Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal, Author at Cleveland Scene

Ohio Republican Lawmaker Wants Stiffer Penalties for Masked Offenders as Dems Ask, What About ICE?

The mask ban Ohio Democrats have proposed applies to local, state, and federal officers equally, and carries exceptions for masks worn for safety, by SWAT units or undercover officers.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Democratic Governor Candidate Amy Acton Makes Pitch for Addressing Health Care Costs

“The number one thing I am hearing about, and data is now showing this, it’s the rising cost of health care that is really putting people over the edge,” she said.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Democrats Offer Slate of Bills Reining in Data Centers

“We want to make sure that no Ohio community feels compelled to accept a facility that raises their utility costs or strains local resources against the express will of the residents.”

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Ohio News

Incumbent Democrats Hold Huge Cash Advantage in Ohio’s Competitive Congressional Seats

Marcy Kaptur, Emilia Sykes and Greg Landsman have outraised opponents by sizable margins.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

A politician in front of an American flag.

Ohio News

Democrat Sherrod Brown Leads Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted in Quarterly Fundraising

Husted, tapped to replace Vice President J.D. Vance in the Senate, is running to keep the seat through the end of the term in 2028

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Ohio News

Organizers Launch Bid to Overturn Ohio’s Latest Marijuana Law Changes

One petitioner called lawmakers’ recent changes “a slap in the face to voters who overwhelmingly voted to legalize cannabis in 2023.”

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Ohio News

New Ohio Election Integrity Commission Begins to Take Shape

The commission will replace Ohio’s existing campaign finance watchdog agency

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal December 31, 2025December 31, 2025

Ohio News

DeWine Signs Property Tax Bills, ‘Reluctantly’ Approves New Voting Restrictions

“I think what took place today, with the signing of these bills,” DeWine said, “brings about meaningful tax relief and brings about clarity. No longer will people see the spikes that they have seen.”

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

Ohio News

Energy Market Watchers See Ohio Electric Bills Rising as Data Center Demand Continues

A recent study from the Natural Resources Defense Council predicted an average family will pay about $70 more each month on their electric bills by 2028.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

Ohio News

Watchdog for Electric Grid in Ohio, Other States, Wants a Pause on Data Centers

Oversight group says PJM Interconnection, which serves 13 states including Ohio, shouldn’t connect data centers until it has adequate power supply

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Ohio News

Ohio Lawmakers Send Five Property Tax Reform Measures to the Governor

The proposals empower county officials to pare back levies previously approved by voters, create more room for tax reductions, limit the growth of tax bills to the rate of inflation, and shift the burden of proof in valuation disputes.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Ohio News

Ohio Secretary of State Sends Voter Fraud Allegations to Trump Justice Department

LaRose notes only 167 examples of noncitizens allegedly casting a ballot spread over the last eight years of four federal elections. Critics say he’s “forum shopping” after local prosecutors declined to bring charges.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal November 6, 2025November 6, 2025