Business

Report: Google to open first flagship retail store in Chicago

by Fiza Pirani, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tech giant Google is reportedly planning its first brick-and-mortar retail shop. The Chicago Tribune reported that, according to unnamed sources, the flagship store is expected to open in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, close to the company’s city headquarters. Google has finalized the property lease, the Tribune reported, but the company has not yet confirmed plans for long-term...

Wright State names interim VP for enrollment after years of declines

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wright State University is making another change to its administration. The university has selected Paul Carney to replace Mary Ellen Ashley as vice president of enrollment management on an interim basis. Ashley plans to retire on Oct. 3, according to WSU. Carney has worked in higher education since 1978 before retiring. He has served in administrative positions at the University of Dallas, the University...

JUST IN: Cedarville University to add a Chick-fil-A, but don’t start getting hungry just yet

by Mark Fisher

Cedarville University and Chick-fil-A are joining forces to bring the iconic chicken brand to the university’s campus. The location of the restaurant has not been finalized, but the new eatery will be open to students and the general public, possibly in July 2020, a university spokesman said Monday, Aug. 20. >> NEW TODAY: Graveyard of restaurants claims its final victim...

Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association leader leaving for California post

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

The president and CEO of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association, a powerful lobbying and coordinating organization for the Dayton-area’s 28 hospitals, is leaving his position for a similar job in California. Bryan Bucklew, who has led the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association since 2005, has been named the president and CEO of the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California...

Former Springfield city pool will change to dog daycare

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Springfield’s former city pool provided countless hours of entertainment to area children, but by next year it could be a nearly five-acre playground for pets. The pool at 715 N. Bechtle Avenue has been closed since 2006. But Springfield’s city commissioners recently voted to approve the sale of the property to Laura Fazio, who plans to use the vacant space as the new home for Wags N Wiggles...

Amazon seeks foothold in movie theater business

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Not content with delivery of books, digital video services, groceries and much more, Amazon is eyeing a move into theaters, according to a report. Amazon.com Inc. wants to acquire Landmark Theaters, according to Bloomberg news service. Citing “people familiar with the situation,” Bloomberg reports that online retail giant Amazon is vying with other suitors to acquire the theater chain...

Fuyao now being sued by 636 people over pay

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Fuyao Glass America, one of the Dayton area’s fastest growing manufacturers, is being sued by 636 current and former workers to change the way the company schedules and pays employees, said the Columbus attorney representing the plaintiffs. The class-action suit’s “notice period,” or period in which new plaintiffs can be named in the case, is now closed, said attorney Bob DeRose...

10K Ohioans affected by end of AT&T ‘Lifeline’

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

AT&T wants to end its Lifeline service for low-income residents, and state regulators are accepting public comments on the issue until Aug. 31. AT&T’s move will affect more than 10,000 Ohioans. Lifeline is a federally funded program that provides monthly discounts to eligible consumers of landline, wireless or broadband services. Customers enrolled in the program receive a $9.25 monthly...

These Clark County projects show efforts to attract business are paying off, officials say

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Clark County’s recent successes attracting new jobs and investment is the result of several separate strategies that are finally starting to pay off, Springfield economic development officials said. Clark County has attracted about $475 million in new investment and created new jobs since 2012, said Horton Hobbs, vice president of economic development for the Chamber of Greater Springfield....

California mall offers prime parking spaces -- for a price

by Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

A California mall is offering prime parking spots for its customers on the weekends -- for a price. >> Read more trending news On Aug. 11, the Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto introduced a paid parking program called Front & Center Parking at its busiest entrance, The Modesto Bee reported. There are 200 parking spaces designated in the “assisted valet service” area of...

Local auto suppliers could face uncertainty with proposal to ease fuel standards

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

A federal proposal to ease fuel efficiency standards could be a benefit to automakers, but it’s unlikely to impact their strategies in the short term and could cause uncertainty for local suppliers. The Trump administration earlier this month released a proposal that would freeze fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks at 2020 levels for at least five years. It would roll back tougher...

Popular in Business

Recall Roundup: Hair dryers, blending containers and more

by Rachel Murray

Dangerous hair dryers and blender cups are among the new recalls announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Xtava is recalling nearly a quarter of a million Allure and Allure Pro hair dryers after 18 people reported burns — one case was severe — and two people reported a mild electrical shock. There are 193 reports of the hair dryers and power cords exploding, catching...

Temperature abuse caused Chipotle outbreak: 3 things to know about it

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

At least 647 customers of a Chipotle near Columbus, Ohio, got sick after food was kept at unsafe temperatures, but they may never know what specific food item caused the illnesses. Several have been completed in the last several weeks since the outbreak at the Powell, Ohio, Chipotle on Sawmill Parkway, where C. Perfringens were found in the stool. Here’s what you need to know about the illnesses...

Ohio job growth pace finally beats nation’s

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Ohio employers are hiring, with the state’s pace of job growth is finally matching and even exceeding the national pace. Ohio’s unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in July 2018, up from 4.5 percent in June, the state reported Friday. But the state’s non-agricultural wage and salary employment increased 7,600 over the month, from a revised 5,608,500 in June to 5,616,100 in July 2018...

Four more medical pot licenses issued by Ohio

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

The state of Ohio issued four more licenses Friday to medical marijuana businesses, including a lab testing license to Battelle Memorial Institute, an internationally known research and development organization founded nearly 90 years ago. Another testing lab license was issued to North Coast Testing Laboratories, LLC, in Sandusky County. That brings the number of licensed labs to four. The other...

Military parade ordered by Trump could cost $92 million

by AP AP

The Veterans Day military parade ordered up by President Donald Trump would cost about $92 million, U.S. officials said Thursday, citing preliminary estimates more than three times the price first suggested by the White House. According to the officials, roughly $50 million would cover Pentagon costs for aircraft, equipment, personnel and other support for the November parade in Washington. The remainder...

Dayton-area firms pull in millions in new defense work

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Several area companies have landed millions in new Department of Defense and federal contract awards. RDC/John Poe Architects in Miamisburg claimed a $5,332,055 federal contract from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for architectural and engineering services at the Ann Arbor Health Care System. G.E. Aviation Systems in Vandalia won a $577,920 federal contract from the Defense Logistics Agency...

3 things you need to know about drug pricing to understand this week’s Medicaid changes

by Katie Wedell , Kaitlin Schroeder

This week, Ohio Medicaid announced it will be changing the way its managed care plans contract with pharmacy benefit managers to administer prescription benefits. >> READ THE STORY HERE: Ohio Medicaid to cancel pharmacy middlemen contracts The change was announced as Auditor of State Dave Yost prepared to release a report, out today, that shows PBMs charged Ohio a 31 percent...

Sears CEO looks to buy Kenmore brand

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Sear’s chief executive officer is planning to buy the company’s Kenmore brand, likely an attempt to push back a bankruptcy filing. CEO Eddie Lampert and the hedge fund he runs called ESL Investments has offered $400 million in cash for the Kenmore appliance brand and another $70 million to $80 million for the Home Improvement business of the Home Services division, according to a filing...

JUST IN: Special Maker’s Mark bourbon exclusive to Ohio headed to select liquor stores

by Mark Fisher

Ohio’s bourbon enthusiasts will get another crack next week at purchasing a special limited-release, Ohio-exclusive bourbon from a well-known producer without leaving the state. But if this release is anything like the last one, they’ll have to act fast. The Ohio Division of Liquor Control is gearing up to release a special bottling of Maker's Mark bourbon, “Maker&rsquo...

BREAKING: Cause of Ohio Chipotle outbreak identified

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

At least 647 people that fell ill after eating at an Ohio Chipotle last month now have answers — their illnesses were caused by a foodborne disease resulting from food being stored at unsafe temperatures. After local lab tests on food and stool samples came back negative for any potential pathogens, the Delaware County Health District sent more samples to the CDC to be tested. While the...

Pharmacy middlemen charge Ohio Medicaid 31 percent mark up for generics

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

Pharmacy middlemen charged Ohio Medicaid plans 31 percent more for generic prescriptions than the amount they paid pharmacists for the drugs. The difference was revealed Tuesday in a report by the Ohio Auditor, which examined how the middlemen, called pharmacy benefit managers, privately manage $2.5 billion on behalf of Ohio Medicaid. When Ohio Medicaid pays for prescription drugs, the money flows...

Giant Centerville arts and crafts store sets opening date

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

The A.C. Moore store opening its first Dayton-area location in Centerville is anticipating an October opening. This news organization previously reported the store would open a location after seeing job postings listed on the company’s website. The store will create 25 to 30 jobs at the Centerville location, said spokeswoman Anastasia Barbalios. »RELATED: Popular apparel store at The Greene...

Best Buy acquires health service provider for $800M

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Best Buy recently purchased a health and personal emergency response service for $800 million. With more than 900,000 paying subscribers, GreatCall aims to help older consumers stay independent longer and reduce health-care costs, according to a Best Buy release. The company uses mobile products and connected devices tailored for aging consumers to reach agents who can connect the customer to family...

UD students to start moving in Friday; expect roadway delays

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

The University of Dayton has already begun to move in one of the biggest classes in school history but the bulk of new students will arrive on campus Friday. More than 2,200 freshmen will move to campus beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, said Cari Wallace, assistant vice president of student development. Returning students will head back to the university on Sunday before classes begin on Wednesday. Motorists...

U.S. Department of Education investigating Ohio State doctor abuse allegations

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

The Civil Rights office of the U.S. Department of Education has launched a Title IX investigation into allegations of abuse against a now-dead Ohio State University doctor. Richard Strauss was a wrestling team physician employed by the university from the mid-1970s to 1990s. he died in 2005. More than 100 students have come forward to report first-hand accounts of sexual misconduct by Strauss, OSU...

After tax cut, Ohio utilities fight PUCO to maintain rates

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Ohio electric utilities and state regulators are still butting heads over whether the utilities should pass on savings from last year’s tax cut to their customers. Late last year, the U.S. government lowered the federal tax rate for corporations from 35 to 21 percent. In a filing this week with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Dayton Power & Light (DP&L) took issue with how the...

Mom saves 2 kids moments before toy jeep bursts into flames

by Boston25News.com

A battery-powered toy jeep burst into flames just moments after kids had been playing with it, a Massachusetts mom says. Michelle Kline said she bought the SportRax Awesome XL for her 3-year-old, Quincy, and his little sister, Nellie, but never expected it to pose such a danger to her family. "Part of the reason we bought the jeep that we bought was because the weight was ... I think...

In the UAS/UAV race, China is beating the U.S.

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

While the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) market is on a strong growth track — nationally and here in Dayton — there are still concerns and challenges. One concern: China is well ahead of the United States in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and in building a supply chain of components for those vehicles, including motors. “I think it’s a strategic challenge, actually...

Does your McDonald’s have a new look? It’s part of a larger $6B plan

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

McDonald’s and its franchisees are investing $6 billion to modernize most U.S. restaurants by 2020. Beginning this year through the end of 2019, McDonald’s plans to update most traditional, stand-alone restaurants to fit the “experience of the future,” said McDonald’s spokesman Phil Saken. In Ohio specifically, McDonalds plans to invest $251 million to modernize 380 restaurants...

Most Elder-Beerman stores to close within next two weeks; deep discounts continue

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Elder-Beerman will close most of its local stores for good within the next two weeks and stores now have discounts as high as 90 percent off of merchandise. While Elder-Beerman’s parent company Bon-Ton has through Aug. 31 to liquidate all of its brands’ merchandise, most Elder-Beerman stores are expected to run out of product between Aug. 24 and 29, said Scott Carpenter, vice president...

Frontier adds nonstop flight to Florida location from Columbus

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Frontier Airlines is adding a flight from the Columbus International Airport to popular vacation destination West Palm Beach, Florida. The new twice-weekly flight will start in November, and operate seasonally, ending in the spring, a Frontier spokesman told the Columbus Dispatch. The route could become permanent if demand calls for it. BIZ BEAT: Popular apparel store at The Greene getting a makeover...

Kettering Health to open $10M high-tech command center

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Kettering Health Network has started construction on a 17,000-square-foot operations command center in the Kettering Business Park that aims to improve patient care in the least amount of time. The health system announced today the new $10 million center at 1050 Forrer Blvd. will open in November and create approximately 25 jobs. The command center could grow to 40,000 square feet and employ 300 when...

‘We have some work to do to coordinate efforts’

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base officials are working with area law enforcement to improve their response to crisis situations following an active shooter alarm on Aug. 2 at the base hospital. Representatives from area police and fire departments and sheriff’s offices are expected to participate in a formal board that will review the incident. The board will evaluate mutual aid procedures and...

Kroger selling products outside U.S. for first time

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Kroger is teaming up with Amazon’s biggest competition in China to sell products outside the United States for the first time. The company announcde it is entering a pilot phase with Alibaba Group’s Tmall Global platform, which will create an online Kroger store for international customers. The test will start with the popular Simple Truth products, servicing more than half a billion Chinese...

UPDATE: Pharmacy middlemen could lose billions in Ohio Medicaid contracts

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

Ohio plans to overhaul the way Medicaid pays for prescriptions in the wake of mounting controversy over how private companies manage billions in drug spending on behalf of the state. Ohio’s Medicaid plans are managed by private insurance companies and those insurance companies contract out pharmacy benefits to be managed by other private companies. The companies, called pharmacy benefit managers...

Feathers in the Oregon District going strong after 40 years: ‘Every day I am amazed’

by Amelia Robinson

Janet Phillips knows that times flies and the past can be treasured. The Oregon District resident started selling treasures from days long gone at her business’ original site in April of 1978 ... or so. “If I knew back then this stuff would be important, I would have written (the dates) down,” the owner of Feathers Vintage Clothing, an Oregon...

Car wash's billboard promoting QAnon conspiracy theory sparks controversy

by Ben Brasch, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Georgia car wash has aligned its business with a group that believes a government insider is publicly uncovering a vast left-wing plot against President Donald Trump. The billboard reads “#QANON” — citing a group many have said espouse conspiracy theories — and has a logo with the name of Car Nutz Car Wash in the bottom left corner. >> Read more trending...

Staples manager fired after accusing woman pregnant with twins of shoplifting

by Stephanie Tinoco and Kristin Leigh, WSOCTV.com

Staples said in a statement Monday that it has fired the manager who assumed an expecting mother had shoplifted at one of its stores in North Carolina. Shirell Bates told WSOC-TV that she now regrets leaving her home on Friday for back-to-school shopping at the Pineville store. "Being pregnant is already high-risk, and having to deal with that, just additional stress that I don't need...

Trump signs bill with $182 million for NASIC project at Wright-Patt

by Max Filby, Associated Press, Staff Writer

President Donald Trump signed into law a $716-billion defense bill Monday and with it, millions of dollars to pay for one of the largest projects in the history of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The bill authorizes $182 million in funding for an expansion of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patt. Trump signed off on the legislation during a visit to the U.S. Army’s...

Photos: Inside Feathers in the Oregon District

by Amelia Robinson

Wrangler, Lee owner plans to spin off jeans brands

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

The VF Corporation, which owns several jeans brands including Wrangler, Lee and Rock & Republic, plans to create a tax-free spin-off to its shareholders to house its jean and outlet industry. VF Corporation will retain its other global apparel and footwear brands like Vans, Timberland, The North Face, Terra, Jansport, Altra and Dickies, according to company announcement Monday. Over the last several...

Wright-Patt creates group to investigate active shooter scare

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is creating a formal board to review the Aug. 2 active shooter scare that occurred at the base’s hospital. Col. Tom Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, ordered the board to conduct a “holistic review” of the scare, the response to it and lessons that can be learned from it, base spokeswoman Marie Vanover said. William Neitzke, the...

Area congressman urges Trump to follow a ‘better way’ on trade

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

A local congressman and former owner of a Troy-area manufacturers is urging President Trump and his administration to consider a “better way” in international trade. Warren Davidson, in a recent op-ed for the Washington Times, cautions the administration against alienating too many nations at once in navigating trade issues. “Many of the principles of war apply to trade...

Beavercreek contractor wins $49M photonic energy contract

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

A Beavercreek company has been awarded a contract valued at nearly $50 million for photonic energy research for the Air Force. UES Inc has been awarded a $49,057,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development in the “flash and laser airborne protection system” (FLAPS) program, the Department of Defense said in an announcement...

Dayton region’s UAS growth gets spotlight this week

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

The sixth annual Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Midwest forum opens Wednesday, offering a chance to explore emerging UAS technology in Dayton and beyond. The forum at Sinclair Community College will hear from a who’s who in the field of UAS, including Kerin Olson, of the Federal Aviation Administration Office of UAS Research; Reid Melville, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) strategy...

5 high-speed travel ideas we could adapt in the Midwest

by Kara Driscoll, Staff Writer

As large companies like Amazon flirt with the idea of making major investments in the Midwest, transportation experts say the region will have to invest in a high-speed rail system or another transportation concept if states like Ohio want to remain competitive in a changing economy. Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati and other Ohio cities have been included as potential stops for a Hyperloop route in the...

New nonprofit to raise funds for projects in Champaign County

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

A Springfield nonprofit that raises funds for scholarships and endowments is developing a similar entity that has started soliciting donations in Champaign County. The Springfield Foundation was created in 1948 when a group of area business leaders decided Clark County residents needed an organization to help local entities meet philanthropic goals. The foundation collects charitable donations, makes...

Pregnant Staples shopper says she was wrongfully accused of shoplifting, hiding items under shirt

by Stephanie Tinoco, WSOCTV.com

An expecting mother said she feels humiliated after she was asked if she was trying to shoplift from a Staples store in North Carolina. Shirell Bates said she now regrets leaving her home on Friday for back-to-school shopping. "Being pregnant is already high-risk, and having to deal with that, just additional stress that I don't need,” Bates said. Bates said a police officer asked...

Beer and planes combine for a new fundraiser in Middletown

by Ed Richter, Staff Writer

A new craft beer event is taking flight from a local airport. The first Hops in the Hangar will blend craft beer fans and aviation enthusiasts in a hangar at the Middletown Regional Airport as a fundraiser in support of the revitalization of downtown Middletown, said Susie Hatton, one of several event sponsors. MORE: There’s lots to LOVE when the world’s best tennis players face off in...

Springfield, Clark County group learns program is looking to boost investment of transportation tech in Ohio

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

A state program tied to the Ohio Department of Transportation is looking to attract new investment and create new job opportunities throughout Ohio, the agency’s managing director said in Springfield Friday. DriveOhio was developed to serve as a hub connecting private and public entities and encourage testing of autonomous vehicles and similar technologies in the state, said Andrew Bremmer,...

Guidehouse ready to guide commercial clients

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

After an acquisition and re-branding, Guidehouse is now running what had been the PricewaterhouseCoopers public-sector consulting practice at The Acropolis office park. And though the practice on Commons Boulevard today is focused on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, under new owner private equity firm Veritas Capital, the practice is able to work with a greater array of clients, said Jim Ebel, the...

Wright State reorganizes some student services, offices

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wright State University is reorganizing some of its student services and offices under one leader. By the start of fall semester on Aug. 27, six departments will report to the university’s chief diversity officer Matt Boaz, according to an email sent to campus by president Cheryl Schrader. The departments include Wright State’s Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center, the office of Latina...

Dayton-area company is looking for 400 workers

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Another Dayton-area manufacturer is looking for the right workers. Silfex will host a career fair Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sinclair College in building 12, at the Great Hall, 444 W. 3rd Street, Dayton. Silfex is hiring qualified CNC and 5-axis machinists to make state-of-the-art silicon components used to create high-technology devices, the Dayton Development Coalition said in an announcement...

Plan to see new products at local ALDI stores: Here’s what we know

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

ALDI is expanding its product offerings as part of its recent and aggressive growth plans. Shoppers can expect 20 percent of all products at their local ALDI stores to be new compared to last year, according to a company release. The nationwide roll-out will continue through early 2019. »BIZ BEAT: Elder-Beerman adds deeper discounts during liquidation At a 40 percent increase, a major focus...

Local JCPenney stores will get new baby shops

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

JCPenney will start opening baby shops within 500 stores Aug. 31, looking to absorb some of the customers from recently closed Babies “R” Us. The department store already sells cribs, high chairs, strollers, car seats and other baby supplies online, but the items will make their brick-and-mortar debut with the new shops. »RELATED: Elder-Beerman adds deeper discounts during liquidation...

No plans to add lanes where recent I-70 truck rollovers have occurred

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Three semitrailer rollover crashes in the past 15 days on Interstate 70 between the Preble County line and Interstate 75 has state safety officials concerned because of the long backups created, but they said there are no future plans to expand the busy two-lane highway. The latest of the crashes occurred around 7:45 a.m. Thursday after the driver of a semi carrying milk attempted to avoid a broken-down...

Space Force proposal could impact Wright-Patt’s NASIC

by Max Filby, Associated Press, Staff Writer

Plans for a sixth military branch dubbed the “Space Force” became a little more real on Thursday when Vice President Mike Pence announced aggressive plans to create the new command by 2020. Though most of the U.S. Air Force’s space planning and procurement is conducted at the Space and Missile Systems Center in El Segundo, Calif., the space debate could still have big implications...

Amazon may soon narrow list of cities for second HQ

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Amazon is reportedly looking to carve out a shorter list of finalists for its second headquarters later this month. As communities across the country await the news, there has been widespread speculation that Amazon will soon announce a shorter list of potential sites for the coveted HQ2 , reports the New York Times. Last year Amazon announced its plans to open a second headquarters, initiating a...

New bill requires counties to get voter OK of sales tax increase

by Chris Stewart, Staff Writer

Two area Republican state lawmakers unveiled a bill Thursday that would require voter approval of any county sales tax increase, ending the current authority of county commissioners to raise the rate, like those in Montgomery County did in June. “The bill will be to make all sales tax increases a vote of the people,” said Rep. Niraj Antani, the bill’s primary sponsor. “Townships...

Ohio pushes for info on how pharmacy middlemen spend $2.5 billion

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

Ohioans could soon be getting an unprecedented look into how $2.5 billion in annual taxpayer money gets spent on Medicaid pharmacy benefits. The money has been handled by private companies that negotiate deals on drugs and process pharmacy claims. The two companies that manage benefits for Ohio Medicaid — CVS Caremark and Optum — argued that it would expose trade secrets if they shared...

Elder-Beerman adds deeper discounts during liquidation

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Elder-Beerman is once again adding extra discounts with just over three weeks left to liquidate stores. The department store that entered liquidation sales in April increased discounts across the store to between 60 and 80 percent at the end of July, aside from a few exclusions. Those discounts on individual items remain the same, but the store announced new overall purchase sales on Twitter Wednesday...

Marathon moves ahead with $23 billion merger

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Marathon is moving forward with its proposed $23 billion acquisition of a rival refining firm, and recently notified its stockholders of a special meeting on Sept. 24 to vote on the proposal. Marathon, based in Findlay, is the parent company of the Speedway convenience store chain, one of the region’s largest employers. Company officials declined comment, but previously told the News-Sun the...

Police officer denied service at Verizon store; employee fired

by Mike Saccone, Boston25News.com

An employee at an independently owned Verizon retailer has been fired after refusing service to an on-duty, uniformed Massachusetts police officer, Boston's WFXT reports. Sources told WFXT that Waltham police Officer Dan Collins was refused service Tuesday at the Verizon store on Tower Road in Waltham. The store is independently owned and operated by Cellular Sales. Waltham...

WATCH: Police body camera footage shows chaos at UD on St. Patrick’s Day

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Body camera footage released from University of Dayton Police details the troubles officers faced in trying to break up a large gathering of people in the student neighborhood on St. Patrick’s Day. Police went out to the UD student neighborhood in riot gear on March 17, in response to students celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. In the videos, students can be seen blocking Lowes Street and...

8 jobs most likely to yield a big pay raise in 2018

by Rose Kennedy, For the AJC

Most job seekers focus on getting the highest-paying position, just like a lot of students seriously consider which careers deliver the best paychecks before deciding on a major. But scoring a great job (or high-paying first job) isn't the only path to a generous salary. Work with good potential for substantial raises is another strategy. According to a recent Finder.com analysis...

Can you get bed bugs on planes? Reports increase for some airlines

by Kara Driscoll, Staff Writer

Hotels aren’t the only place you have to worry about getting bed bugs. Reports of bed bugs on some international airline are increasing. Air India has had multiple reports of bed bugs in its business-class seats, according to several news outlets including Fox5NY. Late in July, two Air India passengers posted online about being bitten by bed bugs on flights from the New York to India. »...

Wilberforce U. placed on probation for failing to meet accreditation standards

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Financial problems and and a lack of strategic planning are putting Wilberforce University at risk of losing its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. In a July 9 letter to Wilberforce president Elfred Pinkard, HLC president Barbara Gellman-Danley placed the university on probation after it failed to meet all of the commission’s criteria for accreditation including failing...

Whole Foods stores begins 30-minute pickup option

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

If two-hour delivery isn’t quick enough for grocery shoppers, Whole Foods Market is now offering pickup in as little as 30 minutes. Customers can order through Amazon’s Prime app and choose a pickup time as short as half an hour from ordering. Whole Foods employees will load the groceries into customers’ vehicles when they arrive. For faster pickup, they can tell the app they&rsquo...

Ohio Supreme Court rules against ECOT in funding case

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

The now closed Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow suffered a legal blow Wednesday when the Ohio Supreme Court ruled 4-2 that the state can determine funding for online schools based on how much time students are logged on for learning. The decision bolsters the state’s effort to recover millions of dollars given to ECOT. ECOT suspended operations Jan. 19 after it lost support from its sponsor...

Med students, health center plan outreach around closed Good Sam

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

The neighborhoods surrounding Good Samaritan Hospital are being canvassed to survey residents on their health needs and to help people get connected to existing health resources following the closure of the longtime Dayton hospital. About 100 medical students with Wright State are volunteering with Five Rivers Health Centers in the effort to provide residents options for their health needs. The Premier...

P&G “restructuring” led to 2,720 employee separations last year

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Procter & Gamble, one of Ohio’s and the region’s biggest employers, discusses recent job cuts in its new annual report, and the company says that further “restructuring” is ongoing. The Cincinnati-based company said in its annual report filed Tuesday that it saw “employee separation” charges for 2,720 employees for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2018 and 2...

Walmart adds meal kits that cook in 15 minutes with 1 pan

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Walmart is partnering with a meal-kit provider to bring more variety to the table. San Francisco-based Gobble is now selling its meal kits on Walmart’s website. The pre-measured kits are one of the methods traditional grocery stores are using to keep up with the Amazon and Whole Foods merger that shook the grocery industry last year. The kits are trending across industries right now. Walmart...

New craft brewery in the works in Troy will be brewer’s 2nd location

by Mark Fisher

A new brewery is in the works in downtown Troy — but its founders already have some strong experience under their belts. Moeller Brew Barn — which has operated a brewery and tasting room in Maria Stein, south of Celina in Mercer County, since 2015 — will open a second location at 214 W. Main St. in downtown Troy, the Troy Main Street organization announced Tuesday...

Report: Mattress Firm considers bankruptcy

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

Mattress Firm is reportedly considering filing for bankruptcy. The retailer is looking for a way to close some stores that are losing money and get out of expensive leases, according to Reuters, who cites unnamed sources. Mattress Firm has 3,000 locations, including a dozen stores in the region. The retailer’s parent company is Steinhoff International Holdings NV, based in South Africa...

Wilberforce University hopes enrollment boost helps solve its problems

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wilberforce University has suffered a number of financial and legal woes in recent years but the school’s leader thinks new enrollment growth will allow administrators to tackle those issues more aggressively. Wilberforce — the nation’s oldest private historically black college — will this year bring in one of its largest freshmen classes in recent history. Classes started...

Woman finds squatters in backyard of home

by KIRO7.com

A Seattle woman said she came home to find homeless squatters setting up a tent in her backyard. The home is for sale. Lisa, the owner, who asked us not to identify her or the house so it would not interfere with her sale, said one man expressed interest in buying the house Friday. She told him to come back with an agent. When she came home Monday, she found that man and another man in her backyard...

Kroger considering sale of one of its ice cream makers

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Kroger is looking for strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, for its Turkey Hill business. Turkey Hill is a consumer-packaged goods food business within Kroger manufacturing, mainly known for its ice cream and beverages. »RELATED: New Kettering grocery store opens Wednesday: Here’s what you can get free, cheap “Turkey Hill’s successful and recognizable ice cream...

NASIC expansion could bring more jobs to Wright-Patt

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

In a show of bipartisanship, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton visited Beavercreek together Tuesday to tout their work to get funding for one of the biggest projects in the history of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. National Defense Authorization Act, which president Donald Trump is expected to sign next week, will fund a $182-million expansion of the National Air and Space...

New store to open at the The Greene Town Center

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Farmhouse Cottage Company will open a new store at The Greene Town Center later this week. Starting as a pop-up shop at The Greene last year, the modern farmhouse decor store’s first permanent location will open to customers at 5 p.m. Friday, said Karli Maynard, owner of Farmhouse Cottage Company. “We did really well, so we did 12 days out there during their tree lighting…and we...

Air Force investigations office responds to questions about active shooter alarm

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

No details will be released this week into the investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations into an active shooter alarm last Thursday at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Explaining why it will not release details on what led to the alarm and why a gun was fired at a locked door inside the base’s Medical Center during the search for an active shooter that did not exist, a...

UPDATE: Signs of life for former TGI Fridays that shut down a year ago

by Mark Fisher

A locally owned barbecue restaurant is in the works at the former TGI Fridays in Huber Heights. Al Shamburger, founder and owner of Al’s Smokehouse Carryout & Catering in Springfield, told this news outlet he has signed a lease to open a second location at 7777 Old Troy Pike in Huber Heights. The space previously housed TGI Fridays restaurant that shut down on Labor Day in 2017. “This...

Court ruling could mean higher electric bills

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

A recent federal bankruptcy court ruling could mean higher electric bills in Ohio, one consumers’ advocate is saying. U.S. Judge Alan Koschik last week approved a motion to allow FirstEnergy Solutions to reject a multi-company power agreement — an agreement that includes Dayton Power and Light (DP&L) — that requires the participating companies to help keep older coal plants running...

Colleges save by going green but some say ends don’t justify means

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Colleges have been investing in efforts to “go green” for years but at least one college affordability expert said that money would be better spent on lowering the price of student tuition. The University of Dayton is a local leader among schools when it comes to sustainability. But, sustainability efforts often take years to save schools money, said Richard Vedder, director of the Center...

Developer reviewing options for Kroger store set to close next year

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

The owners of a Kroger location set to close early next year said there are several options for the property’s future, and some initial research is already underway for potential tenants. Last week, Kroger told the News-Sun it will close its location at 2300 N. Limestone St., one of the chain’s five stores located within the city of Springfield. Erin Rolfes, a spokeswoman for the grocery...

Base hospital leader: Teamwork ‘saved lives’ during shooter scare

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Authorities are continuing to investigate what exactly led to multiple 911 calls reporting an active shooter and the response to those calls at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base last week. The Air Force Office of Investigations is conducting the probe and though new information may not be released for weeks, details are still emerging about what happened in the aftermath of of the active shooter alarm...

PTSD specialist: People should recover quickly from Wright-Patt shooter scare

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

The active shooter scare at Wright-Paterson Air Force Base was familiar to psychologist Kathy Platoni because she was at Fort Hood in 2009 when a man shot and killed 13 people. Platoni — who specializes in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — works as a psychologist for Dayton SWAT and said “stark terror” is what people feel when it hits them that they may be in the middle of an...

MoviePass limits customers to 3 movies a month

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

The popular movie theater subscription service MoviePass has changed its pricing plan for the second time in one week. Last week the company announced it would change its $10 per month subscription that let customers see one movie each day, any movie at any time. To become sustainable, the cost would increase to $14.99 a month and limit the availability of blockbuster movies during their first week...

Grocery store chain to expand location north of Dayton

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Aldi plans to invest almost $2 million to expand its Huber Heights location. The grocery chain has plans to add 3,000 square feet to the 16,000-square-foot store at 6300 Brandt Pike in Huber Heights. The total project is projected to cost between $1,950,000 band $1.4 million in building renovations and $550,000 in equipment, according to Huber Heights records. Construction is expected to start this...

Walmart testing a robot to fill online orders

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Walmart is making another big move in the “grocery wars,” introducing automation to help store associates fill online grocery orders. Alphabot, a first-of-its-kind automation in partnership with Alert Innovation, is expected to fill grocery orders faster than store associates currently can, according to a Walmart release. After customers order online just as they do now, the technology...

Chipotle illnesses reach more than 700, draw additional lawsuits

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

An Ohio Chipotle that is believed to have caused more than 700 illnesses is now facing its second lawsuit as a result of the issues beginning July 26. At least 703 inquiries related to a possible food-borne illness outbreak at the 9733 Sawmill Parkway Chipotle in Powell, Ohio, have been received by the Delaware County General Health District. After 513 interviews and several stool samples, the cause...

World’s most advanced centrifuge now spinning fighting pilots at Wright-Patt

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Following more than five years of delays, the world’s most advanced centrifuge is now fully operational and Air Force fighter pilots will begin using it in October at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The $34.4-million centrifuge was dedicated during a ceremony on Thursday at the base, just eight weeks before it will start testing the limits of thousands of military pilots over the next three...

Grilling fanatic? Get $10K to eat barbecue as Reynolds' new 'chief grilling officer'

by Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Hungry for a new career? Reynolds Kitchens has a mouthwatering new job opportunity. According to a post on its website, the company best known for its aluminum foil is hiring a chief grilling officer to help "identify the best grilling techniques and tips" to pass along to Reynolds' fans. "As CGO, you won't need a comfy corner office. That's because for two weeks, you'll be too...

Controversial housing development in Springfield pushes ahead

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

A proposed Springfield housing development could be the first significant project of its kind in about two decades and provide more options for workers as new manufacturing firms have pledged to ramp up hiring. The proposed project would build homes on 37 acres of property south of the Tuttle Road Walmart along with an additional 15-acre tract to the east of the Walmart. The project could include...

Local breweries and businesses lure new customers with exclusive beers

by Bailey Gallion, Staff Writer

Brewing has become a competitive business in the Dayton region, forcing beer makers to partner with other businesses and breweries to expand their customer bases. Dayton-area breweries have partnered with coffee roasteries, candy makers mustard companies, whiskey bars and more to expand their brands and increase revenue opportunities. Some examples in the Dayton area include: • Eudora Brewing...

Last day for tax-free weekend is today: Here’s what you need to know

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Some shoppers began making tax-free purchases today as the fourth year of a holiday kicked off that helps Ohio families save on back-to-school costs. Some area students begin going back to classrooms Monday, and the tax-free holiday this weekend is intended to help families save on back-to-school needs. The sales event started today and will last through Sunday night. Based on past years, shoppers...

'N Sync's Lance Bass says he was outbid in effort to buy 'Brady Bunch' house

by Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

"Brady Bunch" fans, it's time to say "Bye Bye Bye" to your dreams of owning the iconic California home from the popular 1970s sitcom. 'N Sync singer Lance Bass tweeted Friday that he was buying the house made famous in exterior shots of the Brady home. It recently was listed for $1.885 million. "Super excited to announce they accepted my offer on the #BradyBunch house...

This massive new greenhouse is harvesting its first local crops, and you could see them in your store soon

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Ohioans may soon see pesticide-free greens in their local grocery store that are grown inside in just 13 days in Wilmington. BrightFarms on Friday harvested the first crop from its new 120,000-square-foot indoor greenhouse facility in Wilmington, with plans to become fully operational next week. “At this farm we will grow the freshest and most sustainable greens in the state,” said Abby...

Mercy expanding reach with plans for $14M medical campus in Enon

by Matt Sanctis , Kaitlin Schroeder , Staff Writer

Mercy Health-Springfield said Friday it will expand into Enon with a new $14 million medical center set to open late next year. The project’s centerpiece will be a freestanding 11,000 square-foot emergency department. The facility will include 10 exam rooms, a lab and imaging center as well as radiology and ultrasound services. Mercy Health said it will also offer a chest pain center to evaluate...

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