Happy Thursday, Scoopers!

🛍️ A local Cincinnati artist responded to the Shein Popup that took place in Kenwood Towne Center earlier this month - and this picture speaks a thousand words.

Today’s email is a 4min 6sec read. Here’s the scoop:

• 🥵 The Hottest Day in a Decade

• ⚽️ Messi Visits the Queen City

• 👺 Local Haunted House Hosts a Job Fair

But first…

☀️ WEATHER

Coming in HOT - Today Scheduled to be the Hottest Day in a Decade

An intense heat wave is rolling through Cincinnati causing schools to go remote, sport practices and games to be rescheduled, and Ohioans seeking AC.

“The hottest day of the heat wave is Thursday. An excessive heat watch is in effect for that afternoon and this will become an excessive heat warning at some point today. But the message is still the same, you've got to be careful in the heat tomorrow. Temperatures rise to 98 with a heat index of 105-110 degrees. This will be one of the hottest days we've had since August of 2012.” -WCPO

🐷 LOCAL

Kroger has its eyes on the prize

Kroger is stepping up to take on the Big Boys!

Back in October, Kroger announced plans to merge with Idaho-based grocery chain Albertsons which has over 2253 stores making it the 2nd largest supermarket chain in North America after Kroger.

But the FTC is not a fan of the idea…

They are trying to block the merger saying that it will reduce competition and “put an even larger strain on American families who are already struggling to pay the bills and keep food on the table.”

Kroger disagrees with this viewpoint, saying that the merger will actually mean “lower prices and more choices for more customers in more communities.”

Classic he said, she said…

In addition, Kroger pointed out that as a union business, the merger would also bring higher wages and more benefits for associates. Something that its much bigger competitors Walmart and Amazon don’t offer.

History is also in Kroger’s corner.

According to experts, over the last 30 years, almost every single grocery merger has gone through, and Kroger has a 75% chance of completing the merger.

If the merger goes through it will be a $24 billion acquisition, and Kroger has said that it hopes to complete the merger in early 2024.

🍁 The Starbucks fall menu has been confirmed and your precious Pumpkin Spice Latte will return later this month, along with a few new menu items.

🗓️ EVENTS

Mimosas, Fireworks, and Drag

16 Lots Southern Outpost is celebrating the end of its first summer at Newport on the Levee with an epic 2-day party!

September 2nd marks Day 1 and will start off with a drag brunch featuring some of Cincy’s biggest performers along with brunch fare, mimosas, and an entire Bloody Mary bar.

Doors open for brunch at 10am with the drag show at noon. The cost for entry is $18

Day 2 will keep the party going with a Western & Southern/WEBD Fireworks watch party and an all-you-can-eat buffet including a raw bar, carving station, appetizers, and more.

Tickets for Day 2, starting at 4pm, cost $199 and can be bought here

🍦 MINI SCOOPS

🤖 CVG Introduces "Ottobots": Autonomous robots named after Ottonomy are taking over Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Originally offering snacks, Ottobots now deliver Subway sandwiches to Concourse A gates. Passengers can order via CVG's website or scan QR codes on robots. Accessible and efficient, Ottobots mark CVG's pioneering step into autonomous food delivery.

🏡 University of Cincinnati record enrollment numbers create a student housing crisis: UC kicks off the semester with a record-breaking 50,000 students. But for many, the housing scramble overshadows the achievement. UC promises solutions, investing $100 million in new residence halls. Freshman London Burge calls it lucky timing; sophomores like Erin Caudioo are frustrated.

⚽️ Messi Takes Cincinnati: Fresh off his 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, Lionel Messi faced FC Cincinnati in a US Open Cup semifinal clash yesterday. Both teams played to a 3-3 tie before Inter Miami ultimately defeated Cincinnati 5-4 in penalty kicks. TQL Stadium buzzed with anticipation as fans scrambled for tickets priced higher due to Messi's presence. Miami's unbeaten streak under Messi continues.

🌷 Northside Garden for Teens: Behind a fence in Northside lies a Happen Inc. haven—a green retreat fostering creativity and skills for Cincinnati's youth. The Butterfly Garden, abuzz with bees and color, offers teens not just flowers to arrange, but work ethic and life skills. Founder Tommy Rueff aims for lasting memories and potential lifelong passions.

🐷 Cincy's New Slogan: You Decide! Cincinnati city officials explore rebranding, including a fresh slogan. Mayor Pureval discusses possibilities, sparking input from locals. Instagram buzzes with ideas for a tagline that captures the essence of the Queen City. Stay tuned to see what sticks!

👺 Dent Schoolhouse hosts a job fair: Cincinnati's famed Halloween attraction, Dent Schoolhouse, seeks over 150 actors and staff for the 2023 season. Known for its haunted history, the 1800s school building comes alive each fall with spooky tales. Join the fun at the job fair, where roles from actors to makeup artists are up for grabs.

📆 EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

🍗 AUG 21 - 27, Cincinnati Wing Week

🇩🇪 AUG 25 - 27, Germania Society Oktoberfest

🖤 AUG 25 - 27, Cincinnati Tattoo Festival

🎨 FRI AUG 25, Final Friday at Pendleton Art Center

🎵 SAT AUG 26, Rhinegeist Taproom Record Fair

🪩 SAT AUG 26, Cincinnati Beer Run Disco Party

🍻 SAT AUG 26, Hops in the Hangar

🏊 SUN AUG 27, Great Ohio River Swim

🐕 CINCYDOG OF THE WEEK

Clove and Cinnamon are available for adoption through the incredible Stray Animal Adoption Program!

Thanks for being here with us. We’re looking forward to building a strong community of informed Cincinnatians who want to stay in the loop.

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