In corporate news, The Kroger Co. announced a massive 1.65 billion dollar deal to acquire Giant Eagle, significantly expanding its footprint across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, though some store divestitures in Columbus are expected. Economically, Governor Mike DeWine approved seven new development projects to create jobs and awarded 15 million dollars in Ohio Brownfield grants for environmental cleanups in Brown, Clermont, Highland, and Hamilton counties. DeWine also stated that Ohio will comply with federal law if Haitian migrants lose their Temporary Protected Status. Meanwhile, a family franchise group announced plans to bring the Huddle House restaurant chain to Ohio with multiple upcoming locations.

Legislative updates include the passage of a bill requiring drivers to explicitly identify themselves to law enforcement during ...