Top Columbus stories to watch in 2024
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As we say hello to 2024, here are some local storylines we'll be watching over the next 12 months.
🗳 Whaddaya know, it's an election year
A U.S. Senate race will pit Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown against one of three GOP challengers: Secretary of State Frank LaRose, entrepreneur Bernie Moreno and state Sen. Matt Dolan.
- Ohioans will also vote for new state legislators, U.S. representatives and Ohio Supreme Court justices.
- And there's also the presidential race, though Ohio's status as a pivotal swing state has severely waned in the Trump years.
The intrigue: This year's ballots could also feature constitutional amendments to reform the state's voting system, raise the minimum wage and adjust the redistricting process.
🌿 How marijuana legalization unfolds
Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana sales, possession and home growing, but Gov. Mike DeWine and some lawmakers are still tinkering with potential changes.
What's next: The first legal sales are expected this summer when Ohio issues new dispensary licenses, but could be sooner if the state allows medical dispensaries to sell to anyone ages 21 and up.
⚽ Stars, spikes and snaps
Lower.com Field, home of the defending MLS champions, will host the MLS All-Star Game on July 24.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Fury pro volleyball team debuts later this month and plays its first home match Feb. 21 at Nationwide Arena.
Plus: The Buckeyes need a new quarterback — and game plan for beating TTUN.
- It's a good thing OSU fans are notoriously patient!
🌞 Total eclipse of the sun
Get ready for eclipse mania.
What's happening: A historic solar eclipse will pass through the United States on April 8, with the path of totality touching Delaware County and parts of northeast Columbus.
- The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806 and the next won't be until 2099.
- The celestial celebration is expected to be a big tourism boon.
Of note: The best, longest viewing opportunities will be farther north, including in Cleveland, so follow our friends at Axios Cleveland for the latest details.
🏗 Dude, where's my housing?
Our region must significantly ramp up new housing construction to meet ever-growing demand, officials say.
- 2023 was a particularly weak year for building.
What's happening: Columbus City Council recently expanded its tax abatement program for developers and plans to rewrite the city's zoning code this year to encourage more construction.
- Council members also hope to boost supply by placing new limits on wholesale home purchases by out-of-town investors, plus track vacant and foreclosed homes that could be put to use.
Of note: Council now has nine members, up from seven, who represent new districts across town.
🎓 New OSU president
Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. took office yesterday as Ohio State University's new president.
Catch up quick: Carter previously led the University of Nebraska and is a retired vice admiral of the U.S. Navy.
- He follows the historically short presidency of Kristina M. Johnson, who left after 2 ½ years because of reported disagreements with the university's board of trustees.
What's next: Carter has said his priorities include improving campus safety and selecting a new athletic director to replace the retiring Gene Smith.
- He also wants to keep enrollment stable amid a statewide decline in college students.
🏛 Former zoo officials on trial
The officials accused of stealing more than $2.3 million from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are expected to get their day in court over three years after allegations first surfaced.
What we're watching: Former president and CEO Tom Stalf's trial was set to begin today, but the state requested to delay the proceedings to gather more evidence, according to Delaware County court records.
- The docket now shows a trial date of Aug. 6.