Kroger to Acquire Giant Eagle

Cincinnati-based Kroger has agreed to buy Giant Eagle in a $1.65 billion deal that would bring the family-owned grocer’s 197 supermarkets under one of the nation’s largest supermarket chains.

Giant Eagle’s stores span five states, with a heavy footprint in northern and central Ohio, as well as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana.

Kroger’s board unanimously approved the deal, and the company expects to divest some stores to clear regulatory review. Giant Eagle generates about $9 billion in annual sales, and the companies expect the transaction to close in 2027.

It’s Kroger’s first major acquisition since its failed $25 billion merger with Albertsons collapsed in 2024.

SCOTUS Takes Ohio Prayer Case

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case of a University Heights man who was ordered to stop hosting prayer services in his home without a city permit.

The homeowner, an Orthodox Jewish man, needs a quorum of 10 men to pray three times a day and sought to gather them at his house rather than walk to synagogue each time.

City officials said the gatherings required a special-use permit under the local zoning code, and lower courts sided with the city.

It’s not yet clear when the Supreme Court will hear the case, though its next term begins the first Monday in October.

Dog Rescued after Crash

A dog thrown from a car during a rollover crash in Vermilion was found alive after fleeing the wreck.

The dog, named Sugar, was ejected when the vehicle struck a landscaping boulder and rolled several times before she ran into nearby woods. A group of children later spotted her along the Lake Erie shore, wedged into a gap between rocks to stay cool.

Officers and paramedics carried Sugar back to the road and took her to a clinic. The driver, who escaped with minor injuries, admitted to texting and was cited.

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➤ Wayne County: A five-alarm fire tore through the Wooster Township Econo Lodge on Lincoln Way East, killing three people and bringing about 70 firefighters from 15 departments to the scene. (More)

➤ Akron: Akron METRO transit workers voted 269-1 to authorize a strike, giving union leaders the option to call a walkout as contract talks stall. The union must provide 10 days’ notice before striking. (More)

➤ Lake Erie: The U.S. Coast Guard is increasing July 4 patrols across the Great Lakes as part of a nationwide effort targeting boating under the influence. (More)

➤ Steubenville: The city condemned Fort Steuben Mall after the property failed inspections and its owners did not submit a repair plan, forcing the remaining tenants to close. (More)

➤ Lorain County: Officials are seeking public input on a 20-year master plan that would guide upgrades at the county’s regional airport. (Details)

➤ Dayton: Crews are restoring a historic 1898 Catholic chapel at the Dayton VA, where Mass hasn’t been held in at least a decade. Renovations are expected to be completed by fall 2027. (More)

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➤ Akron native LeBron James plans to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and play his 24th NBA season elsewhere, with the Cleveland Cavaliers expected to be among the teams pursuing a third stint with James. (More)

➤ Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman and Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars after telling the Blue Jackets he doesn’t plan to sign an extension when his contract expires after the 2027-28 season. (More)

➤ Wide receiver Jett Harrison, the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the class of 2028 and the younger brother of former Buckeye Marvin Harrison Jr., committed to play college football at Ohio State. (More)

➤ The U.S. Senior Open Championship tees off today at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, with Stewart Cink, Padraig Harrington, and Steven Alker among the tournament’s betting favorites. (Details)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | Wimbledon | MLB

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➤ Ukrainian Defense Drones, a Ukrainian drone manufacturer, plans to build its first major U.S. manufacturing center in Holland, Lucas County. The project, backed by $18.4 million from the Department of War, is expected to create at least 300 jobs. (More)

➤ Magic Mountain Fun Center East, a Columbus entertainment center featuring mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games, will close after 45 years in business. (More)

➤ Cleveland’s b.a. Sweetie Candy Company is becoming employee-owned through a worker stock ownership plan as the company celebrates its 75th anniversary. (More)

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➤ Ohio ranks as the highest-risk state for backyard fireworks accidents, according to a new Action Network study that analyzed consumer search behavior and state legal restrictions. (More)

➤ The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra will perform Sunday alongside a fireworks show at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater in Wean Park as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. (Details)

➤ A Toledo man took it upon himself to restore Collingwood Cemetery, repairing damage from overgrowth and burrowing animals. Some graves at the cemetery date to the 1870s. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Researchers highlighted five habits that are guaranteed to help you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. (See Habits)

➤ The Justice Department and 17 states have accused three major egg producers of manipulating prices, inflating the market. (Hear Episode)

➤ A new report suggests everyday phone use may be quietly reshaping the body in ways few people realize. (Listen Now)

Do you plan to watch fireworks this weekend?

1. Yes, at a fireworks show
   
2. Yes, from my neighborhood
   
3. Yes, I plan to set some off
   
4. Probably not

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you planning to travel for the Fourth of July?

1. Staying close to home: 46%
2. Yes, driving: 20%
3. Yes, flying: 17%
4. Other: 17%

What are the names of the two dormitory towers south of Ohio Stadium on The Ohio State University’s campus?

Show me the answer