Today’s News
Tighter regulations could take bite out of Airbnb profits
NEW YORK — Airbnb faces tightening regulations in New York City that could take a big bite out of its profits, and last week the short-term rental company offered a counter-measure designed to appease hostile politicians: a $10 million contribution to charities. At a Manhattan news conference, officials of the San Francisco-based company said the money is just a taste of what New York’s city and state governments could reap to benefit New Yorkers struggling [...]
Target plans next-gen store near New Albany
Target will build its 16th location in central Ohio with the company’s next-generation store design and hiring more than 100 employees. The company announced plans Wednesday to open the 125,000-square-foot store at a new 200-acre mixed-used development near the intersection of Hamilton Road and state Route 161 near New Albany. “We look forward to opening our newest store in Ohio to serve both the Columbus and New Albany communities. This full-size Target store will feature [...]
Balderson, O’Connor deadlocked, but regrouping for fall
COLUMBUS — It’s rare that two candidates for a coveted open congressional seat get a do-over. But for campaigns, party strategists and outside groups, that’s what back-to-back contests for central Ohio’s sprawling 12th District seem to make possible. The race for former Republican U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi’s unexpired term ended in a deadlock — a frustration Republicans hope to learn from and a thrill out-of-power Democrats hope to exploit. Republican state Sen. Troy Balderson, of [...]
Titans, Saints use new ways to keep NFL players cool in camp
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis has been so focused on football with his new team that he didn’t realize until a few days into training camp just how special the benches on each sideline really are. Now he takes a couple of minutes whenever possible during practice to sit and cool off. Literally. “It’s great,” said Lewis, who spent the past three years with New England. “It’s real hot... so [...]
Church sex scandal: Abuse victims want a full reckoning
Six Roman Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania joined the list last week of those around the U.S. that have been forced to face the ugly truth about child-molesting priests in their ranks. But in dozens of other dioceses, there has been no reckoning, leading victims to wonder if the church will ever truly take responsibility or be held accountable. “It happens everywhere, so it’s not really so much a question of where has it happened, but [...]
Turnover: Preventing it and dealing with the aftermath
NEW YORK — A tight labor market and a shrinking pool of talented workers make “I’m quitting” some of the most dreaded words a small business owner can hear. Staff turnover is a fact of life, but it’s particularly painful at small companies competing with larger businesses for workers. Owners learn they must make staff retention efforts a priority — including mentoring or changing workplace policies — and do some soul-searching if turnover increases. When [...]
Inside a super PAC that spends on everything but winning
WASHINGTON — The two billionaire mega donors poured $1.25 million into a super PAC that was supposed to supercharge Chris McDaniel’s insurgent bid to be Mississippi’s next Republican senator. A year later, much of the money from Illinois shipping supply CEO Richard Uihlein and New York financier Robert Mercer is gone. Only a fraction was spent reaching voters who could boost the former state lawmaker’s uphill battle against Cindy Hyde-Smith, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s preferred [...]
A rising concern? After straws, balloons get more scrutiny
NEW YORK — Now that plastic straws may be headed for extinction, could Americans’ love of balloons be deflated? The joyous celebration of releasing balloons into the air has long bothered environmentalists, who say the pieces that fall back to earth can be deadly to seabirds and turtles that eat them. So as companies vow to banish plastic straws, there are signs balloons will be among the products to get more scrutiny, even though they’re [...]
Nationwide sponsors award program for ag teachers
Nationwide has partnered with two Ohio agricultural organizations to establish a new award that recognizes educators in the state. The agriculture educator of the year will be awarded the Golden Owl Award, receiving a $3,000 prize. The winner will be among 10 teachers from the state recognized as honorees, each receiving $500 prize and entering the final selection stage for the grand prize. “We created this award to bring attention to the growing need for [...]
Expensive renovations lead to impeachment, political feud
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A taste for blue suede sofas, inlaid wooden floor maps and glass countertops has led to the retirement of two West Virginia Supreme Court justices and the impeachment of three others. It also has created a political firestorm, as Democrats accuse the Republican-led legislature of using the impeachments to try to take control of the court, a separate branch of government. Here are some details of spending that at least one lawmaker [...]
Legal News
California could reshape pot rules as legal market struggles
LOS ANGELES — The nation’s largest legal marijuana market is struggling. Illicit sales continue to thrive. A shaky supply chain has customers looking at barren [...]
New law clears way for tech equipment installation
Compromise legislation for the placement of small cell technology equipment went into effect this month. AT&T was among the companies to note it would make [...]
Proposed legislation would reduce penalties for some gunholders in gun-free zones
As a new school year gets under way, lawmakers in the Ohio House of Representatives have before them a bill intended make the state’s gun-free [...]
Business News
Survey finds Columbus among top friendliest cities to do business
Central Ohio was recognized as a friendly place to do business in a recent survey. Columbus ranked third with an A-plus rating in the 2018 [...]
Hilliard home security system firm has dealt with changing consumer trends
When Doug Huey started his security system business with his brother in 1988, they had to run 25 wires in the property. And a “decent [...]
To fend off Netflix, movie theaters try 3-screen immersion
LONDON — Sit at the back of the movie theater, and it’s possible to see the appeal of ScreenX, the latest attempt to drag film [...]
Real Estate
Old churches, schools used for housing in Michigan raise some concerns
BERKLEY, Mich. — When Berkley resident Eric Wheeler found out Our Lady of La Salette School could be redeveloped into a five-story apartment complex, he [...]
Report shows that stricter land regulations contribute to higher home prices
With stricter land-use regulations, homeowners can expect higher home values and strong job growth, according to a new report. And in Columbus, where regulations are [...]
Portsmouth plans transformation, record-setting event
Residents of a southern Ohio city hope to trade in the municipality’s notoriety as the epicenter of the state’s opioid-abuse epidemic for a spruced-up, optimistic [...]
Politics
Northeast governors, eastern Canada premiers meet in Vermont
STOWE, Vt. (AP) — Some governors from the northeast U.S. and premiers from eastern Canada on Monday called for the end of the trade war [...]
Top 2020 Democrats missing in Iowa but working backchannel
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair opens this week, complete with its signature deep-fried Oreos and prize hog judging. Country star Reba McEntire [...]
Kentucky teachers mount an insurgency for fall campaign
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — As Republicans in Congress prepare for a possible backlash this fall against President Donald Trump, their counterparts in the Kentucky legislature [...]
