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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man was hospitalized after four people allegedly were involved in kidnapping and robbing him in January.

According to a Columbus police incident report a man traveled to Zanesville with another man to pick up two others. They all returned to a parking lot near Trillium Lane in Reynoldsburg, where the victim said he was repeatedly tased and forced back into the rear of his 2005 Buick LeSabre.

The victim told police a fifth person entered the vehicle, where the group coerced the victim into providing his home address. They reportedly went to the victim’s home, where he was repeatedly tased and given a haircut against his will.

Ohio commander on leave after ‘reckless homicide’ at corrections training academy

Police said the suspects stole clothing from the residence and forced the victim to purchase a hotel room on his credit card at a Motel 6. The victim was able to escape three days later and fled to Riverside Methodist Hospital, where he was treated for frostbite.

Nickalus Bailey, 21, was arrested Saturday and charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and kidnapping, all first-degree felonies. He was issued a $250,000 bond in Franklin County Municipal Court and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 29.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A fashion retailer headquartered in Columbus with over 500 stores in the U.S. will now close over 100 of them.

Express, whose portfolio includes Bonobos and UpWest, filed for bankruptcy and plans to close 95 Express stores and all 10 of its UpWest stores. The company did not specify which Express locations will be shut down, but said closing sales at the affected stores are expected to begin Tuesday.

The company said the remaining stores will continue business as usual, with gift cards and store credits being redeemed in stores. All the company’s online channels and apps will also continue to accept orders. 

Central Ohio theft ring appears to be part of larger issue, law enforcement says

In a news release, Express claimed the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection was to “facilitate the sale” of most of its operations to an investor group, which includes WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties. Subject to court approval, Express said it received a letter of intent from the investors to buy the assets. 

Express currently has 11 locations in Ohio, with a store in both Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place. The state is home to one Bonobos store in the Victorian Village neighborhood. The company did not share the fate of these locations as of Monday. None of the UpWest stores are located in Ohio. Limited Brands opened the first Express store in Chicago in 1980. 

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Mainly sunny, high 62
• Tonight: Clouds increasing, low 44
• Tuesday: Rain showers, high 64 (47)
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 56 (34)
• Thursday: Mainly sunny, high 63 (43)
• Friday: Chance of rain showers, high 74 (59)

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Plenty of sunshine will stick around the rest of the afternoon. Temperatures closer to seasonable return to central Ohio. Daytime highs will reach the low 60s. Winds will be mainly light, coming from the southwest at 3-7 mph. Get out and enjoy the sunny skies today.

Overnight as a cold front nears, more clouds will begin to increase across the region. Skies will become partly cloudy by the morning commute. Temperatures will stay well above the freezing point. Lows will only fall to the mid 40s. The threat for frost is done for now, but there will be one other chance later this week.

A cold front will bring rain showers that will move across the area Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday morning. Close to a quarter inch of rain will fall, bringing Columbus's total precipitation totals for April close to 6 inches. There will be a brief midweek drop in temperatures. Lows Wednesday night into Thursday will be close to the freezing point.

A rebound in temps starts this weekend. Friday will bring additional rain shower chances. More rain and a few thunderstorms will move through the weekend. During this time highs will top off in the mid 70s Friday and close to the 80 degree mark between Saturday and Sunday.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- The site of a flax mill dating to the Civil War along the Olentangy River in Delaware will undergo a $40 million renovation to become a mixed-use district home to luxury apartments.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held this month on the five-acre development named "Mill on Flax," which includes the construction of five new buildings and the restoration of the mill built on Flax Street in 1863 that once served various manufacturing plants. The Delaware County Finance Authority, which issued a $2.5-million infrastructure bond and a $249,900 loan for the project, said Mill on Flax is "the definition of a transformational project."

"Mill on Flax" includes the restoration of a mill built in 1863 on Flax Street. (Delaware County Auditor's Office) Heath’s downtown ‘Central Park’ district to span 300 acres, $218 million

"This is infrastructure improvement on every level," said Bill Bishop, DCFA president. "It's addressing housing needs and creating more jobs, as well as improving the flow of east-west traffic through this community. But it's also transforming a neighborhood by reawakening it to a vibrant past when it was a 19th-century mixed-use community of commerce and homes."

The five new buildings will house studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments totaling 162 units. The two-story mill will be renovated to include 10,000 square feet of office space and amenities for residents, including a pool and grilling area, fitness center and a clubhouse. Mill on Flax will also feature waterfront access to the Olentangy River, complete with a new trail to be built connecting to central Ohio's bike system.

• The five new buildings will house studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments totaling 162 units. (Courtesy Photo/Archall Architects)
• The two-story mill will be renovated to include 10,000 square-feet of office space and amenities for residents. (Courtesy Photo/Archall Architects)
• The five new buildings will house studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments totaling 162 units. (Courtesy Photo/Archall Architects)
• The two-story mill will be renovated to include 10,000 square-feet of office space and amenities for residents. (Courtesy Photo/Archall Architects)

Once completed, the Delaware County’s Economic Development office estimates Mill on Flax could generate a $101 million boost to the state and local economy. This includes construction jobs, as well as the direct and indirect jobs attributed to the project, the DCED said.

The development is one of several large-scale restoration projects beginning construction in central Ohio, including a historic Delaware train deport being renovated by the same company leading Mill on Flax, RiverWest. The company purchased the 7,000-square-foot depot in 2019 and plans to launch a restaurant and brewery concept inside.

Owner of Bob Evans looking to sell the Ohio-based restaurant chain, reports say

A historic depot is also at the center of plans in Plain City to launch a new public square development that will feature a park and a marketplace. The depot will be dismantled and shipped to the village from Upper Arlington in June before opening to the public in early 2025 as the first phase of the larger public square project. Once installed, the depot will provide space for events, visitor amenities, commercial ventures and historical displays.

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) - First responders in Hilliard are offering a new program for teens this summer to learn more about what it's like to be in law enforcement and fire service.

The Hilliard Division of Police and Norwich Township Fire Department are having their first Hilliard Public Safety Youth Academy. According to a news release, the program is open to students who are going to be in the ninth to 12th grade in the 2024-25 school year.

Heath’s downtown ‘Central Park’ district to span 300 acres, $218 million

The academy is set for July 22-26 from 4 to 9 p.m. Students who sign up for the program will get hands-on experience with the help of police and fire departments including speed radar use, traffic stop simulations, crime scene investigations, how to act in certain scenarios, EMS demonstrations, and more.

Students will also get the opportunity to tour the departments and will participate in an obstacle course at the end of the program. Registration for the summer youth academy is $25 and students will receive a t-shirt and hat to wear for the class. To register, click here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Grant Medical Center is moving forward with the next phase of a $400 million expansion project.

The parking garage and medical office that sit at 288 E. Town St. will be demolished, according to a conceptual review submitted to the Downtown Commission, and a seven-story, 270,000-square-foot trauma and critical care center will be built, along with a 120-space underground parking garage.

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Originally announced in 2023, the $400 million project includes an ambulatory building, emergency pavilion, and trauma and critical care center. The expansion project is being conducted in two phases.

• A rendering of the new Grant Medical Center expansion. (Courtesy Photo/CannonDesign)
• A rendering of the new Grant Medical Center expansion. (Courtesy Photo/CannonDesign)
• A rendering of the new Grant Medical Center expansion. (Courtesy Photo/CannonDesign)
• A rendering of the new Grant Medical Center expansion. (Courtesy Photo/CannonDesign)
• A rendering of the new Grant Medical Center expansion. (Courtesy Photo/CannonDesign)

The first phase will introduce medical offices and a parking garage at the corner of State Street and Grant Avenue. Construction began in September and is planned to open in the spring of 2025.

Phase two will include the trauma and critical care center, starting with the demolition of a parking garage in the spring of 2025. Construction will begin that summer, with the expansion expected to open in 2028.

Judge rejects part of Hilliard lawsuit alleging student coerced to 'identify as opposite sex'

Due to the project, Grant Medical Center is expected to increase its trauma bays from three to five, improve and expand its parking options, increase total beds on the main campus from about 406 to more than 450, and create hundreds of jobs.

On Tuesday, a conceptual review of the trauma and critical care center is set to go before the Downtown Commission.

For an earlier report on this story view the video player above.

ORIENT, Ohio (WCMH) – The fatal shooting of a lieutenant at a Corrections Training Academy in Pickaway County is being classified as a reckless homicide.

According to an Ohio State Highway Patrol incident report, the fatal shooting of Rodney Osborne is being considered a reckless homicide, a third-degree felony. The redacted report does not reveal who is being charged, or the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

However, a statement from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction noted that West Regional Special Operations Commander David Pearson was placed on administrative leave on April 10, pending an investigation into Osborne’s death.

Pedestrian killed after hit by two cars in east Columbus identified Lt. Rodney Osborne (ODRC)

The incident report stated that on April 9, at approximately 11:15 am., deputies responded to reports of a trainee suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Upon arriving at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) Training Academy in Orient, Ohio, Osborne was receiving emergency care on scene from fellow trainees.

Osborne was taken to Mount Carmel Grove City hospital where he was pronounced dead.

At the time of the incident ODRC director Annette Chambers Smith said, “This appears to have been a tragic accident, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating.”

According to a recording of the 911 call placed that morning, Osborne was placed in a Chevy Silverado and taken to the hospital. Deputies collected information of corrections officers at the hospital and advised them they would be contacted for formal statements. Evidence was collected from the vehicle as was the shirt Osborne was wearing.

Osborne had served with the department for 13 years and worked at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Scioto County. He was part of the facility’s honor guard and had been named employee of the year one week prior to his death. He was also a member of the special response team and the statewide special tactics and response team.

Pearson began his tenure with the Warren Correctional Institution in 2005 and has served in his current role since 2021.

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) -- A federal judge has rejected part of a lawsuit against Hilliard City Schools by parents seeking removal of LGBTQ+ badges and alleging the district could be "hiding [a] child's gender dysphoria."

Nine Hilliard plaintiffs' claim that the district would deceive a parent whose child is transgender if said parent is not a "safe person" because they are anti-LGBTQ+ was dismissed on Friday for "lack of standing," the decision in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Ohio states. The parents failed to "plausibly allege" that they were or will be marked as "unsafe" by the district, or that they partake in activities that might earn them the "unsafe" label.

Central Ohio theft ring appears to be part of larger issue, law enforcement says

"Plaintiffs offer no allegations that their children have told or will tell the school that they are, or may be, LGBTQ+," wrote Judge Michael Watson. "Because [parents] have not plausibly alleged that their children have reported or will report such issues to school officials, they have likewise not plausibly alleged that they will suffer any injury as a result of what the district might do in response."

Friday's decision follows the parents' second amended complaint submitted on April 1, also alleging a student suffering from "severe emotional trauma" was pressured by teachers to adopt "a new name and identity as the opposite sex." The parents say school officials "treated the child as the opposite sex" without parental consent after "diagnosing" the student with gender dysphoria.

Watson ruled that this claim, which said the district deceived the student's parents while the child's "condition spiraled out of control" and led to a suicide attempt, can proceed through litigation. The parents argued, "The district's acts were reckless because district officials are not qualified -- and are specifically denied entitlement to -- make diagnoses and treatment decisions for somebody else's child."

Why Ohio is on a record pace for tornadoes

In a statement to NBC4 on Friday, Hilliard schools superintendent David Stewart said the district "looks forward to presenting a set of facts that clearly contradict the few remaining claims in the suit."

"From the outset, our position has been that this suit was misinformed and based on incorrect facts. It mischaracterized our district's policies and procedures and made allegations of conduct that did not occur," Stewart said. "It also made several broad conclusions and accusations, which had little to do with the legal arguments presented."

The parents initially sued Hilliard schools in January 2023 to call on the court to stop district teachers from wearing LGBTQ-supportive badges that read "I'm Here" with a Pride flag design on the front. Teachers were given permission to continue wearing the badges in 2022 after some parents expressed concern over a code on the back that could lead to websites inappropriate for children.

Watson said in Friday's ruling that the LGBTQ+ badge provision also lacks standing because the parents do not allege whether any of their children's teachers, or anyone at their children's schools, wear the badge. The parents also failed to allege that they have any reason to believe that their child would scan the QR code if they see a badge.

More tenants, including KeyBank, moving out of namesake Downtown tower

"Plaintiffs have not plausibly alleged any risk that their children will be exposed to the sexually explicit material because of the badge," Watson states.

School officials said in January of last year they discussed the possibility of students accessing inappropriate material, and agreed that the codes should be covered so that they would not be visible. The district said at the time it was not aware of any student accessing the QR code or materials.

"We live in challenging times with complicated issues -- for students, parents, teachers and school administrators," Stewart said on Friday. "We want to take on these complicated issues and help our students and parents however we can, but such false allegations undermine our mission and the hard work of our dedicated staff and teachers."

View the player above to see previous coverage.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Central Ohio law enforcement officials claim organized retail theft has seemingly increased in recent years, with a recent investigation unveiling a unique shoplifting ring with local convenience stores as the culprit. 

Det. Caleb Loposser with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into a shoplifting ring responsible for a string of thefts across central Ohio over the past three months.

Why Ohio is on a record pace for tornadoes

Loposser said small local convenience stores were using individuals who were in need of cash quickly, including multiple people suffering from drug addiction. The stores gave the individuals a  “shoplifting list” that they took to larger stores, such as Target and Sephora, to steal items to bring back to the convenience stores. Those stores would then resell the items at a lower price.

“You don’t have to be a mathematician to understand they’re making a significant amount of profit on those and turning them quickly,” Loposser said. “They don’t have to order it from the supply chain to stock their shelves and pay for any of that overhead, they just pay addicts pennies on the dollar to go do the work for them.”

Since the investigation is ongoing and nobody associated with the convenience stores has been charged yet, the sheriff's office can not yet reveal which stores were involved in the theft ring. Loposser said these kinds of thefts contribute to rising prices and can result in stores cutting staff to save money.

More tenants, including KeyBank, moving out of namesake Downtown tower

“If they [experience] a certain level of loss, we’ve seen in other areas where stores are actually closing down,” Loposser said. “Or stores don’t offer certain items anymore, whether that’s electronics out of certain areas because it’s such a high theft area. So there’s a lot of different impacts.”

Loposser said those involved in organized retail crime will also often sell the items they have stolen on Facebook Marketplace, online chat groups and to pawn shops. The National Retail Federation stated organized retail crime has been a “high-priority concern” for decades, with the concern growing in recent years as shoplifters have utilized new channels to resell stolen goods. 

The Council on Criminal Justice found that shoplifting reports were 16% higher (about 8,450 more incidents) during the first six months of 2023 compared with the same period in 2019.

The Columbus Division of Police Property Crimes Unit stated organized retail crime in the city has “seemed to increase over the years,” but said they could not discuss any ongoing investigations.

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“I have heard and read of other areas, especially across the country, of this taking place,” Loposser said. “Organized retail crime has been something that’s been a certain level of popularity, and it's surged in other areas. … We’re seeing a lot of this stuff replicated now in Columbus that we may have seen in other areas.”

If a shopper or employee witnesses a theft, Loposser does not suggest they put themselves in harm’s way by interfering. He said witnesses can note information such as the shoplifter’s license plate number, vehicle make and model, and clothes to help law enforcement catch the suspect.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man struck by two vehicles on Columbus’ far east side, where both drivers left the fatal scene, has been identified.

Columbus police said that 66-year-old James Brusenhan was the man who died after two cars struck and killed him on East Broad Street in the early hours of Friday, April 19.

Juvenile hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds

Police said that Brusenhan was attempting to cross East Broad Street at Richmond Woods Drive, outside of a marked crosswalk, when an unknown vehicle struck the pedestrian in the westbound lane of East Broad Street. The impact knocked the victim down and they ended up in the center turn lane.

A witness told police that the man began to crawl southbound and into the eastbound lane of East Broad Street when he was struck again, this time by a Toyota Rav4 with its driver’s side front.

That vehicle, estimated to be a 2016-2018 model, and the vehicle with no description that first hit Brusenhan, both fled the scene. Brusenhan was pronounced dead at 1:06 a.m.

The Accident Investigation Unit asks that any person with knowledge of the vehicles or drivers involved is asked to contact the AIU at (614) 645-4767. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Central Ohio experienced another round of strong storms last Wednesday, which came with heavy rain, large hail, damaging winds and several tornadoes.

Five tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service in Ohio, raising the season total to 35 -- far more than have been previously recorded in the first four months of the year. Active storm days produced nine tornadoes on Feb. 28 and March 14, 11 tornadoes on April 2, and one on March 5.

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The average number of tornadoes in Ohio during an entire year is 22. Last year produced a near-record number of tornadoes (57).

Counties north of the Columbus area were under tornado warnings Wednesday between 4 and 5 p.m. At the time, Bucyrus police confirmed rotation on the ground that caused significant damage to powerlines and trees.

Fifteen minutes after a tornado touched down at Bucyrus, a weak EF0 storm (70 mph) came down in eastern Champaign Count north of U.S. 36, causing minor damage to roofs and outbuildings.

As the growing line of strong storms plowed through the Columbus area at rush hour, northern Franklin and southern Delaware counties were under a severe thunderstorm warning until 6:15 p.m., along with portions of Madison and Union counties.

A tornado warning was briefly issued for Licking County for rotation that developed in southeastern Delaware County. An EF1 tornado, with 90 mph winds, was later confirmed along Fancher Road that damaged several homes along a path of a little less than a mile.

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The storms also produced quarter-sized hail northern and eastern parts of Franklin County, and between Circleville and Lancaster. Winds gusted to 65 mph at Marion and 59 mph, at Ohio State University Airport in northwest Columbus, with the arrival of the strong cluster of storms.

Five tornadoes confirmed in Ohio

A Cleveland NWS storm survey reported that the Bucyrus touched down on the southwest side of Bucyrus at 4:06 p.m., strengthening as it moved quickly northeast, with estimated maximum winds reaching 110 mph.

Doppler radar showed a cluster of severe storms moving through western sections of Crawford, Marion and Union counties and eastern Champaign County.

"Several large hardwood trees were uprooted, a garage was destroyed, a small trailer rolled, three chimneys were blown down, several large trees were uprooted, and a shed was destroyed near the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Wise Street," according to the report.

Doppler radar velocity data revealed two areas of rotation developing, where red and green indicate air moving away from/toward the radar site, indicating shifting winds in a narrow zone.

A house was pushed off its foundation and the post office had roof damage. In the downtown area, the roof of the Family Dollar store partially collapsed, and the wall of an abandoned plant caved in.

Bucyrus Police Chief R. Thomas Walker said areas lost power and residents were forced to seek shelter due to high winds, powerful rain and flying debris. Emergency crews were dispatched to assist residents after multiple reports of downed power wires, fallen trees and property damage. No injuries were reported.

• Wednesday's severe storms brought down several trees in Bucyrus, Crawford County. (NBC4)
• 
• Wednesday's severe storms brought down several trees in Bucyrus, Crawford County. (NBC4)
• 
• Wednesday's severe storms brought down several trees in Bucyrus, Crawford County. (NBC4)
• 
• Hail fell in Gahanna, Ohio on April 17, 2024. (NBC4 Photo/Brian Hofmann)

The field survey revealed that the tornado traveled 3.48 miles, with a path width of 100 yards.

Tornadoes were also confirmed in northeastern Ohio in Portage County at Windham (EF1) and Trumbull County at Champion Heights (EF0) during the early evening before the storm line weakened.

Severe hail an inch in diameter pelted parts of Columbus. (Photo courtesy Nancy Radke)

This is the second year in a row that Ohio has witnessed significant tornado events in late February and early March, which is unprecedented. In 2023, tornadoes were recorded on Feb. 27 (5) and March 3 (4).

The likely reason for this year's historic early-season activity is linked to an unusually warm winter, mild ground temperatures, virtually no ice on the Great Lakes (record low extent in the satellite era), and abnormally warm water in the Gulf of Mexico.

All of these ingredients pushing farther north with southerly winds during an unseasonably mild winter and early spring, coupled with a strong jet stream carrying El Niño-fueled Pacific storm systems eastward, amplified the early-starting severe weather season in Ohio and Midwest.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A child is recovering at Nationwide Children’s Hospital after being shot multiple times on the city’s west side late Sunday night.

According to a Columbus police incident report, officers were called to the area of South Central Avenue and West Mound Street after receiving reports of a shooting at 11:07 p.m. Upon arrival police found an unknown aged juvenile suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was taken to Children’s Hospital, where it is expected they will survive.

Police did not have any suspect information of know yet what led to the shooting. CPD asks that anyone with information call the Felony Assault Unit at 614-645-2072 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

The shooting was originally reported as taking place on Harrisburg Pike.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Gas prices in the Columbus area have been fluctuating up and down for the better part of the past two months. Last week was no different with prices jumping by over a quarter.

According to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations, the cost for a gallon of gas rose by 27.6 cents to $3.69 per gallon. The current price is 23.5 cents per gallon higher than one month ago and 13.2 cents higher than this time one year ago.

Columbus Gas Prices Tracker

The cheapest gas station in the Columbus area was priced at $3.42 a gallon, while the most expensive was $3.79, a difference of 37 cents per gallon. In Ohio, the average price of gas also rose by nearly a quarter (24.2 cents per gallon), from one week ago, averaging out at $3.64, while nationally, gas prices rose slightly (4.3 cents) to $3.64 per gallon.

According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, refinery maintenance continues to push prices higher, but other factors could spell relief soon.

“The next few weeks should see many refineries wrapping up their work and gasoline output should rise, putting downward pressure on gasoline prices soon," said De Haan. “I'm hopeful with reduced concern in the Middle East and an end to the seasonal factors pushing prices up that Americans will soon see relief."

View a previous report in the video player above on OH Pizza and Brew's announcement of plans to relocate from the KeyBank Building.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Days after a Downtown pizza shop announced plans to leave the skyscraper housing them, more tenants told NBC4 that they're joining in the exodus.

The owner of OH Pizza and Brew shared an array of issues -- store-closing utility shutdowns, disagreements over rent, and security issues -- that he said started when another real estate group took over the building. Baruch Broad Street LLC, a shell company registered to the CEO of Zamir Equities, acquired the tower at 88 E. Broad St. for over $12 million in 2022. The building is known for its KeyBank branding but also has ground-floor signage for the pizzeria and a Starbucks.

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Among the tenants also confirming their departure is a state agency: the Ohio Auditor's Office. Communications director Matt Eiselstein told NBC4 on Friday that the group was planning to completely move out.

“The Auditor’s office has sought more economical solutions for our offices across the state," Eiselstein said. "The move to 65 East State allows us to keep our central region employees downtown and makes good economic sense while providing staff with a more reliable working space.”

The Starbucks logo and a banner for OH Pizza and Brew are visible on the ground floor of the KeyBank Building. (Courtesy Photo/Luke Edwards)

Operating request documents that the auditor's office sent to the State Controlling Board share more reasons mirroring OH Pizza and Brew's behind the decision. The board approved the request to move on March 25.

"The Auditor of State has determined that a relocation is necessary due to ongoing building maintenance and infrastructure issues at the current location," the department's team wrote in a report. "The Auditor of State has experienced HVAC issues, water leaks caused by deteriorated piping, along with other general building maintenance problems. Building security at the existing location has also been an ongoing concern."

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The agency also highlighted in the documents that it will be cutting its rent costs almost in half as part of the move. While the new address is only a few cents cheaper per square foot, the department will only pay $456,306.48 per year compared with $833,097.50 at the KeyBank building. The documents show this is thanks to the new lease being for a space of 25,811 square feet, compared with 57,455 square feet in the current office.

As the auditor's office voiced security concerns in its petition to leave, OH Pizza and Brew owner Luke Edwards gave a specific example from what he called a "nightmare" property. He said the same problem resulted in his business losing nearly $10,000 between cash and equipment in a burglary.

“Over Christmas, they didn’t lock the doors. We got burglarized,” Edwards said. “He came in, thought we were open and wanted to use the restroom. We got him on camera. He looked around, he sat there for 30 minutes, walked around in my kitchen, grabbed pretzels and just started eating them. … Lo and behold, he took our registers.”

The tower's occupant with prominent branding on the ground floor is also looking to relocate, albeit partially. KeyBank Communications Consultant Meg Lower shared the split approach the company was taking. She added that the KeyBank sign on the ground floor of the building had its own lease and would also be removed when it expires.

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“KeyBank leases office space at 88 E. Broad Street on floors 2 and 7, as well as branch space on the first floor," Lower said. "Currently, we are in discussion with the owners of 88 E. Broad Street to renew the lease for our branch located on the first floor. However, we have secured a new lease at the 175 on the Park Building for our corporate office space, and we will be vacating floors 2 and 7."

Starbucks, whose store at 88 E. Broad St. was the first in Ohio to unionize, broke step with the other tenants when it told NBC4 it had no plans to relocate.

"At this time, we remain focused on serving our community at our 88 East Broad St. store," a Starbucks spokesperson wrote.

When NBC4 reached out on April 15 to Zamir Equities about the utility issues mentioned by Edwards, the request for comment went unanswered.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Mostly sunny, high 62
• Tonight: Partly cloudy, low 44
• Tuesday: PM showers, breezy, high 65
• Wednesday: Clearing, breezy, high 54
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 61
• Friday: Partly cloudy, showers late, high 70

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Monday!

We are off to a cold start to the workweek, with freeze alerts in effect to start the morning. We will be nicer this afternoon, however, as highs warm into the low to middle 60s across the region, under mainly sunny skies. Wind speeds will remain fairly light throughout the day.

For Tuesday, most of us start off dry, with the exception of an isolated morning sprinkle, mainly to the northwest. We then warm into the middle 60s with breezy conditions, with our next system arriving later in the day. Expect rain showers from about mid-afternoon, through the evening and early overnight.

That rain clears up early Wednesday, then we'll see gradual clearing, with breezy conditions. Highs drop back to the middle 50s by Wednesday.

Thursday morning will be the next day that morning temperatures will drop close to the freezing mark. Daytime highs then return to the lower 60s, under mainly sunny skies.

We warm back near 70 on Friday, with dry conditions expected most of the day, before a few spotty showers look to arrive late and into the weekend.

-McKenna

If you follow open source topics on X/Twitter, you can be forgiven for believing the biggest issue in open source today is companies relicensing their open source code under different licenses. Thierry Carrez, the vice chairperson of the OSI, for example, recently issued a dire warning: “single vendor is the new proprietary.” Sounds terrible, right? I mean, once you forget that the vast majority of software that you and I use every day on our phones, laptops, servers, etc., is proprietary. (Yes, with plenty of open source buried inside and effectively “relicensed.”)

To read this article in full, please click here

Some developers and business leaders believe that low-code is only for small, lightly used applications such as replacing spreadsheets and building dashboards. “These tools, in general, aren’t well suited to more advanced applications,” says Steve Jones, devops advocate at  Red Gate Software. With heavier use and more complex data manipulation requirements, he says, “they often start to fail and cause workload and performance issues.”

I've used low-code and no-code platforms for over two decades and have written extensively about them, including articles on how generative AI is changing low-code, using low-code to accelerate application modernization, and how no-code drives innovation. I've also discussed the eight signs your low-code platform is overpromising and underdelivering on business needs.

To read this article in full, please click here