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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

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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>.

The longest cold streaks in Columbus history

Our recent stretch of below-freezing days cracked the top 10.

It feels positively balmy outside this week. Or maybe it&#x27;s just been entirely too long since we&#x27;ve experienced above-freezing temperatures.By the numbers: Columbus&#x27; recent stretch of high temperatures of 32 degrees or below started Jan. 23 and lasted 18 days.

Slow thaw may help avoid dangerous winter flooding

Weather and soil conditions are working in the city's favor this week.

As slightly warmer weather moves into Columbus, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="piles of snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/26/winter-storm-fern-snow-emergency" data-vars-content-id="0af82b40-373a-475d-abe1-b405cb6f0975" data-vars-headline="Slow thaw may help avoid dangerous winter flooding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/26/winter-storm-fern-snow-emergency" target="_self">piles of snow</a> outside will likely take all week to melt — and that gradualness would be a good thing.Why it matters: Under the right conditions, heavy snowfall followed by a quick warmup can lead to dangerous flooding that further stresses infrastructure.

Winter storm Fern breaks a local snowfall record

Sunday was the third-snowiest day in city history.

If you&#x27;re still sore from shoveling, this may make you feel better: It&#x27;ll likely be a very long time before you&#x27;re hauling away this much snow again.Stunning stat: Sunday tied for the third-snowiest day in Columbus history — and the snowiest January date ever — according to measurements the National Weather Service provided Axios.<ul><li>It was by far the snowiest Jan. 25 date ever, topping 4.7 inches recorded on Jan. 25, 1988.</li></ul>

Winter storm Fern dropped around a foot of snow on Columbus

Roads, schools, businesses and flights remain shut down across Central Ohio.

Much of Central Ohio is still digging itself out of a historic foot or so of snow that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter storm Fern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/25/winter-storm-ferm-ice-power-outage-georgia" data-vars-content-id="0ddb14b1-5437-476d-88df-6211b71379a4" data-vars-headline="Winter storm Fern dropped around a foot of snow on Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/25/winter-storm-ferm-ice-power-outage-georgia" target="_self">winter storm Fern</a> dumped over the weekend.Why it matters: Everyday life has screeched to a halt, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/01/25/columbus-schools-closings-jan-26-snow-storm/88267775007/" data-vars-content-id="0ddb14b1-5437-476d-88df-6211b71379a4" data-vars-headline="Winter storm Fern dropped around a foot of snow on Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/01/25/columbus-schools-closings-jan-26-snow-storm/88267775007/" target="_blank">schools</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1277621720851909&amp;set=a.291756802771744" data-vars-content-id="0ddb14b1-5437-476d-88df-6211b71379a4" data-vars-headline="Winter storm Fern dropped around a foot of snow on Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1277621720851909&amp;set=a.291756802771744" target="_blank">governments</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10tv.com/article/weather/weather-blog/closings-delays-businesses-churches-events-snow-cold-columbus-ohio-january-2026/530-0805850b-d0e9-4229-b384-eb952bc52ab5" data-vars-content-id="0ddb14b1-5437-476d-88df-6211b71379a4" data-vars-headline="Winter storm Fern dropped around a foot of snow on Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10tv.com/article/weather/weather-blog/closings-delays-businesses-churches-events-snow-cold-columbus-ohio-january-2026/530-0805850b-d0e9-4229-b384-eb952bc52ab5" target="_blank">businesses</a> shutting down, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flights" data-vars-click-url="https://flycolumbus.com/passengers/flight-status/" data-vars-content-id="0ddb14b1-5437-476d-88df-6211b71379a4" data-vars-headline="Winter storm Fern dropped around a foot of snow on Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flycolumbus.com/passengers/flight-status/" target="_blank">flights</a> canceled, and many roadways still needing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plowing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/09/track-snowplow-ohio-snow-winter-weather-updates" data-vars-content-id="0ddb14b1-5437-476d-88df-6211b71379a4" data-vars-headline="Winter storm Fern dropped around a foot of snow on Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/09/track-snowplow-ohio-snow-winter-weather-updates" target="_self">plowing</a>.

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.

Why our autumn color shift is falling behind

Central Ohio's trees are greener than usual this October.

If your backyard trees still look surprisingly green for mid-October, you&#x27;re not alone — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="color changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/04/fall-foliage-when-peak-2025?utm_term=emshare&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="3d55a7e6-09c7-4c75-a3a9-4ca8ccd0e4d1" data-vars-headline="Why our autumn color shift is falling behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/04/fall-foliage-when-peak-2025?utm_term=emshare&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&amp;stream=top" target="_self">color changes</a> are a little late this year, part of a yearslong trend.Why it matters: Fall is starting to look a little different in Central Ohio (and across the country), a visual reminder of climate change&#x27;s effects on our plant and tree life.

How climate change is impacting Central Ohio

As Climate Week NYC highlights the global threat, Columbus' plans include solar, EVs and waste reduction.

The world&#x27;s biggest climate event is this week in New York City — and in Columbus, city leaders continue to find local ways to address the effects of a global problem.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cities like Columbus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/10/09/ohio-climate-change-midwest-impact" data-vars-content-id="3eb2aa78-38cf-4d80-908b-78f083606bf0" data-vars-headline="How climate change is impacting Central Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/10/09/ohio-climate-change-midwest-impact" target="_self">Cities like Columbus</a> foot the bill for required infrastructure adaptations for an issue that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="isn&#x27;t a priority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/17/mapped-franklin-county-s-climate-change-worry" data-vars-content-id="3eb2aa78-38cf-4d80-908b-78f083606bf0" data-vars-headline="How climate change is impacting Central Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/17/mapped-franklin-county-s-climate-change-worry" target="_self">isn&#x27;t a priority</a> for many other Ohioans.

Humans couldn't stop the spotted lanternfly. Wildlife might.

Ohio researchers wonder: Can new predators help us curb the SLF invasion?

Humans haven&#x27;t been able to stop the spotted lanternfly (SLF) from overrunning Ohio. Now, it&#x27;s wildlife&#x27;s turn to try.Why it matters: The invasive species <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/12/spotted-lanternfly-ohio-bug-insect-invasive" data-vars-content-id="b4861fc7-9fa1-4603-9bd2-168e86afaed6" data-vars-headline="Humans couldn&#x27;t stop the spotted lanternfly. Wildlife might." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/12/spotted-lanternfly-ohio-bug-insect-invasive" target="_self">is here</a>, and it&#x27;s a problem — the bug threatens billions of dollars in agricultural devastation if unimpeded.

Columbus may be in for a warmer-than-usual fall

The city broke a record for dry days. Fall may not bring relief.

Like most of the country, Columbus is probably in for a warmer-than-usual fall.Why it matters: After an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unusually mild August" data-vars-click-url="https://climate.osu.edu/monthly-climate-summary-august-2025" data-vars-content-id="30463dc3-8604-4e06-8a76-1dc5f2ad3a5e" data-vars-headline="Columbus may be in for a warmer-than-usual fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://climate.osu.edu/monthly-climate-summary-august-2025" target="_blank">unusually mild August</a>, September has been hot and dry — and the National Weather Service&#x27;s seasonal temperature outlook tells us we could see more of the same.

Columbus' growth could strain its water supply

Residents, data centers, farms and manufacturers like Intel are all tapping the same supply.

Columbus&#x27; explosive growth could someday strain our water supply without more planning, warns a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Alliance for the Great Lakes report" data-vars-click-url="http://greatlakes.org/wateruse" data-vars-content-id="c591a52b-94a3-490e-a28f-97bdda15ed61" data-vars-headline="Columbus&#x27; growth could strain its water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://greatlakes.org/wateruse" target="_blank">new Alliance for the Great Lakes report</a>.Why it matters: Residents, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/28/central-ohio-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="c591a52b-94a3-490e-a28f-97bdda15ed61" data-vars-headline="Columbus&#x27; growth could strain its water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/28/central-ohio-data-center-boom" target="_self">data centers</a>, farms and manufacturers such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Intel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/10/intel-ohio-timeline-delay-grant-funding" data-vars-content-id="c591a52b-94a3-490e-a28f-97bdda15ed61" data-vars-headline="Columbus&#x27; growth could strain its water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/10/intel-ohio-timeline-delay-grant-funding" target="_self">Intel</a> are all tapping the same supply — and if it can&#x27;t keep up, that could result in higher bills, shortages or restrictions.

Climate 🌿

The longest cold streaks in Columbus history

Slow thaw may help avoid dangerous winter flooding

Winter storm Fern breaks a local snowfall record

Winter storm Fern dropped around a foot of snow on Columbus

Ohio investment fund invests in startup building electric buses