Business

Consumers are about to feel the effects of tariffs on Chinese goods. Here’s how.

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

The escalating tariffs on Chinese goods haven’t hit most consumers just yet, but that’s about to change. Every American household — especially low- and middle-income families — could start feeling the pinch as early as January. The Trump administration this year has issued three rounds of tariffs — each one followed by retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made products by China...

Navistar, UAW will continue negotiations, avoid work stoppage

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Navistar and members of the United Auto Workers will continue talks and local UAW officials told the News-Sun there will not be a work stoppage today. The UAW and the truck maker are negotiating a new contract after their most recent deal expired on Oct. 1. Both sides were working under the terms of their existing contract, but the UAW provided a 24-hour notice to the company Monday that the extension...

Urbana moves forward with proposed hotel

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

A group of Champaign County investors is inching forward with plans to develop a new hotel in Urbana for the first time in years. Investors are focusing on about three acres of property near the intersection of Ohio 55 and U.S. 68 for a potential Cobblestone brand hotel with between 54 and 58 rooms, said Terry Howell, one of about eight investors who have verbally expressed interest in the project...

Here’s why most flights will offer free Wi-Fi in the near future

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Free Wi-Fi for all passengers is the newest way airlines are competing, a benefit for consumers as more airlines are expected to add the free service to keep up. Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian told attendees of the Skift Global Forum at the end of September that Delta Airlines plans to make Wi-Fi free for all passengers. »PHOTOS: Luxury Oakwood home renovated in 2003 on market The timeline isn&rsquo...

Shark Tank fan? Here’s how to buy the inventions on Amazon

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

In a new partnership with a popular television show, Amazon has launched a new page on its site dedicated to funded Shark Tank projects. The Amazon Launchpad Shark Tank Collection features more than 70 products that received funding from the “sharks” during seasons one through nine. Season 10 of the show debuted Oct. 7, and products from the current season will pop up on the e-commerce...

Wright State says it will avoid fiscal watch but state won’t verify status until 2019

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wright State University is set to avoid fiscal watch, the school’s chief business officer told the campus in an email this morning. The state measures every public college’s fiscal health with something called a “Senate Bill 6 score,” an annual rating of 0 to 5. Half the score is based on the school’s reserve fund, essentially how much cash the school has in the bank...

5 factors that led to Sears filing for bankruptcy

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Sears filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday after years of struggling to become profitable. The company that hadn’t seen books in the black since 2010 is hoping to restructure under the bankruptcy filing and return to profitability. Here are five factors that contributed to the company falling into bankruptcy: E-commerce is the culprit just about everybody points their fingers too when a brick-and-mortar...

Dayton-based Buckeye Vodka takes pivotal step toward national distribution

by Mark Fisher

Dayton-based Buckeye Vodka has taken a pivotal step toward national distribution, although its founders say they won’t let a higher profile and expanded footprint erode their loyalty to their hometown. The distillery just south of downtown Dayton has hired a strategic alliance of SabatinoWest and Yeck Brothers Company as its advertising agency of record. Jim Finke, co-founder and...

Springfield Sears not on closing list as retailer files for bankruptcy

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Springfield’s Sears store will remain open after the historic retailer declared Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Monday and included plans to close more than 140 of its stores nationwide. Monday’s announcement was the result of what local experts said has been a slow, steady decline in the retail giant’s fortunes. Sears is the lone remaining anchor at Springfield’s Upper Valley Mall after...

Contract extension between UAW, Navistar could end tomorrow

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Members of the United Auto Workers recently agreed to temporarily extend the terms of their existing contract with Navistar, but UAW officials in Detroit said that extension could end tomorrow. MORE: GM unveils new Silverado to be built in Springfield The existing agreements were scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. on Oct., 1, according to a Navistar website set up to provide updates on the negotiations...

Springfield Sears not included on a list of 142 stores set to close

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Sear’s location at the Upper Valley Mall was not included on a list provided today of 142 retail stores that will close by the end of this year. Sears announced Monday the historic retailer had filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Sears is the lone remaining anchor at Springfield’s Upper Valley Mall after other longtime anchors like J.C. Penney and Macy’s have shuttered their doors over...

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State, county launch program to hire workers recovering from addiction

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

A job is a key part of recovering from addiction. But everything from stigma to a spotty job history to brushes with law enforcement can make it difficult for those overcoming an addiction to get a job offer. A pilot program in Montgomery County and two other Ohio counties launched Monday to support employers that hire those in recovery. It could help bridge the gap left in the wake of the opioid...

7 major moves Kroger made in 2018

by Kara Driscoll, Staff Writer

After acquiring Home Chef earlier this year, Kroger announced last week that its meal kits would be available on shelves across the United States. The initial transaction price is $200 million and future payments of up to $500 million over five years are contingent on achieving certain sales goals, the company said. The meal kits — which start at $8.50 — will be available in Ohio, Michigan...

PHOTOS: Luxury Oakwood home renovated in 2003 on market

by Holly Shively

Dayton Air Show unveils five new attractions for 2019 show

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

The next Vectren Dayton Air Show isn’t until next summer, but attractions are lining up now. The show Monday announced five attractions to the 2019 show. The British Sea Harrier, Shockwave Jet Truck, GEICO Skytypers, Skip Stewart and Jacquie B. These performers will join the US Air Force Thunderbirds jet demonstration team announced earlier. The 45th annual show will be June 22 and 23 at the...

SuperAmerica will be rebranded to Speedway locations

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Marathon is rebranding hundreds of SuperAmerica-branded retail stores into its Speedway brand, following Marathon’s acquisition of rival Andeavor. Marathon said in a news release that it has already started converting SuperAmerica retail stores to the Speedway brand. It did not say how long the conversion is expected to take. The conversion will include about 200 SuperAmerica stores, all of...

SEARS BANKRUPTCY: 5 things you need to know

by Kara Driscoll, Staff Writer

Sears Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in White Plains, New York, the company announced this morning. The iconic company, which owns Sears and Kmart, said early Mondaythat it will shutter 142 of its stores “near the end of the year” in addition to 46 closures announced this summer. A list of the affected locations was not immediately available. Earlier this...

Policy change could mean federal funds for auto research at Ohio site

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

An Ohio automotive research facility could be in line for federal funding after the U.S. Department of Transportation recently changed a policy potentially locking it out of federal grants to study automated vehicles. The Transportation Research Center, located in East Liberty, has served for decades as a 4,500-acre research site where manufacturers and engineers test prototypes of the newest sports...

Major mall spaces emptying as holiday shopping approaches

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

The closure of Elder-Beerman stores and soon Sears locations right before the busy holiday season threatens the vibrancy of area malls. But experts who analyze the retail industry say malls like the Mall at Fairfield Commons and the Dayton Mall should weather the storm and the department store closures will eventually be good for the giant shopping destinations. “The top 50 mall owners in the...

Sears files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

by Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Sears Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in White Plains, New York, multiple news outlets are reporting. The iconic company, which owns Sears and Kmart, said early Monday that it will shutter 142 of its stores “near the end of the year” in addition to 46 closures announced this summer. A list of the affected locations was not immediately available. As of August...

SCAM GUIDE: How to spot investment fraud, and how to get help

by Thomas Gnau , Kaitlin Schroeder , Staff Writers

A former Dayton investment advisor misappropriated more than $1.6 million from clients — many who were elderly — for the past 14 years, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said in a complaint. The SEC termed the actions of John Gregory Schmidt a “long-running scheme.” Here’s what you need to know to about protecting yourself from investment fraud and reporting...

Adaptive playground gets $18K upgrade

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

A playground designed to help area children develop motor and social skills is getting an $18,000 upgrade that includes a new walking path and interactive activity stations. Springfield Pediatric Rehab’s inclusive playground just opened in October last year to provide patients and community children with a safe place to play and develop strength and sensory skills, said Jenna Christello, supervisor...

CareSource seeks to grow Medicare business past startup phase

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

CareSource is about to enter its third year operating a Medicare plan in Ohio and is preparing for the start of open enrollment season Monday. While CareSource’s main line of business is still privately-managed Medicaid plans, the Dayton-based nonprofit insurer and one of the largest employers downtown sees growth in its Medicare plan in the future. It’s 20,000-member Medicare business...

Schemes to defraud older investors growing more widespread

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

By the time state and federal investigators closed in, a former Dayton financial broker is accused of having misappropriated more than $1 million by creating fake financial statements and shifting funds between customers — many of them elderly. Bellbrook resident and former Dayton broker John Gregory Schmidt misappropriated more than $1.16 million from accounts owned by seven customers, transferring...

Nike offers pro contract to Oregon runner with cerebral palsy

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

A runner at the University of Oregon became the first professional athlete with cerebral palsy to sign a contract with Nike, Sports Illustrated reported. >> Read more trending news Justin Gallegos, a 20-year-old junior, thought he was being filmed for completing a cross country race for the university’s running club last Saturday. Instead, cameras captured the moment as John...

Victoria’s Secret owner looks for alternatives for La Senza brand

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Columbus-based L Brands is exploring “all alternatives” for its La Senza brand. The company, which operates a call center that employs thousands at its Kettering call center, wants to focus more on its larger core businesses, including Victoria’s Secret, PINK, Bath & Body Works and Henri Bendel, according to a press release. »RELATED: Home Chef meal kits now on shelves at local...

LAST CALL: Ohio liquor-control agency to host closeout sale, give away empty bourbon barrels, and sell a few rarities, too

by Mark Fisher

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control will set up a “Last Call” liquor warehouse of sorts in Columbus to host a final closeout sale over the next two weekends, and it’s throwing in some other enticements to make the drive: • a chance to win free (but empty) bourbon barrels • a chance to purchase some other rare and sought-after bourbons. The closeout events will...

Hundreds of physical stores are expected to open from e-commerce retailers

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Who says brick-and-mortar is dead? A new study by JLL reports that e-commerce retailers plan to open at least 850 stores in the next five years. Mattress-in-a-box startup Casper will open 200 alone, along with clothing brands like Adore Me and footware company All Birds. »RELATED: Home Chef meal kits now on shelves at local Kroger stores These “clicks-to-bricks” retailers are most...

Farmers markets go online — and deliver to your door

by Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer

An online farmers market providing weekly deliveries of fresh local produce, meats, cheeses and other homegrown or homemade fare is now in Butler County and serving homes throughout Southwest Ohio. Market Wagon, which launched in Indiana in 2016, recently opened its first Ohio delivery hub in West Chester Twp. The new Market Wagon location delivers to homes in Butler, Warren, Hamilton, Montgomery...

Local counties prepare to market areas targeted for investment

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Economic development officials in Clark and Champaign Counties are preparing to promote new Opportunity Zones designed to spur investment in low-income communities. The Opportunity Zones were established as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which allowed states to identify low-income, high-poverty census tracts for the program, according to information from the Ohio Development Services Agency...

Social Security benefits to increase for 67 million Americans next year

by Kara Driscoll, Staff Writer

More than 67 million Americans will see a nearly 3 percent increase in their Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount next year. The increase was announced as part of the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) by the federal government. Usually there is an increase in the Social Security and SSI benefit amount people receive each month, starting the following January...

Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s hiring for holiday help

by Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer

Bass Pro Shops is looking to hire approximately 7,000 seasonal workers across North America, including at its West Chester Twp. Cabela’s store and its Forest Park Bass Pro Shops location inside Forest Fair Village. On-site interviews will be held during normal business hours Oct. 18 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations across the United States and Canada. Several dozen positions are...

Wright State won’t recover from budget crisis for more than 20 years, report says

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wright State University’s financial woes are so deep the school may not fully recover for two decades, according to a report obtained by the Dayton Daily News. The report was created by the WSU administration and filed with a fact-finder as part of ongoing contract negotiations with the faculty union. It paints a vivid picture of Wright State’s budget trouble and shares certain details...

Stocks continue slide: Here’s what to expect today

by Business Staff

U.S. stocks are sinking again a day after their biggest drop since February. Some early relief over a tame report on inflation gave way to renewed selling. Banks and health care companies are taking some of the worst losses. Bond yields, which have spiked over the last week, slid after the Labor Department said consumer prices grew only slightly in September. That’s a sign inflation remains...

What could save dying retailers? Keeping it cheap

by Kara Driscoll, Staff Writer

If the few remaining chain retailers want to survive the retail apocalypse, they’ll have to keep things cheap for consumers. Almost all U.S. consumers are value-conscious shoppers who regularly visit discount retailers to find a bargain, according to the latest issue of the quarterly Consumer View report released today by the National Retail Federation. A survey of more than 3,000 U.S. adults...

Several local flights canceled as Hurricane Michael hits South Carolina

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

At least 11 local flights traveling between Ohio airports and Charlotte have been canceled as tropical storm Michael hits South Carolina. Strong winds in the southeast are expected to continue impacting flights from Florida and South Carolina. The Charlotte Airport has canceled 157 flights and delayed 19 today. Then Category 4 Hurricane Michael originally hit land on the Florida panhandle Wednesday...

Home Chef meal kits now on shelves at local Kroger stores

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Kroger’s acquisition of meal-kit company Home Chef is coming to fruition with the kits hitting shelves today. The largest grocery provider in the region announced today that it will roll out meal kits at its family of stores in select locations. The kits will rotate on a weekly basis and are designed for preparation within 15 minutes. »BIZ BEAT: Mattress Firm to close hundreds of stores...

Springfield manufacturer will host a job fair next week

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

A Springfield manufacturing firm that supplies piano plates for Steinway and Sons will host its second job fair in the past couple months, and recently boosted wages in a deal with its union. The O.S. Kelly Co. will host a job fair from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 at its facility at 318 E. North St., said Rob Hill, plant manager at Kelly. The firm is looking for about 10 workers including a CNC...

Orangetheory Fitness expands with new area location

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Popular fitness concept Orangetheory is on track to open more 260 new stores by the end of 2018, including one in the Dayton-area, according to Chain Store Age. The newest Dayton-area Orangetheory Fitness is expected to open at 2490 North Fairfield Road in Beavercreek around the new year, said owner Amy Bassel in July. The company focuses on one-hour heart rate-based interval training in the dozens...

Republican Lohnes and Democrat Evans seek commissioner seat

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Neither Rick Lohnes nor Seth Evans expected to run for Clark County commissioner next month, but one of the two candidates will be on the board beginning early next year. Lohnes, a Republican and former commander of the 178th Wing of the Ohio National Guard, will try to retain the seat he’s held for two previous terms. He will face Democrat Seth Evans, a small business owner and a local minister...

Colin Kaepernick's company files for trademark to former QB's image

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

Colin Kaepernick’s company, Inked Flash, filed for the trademark to a black-and-white image of the former NFL quarterback’s face and hair, ESPN reported Wednesday. >> Read more trending news Inked Flash filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Friday, but it appeared for the first time on the patent office’s website Wednesday. The company’s intent...

Starbucks opens first store in Springfield

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Starbucks has opened its first full-service store and drive-through in Springfield on Hillcrest Avenue. The 2,300-square-foot building is located at 1490 Hillcrest Ave. on a parcel adjacent to the existing Meijer store at the same address. RELATED: Attracting retail, new business remains a challenge in Clark County Gallas Zadeh Development, based in Columbus, is listed as the developer of the project...

What you need to know about Medicare open enrollment

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

Medicare enrollees will have a flood of options to choose when open enrollment starts Monday and this year the privatized plans will come with three months to “test drive” the option. Nearly 2.3 million people in Ohio are eligible for the federal health insurance program, including about 29,900 in Clark County and 7,800 in Champaign County. Enrollees will need to decide by Dec. 7 whether...

How Ohioans can get Medicare sign-up help

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

If you’re trying to sort through your options for Medicare, a state program offers free help choosing your best option. The Ohio Department of Insurance provides Medicare beneficiaries with free health insurance information and one-on-one counseling through a program called the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program. MORE: This new law means many more Ohio officials are watching out...

More than 240 flights cancelled as Hurricane Michael approaches

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Today may not be the most pleasant for travelers with flights across the nation potentially seeing cancellations and delays as Hurricane Michael approaches Florida’s panhandle. Roughly 242 flights within, into or out of the United States have been cancelled today, according to flight tracker Flight Aware. Delays of the same type total 381. Several airlines have started waiving re-booking charges...

Up to 277 may have been affected by Equitas data breach

by Kaitlin Schroeder , Josh Sweigart , Staff Writer

Up to 277 patients and staff at Equitas Health may have had their personal information compromised by a data breach. The network of LGBTQ-specialized health centers, with a split headquarters in Dayton and Columbus, said the cyber attack appears to have been an unsuccessful attempt at wire fraud, not an attempt to gather personal information, but ultimately they don’t know for certain. MORE...

Looking for a job in retail? The Greene to host job fair

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

The Greene Town Center is holding a job for anyone looking to find a job within its shopping center. At least 26 of the stores and restaurants within the Beavercreek outdoor mall will be at the fair looking to hire during a time of low unemployment. Retailers are struggling to find workers in the healthy economy as consumers spend more but fewer people are looking for work. »RELATED: ...

Last days for Sears? Reports cite bankruptcy could come this week

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Sears Holdings has hired an advisory firm to prepare a bankruptcy filing amid crippling debt and major store closures. M-III Partners LLC was hired to prepare the filing that could come as early as this week, according to anonymous sources cited in the Wall Street Journal. Despite the preparation, Sears continues to explore other options to stave off bankruptcy, including selling off some of...

How to protect against Medicare fraud, predatory sales

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

Medicare open enrollment season, which starts Monday, is a time that traditionally draws out scammers and predatory sales tactics. Along with traditional Medicare, commercial insurance companies also sell privatized plans called Medicare Advantage. Here’s what you should know about what insurance agents can do and what sales tactics the Ohio Department of Insurance says are not allowed. MORE...

Local Pizza Hut restaurants now delivering Cinnabon cinnamon rolls

by Mark Fisher

Pizza Hut and Cinnabon have teamed up to, as they put it, make pizza night even sweeter, because, um, “that's just how they roll,” according to a joint release. Pizza Hut restaurants are now exclusively offering “Crafted By Cinnabon Mini Rolls,” in the Dayton area and nationwide. A spokeswoman for Hallrich Inc. — the Dayton-area franchisee for Pizza Hut which opened...

How Ohio auto, home insurance costs compare to U.S.

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

Ohioans on average pay less for home and auto insurance than the national average. Ohioans pay an average of $819 (9th lowest) for homeowners insurance and $703 (14th lowest) for auto insurance compared to the national average, according to the most recent data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Wright-Patt to house aircraft fleeing Florida ahead of Hurricane Michael Ohio&rsquo...

Target launches new low-cost item brand

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Target is jumping into the low-cost game with a new brand of more than 70 basic items, with most costing less than $2. Hand soap, paper plates, household cleaners and razors are among the new Smartly brand items that will start popping up in stores Sunday. “Over the past few years, Target has launched more than 20 owned and exclusive brands across our multi-category assortment. The introduction...

Honda investigating complaints in some CR-V models

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Honda officials told the Springfield News-Sun this week the company is investigating complaints, first reported by Consumer Reports, that gas is improperly leaking into the oil in some CR-V models, in some cases causing the sport utility vehicle to stall. Chris Martin, a spokesman for the company, said Honda does not believe the issue is impacting the safety of its vehicles, adding they are in...

Couple leaves area university $3.1 million gift

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

A couple has left a Dayton-area university a millions of dollars through their estate. Roger Kuriger and Charlotte Kuriger have left Cedarville University $3.1 million, the school announced today. The money amounts to the largest estate gift the college has received in its 131-year history, according to the school. The money will be put toward the school’s graduate nursing program and the undergraduate...

Holiday shoppers less likely to procrastinate this season

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Fewer shoppers plan to procrastinate when it comes to holiday shopping this year, as the peak of the shopping season approaches next month. Last year, nearly a quarter of shoppers waited until December to begin looking for gifts, down to about 16 percent this year, according to a survey from BestBlackFriday.com. »BIZ BEAT: Mattress Firm to close hundreds of stores as it file for bankruptcy While...

Back pain? Premier Health might have free solution for you

by Kara Driscoll, Staff Writer

If back pain is an issue for you, Premier Health might have a free solution. Premier Health will continue its annual free seminars on back pain. The next seminar will be held Oct. 16, at Downtown Dayton Metro Library at 215 E. Third St. in Community Rooms A&B. The popular educational seminar will cover a variety of back pain topics such as innovative surgical and non-surgical treatment options available...

Natural Light to sell 77-pack of beer for limited time

by Kara Driscoll, Staff Writer

Who needs a six-pack when you can buy a 77-pack of Natural Light? Anheuser-Busch announced it would introduce a limited-time 77-pack of Natural Light in celebration of the brand’s anniversary. The 77 pack is “a nod to the year of our creation, 1977.” The pack of 12-ounce cans will be available exclusively in College Park, home of the University of Maryland. The beers come in a hexagon-shaped...

Several local stores to close Thanksgiving Day

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

As the biggest shopping season of the year approaches, several stores are announcing plans to close on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, on Nov. 22 this year, has traditionally been a busy shopping holiday, as Black Friday sales began earlier and earlier each year. But a recent survey from BestBlackFriday.com found that less than a quarter of Americans favor Thanksgiving openings and more than 47 percent...

Kia Soul seeing alarming number of car fires, experts say

by Jim Strickland, WSBTV.com

A Georgia woman said her son barely escaped with his life after fire engulfed her Kia Soul on Atlanta's Downtown Connector. "Oh my God," said Shakeria Warren, of Clayton County, as WSB-TV consumer investigator Jim Strickland showed her pictures of the scene shot by a WSB-TV investigative producer in a nearby car. Warren's son had been driving at the time of the incident...

Hurricane Michael: Delta caps some airfares due to storm

by Kelly Yamanouchi, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Delta Air Lines says it is capping airfares for travel to and from certain cities in Florida and Alabama later this week due to Hurricane Michael. Atlanta-based Delta said it is capping fares at $299 each way Oct. 9-11 for coach class to and from Pensacola, Panama City, Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Tallahassee, Florida; and Mobile, Alabama. First-class fares are capped at $499 each way for...

Hurricane Michael: Delta, Southwest warn storm could disrupt flights

by Kelly Yamanouchi, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Delta Air Lines is warning flights in Florida and Alabama could be disrupted by Hurricane Michael. Atlanta-based Delta said flights to, from or through Florida's Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Pensacola and Tallahassee, as well as Mobile, Alabama, could be affected by the hurricane. Delta passengers with flights booked to, from or through those cities on Tuesday or Wednesday can ...

T-Pain calls out Delta Air Lines for its music; Delta claps back

by Nancy Clanton, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When rapper T-Pain was boarding a Delta flight last month, he was anything but thrilled to be hearing the same songs the airline often plays. So he did what most people do these days: He tweeted about it. “@Delta we gotta change these boarding/taxiing songs more often guys. All of Us Million milers (quick brag) have to hear these same joints multiple times a day," he wrote...

Dayton VA rated worst in Ohio, shows ‘trivial’ improvement since 2017

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

The Dayton VA medical center’s performance was rated the worst in Ohio by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but an analyst for the hospital said the rating doesn’t reflect changes already underway. The VA recently released ratings for 146 medical centers, including five in Ohio, for fiscal year 2018 which ended on Sept. 30. Each hospital is rated on a scale of one to five, with one being...

Marion’s Piazza named ‘No. 1’ on Pizza Today’s ‘Hot 100’ list

by Mark Fisher, Staff Writer

Marion’s Piazza has been named No. 1 in Pizza Today’s “Hot 100” list for the fifth time in six years. Each year, the magazine ranks the largest independently owned pizza operations in the U.S. based on sales. And again this year, Dayton-based Marion’s came in first, with $21,314,125 in gross annual sales, narrowly holding onto the top spot ahead...

Mattress Firm to close hundreds of stores as it files for bankruptcy

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Mattress Firm announced its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, including the closure of hundreds of stores nationwide. The traditional brick-and-mortar store has struggled to keep up with declining sales and over-expansion among heavy competition from e-commerce startups like Casper. The company has about 3,500 stores across the country including nine in the Dayton area, five in Butler County...

Virtual realty is real success for local firm

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Kettering-based Marxent sees its work with Macy’s Inc. not only as a valuable partnership, but as a platform for future success. The Macy’s partnership is putting Marxent’s virtual reality technology front and center on a national stage. Walk into one of 60-plus Macy’s stores nationwide where the Marxent technology is available, and customers can experience Marxent’s...

Area apartment growth expected to slow rent costs

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

The growth in new apartment construction in the Dayton market is helping keep down rent costs for renters. Average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Dayton was $848 last month, down from $852 in June. The rent is up 0.4 percent year-over-year, according to Apartment List, which tracks apartment costs in the United States. “As a general rule, we’re starting to see that rent growth is...

Uber, Lyft to offer free rides to the polls on Election Day

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Ride hailing apps Uber and Lyft are planning to offer free rides on Election Day as part of a larger effort to “drive the vote.” Uber is working with the organizations #VoteTogether and Democracy Works to provide free rides to the polls, according to the company. Lyft is working with groups such as Voto Latino to help get underserved communities to their polling stations, Fortune reports...

Local Air Force ROTC students give Dayton neighborhood a makeover

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Around 100 Wright State University students who are also cadets in the school’s Air Force ROTC program gave a local neighborhood a “major makeover.” The cadets spent four hours last month clearing brush, debris and applying coats of primer to a house in a Dayton neighborhood, according to WSU. Cadets were required to participate because the initiative met training objectives including...

Secretive ads accuse Springfield lawmaker of ‘not doing his job’

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

Mailboxes across Clark County have been flooded with campaign advertisements that say in all capital letters: “Kyle Koehler isn’t doing his job.” Koehler, a Republican state lawmaker from Springfield who spent the past 18 months pushing a controversial payday lending industry reform bill, said he’d like to know who is behind the attack. “I was warned this would happen...

New AK Steel program part of growing trend for industrial unions, employers

by Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer

AK Steel Corporation, Middletown Works and Machinists’ (IAM) Local Lodge 1943 celebrated on Friday the launch of the company’s first Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program, one aimed at meeting both employee development and business needs. Launched on National Manufacturing Day, the program gives union production employees the opportunity to train to become fully accredited journeymen...

RECALLS: dolls, axes, golf cars and more

by Rachel Murray

Parents, campers and golfers are among the shoppers who need to check to see if they have this week’s recalled products announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Boy Story action dolls are being recalled after 32 reports of the vinyl on the joints breaking which could pose a choking risk. No one has been hurt, but don’t let your child play with the Mason and Billy action...

Local couple’s photo booth company continues strong growth

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

When Fairborn resident Jake Prichard started a photo booth company with his brother as a 21-year-old student at Wright State University, he never expected it to take off. But the company now operated by Prichard and his wife Jayme has seen double and triple digit growth every year since it launched. “The expectation was to just get one photo booth and have fun with it, but so many phone calls...

Honda’s new smart intersection technology aims to cut crashes

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Honda showed off its latest “smart intersection” technology Thursday morning, part of the company’s long-term plan to evaluate how its vehicles can connect within a city environment to prevent serious crashes. Honda has been testing the system for months, but Thursday was the automaker’s first public demonstration of how a series of cameras and sensors could warn drivers of...

Grain silo collapses in Clark County

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

A grain silo collapsed in New Carlisle Thursday afternoon, and local officials said they were relieved it was a safe distance from homes and major roads. The silo at the Miami Valley Feed and Grain Company fell just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday. It was the second time this year a silo in the area has collapsed. A separate silo operated by the same company collapsed in January, closing Ohio 571 in New...

New store opening in former Fairborn Kroger space

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

A new Goodwill will open in early 2019 at a Fairborn shopping center. The new location will take up about 19,000 square feet of the 72,000 previously occupied by Kroger before it expanded and relocated within the Shoppes at Valle Greene on East Dayton Yellow Springs Road. “We are very excited about this opportunity to serve Fairborn and the surrounding communities,” said Matt Arntz, vice...

Wright State close to deal with Premier Health on affiliation for Boonshoft School of Medicine

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wright State University’s medical school and Premier Health could reach an affiliation deal by the end of the year that some say will help both keep up with the growing demands in health care. Both sides have privately been discussing the partnership for the past two years which will have to be approved by Wright State’s board of trustees, Greg Sample, the university’s chief operating...

Local mall announces new store coming two days in a row

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

A new philanthropic retailer is opening at the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek next month. BoxLunch sells apparel, accessories, collectibles, beauty, home goods, gifts and novelty merchandise, and for every $10 spent in store or online, the retailer donates a meal to Feeding America. The Foodbank Inc. of Dayton will also receive a portion of donations from the store, according to a statement...

New Centerville arts, crafts store announces opening date, giveaways

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

As A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts in Centerville open its doors later this month, the company is planning giveaways and looking for employees. The new store will open at 251 E. Bell Road in the Cross Pointe Center at 8 a.m. Oct. 27. The first 100 customers in line will get a free $10 gift card. There will be other doorbuster deals, raffle prizes, crafts and giveaways throughout the weekend. RELATED:Dayton...

Top Halloween candy picks by state: Here’s what Ohio likes

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Ohioans plan to buy 164,757 lbs. of M&Ms for Halloween this year, making it the state’s favorite Halloween candy. Second in the Buckeye state was Blow Pops at 146,478 lbs., followed by Starburst with 103,523 lbs. Last year, Blow Pops took the crown, based on 11 years of data from CandyStore.com, which sells bulk candy across the nation and in Canada. Neighboring Indiana prefers Hot Tamales and...

Holiday sales expected to increase this season: Here’s why

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Get ready for longer lines and slower internet while shopping this holiday season as sales are expected to increase as consumers continue to spend more across the board. The National Retail Federation estimates the sales will increase between 4.3 percent and 4.8 percent, potentially reaching more than $720 billion, according to a statement. RELATED:Dayton Chamber announces opposition to Ohio Issue...

Honda sees sales slip in September

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Honda sales slid 7 percent compared to the same month last year, despite a record month for light truck sales. The company set a record with 73,785 trucks in September, up more than 6 percent compared to September 2017. But that was more than offset by car sales, which were down nearly 20 percent. Honda’s total sales for the year are down about 2 percent compared to the first nine months of...

Honda sets September record for light truck sales

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Honda light truck sales hit a record for September as customers continued to show a preference for trucks and sport utility vehicles over sedans. The company sold 73,785 trucks last month, up six percent compared to the same month in 2017. Sales of cars were down nearly 20 percent for the month however, so total combined sales were down about seven percent compared to September 2017. The company&rsquo...

Springfield area visitor’s bureau picks up five awards in Ohio competition

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau recently earned five awards at an annual ceremony to recognize marketing and advertising in Ohio. The chamber took home several awards at the Ohio Travel Association’s RUBY Awards presentation, held Sept. 26 in Sandusky, Ohio. The Greater Springfield CVB received a total of five awards including recognition for the Bureau’s website...

New store to open at Beavercreek mall

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

American Eagle’s undergarment and lingerie brand Aerie will open a store at the Mall at Fairfield Commons. The more than 4,000 square-foot store is valued at just over $250,000 according to Greene County records. A barricade at the mall also shows the store is expected to open on the upper level beside American Eagle. The company recently announced plans to ramp up expansion of Aerie stores...

Kroger to sell products in Walgreens

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Kroger has joined forces with Walgreens to test a new format for the retailers. The two stores will pilot a program that combines Kroger’s grocery service with Walgreens pharmacy, health and beauty focus in 13 Walgreens stores in Northern Kentucky near the Cincinnati headquarters. »BIZ BEAT: Area mall to open new military gathering place “This exciting collaboration aligns with Kroger&rsquo...

Delta hoping to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi, CEO says

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

Delta Air Lines hopes to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi to all of its passengers, the company’s chairman said Friday. >> Read more trending news Chief Operating Officer Ed Bastian told an audience at the Skift Global Forum that while there was no specific timeline for the free connectivity, it would happen soon, Forbes reported. “I don’t know of anywhere else, besides...

Walmart to buy plus apparel brand

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

In another move to expand into direct-to-customer brands, Walmart has announced it will acquire plus apparel brand Eloquii. Primarily e-commerce retailer Eloquii has five locations in five states, the closest being in Detroit and Chicago. It also had a limited-time pop-up shop in Columbus, according to the company’s website. The brand offers clothing sizes 14 and up with a focus on the $21 billion...

Area mall to open new military gathering place

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

The Mall at Fairfield Commons will open a new Armed Forces Hub for military personnel and veterans this month. The gathering place is designed to give back to military personnel, according to a statement from the Beavercreek shopping center. It will also give recruiters a high foot-traffic area to attract interested candidates. Military personnel and veterans will have access to games, couches and...

Toys “R” Us could be coming back

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Toys “R” Us may be returning, but the details aren’t yet set in stone. A bankruptcy court filing from Tuesday says Toys “R” Us is scrapping the auction that would sell remaining assets after liquidation sales ceased at the end of June. Geoffrey LLC, a subsidiary of Toys “R” Us that owns the intellectual property, said a group of investors led by existing secured...

Starbucks baristas say they were poked by discarded drug needles

by Amy Clancy, KIRO7.com

Image after image provided to Seattle's KIRO-TV reveal what three baristas claim they dispose of nearly every day while on the job at Starbucks: hypodermic needles they say were left behind by drug users. All three employees also produced hospital, pharmacy and insurance receipts that show they took anti-viral medications to protect them from AIDS and hepatitis – after all three were poked...

Google health care startup reported to be planning Dayton initiative

by Kaitlin Schroeder, Staff Writer

A health care startup affiliated with Google is meeting with top local officials about a mental health and drug treatment pilot program in Dayton. Sources confirmed that Verily Life Sciences, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet, is working on the project with local officials. Details about the initiative were not given. Verily spokeswoman Kathleen Parkes said “we do not comment...

Dayton Chamber announces opposition to Ohio Issue 1

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Dayton-area employers say they’re worried about the potential impact of a proposed Ohio constitutional amendment that could reduce certain drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. If approved by voters in November, the issue would cut prison time for offenders who complete rehabilitation and education programs, except if convicted of murder, rape and child molestation. People who commit felony...

Amazon boosts wages for area Whole Foods, Amazon workers

by Holly Shively, Staff Writer

Amazon announced this morning that it would raise the minimum wages of all part- and full-time United States employees to $15 per hour. The wage jump affects more than 250,000 Amazon employees and 100,000 season holiday employees. It will go into effect Nov. 1, according to a release. BIZ BEAT: Ohio farmers face tough economic conditions amid trade war crossfire Local Whole Foods Market employees...

Assurant seeking 100 workers, partly in response to surge in claims

by Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer

Assurant Inc. will host a job fair in Springfield on Thursday, Oct. 4, after the company said it is looking for temporary workers to assist with insurance claims related to Hurricane Florence. A team of the company’s employees from Springfield will also travel to North Carolina to assist policy holders and move their claims along more quickly, said David Blumenthal, a spokesman for the company...

Automakers, analysts hail renegotiated NAFTA

by Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

American automakers and industry observers are breathing a sigh of relief on the newly negotiated NAFTA. The Trump administration presented a proposed update to the North American Free Trade Agreement Monday. Details of the new United States-Mexico-Canada agreement are yet to be finalized, and the Senate has yet to approve the pact. But industrial giants and observers are taking note. RELATED: ...

2nd Dayton-area Tudor’s Biscuit World restaurant overcomes challenges, moves closer to opening

by Mark Fisher, Staff Writer

The Dayton area’s second Tudor’s Biscuit World is overcoming some site-preparation issues and is now looking toward a late-fall opening. “Footers have been poured, and plumbing and electrical should be in within the next two weeks,” Tudor’s Biscuit World franchise owner Hank Roysden told this news outlet about his restaurant coming to 124 N. Broad...

Amazon hikes minimum wage to $15 for employees nationwide

by Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Amazon is raising its minimum wage to $15 an hour for all of its U.S. employees, the company announced early Tuesday. According to a news release, the change, effective Nov. 1, affects more than 250,000 employees and 100,000 seasonal workers. The new minimum wage includes all full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal workers nationwide. >> Read more trending news “We listened...

Dunkin' Donuts, Harpoon Brewery launch coffee porter beer

by Boston25News.com

Love beer? Love coffee? We have great news for you. Two New England staples, Harpoon Brewery and Dunkin', have partnered up to bring you a new taste for fall: the Harpoon Dunkin' Coffee Porter. Starting this week, beer and coffee lovers across the East Coast can enjoy the taste of Dunkin's Espresso Blend Coffee combined with Harpoon's notable craft beer. A balanced and smooth brew offering...