Daily editionFriday, October 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Cincinnati.
The 5AM Cincinnati Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of October.
Community
Maria Hoppe turned 100 in Union and celebrated her milestone with family after surviving a Russian labor camp in a journey that began in Hungary.
Hoppe shares a simple life lesson (respect for others) and hopes to see the Bengals win the Super Bowl.
WCPORead more
Business
Co-owners Mitch Arens and Billy Grise of the well-regarded Carmelo's will open an American chophouse in the former Frisch's Big Boy at 20 Kyles Lane in Fort Wright this winter, and the menu is unreleased but is set to evoke nostalgic family meals.
FOX19 NOWRead more
Culture
The city will host BLINK (the nation’s largest art and light festival) from Oct. 8-11 with over 2 million visitors expected to see nearly 100 artworks across Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, Fountain Square, The Banks, Lytle Park and Covington.
New events like Ready. Set. BLINK add extra excitement.
FOX19 NOWRead more
BLINK will run Oct.8-11 as a free immersive art festival filling 35+ city blocks with interactive installations, murals & projection mapping, expected to draw over two million visitors; an opening celebration begins at 4 p.m. Oct.8 near TQL Stadium.
Local 12Read more
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful has converted 1,700 recycled paint cans into light-up benches+trees for its new BLINK display, drawing on 15 years of local collecting.
The installation is set up at Green and Elm in Over-the-Rhine during the festival.
WCPORead more
Colerain Township hosts the Donauschwaben Oktoberfest, which kicks off today and runs through Oct. 4 with steins, brats, and polka.
The event brings local traditions and festive spirit to the community.
FOX19 NOWRead more
Education
Procter & Gamble donated 25 acres to expand St. Xavier High School's campus for a new cross-country complex with a certified 5K and adaptable 2-mile course, which will be operational in 2027 as part of the school's bicentennial plan.
Local 12Read more
Environment
The Ohio Department of Agriculture warns residents to scrape off spotted lanternfly egg masses (found on trees, outdoor furniture, and rocks) from October to December to curb the pest's spread as the statewide quarantine restricts moving at-risk plants.
Cincinnati EnquirerRead more
Government
Ohio roundabouts are designed with a truck apron (a feature that lets semi trucks navigate safely) and have improved traffic flow while reducing crashes, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Cincinnati EnquirerRead more