Tuesday, Dec. 16: Christian Lobby Rise + Corporate Relocation + Jail Assault Case
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Cincinnati-born Christian lobby now Ohio’s biggest conservative force.
A nonprofit that began as an anti-pornography group in a Cincinnati church basement is now one of Ohio’s most influential conservative policy organizations. The Center for Christian Virtue, formerly Citizens for Community Values, has lobbied on hundreds of bills and championed legislation restricting abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and public education access. Under current president Aaron Baer, CCV has quadrupled its revenue since 2020 and built deep ties to Republican lawmakers and churches. Critics warn the group is eroding church-state separation, while supporters praise its moral advocacy.
SencorpWhite relocates HQ to Hamilton, promises 230 high-paying jobs.
SencorpWhite, a Massachusetts-based manufacturer of automated storage systems, is moving its headquarters north of Cincinnati, to Hamilton. The company will invest in a 98,000-square-foot facility on Symmes Road and expects to create up to 230 jobs averaging $90,000 annually over seven years. The move, backed by a $3.45 million Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit, also includes support from JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati, and the city of Hamilton. Renovations are underway, with operations projected to begin in early 2026. The company cites regional talent and logistics as key relocation factors.
Hinton charged with jail assault; insanity plea bid continues.
The man accused of killing Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson now faces new charges in Clermont County. Rodney Hinton Jr. is accused of assaulting a corrections officer at the Clermont County jail, where he’s being held in connection to Henderson’s death. Court records say the incident occurred December 13 and involved Hinton allegedly striking and kicking the officer. Meanwhile, Hinton is seeking to change his plea in the Henderson case to not guilty by reason of insanity. A court-appointed psychologist testified that Hinton suffers from bipolar disorder. More testimony is scheduled for January 5.
Lockland Valley Interfaith center launches $1M expansion for demand.
The Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center in Lockland is breaking ground on a $1 million renovation to better serve Hamilton County residents in need. The nonprofit, active since 1965, supports thousands annually with food, clothing, and other aid. The upgrades—focused on its service and warehouse areas—aim to create a more dignified space and expand capacity amid growing demand. Valley CEO John Keuffer says the group served 37,000 people last year, including recent arrivals from West Africa and Latin America. The project has raised about half of its funding so far.
Bengals’ snowy seats draw NFL scrutiny after 24-0 loss.
Beyond the indignity of suffering through a 24-0 Bengals loss, fans at Paycor Stadium on Sunday also faced snow-covered seats — a possible violation of NFL game-day standards. League rules require home teams to clear snow and ice from seating areas before games. Photos showed untouched rows of snow before kickoff. The Bengals stated that aisles were prioritized and ushers were available to help fans. The NFL confirmed it coordinated snow removal with the team and said added snowfall overnight caused minor accumulation. No disciplinary action was considered.
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