Everything You Can Eat at the Panegyri Greek Festival in Finneytown This Weekend
Panegyri is back with a full-scale, Opa!-inducing event this weekend. From June 28-30, the Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Finneytown is hosting its annual celebration of Greek culture, complete with exhibits, cooking demos, live music and lots and lots of folk dancing. And food. Can’t forget the food. The full list of favorite…
Worst Month Ever: John Oliver Calls Out Cincinnati’s Housing Crisis, and 9 Other Greater Cincinnati News Stories You May Have Missed in June
Let’s face it — June was especially chock-full of grim headlines. For starters, in a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to reverse Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal protection of a patient’s right to decide to terminate a pregnancy. However, out of Cincinnati comes just a few flashes of hope, including Cincinnati City…
Cincinnati City Council Lifts Ordinance Restricting Elective Abortion Healthcare Coverage
Cincinnati City Council just passed an ordinance permitting the city to amend its health plan to include coverage of elective abortion care, but first, there were sparks over language in another reproductive-health item. Cincinnati City Council’s pro-choice resolution During the June 29 council meeting, Cincinnati City Council member Meeka Owens introduced a resolution denouncing the…
Haleh Liza Gafori to Bring Authentic, Intimate Translations of Ancient Persian Poet Rumi to Cincinnati
Rumi, the ancient and revered Persian poet, has had his work translated, diluted and misattributed in equal measure over the centuries since writing them, but Gold, a new translation collection published in March by Haleh Liza Gafori, sets right many of those wrongs. “My ear is tuned to the music of contemporary American poetry, and…
The Empanada’s Box Brings Argentinian Flavors to Covington
International travel is expensive, so the easiest way to visit Argentina is at a table loaded with empanadas and chimichurri alongside a gourd of yerba mate in The Empanada’s Box, which opened on Covington’s Pike Street in June. Empanadas – baked turnover-like hand pies stuffed with a variety of savory and sweet fillings – are extremely…
Symposium’s Three Bars Nestle into East Walnut Hills With Avian-Inspired Cocktails and ‘American Tapas’
A new wine bar and cafe has entered the East Walnut Hills culinary scene, albeit with a tricky start. Symposium had a soft opening May 6 only to be closed down days later due to a leaky sink. The wine bar and cafe finally hosted its grand opening on May 11, and as co-owner J.…
England’s China Crisis Discusses Their Enduring Legacy Ahead of Cincinnati Show
Although ’80s synth pop icons China Crisis never broke out in America, they were one of the hottest new wave commodities to emerge from the Liverpool scene. The group earned gold records and charted 10 hit singles in Great Britain and a number of other countries, including their lone top 10 smash, “Wishful Thinking,” in…
Cincinnati Opera’s ‘Fierce’ and ‘Castor and Patience’ Give Voice to Underrepresented Stories
Two world premieres originally scheduled for Cincinnati Opera’s 2020 centennial season will make their delayed debuts in July. On July 6, 9 and 10, Fierce will feature a score by Cincinnati native and renowned pianist William Menefield and libretto by novelist Sheila Williams. Later, Castor and Patience will mark the debut of award-winning 2017-2019 U.S.…
Death Cab for Cutie to Kick Off North American Tour in Cincinnati Next Week
Has it really been 25 years since Death Cab for Cutie surfaced out of the Pacific Northwest? President Bill Clinton was beginning his second term and the Internet was not yet pervasive when singer/songwriter Ben Gibbard formed what would become an enduring outlet for his tuneful brand of indie rock marked by lyrics at once…
A New Book Revisits Cincinnati Artist Charley Harper’s Impressive Catalog of Work
As new generations continue to rediscover Midcentury Modernism as a beloved art, architectural and design style, the following for Cincinnati-based Charley Harper seemingly is on an indefinite spike. Harper, who eventually landed in Cincinnati but was raised in West Virginia, created paintings, prints and illustrations that frequently stylized their nature-related subjects by deemphasizing depth and…
Barenaked Ladies, Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket to Hit Nostalgic Sweet Spot at Upcoming Cincinnati Show
Summer is the time for nostalgia acts, and for good reason. Who doesn’t love reminiscing about good times at the park or the beach while the bands that provided the soundtracks are literally right there? The upcoming show at Riverbend is pretty much made for that. Alt-pop acts Barenaked Ladies, Gin Blossoms and Toad the…
Aborted: After Roe v. Wade’s Reversal, Ohio’s Abortion Ban Will Cause a Cascade of Legal, Health and Social Problems
In a landmark decision on June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal protection of a patient’s right to decide to terminate a pregnancy. In the decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Justice Samuel Alito follows the same language and logic he’d written in the leaked…
Abortion in Ohio, Part 1: This Is Where Abortion Currently Stands
This story is part of CityBeat’s and Cleveland Scene’s feature package about what the June 24 reversal of Roe v. Wade means in Ohio. Read more stories in our abortion series. What is an abortion? The Cleveland Clinic defines abortion using two separate methods for the procedure: medication abortion and surgical abortion. The clinic’s definitions…
Abortion in Ohio, Part 2: Even More Legal Rights Are on the Chopping Block
This story is part of CityBeat’s and Cleveland Scene’s feature package about what the June 24 reversal of Roe v. Wade means in Ohio. Read more stories in our abortion series. As the United States wraps up Pride month and Juneteenth celebrations, there are questions about how the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision on abortion…
Abortion in Ohio, Part 3: District Maps and Ballot Seats Continue to Shape Abortion Laws
This story is part of CityBeat’s and Cleveland Scene’s feature package about what the June 24 reversal of Roe v. Wade means in Ohio. Read more stories in our abortion series. As noted earlier in this series, many Ohioans and most Americans want abortion care to remain in place. But the likelihood of an all-out…
Abortion in Ohio, Part 4: Statewide Abortion Bans Will Lead to Bleeding, Infection, Even Death
This story is part of CityBeat’s and Cleveland Scene’s feature package about what the June 24 reversal of Roe v. Wade means in Ohio. Read more stories in our abortion series. Dr. David Burkons remembers how his classmates got abortion care when he attended The Ohio State University in Columbus in the 1960s. “There was…
Abortion in Ohio, Part 5: Already-Disadvantaged Ohioans Are Poised to Suffer Disproportionately from an Abortion Ban
This story is part of CityBeat’s and Cleveland Scene’s feature package about what the June 24 reversal of Roe v. Wade means in Ohio. Read more stories in our abortion series. In April, the Ohio Policy Evaluation Network (OPEN) found that Ohioans seeking a surgical abortion would have to travel up to 339 miles if…
Abortion in Ohio, Part 6: With an Abortion Ban in Place, Ohio’s Attempts to Court Large Companies May Stall
This story is part of CityBeat’s and Cleveland Scene’s feature package about what the June 24 reversal of Roe v. Wade means in Ohio. Read more stories in our abortion series. In recent months, Ohio has put on a full-press campaign through JobsOhio, the state’s quasi-public economic development agency, to lure companies to the state.…
How to Keep Your Dog Safe This 4th of July, According to Cincinnati Animal CARE
Fourth of July fireworks may be fun for people, but for dogs? Not so much. Not only are these festive explosions loud — which can be scary for dogs — but the associated activity around July 4 celebrations also contributes to an influx of missing dogs. “More pets go missing during the July 4th weekend…
Cincinnati Metro to Offer Free Rides on 10 Weekends Through Labor Day
Gas prices, much like seasonal temperatures, are higher than ever. In a goodwill gesture to lessen the financial burden Cincinnatians face at the pumps, the Cincinnati Metro is again offering free rides every Saturday and Sunday between July 2 and Sept. 4 as part of their “Dump the Pump Summer Weekends” program. “We saw such…
University of Cincinnati to Remove ‘McMicken’ Name from All Buildings and Spaces
The name of a man who owned enslaved people and willed his land to the city for the creation of a college “for the education of white boys and girls” has been stricken from the University of Cincinnati campus. On June 28, UC’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to remove Charles McMicken’s moniker from buildings and…
Chipotle Launches New Bowl with Cincinnati Soccer Star Rose Lavelle
If you’ve ever wanted to eat like a soccer star, now you can. Chipotle has announced it will be releasing two special bowls inspired by members of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), including Cincinnati’s own Rose Lavelle. The “Rose Lavelle Bowl” launches on July 1 and will be available for a limited time via…
Frisch’s Big Boy Adds Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs to the Menu for a Limited Time
Starting July 1, Cincinnati-based Frisch’s Big Boy will have Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs on the menu. The partnership comes in celebration of National Hot Dog Month and Nathan’s annual hot-dog-eating contest on July 4, as well as the local diner chain’s anniversary. “This is an exciting year for Frisch’s as we celebrate our 75th anniversary,…
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, Columbus City Attorney Pledge Not to Enforce Abortion Bans
Local legal officials say they and other city attorneys and county prosecutors in the U.S. will not make abortion ban enforcement a priority. Zach Klein, city attorney for the city of Columbus, and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley signed on with more than 75 other prosecutors throughout the country, pledging not to use their offices’…
Procter & Gamble Joins Other Cincinnati and Ohio Companies Providing Abortion Travel Funds
Another Cincinnati institution is trying to make accessing reproductive health resources a little easier. In a June 28 statement, Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble says it will provide travel resources to employees seeking “a broad range of medical care.” While the corporation does not specify abortion in the release, P&G does mention the U.S. Supreme Court’s…
Cincinnati City Council Tees Up 2023 Budget Year, Prepares for Summer Recess
The overturning of Roe v. Wade has claimed most of the headlines in the past few days, but Cincinnati’s recently approved budget budget also features some notable news and a few broken records. Cincinnati City Council unanimously passed the budget for fiscal year 2023 on June 23. The operating budget, worth more than $470 million, will…
Cincinnati-Based Kroger Provides Funds for Abortion, Other Reproductive Healthcare
Cincinnati-based Kroger is one of several Ohio corporations making access to abortion a little easier. As Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval noted on June 27, Kroger has instituted an employee benefits package that can be used to fund travel for a variety of reproductive care, including abortion. In a statement, Kroger said that employees can take…
Kentucky Abortion Providers File Lawsuit to Block State’s ‘Trigger Ban’
Kentucky abortion providers and advocates filed a lawsuit to block the state’s abortion ban on June 27, three days after the seismic Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The ACLU, the ACLU of Kentucky and Planned Parenthood Northwest, Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky filed the lawsuit on behalf of Kentucky’s two abortion providers, which…
Guinness Cincinnati Celtic Festival is Taking Over The Banks this July
Drink beer and celebrate Celtic heritage next at The Banks. Guinness Cincinnati Celtic Festival is kicking off July 8 and festivities continue through July 10. Festival organizers say there will be “plenty of Guinness flowing, dancing and bagpipes filling the air, and baseball in the background.” There will be two stages that feature live music…
According to Instagram, Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow Is Pro-Choice
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and all-around nice guy Joe Burrow has shared another opinion about current events – or, at least, we think so. Burrow’s Instagram account is full of all kinds of football stuff – publicity shots, on-field antics, locker room peeks. But on June 27, Burrow shared something a little different that points to…
Cincinnati’s First Gin Bar ‘Fifty Fifty Gin Club’ to Open this Week
Over-the-Rhine is getting a new bar this week. From the owners of HomeMakers Bar comes Fifty Fifty Gin Club. The new spot, which will be Cincinnati’s first gin bar, per a release from GameDay PR, is inspired by “Barcelona gin bars,” plus long-time Cincinnati daytime television talk show host Ruth Lyons. “As a Cincinnati transplant…
Ohio Supreme Court Allows More Statehouse Candidates for August Primary
The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled against the state secretary of state’s decision to disqualify six candidates from the Aug. 2 primary. The candidates – William DeMora, Anita Somani, Elizabeth Thien, Leronda Jackson, Bridgette Tupes and Gary Martin – all filed their candidacy at least 90 days before the August election, therefore the 4-3 majority…
Duke Energy, Other Ohio Public Utility Companies Want to Raise Home Gas and Electric Rates
Public utility companies have asked state regulators for permission to raise home gas, electric and water costs on more than 2.75 million Ohio customers. Those charges could be spread between customers of Columbia Gas, AES Ohio, Duke Energy, and Aqua Ohio. The utilities, all investor-owned, are collectively asking for another $400 million in annual charges.…
Pop-Up Sebastian Bakehouse to Open First Brick-and-Mortar Shop in Mariemont
Just five months after their very first pop-up on Jan. 2 of this year, the owners of Sebastian Bakehouse have officially secured a brick-and-mortar space. Owners Laura Kate Adelman and Randy Sebastian told CityBeat in an email that they chose the space in Mariemont due to the positive feedback they received from test marketing in…
Ohio’s ‘Heartbeat Bill’ Abortion Ban Is Now Law. Here’s What That Means
Less than an hour after it was announced that the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a motion to lift an injunction against Ohio’s “heartbeat bill.” And by Friday evening, the bill — officially called the “Human Rights and Heartbeat Protection Act” — became law. The…
New Fish and Seafood Butcher Shop ‘Sen by Kiki’ to Open in Findlay Market
Findlay Market is getting a new merchant this Thursday. Sen by Kiki is a fish and seafood butcher shop “focused on sustainably and responsibly caught seafood,” per a release from the market. The name Sen translates to “fresh” in Japanese, which harkens to the shop’s sashimi-grade seafood (meaning it can be eaten raw) and its…
Northside Rock N’ Roll Carnival Features Big Name Local Music Acts Over July 4 Weekend
Northside is once again ready to claim its title as the place to be to celebrate the Fourth of July in Cincinnati. After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the over-the-top Northside Fourth of July parade is back on July 4 and with it comes the weekend-long Northside Rock N’ Roll Carnival. This three-day festival takes place July 2-4…
Pop-Up Roller Skating Rink Coming to Downtown Cincinnati
Get ready to strap on some skates and tap into your retro roller skating-persona because Frisch’s Mobile Roller Rink is popping up on Court Street Plaza this weekend. From 4-8 p.m. July 1, noon-8 p.m. July 2 and July 3 and noon-6 p.m. July 4, the nearly 9,000-square-foot rink will offer public skating for a…
Illuminated Hot Air Balloons Light Up Coney Island During Annual Balloon Glow Celebration
Looking for some illuminating Fourth of July fun beyond a traditional fireworks show? Tethered hot air balloons will light up Moonlite Mall at Coney Island during the 22nd Balloon Glow on July 3. In addition to luminous balloons, the park will offer carnival food and games, inflatable attractions and a Rozzi’s Fireworks show over Lake…
Cincinnati Named One of the 20 Best Cities in America to Celebrate July 4
If you’re looking to celebrate the Fourth of July in a city offering the biggest bang, you could do worse than Cincinnati. According to WalletHub’s 2022 list of the “Best & Worst Places for 4th of July Celebrations,” Cincinnati is the No. 16 best place to party this Independence Day. San Francisco took home the…
Cincinnati Developing New Policies to Support City Employees Seeking Abortion, Other Healthcare
Editor’s note: Some of the people quoted in this feature frame their abortion language around “women,” meaning a sex assigned at birth. But transgender men, intersex individuals, non-binary individuals and agender individuals also receive abortion care. CityBeat will continue to explore abortion issues that affect all individuals in future stories. In light of the U.S.…
Graeter’s Ice Cream Releases Third of Five Limited-Time Bonus Flavors
Graeter’s Ice Cream has announced the third of five limited-time bonus flavors and cinnamon fans are going to love this one. The local favorite French pot ice cream maker is releasing five secret bonus flavors this year, and it has just unveiled the third: Churro. Graeter’s says that this flavor “is a delectable combination of…
Travel to Illinois, Virginia for Abortions Expected to Rise Among Kentucky Women After State Passes Trigger Ban
Low-income, rural, and women of color will be most impacted by the state’s trigger ban that has outlawed abortion in the Commonwealth. They’ll now have to travel to neighboring states where the procedure remains legal. Kentucky State Director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Tamara Weider said in general, reproductive health groups have shifted gears to…
Pentagon Spending Bill Would Expand Access to Abortion for Military Members
Democrats in Congress are pushing to increase access to abortion for members of the military, concerned a U.S. Supreme Court decision to end the constitutional right will harm troops. The U.S. House’s annual funding bill for the Defense Department would require the Pentagon to provide leave to troops and civilian employees seeking abortions. The matter…
Like Cincinnati, Columbus Sees Weekend of Protests Against Recent Reversal of ‘Roe v. Wade’
Over the weekend protesters rallied in demonstrations large and small voicing their opposition to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The Attorney General On the afternoon of Saturday, June 25, a couple dozen people gathered near the end of a sleepy street in Beechwold. Demonstrators brought bullhorns, pots and pans, even a…
12 Things to Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (June 24-26)
Friday, June 24 Selfie Museum at Glenway Crossing Shopping Center On Friday, Selfie Galaxy will open its doors at the Glenway Crossing Shopping Center in Western Hills. The new selfie spot will feature more than 20 different themes, including original artwork from local artists. Selfie Galaxy is a Black- and Latina women-owned business that prides…
New Selfie Museum Opens in Western Hills
Strike a pose! A brand new reason to fill your camera roll with selfies has arrived in Cincinnati. On Friday, June 24, Selfie Galaxy will be opening at the Glenway Crossing Shopping Center in Western Hills. The selfie center will feature over 20 different themes — including original artwork from local artists. Selfie Galaxy is…
Trigger Law Effectively Bans Abortion in Kentucky After ‘Roe v. Wade’ Reversal
As of today, abortion is effectively banned in the state of Kentucky. In a landmark decision on June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal protection of a patient’s right to decide to terminate a pregnancy. In the decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Justice…
Kentucky Activist Groups Plan Lawsuit, Rally After State’s Abortion Ban Goes into Effect
Abortion access has come to a halt in Kentucky after Friday’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. The ruling means there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion, which sets off a Kentucky “trigger law” that effectively ends abortion access in the state. Kentucky’s law, which was passed in…
Downtown Cincinnati Starbucks Becomes First in City to Unionize
As of June 23, the Starbucks at 401 Vine St. downtown is the first of the coffee mega-giant’s local stores to unionize. According to a release from Workers United Chicago & Midwest Regional Joint Board (CMRJB), which represents the Cincinnati store, the bid for union representation passed in “a landslide victory.” “These baristas were the first…
Ohio Leaders, Organizations React to Supreme Court Reversal of ‘Roe v. Wade’
Reactions from local and state leaders are rolling in after the U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade on Friday, June 24, nullifying the constitutional right to abortion care access for Americans. The Supreme Court just stripped away the fundamental right to reproductive health care. They turned their backs on generations of progress…
Ohio Abortion Bans on the Way Now That ‘Roe v. Wade’ is Overturned
Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ohio legislature is set up to move forward with abortion bans in the state. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday morning that “The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate…
Advocates: Ohio Domestic Violence Survivors’ Safety at Risk with Anti-Abortion Messaging, Action
Making pregnancy the only option for women in Ohio evokes thoughts of “reproductive coercion” for those who work with domestic violence survivors. Advocates fighting against domestic violence say the use of pregnancy-only messaging – including calling pregnancy resulting from rape an “opportunity,” as one Ohio abortion bill sponsor did – could keep Ohioans in abusive relationships. “Survivors…
U.S. Supreme Court Nullifies ‘Roe v. Wade,’ Walks Back 50 Years of Rights
In a landmark decision on June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal protection of a patient’s right to decide to terminate a pregnancy. In the decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Justice Samuel Alito follows the same language and logic written in the leaked…
Guest Commentary: Abortion Restrictions Will Affect Ohio’s Poor and Minorities Unequally
As with so many aspects of the culture wars, the American debate over abortion seems to spend little time considering what policies will actually do to the people at whom they’re aimed. Proponents of restrictions — or outright bans — believe they’re fighting to save unborn lives. But while the question of when an unborn…
Explainer: Other Legal Rights Could Be on the Chopping Block if ‘Roe v. Wade’ Falls
Editor’s Note: The U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, reversing 50 years of safe abortion care access for Americans. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas argued in his concurring opinion that the Supreme Court “should reconsider” its past rulings that codify rights to same-sex relationships, same-sex marriage, and contraception access.…
Cincinnati’s Jewish Cemeteries to be Featured on American Public Television’s ‘World’s Greatest Cemeteries’ Series
Filming begins in Cincinnati soon for a show that will feature local Jewish cemeteries. American Public Television (APT) will be coming to the Queen City next week to film an episode for the “World’s Greatest Cemeteries” series, per a release from Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati (JCGC). “World’s Greatest Cemeteries,” which is currently filming its…
Live Topgolf is Coming to Great American Ball Park this Fall
Golf fans will be able to enjoy a unique experience at Great American Ball Park in October. The traveling Topgolf Live Stadium Tour is stopping by Cincinnati Oct. 13-16. Participants will be able to tee off from the Bally Sports Club and enjoy a modified version of the typical Topgolf experience, aiming the ball at…
Downtown Saks Fifth Avenue to Permanently Close this Year
The Saks Fifth Avenue department store in downtown Cincinnati is set to close this year. Open since 1983, Saks Fifth Avenue sent an email to customers on June 22, disclosing that the store at 101 W. 5th St. would be closing by the end of 2022 with no specific closing date. “We are committed to…
Guest Commentary: Our New Republican Activist U.S. Supreme Court is Assaulting the Separation of Church and State
American politicians fear-mongering over moral and religious decline, and advocating for state sponsorship of religion, is as old as the founding of the Republic. The key original battle took place in Virginia between “Give me liberty, or give me death,” Patrick Henry, an astute political opportunist who opposed the U.S. Constitution, and the “Father of…
‘Crisis Pregnancy Centers’ Discourage Pregnancy Termination, Spread Misinformation with Funding from the State
Abortion advocates have said a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Roe v. Wade could insert confusion into an already tense reproductive environment in Ohio. But Ohioans say that confusion already exists because of “crisis pregnancy centers,” which counter abortion clinics by offering services to discourage pregnancy termination, all with the help of millions…
Ohio Ranked 6th Best State in the Country for Summer Road Trips in 2022
Vacations can be expensive, especially if you’re flying. And even though gas prices are high, many are opting for a road trip this summer. According to a study from personal finance website WalletHub, Ohio is actually a pretty good place for that summer road trip, ranking at No. 6 in the country. The study reports…
Another Round of Summer Storms Cuts Power for Duke Energy Customers in Greater Cincinnati
Several hundred Duke Energy customers woke up to no electricity after another series of summer storms swept through Greater Cincinnati on Wednesday. The June 22 storms hit fast and hard in Cincinnati, where strong winds started swirling around 4 p.m. with a hard, plump rain developing shortly after. In downtown, the initial thunderstorm raged for…
Weekly Farmers Market to Open in Camp Washington to Address Food Desert
While summer temperatures soar, one of the best things about this warm season is the variety of fresh produce offered by local farmers. Camp Washington is rolling out a new farmers market with help from Wave Pool and the Camp Washington Urban Revitalization Corporation (CWURC), set to take place at Valley Park every Thursday throughout…
Here’s What Ohio’s New Fireworks Law Means for You — and Your July 4 Party
Looking to make a big boom at your Fourth of July party this year? Now you can — legally — thanks to a new state law that goes into effect in July. Starting July 1, 2022, Ohio House Bill 172 will allow people to set off consumer-grade fireworks on private property on select holidays each…
Spin Doctors Headline Taps, Tastes and Tunes July 4 Festival in West Chester
Nothing says summer quite like you favorite nostalgia act headlining a local festival. This Fourth of July weekend, 1990s two-hit wonders the Spin Doctors — known for still-radio-friendly tunes “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” — play West Chester’s Taps, Tastes and Tunes Festival. From July 1-3, the Voice of America Museum at…
Everything to Know About the Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival this Weekend
While the Queen City has been celebrating Pride month throughout June, the official Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival kicks off this weekend. The return of the first in-person Cincinnati Pride Parade since COVID hit in 2020 will begin June 25 at 11 a.m. at 7th and Plum Streets. It will then move down Vine Street…
Watch: Cincinnati Zoo’s Baby Cheetah Rozi Meets Her Puppy Companion for the First Time
It wasn’t necessarily a meet-cute, but it was a cute meeting when the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s new cheetah cub Rozi was introduced to her puppy companion, Daisy. The zoo shared an adorable video on social media of the petite duo’s first encounter, showing Rozi looking slightly wary of the playful, yipping Daisy. In…
Glee’s Alex Newell Discusses Chosen Family, Faith and More Ahead of Headlining Gig at Cincinnati Pride Festival
Ten years ago, Alex Newell (he/she/they) attended Pride in San Diego. It was his first Pride event, and he was there to perform. The star, known then for his role as Unique Adams on Glee, took to the stage in bold red leggings and chunky studded heels. In one YouTube upload from that day, Newell…
Burnout, Inadequate Pay Plague Ohio’s Victim Services Workforce
Ohioans who work, day in and day out, with some of the most vulnerable populations are struggling with major burnout, according to new data. Program directors and staff in the Ohio Victim Services Compensation 2022 survey reported they don’t earn what they see as a living wage, and 45% of staff said their salaries don’t cover…
Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center Host After-Hours Pride Parties This Weekend
The Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival takes place this Saturday, and two local art institutions are hosting themed pre-parties this final Friday in preparation. Art After Dark brings drinks, DJs and dancing to the Cincinnati Art Museum the last Friday of the month. From 5-9 p.m. June 24, the museum is celebrating Pride with a…
Ohio Economists: Child Tax Credit Would be a Boon
It would be great for Ohio children and the overall economy if Ohio were to implement child tax credits similar to the federal ones that expired at the beginning of the year. That was the overwhelming consensus in a survey published June 21 of a panel of the state’s academic economists. In the survey, conducted…
The Second Annual Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival to be Held in Cincinnati This Weekend
After hosting its inaugural year in Columbus in 2021, the Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival is being held in Cincinnati this weekend. The festival, which according to organizers brings together Ohio-based craft whiskey distilleries “in a celebration of whiskey and whiskey culture,” will be held at Cincinnati distiller Karrikin Spirits Company on June 25. Ohio-made whiskey…
Ohio Health Department Fires Employee Over Abortion Drug Reference in Newsletter
Two Ohio Department of Health employees lost their jobs after the publication of a newsletter with notice of a training program for a drug used in medical abortions. One was fired, another resigned. Jessica Warner, who worked in the sexually transmitted infections unit of the Bureau of Infectious Diseases, authored the department’s STI prevention training…
O’Bryonville Has a New Wine Bar and Shop with a Selection of Over 400 Wines
O’Bryonville recently got a new spot that is sure to impress wine lovers. Annata Wine Bar and Cellar had a soft launch last month, just serving Friday and Saturday for two weekends. Then on May 31, they began their full Tuesday through Saturday service. Owner Tim Shumrick told CityBeat in an email that he has…
John Oliver Calls Out Cincinnati’s Huge Increase in Monthly Rent Rates on ‘Last Week Tonight’
Cincinnati’s housing market is so dismal, even comedians can see it. During the June 19 episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, comedian and host John Oliver noted the housing crisis the United States finds itself in. Potential homeowners have found themselves largely priced out of buying, thanks to skyrocketing asking prices, but renters especially are…
Rhinegeist Celebrates 9th Anniversary with Wild West-Themed Party and Mechanical Bull
Get ready to “yee-haw” with Rhinegeist during the brewery’s ninth anniversary party. From noon-1 a.m June 25, the Over-the-Rhine taproom will be transforming into the Wild West with a themed “Nines are Wild” celebration and special-edition beer release. According to Rhinegeist, the party will come complete with an on-site “specialty saloon,” a New Riff bourbon…
Jury Selection Begins in Former Cincinnati Politician P.G. Sittenfeld’s Federal Corruption Trial
The federal trial has begun for a former Cincinnati City Council member who was part of one of Cincinnati’s most troubling civic eras. P.G. Sittenfeld’s trial launched June 21 with the start of jury selection. In 2020, Sittenfeld was arrested on a six-count indictment related to a scheme that allegedly traded cash for votes relating to…
Ira Glass is Coming to Dayton on His Limited Tour: Seven Things I’ve Learned: An Evening with Ira Glass
Fans of public radio will be able to see Ira Glass in Dayton this September. Known for his radio show and podcast “This American Life” where Glass “regularly captures slice-of-life moments that spotlight unconventional narratives and storytellers from diverse and eclectic communities,” per a release from WYSO Public Radio. WYSO is presenting Glass’s one-night-only limited…
Just Announced: The Chicks Move June 21 Cincinnati Show at Riverbend to October
The Chicks are down, but they’re not out. The fiery country-pop trio that continues to pour gasoline all over outdated notions has postponed its Cincinnati show that was to take place at Riverbend Music Center on June 21. As of Monday, the Chicks instead have moved the show to Oct. 2, with Patty Griffin still…
Cincinnati Fourth of July Fireworks, Parades and Parties to Celebrate America’s Independence
Every July 4, America celebrates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence and separation of the 13 original colonies from British rule with parades, pyrotechnics and other parties. If you’re looking to get your Fourth of July fix — and see some colorful explosions in the sky — here are some suggestions taking place throughout…
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s 2022-2023 Season Will Include Pulitzer Prize-Winning Drama, Tony-Nominated Comedy and More
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) announced its 37th season on Friday, June 17. For its 2022-2023 season, the city’s “premiere theatre” will present a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, a Tony-nominated comedy, a witty and honest story of connection and a world premiere dramedy by a veteran Cincinnati actor and director. The season also features another of ETC’s…
Tickets on Sale Now for Mary J. Blige’s Performance at Cincinnati’s Heritage Bank Center
The queen of hip hop soul is coming to Cincinnati. On Oct. 27, Mary J. Blige will be bringing her “Good Morning Gorgeous” tour to Cincinnati’s Heritage Bank Center. The 23-city tour promotes the singer’s 14th studio album, Good Morning Gorgeous, released back in February. The album was released just prior to Blige’s Super Bowl…
Umpires Force Cincinnati Reds Pitcher to Remove Wedding Band Because It Might Hide ‘Stick’
Sorry, baseball players, you’ll have to ditch your wedding rings. During the first inning of the Cincinnati Reds’ game against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 18, umpires demanded that Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft remove the silicone wedding band he was wearing under his glove. Via publicly available footage, Ashcraft is shown being confused and incredulous about…
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams to Open First Cincinnati Location
Columbus-based Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will soon open its first scoop shop in Cincinnati. The popular gourmet ice cream shop will be opening inside of the Factory 52 development, according to Factory 52 real estate managers PLK Communities. Factory 52 is a 20-acre mixed-used Norwood development project announced in 2020, according to developers Viox &…
Explainer: Risks Ohioans Will Take To Get Abortion Pills Online if Roe v. Wade Is Overturned
Dr. David Burkons remembers how his classmates got abortion care when he attended The Ohio State University in Columbus in the 1960s. “There was some corner down on Cleveland Avenue,” Burkons says. “You showed up there and a car came by, you got in, you gave him the money, he takes you to have an…
Ohio Unions Rally for COVID Hazard Pay After Arbitrator Denies Additional Wages
On the Ohio Statehouse steps June 17, labor unions rallied for hazard pay after an arbitrator denied the additional wages last month. “Respect your employees. Pay them,” OCSEA president Chris Mabe said. “We held up our end of the bargain. Now it’s time for you to hold up yours.” Mabe’s organization, the Ohio Civil Service Employees…
King Records is One Step Closer to Being Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
King Records, the iconic Cincinnati label that produced several celebrated and legendary musicians from the 1940s into the early 1970s (including James Brown), is one step closer to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On Friday, June 17, the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board approved the nomination of the King Records…
Historic Wolf Statue Gifted from Benito Mussolini Is Stolen from Eden Park Overnight
The Capitoline Wolf statue, which has sat in Eden Park since 1931, has been stolen, and the city is now offering a $50,000 reward for its return. The statue — a bronze work depicting a she-wolf nursing two young boys — was a gift from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Intended to honor Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus,…
Officials, Soccer Fans in Cincinnati and Ohio React to FIFA World Cup Decision
After multi-year effort by Cincinnati leaders to secure a 2026 FIFA World Cup game, FIFA broke the bad news Thursday: the Queen City would not be getting its crown. FIFA, which oversees world soccer, announced its 16 World Cup host cities on June 16, and Cincinnati was not selected. Baltimore/Washington, D.C., Orlando, Nashville, Denver and Edmonton also…
Over-the-Rhine Art Gallery to Host Exhibit With Wearable Art Inspired by Reproductive Rights Issues
In response to the potential reversal of Roe v. Wade, an Over-the-Rhine art gallery is set to host an exhibit featuring wearable art and jewelry meant to ignite conversations surrounding reproductive rights. A photograph depicting jewelry to be displayed in the upcoming contemporary art exhibit, Plan B Art Project, at Ombré Gallery shows a small…
Study Shows K-12 Teacher Burnout Rates Higher than any Other Industry
Ohio educators say burnout is real, but with pending legislation regulating lesson-plan choices and security roles in schools, they feel “demoralized” as well. A national survey showed 44% of K-12 teachers in the U.S. “always” or “very often” feel burned out, a stat that has surpassed other industries. The Gallup poll showed more than 4 in…
Cincinnati Will Not Be a 2026 FIFA World Cup Host
The dream is over for now. Cincinnati has not been selected as one of the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA, which oversees world soccer, announced its World Cup host cities on June 16. Announcers said that some decisions about host cities were made that day. The cities that will host the 2026 World…
Cincinnati Declares Juneteenth a Holiday, Prepares to Raise the Flag at City Hall
Cincinnati city workers are celebrating one more holiday this year. During the June 15 Cincinnati City Council meeting, council members unanimously passed a resolution making Juneteenth a holiday. Juneteenth is June 19 and falls on a Sunday this year, so city workers will observe the holiday on Monday, June 20. Juneteenth celebrates the 1865 day…
Soul Secrets in Over-the-Rhine Honors Owner’s Ancestors with Savory Soul Food
Candice Holloway makes her ancestors proud. When describing the soul food showcased at her newly opened Soul Secrets in Over-the-Rhine, Holloway talks about her grandmother, Alice, who was born in 1927 in Forsyth, Georgia. “We trace back to 1864,” Holloway tells CityBeat. “I know that a lot of the recipes that my grandmother shared with…
Review: Seasonal Cuisine and Live Music Enhance Charming Ambiance on Sundays at The Baker’s Table
If you live north of the Ohio River, the plentitude of chef-driven restaurants makes it easy to dine in Cincinnati and not venture far afield. We have convenient access to meals from kitchens helmed by the likes of Jose Salazar, Jean-Robert de Cavel, Vanessa Miller and Josh Campbell, to name just a few favorites. What…
Review: Deeply Human Revelations Are at the Heart of Ensemble Theatre’s ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’
Struggling writer Cheryl Strayed took a flyer in 2010 when she was invited to take over an unpaid online advice column, “Dear Sugar,” on the literary website, The Rumpus. For two years she had offered heartfelt advice that involved sharing some of her own stories as she responded to letters from people who were troubled,…
New Book Includes Never-Before-Seen Images of Doris Day’s Childhood in Cincinnati
A century is a long time for a pop-culture icon to stay in the public’s consciousness. Two new releases are trying to ensure that it happens for a local legend. Doris Day often is cited as the most important Cincinnatian ever to become an arts performer. Born on April 3, 1922 — 100 years ago…
Sound Advice: The Avett Brothers to Open Kings Island’s Summer Concert Series
From nearly the outset, the Avetts’ acoustic music filtered its country/folk/honky tonk roots through the youthful punk/indie/pop/rock lens of their late ’90s bands. The first Avett Brothers release came in 2000, when the band was still a side project of Nemo, Scott Avett’s college band which had eventually absorbed Seth Avett’s high school group Margo.…
Sound Advice: Maren Morris is Breaking Out Some Deep Cuts at Upcoming Cincinnati Show
A lot has happened since Maren Morris last released an album, 2019’s GIRL. Like artists everywhere, the genre-jumping singer-songwriter put her career on hold when the pandemic hit in March 2020, including freshly minted side project The Highwomen, a fruitful collaboration with Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires. Then, just weeks later, she delivered…
Sound Advice: Bon Iver to Bring Otherworldly Folk Anthems to Cincinnati Show
Bon Iver moves at a deliberate pace. The band — which is essentially singer/songwriter Justin Vernon backed by various players — has released just three full-length albums since the 2007 debut For Emma, Forever Ago, an affecting folk-fortified breakup record that remains a classic of its kind. Vernon prefers to perfect his visions, evidenced by…
Sound Advice: The Chicks Won’t Be Holding Back During Their Upcoming Cincinnati Performance
The Chicks still aren’t “ready to make nice,” and our ears are all the better for it. It’s been nearly 20 years since The Chicks’ frontwoman Natalie Maines (rightly) criticized a U.S. president’s pro-war stance and triggered a major backlash from the nation’s post-9/11 “America-first” jingoism. “First these turncoats tried to spark a modern reflection…
Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Appoints Industry Veteran Evan Gidley as Executive Director
At the end of May, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra (CCO) announced the appointment of Evan Gidley as executive director. Gidley succeeds LeAnne Anklan, who resigned last December. Gidley takes over management of overall operations, concert productions, marketing efforts and financial resources. Gidley served as orchestra personnel manager for the Columbus (OH) Symphony Orchestra, creating and…
J.D. Vance Voices Opposition to Senate Gun Reform Framework, Calling it Government Overreach
In Washington, a bipartisan group of Senators appears to be on the cusp of a gun reform deal. Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has even given his blessing to the framework, but a bit closer to home, Ohio’s Republican U.S. Senate nominee J.D. Vance says he wouldn’t vote for it. “From what I’ve seen of…
Deaths Among Working-Age Ohioans Jump By Over 50 Percent in Last 15 Years, Report Says
Working-age Ohioans — between 15 and 64 years old — are dying at a 51% higher rate than they were 15 years ago, according to analysis released this month. In a bleak sign, most leading causes of death are increasing, rather than decreasing among the age group. For instance, unintentional injuries like fatal overdoses and…
