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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 biggest concerts coming to Columbus in 2026

It's a big year for big shows: Bruno Mars, Luke Combs, AC/DC and more.

Things to Do

Tickets go on sale this week for two of Central Ohio&#x27;s biggest shows of the year.Driving the news: Set a reminder for a noon Wednesday presale and noon Thursday general sale if you want to see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bruno Mars at Ohio Stadium on May 20" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/bruno-mars-the-romantic-tour-columbus-20-05-2026/event/05006394EB3DD035" data-vars-content-id="9f3a4f2d-f022-49b2-b407-b88079cfddd7" data-vars-headline="The biggest concerts coming to Columbus in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/bruno-mars-the-romantic-tour-columbus-20-05-2026/event/05006394EB3DD035" target="_blank">Bruno Mars at Ohio Stadium on May 20</a>.

Struggling indie music venues bring billions to Ohio's economy

Indie venues support 21,000 jobs and generate $1.5B in GDP across Ohio.

Independent music venues drive billions in state GDP and economic output as they struggle to stay afloat, per a first-of-its-kind report released this fall.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive/state-reports" data-vars-content-id="cc072f54-213e-4061-9775-a4e724ec16e0" data-vars-headline="Struggling indie music venues bring billions to Ohio&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive/state-reports" target="_blank">report</a> was produced by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to inform policymakers and music industry stakeholders about the importance of independent venues.

Our weekend picks: A massive concert Saturday

Paul McCartney, the Jonas Brothers, Chicago and more events.

It&#x27;s looking like a gloomy, chilly weekend, but some of our best entertainment options are inside.🎶 Our pick: See a massive concert.

Columbus author's new book charts indie music history

From Myspace to Phoebe Bridgers, a history of indie's biggest moments

Music

A Columbus author&#x27;s new book chronicles the history of indie rock.Why it matters: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion" data-vars-click-url="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250363398/suchgreatheights/" data-vars-content-id="b0d301e6-3f57-4889-8b44-e7afe69581d5" data-vars-headline="Columbus author&#x27;s new book charts indie music history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250363398/suchgreatheights/" target="_blank">Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion</a>&quot; — a nod to legends The Postal Service — charts indie music&#x27;s rise and cultural impact through the lens of its Central Ohio author.

July's local music release gems

Our new favorites from Music Columbus' monthly playlist.

In May, we <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="introduced you" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/08/ohio-april-release-music-album-local" data-vars-content-id="7e08c8d8-25b2-460a-91f7-416c91556e76" data-vars-headline="July&#x27;s local music release gems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/08/ohio-april-release-music-album-local" target="_self">introduced you</a> to the monthly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Music Columbus" data-vars-click-url="https://musiccolumbus.com/" data-vars-content-id="7e08c8d8-25b2-460a-91f7-416c91556e76" data-vars-headline="July&#x27;s local music release gems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://musiccolumbus.com/" target="_blank">Music Columbus</a> release radar playlist of new local music, and we&#x27;re back with some new favorites.▶️ A few tunes I enjoyed from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July&#x27;s playlist" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7c26mfZqwPPdELyZmRNMap?si=zUpPt694QOqAZuS5VG76cA" data-vars-content-id="7e08c8d8-25b2-460a-91f7-416c91556e76" data-vars-headline="July&#x27;s local music release gems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7c26mfZqwPPdELyZmRNMap?si=zUpPt694QOqAZuS5VG76cA" target="_blank">July&#x27;s playlist</a>:

15 big concerts to put on your calendar this year

Don't miss Foreigner, T-Pain, Jonas Brothers and more at major venues.

Culture

Two legendary musical groups are headlining in Columbus tonight.Zoom in: Hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan is bringing its farewell tour to Nationwide Arena starting at 8pm.

Sonic Temple returns as one of Ohio's biggest music festivals

More than 100,000 rock lovers will jam into Historic Crew Stadium this weekend.

More than 100,000 rock lovers will jam into Historic Crew Stadium this weekend for one of the largest hard rock gatherings in the country.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sonic Temple" data-vars-click-url="https://sonictemplefestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="3fc05588-cbee-4855-9511-fb8067b93105" data-vars-headline="Sonic Temple returns as one of Ohio&#x27;s biggest music festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sonictemplefestival.com/" target="_blank">Sonic Temple</a> has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survived a rebrand" data-vars-click-url="https://loudwire.com/rock-on-the-range-festival-end-replacement-sonic-temple/" data-vars-content-id="3fc05588-cbee-4855-9511-fb8067b93105" data-vars-headline="Sonic Temple returns as one of Ohio&#x27;s biggest music festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://loudwire.com/rock-on-the-range-festival-end-replacement-sonic-temple/" target="_blank">survived a rebrand</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lost COVID year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/music/2020/03/23/sonic-temple-canceled-in-wake/1461621007/" data-vars-content-id="3fc05588-cbee-4855-9511-fb8067b93105" data-vars-headline="Sonic Temple returns as one of Ohio&#x27;s biggest music festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/music/2020/03/23/sonic-temple-canceled-in-wake/1461621007/" target="_blank">lost COVID year</a> to become a major economic driver for Columbus and arguably Ohio&#x27;s biggest music festival.

Our favorite new local music releases

A reporter shares his favorite new music from Columbus.

It&#x27;s fun that Sonic Temple draws huge acts, but remember we have lots of locals making cool music in our backyard!Each month, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Music Columbus" data-vars-click-url="https://musiccolumbus.com/" data-vars-content-id="cd1a40d2-a402-4d6f-91c5-6a48182013c0" data-vars-headline="Our favorite new local music releases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://musiccolumbus.com/" target="_blank">Music Columbus</a> shares a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="release radar playlist" data-vars-click-url="https://musiccolumbus.com/columbus-release-radar/" data-vars-content-id="cd1a40d2-a402-4d6f-91c5-6a48182013c0" data-vars-headline="Our favorite new local music releases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://musiccolumbus.com/columbus-release-radar/" target="_blank">release radar playlist</a> of new local music.▶️ Here are a few tunes I enjoy from April&#x27;s playlist:

Musical throwbacks and other Columbus events

Also: Conference basketball and comedian Guy Torry.

🎸 Instead of thinking about the new year ahead, spend the weekend time-warping back to hits of the past:<ul><li>Fleetwood Gold, a Midwest-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fleetwood Mac tribute band" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fleetwoodgold.com/" data-vars-content-id="5da6003e-d1e3-40e4-9549-0a45479d59b3" data-vars-headline="Musical throwbacks and other Columbus events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fleetwoodgold.com/" target="_blank">Fleetwood Mac tribute band</a>, plays everything from the band&#x27;s early days to Stevie Nicks&#x27; solo career at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lincoln Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://my.cbusarts.com/7712?queueittoken=e_cbusarts~q_2af4e6f3-422d-4ae8-a5cc-4bb18d2dc757~ts_1735827306~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_02cec1e76f5daa34351e95f39eee12be7b41543ce86e5f26ec23c22cf363f2ae" data-vars-content-id="5da6003e-d1e3-40e4-9549-0a45479d59b3" data-vars-headline="Musical throwbacks and other Columbus events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://my.cbusarts.com/7712?queueittoken=e_cbusarts~q_2af4e6f3-422d-4ae8-a5cc-4bb18d2dc757~ts_1735827306~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_02cec1e76f5daa34351e95f39eee12be7b41543ce86e5f26ec23c22cf363f2ae" target="_blank">Lincoln Theatre</a> at 7:30pm Friday. 769 E. Long St. $40-46.</li></ul>

Spotify Wrapped: Taylor Swift still No. 1 in Columbus

She is the top global artist and a local favorite.

Taylor Swift is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/2024-spotify-wrapped-songs-albums" data-vars-content-id="1d4bfc35-e0f1-41cb-a56c-80b23ddde59c" data-vars-headline="Spotify Wrapped: Taylor Swift still No. 1 in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/2024-spotify-wrapped-songs-albums" target="_self">once again</a> Spotify&#x27;s top global artist, and she&#x27;s back at No. 1 among Columbus listeners.The big picture: Spotify Wrapped, the annual recap of what the music app&#x27;s users listened to most, began in 2016. Its annual release has become a communal ritual on social media each December.

Music

The biggest concerts coming to Columbus in 2026

Struggling indie music venues bring billions to Ohio's economy

Columbus' Spotify Wrapped

Our weekend picks: A massive concert Saturday

Columbus author's new book charts indie music history