7 stories that could shape Ohio in 2023

As the calendar turns to 2023, here are seven local storylines we're following over the next 12 months:

Gearing up for Intel

• In the first full year of construction at the Licking County site, development on nearby roads and communities will continue in support of the project.
• What we're watching: Which other companies will follow suit and expand in the Buckeye State?

It's always election season

• Activists of all political stripes are proposing statewide ballot initiatives to protect abortion access, prohibit vaccine mandates, legalize marijuana, outlaw indentured servitude and slavery and raise the minimum wage.
• Will any of these actually reach a ballot? And which Republicans are preparing to challenge Sen. Sherrod Brown in 2024?

City Council changes

• Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is vying for re-election and City Council debuts new residential districts on this year's ballot. Find yours with this interactive map.
• After running unopposed four years ago, will Ginther face any serious opposition in his bid for a third term?

Education uncertainty

• Our state's largest university and school district are both searching for permanent leaders, with Ohio State president Kristina Johnson and Columbus City Schools superintendent Talisa Dixon both departing.
• Could CCS resume the massive building project it postponed amid last year's teachers strike?

Police reform

• Trust in the Columbus Division of Police remains tepid following high-profile fatal shootings by officers, one which goes to trial this year.

• The U.S. Department of Justice began a review of the division's potential racial biases in September 2021. Is 2023 the year it wraps up?

Place your bets

• Online and in-person sportsbooks have already seen a flurry of legal sports wagering since the program went live Sunday.
• Will tax revenues from betting match the sky-high projections?
• And will Ohio State football finally return to form and beat That Team Up North again?

Possible Amtrak expansion

• Billions of federal dollars toward passenger rail expansion are up for grabs this year.
• Will Gov. Mike DeWine give the go-ahead to pursue funding?

📬 What stories are you paying most attention to in 2023? Email [email protected]