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Exclusive: Paxton privately blames woes on Iran war, gas prices

The GOP Senate candidate told donors he doesn't "know what was behind some of the decisions."

Politics & Policy

Texas Republican Senate nominee <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" data-vars-content-id="1964f327-e792-4974-824e-4302f2361ac9" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Paxton privately blames woes on Iran war, gas prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" target="_self">Ken Paxton</a> privately lamented the impact of the Iran war and gas prices on his campaign in a meeting last month, telling a group of donors and lobbyists, &quot;I don&#x27;t make the decisions,&quot; according to audio obtained by Axios.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a candid admission from a close Trump ally about the challenging environment Republicans face this cycle.

3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election

He blames the deep state. The opposition blames him.

World

Israel is marking the third anniversary of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oct. 7" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/oct-7-two-years-war-gaza-how-changed-world" data-vars-content-id="96af3fd6-d8e8-442c-9e45-2717c918e4ff" data-vars-headline="3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/oct-7-two-years-war-gaza-how-changed-world" target="_self">Oct. 7</a> terror attacks three weeks before an election where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#x27;s personal culpability for the country&#x27;s worst-ever security failure will be a central issue.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/trump-netanyahu-israel-election-endorsement" data-vars-content-id="96af3fd6-d8e8-442c-9e45-2717c918e4ff" data-vars-headline="3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/trump-netanyahu-israel-election-endorsement" target="_self">Netanyahu</a> has never looked more politically vulnerable than in the weeks after Oct. 7, but he has defied expectations by keeping his government afloat — presiding over simultaneous wars and an atmosphere of perpetual emergency. Though the polls are tight, they leave a clear path for the ultimate political survivor to hang on yet again.

ChatGPT for Teens isn't safe enough, Common Sense says

Testing found flaws in OpenAI's safeguards for teens.

Business

Common Sense Media is urging OpenAI to keep teens off ChatGPT, saying its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new teen experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/openai-chatgpt-for-teens" data-vars-content-id="2f441e01-5986-4da2-9332-693da8cecb48" data-vars-headline="ChatGPT for Teens isn&#x27;t safe enough, Common Sense says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/openai-chatgpt-for-teens" target="_self">new teen experience</a> poses an &quot;unacceptable risk&quot; after extensive testing found shortcomings in safeguards meant to protect younger users.Why it matters: OpenAI has made protecting younger users a central part of its effort to make ChatGPT safer, but the findings suggest some of those protections may give parents more confidence than they warrant.<ul><li>&quot;We welcome rigorous independent evaluation, but we do not believe Common Sense Media&#x27;s testing accurately reflects how ChatGPT&#x27;s teen safeguards work in practice,&quot; an OpenAI spokesperson said.</li></ul>

America's changing disaster risk hits energy

Climate change is altering some of the atmospheric conditions that can fuel severe storms.

Energy & Climate

Hurricanes have long dominated efforts to make the power system more resilient to extreme <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="3ccfb493-7680-4838-abdf-8691862aea39" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s changing disaster risk hits energy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/extreme-weather" target="_self">weather</a>. But America&#x27;s energy buildout is running into growing risks from severe thunderstorms.Why it matters: New energy infrastructure and data centers are being built in harm&#x27;s way as severe weather <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risks shift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/10/weather-tornado-alley-east" data-vars-content-id="3ccfb493-7680-4838-abdf-8691862aea39" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s changing disaster risk hits energy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/10/weather-tornado-alley-east" target="_self">risks shift</a>, leaving more for developers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="insurers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/27/insurance-rates-climate-change-extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="3ccfb493-7680-4838-abdf-8691862aea39" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s changing disaster risk hits energy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/27/insurance-rates-climate-change-extreme-weather" target="_self">insurers</a> to lose when storms hit.

Fox News' ratings margin hits widest point as it turns 30

Fox News president and executive editor Jay Wallace attributes the brand's durability to consistency in ownership and strategy.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fox News" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/21/fox-the-five-15-years" data-vars-content-id="36a153bb-ddae-41e0-8613-aa2754f087b0" data-vars-headline="Fox News&#x27; ratings margin hits widest point as it turns 30" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/21/fox-the-five-15-years" target="_self">Fox News</a> turns 30 on Wednesday with a distinction few legacy TV networks can claim: Its ratings lead over rivals has never been wider. Why it matters: Fox News president and executive editor Jay Wallace, who has been with the network alongside CEO Suzanne Scott since launch, attributes the brand&#x27;s durability to consistency in ownership and strategy.

Scoop: Region's aviation industry is getting another big boost

An investment from GE Aerospace aims to support the entire aviation industry.

Aerospace

There are many more jobs in Greater Cincinnati&#x27;s booming aviation industry than pilots and engineers. A nearly $1 million investment from GE Aerospace and its foundation aims to help people find them.Why it matters: Southwest Ohio has become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an aerospace hotbed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/north-of-cincy/2026/09/01/southwest-ohio-aviation-industry-continues-to-soar" data-vars-content-id="b62505e8-3c71-45ad-838c-5419a40088d7" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Region&#x27;s aviation industry is getting another big boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/north-of-cincy/2026/09/01/southwest-ohio-aviation-industry-continues-to-soar" target="_self">an aerospace hotbed</a>, with nearly 19,000 industry jobs and companies continuing to invest. The challenge is finding enough skilled workers to keep up.

What to expect when viral vegan chain Slutty Vegan comes to Ohio

Cincinnati is getting the viral vegan chain, so we taste-tested it in Atlanta.

Things to Do

Slutty Vegan, the viral and vulgar plant-based restaurant chain, will soon turn heads with new locations across Ohio.

The Cincinnati that shaped my refugee father's life

Why Cincinnati and Walnut Hills were key to my dad's formation as an American.

History

Not long ago, I wrote Bob Vitz, the Walnut Hills High School contact for the class of 1956, that my dad, Monroe Price, wouldn&#x27;t attend his 70th reunion being held this week. He had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died" data-vars-click-url="https://www.asc.upenn.edu/news-events/news/professor-monroe-price-legal-and-communication-scholar-whose-work-spanned-globe-passes-away-87" data-vars-content-id="1506cfe3-15b2-49c4-a14d-e9c490555780" data-vars-headline="The Cincinnati that shaped my refugee father&#x27;s life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.asc.upenn.edu/news-events/news/professor-monroe-price-legal-and-communication-scholar-whose-work-spanned-globe-passes-away-87" target="_blank">died</a> in March at the age of 87.Flashback: My father, a refugee from the Nazis, spent his formative years in Cincinnati.<ul><li>It&#x27;s where he learned to be an American and about the networks of power — all while his parents built a middle-class life in a city so distant from his native Vienna, so far away from the many relatives they would never see again.</li></ul>

Reds fans can weigh in on Castellini ownership

After a 75-87 season, Reds fans are weighing ownership, strategy and what needs to change.

Sports

Reds fans, we want to hear from you.State of play: After making the playoffs in 2025, Cincinnati <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finished 75-87" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox19.com/2026/10/01/reds-end-season-debrief-part-1-phil-castellini-why-reds-are-sticking-with-their-strategy/" data-vars-content-id="84cba1b6-929a-486d-ad74-d52fd2d192fb" data-vars-headline="Reds fans can weigh in on Castellini ownership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox19.com/2026/10/01/reds-end-season-debrief-part-1-phil-castellini-why-reds-are-sticking-with-their-strategy/" target="_blank">finished 75-87</a> and last in the NL Central this season. <ul><li>It&#x27;s another frustrating chapter for a franchise that hasn&#x27;t won a postseason series since 1995.</li></ul>

Hot Takes: Two transplants debate Ohio vs. Georgia

An Axios reporter and managing editor defend their adopted homes on food, traffic, weather and more.

Culture

I grew up in Georgia and moved to Ohio. Axios Managing Editor Delano Massey grew up in Ohio and moved to Georgia.The great debate: With our worlds colliding in Atlanta for a company retreat this week, we&#x27;re settling the question: Which state is better?

Ohio dad builds free tool to fight high grocery prices

Dishcount tries turning grocery deals into affordable meal ideas.

Money

A Dayton-area dad got tired of planning dinner first and checking grocery sales second, so he built a website that flips the process.Why it matters: Grocery prices are roughly 30% higher than they were in 2019, pushing shoppers to hunt harder for deals — just as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new pressures threaten to drive food costs even higher" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/30/grocery-inflation-prices-war-diesel" data-vars-content-id="b529d756-ccba-431a-ba10-20103666c79c" data-vars-headline="Ohio dad builds free tool to fight high grocery prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/30/grocery-inflation-prices-war-diesel" target="_self">new pressures threaten to drive food costs even higher</a>.

Our Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week best bets and bites

Sure, Restaurant Week misses some buzzy spots, but it's also a chance to discover (or rediscover) a local favorite.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greatercincinnatirestaurantweek.com/" data-vars-content-id="d988b455-c3d0-41f8-9979-1c4c29b95709" data-vars-headline="Our Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week best bets and bites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greatercincinnatirestaurantweek.com/" target="_blank">Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week</a> is back with around 60 restaurants from Northern Kentucky to Butler County offering prix-fixe meals through Sunday.Why it matters: Sure, many of the region&#x27;s buzziest restaurants aren&#x27;t taking part, and there are a handful of regional chains on the list.<ul><li>But Restaurant Week is also a chance to discover a local spot you&#x27;ve overlooked or revisit an old favorite.</li></ul>

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Cincinnati

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Axios Social Club is bringing readers together for dinner to Cincinnati&#x27;s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

North of Cincy

Hollywood horror returns to Kings Island's Halloween Haunt 

The Six Flags merger is opening new doors for movie-inspired Halloween attractions.

Jason Voorhees is stalking Kings Island this fall — and he may be just the beginning.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="merger" data-vars-click-url="https://abc7ny.com/post/amusement-park-deal-six-flags-cedar-fair-merger-completed/15039073/" data-vars-content-id="68dfa78a-9da1-4b44-9027-86742718e193" data-vars-headline="Hollywood horror returns to Kings Island&#x27;s Halloween Haunt " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7ny.com/post/amusement-park-deal-six-flags-cedar-fair-merger-completed/15039073/" target="_blank">merger</a> between Cedar Fair and Six Flags is giving Kings Island access to a broader network of entertainment partnerships, potentially opening the door to more movie-inspired attractions.<ul><li>Axios was invited for an early look at this year&#x27;s Halloween Haunt. (Warning: Bright, flashing lights ahead!) </li></ul>

Ohio escaped the drought, but farmers still have a rain problem

Record rainfall is complicating hay harvests and damaging pastures.

Environment

Ohio may be an oasis on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s drought map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/ohio-drought-summer-weather" data-vars-content-id="7e800e35-3b7b-43ca-b533-ffd702ea9857" data-vars-headline="Ohio escaped the drought, but farmers still have a rain problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/ohio-drought-summer-weather" target="_self">nation&#x27;s drought map</a>, but Lebanon farmer Steve Lutmer could use a few dry days.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s unusually wet conditions are creating a different set of challenges for farmers trying to harvest crops and keep livestock pastures healthy.

Fast Company ranking spotlights Cincinnati's innovation "cheat code"

UC's 1819 Innovation Hub is getting outside praise.

Education

University of Cincinnati&#x27;s 1819 Innovation Hub ranks No. 23 on Fast Company&#x27;s 2026 list of the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Workplaces for Innovators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list" data-vars-content-id="870a1bf3-fd48-46e4-8529-0e53bc556edd" data-vars-headline="Fast Company ranking spotlights Cincinnati&#x27;s innovation &quot;cheat code&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list" target="_blank">Best Workplaces for Innovators</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s another national accolade Cincinnati can tout as it competes for businesses and talent.<ul><li>The recognition comes after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNBC named Ohio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/ohio-no-1-americas-top-states-for-business-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="870a1bf3-fd48-46e4-8529-0e53bc556edd" data-vars-headline="Fast Company ranking spotlights Cincinnati&#x27;s innovation &quot;cheat code&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/ohio-no-1-americas-top-states-for-business-rankings.html" target="_blank">CNBC named Ohio</a> the nation&#x27;s top state for business this summer, adding to the Queen City&#x27;s pitch that companies don&#x27;t have to head to the coasts to find talent, research, capital and customers.</li></ul>

College basketball is taking over Mason's tennis center

Afternoon starts with Cincinnati, OSU, Xavier and Dayton are meant to avoid moisture and rising dew points.

Break out the hoodies. It&#x27;s college basketball season in Mason.Why it matters: Turning the Lindner Family Tennis Center <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="into a basketball venue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/north-of-cincy/2026/07/30/lindner-tennis-center-basketball-tournament-tourism" data-vars-content-id="02132a0a-0c49-4d98-a287-e48b122beb72" data-vars-headline="College basketball is taking over Mason&#x27;s tennis center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/north-of-cincy/2026/07/30/lindner-tennis-center-basketball-tournament-tourism" target="_self">into a basketball venue</a> on Wednesday is a one-day test for Mason and Warren County as officials explore what else the renovated complex can host beyond tennis.

Why Dey chants takes over Atlanta sports bar

In a city of transplants, the Atlanta Cincinnati Bengals Meetup Group has brought The Jungle 460 miles south for two decades.

On Bengals Sundays, suburban Atlanta sports bar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hudson Grille" data-vars-click-url="https://hudsongrille.com/sandy-springs" data-vars-content-id="5e5ec792-d2d2-4738-9a55-680c4157c715" data-vars-headline="Why Dey chants takes over Atlanta sports bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hudsongrille.com/sandy-springs" target="_blank">Hudson Grille</a> turns into a little slice of Cincinnati — jerseys, Who Dey chants, Grippo&#x27;s chips and all.Why it matters: In a city of transplants, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta Cincinnati Bengals Meetup Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.meetup.com/bengals-7/" data-vars-content-id="5e5ec792-d2d2-4738-9a55-680c4157c715" data-vars-headline="Why Dey chants takes over Atlanta sports bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.meetup.com/bengals-7/" target="_blank">Atlanta Cincinnati Bengals Meetup Group</a> has brought a little piece of The Jungle about 460 miles south for the past two decades.

Bengals fans expect Super Bowl run in 2026

Cincinnati enters the season with expectations as high as they've been in years.

The mood around Cincinnati is different this preseason: For many fans, it&#x27;s Super Bowl or bust.Why it matters: After years of frustration, particularly the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dark ages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/7/25/12213254/growing-up-in-the-lost-decade-the-story-of-a-diehard-bengals-fan" data-vars-content-id="bb5aac3b-d927-4c5a-9717-6fa8b5b21326" data-vars-headline="Bengals fans expect Super Bowl run in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/7/25/12213254/growing-up-in-the-lost-decade-the-story-of-a-diehard-bengals-fan" target="_blank">dark ages</a>&quot; of the 1990s, Bengals fans aren&#x27;t just hoping for a playoff run this year. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="They expect one" data-vars-click-url="https://stripehype.com/why-the-2026-season-truly-is-make-or-break-for-the-bengals" data-vars-content-id="bb5aac3b-d927-4c5a-9717-6fa8b5b21326" data-vars-headline="Bengals fans expect Super Bowl run in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stripehype.com/why-the-2026-season-truly-is-make-or-break-for-the-bengals" target="_blank">They expect one</a>.

We asked "Madden 27" to predict the upcoming Bengals season

Madden thinks the Bengals will be good, but not "Super" this year.

We couldn&#x27;t wait 18 weeks to find out if this Bengals team is any good, so we fired up the PlayStation 5 and simulated the upcoming season in &quot;Madden 27.&quot;Why it matters: The Bengals&#x27; 88-rated offense is among the NFL&#x27;s most explosive, but their 77 rating on defense kept them from becoming a true Super Bowl contender.

Latonia gives visitors more reasons to linger

There's a growing push to make the area of Covington a place to shop, eat and stay awhile.

New stores are giving people more reasons to stop in Latonia at its Ritte&#x27;s Corner commercial district instead of rolling right through.Why it matters: The businesses are bringing fresh energy to the neighborhood as Covington invests in filling and improving local storefronts.

The Phoenix to rise again amid downtown growth 

The historic events venue closed in 2023, but new Central Business District energy is giving the venue new life.

Development

The Phoenix, an 1893 landmark building at Eighth and Race streets, will be reborn next year as another downtown event venue.Why it matters: Cincinnati is developing its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first comprehensive downtown plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/08/28/downtown-comprehensive-plan-development-banks-metro" data-vars-content-id="98056278-4bed-4b98-892f-4ef86d687621" data-vars-headline="The Phoenix to rise again amid downtown growth " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/08/28/downtown-comprehensive-plan-development-banks-metro" target="_self">first comprehensive downtown plan</a> in nearly 40 years and the Phoenix&#x27;s return is part of a larger question about what downtown&#x27;s next chapter looks like.

Regal Theater gets a new life as Black arts and cultural center

The renovation of the century-old theater will create an anchor institution for Black arts and culture.

News

For generations of West End residents, it was a place to see neighbors and simply be together. Now, after sitting empty for three decades, the Regal Theater is being restored as a Black arts and cultural center.Why it matters: The theater is one of the few cultural landmarks remaining from a historically Black neighborhood transformed by urban renewal and highway construction that displaced thousands of residents.

Cincinnati maps downtown's next era

A new plan will guide housing, transit, development and public spaces downtown.

Cincinnati&#x27;s first comprehensive downtown plan in roughly 40 years aims to create a roadmap for the urban core&#x27;s next era of growth.Why it matters: Major investments are already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reshaping downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/08/28/mayor-aftab-pureval-axios-cincinnati-growth-downtown-plan" data-vars-content-id="69c02665-fb3e-4006-90cb-0150fc7ac77a" data-vars-headline="Cincinnati maps downtown&#x27;s next era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/08/28/mayor-aftab-pureval-axios-cincinnati-growth-downtown-plan" target="_self">reshaping downtown</a>, from the Convention District to The Banks and transit. City leaders want those projects working toward a shared vision.

Blink lights up a new opening night tradition

Replacing Blink's popular kickoff parade with a new event is meant to keep things fresh and interesting.

Blink&#x27;s opening parade drew thousands into the streets and became a beloved part of the festival, but is getting replaced this year. Why it matters: The reason for that is simple, executive director Leslie Mooney says: This is an art festival, and trying something new is part of the point.

The Sotto reservation hack is lunch

The downtown hotspot's weekday lunch offers an easier way into the downtown favorite.

Downtown&#x27;s Italian hot spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sotto" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sottocincinnati.com/" data-vars-content-id="c4c6e7b3-28f4-415b-aef7-c7533d5aee0b" data-vars-headline="The Sotto reservation hack is lunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sottocincinnati.com/" target="_blank">Sotto</a> isn&#x27;t exactly a walk-in-on-a-whim kind of place for dinner.Luckily, a relatively new lunch option offers an easier way into this underground favorite.

City Hall pulls back curtain on CPD surveillance tech

The review comes as cities nationwide wrestle balancing increasingly powerful police technology with privacy and civil liberties.

Cincinnati Police <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pulled back the curtain Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.org/details/14261006-psql" data-vars-content-id="a6218093-a23f-43c8-8506-de6eb28a05a2" data-vars-headline="City Hall pulls back curtain on CPD surveillance tech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.org/details/14261006-psql" target="_blank">pulled back the curtain Tuesday</a> on how they watch the city and what happens to the data they collect.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The review" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/09/28/flock-city-council-surveillance-police-camera" data-vars-content-id="a6218093-a23f-43c8-8506-de6eb28a05a2" data-vars-headline="City Hall pulls back curtain on CPD surveillance tech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/09/28/flock-city-council-surveillance-police-camera" target="_self">The review</a> comes as cities nationwide wrestle balancing increasingly powerful police technology with privacy and civil liberties.

You can still fly without a Real ID, but it'll cost you

With ConfirmID, flyers who lack or forget their compliant identification cards can still travel. Here's how it works.

Travel

It&#x27;s been about 18 months since the Transportation Security Administration started <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="requiring Real IDs " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/04/ohio-real-id-travel-may-deadline" data-vars-content-id="37e8cfeb-ea82-481e-b3e1-db6a3563728d" data-vars-headline="You can still fly without a Real ID, but it&#x27;ll cost you" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/04/ohio-real-id-travel-may-deadline" target="_self">requiring Real IDs </a>in order to board domestic flights.Why it matters: I recently showed up to the airport without one and thankfully still got to fly, but my wallet paid the price.

2027 MLS NEXT Cup coming to Greater Cincinnati next year

The weeklong, 350-team tournament is expected to generate millions in economic impact.

Greater Cincinnati will host one of the country&#x27;s largest youth soccer tournaments next summer, bringing 350 teams to the region for the 2027 MLS NEXT Cup.Why it matters: The weeklong event is expected to generate about $30 million in economic impact and 50,000 hotel room nights, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitcincy.com/cincysports/" data-vars-content-id="05af0b6d-1298-415f-9d5d-fd22077fca56" data-vars-headline="2027 MLS NEXT Cup coming to Greater Cincinnati next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitcincy.com/cincysports/" target="_blank">Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission</a>.

Columbus

Monday is Ohio's voter registration deadline

It's the deadline in order to vote in the 2026 general election on Nov. 3.

Monday is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.How to register: You can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="do so online" data-vars-click-url="https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/" data-vars-content-id="16d18e4d-6261-438f-917f-1b1c6ddf2877" data-vars-headline="Monday is Ohio&#x27;s voter registration deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/" target="_blank">do so online</a> or at your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="county board of elections office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/county-boards-of-elections" data-vars-content-id="16d18e4d-6261-438f-917f-1b1c6ddf2877" data-vars-headline="Monday is Ohio&#x27;s voter registration deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/county-boards-of-elections" target="_blank">county board of elections office</a>.

Cleveland

Failed Tennessee execution puts Ohio death penalty back in focus

More than 100 people remain on Ohio's death row.

Politics

Tennessee&#x27;s failed attempt to execute Christa Pike is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renewing scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/christa-pike-lethal-injections-drugs-pentobarbital" data-vars-content-id="fe43fc4f-99e5-496a-a057-6c0314c59e2d" data-vars-headline="Failed Tennessee execution puts Ohio death penalty back in focus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/christa-pike-lethal-injections-drugs-pentobarbital" target="_self">renewing scrutiny</a> of lethal injection — an issue with a troubled history in Ohio.Why it matters: Ohio still has the death penalty, but hasn&#x27;t carried out an execution in more than eight years.<ul><li>Gov. Mike DeWine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has cited" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/governor-mike-dewine-ohio-abolish-death-penalty" data-vars-content-id="fe43fc4f-99e5-496a-a057-6c0314c59e2d" data-vars-headline="Failed Tennessee execution puts Ohio death penalty back in focus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/governor-mike-dewine-ohio-abolish-death-penalty" target="_self">has cited</a> Ohio&#x27;s persistent problems obtaining lethal injection drugs, and now says the death penalty should be abolished.</li></ul>

Ohio suspends gas tax for 90 days

Drivers should expect savings to start this weekend.

Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday approved a three-month suspension of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state gas tax" data-vars-click-url="https://tax.ohio.gov/business/motor-fuel-tax" data-vars-content-id="39c4ef05-9db6-4428-8918-4e739583e6f3" data-vars-headline="Ohio suspends gas tax for 90 days" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tax.ohio.gov/business/motor-fuel-tax" target="_blank">state gas tax</a>.Why it matters: Ohio gas prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remain high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/04/columbus-gas-prices-are-climbing-again" data-vars-content-id="39c4ef05-9db6-4428-8918-4e739583e6f3" data-vars-headline="Ohio suspends gas tax for 90 days" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/04/columbus-gas-prices-are-climbing-again" target="_self">remain high</a>, but the tax holiday gives relief of 38.5 cents per gallon of gas and 47 cents for diesel.

Why some Ohio voters are seeing double at the mailbox

Election officials are looking to reduce confusion ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Election

It&#x27;s &quot;Groundhog Day&quot; in some Ohio mailboxes. Voters are getting absentee ballot applications — then sometimes getting them again and again.Why it matters: Elections officials are looking to reduce confusion over the duplicate forms as the Trump administration seeks to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restrict mail-in voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/trump-usps-federal-power-state-elections-mail-voting" data-vars-content-id="d304692b-1ab9-4d8c-b64a-92803b3339fe" data-vars-headline="Why some Ohio voters are seeing double at the mailbox" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/trump-usps-federal-power-state-elections-mail-voting" target="_self">restrict mail-in voting</a>.

Ohio fall events worth a road trip

From BLINK to giant pumpkins and medieval hell, these Ohio events are worth the drive.

Fall in Ohio doesn&#x27;t mess around. For the next two months, the state&#x27;s calendar is packed with giant pumpkins, glowing city streets, horse shows, haunted attractions and even a trip through the underworld.

Cincinnati artists and museums hope to bask in Blink's glow

Cincinnati Art Week hopes to capitalize on Blink's massive crowds downtown and in OTR.

Blink&#x27;s millions of lights will illuminate Cincinnati Oct. 8-11, but local artists and arts organizations hope some of that glow lands on them, too.Why it matters: The biennial art festival brings <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2024/10/24/blink-2024-impact-city-chamber-artswave-cost.html" data-vars-content-id="d0058a89-8835-4eab-a167-08194a978771" data-vars-headline="Cincinnati artists and museums hope to bask in Blink&#x27;s glow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2024/10/24/blink-2024-impact-city-chamber-artswave-cost.html" target="_blank">massive crowds</a> downtown and to Over-the-Rhine, giving arts groups a coveted chance to reach new audiences.

Asianati Night Market returns to BLINK with added food vendors

Seventeen vendors plus performances and art take over Court Street Plaza.

Asianati Night Market is back at BLINK with an expanded food lineup, giving festivalgoers more reasons to show up hungry.

At Martino's, the Steelers-Bengals rivalry gets personal

The bar has long been a Steelers stronghold in the heart of Cincinnati, but the Bengals gear ban is gone.

Bengals fans can once again wear orange and black gear to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Martino&#x27;s on Vine" data-vars-click-url="https://martinosonvine.com/" data-vars-content-id="a67346b1-aad3-45cc-985a-6cbc00473a21" data-vars-headline="At Martino&#x27;s, the Steelers-Bengals rivalry gets personal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://martinosonvine.com/" target="_blank">Martino&#x27;s on Vine</a> on game days. That doesn&#x27;t mean they should.Why it matters: The Clifton bar has been a neighborhood outlier as a Steelers stronghold for three decades, with a rivalry heated enough to get Bengals gear banned.

Where to get scared around Cincinnati and NKY

From a haunted schoolhouse to a creepy boat, these local attractions bring the screams.

Spooky season is open for business across Greater Cincinnati, with haunted houses, trails and one very creepy boat welcoming victims — er, visitors.

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Blink lights up a new opening night tradition

The Sotto reservation hack is lunch

City Hall pulls back curtain on CPD surveillance tech

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