Kroger CEO Resigns Following Investigation

Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen resigned Monday following a board investigation into his personal conduct.

The Cincinnati-based company stated that while McMullen’s conduct was “unrelated to the business,” it was “inconsistent with Kroger’s policy on business ethics.”  No other details were made public.

Board member and lead director Ronald Sargent will serve as chairman and interim CEO, effective immediately.

Kroger shares fell more than 3.5% ahead of Monday’s stock market opening.

Legislators Propose More Class Time

Republican state lawmakers have proposed increasing the school year for grades 7 to 12 by 53 hours—bringing the total to 1,054 hours per year.

Ohio law requires a minimum of 1,001 hours of classroom time, roughly 160 school days per year. This bill would raise that threshold to about 180 days—Ohio’s previous minimum until 2014.

The bill doesn’t tell school administrators how to add the additional hours, leaving it up to each school or district to decide whether to increase the school day or lengthen the school year. 

The Buckeye State lags behind neighboring Michigan (1,098 hours) and Kentucky (1,062 hours) in required classroom time.

Ohioans Celebrate Paczki Day for Fat Tuesday

Today is Paczki Day across Ohio, a celebration of Polish culture on Fat Tuesday when residents flock to local shops to enjoy once-a-year pastries similar to jelly-filled donuts.

Paczki Day is most popular in Northeast Ohio, but bakeries across the state are selling the deep-fried dough with fillings such as cherry, blueberry, custard, and more. Here’s where to find paczki in northern Ohio.

The centuries-old treat originated in Poland as a way to use up ingredients like pork, butter, and eggs before Lent. Now, it’s more like a jelly-filled donut. You can see participating central Ohio bakeries here.

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➤ A statewide burn ban is in effect for the next three months. Ohio residents are prohibited from outdoor burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. due to increased fire risk. (More)

➤ Toledo: The Martin Luther King Bridge will be closed for multiple days this week for a bridge lift test and concrete pouring. (See Details)

➤ Dayton: The Downtown Dayton Partnership has announced a cleanup and beautification event ahead of May’s NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Residents can volunteer for tasks such as planting flowers or removing graffiti. (More)

➤ Youngstown: Construction has begun on a new middle school as part of the Youngstown Jewish Federation’s expansion of Akiva Academy. (More)

➤ Springboro: Dayton Children’s Hospital has opened a new mental health services outpatient care center, offering outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and an eating disorder clinic. (More)

➤ Columbus: A building in the Short North was evacuated after it partially collapsed. Falling bricks damaged a bus stop below. (See Photo)

➤ Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is considering removing late Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose from the MLB’s ineligible list. President Trump criticized Rose’s ban on Friday. (More)

➤ The Cincinnati Bengals have released veteran offensive lineman Alex Cappa. Cappa started 50 games over three seasons at right guard. (More)

➤ The Cleveland Cavaliers are the first NBA team to win 50 games this season after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 133-129 in overtime on Sunday. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | Soccer

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➤ Kroger is giving away free coffee and breakfast sandwiches to help customers adjust to the “spring forward” daylight saving time change this weekend. The Hour Back Box will be available for pickup starting today. (More)

➤ Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams will downsize its corporate staff through voluntary layoffs and early retirement. (More)

➤ Chipotle has opened its first location in the Columbus suburb of Granville. The restaurant will provide around 30 jobs and is currently hiring. (More)

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➤ NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting a slightly warmer and wetter-than-normal spring for Ohio. (See Maps)

➤ Guitar legend Eric Clapton announced a September tour stop at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena. Tickets go on sale Friday. (See Details)

➤ Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley will provide two new homes for aspiring homeowners in 2025, and is now accepting applications for its ownership program. (See Details)

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