Monday, Dec. 22: State Incentives + Haw Creek Vote + Cost of Living
Monday, Dec. 22
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Cincinnati Children’s reviews Medicaid rule on youth gender care.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is reviewing proposed federal rules that could cut Medicaid funding for hospitals offering gender-affirming care to minors. The hospital emphasized its commitment to providing lawful, evidence-based care and noted concerns raised by the Children’s Hospital Association. The association’s CEO called the proposed regulations a “dangerous precedent,” warning they could hinder providers and families from accessing medically necessary services. Currently, Cincinnati Children’s is not prescribing hormones to minors due to Ohio’s House Bill 68, which was recently reinstated following legal challenges.
Freestore Foodbank demand surges; 274,000 people need help.
The Freestore Foodbank is seeing record demand this winter, distributing food to more than 274,000 food-insecure people across 20 tri-state counties. President and CEO Kurt Reiber, who plans to retire in July, says inflation, job disruptions, and reduced SNAP benefits have strained household budgets, driving thousands of new families to seek food assistance. The nonprofit has spent an additional $3 million on food this year, while also expanding job training and support services to help clients stabilize their lives.
Ross schools approve four-year teacher contract after strike threats.
After nearly a year of negotiations and the threat of a teacher strike, Ross Local Schools in Butler County has approved a new four-year labor contract with its teachers’ union. The Ross Board of Education voted unanimously in favor of the agreement, which addresses long-standing concerns about salary step increases for veteran educators. Superintendent William Rice praised teachers for maintaining their classroom focus throughout the dispute, while board members described the deal as a step toward stability and healing. The district serves 2,800 students and is among the top-rated in the county.
Visit Cincy CEO Julie Calvert exits; next job unclear.
Julie Calvert will step down as CEO and president of Visit Cincy at the end of January 2026, after nearly eight years leading the region’s tourism and convention efforts. While she hasn’t announced her next move, Calvert said she’s ready to pursue new challenges. Her tenure saw several milestones, including the renovation of the Cincinnati Convention Center, relaunching the Regional Sports Commission, and expanding a local hospitality leadership program. Calvert has held leadership roles with Visit Cincy since 2001. A national search is on for her replacement.
Covington restores Frank Duveneck home with $600,000 funding.
The city of Covington is moving forward with a major rehabilitation of the childhood home and studio of celebrated painter Frank Duveneck. The 160-year-old house at 1226 Greenup Street had fallen into severe disrepair, but will now be restored thanks to a $600,000 funding package, including a federal grant from the Save America’s Treasures program. Duveneck, considered a pioneer of American realism, taught in Europe and Cincinnati but always returned to Covington. Officials hope the restored home may become a future arts hub, continuing Duveneck’s legacy.
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