Good morning, Hamilton.

The Butler County Fair will open Sunday and run through Saturday at the fairgrounds on Fairgrove Ave in Hamilton.

Doug Turner said the fair will debut a new beer garden on Monday and host Flub’s Ice Cream's eating contest Tuesday at 6:45 p.m.—other events include tractor pulls, demolition derbies and live concerts in the entertainment tent.

Police arrested at least a dozen protesters during a rally on the Roebling Bridge Thursday night after supporters demanding the release of Ayman Soliman—a former Cincinnati Children’s Hospital chaplain held at Butler County Jail following an ICE arrest—walked onto the bridge and disrupted traffic until officers restored order.

Michael Burch from Hamilton Township pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated arson and felonious assault after he poured gasoline on his home's carpet, set the building on fire and doused his girlfriend—his actions led to a police standoff, the destruction of his home and neighbor evacuations—and he was sentenced on Wednesday to a prison term between 21 and 24 years while required to register as an arson offender.

A Highlands High School football coach was killed in an apparent murder-suicide and police continue to investigate the incident.

According to the 2025 Out of Reach report, full-time workers in Ohio must earn $22.51 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment while the average wage is $18.62, leaving nearly 1.2 million jobs unable to meet basic housing costs.

The report shows that housing wages have risen 40.7% since 2020 — a gap that has grown 148% faster than earnings — and warns that rising costs in cities like Columbus are adding pressure on working Ohioans.

Back-to-school season in Greater Cincinnati is underway as a new guide lists key school start dates, updated immunization rules and a two-week sales tax holiday starting Aug.

1 and ending Aug. 14. The guide also details Operation Backpack to help students in need — a resource for local families as they prepare for the school year.

Hamilton County signed a letter of intent with the Cincinnati Bengals on June 30 for a $470 million renovation of Paycor Stadium, which may cost taxpayers over $1.1 billion over 21 years.

The deal requires the county to cover most costs—including $134 million for capital repairs and $418 million in operating expenses—while the Bengals contribute $120 million plus up to $45 million in rent if the lease is extended.

Hometown Appliances Real Estate Networking Event

6-8 p.m. — Hometown Appliances — Free entry — Connect with local real estate professionals and explore collaboration opportunities.

Butler County Fair

7 AM – 11 PM — Butler County Fairgrounds — Admission fee required — Experience Ohio's biggest county fair with rides, games, livestock, and entertainment.

Singo: Music Bingo

7-9 p.m. — Municipal Brew Works — Free entry — Play bingo with a twist by marking song titles to your favorite tunes.

Friendship Bracelet Workshop

3:30-5:30 p.m. — The Lane Libraries Community Technology Center — Registration required — Learn macrame knot patterns to create unique bracelets and keychains with a friend.

Cincinnati Music Festival - Thursday

7:30-9 p.m. — The Andrew J Brady Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling performances of R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and soul at this iconic festival.

Mobiles in Motion Workshop

12-2 p.m. — Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park — Free with park admission — Craft mobiles using found materials while exploring the principles of balance and gravity.

Ronald Isley Concert

7:15 PM – 1:15 AM — Paycor Stadium — Ticket info available — Experience the smooth sounds of Ronald Isley in a lively concert setting.

Fiddler On The Roof

3:00-4:30 PM — Cincinnati Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless story of tradition, love, and family in this beloved musical.

Rib City BBQ & Bluegrass

7-9 p.m. — Rib City Grill — Free entry — Enjoy live bluegrass tunes while indulging in delicious BBQ and ribs.

Singo: Music Bingo Night

7-9 p.m. — Municipal Brew Works — Free entry — Enjoy a thrilling twist on bingo by marking off song titles while grooving to your favorite tunes.