Manufacturing & Jobs: International Motors plans to cut 1,341 jobs at its Springfield, Ohio operations by October 2026 as part of a facility sale to Canadian defense firm Roshel, one of the biggest Ohio WARN-driven layoffs in five years. Retail & Food: Kroger is closing dozens of stores nationwide, with multiple shutterings reported in Illinois and Wisconsin as the company consolidates operations; separately, Walmart recalled a refrigerated soup kit in 29 states due to possible listeria contamination. Business Growth & Deals: MFG Chemical acquired West Chester-based AP Tech, expanding its water-treatment chemistry portfolio. Franchising: Minnie Bird added a strategic advisor and signed a three-unit franchise deal in the greater Columbus market as it ramps national growth. Local Economy & Services: Downtown Cleveland launched a community survey after the closure of Heinen’s to shape what grocery options should replace it. Workforce & Education: Paulding County’s Business Advisory Council added a workforce navigator role funded by a $100,000 state grant to connect schools and employers. Compliance & Consumer Notes: Cincinnati homeowners are being reminded that Ohio groundhog removal services must be handled by state-licensed nuisance wild animal control operators. Energy & Rates: PUCO will consider rehearing requests over Youngstown’s SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions emergency steam rate increases, with potential hikes up to 163% during the heating season.