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Les Wexner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained

Wexner is set to testify as pressure mounts over the Epstein files.

Politics & Policy

Embattled billionaire Les Wexner is scheduled to testify Wednesday about his association with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jeffrey Epstein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/epstein-files" data-vars-content-id="e56841ff-1263-428f-853c-f33094fc48c6" data-vars-headline="Les Wexner&#x27;s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/epstein-files" target="_self">Jeffrey Epstein</a> as public pressure mounts on the L Brands founder and his many Columbus connections.Why it matters: Wexner permanently shaped Central Ohio. He&#x27;s Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="richest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/03/les-wexner-richest-ohio-billionaire-forbes-list" data-vars-content-id="e56841ff-1263-428f-853c-f33094fc48c6" data-vars-headline="Les Wexner&#x27;s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/03/les-wexner-richest-ohio-billionaire-forbes-list" target="_self">richest</a> person and an international business titan whose influence extends well beyond our state.

Crew ticket prices test fan loyalty

Some Columbus fans say rising costs are changing how often they can attend matches.

News

Since moving to a new Arena District home in 2021, the Crew has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="built momentum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/10/23/columbus-crew-2025-attendance.html?csrc=6398&amp;taid=68fc55d456d86e0001708546&amp;utm_campaign=trueAnthemTrendingContent&amp;utm_medium=trueAnthem&amp;utm_source=twitter" data-vars-content-id="299f6024-2780-40b8-802b-421bd9e73bd0" data-vars-headline="Crew ticket prices test fan loyalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/10/23/columbus-crew-2025-attendance.html?csrc=6398&amp;taid=68fc55d456d86e0001708546&amp;utm_campaign=trueAnthemTrendingContent&amp;utm_medium=trueAnthem&amp;utm_source=twitter" target="_blank">built momentum</a> on packed crowds and good atmosphere — but is it waning?Why it matters: Some fans say they&#x27;re being priced out, while others worry costs are stalling that momentum.

Ohio stars lift U.S. hockey to gold sweep

Zach Werenski and Laila Edwards delivered key assists.

Both U.S. hockey teams brought home the gold from Milan with dramatic 2-1 overtime wins over Canada — and that&#x27;s thanks to some big assists <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="from Ohio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/06/ohio-winter-olympics-representation-milan-2026" data-vars-content-id="3397ff2b-510e-4654-92fb-618d7976bf44" data-vars-headline="Ohio stars lift U.S. hockey to gold sweep" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/06/ohio-winter-olympics-representation-milan-2026" target="_self">from Ohio</a>.Why it matters: The men&#x27;s victory ended a 46-year drought, their first gold since the 1980 &quot;Miracle on Ice.&quot;

Poll: Should Les Wexner's name stay on buildings?

Scrutiny is growing over the donor's Jeffrey Epstein ties.

Ohio State&#x27;s new University Hospital welcomed its first patients over the weekend as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over 100 protesters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/02/22/ohio-state-remove-les-wexners-name-jeffrey-epstein-ties/88811310007/?tbref=hp&amp;utm_source=dispatch-extra-credit-strada&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=baseline_greeting&amp;utm_term=newsletter-greeting&amp;utm_content=ncod-columbus-nletter38" data-vars-content-id="f8c0237d-c20c-4d3e-a37b-f2ea01981431" data-vars-headline="Poll: Should Les Wexner&#x27;s name stay on buildings?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/02/22/ohio-state-remove-les-wexners-name-jeffrey-epstein-ties/88811310007/?tbref=hp&amp;utm_source=dispatch-extra-credit-strada&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=baseline_greeting&amp;utm_term=newsletter-greeting&amp;utm_content=ncod-columbus-nletter38" target="_blank">over 100 protesters</a> demanded that Les Wexner&#x27;s name be removed from it.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/oust-wexner-banner-ohio-state-connection-to-jeffrey-epstein-investigation/530-57218834-3b7a-4af3-b120-a23c4ff8a7af" data-vars-content-id="f8c0237d-c20c-4d3e-a37b-f2ea01981431" data-vars-headline="Poll: Should Les Wexner&#x27;s name stay on buildings?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/oust-wexner-banner-ohio-state-connection-to-jeffrey-epstein-investigation/530-57218834-3b7a-4af3-b120-a23c4ff8a7af" target="_blank">debate</a> over the billionaire donor&#x27;s naming rights likely isn&#x27;t going anywhere, amid renewed scrutiny over his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ties to Jeffrey Epstein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/18/les-wexner-jeffrey-epstein-ties-testimony" data-vars-content-id="f8c0237d-c20c-4d3e-a37b-f2ea01981431" data-vars-headline="Poll: Should Les Wexner&#x27;s name stay on buildings?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/18/les-wexner-jeffrey-epstein-ties-testimony" target="_self">ties to Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

Sneak Peek: Rev1's new Franklinton home

One of Ohio's most prominent venture development studios debuts its new headquarters.

Rev1 Ventures, Central Ohio&#x27;s largest state-funded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="entrepreneurial organization" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" data-vars-content-id="c0d82ac1-2e90-42f8-9918-c306748842ae" data-vars-headline="Sneak Peek: Rev1&#x27;s new Franklinton home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" target="_self">entrepreneurial organization</a>, has moved its headquarters to Franklinton as part of new-look expansion plans.Why it matters: Rev1 is one of Ohio&#x27;s most prominent venture development studios and the state&#x27;s top seed-stage investor. Its portfolio companies generate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="billions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rev1ventures.com/startup-impact/" data-vars-content-id="c0d82ac1-2e90-42f8-9918-c306748842ae" data-vars-headline="Sneak Peek: Rev1&#x27;s new Franklinton home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rev1ventures.com/startup-impact/" target="_blank">billions</a> in value.

Should you tip on takeout? An etiquette expert weighs in

Her take: It's OK to round up or skip the tip if it's to go.

It&#x27;s an awkward moment we&#x27;re all experiencing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more often" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/06/the-new-world-of-tipping" data-vars-content-id="90546e9c-8b63-4eb2-af60-6e7414089503" data-vars-headline="Should you tip on takeout? An etiquette expert weighs in" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/06/the-new-world-of-tipping" target="_self">more often</a> — a cashier flips over a touchscreen, silently waiting for you to decide how much you&#x27;ll tip.Why it matters: With digital tip prompts popping up everywhere, including for takeout, customers are more confused than ever about what&#x27;s a faux pas. So we asked an etiquette expert for guidance.

We tried Makers Social, the local DIY bar featured on "Shark Tank"

We made jewelry (and a mess) at Megan Pando's makerspace.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Makers Social" data-vars-click-url="https://makerssocial.com/" data-vars-content-id="16b1178c-bfed-4f95-a76f-086789b0ff9d" data-vars-headline="We tried Makers Social, the local DIY bar featured on &quot;Shark Tank&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://makerssocial.com/" target="_blank">Makers Social</a> is probably the only bar in town where tools and tequila share shelf space.Why it matters: Founder Megan Pando will pitch the Franklinton business concept to investors on &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shark Tank" data-vars-click-url="https://abc.com/show/535e2b07-18a9-4d94-9803-9ed8257b9d23" data-vars-content-id="16b1178c-bfed-4f95-a76f-086789b0ff9d" data-vars-headline="We tried Makers Social, the local DIY bar featured on &quot;Shark Tank&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc.com/show/535e2b07-18a9-4d94-9803-9ed8257b9d23" target="_blank">Shark Tank</a>&quot; Wednesday night, putting Columbus and its entrepreneurs in the national spotlight.

Ohio investment fund invests in startup building electric buses

The Ottawa-based Endera is creating fleets of electric buses.

An up-and-coming Ohio investment fund is supporting an Ohio startup that builds electric buses.Why it matters: Ohio startups face a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="difficult funding fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" data-vars-content-id="64dc7ba8-2107-41fb-a86a-b2d421941a03" data-vars-headline="Ohio investment fund invests in startup building electric buses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" target="_self">difficult funding fight</a> against coastal companies, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The O.H.I.O. Fund" data-vars-click-url="https://theohiofund.com/" data-vars-content-id="64dc7ba8-2107-41fb-a86a-b2d421941a03" data-vars-headline="Ohio investment fund invests in startup building electric buses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theohiofund.com/" target="_blank">The O.H.I.O. Fund</a> aims to close that gap.

Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind

AI's economic impact was the focus of the ED411 conference in Columbus.

Amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global artificial intelligence race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/ai-agent-box-ceo-aaron-levie" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/ai-agent-box-ceo-aaron-levie" target="_self">global artificial intelligence race</a>, Columbus investors and business leaders are urging each other to go all-in on AI before it&#x27;s too late.Why it matters: AI is reshaping Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" target="_self">public schools</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="universities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/21/ohio-state-university-ai-artificial-intelligence-plan" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/21/ohio-state-university-ai-artificial-intelligence-plan" target="_self">universities</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="law enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/24/ai-crime-ransomware-deepfakes" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/24/ai-crime-ransomware-deepfakes" target="_self">law enforcement</a> and more, and Central Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" target="_self">business community</a> is likewise putting AI at the forefront of its plans.

Columbus bin stores boom as shoppers chase bargains

Trendy bin stores offer big savings — if you're willing to dig.

If you don&#x27;t mind doing a little digging for a good deal, consider a bin store this holiday shopping season.Why it matters: Everything seems to be getting more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expensive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/election-results-trump-fed-inflation" data-vars-content-id="a34a3751-1789-4888-827f-2ded6b047d50" data-vars-headline="Columbus bin stores boom as shoppers chase bargains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/election-results-trump-fed-inflation" target="_self">expensive</a>, but bin stores are gaining popularity by selling returned items for a fraction of their retail price.

See what I got in a $3 Retail Rush mystery box

Columbus' new bin store also has $10 bag days.

Things to Do

As Axios Columbus&#x27; official bargain-shopping beat reporter, I recently visited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Retail Rush" data-vars-click-url="https://retailrush.com/" data-vars-content-id="a584f8d2-d12f-433e-a01e-535f8e2f7a29" data-vars-headline="See what I got in a $3 Retail Rush mystery box" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://retailrush.com/" target="_blank">Retail Rush</a> to see how it works.Driving the news: It&#x27;s the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bin store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/02/columbus-bin-stores-holiday-deals" data-vars-content-id="a584f8d2-d12f-433e-a01e-535f8e2f7a29" data-vars-headline="See what I got in a $3 Retail Rush mystery box" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/02/columbus-bin-stores-holiday-deals" target="_self">bin store</a> to open locally, in Northland.

Startup funding shifts to quality over quantity in Columbus and beyond

AI is leading to larger — but fewer — funding rounds.

The Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="startup scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/22/ohio-startups-redi-health-hydrogen-trace-five-star-fans" data-vars-content-id="72092071-4f43-4c2b-a1d0-f6e29c1628f2" data-vars-headline="Startup funding shifts to quality over quantity in Columbus and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/22/ohio-startups-redi-health-hydrogen-trace-five-star-fans" target="_self">startup scene</a> is seeing money flow toward larger deals — especially those involving AI companies.Why it matters: It&#x27;s becoming quality over quantity in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus" data-vars-click-url="https://columbus.org/applications-now-open-the-city-of-columbus-launches-accelerate-columbus" data-vars-content-id="72092071-4f43-4c2b-a1d0-f6e29c1628f2" data-vars-headline="Startup funding shifts to quality over quantity in Columbus and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://columbus.org/applications-now-open-the-city-of-columbus-launches-accelerate-columbus" target="_blank">Columbus</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio" data-vars-click-url="https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/columbus-innovation-district" data-vars-content-id="72092071-4f43-4c2b-a1d0-f6e29c1628f2" data-vars-headline="Startup funding shifts to quality over quantity in Columbus and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/columbus-innovation-district" target="_blank">Ohio</a>, which has tried for years to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attract" data-vars-click-url="https://columbusunderground.com/new-startup-innovation-spaces-announced-for-downtown-columbus-and-carmenton-we1" data-vars-content-id="72092071-4f43-4c2b-a1d0-f6e29c1628f2" data-vars-headline="Startup funding shifts to quality over quantity in Columbus and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://columbusunderground.com/new-startup-innovation-spaces-announced-for-downtown-columbus-and-carmenton-we1" target="_blank">attract</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="entrepreneurs" data-vars-click-url="https://development.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/2025-1021-state-awards-2-million-to-support-commercialization-of-early-stage-technologies?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://development.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/2025-1021-state-awards-2-million-to-support-commercialization-of-early-stage-technologies" data-vars-content-id="72092071-4f43-4c2b-a1d0-f6e29c1628f2" data-vars-headline="Startup funding shifts to quality over quantity in Columbus and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://development.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/2025-1021-state-awards-2-million-to-support-commercialization-of-early-stage-technologies?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://development.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/2025-1021-state-awards-2-million-to-support-commercialization-of-early-stage-technologies" target="_blank">entrepreneurs</a>.

Why more Central Ohio home sales are falling apart

Central Ohio homebuyers are walking away from more contracts amid shifting market dynamics.

More <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homebuying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/04/homebuyer-age-first-time" data-vars-content-id="392ad6f1-d5a1-4146-a4f6-f74d32fc069b" data-vars-headline="Why more Central Ohio home sales are falling apart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/04/homebuyer-age-first-time" target="_self">homebuying</a> contracts in Central Ohio and beyond are being canceled, according to a new Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/contract-cancellations-september-2025/" data-vars-content-id="392ad6f1-d5a1-4146-a4f6-f74d32fc069b" data-vars-headline="Why more Central Ohio home sales are falling apart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/contract-cancellations-september-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.Why it matters: The uptick in cancellations is an indicator of a widening rift between the expectations of buyers and sellers, and could signal that buyers are clawing back some leverage.

Business 🏦

Les Wexner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained

Sneak Peek: Rev1's new Franklinton home

Cleveland might host a Super Bowl before the Browns play in one

Should you tip on takeout? An etiquette expert weighs in

We tried Makers Social, the local DIY bar featured on "Shark Tank"