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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Texas-based taco joint has closed one of its central Ohio locations after three years of business.

Torchy's Tacos at 1478 Gemini Place near Polaris Fashion Place welcomed customers for the last time on Tuesday. The brand entered Columbus as a ghost kitchen in 2021 then opened the Polaris restaurant in 2022, marking the brand's first Ohio location followed by Dublin and New Albany eateries in 2023.

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"Closing a restaurant is never easy, especially in a community that's shown us so much love," said Torchy's CEO Paul Macaluso in a statement. "This decision reflects a broader shift in how we grow and where we can make the biggest long-term impact."

• Torchy's Tacos at 1478 Gemini Place near Polaris Fashion Place welcomed customers for the last time on Tuesday. (Courtesy Photo/Torchy's Tacos)
• The menu boasts a series of "damn good" tacos, including the "Trailer Park" fried chicken taco with poblano sauce. (Courtesy Photo/Torchy's Tacos)

Torchy's menu boasts a series of "damn good" tacos, including the "Trailer Park" fried chicken taco with poblano sauce and the "Mr. Orange" blackened salmon taco with black bean relish and cotija cheese. Torchy's is also home to the "Democrat" barbacoa taco and the "Republican" smoked beef brisket taco.

Founded in Austin, Texas, in 2006, Torchy's has grown to more than 130 restaurants in 16 states. The brand also operates a Cincinnati eatery in Liberty Township that opened in 2024. The Dublin and New Albany locations remain open with varying hours.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The parent company of Bravo Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille – chains with multiple locations in central Ohio – has filed for bankruptcy. 

Bravo Brio Restaurants filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida on Aug. 18 in an effort to “improve its financial position as it brings on a new investor,” according to a news release. 

The company said it hopes to “quickly and efficiently reorganize its business” by restructuring debt, reducing expenses and closing underperforming locations. 

The move marks the second time the restaurant chains have filed for bankruptcy in the past five years. In June 2020, the brands' previous owner, FoodFirst Global Restaurants, filed for bankruptcy primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently closed a total of 48 Brio and Bravo locations. The hospitality company Earl Enterprises acquired the Italian chains a short time later.

In a news release addressing the 2025 filing, the corporation stated the casual dining restaurant sector has faced declining customer demand and increased competition, particularly from fast-casual eateries. 

“In addition, ongoing inflationary pressure, rising food and labor costs, and a softening in discretionary consumer spending have contributed to underperformance, especially in shopping centers with high vacancies and declining foot traffic,” the company said. 

The Columbus area is home to two Brio locations, both of which are in shopping centers. One is located at Easton Town Center, and the other at Polaris Fashion Place. Central Ohio also has Bravo locations at 3000 Hayden Road in northwest Columbus and 1803 Olentangy River Road in the University View neighborhood. 

The Brio at Easton Town Center. (Photo courtesy/Franklin County Auditor's Office)

Multiple of the chains' locations closed in the U.S. leading up to and concurrently with the filing, including a Brio at a Cleveland-area shopping center and another at Dayton mall, as well as a Bravo in a Canton mall. News reports indicate locations of the Italian restaurants also recently shuttered in Virginia, Missouri and Delaware. 

Whether Columbus-area eateries will meet the same fate is unclear. NBC4 reached out to Bravo Brio Restaurants to ask whether there were any plans to close its central Ohio restaurants, but did not receive a response. Spokespeople with Easton and Polaris both declined to comment. 

However, the company told NBC’s Today.com that there are no current plans to close any locations, according to an article posted on Aug. 21. It also said in a news release that the bankruptcy process is “generally expected to be seamless for Bravo and Brio’s guests, employees and vendors, and result in minimal disruption to operations.”

Bravo Brio Restaurants’ filing comes after multiple casual dining chains also declared bankruptcy over the past two years, including Hooters, TGI Fridays, Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo. 

Currently, the Florida-based company operates 25 Brio locations and 23 Bravo locations. The first Bravo and Brio restaurants were opened in Columbus by the Doody family, who own Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar in German Village.

The family launched the first Bravo in 1992, which still operates on Hayden Road, and the first Brio in 1999, which also still operates at Easton Town Center. They sold the chains to GP Investments in 2018, which then formed FoodFirst Global Restaurants.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After months of talk and preparation, the season opener between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State has finally arrived.

The Buckeyes, the defending College Football Playoff national champions, will play the Longhorns at noon Saturday at Ohio Stadium, marking the first meeting between the programs in Columbus in 20 years.

"The number one goal is to win the game. Win the game. Win the game," coach Ryan Day said. "You don't know which way the game is going to go. It could be close. We find ourselves out ahead. We find ourselves behind. We have to have a gameplan to be able to respond to those things."

Here are three things to know.

Dealing with the unknown

In both teams' eyes, they're coming in with clean slates. Although there are familiar faces on both teams, there are new players as well as veterans stepping up in new positions.

Arch Manning will make his first road start for Texas. Meanwhile, Matt Patricia makes his debut as Ohio State's defensive coordinator.

"You take what you see in practice and you try to project the best you can," Day said. "That's the thing about first games is that you make a lot of assumptions, you're assuming it's going to look a certain way in the game. Certain assumptions are going to be right. Other assumptions are going to be wrong," Day said. "They got to go play the game now. We're ready to go play. We can't wait to get on this field and get the season started."

The one thing that Day does know is that his team needs to avoid the distractions that come with a season opener of this magnitude.

Expectations of Julian Sayin

One of the unknowns that will unfold on Saturday is how quarterback Julian Sayin will fare in his first game as a starter. The sophomore beat out junior Lincoln Keinholz in preseason camp.

Although Sayin will have big shoes to fill after the departure of Will Howard, Day wants to make sure he doesn't put too much pressure on himself in his debut.

"I think for every quarterback, they have to find their own voice and lead," Day said. "I think he has high character. His connection, I think he connects well. He's found his voice, I believe, in the preseason."

Day said the coaching staff challenged Sayin to have command of the huddle and the game plan and to make great decisions.

"Now it's time to put it out on the field. But you're definitely seeing a lot of changes with him and a lot of growth," Day said.

Farewell to Lee Corso

It is only fitting that one of the great voices in college football broadcasting will say farewell at one of the sport's legendary venues ahead of a heavyweight matchup like Texas-Ohio State.

On Saturday, Lee Corso will appear on ESPN's College GameDay for the final time, ending a run of nearly 40 years filled with passionate analysis and headgear picks, a tradition that started when he donned the Brutus Buckeye mascot back in 1996.

"Another great ambassador to the game. Just someone who's been positive and builds people up," Day said. "So many years of putting on the mascot heads and making Saturdays so enjoyable for so many people."

Corso will have a full circle moment on Saturday. The question is: Which headgear will he pick?

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- A private retreat in the heart of New Albany is seeking a new owner for $2,999,000.

Located on a wooded cul-de-sac just off Morse Road, the 6,258-square-foot home has all new interior paint, new white oak flooring and a sound system throughout the home. The home at 7747 Sutton Place offers six bedrooms, six bathrooms, an inground pool, outdoor grill station and newly constructed entertainment barn complete with an indoor basketball court.

The stately brick entrance downplays the home's size, opening into an expansive entry level. The ground floor offers plenty of space for lounging with open family rooms, dining rooms and bonus rooms. The first floor also includes a four-seasons room and laundry.

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The large kitchen includes granite countertops and abundant cabinetry. It features professional-grade appliances and an oversized central island, complete with a second sink, seating and a warming drawer. A walk-in pantry offers extra storage nearby.

Upstairs, the house has five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. The primary bedroom includes a spacious walk-in closet and dual vanities in the adjoining bathroom. A separate carriage suite offers a private residence with its own kitchen and family room.

• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group

If homeowners want to put a little more space between themselves and their guests, the basement also boasts and full bath and bedroom. The basement is also outfitted for a full rec room and space for a home gym.

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The jewel of the home is a newly built entertainment barn. The barn includes a full basketball and pickleball court with its own scoreboard. On one side, the barn also offers a small kitchen and living room. Upstairs, the barn has a lofted lounge area for guests or relaxation.

Between the barn and home spans a full pool with an automatic cover. The patio offers covered and uncovered lounge areas, including space to sit around a built-in table fire place and a projector screen. Residents can also enjoy a full outdoor grill station and brick pizza oven.

Along with a hot tub and plenty of outdoor space, kids will enjoy the home's turf play space and in-ground trampoline. The three-car garage is also heated.

The home is having an open house this Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Dublin City Schools is preparing to unveil new high school boundaries as construction continues on an expansion at Scioto High School.

The redistricting comes in response to uneven enrollment across Dublin's three high schools, with Jerome High School seeing disproportionate growth. To guide the process, the district is again partnering with Cropper GIS, a school planning consultant that helped redraw Dublin's elementary and middle school boundaries last year.

"This is both exciting and very challenging. We are blessed to be a destination district where we are part of increasing enrollment," said John Marschhausen, Dublin schools superintendent, during a virtual meeting on Tuesday. "This will cause some discomfort and this is gonna be difficult for some of our families, and we're gonna have to make some difficult decisions."

Scioto expansion underway

Dublin schools is undertaking high school redistricting in tandem with a major expansion at Scioto. The 60,000-square-foot expansion is set to open by the 2026-27 school year and includes a two-story academic wing and a larger dining commons. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Scioto's expansion in the video player above.

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Matthew Cropper, president of Cropper GIS, said during Tuesday's meeting they are leveraging Scioto's expansion to "fully utilize the space that's available." Once redistricting is complete, about 600 students will be shifted from Jerome, half to Coffman and the other half to Scioto, bringing each school's enrollment to about 2,000 students. This marks the first redistricting of Dublin's high schools since 2006.

"Balance utilization, address overcrowding, but also be mindful of the future potential growth so that these boundaries can hold as long as possible," said Cropper.

Timeline and community input

The district will present draft boundary maps on Sept. 29, alongside public input sessions at both Coffman and Jerome high schools. Final maps will be released on Nov. 10 before the district begins planning in late December for the following school year.

The new boundaries will take effect in fall 2026. However, students currently in grades 9 through 11 -- the classes of 2027, 2028 and 2029 -- will be allowed to remain at their current high school. Those who wish to stay at their current school must complete a determination form by Dec. 5. The superintendent said more details about this form will be shared later.

All students currently in eighth grade, the class of 2030, and younger will attend the high school assigned to their residence from redistricting. This includes siblings of high school students who are impacted by the new maps but choose to remain at their current school.

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Marschhausen said the district aims to minimize situations where students live closer to one high school but are zoned for another. Still, "there are going to be some students who travel further to a high school, and there might be another high school closer," the superintendent said Tuesday.

"Where our three high schools are, it's not possible to have students all at the high school that's closest to their home," he said. "Right now, where we're experiencing the most rapid growth, it's in one specific area, so it means we're gonna have to move students kind of out of that area, or in that area, so that we can balance."

Why not build a fourth high school?

"There are probably about 200 million reason why [not to build a fourth high school], and that's what it would cost to build it and operate it," said Marschhausen, noting that the $145 million bond issue and 7.9 mill operating levy passed in 2023 allows the district to construct the Scioto expansion without asking for additional taxpayer resources.

In 2024, the district abandoned a nonbonding agreement to purchase Cardinal Health's west campus, which had been considered as a possible fourth high school. That decision followed zoning pushback from Dublin's planning commission.

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"When you look at our enrollment projections 10 years and out ... I'm not sure we'd need a fourth high school if redistricting now gets the district right-sized for the future," he said. "I know that redistricting is hard for everyone involved, but doing redistricting because of growth is so much better than trying to redistrict because of condensing schools and consolidating areas."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Between practices and preparing for a game Saturday against No. 1 Texas, Ohio State football coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, are helping adults uplift children's mental health.

The Days are partnering with The Kids Mental Health Foundation through Nationwide Children's Hospital to encourage adults to help kids develop mental wellness skills. To do this, they are expanding their free Day Time Break program to help middle and high schoolers boost their mental health. See previous coverage of the Days discussing mental health in schools.

Ryan and Nina get an up-close view of the stress college athletics can put on students. The couple has also been affected by the long-term effects of losing a family member to suicide. The Day Time Break program has already reached more than 200,000 students. In partnering with The Kids Mental Health Foundation, the program will expand to also include resources geared toward high school.

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"In today's day and age now, they're processing so much information on a daily basis through their phones and just the way the world comes at young people nowadays," Ryan Day said. "So we need to help them understand where they are in all this."

In 2023, the Center for Disease Control found 40% of high school students had persistent sad or hopeless feelings. The CDC reported 20% of students had seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9% had attempted suicide. According to the CDC, suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15-19-year-olds and the second-leading cause of death among 10-14-year-olds.

The Foundation said kids are not born with the tools to fight mental health concerns, so parents and adults need to be proactive. The Foundation asked more than 1,000 parents nationwide about how their kids react to setbacks, and only about half reported immediately bouncing back or trying again.

“I think a lot of our children know how to take care of themselves physically,” Nina Day said. “They drink water, get sleep and sometimes eat their broccoli, but they don’t know how to help their mental wellness. Ryan and I are trying to help out with the Day Time Break program.”

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Day Time Break offers mental health activities and lesson plans for teachers for free online. The program recommends taking quick breaks to build up students' mental health, like complimenting a classmate, stretching or creating a gratitude list. The Days also offer resources for parents to help them talk with their kids about their thoughts and feelings.

“Once you get the conversation going about mental health, it’s just amazing where it can go,” said Ryan Day. “It’s been humbling to realize how many people we’ve reached, but also when you realize how many more we can reach.”

The Days have long been involved with mental health advocacy in central Ohio, donating $1 million to OSU's mental health research in 2022 and starting the Christina and Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Franklin County deputies are investigating a head-on collision that claimed the life of one driver Thursday night in the northeast side of the city.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a black 2017 Buick Lacrosse was traveling southbound on State Route 3 in Mifflin Township, near Champions Golf Club. For reasons unknown it veered left of center and into the northbound lane, and then struck a silver 2009 Honda Pilot that was heading north on SR-3, near the intersection of Ferris Road.

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Hospitalized in critical condition was the driver of the Honda. The driver of the Buick was pronounced dead at 10:44 p.m. by hospital staff. Both drivers were the only two individuals involved in the crash.

FCSO deputies and medics from Mifflin Township, Clinton Township and Columbus Fire arrived at the scene, and the crash remains under investigation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio lawmakers are working on a proposal that aims to stiffen penalties for human trafficking.

House Bill 47, sponsored by Reps. Nick Santucci (R-Niles) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township), would increase prison sentences for human trafficking, abduction and kidnapping. Abduction refers to forcibly restraining someone under circumstances that create a risk of harm or fear, while kidnapping is a more severe offense involving intent to engage in unlawful activity.

The bill, named the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, was introduced in February and passed the House unanimously in June. It awaits consideration in the Senate. 

“Trafficking destroys individuals, families and communities alike,” Williams said at an April hearing. “Those who facilitate this heinous crime deserve no sympathy and will receive none if the Human Trafficking Prevention Act becomes law.”

The legislation would raise the penalty for kidnapping a victim who is younger than 13 or who has a developmental disability from a minimum sentence of 15 years to a minimum sentence of 25 years. An earlier version of the bill would have extended these enhanced penalties to crimes involving all victims under the age of 18, but that provision was ultimately removed. 

Offenders charged with abduction involving involuntary servitude or a sexual motivation would also face a minimum of 25 years in prison, while the current minimum is 15 years. Additionally, the minimum sentence for human trafficking would jump from 10 years to 15 years. 

Under existing law, the offense of human trafficking prohibits people from knowingly recruiting or transporting victims. The bill would lower this standard, specifying that offenders only need to have “reason to believe” a victim is being trafficked. 

“In practice, human traffickers often purposefully leave their facilitators in the dark about their activities so as to protect themselves and to give the facilitators culpable deniability,” Williams testified. “This lower standard recognizes that those who facilitate human trafficking are just as culpable as the traffickers themselves and makes it easier to bring them to justice.”

Nine people testified in support of the bill at House hearings, including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, as well as representatives from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. No one testified against the legislation. 

“Too often traffickers have faced menial prison sentences for their crimes,” Yost said at an April hearing. “Law enforcement and prosecutors are forced to bring different charges, such as weapons offenses, in an attempt to keep these evildoers off the street for as long as possible.”

Santucci cited data that showed Ohio ranked sixth in the nation for the number of cases reported to the Human Trafficking Hotline in 2021. He said Ohio’s large number of truck stops, expansive highway system and proximity to the Canadian border make the state a “hot spot” for human trafficking. 

“This legislation will contribute to greater safety in our communities and send a clear message to traffickers that their crimes will not be tolerated in Ohio,” he said. 

HB 47 has strong bipartisan support, with 68 cosponsors consisting of both Republicans and Democrats. The bill will face additional hearings in the Senate, where lawmakers will have the chance to make changes before potentially sending it to Gov. Mike DeWine for final approval.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- This school year, districts around Ohio have completely banned the use of phones during school hours following a new law from the latest state budget.

Districts don’t have to enforce the law until the new year, but schools across Ohio already have the ban in place.

It’s an effort to keep every student engaged and free of distractions.

“Kids can’t go to lunch or be in the hallways on their phones. We want to make sure that from the time they enter, they silence those phones, put those phones away, and they won't be using those phones again until the school day is over,” said Dr. Corey Grubbs, who leads the ‘No Phone Zone’ effort at Columbus City Schools.

He said the ban will help students stay focused.

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“Our goal was really to create those learning environments where every student is fully engaged and they’re distraction-free,” said Dr. Grubbs.

Students we spoke with said that as of this year, phones must be tucked away in a bag or locker.

“To an extent, it should be banned just so that way students actually focus,” said one student.

Parents around central Ohio seem to be in favor of the new law.

“There’s less distractions. I think he's learning things more. He's turning in his homework quicker because he's not being distracted with the phone,” said Hilliard parent Steven Friend.

“The kids have become a little hypersensitive to the ideas of needing these phones, being very codependent on these devices, where it builds up an anxiety within them,” said Danielle Tolkendorf, a Reynoldsburg mom.

There are exceptions to the phone ban, like in emergencies or for medical reasons.

Friend’s son has diabetes and is allowed to keep his phone on his desk.

Without his phone, Friend says his son wouldn’t be able to keep his insulin levels in check.

“He likes it because he can adjust all of his numbers from school without having to go to the nurse,” said Friend. “The whole cell phone thing is really what's able for us to keep him in public school and not have to homeschool him or anything like that.”

Both Friend and Tolkendorf said they are on edge after the deadly school shooting in Minnesota on Wednesday. It’s something that concerns them about the ban.

“That is the absolute only thing that I struggle with as far as this ban is concerned, is yesterday, something like yesterday happening and not being able to reach out to your kid,” said Friend.

Tolkendorf said she wants to know that her children have access to their phones in emergencies.

“As a mother, you sit in fear because how would you get contact with your child in that moment of unfortunate crisis?” said Tolkendorf.

Her daughter agreed, saying, “I feel like if that happened to any of the other schools, like, we wouldn't be able to, like, tell our mom or any other parent if we're okay or not.”

Dr. Grubbs said he understands that parents are used to constant communication with their children.

But he said phones are tucked away in a backpack, not completely locked up or confiscated. He said he wants parents to know that their kids will have access to phones if needed.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Zoo on Thursday launched a levy renewal campaign, "Yes to Issue 2," aimed at supporting the cost toward animal care and keeping ticket prices low.

The zoo is asking for a renewal levy that will last for 10 years and will not raise taxes. If passed, the money would account for about 20% of the zoo's annual budget.

President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo, Tom Schmid, said it's imperative that this levy passes -- explaining the animal diets are over $2 million per year.

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He also mentioned paying the salaries for the keepers that care for the wildlife.

"I think the voters understand that this is their zoo, you know, by having levy support," he said. "That allows us to keep the ticket pricing relatively modest as well as membership pricing. It allows us to do a lot of community accessibility programming. It helps support our education programming. I think those are all things that are important for people that live in Franklin County, live in the City of Columbus."

The levy would collect about $11 per $100,000 of a property's taxable value every year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Some of Columbus's most beloved mom-and-pop shops could soon be forced to close their doors.

Redevelopment plans on Kenny Road are putting longtime businesses like HoneyDip Donuts and Diner, Iacono's Restaurant, De Santis Florist, and HealthMarkets Insurance at risk. 

"I was literally crying about it earlier because, you know, I don't want to see it go," Iacono's Restaurant employee Alyssa Mazon said. "This is the charm of Ohio, Columbus, everything. I want it to stay. I want people to make new memories here. I want them to bring their kids and share it."

The strip of businesses went into receivership. That's when a judge steps in and appoints someone else to manage a property after the landlord runs into trouble. 

HoneyDip Donuts owner George Nicoloulias said they feel blindsided because they were told they'd be given the chance to buy the buildings they've occupied for decades. Instead, he said they went on the market without them knowing about it.

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"You don't have too many more mom-and-pop places," Nicoloulias said. "Everything's getting run over. And as a community, everyone wants this place here. This is like a home to them. It's sad."

For people who live in Columbus, these small businesses feel like family, and they aren't ready to say goodbye yet. 

"It's going to bum us out for the rest of the week, the rest of the month," HoneyDip Donuts customer Jeff Phelps said. "It's almost like you're losing a dear friend."

Phelps and his wife, Helen, said they've built lifelong friendships over coffee and donuts. The business has been a staple in the area for over 50 years.

"We've had generations of families come in here," Nicoloulias said. "I remember waiting on customers; now they have their kids."

NBC4 reached out to the court-appointed receiver multiple times on Thursday for comment, but has yet to hear back. 

For employees like Alyssa Mazon, who grew up eating at these restaurants and now works at Iacono's Restaurant, the news hits hard. 

"I am devastated," Mazon said. "I'm terrified. This community means everything to me. You can't have us like, you know, not being a part of Columbus."

But the businesses say they're not going down without a fight. 

"We just want a chance to buy our properties," Nicoloulias said. "That's plain and simple."

Nicoloulias said if redevelopment goes forward, Columbus will lose generations of family-owned businesses, along with local jobs and neighborhood stability.

"You've got all these employees," Nicoloulias said. "Not just De Santis. Not just Iacono's, but the health place next door. I mean, you're booting out four different families who have roots here. I mean, we've been here fifty years. We're well-known."

For now, the businesses are still serving customers. An online petition was created on Wednesday. Owners hope that momentum will convince city leaders to step in before it's too late. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Today, victims from the most recent school shooting were honored, as churches around the world held mass.

Two children were killed and others injured at annunciation catholic school in Minnesota. At St. Joseph’s Cathedral, parishioners gathered as the events of Wednesday lay heavy on their hearts. They hoped their prayers could ease the pain of those suffering from this tragedy.   

Reverend Jan Sullivan, draped in a purple robe for mourning, started the mass speaking on the shooting in South Minneapolis 

“At the very moments when they were gathered in prayer at the beginning of their new school year, for the celebration of the eucharist, the celebration of the mass, the place of gods abiding and true presence, their peace was shattered by an act of incomprehensible evil,” Sullivan said.  

The shooting left an eight-year-old and a ten-year-old dead and 18 others hurt when a shooter fired in a catholic church filled with students. The weight of this incident was felt by many throughout the service, including parishioner Scott Bent.

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“I think that it's a sorrowful day for all of us, not just Catholics, but for humanity, that we have such, such violence and strife in the world,” Bent said. “And, I mean, I hope that that this mass and mass is being held all around the country can do some small part to bring us closer together.” 

Also noted was love and compassion for all their families involved, closing out the service by lifting up the children who lost their lives in one final prayer.   

“There's so much love and compassion for them and for their families and for what they're going through, and that we're all praying and hopefully doing what we can to ease their pain,”  Bent said.  

Church leaders also expressed a hope to end acts of violence like this one in the future. 

“May God's infinite strength be given to us all, to do our every effort to end such violent attacks against human life,” Sullivan said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State Police say they will have more law enforcement than ever before patrolling for Saturday's game.

Police leaders say they want Buckeye fans to focus on cheering for the team and let police handle the safety.  Chief Dennis Jeffrey, with the Ohio State University Police Division, said law enforcement has been running through mock safety scenarios here at the Horseshoe. He said with all the attention on this big match-up, they are on extra high alert. 

“We're always ready for anything that comes our way,” Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey said months of preparation and coordination all led up to Saturday's kickoff. He said there will be 10 percent more law enforcement officers than usual.

“All our normal partners, but we actually now have asked for some help from Grandview Heights, Bexley, and Upper Arlington. They're gonna help us out this year just because, you know, obviously with the amount of games, the amount of attention," Jeffrey said.

Those normal partners include the Columbus Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the FBI. Jeffrey said they also utilize social media analysts to monitor potential threats, as well as security cameras.

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“We have some really talented group of what we call the camera monitors. They're always looking for anything around a car that looks suspicious. Certainly, they would call that out, and then we would have officers respond over there if we feel like there needs to be a presence,” Jeffrey said. 

This year, OSU has also updated its emergency text system. It's a new number to join text “OSU FB” to “67283.”

“As people are coming to the game, if they want to join that system and they'll get notifications of when fan fest opens up or when the gates open up or if there's an emergency, we'll be able to communicate with them that way,” said Robert Armstrong, the Director of Emergency Management and Fire Prevention

Armstrong said they have utilized this tool in the past.

“We actually have for severe weather. We partner with the National Weather Service for every game, and they help us keep track of severe weather as it's moving in. If we have lightning that is coming close to the stadium and we need to ask people to move out of the bowl and onto the concourse, we'll use that system to make those notifications is also helps with people who are not inside the stadium, who may be out in the parking lots,” Armstrong said.

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“We know that with that comes extra attention. So we feel, you know, we really try to look at what's going on in the world, too, and see, you know, what that impacts the game. So we're always looking at those issues,” Jeffrey said.

Ohio State Police also wants to remind fans of some traffic pattern changes. 

Due to construction, Woody Hayes Drive in front of the stadium will be shut down to traffic about four hours before kickoff. Police say the Woody Hayes Bridge will be open for pedestrians.

Also new this year, police say the west campus shuttle will now drop off fans at the campus transit lot south of the stadium off John Herrick Drive. 

“Big game, as we all know. So when we say, Hey, arrive early, this one, you really should arrive early. I just think it can be a lot of folks there. We'll have college game day and Fox, you know, both broadcasting pre-game. So just a lot of folks on campus and a lot going on,” Jeffrey said.

Police also want to remind fans to refresh themselves on the bag policy before heading to the stadium.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- He's not, technically, a football coach. Mickey Marotti, or "Coach Mick," sets the tone for every meeting, practice and game for the Ohio State football program.

"Fight is our culture, fight to be the best version of yourself, doing whatever you have to do to be better than you were the day before." Marotti said. 

For the past 13 years he's directed Ohio State's strength and conditioning program. His official title lists him as an assistant athletic director for football sports performance. It's a long way of saying he's in charge of getting the Buckeyes physically and mentally ready to play a brutal game.   

"He's unrelenting," said head coach Ryan Day. "He comes every single day with the same amount of energy."

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For many players, Marotti's personal style creates unique bonds, extending well beyond football. "Outside of family, coach Mick is by far the biggest influencer in my life." said junior receiver Nolan Baudo. 

Marotti calls himself a culture guy, leaning on terms like 'fight' and 'brotherhood' to get players to invest. "If they know you care and know you care about them as people, they'll crack their chest open and give me their heart," Marotti said. "And it's much more than running faster or getting stronger. They believe in this program."

Four teams trained by Marotti have won national championships—two at Florida in 2006 and 2008 with two more at Ohio State in 2014 and 2024. Both his kids graduated from Ohio State and now he's a proud grandfather. But make no mistake, he's not softened up a bit. It's especially true in the weight room, where training sessions are legendary. 

"He knows that it's very difficult to replicate what happens during a season and what happens during a game in those moments when things get really, really hard and you have to respond," Day said. "He tries to create that as many times as he can and then teach them the lessons along the way because he knows what it looks like."

Marotti said that stress is needed to create elite performance and develop elite habits. "They need structure. Actually, they crave it. Discipline," he said. "I take my job seriously. I take it with a ginormous responsibility and obligation to these players. I'm here for the players to help them be who they want to be, who they strive to be." 

Follow live traffic conditions with NBC4

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's the last holiday weekend before Thanksgiving as Ohioans are ready for a relaxing Labor Day.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has highlighted the expected traffic on the freeways for the holiday weekend across the major cities.

Columbus and Central Ohio road conditions

For Columbus, motorists can expect very heavy traffic Friday afternoon between 2 and 6 p.m. The city's Labor Day weekend is highlighted by Saturday's Ohio State season opener against No. 1 Texas at Ohio Stadium that will bring travelers from across the country.

Traffic is expected to remain standard for the remainder of the weekend in Ohio's capital. Click here to watch a preview of other events planned across central Ohio.

Courtesy Photo/Ohio Department of Transportation

Traffic is expected to get more congested around the same time frame in Cleveland and Cincinnati as well. But the Queen City is expected to have heavier traffic in that mid Friday afternoon slot than "The Land".

Cleveland though is expected to sustain for standard traffic through the holiday weekend while things are expected to easy up in Cincinnati by Sunday.

Courtesy Photo/Ohio Department of Transportation

The other other area in Ohio expected to see some road congestion is in Dayton, with 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday expected to be the most congested in the city.

Courtesy Photo/Ohio Department of Transportation

ODOT always warns drivers to plan ahead to arrive at your destination early and to keep an eye on construction areas.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus police announced the arrest of two men and three teenagers in connection to a south side crash Wednesday night involving a stolen Kia.

At 10:30 p.m., officers were told a stolen Kia fled from traffic and a police pursuit ensued. The chase ended when the vehicle crashed on the 1000 block of South Champion Avenue and came to a rest in a front yard.

The five people in the Kia fled on foot after the crash and were quickly arrested by Columbus police officers. Three handguns were recovered by investigators with one found in the yard and two inside the Kia.

Marion councilmember reindicted on rape charges after dismissal

Darrel Fields Jr., 19, along with 18-year-old Christopher Allmon, two 15-year-olds, and one 14-year-old were all arrested and charged with receiving stolen property and carrying a concealed weapon.

Police said all five are repeat "motor vehicle crime offenders" and added that the 14-year-old suspect had warrants for stolen property and obstructing official business. He also faces a theft charge and a tampering with evidence charge.

The City of Columbus' 2023 lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai for “skyrocketing rates of thefts of certain Kia and Hyundai models that lack industry standard antitheft technology,” was recently cleared to proceed.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Seven months after three felony rape charges were dropped, a Marion City Council member has been indicted on five felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl.

In January, the Marion County prosecutor’s office filed a motion to dismiss rape charges against Ayers Ratliff for the purpose of possibly strengthening its case in the future with additional and “substantial evidence.”

On Wednesday, two indictments were filed, one against Ratliff, the other against his wife, Heidi Ratliff, who are being charged in connection with the rape of a 13-year-old girl, who reportedly texted a friend of the alleged incident.

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Ayers Ratliff was arrested in May 2024 after the alleged victim reportedly sent a friend a text. A criminal complaint stated that the friend notified a school counselor, who called the police.

Marion officers interviewed the alleged victim, who told officers Ayers had forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with her the night before. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to assist in the investigation and the victim was taken to Marion General Hospital for a sexual assault examination.

Marion PD also executed a search warrant at the location of the reported rape, where several clothes described by the victim were collected, as well as other physical evidence and electronic devices.

Three witnesses including the Marion Chief of Police, a special agent with BCI and a nurse at Marion General Hospital, testified during a preliminary hearing before a Marion County Court of Common Pleas grand jury convened to indict Ayers.

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When the prosecutor’s office said additional evidence surfaced, it voluntarily dropped the charges to pursue the case further.

“The evidence continues to amass,” January’s motion stated. “Surprisingly, Ratliff’s attorneys – by providing potential witnesses and hundreds of pages of new discovery material – have unwittingly given the prosecution team additional leads that will need to be reviewed by a Marion County grand jury.”

Seven months later, seven new charges were added to the reindictment, two for Ayers Ratliff and five for Heidi Ratliff.

The charges are as follows:

• Ayers Ratliff: Rape, gross sexual imposition (three counts), abduction
• Heidi Ratliff: Obstruction of justice (two counts), endangering children (two), intimidation of a victim

The charges list multiple incidents occurring; May 1, 2023, and May 19, 2023.

“The Intimidation of a Victim charge advanced by the Grand Jury suggests this child was subjected to improper intimidation after she told others about the rape committed against her,” Marion County prosecutor Ray Grogan said.

Ayers Ratliff pleaded not guilty in September 2024 and just five weeks ago filed a lawsuit against Grogan along with several members of his staff, alleging false arrest, wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, libel and slander.

Ohio State campus-area bar Bier Stube returns with new location

The lawsuit claimed that the victim made up the rape accusations, but that for political reasons, investigators pursued the case.

“The investigation was at all times incompetent, reckless, malicious and in blatant disregard for the truth and was conducted with actual malice,” the lawsuit said.

Ayers Ratliff was present in recent Marion City Council meetings as recent as July, records show, and remains listed as 2nd Ward representative, the chair of Public Utilities, and on the Finance committee as well as the Jobs & Economic Growth Development committee.

Online records do not indicate when a future court date will be scheduled.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Bier Stube is back.

A staple of Columbus, the Bier Stube dive bar closed nearly a year ago to make room for a 13-story high rise. The Bier Stube had occupied 1479 N. High St. since 1966 and acquired a strong patronage who mourned the Stube's closure. Now the beloved campus bar is reopening at a new location, 234 King Ave.

Bier Stube is taking over the former location of Junior's Bar and Grill, just blocks from the Stube's former home. On social media, owner Craig Kempton said the deal was finalized this week.

Kempton took fans along via social media for the first time as he opened the doors to the new Bier Stube. Grinning big, Kempton's new location is brightly decorated with a big bar. Kempton said it will need some work, but he is excited to revive the Bier Stube.

"Today starts this journey of turning this amazing location into a place you can call home again. I promise that I will do all I can to do make this happen," Kempton said on social media. "I really felt the love the last few days from so many people literally across the entire United States. So now, we plan, design and rebuild."

The news was well-received among Columbus residents. Kempton's video attracted dozens of comments, all of which heralded the old Stube and were excited for the next step.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Meet Bodhi! He is up for adoption at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

Bodhi has been with the shelter since August, and staff say they are surprised he hasn't been adopted. A social pup who loves everyone he meets, Bodhi also gets along well with other dogs.

Shelter staff say his only "quirk" would be that he can get a little too rambunctious at times, but it could be helped with some training. Bodhi loves to eat treats and is food-motivated. As of now, he knows "sit" but is eager to learn more tricks for his new family.

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Bodhi has a love for any toys he can play with and will keep himself entertained for hours, according to shelter staff. He will even go outside to chew and play with sticks as toys as well.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering to adopt Bodhi, you can meet with him at the shelter, located at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus. To see a list of other adoptable dogs, visit the shelter's website.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Festivals and nostalgia take center stage in central Ohio this weekend, bringing the community together with food, music, and old-fashioned fun.

Some of the area's biggest events include the Greek Festival, Obetz Zucchinifest, Bexley Summer Festival and Soberfest Ohio. Adding to the fun are vintage baseball games, retro-themed concerts, classic movies on the big screen and fascinating exhibitions featuring Legos and Star Trek.

The list below has something for everyone looking to get out and make weekend memories.

Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, until Sept. 7

• Nature Connects is an award-winning Lego brick art exhibition, designed within the horticulture summer displays, by artist Sean Kenney. His enormous, ambitious, gravity-defying, and astoundingly precise structures will delight the whole family. The event is included with general admission.

Photo Courtesy/ Franklin Park Conservatory Star Trek & Worlds Beyond

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until Aug. 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Star Trek & Worlds Beyond is a special exhibition featuring nearly 150 unique props, costumes, and images from the Paramount Archive. Phasers, communicators, and Romulan insignia from the Kelvin timeline and beyond are on display. In partnership with DACO, the Trumbull County Historical Society and Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts adds pieces from a newly acquired collection of over 500 sci-fi props. Admission is free.

'Heathers: The Musical'

Columbus Performing Arts Center (Van Fleet Theater), recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Sept. 7

• “Heathers” tells the darkly comedic story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into a powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. Admission is $20 to $23.

Columbus Greek Festival

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Aug 29 to Sept. 1

• The Columbus Greek Festival is back for its traditional Labor Day celebration at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Columbus. Enjoy Greek dancing, food and more. Hours are Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per day for adults or $10 for a weekend pass. Kids 12 years and younger are free.

Photo Courtesy/Columbus Greek Festival Obetz Zucchinifest

Fortress Obetz, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1

• A free four-day, family-friendly festival featuring everything zucchini. Free concerts throughout the weekend. More than 20 food vendors, Zucchinifest Beer Garden, a midway with rides and games for kids of all ages, and arts and crafts vendors. Prizes are awarded for the biggest zucchini, smallest zucchini, most unusual, and best dressed. Enter a dessert, relish, or zucchini bread into the culinary competition. Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

The Dead Revival Band with The Groove Brothers Band: A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band

Columbus Commons, Aug. 29, starts at 6 p.m.

• Tribute bands The Dead Revival Band and The Groove Brothers Band pay homage to The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers Band. Tickets are not required. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs; beverage sales and food trucks will be on-site beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Ohio Cup, vintage baseball festival

Westerville Sports Complex, Aug. 30 and 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• More than two dozen teams from across the United States compete by 19th-century rules for vintage baseball’s Ohio Cup. Activities for kids, including old-time games and sports. Admission is free.

 Ohio Village Muffins. Photo Courtesy/Ohio History Connection Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns

Ohio Stadium, Aug. 30, noon

• Ohio State football's home opener. Check Ticketmaster for ticket prices.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day talks to his team during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon) Tequila Fest Columbus 2025

Land-Grant Brewing Company, Aug. 30, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Festival attendees can sample over 50 tequilas, along with souvenirs, food, music, and more. Enjoy tacos from Condado Tacos. Tickets are priced between $50 and $150.

Welcome Week Screening: 13 Going on 30 (Gary Winick, 2004), Old (M. Night Shyamalan, 2021)

Wexner Center for the Arts, Aug. 30, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Rapid aging is a blessing and a curse in this time-bending back-to-school double feature. Admission is free for Ohio State students, $5 for other students, $8 for members and adults 55 and older, and $10 for adults.

Soberfest Ohio 2025

Franklin County Fairgrounds, Aug. 31, from noon to 6 p.m.

• A day of live music, inspirational speakers, family activities, and critical community resources. Headliners for 2025 include Broken Habits, The Mighty Bristlecone, Rock This Way, Whirl, Analog Youth, Matt Keegan, and Pilot to Pluto, with performances running from 11:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. The event provides “a safe, judgment-free environment where the entire community can come together.” Admission is free, parking $10.

Photo Courtesy/Soberfest Bexley Summer Festival 2025

Main Street Bexley, Aug. 31, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Bexley Summerfest is a community celebration that is fun for all ages. More than 50 artist booths, live music, hands-on kids activities, and the famous crowd favorite, Egg Drop. Food trucks and Brewfest, featuring craft brews from regional favorites. Admission is free.

Shadowbox Live Performance of Rock This Way

Columbus Commons, Aug. 31, starts at 6 p.m.

Shadowbox Live will perform the hits of Aerosmith and Van Halen in a music tribute show.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs; beverage sales and food trucks will be on-site at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.