Ohio Capital Journal
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Connecting Ohioans to our state government and its impact on our lives. Free to republish, we are the Ohio Capital Journal, reporting for the people.
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Democrats’ proposals include half a dozen bills as well as a resolution reaffirming Ohio’s constitutional home rule protections with regard to data center development.
Ohio Democrats offer slate of bills reining in data centers • Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio Senate Democrats have introduced a raft of legislation aimed at reining in data centers. The bills would eliminate tax breaks, require developers cover infrastructure costs and impose greater…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Democrats’ proposals include half a dozen bills as well as a resolution reaffirming Ohio’s constitutional home rule protections with regard to data center development.
A bipartisan group of negotiators struck a deal to increase funding on several line items within the Department of Health and Human Services’ annual appropriations bill, including for major initiatives at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
'It is astonishing': Congress rebuffs Trump push to slash $33B from health, human services • Ohio Capital Journal
WASHINGTON — Congress has approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:01 PM
A bipartisan group of negotiators struck a deal to increase funding on several line items within the Department of Health and Human Services’ annual appropriations bill, including for major initiatives at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Ohio, predictably, the largest geographical deserts are in rural areas, many concentrated in the southeastern portion of the state. But if you zoom in on the big cities, deserts aren’t hard to find.
Food deserts are growing in Ohio and other states. See where they are • Ohio Capital Journal
An interactive map shows spreading food deserts. The antitrust group that posted it says non-enforcement of long existing law is to blame.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM
In Ohio, predictably, the largest geographical deserts are in rural areas, many concentrated in the southeastern portion of the state. But if you zoom in on the big cities, deserts aren’t hard to find.
Over the next decade, obesity rates across the nation could surge to close to half of U.S. adults, a new study published in the medical journal JAMA estimates.
In the next decade, states will see a surge in obesity • Ohio Capital Journal
Over the next decade, obesity rates across the nation could surge to close to half of U.S. adults, a new study published in the medical journal JAMA estimates. Researchers at the University of…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Over the next decade, obesity rates across the nation could surge to close to half of U.S. adults, a new study published in the medical journal JAMA estimates.
President Donald Trump’s calls this week to “nationalize” elections capped a year of efforts by his administration to exercise authority over state-run elections. The demands now have some state and local election officials fearing — and preparing for — a tumultuous year ahead.
Trump’s calls to ‘nationalize’ elections have state, local election officials bracing for tumult • Ohio Capital Journal
State and local election officials are bracing for the prospect of federal action after President Donald Trump’s call to “nationalize” elections.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
President Donald Trump’s calls this week to “nationalize” elections capped a year of efforts by his administration to exercise authority over state-run elections. The demands now have some state and local election officials fearing — and preparing for — a tumultuous year ahead.
About 20 protesters stood behind the barricades on Federal Drive heckling federal agents about American values as they exited the Whipple Federal Building gates and sped off Tuesday afternoon when a bald eagle flew over the road.
Every day, day after day, protesters gather at the Whipple Building • Ohio Capital Journal
It’s become a safe place for new people to come express their frustration with the federal presence, demonstrators say.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:01 PM
About 20 protesters stood behind the barricades on Federal Drive heckling federal agents about American values as they exited the Whipple Federal Building gates and sped off Tuesday afternoon when a bald eagle flew over the road.
The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys after members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay and called it racist.
White House takes down racist meme of Obamas posted on Trump social media • Ohio Capital Journal
WASHINGTON — The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys after members of Congress from both political…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM
The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys after members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay and called it racist.
Ohio House Democrats are introducing a series of bills related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement — including one that would prohibit ICE officers from wearing face coverings and another that would not allow immigration enforcement to take place in schools or churches.
Ohio House Democrats introduce bills to regulate ICE presence in Ohio • Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio House Democrats are introducing eight bills related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement — including one that would prohibit ICE officers from wearing face coverings.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Ohio House Democrats are introducing a series of bills related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement — including one that would prohibit ICE officers from wearing face coverings and another that would not allow immigration enforcement to take place in schools or churches.
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday.
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms • Ohio Capital Journal
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday.
Ohio Senate Democrats have introduced a raft of legislation aimed at reining in data centers. The bills would eliminate tax breaks, require developers cover infrastructure costs and impose greater oversight for data center projects.
Ohio Democrats offer slate of bills reining in data centers • Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio Senate Democrats have introduced a raft of legislation aimed at reining in data centers. The bills would eliminate tax breaks, require developers cover infrastructure costs and impose greater…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Ohio Senate Democrats have introduced a raft of legislation aimed at reining in data centers. The bills would eliminate tax breaks, require developers cover infrastructure costs and impose greater oversight for data center projects.
Congress has approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the elimination of dozens of programs.
'It is astonishing': Congress rebuffs Trump push to slash $33B from health, human services • Ohio Capital Journal
WASHINGTON — Congress has approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Congress has approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the elimination of dozens of programs.
An interactive map of neighborhoods lacking easy access to fresh food was released late last month. Ohio — as well as every other state — is flecked with black census tracts that meet the group’s definition of food deserts.
Food deserts are growing in Ohio and other states. See where they are • Ohio Capital Journal
An interactive map shows spreading food deserts. The antitrust group that posted it says non-enforcement of long existing law is to blame.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
An interactive map of neighborhoods lacking easy access to fresh food was released late last month. Ohio — as well as every other state — is flecked with black census tracts that meet the group’s definition of food deserts.
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday
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Trump Education Department bolsters protections for prayer in schools • Ohio Capital Journal
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:00 AM
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday
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Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president
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US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files • Ohio Capital Journal
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 8, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president
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President Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a small raise
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In setback for Trump, Congress in spending law rejects call to axe Education Department • Ohio Capital Journal
President Donald Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock this week in the form of…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:00 PM
President Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a small raise
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U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin has notified U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that she will not interview with the Justice Department over a video put out in November by her and several other lawmakers urging military members to “refuse illegal orders”
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'The intimidation is the point': Slotkin won't interview with DOJ over ‘illegal orders’ video • Ohio Capital Journal
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin has notified U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro that she will not interview with the Justice Department over a video…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:00 PM
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin has notified U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that she will not interview with the Justice Department over a video put out in November by her and several other lawmakers urging military members to “refuse illegal orders”
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Despite the high-profile U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Minnesota, ICE arrests were down slightly in January compared to December, according to new data
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Immigration detention passed 70,000 in January • Ohio Capital Journal
Despite U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Minnesota, ICE arrests were down slightly in January compared to December, according to new data. Immigrant detention nationwide reached a…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Despite the high-profile U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Minnesota, ICE arrests were down slightly in January compared to December, according to new data
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As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers
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With electricity bills rising, some states consider new data center laws • Ohio Capital Journal
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:00 PM
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers
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Commentary: Recent court rulings blocking efforts to regulate social media platforms send an important message to Ohio lawmakers: protecting kids online is necessary, but it has to be done the right way
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Recent court rulings prove why lawmakers must get kids’ online safety right • Ohio Capital Journal
Commentary: Recent court rulings blocking efforts to regulate social media platforms send an important message to Ohio lawmakers: protecting kids online is necessary, but it has to be done the right…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Commentary: Recent court rulings blocking efforts to regulate social media platforms send an important message to Ohio lawmakers: protecting kids online is necessary, but it has to be done the right way
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/06/r...
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The Ohio Supreme Court sided against an Ohio school district in an opinion that allows an email distribution list for the school district community to be released as a public record
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Ohio Supreme Court rules school district-wide email list is public record • Ohio Capital Journal
The Ohio Supreme Court sided against an Ohio school district in an opinion that allows an email distribution list for the school district community to be released as a public record.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
The Ohio Supreme Court sided against an Ohio school district in an opinion that allows an email distribution list for the school district community to be released as a public record
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A Republican law that made the deepest cuts in history to the largest federal anti-hunger program comes as millions of Americans — and thousands of Ohioans — already aren't getting benefits for which they're eligible, according to a new analysis
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Millions of Americans, including Ohioans, don't get SNAP even though they're eligible • Ohio Capital Journal
A Republican spending law that made the deepest cuts in history to the largest federal anti-hunger program comes as millions of Americans — and thousands of Ohioans — already aren't getting benefits…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 5:01 PM
A Republican law that made the deepest cuts in history to the largest federal anti-hunger program comes as millions of Americans — and thousands of Ohioans — already aren't getting benefits for which they're eligible, according to a new analysis
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Ohioans will vote for a new governor, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer this November. Ohio Supreme Court seats and a highly competitive congressional race are also among those to appear on the ballot
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Here are the candidates running for Ohio statewide office in 2026 • Ohio Capital Journal
Ohioans will vote for a new governor, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer this November. Ohio Supreme Court seats and a highly competitive congressional race are also among…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Ohioans will vote for a new governor, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer this November. Ohio Supreme Court seats and a highly competitive congressional race are also among those to appear on the ballot
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Ohioans for Cannabis Choice can start collecting signatures to get a referendum on the ballot to repeal a law that will change the state's voter-passed recreational marijuana law. But there are others in the industry that don't agree with the new effort
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Some in Ohio's marijuana industry oppose new attempt to overturn hemp ban, marijuana restrictions • Ohio Capital Journal
Ohioans for Cannabis Choice can start collecting signatures to get a referendum on the ballot that would block a law that will change Ohio’s voter-passed recreational marijuana law and ban…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Ohioans for Cannabis Choice can start collecting signatures to get a referendum on the ballot to repeal a law that will change the state's voter-passed recreational marijuana law. But there are others in the industry that don't agree with the new effort
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/06/s...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/06/s...
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/05/r...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/05/r...
Trump Education Department bolsters protections for prayer in schools • Ohio Capital Journal
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:00 AM
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/05/r...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/05/r...
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/05/r...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/05/r...
US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files • Ohio Capital Journal
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/05/r...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/02/05/r...