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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>.

Reviving historic media with OSU's digitization team

Catch a showcase of the team's work at the upcoming Cinema Revival festival.

Culture

There are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/OSULibraries/posts/do-you-know-how-many-books-we-have-at-thompson-library-about-125-million-there-a/788221573334581/" data-vars-content-id="de330718-e2a5-4a78-8ec2-f2453ec9dc52" data-vars-headline="Reviving historic media with OSU&#x27;s digitization team" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/OSULibraries/posts/do-you-know-how-many-books-we-have-at-thompson-library-about-125-million-there-a/788221573334581/" target="_blank">millions</a> of books in Ohio State&#x27;s library system, but countless outdated media gems buried deep in the archives require the help of preservationists to return them to life.Why it matters: Thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic" data-vars-click-url="https://library.osu.edu/archives" data-vars-content-id="de330718-e2a5-4a78-8ec2-f2453ec9dc52" data-vars-headline="Reviving historic media with OSU&#x27;s digitization team" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.osu.edu/archives" target="_blank">historic</a> audiovisual items are kept at OSU, especially its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special collections" data-vars-click-url="https://library.osu.edu/special-collections" data-vars-content-id="de330718-e2a5-4a78-8ec2-f2453ec9dc52" data-vars-headline="Reviving historic media with OSU&#x27;s digitization team" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.osu.edu/special-collections" target="_blank">special collections</a> — and without digitization, these items largely sit unused and forgotten.

Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville

The popular Cincinnati brand serves rare kurobuta pork and more.

Food and Drink

Our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international food tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" data-vars-content-id="eacb6f61-80d7-4fff-a057-22beef66c969" data-vars-headline="Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" target="_self">international food tour</a>&#x27;s first stop of 2026 is Japan, courtesy of a new Westerville ramen spot.Dining the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zundo Ramen &amp; Donburi" data-vars-click-url="http://zundootr.com/" data-vars-content-id="eacb6f61-80d7-4fff-a057-22beef66c969" data-vars-headline="Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://zundootr.com/" target="_blank">Zundo Ramen &amp; Donburi</a> recently expanded into the suburbs following the success of its first local restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Old North" data-vars-click-url="https://614now.com/2024/food-drink/cincinnati-based-award-winning-ramen-restaurant-opens-first-columbus-location" data-vars-content-id="eacb6f61-80d7-4fff-a057-22beef66c969" data-vars-headline="Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://614now.com/2024/food-drink/cincinnati-based-award-winning-ramen-restaurant-opens-first-columbus-location" target="_blank">in Old North</a>.

After vendor shakeup, micromobility use dips

A report shows trips fell 19% as Columbus enforces parking and ADA rules for rented scooters and bikes.

A year after launching new bike and scooter share partnerships, Columbus is seeing a decrease in riders as the city continues to try to rid sidewalks of obstructive and annoying devices.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deals with Veo and Spin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/27/veo-scooter-bike-vendor-rental-ohio" data-vars-content-id="7b16f20e-6f58-4460-99e8-f3d35d26dcd3" data-vars-headline="After vendor shakeup, micromobility use dips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/27/veo-scooter-bike-vendor-rental-ohio" target="_self">Deals with Veo and Spin</a> shifted the city&#x27;s micromobility paradigm by limiting the number of companies operating scooters, bringing in revenue and formalizing standards and fines.

A Columbus Zoo swan love story takes flight

Sloane and Stella could hatch the zoo's first cygnets this year.

Romance is in the air — and on the water — at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus Zoo and Aquarium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/03/come-from-away-columbus-zoo-unga-bonobo" data-vars-content-id="af358b1c-806b-418a-8857-a108861d98a5" data-vars-headline="A Columbus Zoo swan love story takes flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/03/come-from-away-columbus-zoo-unga-bonobo" target="_self">Columbus Zoo and Aquarium</a> this Valentine&#x27;s Day.Why it matters: The zoo&#x27;s pair of bonded trumpeter swans will likely build their first nest this spring — a love story and a comeback story all wrapped into one.

Weekend picks: Last-minute Valentine's Day plans

Things to Do

Forgot to plan something to do with your date this weekend? Maybe we can help.💝 Our picks: Some last-minute Valentine&#x27;s Day options, from upscale parties to casual entertainment.

A beginner's guide to "Love Is Blind" in Columbus

Season 10 of Netflix's reality show — filmed here — debuts Wednesday.

The wait is over. Bring on the golden goblets and melodrama!Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/27/love-is-blind-season-10-ohio-premiere-netflix" data-vars-content-id="694a1f0f-18c7-47b0-ba12-f9999f461008" data-vars-headline="A beginner&#x27;s guide to &quot;Love Is Blind&quot; in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/27/love-is-blind-season-10-ohio-premiere-netflix" target="_self">latest season</a> of &quot;Love Is Blind&quot; debuts Wednesday, putting Columbus and its dating scene in the spotlight.

Our weekend picks: "Groundhog Day" marathon, sledding hills and "Come From Away"

Plus: The Ohio State Card Show is at the Ohio Expo Center.

OK, Columbus, rise and shine — and don&#x27;t forget your booties, &#x27;cause it&#x27;s cold out there today.🍿 Our pick: A whole day of &quot;Groundhog Day&quot; at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gateway Film Center" data-vars-click-url="https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/2026-groundhog-day-marathon/" data-vars-content-id="a62ff46c-28fb-4eef-8ea9-4502577d8f72" data-vars-headline="Our weekend picks: &quot;Groundhog Day&quot; marathon, sledding hills and &quot;Come From Away&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/2026-groundhog-day-marathon/" target="_blank">Gateway Film Center</a>.

"Love is Blind" with Ohio cast premieres Feb. 11

Singles from Columbus to Cincinnati will star in the Netflix show.

Good news, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Love is Blind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/21/we-re-not-sure-what-to-expect-with-love-is-blind-columbus" data-vars-content-id="dca87139-9800-485a-bc22-885b5db54521" data-vars-headline="&quot;Love is Blind&quot; with Ohio cast premieres Feb. 11" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/21/we-re-not-sure-what-to-expect-with-love-is-blind-columbus" target="_self">Love is Blind</a>&quot; fans: we&#x27;ve finally got a date.The latest: Season 10 of the Netflix reality dating show filmed in Ohio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="premieres" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/love-is-blind-season-10-release-date-news" data-vars-content-id="dca87139-9800-485a-bc22-885b5db54521" data-vars-headline="&quot;Love is Blind&quot; with Ohio cast premieres Feb. 11" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/love-is-blind-season-10-release-date-news" target="_blank">premieres</a> Feb. 11.

Where to watch Oscar nominees in Columbus

Plus: Catch a few nominees still in theaters.

It&#x27;s terrible outside. What better time to catch up on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Academy Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/oscar-nominees-streaming-where-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="ebbd9ea5-9343-4025-bdd0-a128951b8d6c" data-vars-headline="Where to watch Oscar nominees in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/oscar-nominees-streaming-where-to-watch" target="_self">Academy Awards</a> prep?The big picture: Put off shoveling that driveway for another day or two and stream a variety of nominees.

Columbus weekend events: Winter Ice Festival, hockey and more

Plus: Jason Aldean and children's theater.

With a winter storm headed our way, what could be more appropriate than a festival dedicated to frigid temperatures?🧊 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Winter Ice Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fpconservatory.org/exhibitions/winter-ice-festival/" data-vars-content-id="bfefab04-a79b-4282-9bf2-dfa620fc4ebb" data-vars-headline="Columbus weekend events: Winter Ice Festival, hockey and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fpconservatory.org/exhibitions/winter-ice-festival/" target="_blank">The Winter Ice Festival</a> at Franklin Park Conservatory.