💼 Ohio small businesses struggle to fill job openings despite hiring efforts. NFIB's latest report reveals 36% of small business owners had unfilled positions in June, up 2 points from May. Among those trying to hire, a staggering 86% reported few or no qualified applicants for their open positions. Construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries face the highest vacancy rates, while finance and agriculture have fewer openings. Despite these challenges, a net 33% of owners increased compensation in June—the largest monthly jump since January 2020—as they continue prioritizing workforce expansion in Ohio's small business economy.
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📉 Ohio's jobless rate ranks fifth-worst in the nation at 4.9%. Despite years of tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations meant to stimulate job creation, the state continues to struggle with employment growth. Programs like the LLC tax break, which costs Ohio $1 billion annually, have shown little evidence of boosting jobs while primarily benefiting the top 7% of claimants. Meanwhile, JobsOhio, a controversial state-created "private" corporation exempt from public records laws, has spent over $1 billion in incentives with questionable results. Governor DeWine recently signed a flat tax that critics say will direct 96% of benefits to the wealthiest Ohioans.
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🕍 Columbus expands Jewish eruv after 18-month renovation project. The symbolic boundary, which allows observant Jews to carry items outside their homes on Shabbat, now covers 5.5 square miles with a 10-mile perimeter. The western border was extended beyond Alum Creek, and the entire eruv received new fixtures for improved durability and visibility. Rabbi Mordechai Paretzky, an expert who has built eruvs in over 25 communities, helped with the specialized construction that included using cherry pickers to reach heights of 30 feet. The renovation addressed three key goals: increasing durability, expanding coverage area, and ensuring compliance with halachic requirements.
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Luxury Medallion mansion awaits elite: Priced at $1,475,000, this custom Medallion Country Club home offers resort-style luxury with two primary suites, five fireplaces, and a five-car garage with boat space, all backing to protected wetlands for ultimate privacy.
Spacious family haven near trees: Priced at $485,000, this sprawling 5-bedroom home offers 2,700 square feet of flexible living space, featuring a main-floor private bedroom, peaceful tree-lined setting, and maintenance-free exterior for those who prefer less work and more play.
Zero dollar Westerville mystery: This 1,635-square-foot home with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is on the market for $0. Located in Westerville, Ohio, it's a curious case of a zero-dollar listing.