Mold Remediation in Cincinnati, OH

The wait is finally over.

Pop Mart, the popular Chinese toy company known for selling collectible designer toys, such as Labubus and other blind or mystery box items, opened its first-ever Ohio location Monday inside Kenwood Towne Centre, at 7875 Montgomery Road, Brookfield Properties PR manager Ali Phillips confirmed.

The store is located next to the candy shop, Lolli & Pops, on the lower level.

Pop Mart's debut comes after months of speculation on when it would finally open, with collectors posting updates on the store's construction on social media. One TikTok video even shows customers peeking through closed gates at the store before it officially opened to catch a glimpse of the merchandise.

Pop Mart is the official retailer of Labubu dolls and is also the most reliable place to purchase the plushie, as some customers have been duped with fakes that are dubbed "Lafufus."

While Pop Mart houses Labubus, it typically releases new Labubu items online first since in-store availability can be tricky, especially now due to the dolls' rising popularity. Some Pop Mart stores have even moved to "buy online, pick up in-store" only, meaning customers must order online first and collect their purchase from the store, according to Business Insider.

What is a Labubu? The dolls have created a frenzy

Almost every piece of merchandise inspired by Labubu and The Monsters line is sold out on Pop Mart's website. The popularity has led to retailers online and in brick-and-mortar stores selling knockoffs.

The toy has even had people lining up outside of malls around the world and starting fights while instantly selling out, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The doll was designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung around 10 years ago, according to Business Insider.

Lung created three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology, Pop Mart's website says. The book contains depictions of characters, both good and evil, in a fairy world. He called them The Monsters.

Labubu, "a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth," is the most prominent character in the books.

The popularity of the dolls heightened earlier this year when K-pop star Lisa posted an Instagram video with one, per the LA Times.

What are Labubu Blind Boxes?

If you've walked into a Five Below or purchased a Miniverse toy from Target, you've seen a blind box.

They can contain toys or figurines from different properties, from Hello Kitty and Winnie the Pooh and their friends to popular anime characters. A blind box can contain anything.

Blind boxes are like gambling, but you still gain a toy once you open the box. Some of the blind boxes' contents might be rarer than others, which can increase how valuable they are and how much collectors are willing to pay for them if they're sold online.

USA TODAY reporter Julia Gomez contributed to this report.

This huge holiday week, there are plenty of ways to celebrate America's independence. Many Cincinnati communities are throwing celebrations. We've done the hard work to find 'em all for you, so you can guarantee you'll find an event near you.

Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we'll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.

Monday, June 30

Bring your kids to the other side of the river every Monday this summer for some playtime. Get your face painted, listen to stories, meet magicians, create crafts and more.

Details: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, Ky. Free. Newportonthelevee.com.

This year's Butterfly Show lets you step into a Gothica Botanica-themed butterfly garden, where shadowy foliage and deep-hued blooms set the stage for hundreds of iridescent butterflies.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Aug. 10, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Cincinnati-oh.gov.

This week's performer is Ben Levin.

Details: 6-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. Washingtonpark.org.

Tuesday, July 1

Grab your lawn chairs and movie snacks for an outdoor movie on Washington Park's Civic Lawn. This week's OTR Cinema movie: "National Treasure."

Details: 9-11 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. Washingtonpark.org.

Jazz lovers, gather at Fountain Square to listen to this week's performer: Rusty Burge/Kim Pensyl Quartet.

Details: 5-8 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Free. Myfountainsquare.com.

Find a new piece for your collection at Indiana's largest antiques and vintage-only market, featuring over 200 vendors with a wide variety of vintage and retro goods. Concessions are available for purchase.

Details: 6 a.m.-3 p.m., Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, 351 E. Eads Parkway, Lawrenceburg. $5, free parking. Lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com.

Wednesday, July 2

Artists paired up with local nonprofits, with all sales of art split between the two. This is the last day the exhibit will be open, so make sure you check it out.

Details: 6-8 p.m., Off Ludlow Gallery, 3408 Ormand Ave., Clifton. Free. Offludlowgallery.com.

It's the season for free summer concerts. Multiple venues are hosting free, outdoor concerts with a new performer each week.

Burnet Woods: 7-9 p.m., 3251 Brookline Ave., Clifton. Music by Sound Body Jazz Orchestra. Free. Cliftonculturalarts.org.

Fountain Blues: 5-8 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Music by Blue Spectrum. Free. Myfountainsquare.com.

Reggae Wednesday: 6-10 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Music by The Ark Band. Free. Washingtonpark.org.

Cut your own fresh, specialty blooms at The Marmalade Lily Gardens. "U-Pick" your own flowers with a pair of clippers, a basket and water. Bring your favorite vase to arrange your new blooms in.

Details: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, The Marmalade Lily Gardens, 9850 Schlottman Rd., Loveland. $5. Themarmaladelily.com.

Thursday, July 3

The party starts early with some communities lighting the fuse Thursday night. Check out our full list of Fourth of July parties and parades at bit.ly/cincy4th2025.

Based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey, this play is about a psychiatric hospital governed by strict rules. The spirited Randle P. McMurphy arrives, and his presence challenges Nurse Ratched and inspires hope in his fellow patients.

Details: 7:30-10:00 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Stained Glass Theater, 802 York St., Newport. $15 for students, $18 for adults. Cast.booktix.com.

Enjoy a free outdoor concert at one of these venues.

Rockin' the Roebling: 6 p.m., Smale Riverfront Park, Schmidlapp Lawn, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Music by Natural Progression R&B Covers. Runs May 15-Aug. 28. Free. Cincinnati-oh.gov.

Roots Revival: 6-9 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Music by Rachel Mousie and The Montvales. Washingtonpark.org.

Salsa on the Square: 6-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Music by The Amador Sisters & Cuban Salsa Cincinnati. Runs May 1-Sept. 25. Free. Myfountainsquare.com.

Friday, July 4

Many communities are going all out to bring families and friends together with patriotic parades, festivities and, of course, amazing fireworks shows. We've gathered a list of almost all of them, so you can find the celebration closest to you.

Check out our full list of Fourth of July parties and parades at bit.ly/cincy4th2025.

At Queen City Keyed Up, talented performers go head-to-head in this fun, interactive dueling piano show.

Details: 7-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Runs May 9-Aug. 29. myfountainsquare.com.

A former college athlete from Cincinnati, country music artist Blake Tyler is coming to Lori's Road House. If fireworks aren't your thing, come out to watch him perform.

Details: 8 p.m., Lori's Road House, 4924 Union Centre Pavilion Drive, West Chester. Lrhlive.com.

Saturday, July 5

End the holiday with a bang by attending one of these last Independence Day celebrations.

Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove: All American Birthday Bash, 2-10 p.m., Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove, 705 E Pete Rose Way. Featuring a showcase of American cars with live music from Crown Watts, The Classic Rock Experience, and Thunderstruck. Cincinnati-oh.gov.

Rising Sun: Stars & Stripes Celebration, 4-10:30 p.m., Front St. and Downtown Rising Sun in Rising Sun, IN. Ohio County Tourism, the city of Rising Sun and the Rising Sun Lion's Club hosts this celebration, which includes arts and crafts and information booths, food trucks, DJ and live music, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs. Free. Facebook.com.

Root for your favorite Cincy soccer team at TQL Stadium.

Details: 7:30 p.m., TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway, West End. Tqlstadium.com.

Rock & Roll Playhouse, designed for families, lets kids dance and sing along to classic rock and roll hits.

Get up close with aircraft. Kids can sit in the cockpit of the Museum's T-6 and Parasol, offering an unforgettable experience for your young pilot.

Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tri-State Warbird Museum, 4021 Borman Dr., Batavia. $12, $7 students/veterans. Tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org.

Sunday, July 6

Break out your lawn chairs and see local talent shine.

Details: 6-8 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Washingtonpark.org.

Relax, enjoy your favorite drink (one provided) and paint under the skyline. All supplies are provided, so just bring yourself!

Details: 11 a.m-1 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Myfountainsquare.com.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, all are welcome to this bi-weekly yoga class.

Details: 9:30 a.m., Hoffner Park, 4109 Hamilton Ave., Northside. Eventbrite.com.

English guitarist Robin Trower will perform with special guest Sonny Moorman. Get your tickets to see them live now.

Details: 7:30 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. Tafttheatre.org.

Cincinnati Enquirer

They're causing chaos at King's Island. They're being blamed for car crashes.

Millions of not billions of 17-year cicadas in Brood XIV have emerged in Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio. And even though they've been around for weeks, they are still making themselves known: Screaming from plants and trees, making a mess and peeing on everything.

But their time is growing short. Gene Kritsky, professor emeritus of biology with Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, said in a June 16 email that people in the areas heaviest with cicadas should start "to notice things getting quieter next week."

What areas are those? Here's where the largest number of cicadas have been in the Greater Cincinnati area, according to Kritsky.

Where have cicadas been the worst in Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio?

Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, an app that crowdsources and reviews data on cicadas, was out mapping the 17-year cicada emergence as recently as Monday, June 16, said the heaviest presence of 17-year cicadas have been in Loveland and Mason, northeast of Cincinnati, as well as Pattison Park in Batavia and East Fork State Park in Bethel, both roughly 25 miles east of the Queen City.

According to the map generated by Cicada Safari, where users can submit reports of cicada sightings, there have been tens of thousands of reports in Cincinnati and its northern suburbs. But if you head south, crossing the Ohio River into Northern Kentucky, cicada reports dwindle until you hit Louisville and Lexington, per the map.

When do cicadas go away in Ohio? Here's when 17-year brood will peak in Cincinnati

So when will these cicadas go away?

The 17-year cicadas are only around for a few weeks, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, as they seek mates and lay eggs for the next generation. And while they started to emerge in mid-May, they are still going strong. Kritsky attributed the slow emergence to cooler, rainy days in May. Cicadas need the soil temperatures to hit 64 degrees to emerge, per ODNR, which typically happens in the second half of May.

Following his recent mapping excursion, Kritsky said the big die-off has not yet begun. "The cicadas are still mostly in the trees singing," he said in a June 17 email.

But he expects it to start soon.

"People should notice the loud singing declining over the next two weeks, and the singing should be over in early July," he said previously.

About Brood XIV cicadas

Brood XIV is one of 15 recognized broods of periodical cicadas that emerge every 13 or 17 years, and one of four that appear in the Buckeye State, according to ODNR.

They are active for three to four weeks as they focus on mating and reproduction, per ODNR. Male periodical cicadas produce a deafening chorus of calls to attract females. Once mated, female cicadas deposit their eggs into the branches of trees and shrubs.

Annual cicadas emerge worldwide each year, but periodical cicadas are found only in eastern North America. They live underground as nymphs for either 13 or 17 years before emerging above ground in massive numbers. Different populations of periodical cicadas are called “broods” and are numbered with Roman numerals.

Cicadas swarming at Kings Island

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Southwest Ohio — Kings Island, in Mason — is also in the center of one of the largest cicada emergences. And some visitors have taken to TikTok to share their disgust, the Enquirer reported on June 11.

Videos show people ducking to get away from the bugs, or just running off in some cases. And their screaming is audible in each one.

Kritsky told Scripps News Services that he has one important piece of advice for Kings Island visitors.

"Just enjoy the cicadas, and when you're on the ride, keep your mouth closed," he said.

Where in Ohio have Brood XIV cicadas emerged in 2025? See the map

Brood XIV cicadas of 2025 will stretch from northern Georgia to Massachusetts. In Ohio, they were expected to emerge in a more than dozen counties, per ODNR, mostly in Southwest Ohio:

Some of the edge counties will not see as heavy an emergence as others.

What's the difference between periodical vs. annual cicadas?

The cicadas that emerge every 13 or 17 years are different from the ones seen every summer, and it's not just the amount of time.

Kritsky told WKRN in Nashville that periodical cicadas emerge in May or June, while annual cicadas show up later, in late June and July, and through the rest of summer.

The two types also look different from each other. Periodical cicadas have black bodies with red eyes and red-orange wings and can be anywhere from three-quarters of an inch to an inch and one-quarter in length. Annual cicadas have dark green to black bodies with green-veined wings and black eyes and are larger. They can grow to an inch and one-third in length.

Are cicadas harmful to dogs? What animals eat cicadas?

Any animal that can eat insects will eat cicadas, according to the Purdue University Extension. Those include fish, bears, birds, raccoons and even other insects, like parasitic wasps.

They're also safe for your dog to eat, to a point.

According to the American Kennel Club, a dog that eats the occasional cicada should be fine. However, dogs that gorge on cicadas will find their exoskeletons difficult to digest, resulting in an upset stomach, abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Some dogs that overconsume cicadas may require a trip to the vet for IV fluids, or pain and anti-nausea medications.

They have been around for weeks, eerily and loudly calling out, making a mess and peeing on everything.

Millions if not billions of 17-year cicadas have emerged in Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio. So, is the invasion by Brood XIV is almost over? Are the cicadas about to go away?

These cicadas are only around for a few weeks, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, as they seek mates and lay eggs for the next generation. And since they started to emerge in mid-May, their time is nearly up, right?

Here's what you need to know as cicadas peak and die off, and what you can do with the dead bugs left behind.

How long are cicadas around for? When will cicadas go away?

Gene Kritsky, professor emeritus of biology with Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, said cicadas are still approaching their peak in many areas. Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, an app that crowdsources and reviews data on cicadas, attributed it to the cooler, rainy days in May.

"People should notice the loud singing declining over the next over the next two weeks, and the singing should be over in early July," he said in an email on June 10.

Brood XIV is one of 15 recognized broods of periodical cicadas that emerge every 13 or 17 years, and one of four that appear in the Buckeye State, according to ODNR. They emerge when the soil temperature reaches 64 degrees, which typically happens in the second half of May.

They are active for three to four weeks as they focus on mating and reproduction, per ODNR. Male periodical cicadas produce a deafening chorus of calls to attract females. Once mated, female cicadas deposit their eggs into the branches of trees and shrubs.

Annual cicadas emerge worldwide each year, but periodical cicadas are found only in eastern North America. They live underground as nymphs for either 13 or 17 years before emerging above ground in massive numbers. Different populations of periodical cicadas are called “broods” and are numbered with Roman numerals.

Dead cicadas smell like rotting meat. How best to clean up and dispose of them

Scotts, the lawn-care company, says you'll want to work quickly to get rid of cicadas once they die, because "big quantities of decaying cicadas can smell like a meat market during a power outage."

However, dead cicadas can be fertilizer gold for your yard or garden. The company offers a few tips:

More tips on getting rid of dead cicadas around the house

USA TODAY offers some additional tips on cleaning up after cicadas. Those include:

Cicadas attract a nearly invisible pest that can bite and cause a rash

Dealing with the dead bugs isn't the only problem cicadas leave behind. Their eggs can attract a pest. One that can bite you and cause a rash.

According to WebMD, the oak leaf itch mite is nearly invisible to the naked eye, being about 0.2 mm long. They commonly feed on larvae of an oak gall midge, a type of fly, that lives on pin oak leaves. Starting in late July, these mites drop from the tree or are blown on the wind, landing on animals and humans. Their bites can cause an itchy rash of small red bumps that can be painful to scratch. The rashes can be intense.

They're also known to feed on cicada eggs, per WebMD, and were linked to a 2007 outbreak of rashes in Chicago, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, where the mites were feeding on 17-year cicada eggs. In 2021, the University of Maryland Extension found it likely that Brood X cicada eggs were likely the mite's food source for an outbreak of rashes in the Washington D.C. area, as reported by the Washington Post.

Where in Ohio have Brood XIV cicadas emerged? See the map

Brood XIV cicadas will stretch from northern Georgia to Massachusetts. In Ohio, they were expected to emerge in a more than dozen counties, per ODNR, mostly in Southwest Ohio:

Some of the edge counties will not see as heavy an emergence as others.

What's the difference between periodical vs. annual cicadas?

The cicadas that emerge every 13 or 17 years are different from the ones seen every summer, and it's not just the amount of time.

Kritsky told WKRN in Nashville that periodical cicadas emerge in May or June, while annual cicadas show up later, in late June and July, and through the rest of summer.

The two types also look different from each other. Periodical cicadas have black bodies with red eyes and red-orange wings and can be anywhere from three-quarters of an inch to an inch and one-quarter in length. Annual cicadas have dark green to black bodies with green-veined wings and black eyes and are larger. They can grow to an inch and one-third in length.

Are cicadas harmful to dogs? What animals eat cicadas?

Any animal that can eat insects will eat cicadas, according to the Purdue University Extension. Those include fish, bears, birds, raccoons and even other insects, like parasitic wasps.

They're also safe for your dog to eat, to a point.

According to the American Kennel Club, a dog that eats the occasional cicada should be fine. However, dogs that gorge on cicadas will find their exoskeletons difficult to digest, resulting in an upset stomach, abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Some dogs that overconsume cicadas may require a trip to the vet for IV fluids, or pain and anti-nausea medications.

Cicadas vs. locusts, what's the difference?

Cicadas, like locusts, show up suddenly and in large numbers, and are sometimes called "locusts," according to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

However, cicadas are not locusts.

Locusts are grasshoppers, and the two species are not closely related, according to the Xerces Society. Locusts also swarm for different reasons.

Independence Day is almost here so it's time to start planning a weekend of fireworks and fun! This holiday is the perfect time to get out to your favorite park to have a picnic, take a hike, or just find a shaded spot to read a book. If fun events and fireworks are what you’re after, Cincinnati Parks is excited to offer THREE different 4th of July Celebrations for you and your family to enjoy. Check them out below:

July 3rd | Inwood Park All American Block Party + Fireworks | 7pm - 10pm

Come celebrate the 4th of July at Inwood Park! Games, Picnics, Kona Ice, and Fireworks to end the night! Click here for more information.

July 4th | 59th Ault Park Fireworks | 11am – 10pm

Join us on July 4th for a day filled with family fun and an evening celebrating the birth of our nation. The Ault Park Fireworks is one of the largest free community events, attracting 5,000 residents to our beautiful Ault Park. A Children’s Parade is held at 11:00 am with decorated bikes and strollers. The evening-long event will feature live music, food trucks, a beer vendor and a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display by Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks. Click here for more information.

July 5th | All American Birthday Bash | 2pm - 10pm

Rev up your engines and join us at Sawyer Point in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 5th for an unforgettable showcase of American cars and more! From muscle cars to cutting-edge innovations, immerse yourself in the heart of automotive excellence. Enjoy the rhythm of the road with live music from Crown Watts, The Classic Rock Experience, and Thunderstruck! Plus, end your evening enjoying the spectacular fireworks show! Click here for more information.

While one of our busiest and most fun, unfortunately, the 4th of July is one of the biggest weekends of the year for litter and debris being left behind. We want everyone to come out and enjoy our parks, but when you do please do your part to keep our public greenspaces clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Park Rules While celebrating please remember:

From all of us at Cincinnati Parks, Happy Birthday USA! We wish you a safe and enjoyable birthday party.