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Inside the Les Wexner Deposition: What He Told Congress About Epstein

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Ohio billionaire Les Wexner faced hours of questioning from House Oversight Democrats about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and interactions involving President Donald Trump. Wexner denied knowledge of Epsteinโ€™s crimes.

Inside the Les Wexner Deposition What He Told Congress About Epstein
Inside the Les Wexner Deposition

Inside the Les Wexner Deposition: What He Told Congress About Epstein

Ohio billionaire Les Wexner was questioned for hours Wednesday by members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein โ€” as well as his interactions involving President Donald Trump.

The six-hour deposition took place at Wexnerโ€™s estate in New Albany, near property where Epstein once lived. Details of the questioning were provided by a person familiar with the proceedings.

In a statement afterward, a spokesperson for Wexner said he โ€œhonestly answered every questionโ€ and again denied any knowledge of or participation in Epsteinโ€™s illegal conduct.

Inside the Les Wexner Deposition: What He Told Congress About Epstein

Questions on Epstein and Trump

According to a source familiar with the deposition, lawmakers asked Wexner how he met Epstein, how close their relationship was, and whether Epstein ever introduced him to women for sexual purposes. Wexner testified that he met Epstein through a mutual friend, did not consider him a close friend, and visited Epsteinโ€™s properties only once each in New Mexico, Florida, and on his private island.

Wexner also testified that he met Trump at Victoriaโ€™s Secret fashion shows but never attended social gatherings involving both Trump and Epstein. He said he did not consider Trump and Epstein to be friends and was unaware of Trump having any sexual relationships involving individuals introduced by Epstein.

Lawmakers also asked whether Wexner and Epstein had a sexual relationship. Wexner denied that allegation, stating in written testimony that he was in a committed relationship with his wife, Abigail.

Democratic Lawmakers Express Doubt

Some Democratic members of the committee publicly questioned Wexnerโ€™s credibility following the deposition.

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Massachusetts) described Wexner as a โ€œcompetent witnessโ€ but said he did not believe all of his testimony.

House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia said it was difficult to accept Wexnerโ€™s claim that he did not understand the scope of Epsteinโ€™s activities. Garcia argued that Epsteinโ€™s wealth and influence were closely tied to his association with Wexner.

Wexner, who maintained a business and personal relationship with Epstein from the 1980s until 2007, has long said he was misled by Epstein and was unaware of his criminal conduct. He has never been charged in connection with Epsteinโ€™s crimes.


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Ohio Bill Could Eliminate Tax Filing Penalties When No Tax Is Owed

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Ohio Bill Could Eliminate Tax Filing Penalties When No Tax Is Owed

Ohio Bill Could Eliminate Tax Filing Penalties When No Tax Is Owed

Ohio lawmakers are reviewing legislation that would prevent taxpayers from facing penalties for failing to file certain state tax returns when no tax is due.

Senate Bill 284, introduced by Rep. Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) last fall, aims to amend sections of the Ohio Revised Code so that the state cannot impose penalties or interest on returns reporting zero tax. The bill received its first hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee in October and held a second hearing earlier this month.

Under current law, individuals and businesses can be penalized for failing to submit required returns, even if no income, sales, or commercial activity tax is owed. Schaffer described the proposal as a โ€œfairness measure,โ€ noting it was inspired by a constituent who is a certified public accountant with clients penalized despite owing no tax.

โ€œThis legislation ensures that the state of Ohio does not punish individuals or businesses when no taxes are owed,โ€ Schaffer said during the October hearing.

S.B. 284 would apply to major taxes including sales and use tax, individual income tax, and the commercial activity tax. The bill clarifies that other penaltiesโ€”such as those for late payments, underpayment, fraudulent returns, or false refund claimsโ€”would remain in effect.

Business groups expressed support for the legislation. Jacob Flowers, assistant state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said the bill is a โ€œcommonsense updateโ€ that allows small business owners to focus on running their companies rather than navigating unnecessary penalties.

Liz Baumgartner, director of economic development and tax policy for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, added that the bill promotes fairness while maintaining accountability for actual tax violations.

The bill is still under review in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Jeffrey Epstein Investigation: Les Wexner to Testify Before House Committee in Jeffrey Epstein Investigation


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Jeffrey Epstein Investigation: Les Wexner to Testify Before House Committee in Jeffrey Epstein Investigation

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Ohio retail billionaire Les Wexner is set to testify at his New Albany estate before the U.S. House Oversight Committee regarding his former financial adviser Jeffrey Epstein and newly released DOJ documents.

Jeffrey Epstein Investigation: Les Wexner to Testify Before House Committee in Jeffrey Epstein Investigation
Les Wexner to Testify Before House Committee in Jeffrey Epstein Investigation

Jeffrey Epstein Investigation: Les Wexner to Testify Before House Committee in Jeffrey Epstein Investigation

Ohio retail billionaire Les Wexner is scheduled to testify at his New Albany estate before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding his former financial adviser, Jeffrey Epstein.

The deposition was originally set to take place in Washington, D.C., in a closed-door session. However, the location was later moved to Wexnerโ€™s home in New Albany, Ohio. Following the testimony, Democratic members of the committee are expected to hold a press conference in the Columbus-area suburb.

DOJ Files Reference Wexner

In documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice in recent months, Wexner has been referred to multiple times as a โ€œco-conspiratorโ€ or โ€œsecondary co-conspiratorโ€ in connection with Epstein. In those references, his name appears alongside other Epstein associates, including Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a federal prison sentence for her role in Epsteinโ€™s crimes.

Wexner has not been charged with any crime.

His representatives have repeatedly denied that he had prior knowledge of Epsteinโ€™s criminal conduct before cutting ties with him in 2007. Previously released emails indicate the two remained in contact into 2008.

A spokesman for Wexner said in a statement that in 2019, an Assistant U.S. Attorney informed Wexnerโ€™s legal counsel that he was neither a co-conspirator nor a target of the investigation. The statement added that Wexner cooperated fully with authorities by providing background information and was not contacted again.

Congressional Scrutiny

Wexnerโ€™s testimony comes amid renewed congressional interest following the release of millions of Epstein-related files under a law passed in 2025.

During a Feb. 11 hearing with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Rep. Thomas Massie questioned why Wexner was not prosecuted if internal documents described him as a potential co-conspirator. Massie called for the Justice Department to release additional records explaining prosecutorial decisions.

One FBI email from July 7, 2019, referenced Wexner while seeking an update on the status of โ€œ10 co-conspirators.โ€ Another August 2019 email labeled him and others as โ€œsecondary co-conspirators,โ€ but noted there was limited evidence regarding his involvement and that investigators had served a subpoena and were in contact with his attorney.

A December 2019 memo from assistant U.S. attorneys titled โ€œInvestigation into potential co-conspirators of Jeffrey Epsteinโ€ also mentioned Wexner and detailed his separation from Epstein in 2007.

Wexnerโ€™s deposition takes place nine days after Maxwell declined to answer questions before lawmakers, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Attorneys for Wexner have long cited comments made in 2019 by Brad Edwards, a lawyer who has represented several Epstein accusers. Edwards said at the time that he believed Wexnerโ€™s claim that he was unaware of Epsteinโ€™s criminal activities was โ€œvery highly likely to be true.โ€

Jesse Jackson Dies at 84: Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and MLK Ally, Dies at 84


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Jesse Jackson Dies at 84: Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and MLK Ally, Dies at 84

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Jesse Jackson, longtime civil rights leader and close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., has died at 84, his family announced. Jackson was a two-time presidential candidate and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Jesse Jackson Dies at 84: Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and MLK Ally, Dies at 84
Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Jesse Jackson Dies at 84: Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and MLK Ally, Dies at 84

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent voice in the American civil rights movement and a longtime ally of Martin Luther King Jr., has died at the age of 84, his family announced.

Jackson rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a close associate of King, working alongside him during pivotal moments in the fight for racial equality. Over the decades that followed, Jackson became one of the most recognizable figures in American political and social activism.

A National Civil Rights Figure

Jackson was known for his powerful oratory and grassroots organizing. After Kingโ€™s assassination in 1968, he continued advocating for economic justice, voting rights, and expanded opportunities for marginalized communities.

He later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization focused on social justice, education, and economic empowerment.

Presidential Campaigns and Political Influence

In addition to his civil rights work, Jackson made history with two bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. His 1988 campaign in particular broadened the political coalition within the Democratic Party and inspired increased political participation among minority voters.

Though he did not secure the nomination, his campaigns were widely viewed as groundbreaking and helped pave the way for greater diversity in national politics.

Legacy

Jackson remained active in public life for decades, speaking out on issues ranging from poverty and healthcare to international diplomacy. In recent years, he faced health challenges but continued to be recognized as a towering figure in American civil rights history.

Leaders across the political spectrum are remembering Jackson as a dynamic advocate who helped shape modern American politics and civil rights activism.


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Ohio Gov Mike DeWine Commutes Michele Williamsโ€™ Sentence in 1993 Columbus Murder Case

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Gov. Mike DeWine commuted the sentence of Michele Williams, imprisoned for the 1993 murder of her husband in Columbus. She was released after serving 31 years, prompting strong reaction from the victimโ€™s family.

Ohio Gov Mike DeWine Commutes Michele Williamsโ€™ Sentence in 1993 Columbus Murder Case
Ohio Gov Mike DeWine Commutes Michele Williamsโ€™ Sentence in 1993 Columbus Murder Case

Ohio Gov Mike DeWine Commutes Michele Williamsโ€™ Sentence in 1993 Columbus Murder Case

A woman imprisoned for the 1993 fatal shooting of her husband in Columbus has been released after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine commuted her sentence.

Fifty-five-year-old Michele Williams was granted commutation on Tuesday, a form of clemency that reduces a sentence but does not erase a conviction. She was released on parole two days later, according to a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.

Williams began serving a 15-years-to-life sentence in 1994 after pleading guilty to murder in the death of her husband, Greg Williams. She ultimately served 31 years in prison. Before the commutation, her next parole hearing had been scheduled for October.

Family Reacts to Clemency Decision

Jessica Rudd, the niece of Greg Williams, said the family was stunned by the governorโ€™s decision.

โ€œWe are shocked,โ€ Rudd said, adding that the family now fears encountering Michele Williams in public. She described the release as painful, saying it forces loved ones to relive the tragedy.

Records show Michele Williams had been denied parole multiple times since becoming eligible in 2007. In past reviews, the parole board cited concerns about remorse, victim empathy, and potential risk to public safety. Some evaluations also referenced misconduct during her incarceration, though others noted positive behavior.

A spokesperson for DeWineโ€™s office emphasized that commutation is not a pardon and does not forgive the crime. Those granted commutation must still follow parole conditions. The governor considers several factors in clemency cases, including risk to the public, time served, age, behavior while incarcerated, and support systems upon release.

Background on the 1993 Killing

On Sept. 30, 1993, Columbus police responded to a shooting at a home on Abbeyshire Court. Greg Williams, 30, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and later died at a hospital.

At the time, Michele Williams told investigators that a man in a maintenance uniform entered the home and shot her husband while he was asleep. However, police later discovered the handgun used in the shooting inside a duffel bag in the home. Authorities said shell casings found in Michele Williamsโ€™ purse matched the weapon, which records showed she had purchased weeks earlier.

Investigators also found a letter in her purse addressed to a man in Denver with whom she had been romantically involved. Police determined the couple had moved to Columbus just days before the shooting and that the killing occurred shortly before Greg Williamsโ€™ life insurance policy was set to expire.

Williams was indicted on aggravated murder charges in October 1993. She later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of murder in May 1994 and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

The case drew national attention and was later featured on the Oxygen true crime series Snapped.


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Vivek Ramaswamy Calls for Property Tax Cuts and School Reforms

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Ohio GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy calls for property tax cuts, school improvements, and local economic development

Vivek Ramaswamy Calls for Property Tax Cuts and School Reforms
Vivek Ramaswamy Pushes Property Tax Cuts, School Reforms in Ohio Campaign

Vivek Ramaswamy Calls for Property Tax Cuts and School Reforms

Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy highlighted key priorities for Ohio during his campaign, focusing on property tax reductions, school improvements, and local economic development.

Ramaswamy thanked GOP leaders in Preble and Brown counties for endorsing his campaign, calling the support a boost to his statewide coalition.

Amy Acton: Ohio AFL-CIO Endorses Amy Acton in 2026 Governorโ€™s Race

โ€œWe hear the grassroots across our state loud & clear: slash property taxes, fix failing schools, bring high-paying jobs to our state, and conduct economic development in a way that puts local communities first,โ€ Ramaswamy wrote in a social media post.

https://twitter.com/VivekGRamaswamy/status/2022811097661849760/photo/1

The candidate emphasized that his campaign aims to lift Ohioโ€™s economy while prioritizing community-focused development, and he called for reforms that directly address the concerns of Ohio residents.


Key Campaign Points

  • Property Taxes: Proposes reducing the burden on Ohio homeowners.
  • Education: Plans to improve struggling schools across the state.
  • Jobs & Economic Development: Focus on high-paying job creation and local-first policies.

Ramaswamyโ€™s campaign has been gaining momentum with county-level endorsements, signaling support among local GOP leaders ahead of the November 2026 election.


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Presidents Day 2026 in Columbus: Whatโ€™s Open and Closed

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Presidents Day 2026 falls on Feb. 16. Hereโ€™s whatโ€™s closed in Columbus, including post offices, schools and trash pickup changes.

Presidents Day 2026 in Columbus: Whatโ€™s Open and Closed
George Washington, the first president of the United States

Presidents Day 2026 in Columbus: Whatโ€™s Open and Closed

Presidents Day, originally established to honor the birthday of George Washington, is observed each year on the third Monday in February. The federal holiday often falls just days after Valentineโ€™s Day and creates a three-day weekend for many Americans.

The holiday was first recognized in 1885. It became part of a long weekend in 1971 after Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving several federal observances to Mondays.

As Presidents Day approaches, hereโ€™s what Columbus residents need to know.



When Is Presidents Day 2026?

Presidents Day will be observed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.


Whatโ€™s Closed in Columbus?

Because it is a federal holiday, many government offices and services will be closed, including:

  • Federal offices
  • United States Postal Service locations (no regular mail delivery)
  • Federal courts
  • Some state and local government offices
  • Many banks (ATMs will remain available)

Most public schools will also be closed, including:

  • Columbus City Schools
  • South-Western City School District
  • Olentangy Local School District
  • Dublin City Schools
  • Westerville City Schools

Whatโ€™s Open in Columbus?

Many businesses will remain open, including:

  • Grocery stores
  • Retail stores and shopping centers
  • Restaurants and coffee shops
  • Gas stations

Presidents Day is also known for major retail promotions, making it one of the busiest shopping weekends of the winter season.


Columbus Trash Pickup Schedule

City trash collection will shift back one day during the holiday week:

  • Monday, Feb. 16: No collection
  • Gray: Tuesday, Feb. 17
  • Navy: Wednesday, Feb. 18
  • Pink: Thursday, Feb. 19
  • Ruby: Friday, Feb. 20
  • Gold: Monday, Feb. 23

Residents are encouraged to place bins at the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled collection day.

Amy Acton: Ohio AFL-CIO Endorses Amy Acton in 2026 Governorโ€™s Race


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Amy Acton: Ohio AFL-CIO Endorses Amy Acton in 2026 Governorโ€™s Race

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The Ohio AFL-CIO has endorsed Democrat Amy Acton in the 2026 governorโ€™s race, while Republican Vivek Ramaswamy continues to secure union support.

Amy Acton: Ohio AFL-CIO Endorses Amy Acton in 2026 Governorโ€™s Race
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton

Amy Acton: Ohio AFL-CIO Endorses Amy Acton in 2026 Governorโ€™s Race

With Ohioโ€™s 2026 governorโ€™s race about nine months away, the two leading candidates continue to build support across the state.

Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton are widely viewed as the front-runners in the November election. Both campaigns have secured endorsements from prominent political figures and organizations.

On Tuesday, the Ohio AFL-CIO announced it is endorsing Acton. The statewide labor federation represents roughly 600,000 workers. Leaders shared the endorsement at Union Hall in Columbus.

Acton thanked the organization for its support and spoke about her familyโ€™s union background. She also addressed issues including property taxes and rising living costs.

โ€œI am running for governor because people in this state are struggling,โ€ Acton said. โ€œThey are working harder than ever, but they canโ€™t get any breathing room.โ€

Ramaswamy has also secured backing from several labor groups, including the Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18, the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, the Ohio State Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters and the Ohio Conference of Teamsters.

With months to go before Election Day, endorsements from labor and industry groups are expected to play a key role in shaping voter outreach and campaign momentum.


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Gov. Mike DeWine to Join POLITICO Governors Summit on Health Care, Housing

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Gov. Mike DeWine to Join POLITICO Governors Summit on Health Care, Housing
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to Join POLITICO Governors Summit

Gov. Mike DeWine to Join POLITICO Governors Summit on Health Care, Housing

Political leaders from across the country are set to gather next week for POLITICOโ€™s annual Governors Summit, where state executives will discuss some of the nationโ€™s most pressing policy challenges.

Among those scheduled to participate are Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. The summit will focus on how states are addressing key issues including health care access, disaster preparedness, housing affordability and economic development.

The event brings together governors from both parties to share strategies and discuss how state-level leadership is shaping policy in a divided national political environment.

Organizers say the discussions will highlight innovative approaches being implemented at the state level and explore how governors are responding to growing demands on state resources.


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ICE to open office in Westerville

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ICE to open office in Westerville
ICE to open office in Westerville

ICE to open office in Westerville

Federal immigration authorities appear to be expanding their footprint in central Ohio, with a new office lease in Westerville linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to federal leasing records, the General Services Administration began leasing space at 774 Park Meadow Road in Westerville on Oct. 30. The lease runs through Oct. 29, 2030, at an annual cost of $257,758.

The General Services Administration, which handles federal property and leasing agreements, had previously sought proposals for new office space in Columbus and 18 other cities to support law enforcement operations.

Reporting by Wired indicates the new Westerville lease will house the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), the largest legal division within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Online listings also show the address as an OPLA office location.

OPLA attorneys represent ICE and the Department of Homeland Security in immigration court proceedings, including deportation hearings.

The new office is located on the same street as ICEโ€™s existing Westerville field office at 675 Brooksedge Blvd., which functions as a regional operations hub. If OPLA relocates to the Park Meadow Road site, the two offices would serve separate roles โ€” one focused on enforcement operations and the other on legal proceedings.

County property records show the Park Meadow Road building underwent federally contracted improvements around the start of the lease. The property is owned by Nationwide Realty Investors and also houses private business offices.

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment.


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