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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>.

The Crew is back in a World Cup year

Here's a 2026 season preview for the Columbus Crew and its new faces.

Major League Soccer returns this week, with the Crew aiming for a bounce-back season.Why it matters: Soccer is in the spotlight with America hosting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/11/world-cup-tickets-available-for-capital-one-venture-x-visa-cardholders" data-vars-content-id="aad2cef1-36e1-48cc-9f1e-a3b07bd6833e" data-vars-headline="The Crew is back in a World Cup year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/02/11/world-cup-tickets-available-for-capital-one-venture-x-visa-cardholders" target="_self">World Cup</a> this year, and Columbus has established itself as a perennial MLS contender.

Weekend picks: Disney on Ice, Nine Inch Nails and Uncorked

Plus: More music and the Home & Garden Show.

Things to Do

Oh boy! Mickey Mouse and his pals are at Nationwide Arena this weekend, searching for Tinker Bell across the worlds of your favorite Disney films.🧚 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Disney on Ice: Mickey&#x27;s Search Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.disneyonice.com/en-us/mickeys-search-party/" data-vars-content-id="cc5c2464-c288-4eec-9cb6-2450ac66f319" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Disney on Ice, Nine Inch Nails and Uncorked" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.disneyonice.com/en-us/mickeys-search-party/" target="_blank">Disney on Ice: Mickey&#x27;s Search Party</a>.

Weekend picks: Last-minute Valentine's Day plans

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.

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.

Our weekend picks: The Polar Plunge, Gallery Hop and Sweet Treats Dessert Festival

Plus: OSU men's basketball and a Valentine's Day Market.

Hundreds of Central Ohioans will be &quot;freezin&#x27; for a reason&quot; Saturday and they could use your support as they plummet into the icy-cold water below.🐻‍❄️ Our pick: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus Polar Plunge" data-vars-click-url="https://support.sooh.org/site/TR?fr_id=1190&amp;pg=entry" data-vars-content-id="d9d6757b-d1d6-41d5-9da4-28bd26c80839" data-vars-headline="Our weekend picks: The Polar Plunge, Gallery Hop and Sweet Treats Dessert Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://support.sooh.org/site/TR?fr_id=1190&amp;pg=entry" target="_blank">Columbus Polar Plunge</a>.

The Columbus Zoo's surprising ties to a Broadway musical

A stranded bonobo is part of the true story behind "Come From Away."

The Broadway hit &quot;Come From Away&quot; is at the Short North Stage this month, and its story comes with a surprising Columbus connection.Catch up quick: The heartwarming musical is inspired by the true story of what happened when 7,000 unexpected guests arrived in Gander, Newfoundland, during the 9/11 attacks.

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>.

Go-kart racers compete at K1 Speed for state title

Plus: What it's like to drive these fast go-karts.

Sports

As our roads recover from the winter storm, some of Central Ohio&#x27;s fastest driving may come indoors at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hilliard&#x27;s K1 Speed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.k1speed.com/columbus-location.html" data-vars-content-id="557764b6-4d48-4cdb-be5b-97c366098fb5" data-vars-headline="Go-kart racers compete at K1 Speed for state title" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.k1speed.com/columbus-location.html" target="_blank">Hilliard&#x27;s K1 Speed</a> this weekend.Driving the news: The track hosts Ohio&#x27;s 2026 state championship Saturday, a chance for the state&#x27;s best kart racers to punch their tickets to the national championship in California.

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>.

Things to Do 🗓

Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville

The Crew is back in a World Cup year

Weekend picks: Disney on Ice, Nine Inch Nails and Uncorked

Weekend picks: Last-minute Valentine's Day plans

Ohio's yearlong Toni Morrison celebration begins