Report Details $2.3M Zoo Fraud

A report by the state auditor’s office details how former Columbus Zoo executives misused more than $2.3 million for personal benefits such as event tickets, vacations, cars, and golf memberships.

Five former executives, including CEO Thomas Stalf and CFO Greg Bell, were convicted of theft, conspiracy, fraud, and other charges. Their sentences ranged from probation to seven years in prison.

The 61-page report revealed emails between the convicted executives, showing their attempts to hide improper purchases. The full report is available here.

Columbus Zoo leaders have since implemented a whistleblower program and enhanced board oversight to prevent similar misconduct.

OSU to Train Air Traffic Controllers

The Ohio State University will participate in a program to train air traffic controllers through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative.

The FAA is partnering with colleges nationwide to expedite training in response to the nation’s worst air traffic controller shortage in nearly three decades.

Ohio State’s program, expected to receive FAA certification by fall, will allow graduates to bypass the first five weeks of training at the FAA Academy.

Rare Rainbow Cloud Seen in Northeast Ohio

A rare weather phenomenon known as a rainbow cloud, or cloud iridescence, was spotted over Sagamore Hills earlier this week. You can see photos of the cloud here.

The colorful cloud was photographed by Lisa Feigle near Dunham Road. Feigle described the cloud as “stunning” and shared the photos with local media.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said rainbow clouds form when water droplets or ice crystals scatter sunlight in thin, semi-transparent clouds.

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➤ Springfield: A train carrying 120 tons of wheat derailed, spilling grain into a waterway. No hazardous materials were released. (More)

➤ Statewide: Ohio’s power grid operator, PJM, warned of potential summer power shortages under extreme conditions due to rising demand. (More)

➤ Columbus: Construction began on the city’s fourth water treatment plant to meet growing demand. The $1.6 billion facility is set to open in 2030 and will be partially powered by solar energy. (More)

➤ Toledo: Testing confirmed that contaminants beneath the Envirosafe landfill did not affect the city’s raw water supply. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: Plans for the riverfront development Lot 24 at The Banks were paused because proposed designs did not meet city and county expectations. (More)

➤ Norwalk: A man was arrested for his 20th DUI since 1974 after allegedly driving under the influence with a suspended license. (Watch Video)

➤ NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Gov. Mike DeWine and Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam in Columbus to discuss funding for a proposed domed football stadium. (More)

➤ The Cincinnati Bearcats will help kick off the opening week of the 2025 college football season with a game against Nebraska at 9 p.m. Aug. 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, to be televised on ESPN. (More)

➤ Ohio State’s powerlifting club launched a fundraiser to compete at the International Powerlifting Federation University World Cup in Turkey, aiming to raise $3,000 per athlete. (Details)

➤ Stay up to date on the business side of college sports and player sponsorship deals at NIL Wire.

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | Soccer

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➤ Columbus-based White Castle launched a branding partnership featuring the burger chain’s logo and slider-inspired design on Heelys roller skate shoes, available exclusively on Heelys’ website. (See Photo)

➤ General Contractors National is under investigation by the state attorney general’s office after customers complained they paid for storm damage repairs that were never completed. (More)

➤ Stumps Lanes, a Cincinnati bowling alley established in 1955 and under new ownership, completed a $2 million renovation. (See Photos)

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This tech company grew 32,481%…

No, it’s not Nvidia… It’s Mode Mobile, 2023’s fastest-growing software company according to Deloitte.⁴

Just as Uber turned vehicles into income-generating assets, Mode is turning smartphones into an easy passive income source, already helping 45M+ users earn $325M+ through simple, everyday use.

They’ve just been granted their stock ticker by the Nasdaq, and you can still invest in their pre-IPO¹ offering at just $0.30/share.⁵

➤ The Paper, a mockumentary series set in Toledo from the creators of The Office, will premiere in September on the streaming service Peacock. (Details)

➤ Cedar Point will launch the Hoots & Hollers comedy series in June at its Palace Theatre, with weekend shows suitable for teenagers and adults. (Details)

➤ Marble Room in Cleveland was named Ohio’s most expensive restaurant by LoveFood, offering a 4-oz. Miyazaki wagyu strip loin for $144 and an ounce of caviar for $199. (More)

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Have you ever seen a rainbow cloud in person?

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Yesterday’s Results:

Should Pete Rose be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

1. Yes: 60%
2. No: 40%

Which food giant known for its jams and jellies was founded in Orrville in 1897?

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