismissal comes about six months after the chapter filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Louisville woman who, at the time, was pregnant and seeking an abortion. The woman, identified by the pseudonym Mary Poe, later…
Bad Bet: Religious, Mental Health Groups Reject Online Gambling Expansion in Ohio
A proposal in the Ohio Senate would expand online gaming to include casino games, lottery and horse betting. Similar legislation is working through the Ohio House, too. But dramatically expanding the scope and availability of gaming has drawn a wide array of critics. Between charging operators at least $50 million in licensing fees and imposing…
Northern Row Brewery & Distillery to Release Its First-Ever Bourbon This June
An Over-the-Rhine distillery and brewery best known for its gins and beers is branching out into bourbon for the first time. On Friday, June 14, also National Bourbon Day, Northern Liberties Whiskey Co., produced and bottled by Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, will officially release its first bourbon. The brand’s name was inspired by the…
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park Unveils New Immersive Audio Experience, ‘Soundscapes’
A new sound-based exhibit meant to more deeply connect visitors to art and nature is coming to Hamilton’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Soundscapes at Pyramid Hill is designed to transform visitors’ experiences into a multisensory adventure through six original audio experiences inspired by the park and its museum. The exhibit opens Friday, June 20 and…
DOGE Cuts to Science Will Impact Ohio, Students
Earlier this month, over a thousand of the brightest young minds on our planet converged on Columbus, Ohio, for the International Science Fair. It was a special moment for me because I competed at the event as a high school senior, and that experience played a role in launching my physics career. To give back…
An Ohio Court Passed Rules Barring ICE Arrests. A State Senator Wants to Scrap Them
In March, Franklin County, Ohio judges passed a pair of local rules barring immigration arrests at the county courthouse. A new measure in the state Senate aims to invalidate such restrictions statewide. After President Trump took office, his administration quickly issued guidance giving Immigration and Customs Enforcement the greenlight to make arrests in or near…
Cincinnati City Council to Vote on New LGBTQIA+ Commission
Weeks into the upcoming Pride Month, the Cincinnati City Council Healthy Neighborhoods Committee will vote on the creation of the city’s first LGBTQIA+ Commission, with the purpose of addressing community concerns and inequality. This commission, the first-known of its kind in Ohio, will assist the mayor, council and city administrators “in their review of policies…
Survey Says Cincinnati Bengals Have One of the Least-Committed Fan Bases
Cincinnati Bengals fans can’t catch a break. First, our team has never won a Super Bowl — even after appearing at the Big Game three times — next we’re voted one of the most annoying fan bases, and now? A new survey is ranking Bengals fans as one of the least-committed fan bases in the…
MEMI Announces Name of New State-of-the-Art Music Venue in Anderson Township
Cincinnati’s next big music venue now has a name after a big donation. MEMI, a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) that manages live entertainment venues, including Riverbend Music Center and the Andrew J Brady Music Center, announced Thursday that its new state-of-the-art music and entertainment venue being built on the site of the…
Gun Safety Group Says UofL Student Lied About Surviving High School Shooting
Everytown for Gun Safety says a man who spoke at a February rally for gun safety it helped organize in Frankfort lied about his experience surviving a school shooting. The event, which the Kentucky Lantern and other media outlets covered, happened Feb. 12 in the Kentucky State Capitol. Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action…
Opponents Warn of Harm to Eligible Voters if Ohio Lawmakers Require Citizenship Documents
Ohio senators are considering a plan to require voters to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. In a hearing this week, more than a dozen organizers and activists argued the bill’s stringent requirements would wind up disenfranchising eligible voters. There is still no evidence of widespread voter fraud, despite Republicans warning for years…
Trump Pardons P.G. Sittenfeld, Ex-Cincinnati Councilmember Convicted of Bribery
President Donald Trump has pardoned former Cincinnati City Councilmember P.G. Sittenfeld, according to CNN. Sittenfeld was convicted in 2022 on two counts related to accepting $20,000 in campaign contributions in exchange for his assistance with a development project for the former Convention Place Mall in downtown Cincinnati. Sittenfeld was sentenced to 16 months in prison, and his…
Private Firm Praises Evendale Police Handling of Nazi Demonstration, Offers Recommendations
The city of Evendale has released an independent report examining law enforcement’s response to the Feb. 7 neo-Nazi demonstration outside Lincoln Heights. Independent consulting firm 21CP Solutions released their findings Wednesday, which largely backed up the officers’ handling of the neo-Nazis and counter-protester backlash. Keep scrolling to read the full report. During this demonstration last…
The Green Door is Greater Cincinnati’s First-Ever Dry Cannabis Bar
A new kind of bar with high vibes is now open in Northern Kentucky. The Green Door is Greater Cincinnati’s first cannabis-infused dry bar, offering an alcohol-free experience with handcrafted THC mocktails, kava infusions and adaptogenic spritzers, as well as THC-free options. The bar was created by the team behind Kentucky Botanicals Co. and is…
Wes Pence Connects the Dot.Dot.Dot.s as a Tribute to R.E.M.
Music fandom takes on many forms. There’s the completist who collects every note of a band’s recorded legacy or the obsessive tour-follower who boasts dozens of live experiences or the religious zealot who constructs a devotional shrine to the object of their worship consisting of buttons, stickers, bobbleheads, bandanas, ticket stubs and any other ephemera/detritus…
The Iconic ‘Cincinnati’ Convention Center Sign is Getting a High-Tech Glow-Up
Cincinnati’s hallmark LED sign is getting a makeover alongside the Duke Energy Convention Center on which it hangs. The 17-year-old “Cincinnati” sign is being upgraded as part of the reimagination and modernization of the convention center, which has been closed since the summer of 2024 to undergo renovations. The project’s design team, Moody Nolan and…
Ohio Missing Persons Working Group Makes 18 Recommendations to Better Investigate Cases
The Ohio Missing Persons Working Group has made 18 recommendations to lawmakers, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and various statewide agencies to better investigate missing persons cases. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine created the 24-member working group in January after The Columbus Dispatch published a series last year about how police handle missing persons cases. The…
Hundreds Push Back Against Bill Prohibiting Foreign Nationals From Buying Property in Ohio
An Ohio Senate committee heard from opponents Tuesday of a measure placing restrictions on foreign ownership of land. The sponsors argue keeping foreign governments — particularly China — at least 25 miles from military installations and critical infrastructure is a matter of national security. But opponents contend the bill casts too broad a net, wrapping…
Sound Advice: Brent Cobb Brings Ain’t Rocked in a While Tour to Newport
With his eclectic recordings encompassing country, gospel and folk through six records of evocative roots music, Brent Cobb decided it was high time to pick up the electric guitar. The Ellaville, Georgia, singer-songwriter is releasing Ain’t Rocked in a While, his seventh record, this summer — and the punchy title understates his intent. It’s also…
Review: My Honda Civic and I Find Acceptance at Cars & Coffee
I can talk at length about my Honda Civic — its reliability, its value, its sleek but subtle design. But I’d be hard-pressed to elaborate on anything beyond my car’s surface level. I’m not a car person — never was and, most likely, never will be. Despite radiating Honda energy, I personally don’t see cars…
Sound Advice: Steve Earle Celebrates 50 Years with Show at Ludlow Garage
On July 6, country rock singer-songwriter Steve Earle will be bringing his “Fifty Years of Songs and Stories” tour to Ludlow Garage. Marking 50 years since Earle moved to Nashville, these shows aim to be a stripped-down, solo showcase of popular classics like “Copperhead Road,” as well as some of Earle’s more political songs. Between…
The Cincinnati Opera’s 105th Anniversary Series Sizzles with Passion
Cincinnati Opera kicks off its 105th season with passion, drama and timeless music. The lineup features two iconic Italian operas — Verdi’s Rigoletto, a tale of love, lust and revenge, and Puccini’s Tosca, a high-stakes story of power and sacrifice backed by one of Puccini’s most stirring scores. Rounding out the season is Fiddler on…
Sound Advice: Blonde Redhead to Headline Woodward Theater with Squirrel Flower
Soon after the announcement of their eleventh album, The Shadow of the Guest, Blonde Redhead will be making a stop at the Woodward Theater in early June. The Shadow of the Guest is a reimagining of their previous record, 2023’s Sit Down for Dinner, and includes renditions of songs ranging from a mariachi-inspired take on…
David Spade Talks Local Connection and More Ahead of Cincinnati Performance
In what is sure to be a highlight of the summer, David Spade makes an appearance at the Taft Theatre on Sunday, June 8. Fresh off the release of his new special, Dandelion, out on Amazon Prime, Spade will be making a stop in Cincinnati for his upcoming “I Got A Feel For It” tour,…
Marriage Equality, 10 Years Later: Obergefell Unsettled and Under Pressure
On June 26, 2015, exhilarated crowds gathered from outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., to Downtown Cincinnati. Rainbow flags flew as word spread, network news broke into programming and phones lit up: same-sex marriage was now legal nationwide. In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that the Constitution guarantees…
Sound Advice: Alison Krauss Brings Long-Awaited Tour to Riverbend
Grammy-winning recording artist Alison Krauss will be stopping in Cincinnati with Union Station, touring behind their latest album – and first in fourteen years – Arcadia. Krauss has stayed plenty busy in the interim, recording the wildly successful and award-sweeping record Raising Sand with rock royalty Robert Plant, who she collaborated with once more for…
Virginia Woolf Novel Inspires New Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Musical
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s final production of the 2024-25 season (May 23-June 15) is a world premiere musical, Mrs. Dalloway, based on the novel of the same name by Virginia Woolf. The story has inspired film and book adaptations, including the 1998 novel The Hours by Michael Cunningham, also adapted into a film. “There is a…
The Pride Issue: Drag Queens in the Legislative Spotlight
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the final result of a records request to Rep. Williams’ office. Rep. Josh Williams, a Republican from the Toledo area, told CityBeat he started receiving photos from his constituents that caused him alarm. “My constituents have sent me photos of what they consider borderline obscenity or…
