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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>.

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>.

Skip Valentine's Day dinner and go straight to dessert at these sweet spots

No reservation needed at these Columbus dessert picks.

Valentine&#x27;s Day dinners are overrated — we fully endorse skipping the crowded restaurants and heading straight for dessert.Dig in: Impress your date and satisfy your sweet tooth with one of these unique Central Ohio spots.

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.

Blasian Grill delivers delicious hibachi to go

The West Side restaurant is planning an expansion into Obetz.

If you&#x27;re seeking wintertime takeout, here&#x27;s a spot to add to your list.Dining the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blasian Grill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BlasianGrill/" data-vars-content-id="cd36dfe5-8ae6-4dcb-8d37-01b6f28d4760" data-vars-headline="Blasian Grill delivers delicious hibachi to go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BlasianGrill/" target="_blank">Blasian Grill</a>, once a popular hibachi food truck, opened a West Side restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a couple years ago" data-vars-click-url="https://614now.com/2024/food-drink/popular-hibachi-food-truck-opening-first-brick-mortar-this-year" data-vars-content-id="cd36dfe5-8ae6-4dcb-8d37-01b6f28d4760" data-vars-headline="Blasian Grill delivers delicious hibachi to go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://614now.com/2024/food-drink/popular-hibachi-food-truck-opening-first-brick-mortar-this-year" target="_blank">a couple years ago</a>.

Restaurant Week is back, but its deals are debatable

Some prix fixe meals cost the same as regular menu items.

It&#x27;s the dead of January, which means the return of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="614 Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://614now.com/restaurant-week" data-vars-content-id="6e4d25a1-cdc3-4c18-bc2b-398888b3276d" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Week is back, but its deals are debatable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://614now.com/restaurant-week" target="_blank">614 Restaurant Week</a> through Jan. 31 — should you be rushing out to try a new spot?Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/01/26/tupelo-honey-upper-arlington-chicken" data-vars-content-id="6e4d25a1-cdc3-4c18-bc2b-398888b3276d" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Week is back, but its deals are debatable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/01/26/tupelo-honey-upper-arlington-chicken" target="_self">Restaurant Week</a> is a driver of customer traffic that can be a quick <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boost" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10tv.com/article/money/business/small-business/restaurant-week-economic-boost-to-columbus-businesses/530-837d0807-cad7-49e6-80c2-01fc91d58dfa" data-vars-content-id="6e4d25a1-cdc3-4c18-bc2b-398888b3276d" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Week is back, but its deals are debatable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10tv.com/article/money/business/small-business/restaurant-week-economic-boost-to-columbus-businesses/530-837d0807-cad7-49e6-80c2-01fc91d58dfa" target="_blank">boost</a> to an eatery&#x27;s bottom line, and has become a very popular occasion among Columbus foodies.

Poll: Do you tip on takeout orders?

Tip requests are popping up everywhere, even if your order is to go.

It feels like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tip requests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/06/the-new-world-of-tipping" data-vars-content-id="49261082-8f75-4891-9dee-ba25ecf66c6d" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you tip on takeout orders?" 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">tip requests</a> are now a standard part of every checkout experience.🤔 Inspired by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this lively local Reddit debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/1qhifz1/tipping_on_togo_orders/" data-vars-content-id="49261082-8f75-4891-9dee-ba25ecf66c6d" data-vars-headline="Poll: Do you tip on takeout orders?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/1qhifz1/tipping_on_togo_orders/" target="_blank">this lively local Reddit debate</a>, we want to know: Do you tip if you&#x27;re ordering your food to go? If so, how much?

We tried the new (but still retro) Chef-O-Nette diner

The Upper Arlington restaurant is a staple dating back to 1955.

Upper Arlington&#x27;s Chef-O-Nette diner was one of several local restaurants <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resurrected in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/12/30/blue-danube-chef-o-nette-hunan-lion-reopen-2025.html" data-vars-content-id="c5f8ade7-2b5f-4623-b6ae-162a9d924718" data-vars-headline="We tried the new (but still retro) Chef-O-Nette diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/12/30/blue-danube-chef-o-nette-hunan-lion-reopen-2025.html" target="_blank">resurrected in 2025</a>.Dining the news: We recently visited for lunch and found it packed with customers, so it&#x27;s apparently going well a few months after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening" data-vars-click-url="https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-chef-o-nette-reopens-in-upper-arlington-ak1/" data-vars-content-id="c5f8ade7-2b5f-4623-b6ae-162a9d924718" data-vars-headline="We tried the new (but still retro) Chef-O-Nette diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://columbusunderground.com/first-look-chef-o-nette-reopens-in-upper-arlington-ak1/" target="_blank">reopening</a>.

These holiday doughnuts are fit for an elf

Rose Dough Donuts' Christmas movie-inspired treats are back.

I&#x27;m starting to wonder if Buddy the Elf was onto something when he dug into that sugar-coated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spaghetti breakfast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9auMPx1WVE" data-vars-content-id="bb6e38a0-a99c-4e28-958b-87646e96f53f" data-vars-headline="These holiday doughnuts are fit for an elf" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9auMPx1WVE" target="_blank">spaghetti breakfast</a>.Dining the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rose Dough Donuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rosedoughdonuts.com/" data-vars-content-id="bb6e38a0-a99c-4e28-958b-87646e96f53f" data-vars-headline="These holiday doughnuts are fit for an elf" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rosedoughdonuts.com/" target="_blank">Rose Dough Donuts</a> in Clintonville brought back its elaborate Christmas movie-inspired treats for another season, and I finally taste-tested several.

Gahanna's Pizza Nerds belongs among the ranks of best local pies

An especially great slice for lovers of Detroit style.

A new (to me) pizza has joined the ranks of my favorites in Columbus.The spot: Gahanna&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pizza Nerds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pizzanerdsoh.com/" data-vars-content-id="ca32f043-c42c-4b90-b1ca-12c71d54381a" data-vars-headline="Gahanna&#x27;s Pizza Nerds belongs among the ranks of best local pies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pizzanerdsoh.com/" target="_blank">Pizza Nerds</a> is a &#x27;90s-themed pizzeria specializing in Detroit-style pies.

The Morgan House is holiday magic — if you can get a table

Expect crowds at this holiday shopping and dining destination.

Here&#x27;s a pro tip for dining at the historic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Morgan House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.morganhse.com/" data-vars-content-id="865f43fd-57fc-4a4c-ae20-38d679e043e0" data-vars-headline="The Morgan House is holiday magic — if you can get a table" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.morganhse.com/" target="_blank">Morgan House</a> during the holidays: arrive early. Like, before the restaurant even opens levels of early.😬 Dining the news: This foolish first-timer arrived during a Saturday lunch hour and was greeted with a 2.5-hour wait. Rookie mistake.

Food and Drink 🍽

Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville

Skip Valentine's Day dinner and go straight to dessert at these sweet spots

Should you tip on takeout? An etiquette expert weighs in

Blasian Grill delivers delicious hibachi to go

Restaurant Week is back, but its deals are debatable