Kroger is open on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 24), but with reduced hours — most stores and fuel centers close by 6 p.m., and pharmacy counters typically close earlier, around 5 p.m. Because hours can vary slightly by region, shoppers should double-check their local Kroger store hours before heading out.

Kroger boosts its stock buyback program, just as the shares are in danger of having their worst month in three years.

The Cincinnati-based grocer has faced more than 20 lawsuits since 2020, according to an Enquirer investigation. Store managers have accused the company of using promotions to avoid paying overtime in an effort to save money.

The Kroger Co. shared that its board of directors has approved an incremental $2.0 billion share repurchase authorization.

Kroger will be required to reimburse $104,000 in job growth incentives, $209,892.37 in ad valorem tax rebates, $390,603.36 in impact fees and $755,737.76 in waived building permit fees for a total refund of $1,460,233.49, the city said.

Kroger's board has added $2 billion to the supermarket operator's share-repurchase authorization. Kroger on Tuesday said the new authorization brings its buyback capacity to about $2.9 billion. The Cincinnati, Ohio, company, which had more than 632.8 million shares outstanding as of Dec. 9, sports a market capitalization of around $39.4 billion.

Kroger remains the second largest grocer in the U.S. and is on track to grow profits off the back of strong digital and private label sales

Rene Miguel Zambrana, 37, is charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of weapons felony firearm in the killing of 47-year-old Alvin Echols.