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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>.

Fast facts: OSU's new hospital

The $1.9 billion project is set to open Sunday.

OSU Wexner Medical Center will welcome patients into its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University Hospital tower" data-vars-click-url="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/lp/new-inpatient-hospital-tower" data-vars-content-id="c161efb0-ffb3-4846-ab68-fb84bc4827cf" data-vars-headline="Fast facts: OSU&#x27;s new hospital" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/lp/new-inpatient-hospital-tower" target="_blank">University Hospital tower</a> on Sunday, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest" data-vars-click-url="https://medicine.osu.edu/news/an-inside-look-at-the-new-university-hospital" data-vars-content-id="c161efb0-ffb3-4846-ab68-fb84bc4827cf" data-vars-headline="Fast facts: OSU&#x27;s new hospital" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://medicine.osu.edu/news/an-inside-look-at-the-new-university-hospital" target="_blank">largest</a> single facilities project in Ohio State history.By the numbers:2020: The year crews broke ground. There was no ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A pro donor's guide to giving blood

America's blood supply is facing a critical shortage — and you can help.

Over the past nine years, I&#x27;ve donated enough blood to fill two gallon jugs, potentially helping up to 66 people.Why it matters: America&#x27;s blood supply is facing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a critical shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/american-red-cross-blood-shortage-2026-winter-storm-flu" data-vars-content-id="9452dc3f-f655-4681-9aaf-cbc28b91e4f3" data-vars-headline="A pro donor&#x27;s guide to giving blood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/american-red-cross-blood-shortage-2026-winter-storm-flu" target="_self">a critical shortage</a> — and you can help.

Ask Axios: Are flu vaccination rates down?

The "super flu" is raging, while flu shots are lagging.

Reader Lisa M. asks: What is the rate of flu shots received last year versus this year and does it correlate to the increase in flu activity? One would suspect that flu shots are down, since illness is up?

Ohio limits controversial gestational crates after 15-year wait

An advocate says it's a major shift for animal welfare in pork production.

Ohio has greatly limited the use of gestational crates for pregnant sows following years of pushing by animal rights advocates.Why it matters: There are more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2.5 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Ohio/Publications/Current_News_Releases/2025/nr2518oh.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="084bc8f0-47de-488f-8bb5-f1bf65a9d959" data-vars-headline="Ohio limits controversial gestational crates after 15-year wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Ohio/Publications/Current_News_Releases/2025/nr2518oh.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">2.5 million</a> hogs in Ohio, which is 10th in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hog production" data-vars-click-url="https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/hog-production-by-state?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="084bc8f0-47de-488f-8bb5-f1bf65a9d959" data-vars-headline="Ohio limits controversial gestational crates after 15-year wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/hog-production-by-state?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">hog production</a> in the country.

The "super flu" causing an unprecedented spike in flu cases

Flu hospitalizations are alarming officials nationwide.

Central Ohio is experiencing a massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surge in flu cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" data-vars-content-id="8a7900c1-81af-49ae-89d7-671392f1f562" data-vars-headline="The &quot;super flu&quot; causing an unprecedented spike in flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" target="_self">surge in flu cases</a> this winter, many of them attributed to the so-called &quot;super flu.&quot;Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="8a7900c1-81af-49ae-89d7-671392f1f562" data-vars-headline="The &quot;super flu&quot; causing an unprecedented spike in flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="8a7900c1-81af-49ae-89d7-671392f1f562" data-vars-headline="The &quot;super flu&quot; causing an unprecedented spike in flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="8a7900c1-81af-49ae-89d7-671392f1f562" data-vars-headline="The &quot;super flu&quot; causing an unprecedented spike in flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the country this winter.

How states are policing AI in health care

Lawmakers want to set guardrails for how the technology affects health.

While President Trump demands a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="single national framework" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/trump-signs-executive-order-state-ai-laws" data-vars-content-id="1ff887ed-a891-43d8-8550-6dc28cafc2a5" data-vars-headline="How states are policing AI in health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/trump-signs-executive-order-state-ai-laws" target="_self">single national framework</a> on AI policy, states like Ohio are going their own way to propose guardrails for how the technology is used in health care.Why it matters: That could set up a clash over who determines how AI models and systems can be deployed in insurer reviews, mental health treatment and chatbots that interact with patients.

Scoop: Planned Parenthood fights proposed termination of Medicaid agreements in Ohio

Termination could impact thousands of Ohio patients.

Two Planned Parenthood affiliates in Ohio are fighting a recent state proposal to terminate their Medicaid provider agreements.Why it matters: Planned Parenthood faces state and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal threats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/planned-parenthood-defunding-court" data-vars-content-id="420cc739-ecab-4dc2-b5eb-70154c73e909" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Planned Parenthood fights proposed termination of Medicaid agreements in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/planned-parenthood-defunding-court" target="_self">federal threats</a> to Medicaid funding, and the termination could create further-reaching effects for thousands of Ohio patients.

Nationwide Children's ties for top spot in Midwest

NCH also made the national U.S. News Honor Roll for 2024.

Nationwide Children&#x27;s Hospital <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/newsroom/news-releases/2024/10/usnwr_rankings?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="f8ce4c00-5456-4485-b74c-2d44d8abb35e" data-vars-headline="Nationwide Children&#x27;s ties for top spot in Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/newsroom/news-releases/2024/10/usnwr_rankings?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">again</a> tied for first place in the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News &amp; World Report" data-vars-click-url="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/pediatrics-area?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="f8ce4c00-5456-4485-b74c-2d44d8abb35e" data-vars-headline="Nationwide Children&#x27;s ties for top spot in Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/pediatrics-area?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">U.S. News &amp; World Report</a> ranking of the best Midwestern children&#x27;s hospitals.Why it matters: Local families have access to some of the nation&#x27;s most elite pediatric care.

Ohio opioid use disorder diagnoses double in 3 years

Data findings suggest the opioid crisis cuts across demographics and income levels.

Health

Diagnoses of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opioid use disorder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/opioid-use-disorder-cases-jump" data-vars-content-id="a40b2950-bf08-42f3-ab67-f7a4f278b169" data-vars-headline="Ohio opioid use disorder diagnoses double in 3 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/opioid-use-disorder-cases-jump" target="_self">opioid use disorder</a> (OUD) among the commercially insured in Ohio more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, according to data from FAIR Health&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opioid Tracker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fairhealth.org/fh-trackers/opioid-abuse-map" data-vars-content-id="a40b2950-bf08-42f3-ab67-f7a4f278b169" data-vars-headline="Ohio opioid use disorder diagnoses double in 3 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fairhealth.org/fh-trackers/opioid-abuse-map" target="_blank">Opioid Tracker</a> shared first with Axios.Why it matters: The findings suggest the opioid crisis cuts across demographics and income levels, putting health systems and insurers under mounting pressure to manage addiction treatment.

Ask Axios: Where to find a Novavax shot in Ohio

Plus: Who is eligible for a COVID shot in Ohio this year.

Reader Tara B. emailed us asking how to track down a Novavax COVID vaccine, noting it seemed &quot;nearly impossible&quot; a couple weeks ago.A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine locator" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nuvaxovid.com/vaccine-locator" data-vars-content-id="baf744ea-51ae-44d5-91f0-4f3b84583192" data-vars-headline="Ask Axios: Where to find a Novavax shot in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nuvaxovid.com/vaccine-locator" target="_blank">vaccine locator</a> should be up and running soon — possibly as early as today, says a spokesperson for Sanofi, which markets the shot.

Health 🩺

Fast facts: OSU's new hospital

A pro donor's guide to giving blood

Ask Axios: Are flu vaccination rates down?

Ohio limits controversial gestational crates after 15-year wait

The "super flu" causing an unprecedented spike in flu cases