Good morning, Hamilton.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County says 149 children (including 39 in Middletown) are waiting for matches with male mentors.

Mike Stoll, in his 60s, is mentoring Donovan as they explore parks and share fun routines like topping a McDonald’s meal with extra Parmesan.

Summer STEM Bike Club is hosting bike-building classes to boost confidence and practical skills for local youth this summer in Hamilton.

The program emphasizes interactive learning and will run over several weeks.

A nearly 40-year-old dam on the Great Miami River in Hamilton may be removed after receiving a $2.45M state grant awarded this week—part of a $7.5M project aimed at boosting safety and water quality.

Construction could begin in 2028 if additional funding is secured.

The FDA is tracing iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the potential source of a Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened over 1,600 people (94 hospitalized) across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia, prompting Taco Bell to remove the product nationwide.

The Ohio EPA has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts over Hamilton, raising concerns about unhealthy air + officials say conditions might improve Friday night but caution that the smoke could persist while the fires continue.

On Friday, the Fitton Center hosted its third annual free tortoise yoga class where a 50-pound African tortoise named Esio Tort roamed among participants, reminding them to slow down; a child from summer art camp later fed him his favorite snack, corn.

Business Succession Forum

7:30-10:30 a.m. — Union Hall — Non-refundable ticket required — Explore essential strategies for business transition and future planning.

Big River Get Down Music Festival

Various times — RiversEdge Amphitheater — Free admission for most shows — Celebrate Hamilton's musical roots with performances from top bands and local talent.

David Shaw's Big River Get Down: JJ Grey & Mofro, & Band Of Horses

12:00 PM — Marcum Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience a day filled with live music from renowned artists in Hamilton, Ohio.

Newsies

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Covedale Center For the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the live musical adaptation of the beloved newsboy story.

Josh Johnson's Comedy Band Camp

5:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. (Aug 1), 7:00 p.m. (Aug 2) — Taft Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique blend of comedy and live music in a nostalgic summer camp setting.

Leagues Cup: FC Cincinnati vs Pachuca

7:30-9 p.m. — TQL Stadium — Premium seating available — Enjoy an exciting match as FC Cincinnati takes on Club Pachuca in the Leagues Cup.

Cincinnati Reds Home Game

12:40-1:40 p.m. — Great American Ball Park — Check online for ticket prices — Enjoy the excitement of a live baseball game at the Reds' home ground.

Ozzmosis + The Warped Band Tribute Night

6-10 p.m. — RiversEdge Amphitheater — Free admission — Celebrate the sounds of Ozzy Osbourne and the Warped Tour with live music under the stars.

Rick Ross Concert

6:10-7:10 PM — Great American Ball Park — Cost N/A — Enjoy a live performance from hip-hop star Rick Ross in a major league baseball stadium.