Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal, Author at Cleveland Scene

Ohio Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Ban Data Centers Will Not Be on This Year’s Ballot

The amendment would have needed more than 413,000 signatures from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties by July 1 to get on this year’s ballot. Conserve Ohio collected more than 70,000 signatures as of June 18.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal June 19, 2026June 19, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Calls on Lawmakers to Get Rid of State’s Death Penalty

“It is impossible today to make the case that the death penalty is a deterrent,” DeWine said. Ohio’s last execution was in July 2018 due to a shortage of drugs.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal June 17, 2026June 17, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Republican Lawmakers Pass Bill that Includes Requiring Schools to Teach When to Have Kids

The bill requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to have a curriculum list for the “success sequence” for grades 6-12 and this would be a graduation requirement.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal June 12, 2026June 12, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Republican Lawmakers Send Constitutional Amendment Requiring Voter Photo ID to Ballot

Ohioans will vote in November on a constitutional amendment requiring photo ID to vote after state Republican lawmakers passed the ballot resolution Wednesday.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal June 11, 2026June 11, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Men Previously Involved With LifeWise Academy Charged With Sex Crimes Involving Minors

“LifeWise has received zero reports of misconduct involving LifeWise students in connection with these matters or during LifeWise activities more broadly,” LifeWise said in a statement.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal June 2, 2026June 2, 2026

Ohio News

Educators Testify Against Bill That Would Ban Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in Ohio K-12 Schools

“This bill is frustratingly vague about what does and doesn’t qualify as prohibited diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives,” Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper said.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal May 29, 2026May 29, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Bill Would Require Increased Accountability for Schools Using Private School Vouchers

“The current voucher system is doing two things — providing tuition coupons for wealthy Ohio families to be able to send their children to private schools, and it’s underfunding Ohio’s public school districts,” said Rep. Kent Smith.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal May 28, 2026May 28, 2026

Ohio News

DeWine Talks Endorsing Ramaswamy and Why Legalizing Sports Betting Is His ‘Biggest Mistake’

“We should not mistake governing for the campaign.”

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Republicans Trying to Get Voter Photo ID on Ballot, Enshrined in State Constitution

Ohio law already requires citizens to provide photo identification before voting thanks to a bill the lawmakers passed in 2022 and took effect in 2023.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Lawmakers Creating Bipartisan Data Center Committee

“The mission of this committee is to ensure that Ohio citizens have accurate, relevant and usable information concerning the economic, environmental, and security impacts of Ohio data center development.”

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal May 20, 2026May 20, 2026

Ohio News

Rep. Brewer Introducing Amya’s Law, Which Would Penalize Adults Who Leave Guns Accessible to Minors

“These are not criminals. These are children. … We must do more to ensure firearms are stored safely,” said the grandmother of Amya, who was shot and killed by her 14-year-old cousing after he picked up an unsecured gun.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal May 15, 2026May 15, 2026